FINE (ART) DINING IN NEW YORK

It would have been easy to design the Guggenheim Museum’s new Wright Restaurant, which opens to the public Friday, exactly as Frank Lloyd Wright himself would have wanted it: among the 400 drawings he made for the 1959 building, a few were devoted to a ground-floor dining space, though not one particularly suited to a contemporary audience. “The layout was very simple, almost monastic, with clusters of tables aligned with the portholes,” said the architect Andre Kikoski, who designed the restaurant. But, as he explained, “it wasn’t conducive to social interaction, and it certainly wasn’t about the integration of art.” Rather than executing Wright’s original sketches, Kikoski turned the space — most recently a generic cafeteria with brown carpeting — into a modern homage to the legendary architect, who designed the museum to harmonize with the artwork within.

The Guggenheim commissioned one of Kikoski’s friends and neighbors, the artist Liam Gillick, to develop a site-specific piece that runs around the walls and up the ceiling. Made of extruded aluminum in shades of yellow and orange, it helps museumgoers make a connection between the restaurant and what goes on in the adjacent rotunda.

But most of Kikoski’s efforts were spent attempting to evoke the movement of the building’s signature ramp — short of making diners seasick, of course — by exaggerating the arced perspective of the room and filling it with highly tactile materials. “The same way you view the art differently from different points in the spiral, what you see from across the space isn’t the same as what you see when you get closer,” he said. The wall behind the Corian bar is lined in fiber-optic wood; the metal bar front has a textured patina; and mesh stretched behind the blue leather banquettes is patterned with a tiny version of Wright’s “primitive initial,” the football-like shape of the rotunda’s columns and fountain, which formed the basis for Kikoski’s floor plan. Wright, whose many utopian fantasies were on view in the Guggenheim’s recent 50th anniversary retrospective, was never shy about embracing the future. It’s nice to see the museum thinks along the same lines. (via The Moment)

Philip Greenberg

DESIGN HOTELS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Another great year is coming quickly to a close for the Design Hotels team… After a very successful company meeting and a week full of great ideas and efforts, we celebrated the end of 2009 with a fantastic party at the hottest restaurant in Berlin- the newly opened Luchs Restaurant at the Lux 11 Berlin Mitte. Not sure what was enjoyed the most between the delicious antipasti, the ravioli, or the main courses (succulent Sea Bass and Guinea Fowl)… or was it the wine and special “Luchs” beer… or was it the restaurant itself….?

Regardless, a great time was had by all this year and we look forward to sharing the spirit of the holiday season with all of you through our Advent Calendar which is currently in progress- check it out for your chance to win vouchers, bags, books, and other special prizes!

MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS, BERLIN

Last night I scored some “audience participation” tickets to the MTV EMA (Euro Music Awards) which took place here in Berlin at the O2 arena across from the Design Hotels HQ. The show was pretty entertaining and remarkably organized- I guess as their 16th EMA show, they should be pretty good by now. Some highlights via iPhone camera…

David Hasselhoff

Katy Perry

Green Day

NORTHERN UGANDA

Our Water Program Director Becky Straw recently returned from Northern Uganda, where it all began for charity: water. In 2006, donors funded the first set of wells in a refugee camp that desperately needed clean water. Today, thanks to your continued help, we have 88 clean water projects serving over 58,000 people in Uganda. I hope Becky’s story touches you as it touched many people here in our office.  - Scott Harrison

Will the beautiful women of the world please stand up. Driving down a bumpy road in the middle of Northern Uganda, we’re kicking up dust as we head into the rural countryside. I was traveling with teams from two other non-profit organizations to evaluate the work of our shared local partner, Joy Drilling, who was drilling wells and training communities in sanitation and hygiene. Before piling in, I make a last minute decision to jump into the truck’s flatbed. The Ugandan drilling crew looks stunned that I’d do such a thing, but I didn’t care. I’m happy to suffer a little dust for the view.

I have a pretty incredible job. As charity: water’s Water Program Director, I travel to some of the most desperate places on earth in search of clean water. And while the landscape changes, there’s always one thing that remains the same: the women are always walking. Whether I’m trekking the mountains of Haiti, taking cover from a rainstorm in rural Liberia, or tramping through the jungles of Central African Republic, the women are always carrying water.

