By: JILLIAN DARA
Travel and fashion have long been intertwined. Lately, though, luxury brands have further fused the two categories by taking over certain areas of premier resorts – from cabanas and designer-clad paddleboards to suites and revamped pool decor. These collaborations yield gorgeously crafted results and certify that high fashion takeovers are the new hottest accessory at premier hotels.
Dolce & Gabbana at Four Seasons SAN DOMENICO PALACE, TAORMINA
This resort season, the pool area and gardens at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily are draped in Dolce & Gabbana’s Blu Mediterraneo – a royal blue and white pattern inspired by majolica pottery. The collaboration creates a postcard worthy juxtaposition of indigo swirls against the cobalt waters of the infinity pool that seemingly flow into the depths of the Mediterranean. Dolce & Gabbana also overhauled the towels, cushions, pillows, cabanas, trays, coasters, and even the Granita Trolley which serves up the icy treat in almond, coffee and lemon flavors.
Missoni Resort Club AT ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH
Renowned for their bold geometric lines and zigzags, Missoni brought its signature flair to the Maldives this year for a takeover of the all-villa resort, One&Only Reethi Rah. The Italian fashion house transformed the beach club’s parasols, loungers, cabanas, towels, paddleboards and DJ booth with its iconic pattern in hues that mirror the turquoise waters of the island locale. A select few of the Grand Water Villas, as well as the Grand Residence and Grand Sunset Residence had their al fresco furnishings outfitted with Missoni prints and even the fitness aspects of the resort were branded, from yoga mats to water bottles and bicycles. Of course, travelers have the possibility to upgrade their wardrobe with Missoni staples as the brand took residence at NEO BeachBoutique.
Vilebrequin Cabana Club AT THE BOCA RATON
Luxury swimwear label, Vilbrequin, showcases its unique approach to hospitality at The Boca Raton Beach Club’s new cabanas. Decked out with yacht-inspired flooring and accented by Vilbrequin’s whimsical nautical designs from pillows to wallpaper, the cabanas – a first-ever for the French label – feature a flat-screen TV, minifridge, beach games, a private restroom with a shower, and a dedicated butler. As a nod to the brand’s roots, cabana guests can sip on signature cocktails like The Saint-Tropez or The Riviera Tonic. Vilebrequin also debuted a new boutique at the resort, showcasing swimwear and accessories for men, women and children.
Todd Snyder AT HIDDEN POND
At this forested getaway in Kennebunkport, Maine, 20 of the resort’s one-bedroom bungalows were designed by Todd Snyder. The American menswear designer borrowed inspiration from his trips to the coasts of Maine to create three design concepts: countryside, mountainside and seaside. Each theme blends contemporary prints – like camouflage wallpaper in countryside or shelled lampshades in seaside – with rustic textures and cozy furnishings for a quintessential New England relaxing experience.