THE DESIGN ISSUE
THE DESIGN ISSUE
THE DESIGN ISSUE
Volume 12 marks a bold new chapter for Musotrees — celebrating design and collaboration in all its forms. This issue brings together creative minds from Kuala Lumpur, Salzburg, Mumbai, Manila, Jakarta, Vienna, and beyond, each sharing stories of passion, craftsmanship, and purpose. With refreshed visuals, refined typography, and vivid narratives, The Design Issue captures the power of collective creativity, blending art, architecture, and thoughtful living into an anthology that reflects the evolving spirit of Musotrees.
From Inside Volume 12:
Hotel Musotrees
-
Prince Da Nang: Between Sea and City
+This was my first time in Da Nang, and I arrived without expectations. That changed quickly. Prince Da Nang Hotel sits along the waterfront, close to everything yet unhurried. When I opened the door to my room and saw the ocean stretch endlessly in front of me, the plan became simple. Sit on the balcony, watch the sunset, and let the city introduce itself in its own time.
-
Rawla Bisalpur: Rajasthan’s Hidden Royal Retreat
+I had always imagined Rajasthan as a place shaped by dust and light, where time slows and the land carries memory. Growing up, films painted villages under an open sun, where rooftops shimmered in heat, cattle wandered down empty streets, and stories were spoken in silence rather than words.
-
Abode Jaipur: Modern Hideaway in the Pink City
+The moment I stepped into the lobby, the chaos of Jaipur’s streets seemed to vanish. It was just me, the soft glow of wall lamps, and the gentle flow of malachite-green tiles beneath my feet. I felt like I had stumbled into a world where contemporary design met the soul of the Pink City, a place that was both familiar and entirely new.
-
Namli Haus: Contemporary Home in Jaipur
+This is not my first time in Jaipur, yet arriving at Namli Haus feels completely new. From the quiet corner it occupies among the rustic houses of Civil Lines, to the warm smiles and hot masala chai that greeted me after a seven-hour journey from Delhi, everything feels thoughtful and welcoming. It feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a home that has been waiting for me to notice its details.
-
The Kayana: Lombok’s Softest Escape
+Driving through villages and winding hilly roads from the airport was a surprisingly gentle pleasure — everything was green and quietly alive, with thick, lush landscapes occasionally opening up to glimpses of the sea. A simple but fulfilling life, I thought. At one point my heart whispered, “I can live with this.”
-
Hotel Wellenberg: Winter Stay in the Heart of Zurich
+Staying at Hotel Wellenberg in Zurich last winter felt like settling into a place that understands comfort in a very natural way. It has that premium, quietly confident charm that comes from being a well-run, family-owned hotel. Nothing loud, nothing overdone. Just a warm, personal atmosphere that makes you feel at home from the moment you step inside.
-
Abode Bombay: Nostalgic Stay in Southern Mumbai
+Mumbai has a way of enveloping you the moment you arrive. The bustle, the honks, the colour, the constant movement. So when you reach Colaba, the city’s storied southern district, and slip into the quiet entrance of Abode Bombay, it feels as though you have stepped into an entirely different world. From the lively rush outside to the calm embrace within, there is a gentle shift where the present softens and the past rises to greet you.
-
Pavilion: Slow Living in Phnom Penh by MAADS
+The entrance leads you into what feels like a small jungle enclosure — tall trees, thick shrubs, and a calm atmosphere that makes you forget the traffic just outside the gates. A long pool stretches towards the lobby, where a bright yellow colonial-style mansion sets the tone. It’s believed to have once been Queen Mother Kossamak’s private residence, and there’s a presence to the building that adds weight without feeling intimidating.
-
Pa.te.os: Where Architecture Meets Stillness in Alentejo
+Driving from Lisbon to Melides felt like slowly peeling back the layers of Portugal. It was my first time driving in the country, and the further I got from the city, the more the scenery opened up—small villages and wide-open skies. The road turned quieter as I got closer to Pa.te.os, with a few bumps and potholes hinting that I was heading somewhere a little more remote.
-
Bisma Eight: Boutique Haven in Ubud
+At first glance, Bisma Eight hides itself well. Tucked just off Ubud’s busy Jalan Bisma, it doesn’t shout for attention. But step through its entrance, and the atmosphere shifts entirely — the air feels different here. The hum of scooters fades, replaced by the hush of rustling bamboo and the faint rhythm of distant gamelan. It’s as if you’ve stumbled upon a secret sanctuary in the heart of town.
-
Hotel das Amoreiras: Boutique Retreat in Jardim das Amoreiras
+Tucked away in the charming Amoreiras neighbourhood, Hotel das Amoreirasis a quiet gem nestled across from a lovely garden square. This tranquil area is a true escape, far from the busy tourist spots, yet conveniently close to a metro station. In fact, from my room, I could watch the classic yellow tram pass by, adding a nostalgic Lisbon touch to my stay. It was the perfect spot to enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace.
-
Lumen Hotel: Modern Light-Filled Escape in the City
+Designed by architect Frederico Valsassina, Lumen Hotel is an unassuming yet modern accommodation that caters to both young professionals and seasoned families. Nestled in the Picoas neighborhood, the hotel is strategically positioned between the city’s bustling business areas, just a stone's throw from the iconic Marquis of Pombal Square and within walking distance of a metro station, making it an ideal location for both work and leisure.
-
Martinhal Lisbon: Luxury Retreat in Parque das Nações
+Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, a contemporary hotel with 82 distinctive rooms, and Martinhal Residences, a collection of 70 luxury serviced apartments, are crafted with both family and business travellers in mind. Their location offers effortless access to major transport links, shopping malls, and dining spots—but the real story unfolds once you step inside.