From my vantage point in the truck, I watch women gather up their children and move to the edge of the road to let us pass. Their feet are gnarled and calloused: a result of thousands of miles walked barefoot over rocks and mud. With babies strapped to their backs, their brightly colored skirts sway and their knees quiver and brace under the weight of water and children. Most balance pails on their heads, while some grip 80 pounds of water with sweaty palms, a bright yellow 5-gallon Jerry Can in each hand.

I’m in awe of how they manage. But of course, they have no choice. The average woman in Africa walks three miles every day for water. Often, it’s water from putrid rivers or disease-infested swamps. Worldwide, women are more than twice as likely as men to collect drinking water.

Without warning, our truck suddenly swerves off the road and up over an embankment. Dried corn stalks thump against the side of the truck as we plow through a field. My knuckles are white as I try to hold on and not bounce out.

Moments later, we find ourselves in a clearing and in the middle of a huge celebration. Esther, our photographer, pokes her head out the window, smiles, and yells back at me, “Looks like our mission’s been compromised!” I usually prefer to surprise communities by our arrival because it makes it easier to monitor how our water points are functioning without hundreds of people watching. But once you visit a few communities in the neighborhood, rumors of your presence spread like wildfire.

We jump out of the truck and walk into a party. The women meet us with exuberant cheering and dancing. Pure and loud joy rocks the village.

This is when I meet Helen Apio. While most women hung back politely, Helen jumps toward me and screams two inches from my face. Technically, it’s singing. But the high-pitched shrieking is so loud and reverberates with such energy and emotion, I know I have to talk with her.

She tells me about the new freshwater well in her village. “I am happy now,” Helen beams. “I have time to eat, my children can go to school. And I can even work in my garden, take a shower and then come back for more water if I want! I am bathing so well.”

A few of the men chuckle to hear a woman talk about bathing. But all I notice is Helen’s glowing face, the fresh flowers in her hair, and the lovely green dress she wore for special occasions. Touching her forearm, I reply, “Well, you look great.” “Yes,” she pauses. Placing both hands on my shoulders and smiling, she said, “Now, I am beautiful.”

That really hits me. My job is to focus on sustainable development, health, hygiene and sanitation; to make sure charity: water’s projects are working in 20 years. But nowhere on any of my surveys or evaluations is a place to write, “Today we made someone feel beautiful.”

How Helen became beautiful is the real story. Before she had clean water, she would wake up before dawn, take her only two 5-gallon Jerry Cans and walk almost a mile and a half to the nearest water point, which happened to be at a school. Because there simply wasn’t enough water for the area’s population, she’d wait in line with hundreds of other women who also valued clean water. Helen’s only other option was to skip the wait and collect contaminated water from a pond.

Helen spent most of her day walking and waiting. She tells me each day she’d say to herself, “How should I use this water today? Should I water my garden so we can grow food? Should I wash my children’s uniforms? Should I use it to cook a meal? Should we drink this water?” With two children, one husband and 10 gallons, Helen had to make choices.

I see the shame in her eyes when she describes how she would return from her long trek to find her two young children waiting for her. They were often sent home from school because their uniforms were dirty. Helen just never had enough water.

I see now why she is so eager to scream out her joy and gratitude. She wants me to understand that this gift from charity: water was real. With the new well in her village, her life is transformed. She now has choices. Free time. Options. Also, Helen has been chosen to be the Water Committee Treasurer, collecting nominal fees from 51 households to use for the maintenance of their well. Water Committees are often the first time women are ever elected to leadership positions in villages.

Last month, Helen was standing in line waiting for water.
This month, she’s standing up for her community. And now, she is beautiful.

- Becky Straw
photos by: Esther Havens

SKI SEASON BEGINS AT THE MAVIDA BALANCE HOTEL & SPA!

The Mavida Balance Hotel & Spa is the newest member of the Travel Diaries family. Located in beautiful Zell am See in Austria, the Mavida combines modern design, comfortable rooms and spa facilities, with a wide variety of nearby activities including Skiing, hiking, golf, and biking. I had the pleasure of spending a few nights there a while ago and had a fantastic and rejuvinating experience! (below are some pictures…)

The Mavida wanted to let us in on the latest activities taking place on the nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier skiing area. With early snow already powdering the trails, they recommdended a visit for the “white start” or the “Kästle test tour” for ski-freaks and beginners alike! Make a long wkend out of a trip to the Mavida which is located not too far from Salzburg or Munich and enjoy the local dish, “tafelspitz” and some of the famous Grüner Veltliner wine (Mavida is featured in our recent Wine List special)!

