NUMÉRO NETHERLANDS’ LUXURY HOTEL PICKS

We’re lucky that our work lets us travel the world, but behind every journey there’s always the question of home and belonging. In our newest issue, we’ve gathered the places where we’ve felt most at home, from the US and across Europe to the serene landscapes of Japan. We’ve gathered hotels that embody minimalist design, some with a refined contemporary aesthetic, and others that exude “Sinatra-esque” glamour, something to suit every taste.

HOTEL OKURA AMSTERDAM: JAPANESE CHARM BROUGHT TO THE NETHERLANDS
words by NATALIE GAL

image courtesy of HOTEL OKURA AMSTERDAM

Introducing one of Amsterdam’s most iconic stays: HOTEL OKURA AMSTERDAM. This exceptional five-star hotel — and proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World — brings the spirit of Japan to the Netherlands with unmatched precision. Every detail is handled with the care and professionalism that defines Omotenashi, Japanese hospitality from the heart.

Hotel Okura offers 300 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed to deliver comfort, calm and quality. For those seeking rest and renewal, the hotel features an extensive wellness and spa programme — because who doesn’t need a little pampering amid busy cosmopolitan life?

At Nagomi Spa Treatments, guests are invited to experience treatments inspired by Japanese wellness traditions. Japanese spa culture is rooted in simplicity, ritual and respect for balance. It values small, intentional acts: a soak in a hot onsen, the quiet focus of a tea ceremony, the gentle discipline of shiatsu. It’s all about clean design, seasonal awareness and mindful movement. Rather than chasing extremes and spiralling about our packed to-do lists, Japanese wellness invites us to return to ourselves — slowly, respectfully and with care. At Nagomi Spa Treatments, expert therapists deliver treatments rooted in Japanese harmony, including the floral-inspired Hanakasumi ritual and tailored Seasonal Facials, offering restorative care in a calm, refined setting.

Nagomi Gym and Wellness combines fitness and relaxation. The gym features advanced cardio and strength equipment, alongside a  serene 18-metre indoor pool — the largest in a Dutch hotel — plus a sauna, steam room and hot tub.

HOTEL TELEGRAPHENAMT AND ROOT BISTRO: BERLIN’S TIMELESS GRANDEUR
words by NATALIE GAL

images courtesy of HOTEL TELEGRAPHENAMT

When discussing HOTEL TELEGRAPHENAMT, we must first appreciate its remarkable exterior. Built between 1910 and 1916, it’s defined by the magnificent neo-baroque style of architect MAX LEHMANN. This boutique hotel, which opened in November 2022, perfectly blends old-fashioned Berlin grandeur with the city’s modern elegance.

Inside, the hotel beautifully unites aesthetics from the 1920s and ’70s, two eras that profoundly shaped Berlin. Every space feels warm, soft and inviting. The hotel boasts 97 individual rooms and seven unique maisonettes, each featuring classic herringbone patterns, exposed brick, real wood parquet flooring and several custom-made furniture pieces. From the windows you can spot Monbijoupark and icons of the Berlin skyline: the Berlin Cathedral, Pergamon Museum and Rotes Rathaus. The hotel has also created a special members club, where one can enjoy exclusive access to a 1,200 square-metre gym, sauna and spa, and the grand lounge area.

The entire establishment strikes a perfect balance: deeply rooted in Berlin’s history, yet infused with notes of Italian culture and Asian cuisine. Hotel Telegraphenamt offers two restaurants, ROOT BISTRO and DIESELHAUS, a dedicated bar within the main building, and two charming cafés, L’OUI and PETIT BIJOU.

ROOT Bistro deserves special mention. Here, Head Chef STEVE GROẞMANN delves into the complexity and magic of the concept of “flavour,” embracing its vast variety and possibilities. Sushi Master RYOTA TERASHIMA perfectly embodies this philosophy alongside him, together crafting dishes that are fresh, exquisitely presented and truly harmonious. We are great fans of Japanese cuisine, and without a doubt ROOT was an especially memorable dining experience.

