Wallpaper, the British-based magazine and Website that focuses on travel, design, entertainment, fashion and media, has announced the winners of its annual Design Awards for 2010. The style-conscious magazine and Website assembled an impressive panel of judges to determine who deserves kudos.
And guess what? The world’s best new hotel for 2010 is in Mexico. The Habita MTY, designed by Joseph Dirand and Landa Arquitectos, has become the most attention-getting boutique hotel in the city of Monterrey since its recent opening. And while I haven’t had the pleasure of staying at this new property yet, I have visited other hotels owned by Grupo Habita, the Mexico City-based company that has pretty much single-handedly introduced chic boutique style in Mexico, so I feel pretty confident that Wallpaper is on the right track in recognizing one of the company’s newest properties.
The world’s best new restaurant, meanwhile, is a bit further south: Kaa, in São Paulo, Brazil. The attention-getting design includes a wall covered with plant life from the rainforest and a retractable glass ceiling, plus a hip second-floor cocktail lounge.
One thing is for sure: When it comes to style and design — at least in the modernist vein —you can usually trust that Wallpaper is making all the right choices.
Habita MTY, www.hotelhabitamty.com
Kaa, www.kaarestaurante.com.br
Wallpaper, www.wallpaper.com