What’s New! - Traveling to the finest places in the World - Cameron House Hotel, England; Can Ferrereta, Mallorca; Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle USA; Hilton Molino Stucky, Italy; Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives; Mara Toto Camp, Africa; The Rooster, Greece

WHAT’S NEW

“Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a re-looked lease on life. Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

CAMERON HOUSE HOTEL

LOCH LOMOND, SCOTLAND

Luxury Scottish five-star resort, Cameron House, is now taking hotel room bookings ahead of its grand reopening on 1st August 2021. Ideally situated in the heart of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Cameron House Hotel will offer 140 guest bedrooms, including 24 luxury suites that have been individually designed with exceptional attention to detail to ensure a truly memorable stay. The main hotel building dates back to the 17th century. This former baronial mansion is now fondly known as The Auld House and will be home to 14 exquisite suites complete with furnishings and designs influenced by Glasgow-based Timorous Beasties. From lavish duplex apartments to romantic one-bedroom suites, guests residing in the Auld House will enjoy enhanced amenities including in-suite check-ins and chauffeur transfers. The resort's most exclusive rooms, The Cameron and The Tower Suites exemplify luxury living at its finest. Perfect for entertaining, the light and airy spaces take design inspiration from the hotel's magnificent natural setting with furnishings that mirror the rich color palette of Loch Lomond. Most impressive is the 110 square meter Cameron Suite, a duplex penthouse with two separate terraces affording unrivaled views of its stunning surroundings. The double-height space exudes a timeless Scottish elegance and features its own private bar. Located in the original mansion tower, The Tower Suite epitomizes Scottish charm with a captivating color palette of greys and warm golds. Complete with an opulent living area, it is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the surrounding views. Guests staying in both the Cameron and the Tower Suites can also take advantage of a complimentary private Champagne cruise around Loch Lomond during their stay. "We're absolutely thrilled to be able to welcome our guests back and we are looking forward to showing off our reimagined hotel and suites," said Cerelle Gooding, Director of Sales. | cameronhouse.co.uk

CAN FERRERETA

SANTANYÍ, MALLORCA

Located in the authentic Mallorcan town of Santanyí on the southeast coast, Can Ferrereta opened up this lesser-known part of the island for the first time. The SoldevilaFerrer family, who also own Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma has meticulously restored a historic 17th-century building, transforming it into a stunning 32-room hotel surrounded by verdant gardens. It is home to a Mediterranean restaurant Ocre, a poolside all-day dining restaurant and bar La Fresca, a beautifully designed spa Sa Calma with hammam, an indoor pool, and a gym, as well as a tranquil library, curated by the expert team at Maison Assouline. Can Ferrereta is reminiscent of a grand summer house, with space, natural light, and textures blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The launch brings together the latest creative talent from Spain, including Mallorcanbased BASTIDAS Architecture and Spanish design house WIT who have worked alongside the Soldevila-Ferrer family and carefully overseen the project from start to finish. During the restoration of the main 17th-century building, the team was mindful of the history and tradition, while the hotel’s two new structures have been sensitively developed in harmony with its original features. Rustic wooden beams and original stonework in juxtaposition with sleek furnishings and contemporary art. Art will be a distinguishing quality of the hotel, with a focus on local and Spanish artists. Some of the pieces will come from the Soldevila-Ferrer family’s private collection and will include work by the likes of Guillem Nadal, Dominica Sanchez, Miquel Planas, Manolo Ballesteros, Riera i Aragó and Jordi Alcaraz. Sitting pride of place by the main garden and swimming pool, a stunning 2-meter, 280-kilo visage sculpture by the renowned Barcelonaborn Jaume Plensa is sure to become a focal point of the hotel. Additionally, contemporary photography by local Barbara Vidal, adorns the walls, featuring images of the original buildings before the renovation. | hotelcanferrereta.com

