Move over Emily, Hotel Designs is extending its designer umbrella across the channel in the new year with its inaugural MEET UP Paris, taking place on January 19, during Deco Off, at the Arte showroom. Keeping our focus firmly on this foray into the French capital, we have been perusing the Parisian boutique hotels from firm favourites to new offerings that are now clearly noted down on our Paris wish list…
While some city breaks are about soaring skyline views where the bigger-the-hotel-the-better philosophy might apply, Paris is most definitely the city of the bijoux and the boutique. With no shortage of the proverbial hidden gem, it is worth doing a little designer research to find the right place in the right quartier that has that magic combination of location and interior inspiration.
Le Grand Mazarin
Image credit: Maisons Pariente / Le Grand Mazarin
Kicking off this boutique bucket list is the latest addition to the Maisons Pariente portfolio, Le Grand Mazarin, perfectly located just a stone’s throw from the Hôtel de Ville and the Seine. The hotel is both unexpected and endearing, a place that reflects the values of Maisons Pariente, through an original hotel story with an exceptional location. Le Marais is a lively and avant-garde district, sparkling with creativity, vibrant by day and by night, the district represents the art of living joyfully. Taking its lead from the location, inspired and elegant, the décor and interior design is by the Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki. Le Grand Mazarin is all about traditional French classicism with a breath of fresh and refined modernity.
Hôtel Rochechouart
Image credit: Orso Hôtels
Image credit: Orso Hôtels
A boutique brand that is as Parisian as the Eiffel tower, is Orso, which, despite opening its first property five days before lockdown in 2020, has gone from strength to strength and now has an impressive seven boutique hotels under its belt. The first property in the portfolio, Hôtel Rochechouart, remains the flagship, but each additional hotel is unique and clearly rooted in its location. Husband and wife team Anouk and Louis Solanet are the founders of Orso Hôtels who have built the brand on the mission to ‘return to the lost art of hospitality and bring back the often forgotten values and welcoming spirit of the hotel industry that are the essence of true travel experiences’. Each property is approached as a unique project, bringing different designers and teams on board to ensure creativity is kept alive – the only cookie-cutter thread in this story is its considered style of hospitality and hosting. We stepped inside Hotel Ami earlier this year, and now look forward to exploring Paris through the eyes of Orso Hôtels.
Hôtel Dame des Arts
Image credit: Hôtel Dame des Arts
A relatively new kid on the block as featured in our most recent VIP openings list and located in the historic Latin Quarter, is Hôtel Dame des Arts. The hotel has opened its doors as a contemporary retreat embodying the spirit of freedom, culture, and creativity of the city’s Left Bank. The hotel offers a choice of 109 guestrooms and suites, all with bespoke and unique art pieces and many featuring outdoor balconies with views of iconic landmarks including of course, the Eiffel Towel and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Hotel Les Bains
Image credit: Hotel Les Bains
Taking a more maximalist approach to boutique design in Paris is Hotel Les Bains. Designed by architect Vincent Bastie with interiors by designers Tristan Auer and Denis Montel (think Hermes boutique design), the façade and architecture nods clearly to Parisian history, while the design details are a daring play on light and dark which is amplified throughout. Design moods shift as quickly as the light in this hotel as you move from tranquil guestroom space to atmospheric salons and bijoux bars. With curated art events, its own boutique concept store along with other hip happenings and events, this is a contemporary destination that always has something unique on its agenda.
Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain
Image credit: Pavilon Faubourg Saint-Germain
Image credit: Pavilon Faubourg Saint-Germain
Inspired by notable guests from the past and the vibrant Left Bank culture of the present, interior designer Didier Benderli offers a contemporary take on the quintessential Parisian experience at the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain which opened earlier this year. Primely positioned, the picturesque café-lined streets that surround the hotel were once the meeting places and inspiration for some of the world’s most cherished artistic and literary greats, including Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus and even Pablo Picasso. Set across three traditional buildings and brought to life by interior designer Didier Benderli, the hotel is the most recent addition to boutique group, Chevalier Paris, and features 47 individually appointed guestrooms and suites, a tranquil spa, a bar and new restaurant, Les Parisiens.
Fauchon L’Hotel Paris
Image credit: Fauchon L’Hotel Paris
Since opening in the summer of 2019 Fauchon L’Hotel Paris has cemented its reputation as a house of innovation and excellence. The hotel’s natural playfulness and signature hot-pink touches are boldly and sensitively injected alongside the original design by renowned architect Richard Martinet who worked together with Atelier Paluel-Marmont. The juxtaposition of ‘new design meets old architecture’ feels intentional, and is further heightened when guests walk through the doors to experience celebrated French artist commissions that are hung throughout the public spaces, by names such as Aristide Najean and Monica Nowan. Each of the hotel’s immaculately designed and decorated 54 rooms and suites frame the classic Parisian city view, with some extending to include a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower.