THE MARK HOTEL: UPPER EAST SIDE GLAMOUR PERFECTED
words by NATALIE GAL

image courtesy of THE MARK HOTEL

There’s that old New York feel, the SINATRA-esque charm, autumn leaves drifting down brownstone-lined streets, the hum of jazz in the air, that instantly comes to mind when we think of New York. THE MARK HOTEL captures all of this effortlessly.

Grand suites with sweeping views and a collection of penthouses perfectly embody Upper East Side elegance. The Mark is the kind of place Charlotte York would be thrilled to find featured in one of her favourite interior design magazines. The rooms are timeless, classy and perfectly balanced in comfort and design.

The hotel’s restaurants celebrate the colour and variety of New York — because what is this city if not a melting pot? CAVIAR KASPIA at The Mark delivers the ultimate New York mood with dark, warmly lit corners, plush velvet chairs, modern art adorning the walls and, of course, an exquisite selection of caviars. An honourable mention goes to The Mark Bar, a lively Madison Avenue fixture where you’ll find timeless classics alongside inventive new takes on signature cocktails.

The hotel also features seasonal gems, like a retro black-and-white striped hot dog stand, serving JEAN-GEORGES gourmet organic chicken and grass-fed beef hot dogs to guests and neighbourhood regulars. Plus, there’s a charming flower cart to brighten your day.

And let’s not forget wellness at The Mark — lymphatic massages, personal training, facials and more are on offer, including the salon of one of the world’s best hair stylists, FRÉDÉRIC FEKKAI. Whether you’re getting red-carpet ready or gearing up for a night in a city where the destination is always a mystery, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be fabulous.

EKIES RESORT: YOUR SUMMER SANCTUARY WHERE NATURE MEETS DESIGN
words by NATALIE GAL

images courtesy of EKIES RESORT

Greece feels eternal, forever shimmering, twinkling with timeless charm. There’s something in the air here: a quiet, ancient wisdom that settles over you like a soft breeze. It’s the kind of place that’s impossible not to fall in love with.

Tucked along the sun-drenched coastline is EKIES RESORT, a haven of laid-back luxury with 76 individually styled rooms, suites, lofts and villas. Each space is designed to blend beautifully with its surroundings, where nature meets thoughtful design in a mix of wood, glass and tranquil modernity.

But Ekies is more than just a beautiful place to stay — it’s somewhere to truly unwind and reconnect. With two award-winning restaurants, a pool and lounge bar, a retreat centre, and an open-plan gym, the resort offers everything you need to relax or explore at your own pace. You can head out on a boat excursion, try your hand at water sports, unwind at the spa or let the kids dive into their own adventures at the Kids Club.

The resort’s organic garden is not only a source of fresh ingredients but also a magical setting for intimate dinners under the stars. And throughout the week, you’ll find gastronomy events, wine tastings and live music bringing people together in celebration of food, culture and community.

Our editor-in-chief, TIMOTEJ LETONJA, visited just after opening week and called it one of the year’s highlights. With perfect weather, crystal-clear waters, and lazy dips in both sea and pool, it was the ideal escape. He spoke about the Greek red wines, the bold fusion of Greek flavours and the resort’s clean, spacious rooms that radiated calm. The vintage-style gym and spa rounded out the experience, adding just the right touch of charm.

From beach lounging to mountain biking, private dinners by the sea to sunset boat rides to nearby islands, Ekies is truly an example for the future of hospitality. It’s where summer lives all year around — and where you just might want to stay a little longer.

BAIRRO ALTO LISBON: A HOTEL THAT FEELS LIKE A MOVIE SET
words by NATALIE GAL

images courtesy of BAIRRO ALTO LISBON

In the very heart of Lisbon lies the BAIRRO ALTO HOTEL, an embodiment of Portuguese tradition and hospitality. The hotel captures a captivating blend of eras, with a touch of the 1960s and ’70s expressed in the warm colours and fluid shapes found throughout the rooms and communal areas. The architectural design was the responsibility of EDUARDO SOUTO DE MOURA, winner of the Pritzker Prize, who assisted in the expansion of the hotel from one building to four buildings, all from the 18th century. 

