BLACKBOOK Soft earth BLACKBOOK Soft earth tones and classic British furnishings are the hallmarks at the soon-to-be unveiled Rosewood London ON THE RADAR DUBAI RISING Amid the soaring towers of Dubai’s fast transforming Business Bay, The Oberoi, which made its debut in June, has more to offer than just dizzying views of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. While its 252 rooms – including its two 235sq m Presidential Suites – boast generous floor-to-ceiling windows and bold artwork by Indian painter Mrinmoy Barua, the hotel doles up a trio of Asian fusion restaurants, including Umai, where the UAE’s only licensed Fugu chef prepares Japanese blowfish. No surprise, then, that it’s here you’ll find the city’s sole first look COMING UP ROSES Situated in historic Holborn, where Dickens famously put pen to paper, an Edwardian edifice that celebrates its centenary next year has been triumphantly recast as the Rosewood London. Though maintaining the building’s Grade IIlisted hallmarks, like its Pavonazzo marble staircase and wrought-iron carriageway entrance, interior designer Tony Chi has given the property a fresh, understated look, while of-the-moment designer Martin Brudnizki has created one of two eateries helmed by restaurateur Des McDonald. Fashioned to the tune of £85 million, the property also features a signature Sense spa as well as the commodious 585sq m Grand Manor House Wing, one of 44 suites that comprise the 306-key hotel. Rooms from £350; rosewoodhotels.com CHI-TOWN CHIC The Windy City got a fresh dose of luxe this summer with The Langham Chicago, a 316-room property complete with 2,044sq m spa and elegant Mediterranean eatery by chef Tim Graham. Rooms from 5; chicago.langhamhotels.com HOTEL BUZZ BEACHSIDE BLISS Set on the unspoilt surrounds of the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll, the forthcoming 66-key Maalifushi by COMO will boast three overwater villas, a Japanese restaurant and lush interiors made from locally sourced materials. Rooms from 0; comohotels.com/maalifushi 24-hour-spa, which aside from an extensive treatment menu and Clarins-trained therapists, offers yoga lessons by world-renowned yoga whizz Priyanka Chowdhury. Rooms from 4; oberoihotels.com/oberoi_dubai D E PA R T U R E S FRESH NEW FACE Singapore’s design-savvy Naumi Hotel emerges from a multimillion dollar overhaul this September both bigger and better, with an Indian restaurant, 33 additional rooms and a swish new look courtesy of local design firm White Jacket. Rooms from 6; naumihotel.com at - m o r e I N T E R N AT S e e I O N A L Check out more designer digs online . C O M CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: DURSTON SAYLOR, SHUTTERSTOCK, © OBEROI HOTELS & RESORTS, © NAUMI, SIMON WHITBREAD, © THE LANGHAM HOTELS & RESORTS 44 departures-international.com CONTACT PLATINUM CARD SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS by CLAUDIA WHITEUS
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