Editor Hamish Kilburn here with your weekly briefing. It’s been another busy week on the editorial desk and there’s a a lot to get through – so let’s get started, shall we?
Following last week’s story of February VIP Arrivals, in the last few days we’ve heard from a number of interesting developments globally, which gives us hope and faith that the travel industry will recover from the harsh sting of Covid-19. But if you still needed a boost of positivity, then we have the podcast waiting in the wings for you…
DESIGN POD available to listen to from Monday
At Hotel Designs HQ, we are days away from launching our new podcast DESIGN POD – which will be available to listen on all the major podcast platforms from Monday onwards. Designed to be the contemporary voice for all interior designers and architects on-the-go, DESIGN POD will amplify conversations and new perspectives on key issues that face modern A&D professionals.
Before Monday, though, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect in episode one, which is entitled ‘Choosing Your Lane’ with special guest, designer Constantina Tsoutsikou, founder of Studio LOST.
In pictures: Inside Six Senses Botanique, Brazil
Image credit: Six Senses
Bookmarked by our editorial team as one of 2021’s hottest hotel openings, Six Senses Botanique, Brazil, which has been built from indigenous materials such as jacaranda and chocolate slate, has opened in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains, which is known as the “mountains that weep” due to the abundance of springs and rivers.
Seychelles debut for Waldorf Astoria and Canopy by Hilton
Image credit: Hilton
Things are heating up in the development team at Hilton Hotels after the company has signed for two hotel brand debuts in the Seychelles. The properties – a Waldorf Astoria and a Canopy by Hilton – are scheduled to open in 2023 and will build upon an already impressive Hilton portfolio on the archipelago, in addition to the soon-to-be-opened Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
5 minutes with: Interior designer Saar Zafrir
Image credit: Saar Zafrir
2012 was a pivotal year for Saar Zafrir, who changed lanes from a 12-year career in finance to take a year off. The next 12 months prepared him to ‘get into the game’, taught by his own passion to become an interior design, at first starting small with friends and family but soon being offered a pathway into the hotel design arena. With a new focus on hospitality and F&B design, Zafrir’s approach was born; to transforming established corporate-style hotels and hospitality groups into fun and lively boutique brands that speak loudly to the growing demands of the modern traveller.
Architecture trends for 2021 & beyond
Image credit: Miami Design District by SB Architects
Last week, we published our close look at surface trends, where it was concluded that strict pre-pandemic industry standards mean that hospitality design is “well-placed to weather the storm” without a major supply-side rethink.
Following this feature, SB Architects, an award-winning international architecture firm focusing on designing soulful and inspiring destinations across hospitality, residential and mixed-use, has stepped up to release what its team believe are the top architecture trends that are emerging in 2021.
JW Marriott celebrates opening of 100th property worldwide
Image credit: JW Marriott
Following the Marriott International’s recent announcement to open almost 100 hotels in Asia Pacific this year, JW Marriott’s 100th property, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, is now open, bringing a new level of luxury to the Tampa Bay area. Located in the heart of the dynamic Water Street neighbourhood, the 519-key property invites discerning guests to take time for themselves, relax, and rediscover a balance in mind and body.
Right, that’s your lot! Have an enjoyable and safe weekend, and in the meantime we will get cracking to create next week’s juicy headlines…
Main image credit: JW Marriott
