DestinAsian – August 01, 2019

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DESTINASIAN.COM – AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

AMI

T^ G

ERO

N

GOOD TO GO THE LIST

HABIT

FORMING

History looms large at

these former convents

reborn as luxurious modern

sanctuaries. BY JAMES LOUIE

Inside the former

neo-Romanesque

chapel at The

Jaffa in Tel Aviv.

1 / Israel
THE JAFFA, TEL AVIV

This 120-room refuge in the
Mediterranean port town of Jaffa
occupies a 1880s convent and
hospital built for the nuns of the
Sisterhood of St. Joseph, a French
order. Local architect Ramy Gill
was responsible for its restoration,
while the ultra-minimalist interiors
and a sympathetic new wing are
the work of acclaimed British
designer John Pawson. Don’t
miss the decommissioned chapel,
whose vaulted ceiling and stained-
glass windows now set the scene
for a swanky bar and lounge.
marriott.com; doubles from US$741

4 / Peru

JW MARRIOTT EL

CONVENTO CUSCO

A careful six-year revamp has

seen a 16th-century convent

updated to become the hotel of

choice for visitors to the high-

altitude destination of Cusco.

Aside from showcasing a roster of

contemporary local artists, the JW

Marriott features an archaeological

site with Inca stonework and

ceramics, as well as the largest

Spanish-colonial courtyard in

town. Pirqa, the property’s fine-

dining venue, is worth a stop for its

organic Andean specialties.

marriott.com; doubles from US$249

3 / Belgium

AUGUST

Celebrated Belgian architect

and interior designer Vincent

Van Duysen has brought his

signature pared-down aesthetic

to one of Antwerp’s most exciting

new hotels, which unites a 19th-

century abode for Augustinian

nuns with several heritage-listed

townhouses. Inside, there’s a

clubby lounge set within a chapel,

an indulgent spa, and a brasserie

boasting a seasonal menu by chef

Nick Bril of The Jane, a nearby

two-Michelin-starred restaurant.

august-antwerp.com; doubles

from US$170

2 / Colombia

SOFITEL LEGEND SANTA

CLARA CARTAGENA

The setting for Gabriel García

Márquez’s 1994 novella Of Love

and Other Demons, this gem

overlooks the Caribbean from the

Old Town of Cartagena. History

buffs have much to discover in

its cloistered central patio and

original details like confessionals

and religious paintings. The

refectory where Clarist nuns once

dined is now Restaurant 1621, a

hot spot known for its French fare

made with New World ingredients.

sofitel.accorhotels.com; doubles

from US$279