Palazzo Margherita is situated in Bernalda, a small hilltop town near the Ionian Sea in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy. Located in the province of Matera, which is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, historic houses and unspoiled villages, Bernalda is relatively unknown to tourists. It is just twenty minutes from numerous pristine, white-sand beaches; one can choose between quiet seclusion or (...) Read More about Francis Ford Coppola’s new hotel Palazzo Margherita (219 words)

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Almost everything in Paris is a sight for the eyes, so when something actually stands out for its design, you know it’s worth the trip. The Mama Shelter Hotel in Paris falls into this category, with a charming interior aesthetic and overall atmosphere, making it one of the most popular hotels in the city.(...) Read More about Mama Shelter Marseille Hotel (67 words)

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H

ow would you like to disappear to one of the most beautiful spots in the globe for a few days? We were lucky enough to do just that and visit Iceland last month, spending a few days in her capital city, Reykjavik. Although is was a bit too early in the season for the 20-hours of daily sunlight that gives Iceland the nickname “land of the midnight sun”, we found Iceland to be one of the most majestic, breathtaking and naturally beautiful countries we have visited yet. One of our favorite finds was Kex Hostel, nestled in on a quiet street just two blocks from Reykjavik’s main drag, Laugavegur.

If sharing lodging with fellow global nomads suits your fancy, you’ll find a growing number of social hostels are breaking out of the traditional hostel format, creating destination properties for what we would consider a generationally-driven subculture of travelers. Kex Hostel is a gem in a sea of such properties. A large part of the appeal is the atmosphere, which we found to be timeless.
The idea for the Kex Hostel came about when a couple of friends were scouting the abandoned biscuit factory (Kex means biscuit in Icelandic) for a movie location. The spot captured their hearts and soon they were imagining the place bustling with lively patrons, great eats and social gatherings. They didn’t at first envision a place for lodging, but upon investigating the space and its infrastructure further, the team realized the value and potential of it all and made plans to build Kex Hostel.

Halfdan Pedersen, a partner in Kex and movie set designer, embarked on the creating the spaced which him and his partners envisioned. All three floors of the old factory were stripped and Pedersen had the perfect blank canvas. Working from references to Bob Dylan, Neil Young, vinyl albums, Björn Borg, Paul Weller, Paul Smith advertisements, barbershops, and industrial buildings, Pedersen’s perfect hang out was conceived. Walls were moved, knocked down, and built. The floors were built with reclaimed wood. Pedersen and his wife travelled all over the US and Europe to outfit Kex with pristine mid century furniture and fixtures, including Amish church benches, lamps from WWII bunkers, Bauhaus lamps, and cabinets from a tabac.

Beyond serving the basic lodging needs of budget minded travelers, Kex Hostel is a destination for the latest Icelandic culture. It’s hosted live music, concerts, movie premieres, and art parties in its lounge areas and outdoor patio (heated of course). Locals frequently drop in to enjoy fresh seafood and craft beer at the gastro pub. From the typography of its stationary its playlists, every small detail of the patron experience has been considered. Kex Hostel has paid careful attention to create a authentic, cool environment, so much so that any previously negative associations with hostel lodging will be erased from your mind. And for those hesitant to stay in room with strangers, don’t worry, Kex offers private rooms.

Skúlagata 28
101 Reykjavík,
Iceland | +354 561 6060

More information at www.kexhostel.is

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La Pause sits 30 km from Marrakesh, or, as it was referred to as in ancient times, the Marrakchi Desert, nestled in the arid Agafay Hills, an exquisite oasis that runs along the Oued riverbeds and has exquisite views across the vast Moroccan wilderness. Nomadic tents are placed around the property, along with a lodge, all made of thick pisé,( traditional mud and straw )(...) Read More about La Pause, Morocco (95 words)

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In 2004 Argentine fashion impresario Alan Faena and Philippe Starck joined forces in Buenos Aires to create the Faena Hotel+Universe. They found A former granary called El Porteno in Puerto Madero and created a “universe” of opulence and fantasy. The adventure begins on arrival, one is met by attendants dressed in Edwardian gear, who usher you into El Catedral, a 300 foot long entrance/hallway, with 10 meter high ceilings, a blood red carpet and stained glass. There is no traditional front desk, (...) Read More about Faena Hotel & Universe, Argentina (263 words)

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French artist and designer Antoine Weygand and architect Roland Toupet have been selected by the Icehotel of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden to design their own room (room 339) called “Diamond Genesis”. They worked the ice like they were carving diamonds playing with the gloss and transparency. Looks gorgeous, but maybe a bit cold.

(...) Read More about Icehotel: Diamond Genesis by Antoine Weygand & Roland Toupet (26 words)

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We love dreaming of Summer in the middle of Winter! And that is why we love taking you with us on the discovery of amazing Hotels. This one here is COMO Shambhala Estate a residential health retreat with luxury villa-style accommodations near Ubud, Bali. With State-of-the-art facilities including a vitality pool, treatment areas beside the River Ayung, a gym, Pilates studio and yoga pavilion. The Suites and Villas can be booked from(...) Read More about Como Shambhala Hotel Resort [Bali] (77 words)

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“One of the strongest, most beautiful, most poetic, most surreal, and most powerful place in nature.” Philippe Stark – La Co(o)rniche Hotel is an extraordinary location. Key landmark in the Pilat-Plage district in Pyla-Sur-Mer near Bordeaux, the vantage point over the Arcachon basin, backing onto the highest dune in Europe, it is suspended between sea and sky, nestling between sand and pines. This former 1930s hunting lodge in the heart of a preserved site, evokes the Golden Age and (...) Read More about La Co(o)rniche Hotel Designed by Philippe Starck [France] (131 words)

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The Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl was re-opened in December 2010, and is a hotel for all the pleasures of the senses. In addition to the indescribable view at 2,456 m above sea level, the finest culinary delights are served in their new Panorama restaurant. The 16 rooms are beautifully paneled with Cembra Pine, from the white pine group native to (...) Read More about Muottas Muragl Hotel [Switzerland] (31 words)

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