Wallpaper 5

DEPARTURE INFO

New openings include a volcanic island retreat with curve

appeal and a Danish diner full of Eastern promise

It takes some efort to reach the volcanic

island of Ulleungdo, but persistence will pay

handsome dividends. On the side of a steep

peak, Seongnam-based architect irm The

System Lab has curled white concrete walls

that swoop and swirl like the potent chi

energy ields locals believe low through the

island. The resort’s high-ceilinged rooms are

sparely furnished with blue-grey stone loors

and a severe white palette, while exterior

diversions are almost entirely nature-based,

taking full advantage of the island’s bounty

of sea caves, waterfalls and ancient forests.

Ex-El Bulli and Noma chef Sun-jin Hwang is

in charge of the arresting menu. Daven Wu

Ulleungdo, North Gyeongsang Province,

South Korea, tel: 82.2 2038 9595, thekosmos.co.kr.

Rates: from KRW350,000 ($329)

Swirl champion

HEALING STAY KOSMOS, ULLEUNGDO, SOUTH KOREA

Double act

ALMANAC, BARCELONA

The Almanac hotel group’s debut, just
steps from Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia,
has been designed by local studio Oice of
Architecture, which has joined two 18th-
and 20th-century buildings into a 91-room
cocoon. Jaime Beriestain Studio has then
layered the rooms with spacious white
marble bathrooms, copper accents, and oak
and walnut panels. Downstairs, in Línia’s
dining room dominated by deep blue hues
and brass lamps, chef Sergio Ruiz’s all-day
menu is based on Catalan standards
of grilled seafood, alongside gluten-free
options. There is also an expansive rooftop
bar with views of the Sagrada Familia and
Mount Tibidabo. Almanac hotels will
follow shortly in Vienna and Prague. DW
619-621 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes,
Barcelona, Spain, tel: 34.93 018 7000,
Photography: Yong-Kwan Kim, Sivan Askayoalmanachotels.com. Rates: from €435

∑ 155

Travel