FAIRMONT OLYMPIC HOTEL

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Soulful landmark. New passion. Located in the heart of the city since 1924, Fairmont Olympic is Seattle’s iconic hotel and the home away from home for many generations. On April 30, 2021, this timeless landmark unveiled the first chapter of its grand restoration, debuting a transformed main lobby, new Olympic Bar, and updated event spaces. As the setting re-emerges, it reveals a new, one-of-a-kind kinetic art installation displayed atop Olympic Bar and shines a light on a few historic elements of the hotel’s storied past. Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s $25 million grand restorations commenced in January 2020, signaling the largest renovation project for the historic hotel in 40 years. The Olympic Hotel tapped Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV) to create the interior vision and design for the hotel which celebrates its storied grandeur with a lush new vision of Seattle luxury. Inspired by the near 100year presence of The Olympic in Seattle, the lobby effect is a seamless reinterpretation of the soul of the hotel that satisfies the modern traveler’s need for polish, elegance, and vital design. Standing on the design pillars of heritage, layering, lighting, and color, the lobby concept mixes greenery, rich textures, inventive modern forms, and the glow of warm lighting. The transformed lobby blends existing historic finishes with new notable elements including a show-stopping art installation above the center lobby bar. Working in tandem with LRV, Parker-Torres Design Inc. designed the meeting rooms. In 2016, Parker-Torres completed a $25 million renovation at the hotel which included a total renovation of all guestrooms and corridors. Both design partners worked hand-in-hand with MG2, the Architect of Record, who orchestrated a choreographed alliance between restoration partners. MG2 oversaw the handling of code enforcement, city processes, design reviews, execution, and final delivery while simultaneously navigating ADA regulations and preserving the integrity of vintage finishes, fixtures, and woodwork. | fairmont.com/seattle

HILTON MOLINO STUCKY VENICE GIUDECCA

VENICE, ITALY

Formerly a flour mill factory on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a modern Venetian masterpiece steeped in history. The historically listed building has been exquisitely restored with a series of recent refurbishments including sophisticated deluxe rooms and new spacious elegant suites – some offering guests enviable views of picture-perfect Venice. After arriving at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice by water taxi, guests will be spoiled for choice with 379 rooms and suites, one of the largest spas in Venice, an unrivaled conference center, and a collection of bars and restaurants. The new Presidential Suite at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is the highest and largest suite in town with private access to the hotel’s popular rooftop pool and bar. Fondly referred to as the First Lady Suite following a visit by Michelle Obama, the spacious new Presidential Suite is designed with tranquil blue and silver interiors, large floorto-ceiling windows allowing natural light to illuminate the delicate Murano glass vases. Let the concierge team at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice plan a seamless ‘best of Venice’ city break including Murano glass blowing workshops, island boat tours around the city, its lagoon and colorful islands, trips to the wonderful local museums such as the Guggenheim Collection, historic walking tours, a romantic gondola ride or an exclusive private shopping trip. After a busy day of exploring Venice by foot or boat, guests are encouraged to cool off with a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool followed by a signature cocktail at Skyline Bar, the highest bar in Venice with incredible panoramic views of the city and its surrounding canals. “The team at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice and I greatly look forward to welcoming our guests back to our renovated hotel with exquisite new rooms and suites. Venice is shining brighter than ever, and we look forward to sharing that with you,” said Antonello de Medici, General Manager at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. | hilton.com

KUDA VILLINGILI RESORT MALDIVES

NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALDIVES

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is an island where time and space matter. Connect with your loved ones, make up for the time lost, strengthen friendships and create new ones in this slice of paradise; whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or traveling in a group, this idyllic haven perfectly balances a sense of togetherness and inclusivity with utter privacy and independence. A powerful sense of freedom permeates the villas: the freedom to redefine time and space. While embracing and celebrating diversity of cultural expressions, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives encapsulates timeless elegance. Drawing from the Asian eclectic style, the resort’s design is further enriched by traditional Maldivian arts and fabrics.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives boasts a variety of accommodations to meet the needs of a diversified audience: couples, solo travelers, families, and groups. All 59 beach villas and 36 water villas are inspired by the sprawling nature of the Maldives. A powerful sense of freedom permeates the villas: the freedom to redefine time and space. Surrounded by the iridescent local flora, the 152-sq meter beach villas are one with the lush nature of the Maldives, thanks to see-through glass walls, organic wood elements, and stone furnishings that harmoniously coexist with the environment. Guests can look forward to their villas located on the beach, with private swimming pools for absolute enjoyment and privacy.

