We’re still here like you working from home, wearing masks, and trying to enjoy Summer. If you’re like us and like to have a trip on your calendar even if you end up canceling it because of the pandemic, then you probably noticed that there are only 30 countries allowing American tourists right now (of the 193 UN member states). This month we are featuring hotels in the USA and Mexico designed by women, managed by women, or about women. We think Virginia Woolf would be proud.

Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves

I can personally vouch for the beauty, serenity, peace, and mysticism of Sedona, Arizona having once had a house there. It’s an easy place in which to be socially distant, hike, and soak up the stunning vistas. These Sedona sisters have a new eco-friendly hotel that nestles into the landscape and opens in Dec 2020. It would be a great place to spend the holidays. Take a hike to Devils Bridge and Cathedral Rock.

Goddess on the Mountain Top

Happy 40th birthday (June 17) to Venus Williams who has so far accomplished more than many in her life. She has won four Olympic gold medals and seven Grand Slam singles events, fought for (and won) the same prize money as her fellow male tennis players at Wimbledon, received both fashion and business degrees while a professional tennis player, wrote a best-selling book, and launched both a fashion company and an interior design firm called V Starr Interiors. Are you exhausted yet? Forbes wrote an article about her design business, and her firm designed the presidential suites at the Intercontinental Miami hotel. In Miami, grab a bite (or takeout) at The Surf Club, Taquiza, and Milos.

Ladies First

The company that brought the fabulous Pulitzer Hotel to Amsterdam converted the former Riggs Bank in Penns Quarter DC into a stunning new hotel. The South African-born creative director of the hotel group (sorry, he’s a man) created four first lady suites at the new hotel. We love the idea of turning presidential suites into a celebration of presidents’ wives (and we hope someday a celebration of presidents’ husbands).

Grace Kelly

Santa Monica is the beach side of Los Angeles and a fabulous destination year-round for socially distant walks along the Pacific coast down to Venice Beach. Kelly Wearstler has executed another fabulous hotel design called The Santa Monica Proper Hotel located in part in a 1920s office building. You never have to leave the coast for this getaway. Lots of places to eat like Gjelina and Gjusta, Dialogue, Felix, and Dudley Market. Coffee at Primo Passo, Gjusta, and Flowerboy Project.

The Countess of Miravalle

We have previously featured Mexico City in What Matters. We love that it is a center for art, architecture, design, and food and a non-stop flight from metro-DC. One of the top hotels there is the Condesa DF (in the Condesa neighborhood named for The Countess of Miravalle). Interiors are by architect/designer India Mahdavi who is Iranian-French. Her elegant designs are usually dotted by intense color, and her website is fabulous. Eat at Pujol, Quintonil, Contramar, La Unica, and Lardo. Email us about galleries, shops, museums, and architectural tours.

On the Boards

This return client bought a large duplex condo in Arlington and we’re in the middle of a significant decorating project. In the master bedroom, here is the realtor staged photograph and also a rendering of how we’re re-orienting the room and blocking in new furniture. Stay tuned for more photos on Instagram @interiormatterinc.