Design Hotels Adds Seven New Members

Design Hotels is making moves into new hot spots and old favorites. From the mountains of Oman, the epicurean delights of Paris, to the treetops of Portugal, here are seven new standouts in the Design Hotels family.

Pedras Salgadas spa & nature park, Bornes de Aguiar, Portugal

Pedras Salgadas is a prime example of how sustainable architecture can wrap itself around a centuries old park. Designed by architects Luis and Tiago Rebel de Andrade, the 12 modular eco-houses, two tree houses and one main house all blend with the environment and are conspicuous only for their pitched roofs. All eco-houses feature outdoor decks and floor-to-ceiling windows. The spa takes full advantage of the area's mineral springs.

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Set more than 6,000 feet above sea level, overlooking a gorge, Alila Jabal Akhdar is set high in the mountains of Oman. Opening in April, the hotel's minimalist style includes 78 suites and two villas, alongside Juniper Restaurant and Rouse Lounge, Spa Alila, two pools, a fitness enter and a meeting venue.

Hotel Vernet, Paris, France
Sister property to Hotel Bel Ami, Hotel Vernet is the second member of Design HOtels from Original Anne Jousse and is located steps from the Arc de Triomphe. With a soft opening in March and a full launch in June, the hotel has been transformed from a traditional hotel to a sleep new 50-room boutique by Paris-based architect Francois Champsaur. The 1913 exterior embodies Parisian charm and is complemented by a fresh, modern interior.

Indigo Pearl, Phuket, Thailand
Indigo Pearl has 177 suites and villas. The beachfront resort is constructed with reclaimed building materials and locally crafted furnishings. Complementing the industrial edge are three restaurants, five bars, a cafe, three swimming pools and a spa.

Macakizi, Bodrum, Turkey
The 74-room Macakizi is Turkey's answer to St. Tropez. Operational since 2000, the hotel has open-plan public spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral furniture to give a simple chic feel. The restaurant has became a mecca for jet-setters, while the private beach provides an intimate place to relax.

Parc Hotel Billia, Saint-Vincent, Italy
In a region known for its castles and culinary specialities, Parc Hotel Billia sits at the foot of the Italian Alps. As the first contemporary luxury property in the region, the hotel has 119 rooms. The full alpine experience is on offer with protected wildlife and ski runs reaching the Swiss and French borders.

OD Port Portals, Calvia, Mallorca, Spain
A hot spot for island-hoppers, the OD Port Portals will open in April near the yacht harbor of Puerto Portals. The 77-room hotel took cues from sister property Ocean Drive Hotel in Ibiza, with a retro glam conveyed through design classics, colors and patterns. Luxury at the resort includes not only the private chauffeur service, but also health-conscious cuisine.

For more information visit www.designhotels.com.