Introducing Volume 12

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.

The front cover, photographed by Krish in Chandigarh, captures the architectural essence of the city — a visual nod to its modernist and Brutalist heritage shaped by Le Corbusier’s enduring influence. A past contributor and long-time friend of Musotrees, Krish returns in this issue with his distinctive photographic perspective — one that continues to explore space, structure, and the human connection to design.

A gentle guide to the stays worth discovering

Hotel Musotrees

Hotel Musotrees is our dedicated online feature where we highlight remarkable stays from our travels — ranging from boutique hotels and heritage properties to curated homes, apartments, and aparthotels. Each feature is based entirely on our firsthand experience, offering genuine insight, thoughtful storytelling, and a perspective that resonates with our global readership.

  • 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.”
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  • Hotel Wellenberg: A 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.
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  • Abode Bombay: A 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Bisma Eight: A 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.
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  • Lumen Hotel: A 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.
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  • Torel 1884: A Luxury Journey Across Continents

    In the heart of Porto, where history meets vibrant streets, Torel 1884 Suites & Apartmentsoffers a rare kind of luxury. Opened in February 2019, this intimate haven spans two locations—one on Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira and the other on Rua das Flores—each just steps away from the city's most cherished sights. It’s a space that marries local heritage with global storytelling, inviting guests to experience the world in one place.
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  • Immerso: A Coastal Retreat in the Hills

    This was my first time visiting Ericeira, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I was just excited to go somewhere new. I decided to get there by bus from Lisbon, which I caught from a small stop next to the main highway. The ride took about an hour and a half, winding through old roads and stopping at small stations in quiet Portuguese towns. It was actually a really nice way to arrive—slow, scenic, and peaceful.
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THE BRIEF

Musotrees is an international anthology published in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Each volume gathers voices and perspectives from around the world, sharing thoughtful stories of travel, lifestyle, design, and culture. At its core, the anthology is about people and places, and the ideas that connect them. Together, these narratives form a collective of creative minds, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and discover.

We are always looking for like-minded people to share their stories in our magazine. If you share the same passion, please contact us to discuss potential collaborations. We look forward to hearing from you.

Email: hello@musotrees.com