home away from home

Nearly everything that Sir Richard Branson of Virgin America touches seems to exceed everyone's expectations. His Moroccan getaway, Kashbah Tamadot, is no exception to the rule. Opened in 2005, the luxurious retreat is about 50 minutes from Marrakesh, perched in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Between the beautiful backdrop and the tasteful details of the inspiring interiors, we are absolutely smitten. You can opt to stay in a traditional guest room or a Berber tent with prices ranging from just under $500 to an upwards of $2,500 per night for a super exclusive master suite. To get a glimpse into all this beautiful retreat has to offer, keep clicking. You won't regret it.

If you find yourself looking for a luxurious and inspired getaway in NYC, it's time to look at all the Gramercy Park Hotel has to offer. Not only does its central location make it easy to hop around town and see all the sights, but if you're an art lover, if you stay at GPH, there's museum-quality art in the comfort of your own home away from home. Intrigued? Click through to check out all the beauty the Gramercy Park Hotel has to offer.

Photos courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

After a million Summers at camp in the Catskills, I've always felt connected to the mountains of the Northeast. And lately I've been seriously wishing there was such a thing as camp life for grown-ups. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid Lodge looks like it might be my dream come true. It's made up of a series of rooms in the main hotel and 17 private cabins right on the water. The interiors are completely magnificent, both rustic and glam. Come take a look at this beautiful lodge!

I'm in need of a vacation. And after discovering Acapulco's Hotel Boca Chica, I think I've found my getaway spot. Showcased in the classic '50s Elvis flick Fun in Acapulco, the hotel has long been an A-list destination. Now it's back and sexier than ever with vintage furniture, unbeatable views, a retro-chic atmosphere, landscape gardens, a private cove with its own dock, a 3,280-square-foot spa, and open-air terraces for every guest suite. Have you packed your bags yet? Come take a look at this fabulous Mexican hotel!

Hospitality group King & Grove recently opened a new Hamptons hotel, Ruschmeyer's, which is creating lots of buzz. But its first property, Surf Lodge, opened in Montauk, NY in 2008 and is as stylish as ever. With Summer on the brain, I thought I'd take a look at the boutique hotel for outdoor decorating ideas for our own homes. Surf Lodge has a subtle surf theme with white-washed walls, sun-bleached pine flooring, oversize photos, and beachy artwork by surfers and surf lovers. Come take a peek, and think about outfitting your own home with some of this seaside style.

Located in Catalonia’s bucolic Empordá region, the Hotel La Malcontenta was once a private country home, famous throughout the Empordá for the meticulousness of its owner (to be malcontenta means to be unsatisfied). Taking this attention to detail as a jumping-off point and classical Mediterranean villa architecture as inspiration, the building was transformed by Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán into an upscale, rural hotel with a balance of graceful, historical character and modern design. Throughout the interiors and stunning outdoor grounds, you'll see period-inspired furniture, simple textures, a palette of warm, neutral colors, and an abundance of feminine touches. In honor of the original owner's legendary spirit, it seems Rosa-Violán has made it the place she always dreamed of — a perfect one.

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When I visited Stockholm as a student, I holed up in a cozy houseboat hostel on the river which, while quaint and charming, wasn't the best bet for someone with a seasick tendency. I vowed to make sure my next stay in the Swedish city was on land, and hopefully, somewhere a little more upscale.

Since I discovered Berns Salonger Hotel, a landmark in the city since 1863, I've been crafting plans for a Scandinavian vacation that'll blow those college days out of the water. One look at the elegant boutique hotel's unique, contemporary, and fresh interiors and I became determined to return. The hip accommodations also feature conference and banqueting facilities, a vibrant Asian restaurant and Summer terrace, popular bars, and the nightclub Gallery 2.35:1, one of the best music venues in town. It's also the location of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Stockholm, which might sway you fashionistas to visit.

Whether you have a European getaway in your future, or you're just looking for inspiration for you own interior décor, this Swedish home away from home is definitely eye candy for design fanatics. Come take a look!

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) announced the six winners of the 38th Annual Interior Design Competition this past week, and Tony Chi and Associates was noted as one of the winners for its design of the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel in New York. This luxury hotel, whose interiors were inspired by the city itself, features high ceilings and open spaces as well as a facade of floor-to-ceiling glass framed in limestone. The space boasts plentiful artwork, including 14-foot murals by Carlos Capelán, a marble and resin Nick Hornby sculpture, and a bronze Gertrude Stein statue.

Located directly across from the New York Public Library, the hotel utilizes natural building materials, including poplar and basalt, which help to create a relaxed, residential feel, as does the muted color palette. With 184 rooms, a restaurant, library, cellar bar, and event space, the hotel is a perfect spot for relaxing after a day spent sightseeing in the city, or to unwind before heading back into an activity-packed evening.

Photos courtesy Andaz 5th Avenue