Design Crush-Hotel N'vY Geneva

It's the kids spring break and with my two older kids studying in London and Scotland respectively, we decided to cross the pond this year and hit the slopes in Courchevel France. We would all be meeting up in Geneva first, my eleven year old and I spending the night before at the Hotel N'vY, (like envy) a chic boutique hotel a little off the beaten path in downtown Geneva but definitely worth a visit.

We arrived at night to a bustling modern lobby filled with cosy, mod seating areas, fantastic art on display and house music playing softly in the background. There was a shocked smile of approval from my daughter who seemed surprised I found such a hip place to stay. Ok, I was a little shocked I found such a cool place to stay too. We took the elevator up to our room, spacious and modern, furnished with Frette linens and robes, Etro bath products and an amazing sound system--really the perfect home away from home.

Famished after our flight went down to the lounge area and ordered delicious $35 hamburgers and a $22 vodka for mom. Geneva is so expensive! The hotel resident DJ played great house music and we stayed in the lounge for a while unwinding from our trip and admiring some of the impressive art at the hotel. N'vY is known for their spectacular collection which permeates every area of the hotel, from celebrated graffiti artist Meres One to Thierry Guetta, aka "Mr. Brainwash", a French urban artist now living in the US. 

Back up to our room and ensconced in our terry robes my daughter remarked that she could get used to N'vY...me too!

TRAVEL DESTINATION-TOPPING ROSE HOUSE BRIDGEHAMPTON

While there's no lack of chic hotels and picturesque B and B's in the Hamptons, there is surely room for one more, especially if that new resort is housed in a stately Greek Revival with a restaurant manned by uber chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio.The long neglected Bulls Head Inn, a beautiful Greek Revival on Bridgehampton's Main Street, had been bought by a group of investors, and after extensive renovations, has been rechristened the Topping Rose House after the man who built it in 1842, Abraham Topping Rose.

The home, with its flat roof, cupola, pilasters and frieze band, was designed in a local version of the Greek Revival style, which was immensely popular throughout the country at the time. Behind the house is its barn, a two-story wood structure with a peaked-gable roof with a cupola perched on top. Painstaking renovations have brought the buildings up to modern standards while keeping as much intact from the original structures as possible. Portico's and porches which had been part of the original structure, have been restored as have the original windows and doors. A new stylish spa and a handful of cottages were added in the back of the property, leaving the front of the house unspoiled and simply stunning.  

Renovations

 The rooms are beautifully appointed with a cosy mix of modern amenities and a fresh, classic decor. Muted grays and creams are married with colorful rugs-rustic wainscoting and bead boards bring a touch of East End glamour.

Seasonal American cooking will be the focus of Colicchio's menu's with fresh and local produce taking center stage.

The barn, party ready!

Topping Rose House

Bridgehampton, New York

toppingrosehouse.com

   

DESTINATION-STYLISH ST. BARTS

While it's been a few years since I've visited the beautiful island of St. Barts, its hard to forget the warm turquoise waters and stunning vistas of this stylish island.  Its French essence is imbued in the island's chic architecture and haute cuisine creating a luxurious, unforgettable destination vacation. Paradise is a day spend on picturesque Saline Beach, a remote stretch of sand that is reached only after a brisk climb and a nights stay at one of the islands luxurious villas.  My pick? The opulent Villa Vitti, a posh five bedroom villa perched above Shell beach with stunning ocean views, a cantilevered pool and a decidedly Zen vibe. 

Anyone for a swim?

TRAVEL DESTINATION- HOTEL V, AN ANDALUSIAN HIDEAWAY

We got our first snowfall last night. It was a blustery downpour that thankfully, left just a dusting over the city this morning. I'm just not ready for winter; in fact, my mind is still somewhere on the sunny Costa del Sol coast of Spain, waking up in my room at the stylish Hotel V. 

 The Hotel V is located in the Old Town of Vejer de la Frontera, a charming, picturesque village on the Costa de la Luz.

Ancient cobblestone streets wind through town and lead you up, up, up to the hotel.  No taxis are allowed, so keep your stilettos home!

The small hotel has been restored from a 16th century house, retaining its old world charm while embracing chic, contemporary appointments.

The interior courtyard features a grass carpeted sitting area with traditional wood chairs and beautiful trees, perfect for lounging.

The bedrooms are filled with furniture and textiles from local artisans; it's both simple and luxurious.

 My favorite spot to unwind--the rooftop deck with comfy chaise chairs and a water-filled stone patio.

The ancient town 

Breathtaking views of the countryside and only a ten minute ride to the beach!

AT HOME IN ITALY-AND A BOOK GIVEAWAY

Italian Style-the perfect blend of light, proportion and color in Italian interior design comes together spectacularly in the book At Home In Italy, Under The Summer Sun (Vendome, NY).  Nicoletta del Buono, Editor of AD Italia along with photographer Massimo Listri brings to life the sun-drenched landscapes and lush tradional interiors of over 30 Italian homes. If you're as smitten with Italian design and architecture as I am, you will find yourself leafing through its vibrant pages pining for the next flight to Rome. 

The next best thing--grab a cappuccino and enter the giveway to win your own copy of At Home In Italy!

To enter the giveaway:

Leave a comment on Hampton Hostess

Like Hampton Hostess on Facebook and tell me

Tweet about the giveaway and let me know

Google friend Hampton Hostess

the winner will be announced this Thursday, Sept. 20th

good luck and Happy Monday!

BEHIND THE PRIVET-A VISIT TO THE CAPE

This Cape Cod property caught my eye because of its unusual and surprising mix of architectural elements. The guest house appears first, a traditional Cape, with a gambrel roof and shingled exterior, a pretty and sophisticated home typical of the New England area.  Behind the guest house, the main residence sits on a private island reached by a narrow wooden footbridge. The main house, completed in 2002, is an enchanting mix of modern and traditional elements, with an imposing jutting roofline and beadboard and arched windows, giving the home a playful, quirky appeal. The interiors have a beachy, relaxed vibe with a soft, muted palette, that compliment the gorgeous water views. I'm smitten with the master bedroom wing, which is all glassy and modern with a spectacular winged roofline that looks ready to fly away! 

TOWERING ORCHIDS

I hope you all had a fantastic long holiday weekend. The weather in New York was fabulous on Saturday, perfect for a field trip to the New York Botanical Garden and the annual Orchid Show.  Full disclosure, I do not have a green thumb when it comes to orchids, but I absolutely love their delicate beauty and can't resist keeping them around the house for as long as they will have me! This year's show was designed by the famous French botanist Patrick Blanc, who is known for his lush, gravity-defying vertical gardens which have appeared in major cities around the world. I saw one of his installations in Madrid last year, a stunning verdant tower,  and knew that he would not disappoint with exotic orchids. Blanc used thousands of orchids and companion planting as his palette to create a series of towering spectacles inside the Haupt Conservatory, the most impressive is a 26-foot tall "Green Wall" bursting with lush tropical life. The installation is breathtaking and a must see if you are in town. The show runs through April 22nd so hurry!