Embark on a journey through the extraordinary world of hotels shaped by visionaries, where each establishment is a testament to the boundless creativity and innovative spirit of its creators. These visionary hoteliers have transcended conventional hospitality, transforming their dreams into immersive experiences for discerning travelers. From the cutting-edge architectural marvels to eco-conscious retreats, these hotels redefine luxury, weaving a narrative that goes beyond mere accommodation. Join us as we explore the captivating stories behind these visionary creations, where passion, imagination, and a commitment to excellence converge to offer guests a stay that transcends the ordinary.
“Some hotels don’t follow the rules. Travel to Bali, Brazil, Switzerland, Tanzania, and Spain and discover stays that are immersive works of art, each reflecting the unique vision of its creator. ”
Uxua Casa
BRAZIL
Photo property of Uxua Casa
UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is one of the reasons one should visit the Bahia State of Brazil. Enjoy barefoot luxury, one-of-a-kind sustainable design, and genuine warm hospitality. The 11 unique Casitas have been restored and designed by the Diesel creative director Wilbert Das, with help from local artists. Some Casitas date back as far as 500 years! Choose a one, two or three bedroom Casita or the Treehouse - all made from reclaimed materials. Visit the Beach Club, and see why UXUA's Beach Bar is named one of the best in the world. End the day at the spa, inspired by the natural Bahian elements - mangroves, rainforest, sea, and sand. Make sure to try the Almescar Tree Oil Massage, the hotel's signature. All spa products are hand-made from coconut oil, shea butter, Brazil nuts, and dark cocoa grown in the gardens on-site.
Bambu Indah
BALI
Photo property of Bambu Indah
Bambu Indah, translating to "beautiful bamboo" is a unique place, combining antique design with modern green practices in a luxe and welcoming environment, curated by designers and long term residents of Bali and visionaries, John and Cynthia Hardy. The lodge sits across from the Ayung River and overlooks rice fields, surrounded by a large eco-pool with the purest water and stones from the mountains, where you can jump in from a swinging rope. Stay at one of the authentic Javanese teak wood houses, where you have plenty of choice depending on your style and size of the party. Udang House, or Shrimp House is one of the most unique accommodations in Bali. Sitting on top of a shrimp pond, the house's glass floor lets you get it on the action. Fall asleep to glistening water inside your bedroom. Wake up with morning yoga at Minang House - a black bamboo construction, where no wall is straight. Each curve represents the rising full moon. The place is perfect for finding balance and peace.
The Slow
BALI
Photo property of The Slow
The Slow is a boutique hotel and culture hub of art, architecture, music and gastronomy on the coast of Canguu, Bali, founded by George Gorrow, a designer turned hotelier. Enjoy minimal, tropical design with locally made furniture. Choose The Slow Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows, opening up to the views of the village or Canggu beach; or the Pool Suite for a large private space with a plunge pool and lush garden surroundings. Enjoy the in-house restaurant and art gallery, as well as the cool, laid-back atmosphere.
7132 Hotel
SWITZERLAND
Photo property of 7132 Hotel
7132 Hotel is a remote luxury hotel in Vals, Switzerland. Surrounded by mountains, valleys, and trees, the retreat is a design haven, perfect for exploring Swiss nature and personal wellness. Stay in one of the unique rooms created by architects Ando, Kuma, Mayne and Zumthor; all with expansive views of the mountainscape. The Kengo Kuma Rooms are reminiscent of Japanese teahouses and the Mayne rooms are inspired by wood and stone, with the glass shower being the focal point of the room. The main draw of 7132 is the architectural masterpiece that are the thermal baths, made from 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite and filled with 30° Celsius St. Peter’s spring. Enjoy the unique serene atmosphere; and hop between the fire pool, the ice pool, the blossom pool or the spring grotto.
Zuri Zanzibar
TANZANIA
Photo property of Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar is a boutique design hotel on the Unguja island of the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania, just a few degrees away from the equator, created by entrepreneur Václav Dejčmar. With 300 metres of private beach, a stunning cliff backdrop, and a spice garden, you will find a truly unique escape. Stay in one of 55 Jestico + Whiles-designed bungalows, suites and beach villas, complete with thatched roofs, private terraces, hammocks, and modern-meets-traditional African design. Take an outdoor shower with nothing but the ocean in your view for a true inside/outside living experience. Relax and take in Zanzibar's unique atmosphere from Zuri's own Spice Garden - a lush oasis for your senses, which took over two years to create.
Casa Cacao
SPAIN
Jordi Roca is an award-winning pastry chef of the three Michelin star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain. Roca’s journey to South America’s Amazon regions to connect with the most ancient, mystical, and transformative ingredient - cacao, was the first stepping stone in the creation of his experiential hotel Casa Cacao, and, ultimately, finding the soul of the cocoa bean.
Casa Cacao is located in a historic building in Plaça Catalunya in Girona, Spain. The boutique hotel is complete with 15 suites, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the old town, and most importantly, a chocolate factory, shop and bar. Six different kinds of chocolates with six unique origins are available for purchase at the shop. The source destinations include the Dominican Republic; Peru – where the beans are purchased from the awajun community in the Peruvian Amazon; the arhuacos community in Sierra Nevada, Colombia; as well as Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela.
Room + Wild is the leading content platform for landscape-enhanced architecture, ecotourism, nature-based destinations, and sustainable travel experiences. We work with extraordinary retreats all over the world to inspire, influence, and spread awareness of landscape architecture, environmental initiatives, and earth mindfulness.