We would never knock a well-executed crisp n’ simple minimalist aesthetic, but sometimes a ravishing, character-packed pad is all the more pleasing. So if you’re the sort of bohemian excessivist who lives by the mantra of more-is-more, check yourself into one of these spirited, maximalist dollies.
Hotel du Petit Moulin, Paris
Colour abounds in this adorable dollhouse imagined by French fash maven Christian Lacroix. Hidden behind a bakery facade, in the smart Le Marais district, are 16 distinctly different petit pads wrapped in playfully nostalgic wallpapers and luxurious linens. What some extra space? Take the up-sized Junior Suite with vaulted ceilings and polka dots aplenty. 29 Rue de Poitou, 3rd, Paris. +33 1 42 74 10 10. hotelpetitmoulinparis.com
Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire
Soho House’s out-of-town escape is like staying with an eccentric old chum. Spread over 100 acres of idyllic English countryside, the rustic-chic cabins and cottages sport country florals, shab-chic furniture, roaring log fires and roll-top baths. Outdoorsy pursuits include horse-riding, crazy golf, boating and tennis; there’s a plush cinema, bowling, in/out pools and Cowshed spa to keep you occupied on rainy days. 1 Tracey Farm Cottages, Great Tew, Chipping Norton. +44 1608 691000. sohofarmhouse.com
Crosby Street Hotel, New York
Design doyenne Kit Kemp brings her distinct breezy n’ original aesthetic to this mawkish Manhattan miss. Individually-styled rooms are a tactile kaleidoscope of complementing fabrics with paisley bedheads, striped walls, ornamental furniture and framed antique wall hangings, while the sumptuous, textured Drawing Room is stacked with objets d’art. 79 Crosby St, SoHo, New York. +1 212 226 6400. firmdalehotels.com
Hotel Tugu, Bali
This opulent beachside retreat is every bohemian’s rhapsody. Situ’d on the edge of surf spot Echo Beach, the decadent, bold-hued chambers are studded with Indonesian wood carvings, textiles and antiques drawn from the owner’s extensive collection. Try to nab the romantique, pond-perched Le Mayeur villa. If you like what you spy, stop by the boutique for museum-quality pieces to take home with you. Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu Beach, Bali. +62 361 4731 702. tuguhotels.com
Four Seasons, Florence
It’s frescos, tapestries and brocades a go-go at this regal romancer sprawled across a garden-surrounded palazzo and convent. Nature-loving nymphs should request the Noble Suite replete with murals of verdant vines and birds, Baroque-style furny and private balcony; or go all out and opt for the Medici-worthy Presidential Suite at La Villa for original painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Borgo Pinti, 99, Florence. +39 055 26261. fourseasons.com
Hotel The Designers, Seoul
18 designers were given carte blanche to imagine the interiors of this boutique bower, and the results are quirky-cool without resorting to kitsch. The original, individually decorated rooms span cartoon-like ship’s cabins and woodsy lodges, to abodes covered top-to-toe in graffiti art and mirrors. 373-9 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. +82 2 326 5801. hotelthedesigners.com
Hotel Palisade, Sydney
Once a nap n’ grog stop for sailors, this heritage stay has been spruced by Sydney’s leading maximalist maven Sibella Court. Nine studios are decked out with hand-painted marine murals, locally found curios and bespoke light fittings. Downstairs the dinkum deco Public House is all peeling paint and globe lights, while the rooftop Henry Deane salon shows off stunning harbour views and a curvy brass bar. 35 Bettington St, Millers Point, Sydney. +61 2 9018 0123. hotelpalisade.com
AC Santo Mauro, Madrid
Once the plush digs of the Duke of Santo Mauro, this serene Beaux-Arts manor keeps its rooms contemporary and understated, but the ravishing Red Lounge and fantastically floral Chinese Lounge up the maxi ante with lashings of layered silks, sconces and carefully mismatched furnishings. Calle de Zurbano, 36, Chamberi, Madrid. +34 913 19 69 00. marriott.com.au
– Published 23 November 2016.
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