COOL HOTELS | Argentina | La Bamba de Areco Estancia | 17 June 2013
This is the scene that awaited me when the car finally pulled through the gates of La Bamba de Areco Estancia.
DON’T MISS
favorite places not to be missed
COOL HOTELS | India | Rawla Narlai | 10 June 2013
At the foot of a great mystical rock where sages have meditated, in the heart of a colorful Rajasthan village, sits Rawla Narlai, the 17th century villa used as a hunting lodge by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. It’s now a charming boutique hotel, with cozy rooms opening onto a courtyard surrounded by cascading bougainvillea.
COOL HOTELS | Seville | Hotel Palacio de Villapanés | 3 June 2013
For the next couple of months, I’m going to feature some of my favorite hotels. Some I’ve posted before, some are new – all are unique, a few are unusual, several historical, and each one, naturally, an example of design perfection.
The first of the series is Hotel Palacio de Villapanés in Seville, Spain. Originally built as a private mansion for the Marques of Villapanés in the 18th century, it is now a luxury hotel.
A set of rose-colored marble steps lead to the stunning arched entrance, with a surround of elaborately filigreed ironwork.
The street is quiet, and unassuming, so it’s a surprise to find such a grandiose entrance.
The palace is built around a light-filled, marble-floored, balconied courtyard.
A grand staircase leads up to the balcony level.
Throughout the building, traditional historical elements are presented in a contemporary manner – like these lighted plexiglass panels resembling decorative tile.
Even the room numbers are silk-screened with a typical tile pattern.
The pattern of this wood parquet floor also resembles the famous tile patterns.
Actual Spanish azulejos cover a wall behind a contemporary leather chair.
An original mosaic stone altar is the focal point for this enclosed terrace.
The guest rooms are beautifully designed to fit in with the setting, but have a contemporary edge that I love.
My room was reached by walking through another interior courtyard, filled with fragrant orange trees…
…and this is my glorious, early morning view.
I loved Sevilla – the flamenco shows, the azulejos, the flea market, the people – and Hotel Palacio de Villapanés.
Magnífico!
Alma Sevilla Hotel Palacio de Villepanés
Santiago, 31
41003 Sevilla
Spain
www.almasevilla.com
Guest Post on Shabby Apple | 22 May 2013
Redhouse Art and Food | 1 April 2013
Behind a massive, graffiti-covered door in Seville is a café. And a bar. And an art gallery. And an antique store.
It’s all in one room, and it’s called Redhouse Art and Food.
“Cathedral Without Walls” on Dwell | 20 March 2013
Pam Peterson, Dwell Contributor | 19 March 2013
For my first piece as a regular contributor to Dwell‘s website, I wrote about a subject close to home…the Harvard Five.
In the late 1940′s, five Harvard architects moved to my home town of New Canaan, Connecticut and revolutionized the architecture of this traditional New England town. A couple of years ago, I was fortunate to hear John Johansen, the last surviving member of the group, speak about those days of innovation. I will never forget it.
Read about it on Dwell:
http://www.dwell.com/post/article/harvard-five-5-new-canaan-modern-architecture
John Johansen
Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner | 18 March 2013
Congratulations, Elisabeth! You are the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway. They will contact you directly with your $75 gift code.
Thank you to everyone who entered, and remember you can use discount code objects10off until April 11, for a 10% discount on theShabby Apple website.
Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post; giveaway is being provided by the company.
Spring Fling with $75 Shabby Apple Giveaway | 11 March 2013
I am always on the lookout for great travel clothes, and Shabby Apple’s Whistlestop dress fits all of my prerequisites.
You don’t have to travel to appreciate the vintage-inspired clothes and accessories from Shabby Apple, and here’s your chance to win a $75 gift certificate.
Introducing: SOURCEBOOK | 16 February 2013
Look no further . . . here are my recommendations for places to EAT, STAY SEE, and SHOP, in an easy-to-navigate new category called SOURCEBOOK.
I’m in the process of adding my notes to all of the sources, so if you are interested in one I haven’t gotten to yet, feel free to ask, or check back later.
BON VOYAGE!