Caitlin St John

🏨 Architects Lado Alexi-Meskhishvili and Teimuraz Mikashavidze designed the Telegraph Hotel in the 1970s as a post office and telegraph center in Tbilisi. Awarded the National State Award in 1983, it was transformed into a hotel by Neri&Hu and Silk Road Group, featuring 239 guestrooms and nine dining venues. A pivotal courtyard integrates Soviet history with modern design, offering communal balconies and lush greenery. The 2,790 sq. ft. presidential suite includes a terrace and plunge pool.

🏖 Villa Dubrovnik, originally built in 1961 by architect Mladen Frka, has been transformed by Brazilian architect Arthur Casas. Located on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, the renovation features Croatian limestone and oak, retaining its medieval roots. The hotel's 56 rooms blend Italian design with local flair, while Michelin-starred Pjerin restaurant and Libero Bar offer cultural nods. The redesign took nearly four years, overcoming logistical challenges due to narrow roads and material deliveries by sea.

📅 In 2017, London's U.S. Embassy moved, allowing a Grade II 1960 modernist landmark by Eero Saarinen to be transformed into the Chancery Rosewood. Located on Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square, it reopened last September with 144 suites. Significant architectural changes nearly doubled the building's size, maintaining its historical essence. The restoration involved engineering feats, such as suspending the façade over a 98-foot-deep excavation. The project, backed by Qatari Diar, achieved numerous BREEAM credits for sustainability.

🏖 In Big Sky, Montana, Olson Kundig designed One&Only Moonlight Basin for hospitality developer Kerzner International, emphasizing its natural surroundings. The resort includes 73 guest rooms, 19 cabins, and 62 private homes with rustic and luxurious decor. Public spaces like Sky Lodge and restaurants such as Akira Back highlight local history and offer diverse dining experiences. The spa and fitness center complements this luxury resort, which balances Western spirit with design-led hospitality.

🏖 San Juan saw a tourism boom in 2025, marking a fifth record year, with 6.8 million airport and 1.6 million cruise arrivals. Major projects include a $60M upgrade at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar and a $150M overhaul at Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. Four Seasons launched after a $40M renovation, and Hyatt Centric Isla Verde underwent a $30M transformation. La Concha Resort's $80M rebranding reflects Puerto Rican culture. Juan Carlos Morales invested $4.5M in Santurce's Patio Elba.

🏨 1947, Robert Swartburg completed the Delano hotel in Miami. In 1995, Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck reimagined it, sparking South Beach’s luxury transformation. The Delano closed for renovation in 2020 and reopened under Ennismore in 2026. New outposts include the 56-room Maison Delano Paris (2023) and 251-key Delano Dubai (2024). Upcoming locations include Delano London (67 rooms) and Delano SoHo New York (390 rooms). The Miami flagship retains its iconic design while integrating modern touches.

🏠 EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton hosts Indonesian-French concepts Wayan and Ma•dé for a second season. Montauk Yacht Club introduces ALBA Spiaggia and offers new experiences. Marram Montauk features surf programs and workshops. Barlume Beach opens as a 19-key hotel in Montauk. Hotel Corduroy, a 29-key retreat, is unveiled by Blue Flag Capital. June sees Faraway Sag Harbor open with 67 rooms. The Oyster Estate, a 34-room hotel, launches in September. Penny Lane in Hampton Bays features 18 rooms.