Latest news with #Lasvit
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
JW Marriott Debuts in New Zealand with the Opening of JW Marriott Auckland - An Urban Oasis Inspired by the Country's Natural Landscapes
Marking the brand's first hotel in the city, JW Marriott Auckland blends holistic well-being with the spirit of Auckland, set against the backdrop of the country's breathtaking landscapes AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today unveiled the all-new JW Marriott Auckland, marking the brand's debut in Aotearoa, New Zealand after an extensive multi-million-dollar transformation. Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Auckland, this luxurious urban retreat invites guests to restore and renew, with thoughtful touches that reflect both local culture and the brand's commitment to holistic well-being. JW Marriott Auckland was designed by renowned Singaporean architecture firm O37 with Founder and Creative Director, Leonard Lee at the helm. The hotel's design draws deeply from the rich tapestry of New Zealand's art, culture, and natural beauty, as seen from its distinctive vantage point in Auckland's city center. Intentionally curated, the hotel design fosters a profound connection to the locale, seamlessly blending a harmonious aesthetic through a refined balance of complementary contrasts inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand's weather. Reflecting the shifting beauty of each season, the design weaves together contrasting textures - raw and polished, rough and smooth. This vision comes to life in 'Watersplash', a bespoke sculptural hand-blown chandelier by Lasvit, inspired by the flowing rivers and lakes of New Zealand, and crafted to cast reflections of water on the ceiling among many other touchpoints throughout the hotel. "JW Marriott embraces the belief that a connection to the natural environment is an important part of nourishing one's soul. JW Marriott Auckland embodies the brand's commitment to providing a haven where guests can focus on feeling whole in mind, body, and spirit," says Jason Nuell, Area Vice President - Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. "JW Marriott Auckland is a destination where both locals and international travelers can experience a blend of modern luxury and exceptional hospitality in the heart of the city to pause, recharge, and reconnect." Generously spaced, the hotel boasts 271 stylishly appointed guest rooms and 15 suites. Inspired by the beauty of Auckland's landscape, the color palette in each suite subtly shifts, inspired by its natural surroundings - from deep greens and earthy tones of the Waitākere Ranges to the sun-bleached sandstone and driftwood tones of the Waitematā Harbour, and the rich charcoals and softened rusts of the city's volcanic landscape. Reflecting nature's imperfections, guests will discover a deliberate asymmetry throughout the rooms seen in the intentional art work placements and with no two bedside tables being the same. Spanning 133 square meters with sweeping views of the city skyline, the crown jewel of the hotel is the Presidential Suite. Additionally, the hotel boasts an Executive Suite, a 79-square-meter Ambassador Suite with open-plan living, and the Governor Suite - a two-bedroom apartment, offering a serene 171-square-meter sanctuary with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen. The guestroom artwork, meticulously crafted by Lancelot in 1886, is part of the historical collection from the Hulton archive and beautifully depicts an early illustration of Auckland Harbour. The hotel's suites provide a mindful approach to the in-room offerings, featuring the latest Technogym fitness accessories and equipment. The in-suite experience also features an elevated minibar offering - Refuel Bar - a menu of healthy post-workout shakes, snacks, and refreshments, including kombucha, all designed to nurture guests' physical well-being. All guest rooms come complete with yoga mats and risers, enhanced by an in-room program of wellness and workout routines. To further enhance guests' well-being, performance-boosting room features promote rest and rejuvenation, such as meditation playlists and eco-friendly products from Aromatherapy Associates. An Urban Oasis JW Marriott Auckland is the ultimate destination for wellness, offering a range of holistic and cutting-edge experiences that support mental and physical well-being. This serene sanctuary, designed to calm and rejuvenate, features a Wellness Center spanning 220 square meters and includes a 14-meter-long heated indoor pool with panoramic harbor views and views of the center of Auckland. Guests can enjoy the contrasting wellness benefits of hot and cold recovery treatments, including a cold plunge pool, a dry-heat sauna, and a steam chamber. The state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusively available to guests, features innovative Technogym equipment, allowing guests