Six Hotels That Feed the Soul and the Senses

Step inside worlds where every detail—from the architecture to the art on your plate—tells a story. These six hotels transform travel into a sensory journey, blending visionary design with flavors that capture the spirit of their surroundings. In Athens, minimalist elegance meets bold Greek gastronomy; in Tulum, a beachside sanctuary serves up sustainable Caribbean tastes with a twist. Whether nestled lakeside in Germany or perched above the Aegean Sea, each stays invites you to savor culture, creativity, and connection.

ATHENS, GREECE
A modernist gem in the heart of Athens, Perianth Hotel is known for its minimalist interiors, strong artistic ties, and deep connection to contemporary Greek culture. Now, it extends that ethos to the table with Anther, its newly opened restaurant where Greek gastronomy and design come together in creative harmony. Helmed by chef Nasos Tsironikos (formerly of Milos), Anther serves up refined, seasonal dishes across three menus—think Egg Staka Butter, a twist on a Cretan classic, or a kale salad with Aegina pistachios. The space, designed by En-route-architecture, revolves around a terrazzo bar and features a mural by Eleni Bagaki, hand-painted tableware by Valinia Svoronou, and uniforms by Angelos Bratis, creating a fully immersive dining experience.

BATUMI, GEORGIA
Nestled in the heart of Batumi’s historic Old Town, Rooms Batumi marries the city’s rich maritime heritage with vibrant modern design. Set within a meticulously restored 19th-century building, the hotel offers guests bold, playful interiors with a touch of 1970s flair and sweeping views of the Black Sea and bustling port. Culinary experiences at ROOMS Batumi are as dynamic as its surroundings. Rubber Duck, the farm-to-table restaurant designed like an American diner, serves comfort foods and wholesome dishes crafted by Chef Levan Buadze from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Upstairs, The Kitchen rooftop restaurant elevates dining with a refined menu spotlighting regional seafood and vegetarian creations, perfectly paired with an extensive selection of Georgian and international wines. Guests can enjoy meals while soaking in panoramic 360-degree views or unwind by the rooftop pool.

SIFNOS, GREECE
Stamna Sifnos is a secluded, design-forward retreat nestled in the Cycladic hills just above Apollonia. With only 20 rooms and suites, each adorned with handcrafted olive wood furnishings and locally sourced textiles, the hotel offers a serene escape that honors the island’s artisanal heritage and natural beauty. Stamna Sifnos invites guests to immerse themselves in authentic Cycladic flavors at Pilós, the charming alfresco restaurant led by celebrated Greek chef Gikas Xenakis. Inspired by island traditions and fueled by ingredients from the hotel’s own organic garden and local producers, the menu reinterprets classic recipes with a modern touch. Signature dishes like dolmadaki tartare, shrimp orzo, and eggplant pasticcio pair beautifully with carefully selected Greek wines and creative cocktails infused with regional herbs. Mornings feature island favorites like kalitsounia pies and kagianas, all enjoyed with stunning Aegean Sea views.

ASCONA, SWITZERLAND
Set among palm-lined gardens on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Giardino Asconabrings Tuscan warmth to Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton. A Mediterranean-style retreat that blends laid-back luxury with holistic well-being, the hotel is known for its vibrant design, lush outdoor spaces, and a devotion to sensory pleasure—including on the plate. At its culinary heart is Ecco, a fine dining experience that entered a new chapter in 2024 with the arrival of chef Reto Brändli. A rising star with roots in some of Europe’s top kitchens—Berlin’s Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, St. Moritz’s Cà d’Oro—Brändli brings an emotional, product-focused approach to fine dining. His menu celebrates the purity of regional ingredients while introducing subtle twists, with standout dishes like Brüggli trout with jalapeño and green gazpacho. At Ecco, guests are invited to slow down, savor the moment, and experience the alpine-Mediterranean terroir in every bite.

GONNESWEILER, GERMANY
Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa is located on the serene shores of Bostalsee within the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. The hotel combines modern comfort with a strong commitment to sustainability and regional authenticity. Its culinary offerings reflect this ethos, with the restaurant LUMI showcasing seasonal dishes crafted from ingredients sourced locally and from the hotel’s own gardens. Chef Daniel Schöfisch focuses on traditional techniques such as fermentation and smoking, highlighting regional grains, wild herbs, and fresh produce. The Spa Bistro serves smoothies, homemade cakes, and light bites, while Bar Nox features creative cocktails made with local botanicals and the hotel’s signature Equinox Gin. Lumi Kitchenparty, an immersive dining event combining cooking and storytelling, returns next on 21 September 2025, offering guests a unique, interactive culinary experience. Dining at Seezeitlodge offers guests a genuine taste of the Saarland region’s rich culinary heritage, all within a tranquil lakeside setting.

TULUM, MEXICO
XELA Tulum is a private coastal retreat designed to evoke a relaxed beach house atmosphere, with a warm palette of sand hues, organic woods, woven fibers, and stone finishes. Originally a chic European family’s holiday home, the resort now combines preserved charm with modern amenities, including a serene spa, garden-facing gym, and three unique dining venues. NÜ Tulum, recognized in Mexico’s first Michelin Guide and named one of the five best restaurants in the Yucatán by Travel + Leisure, offers an elevated culinary experience just steps from the hotel. Under the guidance of consulting chef Benjamin Coe—a Tulum culinary icon known for his creativity, zero waste philosophy, and deep commitment to sustainability—NÜ crafts vibrant dishes inspired by the bounty of the Caribbean Sea and Mayan Jungle. The menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cooking methods, creating a true taste of the region’s rich flavors.

For more information, please visit www.designhotels.com.