INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Specifying tiles for hotel pool and spa areas

730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Specifying tiles for hotel pool and spa areas

As Hotel Designs continues to position pools and the modern spa under the spotlight, CTD Architectural Tiles takes the reins to explain what designers and architects should consider before and when specifying tiles in wellness areas…

Anyone working within the hotel industry understands the risks associated with high-traffic areas, particularly around a spa or pool area.

Commercial flooring must not only withstand a high volume of footfall and be easy to maintain on a daily basis, but must also look good too – the hospitality industry demands some of the most aesthetically pleasing environments in the sector. This is where tiles have a vital role to play – with a huge variety of designs to choose from, they can also be especially practical for use around wet or slippy areas.

Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Anti-slip tiles are the most practical solution to reducing the risk of injury in a heavy footfall hotel area. Made effective by their slightly textured surface, anti-slip tiles are a perfect complement to other materials, such as stone, wood and concrete.

As well as their practicality, anti-slip tiles now offer stylish solutions of their own. Long gone are the days when anti-slip offered only a limited range of design options. Instead, anti-slip surfaces are now available in an enormous range of on-trend designs, colours and formats, providing interior designers with the option of versatility when it comes to high traffic area tile choices. This is of particular importance in a hotel, where first impressions and appearance are everything.

Offering a striking balance between functionality and design, anti-slip tiles now provide a variety of matt and natural finishes, as well as many patterns, textures and sizes. Styles differ from rustic to modern and while some are warm and welcoming, others are cool and contemporary.

Hotel spa environments

When it comes to hotel leisure facilities, the pool is at the heart of generating a complete tranquil, relaxed and safe atmosphere in a spa environment. There are a number of options to consider when choosing safe, beautiful tiles for a spa and one particular trend that has emerged over recent years is wood effect tiles.

Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Phenomenal advances in ceramic technology over recent years have created incredibly realistic wood-inspired designs in porcelain tiles, with a number of advantages. They provide a sustainable, durable, slip resistant and easy to maintain solution, whilst being available in a huge range of styles to suit the demands of the project. CTD Architectural’s Nolan and Woodmania collections both offer natural looking, wood-effect products that are sure to suit any spa-style environment.

Hotel outdoor areas

In the swimming pool area of any hotel, the specification of anti-slip tiles is paramount, as people tend to be walking around barefoot in high-traffic wet conditions. CTD Architectural’s Porcelain Pavers collection offers a range of exterior anti-slip tiles, which recreate architectural materials such as cement and stone – all with a sleek thickness of just 20mm.

Along with the excellent technical qualities of thick porcelain, the products feature high breaking strength and a natural look – important qualities for all types of outdoor use within hotels. In addition, the tiles in this collection are hygienic, easy to clean and resistant to chemicals.

CTD Architectural Tiles is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

Main image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Hamish Kilburn / 21.05.2020

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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