New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANSlife) A Hotel with a unique signature inspires guests just in a matter of days and hours. We take you inside some of the stunning hotels that evoke a sense of space and offer a new perspective on vacation.
The Anam Vietnam
Vietnam’s history, culture, cuisine, and native offerings have become a hit among different segments of Indian travellers. A stay at The Anam Mui Ne, Vietnam’s only resort to be a part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, amidst Classic Vietnamese Aesthetics, is a pure sensory indulgence.
With a blend of Indochine charm and modern luxury, the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to evoke the Vietnamese spirit. The architecture is inspired by the grand French villas of Hanoi that pay homage to both colonial-era and classic Vietnamese aesthetics. The hotel features customised encaustic mosaic tiles, Cham (Cham dynasty of Vietnam has an Indian connection) decorative vases and statues on plinths, stone from Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, and authentic thatched roofs from Binh Thuan. The furniture is crafted with wood sourced from sustainable forests.
The hotel commissioned Vietnamese artists to make 250 unique oil paintings that now hang in its rooms, suite, lobby, restaurants, and hallways. The artists include painters Bui Van Quang, known for beautifully portraying daily Vietnamese life and Vu Trong Anh praised for his abstract interpretations of Vietnamese scenery.
Shangri-La Muscat
Celebrating Arabian culture and warm Omani hospitality and set amidst the Hajar mountains overlooking the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Muscat offers a unique welcome with Omani rituals of serving coffee and dates amid a whiff of Luban. Even the architecture of the hotel is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage. The hotel’s Al Waha wing is an ode to Dhofari architectural style. Set at the heart of the hotel, the Al Bandar wing is inspired by old Muscat buildings of varying heights and ornate balconies. Oman’s only lazy river connects these two ‘towns’ replicating the falaj system that brought fresh water to remote Omani villages. Guests can join the hotel’s Culture and Heritage Ambassador, Khalid Al Amri on a tour of the resort to learn about Omani art and architecture, private frankincense garden, and private classic cars collection. Trained at the National Museum of Oman and Bait Al Zubair Museum, he is Oman’s first and only Frankincense Sommelier.
The hotel features many art pieces and paintings sourced from local artists including famous women contemporary artists of Oman. There are multiple photographs on display in the hotel lobby, corridors, and rooms that are taken by the owner of the hotel, an avid photographer and art connoisseur, who traces his roots to Gujarat in India.
There are several Indian influences in the interiors and décor pieces as well, such as hand-tufted carpets sourced from India that adorn the main lobby.
Celebrating Arabian culture and warm Omani hospitality and set amidst the Hajar mountains overlooking the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Muscat offers a unique welcome with Omani rituals of serving coffee and dates amid a whiff of Luban. Even the architecture of the hotel is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage. The hotel’s Al Waha wing is an ode to Dhofari architectural style. Set at the heart of the hotel, the Al Bandar wing is inspired by old Muscat buildings of varying heights and ornate balconies. Oman’s only lazy river connects these two ‘towns’ replicating the falaj system that brought fresh water to remote Omani villages. Guests can join the hotel’s Culture and Heritage Ambassador, Khalid Al Amri on a tour of the resort to learn about Omani art and architecture, private frankincense garden, and private classic cars collection. Trained at the National Museum of Oman and Bait Al Zubair Museum, he is Oman’s first and only Frankincense Sommelier.
The hotel features many art pieces and paintings sourced from local artists including famous women contemporary artists of Oman. There are multiple photographs on display in the hotel lobby, corridors, and rooms that are taken by the owner of the hotel, an avid photographer and art connoisseur, who traces his roots to Gujarat in India.
There are several Indian influences in the interiors and décor pieces as well, such as hand-tufted carpets sourced from India that adorn the main lobby.
The Residence Zanzibar
Nestled amid a lush palm-bordered beach, The Residence Zanzibar is a villa-only resort, located off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. 66 luxurious villas set within 32 hectares of tropical garden offer guests a peek into the island’s distinct culture. Modern comfort meets Swahili, Omani, British, and Indian influences in this private sanctuary. Thoughtfully designed, each villa offers breathtaking views of the Ocean or the garden.
The eclectic furniture is reminiscent of the past with a touch of modern accents. The staff can also arrange excursions on request to Stone Town or MjiMkongwe which is a part of the old Zanzibar City. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, buildings are inspired by a mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, European, and African architecture.
Ishq Villas Sri Lanka
shq Colombo and IshqTalpe, nestled in two beautiful destinations of Sri Lanka promise bespoke experiences to a discerning set of visitors, worldwide. The capital accommodates the epitome of luxury – Ishq Colombo. This exquisite four-suite villa is tucked into a quiet leafy neighbourhood, showcasing a beautiful blend of Dutch and English heritage that pays homage to the rich Sri Lankan history. A collection of rare antiques, contemporary Sri Lankan art, and Moroccan artwork takes you back to the old-world charm of the island. Outdoors is exotic and relaxing, introducing guests to a home away from home. An unparallel team of managers, attendants, and chefs thrives to serve personalised dining experiences. A curated trip arranged by the staff is an itinerary filled with the city’s key attractions, local markets, art walks, tea tasting, GeofferyBawa’s former multi-terraced home (now a fascinating museum), and a walk through the diverse culture of the multi-ethnic city. Exceptional designs, tropical simplicities, and oceanic hues defineIshqTalpe. The five-bedroom villa brings together the comforts of a boutique hotel with privacy. High ceilings, garden terraces, and characteristics of Dutch heritage reflect a vintage and vibrant luxury to the guests. A curated tour by the team will take you to witness the charm of the historic buildings, boutiques, jewellery shops, and cafes at every turn. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort is also a part of the itinerary.
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