to customize their workouts. Personal training sessions are available upon request. JW Marriott Auckland's Wellness Concierge connects with guests before arrival to identify the purpose of their stay and set meaningful intentions. Upon arrival, the Wellness Concierge is on hand to offer tailored guidance, ensuring a truly enriching and restorative experience throughout their time at the hotel. In early 2026, the hotel plans to launch a series of holistic wellness experiences, including sound healing, designed to relax the senses. A Culinary Escape The hotel's elegant lobby bar, Forum, offers barista-crafted coffee and small bites from local artisan bakehouse, Wild Wheat, available throughout the day. By night, Forum transforms into the perfect backdrop as a refined yet welcoming bar. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Waitakere Ranges, the cocktails at JW Marriott Auckland offer a unique taste of the landscape, with smoked woodchips infusing a distinct, earthy flavor that captures the essence of the surrounding mountains. JW Marriott Auckland's signature restaurant, Trivet, is designed with the multicultural essence of Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront. With Head Chef Wallace Mua at the helm, guests will experience a curated menu of the country's finest produce. Inspired by the unique flavors and techniques of Polynesian cuisine around the world, its menu honors the heritage and vibrancy of the country's dining scene with a sharing-style menu. In September, the hotel plans to launch a contemporary teppan house celebrating impressive Japanese-inspired dishes. Connection with nature is a signature element of the JW Marriott experience. Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately greeted by a stunning moss wall in the foyer, bringing the lush, organic spirit of the garden indoors. This living feature, woven into the hotel's design, is not only a visual statement but also embodies the hotel's commitment to sustainability and the celebration of nature. Up above, the hotel's rooftop is home to the brand's signature JW Garden, which features an herb garden and rescue bee hives. This rooftop oasis produces a wide variety of fresh herbs, edible flowers, and plants, which are used throughout the hotel's venues, Forum and Trivet. Meeting & Events Located in Auckland's central business district and just a short walk to the city's major transport terminals and Commercial Bay shopping center, JW Marriott Auckland presents an exceptional array of venues for events, conferences, and meetings. With six flexible function spaces, the hotel seamlessly accommodates both large-scale gatherings and more intimate meetings. The JW Ballroom is the hotel's largest meeting space, a pillarless ballroom perfect for a range of event layouts and divisible into thirds, featuring a 7-meter wide LED screen, complemented by two additional 4-meter wide high-definition screens. With the capacity to accommodate up to 220 guests in a banquet style, it is perfect for lavish dinners or large-scale events. The newly designed venues showcase enhanced soundproofing and acoustics, creating an environment tailored to boost productivity. JW Marriott Auckland's meeting spaces are designed with built-in high-tech sound and lighting. "I am honored to bring the JW Marriott vision of luxury and well-being to life in this vibrant city. Our goal is to create an exceptional guest experience and provide a sanctuary where guests can relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. Our team looks forward to welcoming guests to our urban oasis and showcasing the best of Auckland's hospitality," said Girish Talreja, General Manager, JW Marriott Auckland. Download high-resolution images here - ENDS - For more information or to request an interview, please contact; Catherine McLaughlin Director, Field Marketing – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific M: +61 427 457 733 E: About JW Marriott JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard "J.W." Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience ev ery moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 125 JW Marriott hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit About Marriott Bonvoy ® Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JW Marriott Debuts in New Zealand with the Opening of JW Marriott Auckland - An Urban Oasis Inspired by the Country's Natural Landscapes
