Mykonos, Greece: Shop + Stay

Greece: it’s not only the birthplace of the Olympics (which I’ve watched religiously since the opening ceremony), but it also offers some pretty impressive studies in design. In fact, I recently discovered two commercial projects on the idyllic isle of Mykonos, each with different approaches of marrying luxury, simplicity, and the island’s iconic, whitewashed architecture.

As a popular tourist destination, Mykonos offers the best in luxury shopping. Amid its labyrinth of tiny streets and walkways, you’ll find Athens-based retailer Linea Piu. Designed by Kois Associated Architects, this location opened in early 2012 and perfectly balances the brand’s modern aesthetic with the island’s old-world charm. The white of the façade continues throughout the interior, across stone walls and archways, providing a bright backdrop for contemporary fixtures.

Also opening this year, the San Giorgio Hotel is the epitome of relaxed luxury, mixing classic white walls with natural textures and finishes. It’s not my usual modern glam fare, but oh my! How pretty! From its gauzy canopies to rustic wood furniture, the San Giorgio feels more like a vacation home than a hotel.

"Melding the carefree finesse of the ’60s bohemian life with a down- to-earth 'gypset' approach, at San Giorgio Mykonos, everything is about ease and enjoyment." - SanGiorgio-Mykonos.com

Images: (1) Clarence Chiang, (2-7) Vangelis Paterakis, (8-14) Design Hotels

Interiors: The Selman Marrakech by Jacques Garcia

Yesterday, I spoke with a friend/former colleague who has spent the last year travelling the world with his wife. And when I say "travelling the world," I mean it in the most literal of ways. So far, he's visited a dozen or so countries across four continents capturing the entire experience on his blog GlackPacking. Overcome by envy, I started planning a rather aspirational excursion of my own, an around-the-world tour via private jet! A friend and I have joked about it for years and now, we have a date: Fall 2020.

Our tour will most likely include Marrakech, Morroco, which has captured the imagination of so many in the design world (From Me To You/The Glamourai, My Marrakesh, and Lonny, just to name a few). Of course, we'll stay in the most luxurious of hotels (of course) where we can wine, dine, and chat about how grand life is! The recently opened Selman Marrakech is a definite option. Designed by Jacques Garcia (you may remember him from The NoMad Hotel), it's the epitome of Morrocan glamour.

"The 56 rooms, suites and villas display Garcia's dramatic tastes, which range from suede walls to studded furniture. Ornate, black-and-white zellij-pattern tiling is everywhere, on floors, pillars and walls; and the addition of black lacquer gives old Moroccan style a sexy feel..." - Condé Nast Traveller

Images: Grégoire Gardette, www.selman-marrakech.com

Interiors: The NoMad Hotel by Jacques Garcia

I'm so inspired by commercial interiors. I simply can't get enough! ... which is why I had to share these gorgeous photos of The NoMad Hotel in NYC. Inspired by his time in Paris, designer Jacques Garcia created a decadent and glamorous escape right in the heart of Manhattan. New York plus Paris is truly a wonderful thing.

Jacques modeled the rooms after his first studio apartment in Paris. Don’t you just love the clawfoot tub?

Images:Benoit Linero

The Martin Las Vegas by Kelly Wearstler (Yay-uh!)

She's done it again! Upon seeing just one pic, I instantly knew the renovated common spaces at The Martin Las Vegas were by Kelly Wearstler. Why, just this week, I used a Kelly Wearstler Groundworks ad on the back of June's Elle Decor to explain her classic elements to the beau. Lo, the very next day, I see photos of The Martin with those same elements on full display. And looking pretty good too!

For me, the real kicker is that I could actually afford to live here. I, Desiré Greene, could enjoy these beautiful spaces by a world-famous designer and tastemaker! Ho hum. I’ll never look at my tiny condo the same again.

I'm not sure if she had a hand in the outdoor spaces, but they're cool so I added a pic.

Images: The Martin

Update on 5.29.2012 by Desiré

This made my day!

@hellosukio Thanks for your write up on the @TheMartinLV. It was a fun project! Xk bit.ly/N6eEOP

— Kelly Wearstler (@kellywearstler) May 29, 2012

Juxtaposed: The Square Nine Hotel's modern mark on historic Belgrade

This is a repost from Luxe.ly, my lifestyle blogging project (2011).

Introducing the Square Nine Hotel, a luxurious contemporary hotel in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. The hotel’s owner snagged one of the last sites in this historic neighborhood permitting new construction. The result, a delightful dialogue between old and new.

“The Square Nine Hotel’s architecture speaks a remarkably modern language and does not clash with or overshadow its neighboring buildings. On the contrary, it follows their scale, the rhythm of their facades…and even the moderate hues of their color palette.”

Architect: Isay Weinfeld

Images: Square Nine Hotel by way of Yatzer

P.S. If you're a sucker for hospitality design (like moi), you may enjoy these past posts about Hotel Frank and The House Hotel.