Interior decorator JOSÉ PEDRO VIEIRA and architect DIOGO ROSA LÃ, who first designed the interiors when the hotel opened in 2005, returned in 2017 to renovate the space and create the stunning interiors we admire today. Their goal was clear: to craft a contemporary environment that remains elegant and comfortable while preserving the hotel’s magical, classic charm. This vision comes to life through top-quality antiques, rich woods and wicker, traditional tiles and marble, and carefully curated artworks that dot the interiors.

Bairro Alto Hotel is also home to BAHR, a stylish and lively restaurant on the fifth floor. Drawing inspiration from the best of Portuguese cuisine, BAHR adds a contemporary flair and executes each dish with finesse. The adjoining terrace extends the experience, offering breathtaking views of the Tagus River. For those wishing to take in Lisbon’s skyline, a rooftop on the sixth floor awaits with panoramic vistas of the city’s iconic rooftops.

Yet my two personal favourites are undoubtedly the mezzanine and the boutique Pastelaria. Nestled between the ground and first floors, the mezzanine is the crown jewel of the hotel: a lounge space lined with curved wood that evokes the elegance of a luxury yacht or the cozy intimacy of a library. Carefully selected décor, scattered books and periodicals make it feel like a scene from a Bond film or a romantic 1920s photograph come to life.

And then there’s the Pastelaria. We might even venture to say that Bairro Alto Hotel is one of the first hotels to boast its very own patisserie. Portugal is renowned for its pastries — arguably the best in Europe — and this boutique-style patisserie serves a refined selection of sweet and savoury delights. Traditional recipes are reimagined to produce offerings such as the creamy pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart), the flaky Jesuíta (almond and egg cream pastry), and the savoury empada de frango em vinha d’alhos (wine and garlic chicken pie), all of which are freshly prepared each day.

Naturally, the hotel also features a gym equipped with state-of-the-art TECHNOGYM equipment and a kinesis wall, as well as a double massage room, sauna and sensory shower. Spa treatments can be booked at reception, and a personal trainer is available upon request.

Bairro Alto Hotel is simply one of those rare places that has it all — elegance, comfort, refined aesthetics, amazing views over Lisbon and the Tagus River, outstanding cuisine, and, of course, irresistible fresh pastries.

LISBON IN STILLNESS AND STYLE: A STAY AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON

image courtesy of THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON

There’s a particular kind of quiet found only in truly exceptional hotels — a soft and composed luxury that lingers the halls and lives in the details. It doesn’t try to be impressive; it just is. At the FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON, this sense of calm is present in every element. Luckily for us, our editor-in-chief, TIMOTEJ LETONJA, had the pleasure of paying a visit.

The room was expansive, with a private terrace overlooking Eduardo VII Park — Lisbon’s most iconic stretch of green. Morning light drifted slowly across the space, and the bed was near impossible to leave, wrapped in the most refined bedding. On the rooftop, a gym unlike any other awaits, complete with an open-air running track that offers a panoramic view of the skyline. As the city unfolds below, working out becomes something ceremonial. Just below, the spa and indoor pool offer their own rhythm, inviting restorative moments of pause and presence. Dinner that evening was at CURA, the hotel’s Michelin-starred jewel. Now under the direction of CHEF RODOLFO LAVRADOR, the restaurant delivers flawless Portuguese cuisine — clean, seasonal and deeply rooted in place — served in a space that balances intimacy with elegance.

Art quietly accompanies you throughout the hotel, integrated into the space in a way that feels natural and considered. The building, which opened in 1959 and has recently been renovated, holds onto its history with care. The original modernist design has been preserved and updated, while maintaining clear ties to the local setting. From the terrace, the view extends past the hotel and into the heart of Lisbon. The city feels close without being overwhelming, and you’re invited to slow down, stay a little longer and notice the beauty in the stillness.