Marking the brand's first hotel in the city, JW Marriott Auckland blends holistic well-being with the spirit of Auckland, set against the backdrop of the country's breathtaking landscapes AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today unveiled the all-new JW Marriott Auckland, marking the brand's debut in Aotearoa, New Zealand after an extensive multi-million-dollar transformation. Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Auckland, this luxurious urban retreat invites guests to restore and renew, with thoughtful touches that reflect both local culture and the brand's commitment to holistic well-being. JW Marriott Auckland was designed by renowned Singaporean architecture firm O37 with Founder and Creative Director, Leonard Lee at the helm. The hotel's design draws deeply from the rich tapestry of New Zealand's art, culture, and natural beauty, as seen from its distinctive vantage point in Auckland's city center. Intentionally curated, the hotel design fosters a profound connection to the locale, seamlessly blending a harmonious aesthetic through a refined balance of complementary contrasts inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand's weather. Reflecting the shifting beauty of each season, the design weaves together contrasting textures - raw and polished, rough and smooth. This vision comes to life in 'Watersplash', a bespoke sculptural hand-blown chandelier by Lasvit, inspired by the flowing rivers and lakes of New Zealand, and crafted to cast reflections of water on the ceiling among many other touchpoints throughout the hotel. "JW Marriott embraces the belief that a connection to the natural environment is an important part of nourishing one's soul. JW Marriott Auckland embodies the brand's commitment to providing a haven where guests can focus on feeling whole in mind, body, and spirit," says Jason Nuell, Area Vice President - Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. "JW Marriott Auckland is a destination where both locals and international travelers can experience a blend of modern luxury and exceptional hospitality in the heart of the city to pause, recharge, and reconnect." Generously spaced, the hotel boasts 271 stylishly appointed guest rooms and 15 suites. Inspired by the beauty of Auckland's landscape, the color palette in each suite subtly shifts, inspired by its natural surroundings - from deep greens and earthy tones of the Waitākere Ranges to the sun-bleached sandstone and driftwood tones of the Waitematā Harbour, and the rich charcoals and softened rusts of the city's volcanic landscape. Reflecting nature's imperfections, guests will discover a deliberate asymmetry throughout the rooms seen in the intentional art work placements and with no two bedside tables being the same. Spanning 133 square meters with sweeping views of the city skyline, the crown jewel of the hotel is the Presidential Suite. Additionally, the hotel boasts an Executive Suite, a 79-square-meter Ambassador Suite with open-plan living, and the Governor Suite - a two-bedroom apartment, offering a serene 171-square-meter sanctuary with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen. The guestroom artwork, meticulously crafted by Lancelot in 1886, is part of the historical collection from the Hulton archive and beautifully depicts an early illustration of Auckland Harbour. The hotel's suites provide a mindful approach to the in-room offerings, featuring the latest Technogym fitness accessories and equipment. The in-suite experience also features an elevated minibar offering - Refuel Bar - a menu of healthy post-workout shakes, snacks, and refreshments, including kombucha, all designed to nurture guests' physical well-being. All guest rooms come complete with yoga mats and risers, enhanced by an in-room program of wellness and workout routines. To further enhance guests' well-being, performance-boosting room features promote rest and rejuvenation, such as meditation playlists and eco-friendly products from Aromatherapy Associates. An Urban Oasis JW Marriott Auckland is the ultimate destination for wellness, offering a range of holistic and cutting-edge experiences that support mental and physical well-being. This serene sanctuary, designed to calm and rejuvenate, features a Wellness Center spanning 220 square meters and includes a 14-meter-long heated indoor pool with panoramic harbor views and views of the center of Auckland. Guests can enjoy the contrasting wellness benefits of hot and cold recovery treatments, including a cold plunge pool, a dry-heat sauna, and a steam chamber. The state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusively available to guests, features innovative Technogym equipment, allowing guests to customize their workouts. Personal training sessions are available upon request. JW Marriott Auckland's Wellness Concierge connects with guests before arrival to identify the purpose of their stay and set meaningful intentions. Upon arrival, the Wellness Concierge is on hand to offer tailored guidance, ensuring a truly enriching and restorative experience throughout their time at the hotel. In early 2026, the hotel plans to launch a series of holistic wellness experiences, including sound healing, designed to relax the senses. A Culinary Escape The hotel's elegant lobby bar, Forum, offers barista-crafted coffee and small bites from local artisan bakehouse, Wild Wheat, available throughout the day. By night, Forum transforms into the perfect backdrop as a refined yet welcoming bar. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Waitakere Ranges, the cocktails at JW Marriott Auckland offer a unique taste of the landscape, with smoked woodchips infusing a distinct, earthy flavor that captures the essence of the surrounding mountains. JW Marriott Auckland's signature restaurant, Trivet, is designed with the multicultural essence of Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront. With Head Chef Wallace Mua at the helm, guests will experience a curated menu of the country's finest produce. Inspired by the unique flavors and techniques of Polynesian cuisine around the world, its menu honors the heritage and vibrancy of the country's dining scene with a sharing-style menu. In September, the hotel plans to launch a contemporary teppan house celebrating impressive Japanese-inspired dishes. Connection with nature is a signature element of the JW Marriott experience. Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately greeted by a stunning moss wall in the foyer, bringing the lush, organic spirit of the garden indoors. This living feature, woven into the hotel's design, is not only a visual statement but also embodies the hotel's commitment to sustainability and the celebration of nature. Up above, the hotel's rooftop is home to the brand's signature JW Garden, which features an herb garden and rescue bee hives. This rooftop oasis produces a wide variety of fresh herbs, edible flowers, and plants, which are used throughout the hotel's venues, Forum and Trivet. Meeting & Events Located in Auckland's central business district and just a short walk to the city's major transport terminals and Commercial Bay shopping center, JW Marriott Auckland presents an exceptional array of venues for events, conferences, and meetings. With six flexible function spaces, the hotel seamlessly accommodates both large-scale gatherings and more intimate meetings. The JW Ballroom is the hotel's largest meeting space, a pillarless ballroom perfect for a range of event layouts and divisible into thirds, featuring a 7-meter wide LED screen, complemented by two additional 4-meter wide high-definition screens. With the capacity to accommodate up to 220 guests in a banquet style, it is perfect for lavish dinners or large-scale events. The newly designed venues showcase enhanced soundproofing and acoustics, creating an environment tailored to boost productivity. JW Marriott Auckland's meeting spaces are designed with built-in high-tech sound and lighting. "I am honored to bring the JW Marriott vision of luxury and well-being to life in this vibrant city. Our goal is to create an exceptional guest experience and provide a sanctuary where guests can relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. Our team looks forward to welcoming guests to our urban oasis and showcasing the best of Auckland's hospitality," said Girish Talreja, General Manager, JW Marriott Auckland. For reservations and more information, please visit: Download high-resolution images here - ENDS - For more information or to request an interview, please contact; Catherine McLaughlinDirector, Field Marketing – Australia, New Zealand & PacificM: +61 427 457 733E: About JW Marriott JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard "J.W." Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience ev ery moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 125 JW Marriott hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit About Marriott Bonvoy® Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Marriott International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Art And Design Take Center Stage At These Vietnam Hotels
Lasvit's hand-blown Charming Deeps installation anchors Regent Phu Quoc's design approach as a crystalline meditation on Vietnam's marine ecology. Beyond the cuisine, coffee, and coastline, Vietnam's design-forward hotels have also become one of the country's most compelling draws. A product of its two-decade economic ascent, the hospitality sector has evolved into fertile ground for some of Asia's most ambitious architectural and aesthetic experimentation. Increasingly, international designers are working in close collaboration with Vietnamese artists, artisans, and craftspeople to translate the country's layered identity into spaces that reflect both local nuance and global sophistication. The result is a distinct design language—rooted in cultural diversity and shaped by an ongoing dialogue between heritage and modernity. This evolution reflects a broader shift in global luxury travel, where substance now matters more than spectacle. Today's discerning travelers prioritize cultural depth, architectural storytelling, and a sense of place over superficial opulence. