Text Richard Bence, Adrian Mourby
The ultimate hotels for the discerning traveller who wants a truly special place to sleep in style
Nevaï SWITZERLAND
55 Rue de Verbier, 1936 Verbier,
tel. +41 (0)27 775 4000, www.nevai.ch
When the Nevaï opened just before Christmas they had Groove Armada playing at their launch party, signalling that this was never going to be just a Hansel and Gretel-type ski-resort hotel.
The new offering from the Kings Verbier group, Nevaï has 33 bedrooms, two penthouse suites, a spa, a destination restaurant and bar, plus the latest incarnation of the famous Farm Club. Nevaï (local Swiss French dialect for ‘snow’) has been designed by German-based architects Mahmoudieh Concepts so expect contemporary chic with staff uniforms by hot design outfit nouniform. The pristine white-floored lobby may get a bit mucky with slushy moon boots stomping through on a daily basis, 
but with spring in the air the groovy look is suitably fresh and exciting. If you have some serious cash to flash make sure you check out The Lodge, Richard Branson’s stunning mountain retreat. Also in Verbier, it has its own mini-ice rink and indoor pool. Rooms from €142/CHF 230. RB
Helvetia & Bristol ITALY
2 Via dei Pescioni, 50123 Florence,
tel. +39 055 26651, www.royaldemeure.com
If you like red you’ll love the Helvetia & Bristol. Not only is this the most centrally placed hotel in Florence, its owner, Luigi de Simone Niquesa, has imposed his favourite colour throughout. A former palazzetto close to Piazza della Repubblica, the Helvetia has 67 rooms with lofty ceilings, antiques in abundance, and red toiletries.
It also has red pens on the writing desk, red slippers in the bathroom, and a stylish new dining room, Hostaria Bibendum, where the walls are terracotta and the staff dress in red shirts and black bowties. The whole hotel has the feel of a favourite child on whom money has been lavished. It’s boutique on a big, big budget. No two bedrooms are the same and each is furnished with objets d’art and deeply comfortable beds. Hostaria Bibendum is as chic as the trendiest wine bar, but is lit by two huge 19th-century chandeliers from Capri’s elegant Villa Bismarck. Top-of-the-line eclectic. Rooms from €300. AM
In the news
Bruges opening
The beautifully restored Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace in Bruges opens on 11 March. Originally the Prinsenhof, built to celebrate the wedding of Philippe the Good, the building is now part of the luxury Kempinski Group of hotels, with 93 rooms and suites, many containing restored 15th-century ornaments and paintings. With its network of canals, Bruges is known as ‘the Venice of the North’, and makes an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. The hotel is offering special opening rates from ¤165 including breakfast, taxes and service charge. A stylish sojourn awaits in one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. kempinski.com
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