SUMMER REVERIE AT NOBU BARCELONA
words by THORE DAMWERTH

images courtesy of NOBU BARCELONA

There’s something magnetic about the rooftops of Barcelona in June — a soft, salty breeze off the Mediterranean, beats pulsing from the hills of Montjuïc, and the golden-hour sun reflecting off terracotta and concrete. Perched above it all is NOBU HOTEL BARCELONA, a temple of zen minimalism and Catalan flair that became our hideaway during the OFFSónar music festival.

We checked into the Umi Suite, 72 square metres of pure serenity set high above the city. With panoramic views stretching from the sea to the Sagrada Família, the space felt less like a hotel suite and more like an immersive escape. Inside, charred-wood panels, trencadís-inspired textiles and a Japanese onsen bathtub combined high-end design with quiet ritual. This is all part of Nobu’s signature design DNA: restrained, considered, elevated.

Nobu Hotel Barcelona is a place with presence. From the moment you pass through the bamboo-lined entrance, you’re immersed in a world where hospitality meets heritage and style is second nature. This synergy came into full effect when we tried the Dress Service, Nobu’s exclusive partnership with local fashion platform TRENT, which delivered designer looks to our door. Paired with sun-bronzed skin from long afternoons on the rooftop, we donned OTTOLINGER for dinner.

Of course, no stay at Nobu is complete without dining in their renowned restaurant. From yellowtail jalapeño to local seafood reimagined through a Japanese lens, the menu built in a crescendo of signature dishes and Catalan flavour. Bluefin tartare with caviar, black cod glazed in miso and flame-grilled local prawns set the tone. Each plate was precise, unfussy and unmistakably Nobu.

Between spa rituals — eucalyptus steam, a NATURA BISSÉ facial, a CBD-infused massage so divine it reset our circadian rhythms — and open-air rooftop sessions, our stay was pure bliss. Mornings started off slow with mimosas and Nobu’s opulent breakfast buffet; nights ended with signature cocktails under a blushing sky, culminating in KEINEMUSIK’s euphoric set at OFFSónar.

In a city where art, music and fashion vibrate through every corner, Nobu Hotel Barcelona is a cultural connector; where hospitality embodies luxury and even a rooftop sunset feels editorial.

LIVING KYOTO SLOWLY AT MAANA HOMES
words by MARIA MOTA

images courtesy of MAANA HOMES

Kyoto is a city that moves quietly, where centuries-old temples and narrow alleyways hum with history. MAANA HOMES, a collection of spaces deeply rooted in Japanese culture, is designed to cultivate meaningful connections between people and heritage. Their philosophy is simple: living well means slowing down, immersing yourself in tradition, and creating space to explore and be fully present. From the moment I arrived, that philosophy was palpable.

Maana Kyoto masterfully unites elements of modern and traditional design. With multiple locations across the city, each carries the same elevated, carefully considered feel: a design haven infused with traditional charm. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but Maana Homes has perfected it.

Original wooden beams and sections of clay walls are intentionally exposed, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship of Kyoto architecture. Skylights and open staircases flood the interiors with natural light, while minimalist Japanese design and a careful attention to detail imbue the space with character. Staying here made me feel less like a tourist and more like a local — part of the city’s rhythm rather than just observing it.

When in Kyoto, I recommend biking, not because of my Dutch mentality after living in Amsterdam for six years, but because it is the most enjoyable way to discover the city’s riverside paths, hidden corners and narrow streets that might lead you to Maana’s café, KISSA KISHIN. Tucked in the heart of the city, the café offers a serene, beautifully designed start to the day, where visitors can savour each bite and take a peaceful pause away from the bustling streets.  

More recently, Maana Atelier has opened as a space for creative immersion. Guests can explore tea dyeing, koji fermentation workshops, pottery, collotype printing and morning tea ceremonies — often paired with tea grown from the same soil as the clay they work with. These hands-on experiences transform heritage into something tangible, intimate and memorable.

A single stay at Maana Homes conveys the spirit of a lifetime. From its warm, thoughtful hospitality to its seamless blend of tradition and modernity, Maana cultivates deep connections — to Kyoto, to culture and to the art of living intentionally. For anyone seeking a home that feels authentically local yet exquisitely designed, Maana is the perfect invitation.