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million international visitors—a nearly 40 percent increase—driven in part by rising demand for destinations that combine refined hospitality with meaningful local connection. In response, many of the best luxury hotels in Vietnam are embracing regional architecture, traditional craft, and narrative design as core elements of their guest experience. As travelers venture beyond the cultural anchors of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—into Vietnam's interior provinces, coastlines, and highland regions—they're met with a new wave of design experimentation. In the cities, French colonial relics are being reinterpreted and revamped through a distinctly Vietnamese lens. Along the coast, luxury resorts in Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Hoi An fuse indigenous materials with ecological awareness to create truly resonant environments that translate a cultural anthology, rendered in timber, lacquer, and stone. Dramatic seaside corridor in InterContinental Danang's Rock Villa reveals stunning ocean views through wood-framed doorways Bill Bensley's breakthrough work at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was the project that catapulted him to international stardom. It all unfolds across four levels carved into the jungle: Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea. Throughout the property's public pavilions and room categories, you'll find a stark black and white palette jolted with citrus bursts; meanwhile, ancient Vietnamese temple motifs clash deliberately with California oddities like cast iron ostriches and surfboard tables. The monkey obsession borders on fetishistic—from urinating primate fountains to papier-mâché busts—as well as Instagram bait like inverted (and seemingly suspended) non-la hat dining platforms and Long Bar's namesake 164-foot counter flanked by fisherman basket chairs. Indigenous craftsmanship appears where you least expect it, with mother-of-pearl inlays and Bat Trang ceramics turning even bathrooms into performance spaces. Crowning it all like a bird's nest is Tingara, a 'bird's nest' restaurant where Michelin-starred chef Junichi Yoshida serves omakase against panoramic seascapes. Contemporary Vietnamese artworks transform The Gallery at Regent Phu Quoc into a vibrant cultural bridge between tradition and modernity. BLINK Design Group founder Clint Nagata envisioned Regent Phu Quoc as a study in spatial restraint—a sanctuary where subtraction reveals substance. Rooted in the rhythms of fishing villages and tidal flow, the design privileges quiet material statements, such as laterite stone quarried from the Vietnamese highlands, handwoven rattan by village artisans using fading techniques, and bronze accents that shift with the coastal light. Art is not an afterthought but an axis. Charming Deeps, a suspended glass sculpture by Czech studio Lasvit, its hand-blown forms parlaying the fragility of Phu Quoc's coral ecosystem into a striking visual anchor. The newly launched Gallery, conceived in collaboration with Hanoi's CUC Gallery, expands the hotel's design dialogue into contemporary Vietnamese art. Its debut show, Dynamics of Identities, featured sculptural work by Hanoi's Dinh Cong Dat and Thai Nhat Minh alongside painter Nguyen Ngoc Vu ('Rabbit Boy'), whose canvases merge classical Vietnamese forms with pop sensibilities. Elsewhere, Singapore-based Artling curates site-specific installations—monumental lacquer panels and abstract sculptures—infusing the resort with a distinct cultural tempo that's both local and forward-facing. At the concierge desk at Park Hyatt Saigon, traditional Vietnamese folk art panels punctuates the French-colonial inspired interiors with color. Behind its stately white French colonial façade, Park Hyatt Saigon conceals a quietly radical fusion of East–West aesthetics. The District 1 grand dame's architecture by Chan Soo Khian of SCDA Architects exudes measured elegance, while interiors by Diana Simpson ground the experience in tactile luxury: custom silk, marble, and Hanoia lacquerware crafted by Vietnam's most skilled ateliers. But its defining feature is the art. Curated by Ben Thanh Art Gallery from 2003–2005, the hotel's collection is anchored by rare lacquer paintings from Do Xuan Doan (1937–2015), a scion of the medium whose silver-gold compositions evoke dynastic grandeur with modern restraint. Alongside them are works by Bui Huu Hung, including Summer Landscape, Royal Lady, and Couple Crane in Golden Land—pieces that elevate the hotel's public spaces into a de facto museum of Vietnamese fine art. Following a 2015 renovation, management made the deliberate choice to preserve this trove intact—a move that now reads as visionary, as the value and cultural relevance of these works have only compounded with time. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame the Four Seasons Nam Hai's elegant villa living space, where minimalist Asian design elements perfectly complement the pristine beachfront view of palm trees and turquoise waters. French architect Reda Amalou, along with the late great Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim created this five-star property as a meditation on Vietnamese spatial philosophy. Inspired by the traditional garden houses of Hue, the villas are temples of pared-back luxury: timber-framed structures with soaring pitched roofs, elevated sleeping platforms veiled in gauzy nets, and decorative panels that refract light like silk lanterns. Each structure follows the logic of phong thủy, aligning elements in harmony with earth and sea. Locally made ceramics from Bat Trang and hand-forged brass from the surrounding region add tactile punches throughout. But it's Karl Princic's deft landscaping that delivers the signature coup: a trio of infinity pools, terraced to mirror the beach's horizon line as it seamlessly dissolves into the East Sea. Zannier Bai San Ho's paddy field villa entrance frames a perfect sightline through traditional thatch roofing and bamboo shutters, honoring Vietnam's vernacular architecture with contemporary restraint. Vietnam's untrammeled Phu Yen coastline hosts this architectural standout where heritage and habitat coexist without compromise. Across nearly 250 acres, 73 villas speak a trio of distinct dialects: stilted paddy field dwellings that echo fishermen's homes, Cham-inspired Beach Pool Villas, and Ede longhouse interpretations with assertive rooflines that punctuate the hillsides. The interiors avoid the usual ethnic-luxe clichés, instead deploying Vietnamese artifacts and textiles that suggest decades of careful collection rather than decorator's orders. Most developers would have bulldozed this landscape into submission. Instead, Zannier preserved existing vegetation and engineered against erosion—environmental consciousness that makes neighboring resorts look positively obtuse by comparison. Bill Bensley's theatrical vision comes alive in Capella Hanoi's opera-themed suite, where vintage performance hall artwork and pagoda-inspired lighting create an immersive 1920s fantasy. Bensley's 47-suite Hanoi hideaway isn't necessarily subtle, but it is sure is smart. The opera house conceit could have slipped into costume-party territory, but instead delivers surprising depth. Each named suite houses actual theatrical artifacts: makeup-stained costumes, performance ephemera, oddities sourced from Hanoi's dealers who typically reserve such treasures for serious collectors. The hand-painted murals created by Bensley's studio artists avoid superfluous decoration, instead crafting surrealistic narratives where Vietnamese and Western operatic traditions collapse in dreamlike sequences that reward closer inspection. Working with French architect Luc Lejeune, the design team managed the difficult trick of period authenticity without sacrificing comfort. Worth noting is the experiential Capella Curates program, which offers guests backstage opera access that typical cultural tourism can't touch. Six Senses Con Dao's oceanfront villa seamlessly blends sustainable teakwood architecture with breathtaking sea views, where billowing white canopies and minimalist design honor Vietnam's fishing village heritage. In the remote Con Dao archipelago, conservation is an operating principle. AW² Architecture Workshop's design at Six Senses Con Dao enshrines this philosophy in its bones, leveraging salvaged teakwood and prefabricated timber frames to minimize environmental impact (a construction method far more complex than conventional building but invisible to the casual observer). Inspired by the look of a traditional fishing village, the property's 50 villas sit lightly on the land, either elevated on stilts or nestled into protective dunes that maintain the island's natural defenses. There's the marine conservation program, too, which represents real science, not symbolic gestures, as it actively restores beaches for endangered green turtle nesting in partnership with local authorities. Franco Albini's 1940 re-engineered Veliero "sailing ship" bookcase anchors The Reverie Saigon's penthouse living room, complemented by Poltrona Frau leather furniture. Audacious, perhaps borderline scandalous—this skyscraper-crowning fantasia seduces with unapologetic maximalism from architect Kent Lui. First-time visitors invariably gasp encountering pieces like Colombostile's headline-making purple ostrich leather sofa, or Baldi's malachite and bronze masterpiece timepiece. Then there's the furniture by Giorgetti, Poltrona Frau, and Visona—all of which tempt with sculptural provocation. Looking upward reveals Murano chandeliers floating like suspended galaxies above rare Carrara marble, while Sicis artisans have transformed entire spa walls into shimmering aquatic dreamscapes that seem to undulate in the light. The penthouse Saigon Suite by Giorgetti is the most gallery-worthy of the hotel's offerings for its fusion of Saigon's ambitious energy and Milan's longstanding design horsepower.
