For those in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year usually causes one to daydream about an escape such as this...
Dreamscape
Dar Beida \ Private House Rental \ Essaouira
Built in the 18th century and constructed in traditional Moroccan style, the house is located in the center of Essaouira, a seaside town about 2 hrs from Marrakech. Lovingly restored and subtly decorated the rooms are spacious yet tranquil, providing a cool retreat from the outside world. Visit this website for more rental info.
Hotel Feature \ Como Shambhala
COMO Shambhala, a private estate located amidst the serenity of Bali’s stunning landscape near Ubud, is a sustainable and holistic retreat that takes rest and relaxation to a whole new meaning. Each of the five luxurious residences are dramatically inset into the Balinese jungle, in jade green clearings and above the River Ayung.
Design Feature \ The Ultimate Treehouse
Architect and environmentalist Peter Bahouth designed and built this beautiful trio of treehouses linked by bridges in an Atlanta forest, which also happens to be his backyard. Inspired by the treehouses and adventures of his youth, the idea was to create a sort of fort for grown-ups. The three houses dubbed “Mind,” “Body,” and “Spirit,” include a living room and bedroom with a special bed that slides out for an improved view of the forest below. The photos here were taken for Jane Field-Lewis’ book My Cool Shed, provided courtesy photographer Lindsay Appel.
Design Feature \ Condesa DF
Tucked between historic facades on a tree-lined road in Mexico City's stylish Condesa neighborhood, the hotel fuses the spirit of its bohemian surroundings with a playfully simple design aesthetic. Housed in a 1928 building, the CONDESA df is filled from head to toe with custom furniture designed by Parisian designer India Mahdavi, stone tiles, and an abundance of local color. The 40 rooms and suites were inspired by the tranquility of monastic bedrooms—but without a lack of amenities, of course. The result is calming, airy spaces, some of which open onto wooden terraces, while, an overarching floral theme—visible on everything from cushion covers to chopstick wrappers—serves to enhance the relaxed, warm-weather vibe.
Hotel Feature \ Hotel Endemico
Endemico, Spanish for endemic, meaning native to a specific region or environment, was designed to highlight the isolation of he desert, singling out the areas' indigenous qualities. Scattered among boulders above the wine region of Valle de Guadalupe, just one and a half hours from San Diego, each of the twenty eco-loft rooms have their own private terrace with a chiminea, walkie-talkies, ATVs, and stunning views of the scenic valley below. Visit their website for more info.