J.K. Place Paris
Image credit: J.K. Place Paris
Finally, staying in Paris a mere few steps from the Seine and the Musée d’Orsay while adding a few notes of Italian designer chic (is there such a thing as over-chicced?), is J.K. Place Paris. Paris was the next logical step for this brand, and its first outside Italy. Every detail of the hotel is carefully considered and curated from the sweeping marble staircase to the subterranean spa and swimming pool. References to both French and Italian design make this a uniquely European statement encapsulating the best of Parisian boutique style with a substantial dose of la dolce vita…
The new Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville – connecting guests to the best of music city
The highly anticipated luxury offering Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, making it the ideal base for experiencing all the city has to offer. Here’s what we know…
Rising 40 storeys above the vibrant city and buzzing with energy, passion and warm hospitality, the art and light filled Four Seasons Nashville shelters 235 hotel guestrooms and suites, along with a unique chef-driven restaurant and bar concept, a full-service spa and resort-style pool deck, modern event spaces, and much more. With panoramic city and river views and interiors celebrating local heritage and craftsmanship, the stage is set for an all-new luxury experience befitting of this dynamic city that continues to attract creative talent and an increasing number of visitors from across the country and around the world.
“There is a beautiful synergy between this city and Four Seasons renowned style of hospitality,” said Christian Clerc, President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “With each new opening we seek to become part of and contribute to the local culture and community to create truly authentic experiences for those who visit us. Here in Nashville, the connections we have forged have come so naturally thanks to the city’s quintessential Southern hospitality, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be here.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“Nashville has always been a place where people come together, whether in the storied venues that have shaped American music, the local havens that continue to further its food culture, or the stadiums and arenas where we cheer on our favourite sports teams,” said General Manager Richard Poskanzer, a seasoned Four Seasons hotelier – and music lover – who leads a team of more than 300 professionals. ” Our aim at Four Seasons is to showcase the very best of the city – from the famous to the many wonderful people and places you might not have heard of yet, but you will.”
Residents of the building’s 144 Four Seasons Private Residences are also part of the expanding community in and around the property. Four Seasons has already established relationships within the city’s music and arts communities, including Songwriter City, which has collaborated with the hotel to offer the Suite Sounds package – an opportunity to meet and spend time with industry professionals in an intimate setting. Guests are also encouraged to experience ‘songwriters in the round’, wherein a group of chart-topping writers talk – and play – through the artistic process. Located within walking distance to the city’s major sporting and entertainment venues as well as its most legendary musical landmarks, the hotel team has also spent months combing all areas of the city, from the flashiest to the most off-beat in search of immersive experiences.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Aptly named for Tennessee’s state bird, the mockingbird, guests of Mimo Restaurant can expect inspired takes on classic Italian dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients enhancing fresh caught seafood and other offerings. Helming the kitchen team is Aniello “Nello” Turco, a Neapolitan chef who first gained international recognition when he earned a Michelin star at Mio at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. The adjacent Mimo Bar is a destination unto itself where the local favourite Tennessee whiskies and craft brews are just the beginning. Bar Manager Michael Geffin, originally from Miami, has had the enviable of getting to know the local drinking scene and creating a menu to both introduce out of town hotel guests and surprise and delight locals with something completely new. To round out the experience, both restaurant and bar will be a platform for soon-to-be-signed musicians and DJs.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Also within the hotel is the spa and a resort-style pool deck. The wellness offerings are a combination of results-driven treatments along with a different kind of relaxation experience that invites guests to come together, chill out and enjoy being pampered with friends, one’s partner, or on their own. Highlights include a luxurious Gold Body Scrub that takes advantage of the mineral’s anti-inflammatory properties to revitalise tired skin; the Gua Sha Facial using tailored massage rituals to sculpt, revive and oxygenate; and the Hot Stone Massage to ease aching muscles. The Spa includes six treatment rooms – including a couple’s suite – and also offers a full service salon with manicure and pedicure services. A 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness centre designed by celebrity trainer and Four Seasons partner Harley Pasternak is adjacent to the Spa, overlooking the seventh floor resort-style pool deck.
With two divisible ballrooms and a half dozen additional meeting rooms all located on the fifth floor, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville is an excellent choice for business events from conferences to product launches, board meetings and more. Soaring ceilings and full-wall windows invite the sunshine in, while modern, understated décor and open layouts are the backdrop for productive events that are fully customised to each group.
Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
If you have stayed in one Locke, rest assured you will always find something new in another Locke – created in collaboration with interior architects Holloway Li, Wunderlocke draws on the artistic history of Munich while reimagining a former office building. Writer Melania Guarda Ceccoli steps inside for a closer look…
Bringing the Locke portfolio up to 13, with two offerings now based in Munich, is the aparthotel Wunderlocke. Sheltering 360 studio apartments with hotel services, it is located in the Obersendling district of Munich, having redesigned the office building that previously belonged to the German technology company Siemens. Designed by interior architects Holloway Li, aside from the designer apartments, WunderLocke features a large co-working area, café, meeting and event spaces, as well as a heated outdoor pool, sauna and studio. work out. In typical Locke style, WunderLocke offers a mix of spacious studios, one and two bedroom apartments, some of which include a private terrace and breathtaking panoramic views over the city and the Bavarian Alps. Each apartment is perfect to be lived in for medium and long-term stays, with an ambition to become a space for artists, creatives and tech entrepreneurs.
Image credit: Locke Hotels / Edmund Dabney
Created in collaboration with Holloway Li, the design of WunderLocke is inspired by Vasily Kandinsky’s theory of ‘Innerer Klang’ (inner voice). Kandinsky, who spent a significant period of his career in Munich, explored how we can develop a closer relationship with nature through abstraction. Holloway Li interpreted the artist’s theory by stripping the existing building to reveal its raw concrete structure, a nod to the neighbourhood’s industrial past, from which renewed branches can be cultivated.
Image credit: Locke Hotels / Edmund Dabney
This approach also allowed Holloway Li to incorporate sustainable design practices into the building’s development, celebrating the bones of the original WunderLocke structure without over-cladding and over-development. The colours used are those of the earth which are contrasted with sumptuous materials along with playful touches of colour and a vivid terrazzo, while warm woods, natural materials and botanical textures refer to nature.
Image credit: Locke Hotels / Edmund Dabney
WunderLocke is also home to an unprecedented food and drink concept in Germany in the form of ‘Mural Farmhouse’ – five food and drink destinations spread over seven floors conceived by the founders of the revered Michelin-starred local restaurant, Mural.
Image credit: Locke Hotels / Edmund Dabney
This ambitious food and drink concept includes ‘Mural Farmhouse Restaurant’, a 70 cover all-day restaurant, ‘Mural Farmhouse Fine Dining’, a fine dining Chef’s Table,’Mural Farmhouse Café’, a coffee shop, a wine and cocktail bar, and ‘Mural Farmhouse Rooftop’, a rooftop with panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps. The vision for Mural Farmhouse has been developed in collaboration with internationally recognised chef Rico Birndt and puts circularity at the heart of its approach. Influenced by the farm-to-table movement, food will be supplied by local and regional producers, and once matured, a rooftop urban farm will provide handpicked seasonal herbs and vegetables for the restaurant.
In keeping with the interiors throughout the project, the designs for Mural Farmhouse were created by Holloway Li in keeping with the wider project, with a focus on the themes of renewal and connections to nature, bridging the local area’s industrial heritage with the wilderness of the Bavarian forests and parkland to the south of the city.
Case study: Leaflike reaches new heights in Damac Tower
Working with Versace Home in Damac Towers, Leaflike was invited to provide the biophilic design elements within the stunning Versace branded apartment building…
With interiors characterised by stone, terracotta and glass, all the elements in Damac Tower have been brought together by the Versace Home studio in a distinctive world-class design to create an inspiration in luxury living, inside and out. The unique and balanced architectural composition has been carefully crafted to create impressive views from every aspect of the building. With this in mind Leaflike was asked to provide the planting displays throughout the main lobby, the spa reception, pool area and residents lounge.
Image credit: Leaflike
A selection of floor standing designer interior live planting in grey cylinder pots with slate top dressing include: Areca Palm, Licuala Grandis, Strelitzia Nicolai with underplanting, Kentia Palm Musa Tropicana and Chamaedorea Elegans.
In the entrance and lobby, the high gloss marble and plush Versace seating is both contrasted with and complemented by the Leaflike planting. Each element within the planting scheme has been handpicked within the design and placed inside colour matching planters, ranging from square white planters to round grey planters. Whether they blend subtly into the background of the interior design within The Grand Lobby or create a showstopper within The Residents Lounge.
Image credit: Leaflike
Hints of gold run through the Versace Home interior, and these elements are mirrored in the vases of fresh orchids featuetred as table centres. The plants provide a warm welcome while continuing the sophisticated ambience throughout, and at the same time contributing to the wellbeing of the residents, by introducing elements from the natural world into a quintessentially urban space.
Introducing biophilic elements into design was important throughout the building. Specifically placed for residents to enjoy, the clusters of plants are effortlessly situated for a natural feel around the loungers and jacuzzi area with luxury design in every corner, while the mirrored ceilings continue to complement and reflect the design. The range of plants from tall to small, showcase against the neutral colour palette of the VERSACE HOME floral wall mural designs, matching the floor of the pools and lounger fabrics. Plants are placed around every pillar down the length of the pool providing the perfect backdrop.
