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Hoshino’s serenity comes to Taiwan: Openings

Serenity now in Taiwan: Hoshino Guguan, Taiwan, opened on June 30 in the Taichung valley famed for its natural hot springs. Encircled by a mountain range and forests, this is the area’s first luxury hot spring resort. The natural spring waters of the valley flow through the property’s outdoor Water Garden, which encompasses a wooded glen for meditative walks, a serene outdoor bath area and even a bamboo grove.

“There are many attractions that are unique to this region, but what we were particularly passionate about this project was not the location, but the quality and quantity of hot springs,” said Hoshino Resorts CEO Yoshiharu Hoshino. “There has not been an instance where a ryokan with 40 rooms could use such a large amount of hot water in a Japanese hot spring resort. An inn where you can enjoy hot springs at such an elevated level was the first theme of this project. While the guest room open-air bath is not new to our brand, the location allowed us to explore the idea of creating a guest room bath with a free-flowing hot spring from every guest room. As a brand, we are very excited to expand our global reach into Taiwan.”

Hoshino Guguan guest rooms have private outdoor terraces
Hoshino Guguan guest rooms have private outdoor terraces

Every guestroom features a hot spring floor with a private outdoor hot spring bath, as well as private outdoor terraces. Guests can also opt to receive healing treatments at the spa as well as a separate public bath area on a ridge, offering views of the undulating valley and mountain range. Published rates range from US$440 to US$703.

“Perhaps our most impressive feature is our Water Garden space with abundant spring water and hot spring water sourced from the surrounding mountains,” Hoshino said. “The spring water passes by the open-air bath and bamboo forest, and flows through the water garden, changing its form in various ways and winding through the expanse of the property.”

1 West Hollywood's earthy design is inspired by raw materials such as reclaimed timber and steel, recycled fiber carpeting, abundant native greenery and stonework.
1 West Hollywood’s earthy design is inspired by raw materials such as reclaimed timber and steel, recycled fiber carpeting, abundant native greenery and stonework.

1 goes Hollywood: 1 Hotels from Starwood Capital Group has opened its fourth property and West Coast flagship, the 285-room 1 West Hollywood in Califronia. Formerly The Jeremy, the property has undergone a total transformation, taking its cues from the raw natural beauty of the Southern California landscape. The property will continue to be operated by the company’s management subsidiary, SH Hotels & Resorts. With an Energy Star score of 95, the group said “1 WeHo” will be one of the most energy-efficient hotels in L.A. Designed by AvroKo and executed by SH Hotels & Resorts’ interior design team, among its property-wide conservation practices is the inclusion of native and adaptive vegetation, a smart irrigation system that determines when soil actually needs water, a 100% organic, sustainably grown vegetable garden and neighboring beehive and 100-year old olive trees.

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is filled with 1,200 original works of art, including Sevillian tapestries, paintings and artefacts
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is filled with 1,200 original works of art, including Sevillian tapestries, paintings and artefacts

Minor conquers Spain: Minor International has opened its first property in Spain, the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, a palazzo style property nestled in the rolling hills of the Andalusian coast. The resort includes 132 guest rooms and suites, plus one and two bedroom villas with butler service and private pools ensconced in manicured gardens. A gallery hotel, the property is filled with 1,200 original works of art including Sevillian tapestries, paintings and artefacts. Food for Mediterranean and Asian restaurants are locally sourced with seafood and seasonal produce across numerous dining options.

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