The diversity of cultural expression is celebrated throughout the resort’s outstanding gourmet offering. Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers the choice of three diverse dining venues, sure to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Boasting an idyllic beachfront view, the resort’s signature dining establishment – The Restaurant – serves the freshest, handcrafted food for breakfast and dinner, in an exclusive, classy ambiance. From island excursions to stellar surfing, from stargazing to wildlife encounters, from sandbank dining to big game fishing, guests of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives will never be in shortage of exciting activities. | kudavillingili.com/

MARA TOTO CAMP

MAASAI MARA RESERVE, KENYA

Leading conservation organization Great Plains is delighted to announce new sensational safari accommodation in two camps, opening this summer. The brand-new Mara Toto Camp, which is perfectly suited for families and intimate groups traveling together, opened its doors to guests on June 1st, 2021. Meaning “baby” in Swahili, Mara Toto Camp will be located 2km away from big sister Mara Plains Camp, which is also scheduled to re-open on 1st June 2021, after a full camp refurbishment, including introducing an exquisite new private honeymoon suite. The eagerly anticipated Mara Jahazi Suite is scheduled to open at Mara Plains Camp at the same time. The exclusive use villa will include a private game drive vehicle, guide, butler, and chef. It will be ideal for groups and multi-generational travel looking for an exceptional private safari experience. Located along the Ntiakitiak River banks on the border of the Maasai Mara Reserve, the new Mara Toto Camp is hidden in the forest, offering guests privacy and wonderful game-viewing opportunities with access to both the Maasai Mara Reserve and the adjacent Mara North Private Conservancy. Accommodating up to 8 guests, the intimate Mara Toto Camp is perfectly suited to be hired out exclusively for intimate groups, couples, and families with children aged six and up. Designed by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the new camp will boast tranquil blue-colored interiors with leather and canvas touches harmoniously blending a feeling of comfort and adventure. Mara Toto Camp will consist of four canvas tents with spacious brass baths, along with a communal relaxation area, and indoor and outdoor dining options. “When we designed this camp, it was based on an original 19th-century styled expedition camp with light canvass and high apex tents, supported by huge gum-poles. Its position, right along the edge of the river and under some of the most spectacular ebony trees, creates a hidden haven to retire between exciting safari drives.” – Dereck Joubert, CEO. | greatplainsconservation.com

THE ROOSTER

ANTIPAROS, GREECE

Perowne International is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new boutique hotel, The Rooster, which opened on the under-the-radar Greek island of Antiparos on 1st June 2021. More than a resort, The Rooster is the vision-become-reality of one woman driven to create a destination with depth, value, and relevance to today’s travelers. Conceived as a wellness and lifestyle resort that embraces ‘slow living’, The Rooster has been designed with unpretentious aesthetic luxury in mind paired with excellent service, while providing a holistic mindfulness escape. It is a retreat for the discerning traveler that celebrates the soulful Greek island through sustainability, wellness, organic food, learning, and fun. Cloistered between the sandy, unspoiled beaches of the Aegean coastline and the dramatic landscape of the Cyclades amidst open fields and the mystical caves of Antiparos, The Rooster exists in complete harmony with nature. It has an enchanting raw beauty with sustainability at its heart, all the while working in harmony with the local community. The story behind The Rooster is as special as the place itself. The hotel is a complete passion project, thoroughly thoughtout to the very last detail by an inspiring woman – Founder & Owner, Athanasia Comninos. Athanasia is passionate about Antiparos and safeguarding it, and her mission with The Rooster is to foster respectful tourism on the island by creating a safe haven for those who appreciate thoughtful travel, art, culture, and life’s simple pleasures. The Rooster is all about space and privacy: just 17 individual houses of differing sizes, each with its own independent character. With four different layouts to choose from, each is complete with ample space, private gardens, its own freshwater pool, and outdoor showers. Overlooking landscaped gardens or the sparkling Aegean, they all feature furnished terraces and spacious sundecks. Antiparos’s calm, laid-back vibe is infused throughout, creating a warm, homely environment with interiors inspired by the raw natural beauty and rustic charm of the surrounding scenery. | theroosterantiparos.com