Cover Hotel Hylla, Lijiang, China (Image: House of Finn Juhl)
Hotel Hylla, Lijiang, China (Image: House of Finn Juhl)
1 / 1
Check into these hotels that balance Japandi’s rustic-yet-modern style
Japandi is a portmanteau of Japanese and Scandinavian and describes an interior design trend that fuses the former’s minimalism with the latter’s warmth.
The vagrancy of trends notwithstanding, the Japandi style has a timelessness about its clean-yet-warm, rustic-yet-modern, serene-yet-cosy decor that is highly appealing to those who like their spaces organised without looking clinical.
This elegant aesthetic also particularly lends itself to hotel design, offering a haven of tranquillity for travellers seeking solace in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Here, we explore five Japandi-style hotels and their unique features to ensure a cosy and memorable stay.
K5 Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
K5 Hotel, Tokyo, Japan (Image: Facebook/ K5)
1 / 5
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, K5 is a seamless blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern Scandinavian design which was previously a 1920s bank. Stockholm-based Claesson Koivisto Rune oversaw the renovation and preservation while carving out 20 spacious rooms.
The adjacent parking structure was ingeniously transformed into a captivating space while the vibrant, patterned glass on the hotel’s windows beautifully captures external light, creating an ever-changing interior ambience.
The interior is adorned with custom furniture from ADX, Time & Style, and Alloy, complemented by traditional materials such as cedar and Japanese stucco.
Local craftsmen crafted wooden built-ins and furnishings, while traditional Japanese painting techniques graced the walls and ceilings. Scandinavian touches are evident courtesy of the furniture, custom designed by Ola Rune, one of the architects.
See also: Home tour: A Japandi-style nineteenth-century townhouse in London
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, California, USA
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, California, USA (Photo: Instagram/ @nobupaloalto)
1 / 4
The Nobu Hotel Palo Alto in Silicon Valley completed an extensive multi-million-dollar makeover in 2023, redefining the Nobu hospitality experience.
Spearheaded by Montalba Architects and Shawmut Design and Construction, the renovation introduced a fresh facade, redesigned guestrooms, and new Nobu dining spaces.
The Japandi design drew inspiration from the surrounding Silicon Valley and its sister property, the Nobu Ryokan Malibu. Combining the best of east and west, the seventh and eighth floors now feature Ryokan-inspired guestrooms, suites, and meeting spaces, offering panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains for a serene experience.
Its design emphasises natural materials, abundant natural light, and a harmonious blend of elements to create an urban oasis in the heart of Palo Alto.
Don't miss: Embrace serenity with these 7 Japandi-style plants
Bergaliv, Hälsingland, Sweden
Bergaliv, Hälsingland, Sweden (Photo: Instagram/@bergaliv)
1 / 4
Set on a former ski slope on Åsberget Mountain, Sweden, the Bergalive retreat offers Loft Houses for a unique nature experience. The first of four planned timber structures has been completed, standing at 33ft among the towering pine trees.
Architect Hanna Michelson designed it with two distinct levels: the sheltered lower floor at treetop height provides intimate views of pine crowns, while the upper level, free of walls, offers uninterrupted panoramic views of treetops, valleys, forests, and the Ljusnan waterways.
The lower floor is minimalist, with futon mattresses, linen bedding, and versatile furniture. At the same time, the stilted structure draws inspiration from local timber härbre (granary) buildings, aligning with the owners’ vision of a nature-centric retreat for quality living.
Read more: Home tour: A Japandi-style apartment in Singapore with an open-plan living room
Hotel Hylla, Lijiang, China
Hotel Hylla, Lijiang, China (Image: House of Finn Juhl)
1 / 3
Hotel Hylla in Lijiang, Yunnan, derives its name from the Danish concept of Hygge and the word villa. Seamlessly marrying tradition and innovation, this idyllic resort offers a sustainable mountain resort experience.
Situated 2,400 meters above sea level beneath the snow-capped peaks of Lijiang, it pays homage to the Naxi kingdom’s ancient heritage, with locally sourced stone as its foundation.
This architectural gem boasts an eclectic mix of collectable mid-century furniture from the Danish brand, House of Finn Junn, handcrafted local details, and a dynamic art collection. Every detail is calibrated to provide a harmonious balance between comfort and spiritual connection.
Beyond being a hotel, it also houses a gallery, a lounge, a panoramic terrace, and a restaurant, embodying a forward-thinking ethos rooted in the rich history of the Himalayan foothills.
See also: Home Tour: A stylish London house inspired by Danish hygge and Japanese wabi-sabi
Ullrhaus, St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Ullrhaus, St. Anton am Arlberg, Austrian (Photo: Instagram/@ullrhaus_st.anton)
1 / 4
In the heart of the Arlberg mountain landscape, the boutique hotel Ullrhaus in Austria blends Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese aesthetics. Inspired by the quote, “In the end, you only regret the chances you didn't take,” owners Franziska Alber and Michael Gfall seized the opportunity to create their own hotel in St Anton.
Named after the Nordic god of winter, Ullrhaus aims to combine Nordic influences with the alpine surroundings. Interior designer Stephanie Thatenhorst crafted a unique design vocabulary, incorporating natural, earthy tones, grey oak floors, and wood panelling that echo Japanese craftsmanship.
The hotel features antique rustic furniture, floral fabric accents, and a cosy Ullr Bar with an open fireplace for a homely alpine atmosphere.
NOW READ
Home tour: A Singapore apartment that harmonises modern minimalist design with Asian accents
5 iconic skyscrapers in the making
Home tour: A Japandi home in Kuching, Malaysia with hidden details
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
