Source: Design Hotels

Berlin – As one of the highest cities in the world, La Paz demands its fair share of high style. Opening mid-October in the vibrant Calacoto neighborhood, the 53-room Atix Hotel is not only decked out with artworks by acclaimed Bolivian artistGastón Ugalde, it also plays host to a fine dining restaurant and a rooftop bar with an infinity pool overlooking a dramatic backdrop of city and mountain views. The world-class gastronomy celebrates the best of Bolivian culinary traditions and to prolong the tastes of authenticity, this first Bolivian Design Hotels™ member has created an in-house market exclusively offering organic produce from local farmers.

The One Who Thrives

Derived from the Quechua word meaning "the one who thrives," Atix Hotel represents the new face of authentic, luxury hospitality in La Paz. Rejecting the quasi-European architecture that dominates the city's Calacoto district, the hotel's façade is clad in locally sourced natural timber and Comanche stone, which was used to pave the streets of La Paz during the 1920s and 1930s. The result of a collaboration between New York principals Stuart Narofsky and Jennifer Rusch of New York-based Narofsky Architecture, the parallelogram-shaped structure is defined by dramatic scale and vast bay windows, immersing guests in the surrounding Andean valley.

Conceptualized as a tangible celebration of Bolivia's cultural heritage, Atix Hotel acts as a showcase for both contemporary indigenous art and centuries-old craftsmanship. Public areas, hallways, and guestrooms are dotted with original pieces by renowned artist and photographer Gastón Ugalde, who undertook a country-wide sabbatical to source inspiration for the commission. Also known as "Andean Warhol," Ugalde is widely respected as one of the most important living Bolivian artists.

Highlighting the striking plateau of the mountains and valley outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, each of the 53 rooms and suites are a lesson in earthy simplicity. A neutral color palette is accented by oversized headboards and hand-crafted furniture, rendered from indigenous wood. Design details such as woven alpaca throws also nod to the country's rich history of quality artisanship. The hotel's signature Atix Suite has a vast terrace from which to soak up the frenetic energy of Bolivia's principal city, elevated only by the ubiquitous in-room Jacuzzi. Bathrooms are elegantly outfitted, featuring cool Comanche stone sinks and dark flagstone walls, along with locally produced bath products. All hotel guests also enjoy complimentary access to the spa, offering a dry room and steam rooms, as well as a comprehensive selection of massage treatments.

Counter Culture

The on-site restaurant Ona presents an innovative menu designed to create a high-dining experience with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. From Lake Titicaca to the Amazon, Ona is a celebration of Bolivia's rich biodiversity and culinary traditions.

Ona means "gift" in Pukina, the language spoken by the Uru Chipaya, an ancient Andean culture whose origins precede the Inca Empire. The restaurant is led by Bolivian chefs Juan Pablo Reyes, Diego Rodas, and Marco Vera, from several top restaurants in Latin America, including Central, Boragó, Astrid y Gastón, D.O.M., and Epice.

At +591 Bar, award-winning mixologist David Romero has created a stand-out menu of Bolivian cocktails and spirits, influenced by the country's flavors, colors, music, and narrative, all to be served by the rooftop infinity pool. The signature drink is an exotic blend of local gin, pear vinegar, coffee seeds, dried chili peppers, and local beer.

A deep respect for its community and the area's culture permeates all aspects of Atix Hotel. The Market showcases the commitment to promoting local produce, as well as supporting neighboring farmers. Curated in collaboration with socially-conscious organizations, all foodstuffs sold are 100 percent Bolivian.

Location

Set in the vibrant, exclusive neighborhood of Calacoto, Atix Hotel is located 20 minutes away from the high-octane energy of downtown La Paz. The neighborhood is also ideally situated for a warmer climate and lower altitude in a city that is as well know for its dizzying heights as its quirky beauty.

About Design Hotels

Design Hotels™ represents and markets a curated selection of over 300 independent hotels in more than 60 countries across the globe. More than a collection of hotels, the company is a collection of stories. Each property reflects the ideas of a visionary hotelier, an "Original", someone with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thought-provoking design and architecture. Each "Original" stands for the individual, aesthetic and service-driven experience that his or her hotel provides.

In 2017, Design Hotels™ launched Further, a traveling laboratory for experiential hospitality that transforms hotels across the globe into temporal hubs of thematic exploration. The mission behind Further aligns with the values of the future-facing Promad, a new generation of traveler embracing progressive travel and global nomadism. First identified by Design Hotels™ in collaboration with leading futures consultancy The Future Laboratory, the purpose-driven, self-actualizing Promadic movement is set to shape the future of hospitality.

Founded by Claus Sendlinger in 1993, Design Hotels™ offers its members insightful travel industry knowledge, from market trend consultancy to international sales representation. The company has its headquarters in Berlin and branches in London, Los Angeles, New York and Singapore. In 2019, Design Hotels™ joined forces with Marriott Bonvoy, enabling its member hotels to have both a greater and more selective reach while offering its Community the benefit of the industry's leading loyalty program.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.