New Books, Hotels, Hideaways & Other Discoveries

New Discoveries of 2014.

Some have been launched for a little while; 

others are getting ready to be launched in the next few months.

Hayman Island, 

Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Getting ready to re-open after an enormous renovation under new owners One & Only Resorts, the island resort of Hayman will look remarkably different from its old self. Newly decorated suites seem larger and more modern, the service is already better and the excursions to neighbouring islands and the reef promise to be trips to remember. Prices, while not cheap, aren't prohibitive, with rooms being offered at a 25% discount through the soft opening period. 

Opening July 2014.

Ham Yard Hotel, 

London. 

Firmdale Hotels' latest venture, with the usual sublime decorating by Kit Kemp. Just as beautiful as Number Sixteen, Dorset Square, Covent Garden and all her other projects.

Opening June 2014.

The Ritz, Paris.

Also getting set to re-open after a 2-year closure for refurbishment.

(If you can't afford a room, slip in for a drink, a meal, or to use the extraordinary spa and pool.)

Opening mid-year.

Hotel Fabric, Paris.

Created from a former textiles factory. Full of fabric whimsy. And not expensive, either.

Open.

The Siam, Bangkok.

My new favourite. The interior design is sublime.

Open.

Park Hyatt, 

Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Another new favourite. Refashioned from the Hôtel de La Paix, the new Park Hyatt-managed hotel, which re-opened late last year, hasn't lost any of the Paix's legendary grace and style, but has simply refreshed the space. So incredibly cheap too. As are all the hotels in Siem Reap.

Open.

The Beaumont, 

Mayfair, London.

Opening soon in the shell of a former 1920's Art Deco garage. So striking.

Opening later this year.

Living Life Beautifully:

Christina Strutt.

A new book from one of my favourite designers, Christina Strutt of Cabbages & Roses, who's not only opened a new Cabbages & Roses store in Chelsea, right next door to The Chelsea Gardener, but is also holding a marvellous summer fair in Bath, where her country home is, in early June. (Run together with Love Love Vintage; who have the most wonderful vintage wares and fabric fairs).

Published by Cico Books. Out now.

ABC: David Collins Studio

An eagerly awaited new book about the work of London designer David Collins, who sadly passed away last year. The new book was in production when David Collins was alive, and has been written by him, with a foreword by Madonna.The launch is edged with sadness, but I think he would have liked the finished project.

Published by Assouline this month.

Dior: The Legendary Images.

Published to accompany the new exhibition at Le Musée Christian-Dior, at Granville in Normandy, opening shortly.

 Published by Rizzoli this month.