OKTOBERFEST IN SINGAPORE!

Our Singapore office made us proud representing the best of both worlds (Singapore and Germany) during the annual Oktoberfest part in the normally conservative and pristine city state. David, our Asia Pac Director of Sales and Marketing sent this message from the middle of the party…

“End of September, 2000 people under a tent, a full cow cooking, mountains of weißtwurst, Jägermeister and of course the frauleins with the beers, does it sound like Munich?   No it was Singapore last Friday, thank you Lufthansa!”  Makes us proud!

While in Singapore, check out the New Majestic Hotel which is currently featured in our  Sexy list.

WE´RE JUST SAYING…

Sweden is a beautiful country with a lot to offer including nature, sports, fashion, design, excellent food… the list goes on and on. However, in 1968 a little known film called “Sweden, Heaven and Hell” attempted to warn us all of Sweden´s hedonistic side that includes things like “meter maids who wear uniforms by day and nothing at night!”

While we agree the the country definitely has a number of beautiful people, we like to think that since the movie´s inauspicious debut 40 years ago, the rest of the world has opened up to the democracy and liberal attitude which can been seen in this preview.

Check out our Swedish hotels here!

EXCELLENT NEWS FOR BALI TRAVELLERS…

Bali is one of our most popular, exotic, and beautiful destinations! Design Hotels has a number of fantastic member hotels and resorts on the island that offer everything from authentic tastes and culture to the pinnacle of luxury. Surfing, diving, and ultimate relaxation await travellers…

As an island that is part of Indonesia, many travellers invariably end up flying through Jakarta´s international airport, Surabaya Juanda Intl.   Good news for them- the national Culture and Toruism Ministry has just awarded their 2009 toilet award to the airport for “Clean Public Toilet.”  (Especially good news during return flight layovers for those of you not accustomed to the spice of the island).

Anyone interested in visiting Bali, and the amazing toilets at the Jakarta airport, check out our hotels in Bali, and our special offer currently offering 4 nights for the price 3 at the Uma Ubud resort!

JAMAICAN ME CRAZY! A VISIT TO THE ROCKHOUSE

After a long summer of anticipation last week I enjoyed my vacation to The Rockhouse, our member hotel  in the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica.  As a longtime member of Design Hotels the Rockhouse is one of those hotels that, through its images,  simply connotes relaxation, natural beauty, faint sounds of Bob Marley songs, and general island living…  This is the vacation that everybody dreams of!

I can easily say that my week at the Rockhouse was one of my most memorable vacations ever.  The hotel itself, the staff, the local flavor, the food, and the nature all work together to create an experience that exceeded all expectations.  One aspect of the hotel that I wanted to elaborate on is the idea of “local integration” and the fact that the hotel does it so well, it completely blurs and almost dissolves lines between tourist, local and hotel guest.  The staff is made of the friendliest, most competent, and most charming people who truly represent the country of Jamaica.  They go beyond the call of duty to facilitate experiences from snorkeling to dining to seeing the real Jamaica.  Additionally, the committment that the hotel has made through the Rockhouse Foundation has engrained the benvolent culture of the hotel outside of the property by building needed school facilities and a public library nearby.  The Foundation has raised in excess of $1million for these projects in the last few years and while the hotel does not use it as a marketing device, it is obvious that they take it extremely seriously.

I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Rockhouse for anyone interested in planning a vacation.  There is a reason that it is one of the most popular hotels in the Caribbean and these become obvious upon arrival.  Big Thanks to Charlotte, Damian, Fab, Peter, Paul and the whole Rockhouse team!

The view from the aquamarine water…

T MAGAZINE 5TH ANNIVERSARY AT STANDARD NYC

Our friends at The Crane.tv were recently in New York and attended the 5th anniversary party for New York Times T Magazine.  The party took place on the 18th floor lounge (newly opened) at the Standard Hotel with many celebrities in attendance including Mr. Standard himself, Andre Balazs (accesorizing with the ever-lovely Helena Christensen) among others.

Photo credits to TheCrane.tv and Wataru Kitano