Couture Casas II
ARMED WITH COUTURE ACUMEN, LUXURY FASHION HOUSES TRAIN THEIR SIGHTS ON HOSPITALITY. AS DESIGN HOUSES TRANSFER THEIR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO HOTELS, ASISH SAMANTA AND NEHA NAIR ROHERA DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE BEST IN LUXURY ABODES CREATED BY= PREMIER NAMES IN= COUTURE

With the rise in designer resorts and hotels across the globe, the luxury traveller is at home anywhere in the world in these aspirational couture casas.

ARMANI HOTELS AND RESIDENCES
Armani Hotel, Burj, Dubai: After a great run at creating a lifestyle statement with Armani Casa, designer Giorgio Armani has now turned his attention to a wider canvas—couture hotels. Scheduled to open next year, his first property is set in Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building. Armani, in collaboration with Emaar Properties, is personally overseeing all of the hotel's design elements, including its 140 rooms, its restaurants, and the spa, as well as outfitting 144 condos.

The Armani Hotel in Burj, Dubai will have 160 guest rooms and suites, restaurants and a spa, covering more than 40,000 square metres. The hotel and 144 exclusive Armani residences will be fully decorated with furnishings from Armani Casa to give it that distinctive Armani touch. Subtle elegance and practicality transform the interiors into a natural habitat for style aficionados.

Armani Hotel Milano: Ten other

Every aspect of the Armani Hotel Milano is a reflection of my aesthetic philosophy, and its position will offer my guests the chance to experience a complete Armani lifestyle.

After facing destruction during World War II, the Borro villa was acquired by the Ferragamo family in 1993 and meticulously restored to its pristine condition

Armani hotels in cities such as Milan, London, and New York are also in the offing. The glittering skyline of Milan will soon have another star sparkling bright—Armani Hotel Milano. A capital of fashion, Milan now boasts of yet another couture casa where one can live in the la of luxury. Armani loyalists can luxuriate in surroundings bearing the designer’s distinctive touch. This top-of-the-line hotel, located at Via Manzoni 31, was formerly known as the Assicurazioni Generali building. It was designed by Enrico A. Griffini in 1937 and has statues by Marcello Mascherini representing the patron saints of Milan, Venice and Trieste adorning its exterior. In Armani’s own words, “Every aspect of the hotel is a reflection of my aesthetic philosophy, and its position, above the Manzoni 31 concept store, will offer my guests the chance to experience a complete Armani lifestyle.

I believe the hotel’s design will perfectly fit the spirit of Milan as capital of style, whilst offering a new experience of hospitality within its fashion district.” Armani Residences: Another project the designer has lent his vision to is the Armani Residences in Marassi, Emaar’s flagship resort development in Egypt. Based on the ‘Live with Armani’ philosophy, the Armani Residences, Marassi will be set on the Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay, one of the most scenic beaches in the country. The resort-style residences are a combination of stacked villas and three- and four-bedroom villas, all facing the Mediterranean Sea.

The property is spread across 1,544 acres of tourist land. Its reputation as the best stretch of beach on the North Coast and the pleasant weather makes this an all-year-round destination. The vast property has premier leisure amenities including a world-class beach resort, a vibrant town centre, marina, golf course and hotels set amidst lush greenery and lagoons. Giorgio Armani has drawn the most out of the favourable climate and location by creating classical areas qualified by space, light and structural order. His architecture is based on the functionality and aesthetics of volume, light and surface. Each villa features a private pool. Common area amenities include retail outlets, a boardwalk lounge, a health club, a resort club, a screening room, swimming pools and pool decks. Added benefits include a designated reception and drop-off points for the convenience of residents and guests.

The décor and bespoke finish of all homes are designed by Giorgio Armani himself with an exclusive range of Armani Casa home furnishings to complete the Armani lifestyle experience. These residences also feature automated systems for security, as well as temperature, drapery control, lighting and airconditioning.
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO – ESTATE IL BORRO TUSCANY, ITALY
An erstwhile summer residence for royalty, the Borro villa is a magnificent estate. After facing destruction during World War II, the villa was acquired by the Ferragamo family in 1993 and meticulously restored to its pristine condition.

The estate and the surrounding village have been designed to give discerning travellers a peek into rural Tuscan life. The 700-hectare-plus estate encompasses four communes—Laterina, Loro Cuiffena, Terranuova Bracciolini and Castiglion Fibocchi. Exploring the rustic surroundings will lead you to some delightful sights and sounds. Nestled at the foot of the Pratomagno Mountains, the estate is drenched in ribbons of mist at dawn. Vineyards, olive trees and walnut groves add to your connection with nature during your stay. The accommodation is lavish to say the least. The medieval village and farmhouses have been restored, maintaining the individuality of each one.

Country houses like the Borro Aviatore, Borro Berti and Borro Ciapi offer comfort and privacy, with individual features such as a private terrace and garden. The Borro Guerriero is situated at the very heart of the piazza. This large villa is suited for parties. The Chiocci Alto, a two-house independent villa complex built on three levels, offers a fully-equipped kitchen, a sitting room and dining room, with panoramic views of the valley. Four double bedrooms, a Turkish bath and a gymnasium are what set the Alto a class apart. A connecting house next door includes two bedrooms, a sitting room and a kitchen.

A swimming pool and a terrace with a pool house, within the complex, revel in the company of the surrounding olive groves. The highlight of the estate is the Il Borro villa in its seven-storeyed splendour. It places at the guest’s disposal a butler, room maids, a dinner chef and a receptionist. After a complimentary breakfast, a hearty Tuscan lunch buffet is laid out. For dinner, the chef can arrange a formal gala meal or a more intimate one. Horseback rides, flying lessons, hot air balloons and golf are some of the activities on hand. The Osteria del Borro, the restaurant of Il Borro is another beautiful place. Three separate and intimate rooms make up the restaurant’s ambience. The selective customer now is spoilt for choice in extreme luxury living. Check in and indulge in your fantasy of not only wearing fashion, but living it