A new geography of contemporary hospitality

In a world where hospitality has become a language of living rather than merely travelling, design acts as a medium for experiences, atmospheres, and sensibilities. In recent years, the idea of a hotel has evolved beyond simple accommodation to become a cultural space, an architectural statement, and a place to rediscover balance between material, light, and landscape. It is within this new geography of contemporary hospitality that Hotels Vol. 01, published by Softer Volumes, finds its place. Founded by Joe Vuong, the Australian publisher and platform specialised in travel and design, has created a linen-bound, 240-page volume featuring 80 hotels across 29 countries, each chosen for its design integrity and sense of place. Some properties are restrained, others expressive; all share a commitment to material honesty and an authentic connection to their surroundings. The journey spans coastal sanctuaries and urban retreats – from restored palaces to modernist villas – united by a respect for light, landscape, and enduring calm.
 

In Bali, Amankila rises between sea and jungle beneath Mount Agung. Inspired by the Taman Ujung Water Palace, it is grounded in natural materials and traditional building techniques. Each freestanding suite features a thatched roof, private terrace, and interiors of teak, coconut wood, and bamboo – timeless luxury rooted in local tradition. On Brazil’s northeast coast, Barracuda Hotel & Villas blends Scandinavian and Latin sensibilities. Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic, the resort combines polished concrete and minimalist furniture with whitewashed wooden ceilings and woven-grass details. The restaurant serves locally sourced seafood to the sound of vinyl records – a laid-back dialogue between design and rhythm. In Mallorca, Nobis Hotel Palma occupies a medieval palace built during Moorish rule. Original brick walls and stone arches remain visible, while Swedish studio Wingårdhs introduced handcrafted textiles and bespoke furniture in subdued tones with accents of tan and pine green. Two inner courtyards and a secluded sun terrace balance heritage with contemporary comfort. In Mexico, Hotel Terrestre in Puerto Escondido offers a more radical vision. Brutalist brick structures, reminiscent of ancient temples, overlook the Oaxacan coastline. Fourteen villas, each with a private pool and rooftop terrace, run entirely on solar power. Buildings were constructed only where vegetation was naturally absent, and native trees were planted to encourage wildlife. Handmade concrete bricks and Oaxacan wood express local materials and a quiet, sustainable form of luxury. In Japan, Beniya Mukayu in Yamashiro Onsen stands on grounds once home to a Buddhist temple dedicated to healing. That legacy endures: where monks once studied scriptures, there are now three libraries; where they offered healing baths, guests now experience communal onsen and spa treatments rooted in tradition. Each of the sixteen rooms features tatami mats, bamboo verandas, and private open-air hot-spring baths overlooking a mossy garden.

Hotels Vol. 01 embodies the Softer Volumes ethos: clarity in design, no excess. Photography favours natural light over staging, and the writing remains quietly descriptive, allowing each space to speak for itself. Founded in Sydney, Softer Volumes is a boutique publisher dedicated to creating visually rich, high-quality content celebrating design, lifestyle, and culture. The approach is thoughtful and curated — few projects, exceptional quality — and reflects a balanced way of living that unites travel, aesthetics, and wellbeing. In an era where global travel seeks authenticity over ostentation, Hotels Vol. 01 becomes more than a book: it is a sensory map of contemporary hospitality, where every property offers a different way of inhabiting the world.