Ultimate host CHRIS GLASS from aptm – ‘a place to meet’

Unique concept: aptm Berlin

We all have that friend who constantly travels to interesting places, has superb taste, and brings people and objects together with expert ease and elan – the ultimate host. I sought to create a space where all these things could come together and called it ‘a place to meet’ or aptm. 

The idea was to create a ‘space’ – an empty vessel to be filled with discoveries and treasures. A space to discover art and design, food and fashion, and more. A space to spend the night (or the day) surrounded in beautiful objects that each have a story to tell. A space to entertain in a very personal format. A space to inspire and indulge. 

Not to toot my own horn, but I do think it’s a very unique concept – because it’s personal.

Unique guest experience: DORP

Owner Gail Behr is supremely stylish. But she’s managed to up the style factor with this hotel, and at the same time, it feels unpretentious and welcoming.

Dorp is set atop a hill in Bo Kaap with breathtaking views of Cape Town (South Africa) and is a beacon of tranquillity and beauty. Each room is distinctly personal and the common areas feel like the living room you always wanted.

But the crown jewel is really how engaging and friendly the staff are. They are ever-present without being a nag, they’re eager to help, call you by name, and wait up for you at night, it’s as if you’re family. In a day of anonymous and virtual everything, a receptionist who knows your name and can’t wait to see you come again feels like a little piece of heaven.