If Barbiecore is one of the hottest fashion trends this summer, a slew of hotels are capturing the zeitgeist – whether intentionally or not – and mainlining elegant pink design schemes. Whether to add to your bucket list or to a moodboard for home renovations, here are some of the most inspiring pink palaces …
Main Image; The Colony Palm Beach
Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris
I once spoke with acclaimed interior designer Nicky Haslam who said that the only colour in which to decorate a bathroom was pink because it was so flattering to women’s complexions. Those fortunate to check into Hotel Madame Rêve will be tickled pink by its views from the rooftop bar Roof, and beautiful terraces at the Japanese-inspired restaurant La Plume Rive Droite (as well as its recent partnership with the Louvre). The bathroom in the Madame Rêve Suite boasts a pixelated pink mosaic – a decidedly grown up approach to millennial pink bathrooms. Room rates cost from €500 per night; www.madamereve.com.
Raffles Udaipur, India
Rajasthan is on my bucket list and as a base Raffles Udaipur appeals for exploring this region renowned for its craftsmanship, textiles and embroidery traditions. Its spa is a pretty-in-pink sanctuary for guests to relax and rejuvenate. Influenced by the principles of Ayurveda, personalised treatments are a forte here where any imbalances in the life-forces or doshas of guests are remedied. The spa consists of a heavenly relaxation area (pictured), six therapy rooms and suites, as well as an outdoor leisure pool and a jacuzzi. Rooms are priced from £300 in low season; www.raffles.com.
Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s, New York
Parisian panache meets Tribeca cool in Fouquet’s New York, designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The hotel features 97 residential-style rooms and suites which blend subtle Art Deco accents and a predominantly pastel palette. One of the hottest places to be this summer is the hotel’s new hideaway, La Vaux, intended to transport guests to a Parisian garden, inspired by the French gardens of Vaux-Le-Vicomte and Versailles. Room rates cost from $750; www.hotelsbarriere.com.
Palazzo Avino, Italy
Palazzo Avino is a palatial hotel situated (1,000ft above sea level) in the medieval village of Ravello. It’s renowned for its stunning interiors, and pink flower-filled terraces overseen by its second-generation family owners and sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, known for their impeccable taste. This year, the duo has launched their own white wine, ‘Mar-a-Vi-glia’ – best sipped at the hotel’s iconic beach club or in the Michelin-starred restaurant, Rossellinis. The hotel also features a “Pink Closet” where guests can buy capsule collections from some of Italy’s most stylish independent artisans. Overnight stays cost from €594; www.palazzoavino.com.
The Lanesborough, London
Picture perfect in every sense, this posh address on Hyde Park Corner may be too frou frou for some. For others, its Executive Junior Suite, pictured, forms part of The Presidential Suite – located on the first floor, it is highly Instagrammable with a powder pink palette and an expansive bathroom (featuring Roja Perfum amenities). A pre-arrival form for guest’s preferences means a chilled bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne and a pink-hued Victoria sponge can be waiting on arrival. Children’s parties are no problem – the room can be decked out in chic pink teepees and balloons. Overnight rates with breakfast start from £810 per night; www.oetkercollection.com.
The Colony Palm Beach
If Palm Beach is having a renaissance (designer Tom Ford has just moved there), then The Colony is at the centre of it all and is located steps from both Worth Avenue and the Atlantic ocean. New owners Andre and Sarah Wetenhall treated the iconic hotel to a candy floss makeover for its 75th birthday last year when it emerged as the ultimate pink paradise. From pink bikes and pink golf buggies, to a line of custom pink shades especially created by Farrow & Ball, the hotel even collaborated with Vilebrequin on a pair of custom pink swim shorts! www.thecolonypalmbeach.com
Arthaus Hotel, Dublin
This is a boutique beauty in all senses – there are 41 rooms in total (in three categories – Boutique, Superior and Executive featuring Field Day Company amenities) meaning it’s intimate and informal. The design team were inspired by Bauhaus style so geometric shapes, clean lines and graphic elements abound. Rooms are in pretty jewel colours – not all are pink – with brass detailing, elegant dark walnut cabinetry finishes with curved details and the spliced circle Bauhaus motif. Facilities include Lazlo’s bar and restaurant which is open for all day dining serving tasty, affordable entrees, (where residents have breakfast). A car park is also available to guests, as is a digital self-guided tour of the artworks, which I highly recommend. The cost for the Boutique Queen Room (pictured) is from €199; www.arthausdublin.ie
Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara
Pink and green should never be seen? Not if you’re Irish interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan, who has a preference for using a pink palette – it’s almost become a neutral for him – in his hotel projects including the idyllic Ballynahinch Castle (see his work at Claridge’s and The Connaught, London). There’s much to inspire on a stay here, from walks around the estate, to sampling the menus of new executive chef Danni Barry. Overnight stays with breakfast cost from €375; www.ballynahinch-castle.com.
Station House Hotel, Co Meath
I happened to be staying at this gorgeous gem, when manager Suzanne Mullen was discussing the repainting of the Signal Restaurant to its present iteration of dusty pink – perfectly in sync with other design details which mix antiques, interesting artworks and ikat design. On offer is The Taste of the Garden, an overnight stay with a glass of rosé on The Terrace before a three-course dinner in The Signal Restaurant and a la carte breakfast the following morning. This costs from €280 for two people sharing; www.stationhousehotel.ie.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry
Supreme comfort defines the soothing pastel Estate Rooms at Sheen Falls Lodge, perfect as a five-star family den (they can accommodate two adults and up to three children). Large windows reveal views of Kenmare Bay in all its glory, or the beauty of the Sheen Falls tumbling beneath the iconic stone bridge. Each Estate Room is decorated with Irish design pieces, including furniture handmade by local artisans and artworks by Christine Bowen. The Lodge is a great base for exploring the Kingdom, relaxing after a day’s adventure or curling up by the window with a selection of books specially selected by the hotel’s resident librarian. The Estate Room summer rate costs €600 per night with breakfast; www.sheenfallslodge.ie.
Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois
The Lady Sarah Pole classic suite at posh Ballyfin is a refined mix of pink chintz, checks and chinoiserie details and is named after Sarah, the daughter of the Earl of Drogheda, who married William Pole in 1748. Lady Sarah’s dedication to the gardens at Ballyfin contributed to the Estate’s renown in Ireland and the room looks out over the Pleasure Grounds and the Cascade. It retains its corner fireplace with an attractive carved rosette and original grate. Over the fireplace is a Georgian portrait by 18th-century Irish artist Thomas Hickey. The price for an overnight stay with breakfast in the Lady Sarah Pole classic room is €1,150; www.ballyfin.com.
