Three Places,
One Feeling. Arriving
On the island of Giudecca in the Venetian lagoon, within the historic laneways of Kyoto and among the dunes of Comporta, three hotels have emerged that could hardly be more different. All follow a shared idea: to make luxury feel truly authentic. Airelles Palladio, Capella Kyoto and Na Praia are among the most exciting openings of the year—places that instantly create a sense of arrival.
AIRELLES
PALLADIO
Giudecca 33
30133 Venice,
Italy
Some hotels open their doors anew; others feel as though they have always belonged. The new Airelles Palladio Venezia clearly falls into the latter category. Located on the quiet island of Giudecca, the property looks out over the lagoon and the enchanting silhouette of Venice. Here, French hospitality blends seamlessly with Venetian history.
The historic complex surrounding the Church of Le Zitelle dates back to the 16th century and is attributed to Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, whose name the hotel now bears. Over the centuries, the site served as a convent, a place of education, and a refuge for Venetian women—a layered history that still resonates within its walls, lending the property a rare, almost tangible depth.
For its first hotel outside France, Airelles has restored the estate with remarkable sensitivity. The historic buildings now house just 45 rooms and suites, each feeling more like a private Venetian palazzo than a hotel room. Interior designer Christophe Tollemer reinterprets Venetian elegance with finesse: Murano chandeliers, carefully selected antiques, exquisite fabrics by Rubelli and Fortuny, Venetian mirrors, and intricate detailing create an atmosphere reminiscent of the grand residences of noble families—opulent yet never excessive. Particularly striking are the expansive gardens with a generous pool—an unusual feature in Venice. Airelles is a tribute to the city’s history, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
CAPELLA
KYOTO
130 Komatsu-cho
Higashiyama-ku,
Kyoto,
Japan
Kyoto is not a city one simply visits—it must be experienced. Temples, teahouses, gardens, and centuries-old traditions shape the character of the former imperial capital. With the new Capella Kyoto, one of Asia’s most renowned hotel brands has opened its first property in Japan—creating a hotel that interprets the city’s cultural depth with great sensitivity.
The hotel is located in the historic Miyagawa-chō district, one of Kyoto’s most traditional geisha neighborhoods. It was designed by Kengo Kuma, whose architecture is globally celebrated for its sensitivity to place and tradition. Rather than pursuing spectacle, Kuma focuses on restraint and precision in detail. Wood, stone, paper, and light form the foundation of a design that evokes calm and harmony.
The spaces feel like a contemporary evolution of traditional machiya townhouses, creating an atmosphere deeply connected to Kyoto. The experience extends far beyond that of conventional luxury hospitality: guests are invited to engage with cultural rituals, traditional arts, and local artisans. Capella Kyoto encourages visitors to slow down and discover the beauty in the details.
NA PRAIA
Estrada Nacional 253-1,
Troia
7570-789, Comporta,
Portugal
Just a few years ago, Comporta was still considered a hidden gem. Today, the region south of Lisbon ranks among Europe’s most sought-after destinations. Yet only a handful of projects manage to preserve the original character of this extraordinary landscape. Na Praia is undoubtedly one of them.
The new resort is set within more than 340 hectares of natural terrain—dunes, pine forests, and protected wetlands. From the moment of arrival, it becomes clear that this is a different kind of luxury. Instead of imposing architecture, it is space, light, and nature that define the experience. The architecture is by Studio KO, the Paris-based firm that gained international recognition with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech. Its signature is unmistakable: buildings crafted from natural materials that blend almost invisibly into the landscape. Sand-colored walls, wood, and traditional craftsmanship create an aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Yet the true attraction is the surrounding environment itself: miles of untouched beaches, unspoiled nature, and a rhythm shaped by wind, light, and tide. People come here to withdraw—from noise, from density, from the pace of the world. Na Praia represents a new generation of luxury resorts, where exclusivity is defined not by excess, but by space, silence, and authenticity.