Boutique Design - January/February 2009 - (Page 40)

INSPIRATION UNIQUE BOU T I QUE 40 • boutique DESIGN january/february 2009 FIVE PROPERTIES MASTER DESIGN W BY EMILY LIEBERT ith a growing number of distinctive boutique hotels being built around the world, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to “keep up with the Joneses.” How are these properties going above and beyond beautifully turned out interiors to attract guests? Think wine classes, organic farms, video art, artifacts and over-the-top views. We found five boutique hotels whose one-of-a-kind features set them apart. Auberge Saint-Antoine Opened in 1992 and set in the heart of Québec City’s Old Port, this 94room Relais & Chateaux is the perfect marriage of romance and history. Unique Feature: Built on one of the richest archaeological sites in the city, more than 5,000 artifacts were unearthed during construction. More than 700 of these priceless objects — restored by the Centre de Conservation du Québec and the Université Laval — serve as the theme and décor of the hotel. “The Auberge is a combination of a museum and a contemporary hotel,” said General Manager David Mounteer. “The artifacts that flow throughout are its art, design and history. As you walk the halls, you are on a voyage of discovery.” Esperanza Resort Perched on the bluffs of Punta Ballena, four miles outside the town of Cabo San Lucas, Esperanza’s 57 casitas and suites reveal panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Unique Feature: In addition to being home to the oldest winery on the American continent, Mexico currently boasts a collection of exceptional wines that are still virtually undiscovered outside the country. At this Auberge resort, guests can partake in a Mexican wine journey, sampling the regions rare wines and learning about the many grape varieties. Or, be inducted into their Blue Agave Society (complete with a certificate printed on paper from the fibers of the Agave plant) by taking the tequila journey — a tutorial and tasting of Mexico’s most sophisticated tequilas. For the true enthusiast, more than 100 varieties are on hand. Hidden Pond Flip-flop chic arrived in Kennebunkport this past July with the opening of Hidden

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boutique Design - January/February 2009

Boutique Design - January/February 2009
Contents
Boutique Buzz
Designer’s Eye
Ian Schrager on Edition, His Partnership with Marriott
Business Sense
Niche. Improvement. Escape. The State of the Industry: Now and the Future
Industry Research
Three Firms Fight On
Designology
The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
Simeone Deary Design
Haute Suites
Shopping the Market: Tabletop
Shopping the Market: Seating
Jeffrey S. Degen, AIA On Reasons Why the Time is Right for Hotel Development
Wanda Jankowski Speaks to Karen Daroff about Bathroom Trends
Calendar/ Advertisers Index

Boutique Design - January/February 2009