5 LUXURY HOTELS WITH LAVISH INTERIORS

A Glimpse into the Art of Opulence

| BY MICHAEL CULLEN

In luxury hospitality, where opulence and extravagance reign supreme, the artful mastery of interior design sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Beyond mere aesthetics, interior design in luxury hotels transcends the boundaries of decoration, becoming an intricate language speaking to guests on a deeply emotional level. From the moment one steps into these sanctuaries of indulgence, a carefully curated blend of colors, textures, materials, and meticulously crafted spaces beckons the discerning traveler into a world where every detail has been considered. Join us as we embark on a journey to unveil five exceptional luxury hotels with lavishing interiors, where design prowess intertwines seamlessly with a commitment to deliver an unforgettable and immersive experience of pure elegance and grandeur.

Portugal’s Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar, in 1952, following the Second World War, decided Lisbon and Portugal needed a representative hotel to meet the demands of international tourism—a hotel all could be proud of.

And so, in 1959, the iconic Hotel Ritz opened its doors. In 1997 the property came under Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts management. Notwithstanding two full-scale renovations since its inauguration, the Hotel’s original spirit is preserved.

The modernist structure features façades, interior walls, and floors clad with a colorful array of nearly 48,000 square yards of the most beautiful and rare marble. Acclaimed French interior designer Henri Samuel designed the hotel’s common areas, creating a sense of place inside the modernist building by mixing straight-legged Louis XVI style with Art Deco pizazz and showcasing art from a team of local luminaries, including the notable Portuguese artist José Almada Negreiros.

At the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, the luxury starts when you enter the marbled reception area through to the lounge bar and terrace overlooking Lisbon’s central park. Public spaces are filled with tapestries, fine paintings, and antique reproductions. The Hotel’s unique and eclectic collection resembles a Portuguese contemporary art museum, rivaling other Lisbon galleries, so the Hotel has launched a free iPad art app for guests to curate their art tours.

The regal and distinguished renovated rooms, courtesy of Portuguese designer Oitoemponto, draw on the hotel’s heritage. Much of the furniture, from headboards to tables, is bespoke, mid-century in style, with rich teal hues. Bathrooms remain elegantly swathed in marble, some with separate showers and bathtubs. Luxuriously soft sheets and the famous Four Season beds guarantee restorative sleep. The airy guest rooms with private balconies offer far-reaching views over Lisbon.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon continues to reflect the original concept of “providing luxury and comfort, dignifying the city, and honoring the nation.” https://www.fourseasons.com/lisbon/

Raffles Udaipur

Raffles Udaipur, set on a 21-acre private island in the middle of the serene Udai Sagar Lake, is Raffles’ first hotel in India.

Architect Clive Gray of Bangkok-based firm Randolph Gray Design created a grand country mansion elegantly woven with elements of Mughal architecture and Rajasthan’s royal heritage. Set amongst beautifully manicured, ornamental gardens offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills, lake, and a 400-yearold temple. Arrival is a 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a gentle boat ride across the scenic lake home to many migratory birds.

Across the property, decorative chhatris domes, intricate latticed jali panels, and iconic Tikri glass inlay artwork pay homage to the Mewari region’s rich heritage, creating a harmonious blend of cultural influences. Soft pastel tones swathe the interiors, fashioning a hushed elegance that captivates the senses, and intricate details depicting the island’s flora and fauna, with the majestic Lesser Flamingo (the unofficial hotel mascot) take center stage.

The 101 rooms and suites enjoy uninterrupted lake views, modern comforts, and state-of-theart bathrooms, including a stand-alone bath, black-and-white marble inlay cabinetry, and hand-painted murals in the bathrooms. Guest room decor follows the East-West aesthetic with murals, handcrafted wooden chests, and Rajasthani artwork designed by local craftspeople. Some guest rooms and suites offer private gardens with plunge pools.

Raffles Spa is a light-filled space modeled after the royal zenanas (private women’s quarters) with delicate pastels, mirrors, plenty of natural light, and a detailed embroidered canopy. The Long Bar combines its European wood and leather decor with murals and wood-and-stone engravings by local artisans. Raffles admirers will know its famous Writers Bar, and in https://www.raffles.com/udaipur/

Udaipur, the Writers Bar boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a library of more than five thousand tomes.

Raffles Udaipur stands as an embodiment of luxury and cultural heritage.