PUBLIC MARKS with tags hotel & design

1. Make service the No. 1 priority. At the time of opening, says Rota, “Ownership and management hoped that it would be the clean design and high-end amenities that would set it apart from its three-star brethren. Though they did not hurt, it was service that grabbed out guests’ attention and has driven the hotel to lead in rate. It sounds like a poster in the back office, but it’s not—service is our culture.” A quick glance at the many OTA reviews citing “friendly staff” shows that guests overwhelmingly agree.

The demarked region of Douro, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2001 and home to some of the Best Wines of Portugal, is the oldest demarked wine region in the world and is celebrating its 250th anniversary. The region has over 250 thousand hectares that run from the Baixo Corgo area (near Vila Nova de Gaia) to Douro Superior (near the Spanish border). This is where Port Wine is made, appreciated and recognized all over the world; the sellers lay along the South Douro river bank, in Vila Nova de Gaia, and may be visited.

In the charming and attractive town of Anacapri, on the most exclusive part of the Isle of Capri in Italy, is the luxurious Capri Palace, located on the foot of Mount Solano on a place with superb views over the Mediterranean Sea. Dating from the mid 20th century, the hotel was recently refurbished. This process involved considerable alterations whilst still maintaining its classical Mediterranean style and conveying a noble and distinguished design which can be witnessed on the palace’s stone floor, its archways and the enveloping columns.

Located on a cliff facing Brava beach in Buzios, Brasil, the contemporary Brava Hotel with its New Mexico style and innovative architecture for the region is the creation of Marcelo de la Peña. The overall mood of the spaces is one of tranquillity and relaxation, where the light colours of the various fabrics contrast with the browns of the wood used in the decor. Inside the extravagant doors and high ceilings stand out, on the outside emphasis falls on the swimming pool’s panoramic terrace with superb views of the horizon.

Deep in the heart of Andalusia, between the towns of Cordoba, Malaga, Seville, and Granada, is the luxurious Barceló La Bobadilla, fruit of the philosophy and vision of the famous architect from Granada, Jesús del Valle. Perfectly in harmony with nature, this hotel can be found in a magnificent 350 hectares private sanctuary, replete with hills and valleys covered in wild flowers, aromatic herbs, olive trees, almond trees, and holm oaks. This paradise is also home to several species of birds and deer that may be seen during hikes, cycling, or horseback riding.