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Your Own Private Island in the Philippines
By Sara Bliss on January 15, 2014The Palawan archipelago in the Philippines has over 1700 lush, biodiverse islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited. They boast everything you could want in a far-flung destination-white sand beaches with no one in sight, thousands of miles of reefs, and crystal clear waters teaming with fish and magical creatures like blue starfish. Heaven on earth for those who want to […] -
Virtual Vacation: La Residencia in Mallorca, Spain
By Sara Bliss on May 25, 2013When it comes to covering hotels, my editors always want to focus on what’s new, but for me, often the most intriguing hotels aren’t the newest ones. Case in point, La Residencia on the glamorous island of Mallorca. With 67 rooms set in 16th and 17th-century villas, decorated with poster beds and Spanish antiques, the classic setting isn’t something you […] -
Miami Glamour: The St. Regis Bal Harbour
By Sara Bliss on April 8, 2013A few weeks back, I spent a few days in Miami checking out the new hotel scene there for Refinery29. I stayed at the St. Regis Bal Harbour, which is about 20 minutes away from South Beach. While, I love South Beach, it has become a bit like Vegas, especially at night with packs of people hitting the Collins Avenue hotel strip, […] -
Virtual Vacation at Nicaragua’s Mukul Resort
By Sara Bliss on March 12, 2013With unspoiled beaches, miles of pristine rainforest, and a new crop of gorgeous eco-friendly boutique hotels Nicaragua is not going to be an under-the-radar destination for much longer. Especially with the much buzzed-about opening of Mukul. The new 37-room luxury boutique resort on over 1600 acres flanks a 4-mile stretch of Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific Coast. Mukul’s 18-hold gold course designed […] -
Inside the Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico
By Sara Bliss on February 19, 2013Ritz-Carlton’s new Reserve brand aims to be more fabulous and intimate than your standard Ritz hotels.Their first property Phulay Bay in Thailand definitely fit the bill with a remote, completely unspoiled location two hours from Phuket, 54 1-bedroom suites, each with their own butler, and a gorgeous design inspired by traditional Thai architecture. The second Reserve property is the just-opened Dorado Beach resort in […] -
Design Destinations: 10 Favorite New Hotels for 2012
By Sara Bliss on January 7, 2013The big trends in hotels this year? Standing out and blending in. I was happy to see that many hotels are using design and architecture to create signature environments that are incredibly unique. So original in fact that they don’t resemble conventional hotel design at all. From the quirky & glamorous Saint James in Paris to Francis Ford Coppola’s latest masterpiece Palazzo Margherita, the […]
Virtual Vacation
SARA BLISSAs a freelance design and travel writer, I am always on the lookout for the most innovative and glamorous hotels. I started Hotel Chic as a travel/design blog to showcase the coolest hotels around the globe, and show you how to bring the look home. Whether you use this site to plan your next trip, redecorate your bedroom, or check into an amazing hotel without leaving your couch, I hope Hotel Chic will be a source of inspiration. Read full bio.