RECEPTION
Check-In
Icelandic-born Gulla Jonsdottir set up G+ Design having worked at Dodd Mitchell Design and Richard Meier & Partners. Her fantasy hotel stay sees her sipping champagne with Ernest Hemingway on an Italian island.
Where are we? We are on an island outside of Italy. I imagine there not to be many tourists there. It’s a charming hotel overlooking the perfect blue ocean.
How did you get here? On a yacht after spending a couple of days in Rome. How I got to Rome is a mystery and a blur, but probably on a friend’s private jet, which makes me feel a little guilty for the carbon footprint, but since this is a fantasy, I’m sticking with it because I don’t like to wait in lines at the airport.
Who are you sharing your room with? Ernest Hemingway.
Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival? Chocolate covered strawberries, chilled Veuve Cliquot champagne, a piece of jewellery made by local artisans, fresh flowers and a dinner invitation for that evening.
Who’s at the concierge desk? Brad Pitt.
And the owner / manager? André Balazs.
Describe the hotel building, your room and the view...
The hotel is an all white small boutique hotel built partly into a cliff and the natural rock of the mountain makes up for some of the
interior walls. There is an infinity edge pool that floats off the cliff over the ocean with a small built-in bar. The grounds are covered with cypress and olive trees and the view is of a crystal clear blue ocean and small surroundings islands with a couple of white sail boats floating around. My room is a large suite with a charming living room and a large balcony overlooking the ocean. White hardwood floors and local stone finishes make up all the finishes in the room. The bathroom is a large spa like space with a large tub next to a fireplace and an indoor / outdoor shower.
Who designed it? Salvador Dali.
What’s the restaurant / bar like? The restaurant and bar is a very charming all outdoor space, as my favourite dining experiences are always al fresco. It’s a small wooden deck high up in the cliffs with chandeliers hanging from the local olive trees, a small water feature in the centre, comfortable linen chairs and white tablecloths. The space is lit mostly by candlelight.
Who are you dining with this evening? 1. Ernest Hemingway 2. Pablo Picasso 3. Audrey Hepburn 4. Valentino 5. Gabriel García Márquez
Who’s manning the stoves? Thomas Keller.
And what’s on the menu? Starter: Burrata and prosciutto Main: Branzino Dessert: Affogato
Would you like something to drink with that? A glass of champagne to start and a delicious local white wine with the fish.
What music is on the iPod on your in- room docking station? 1. Flying Lotus 2. Bryan Ferry 3. Little Dragon 4. Charlie Parker 5. Bonobo
What’s on the movie channel? 1. Pret-A-Porter 2. Funny Face 3. A Single Man 4. La Dolce Vita 5. I am Love
And a book at bedtime? The Paris Wife – Ernest Hemingway.
What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap? Champagne.
What toiletries would you like to freshen up with? Hair and skincare, rosewater mist and aromatherapy oils from Erbe made from local herbs outside of Rome based on the studies of 16th century Italian herbalists, physicians and monks.
WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM MARCH / APRIL 2013 011
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164