The Problem with “Insta-Friendly” Ubiquity
If you are waking up in Tokyo, you should feel the weight and texture of Japan. You should not be wondering if you are in London, Paris, or a CAD-designed suite anywhere else in the world. Yet, in the era of “Insta-friendly” ubiquity, we have frequently traded soul for Bose speakers and standardised marble.
At Nota Bene, we believe luxury shouldn’t be afraid of simplicity. True simplicity is an art form that few have mastered—and even fewer can discern.
What Real Luxury Looks Like
- Soulfulness first: Moving away from “cookie-cutter” designs.
- Sense of place: Design that reflects the local culture, not a global template.
- The art of simplicity: High-end service that feels like a home, not a formula.
- Human touch: Experiences curated by people, not marketing decks.
Destinations That Defy the “Generic” Label
Ett Hem in Stockholm consists of three impeccably stylish private townhouses in the beautiful Lärkstan neighbourhood, where the owner’s vision turns away from formulaic service in favour of an art-filled home-away-from-home.
The Largo in Porto paints a picture of understated style with its minimalist interiors and exposed stonework, where a dedicated team ensures guests want for nothing—even providing a Riva Vertus motor yacht for exploring the Douro River.
In Brazil’s Trancoso, Uxua Casa is a gorgeously artisanal, intentionally unpretentious retreat in the style of traditional fishermen’s houses, overseen by a warm-hearted team with the inimitable Carlos França at the helm.
The ultimate anti-hotel, Thierry Tessier’s Dar Ahlam is a million miles from anything formulaic, offering dining in hidden gardens and days that unfold through desert horse-riding or storytelling in the palm grove.
In Botswana’s private Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp stands apart with a vintage style that evokes a bygone safari era, featuring lantern-lit terraces made of recycled teakwood and a discreet, unassuming energy.
The Art of the Exceptional
This is the authenticity we seek. You won’t find it in a marketing deck or a ChatGPT prompt. It is a living, breathing experience understood only by the impassioned traveller.
If you are tired of the generic and ready for the exceptional, LET’S TALK.