Image credit: Leaflike
Leaflike worked closely with the designers and building owners to provide a turn-key package for Damac Tower, which included careful specification of planting to suit the various areas of the building including the luxury pool and spa areas. The plantings are all fitted with semi-hydroculture systems to ensure they stay healthy and looking just as amazing as always in the unique high temperature areas. The installation was meticulously planned, with Leaflike operations team seamlessly installing every plant, ensuring that the outcome was as visualised.
Leaflike is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Theodor Brown Hotel captures a design moment in time
Theodor Brown, a Bauhaus-inspired boutique hotel in central Tel Aviv, is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of properties from Brown Hotels. We stepped inside for a closer look at the restored 1930’s building that celebrates the design of the era with an elegant interior aesthetic…
Originally built in 1935, Theodor Brown inhabits a traditional Bauhaus property situated amongst some of Tel Aviv’s most popular restaurants, nightlife and cultural destinations. The property was originally due to launch in spring 2020, but stalled due to the COVID-19 restrictions with the building being repurposed in the interim. Having now officially launched, Theodor Brown marks Brown Hotels’ 23rd hotel in Israel, sheltering 34 comfortable guestrooms, a vibrant Italian restaurant by Chef Tomer Agay, and a sophisticated interior décor by Israeli architect Kedem Shinar. Designed to offer guests a cosy yet refined urban bolt hole in the beating heart of the city, the charming boutique hotel combines architectural history, contemporary design and superb local and in-house amenities, for a perfectly placed Tel Aviv experience.
Image credit: Brown Hotels / Assaf Pinchuk
Image credit: Brown Hotels / Assaf Pinchuk
Leon Avigad, founder of Brown Hotels, said “Theodor Brown is a hotel that truly honours Brown Hotels primal ethos of creating unique, boutique hotel experiences, imbued with a sense of place,” said Leon Avigad, Founder of Brown Hotels. “Due to the building’s heritage and location, Theodor Brown is a very special hotel and a testimony to Tel Aviv’s rich cultural and architectural history, making it one we’re quite proud of.”
A tribute to modern minimalism and Bauhaus principles, the original building was developed by architects and engineers Yosef Kashan and Elisa Shimshoni and has been preserved by virtue of the Conservation Plan 265ob. Inspired by the property’s façade, the hotel’s interiors present a contemporary take on classical Bauhaus design led by architect Kedem Shinar. Rooms at Theodor Brown showcase vivid green ceilings with contrasting black and white wall detailing as a nod to the ‘White City’ and its deep, architectural roots. Complete with herringbone wood flooring, geometric shapes, sleek lighting fixtures, brass and rattan detailing and Bauhaus inspired posters, the hotel presents an inspiring urban retreat for the discerning and culture-seeking traveller.
Image credit: Brown Hotels / Assaf Pinchuk
With 34 contemporary designed guestrooms and suites include five room types to choose from including the Solo Room, Classic Room, Deluxe Room, Terrace Room and Studio. Terrace rooms are located on the top floor of the hotel with Bauhaus-style balconies and outdoor sun-beds and a dining table for two, while the studios can comfortably accommodate families with indulgent king size beds and double sofa beds.
Image credit: Brown Hotels / Asaf Karela
At the heart of the hotel is CENA restaurant by renowned Israeli chef Tomer Agay of the popular Santa Katerina restaurant in Tel Aviv. Taking guests on a gastronomic journey, Agay’s dishes combine the tastes and traditions of Southern Italy, Tunisia and Israel, coupled with delicate, local and Italian wines and punchy cocktails. Home to a buzzing bar, open pizza oven, a clean and contemporary interior aesthetic and a picturesque courtyard with marble detailing and a warm gold and green colour palette, CENA welcomes guests to enjoy breakfast and dinner.
Luxury bathroom manufacturer, GRAFF was inspired by one of the most renowned Italian architects of the 16th century, Jacopo Barozzi Vignola, and the iconic porticos of Bologna, with the Vignola collection which marries contemporary design with historic grandeur…
Designed with a selection of curved edges and delicate finishes for the bathroom and influenced by the historic Italian city of Bologna, each marble insert within the collection blends timeless architecture with unique design to enhance the wellbeing experience. Each product is united with expertly crafted detail, precision engineering, premium materials and skilled technology.
Image credit: GRAFF
The Vignola collection includes bath and basin mixers, shower heads and rails, as well as a complete accessories range. Delicate finishes integrated in high grade material with detailed precision create a major impact and cohesive design aesthetic. GRAFF’s beautiful designs enhance the sense of wellbeing in the most intimate area of the living space. Infused with a rich sense of heritage, the collection comprises 21 luxury finishes, including the sophisticated matt black, the elegant brushed brass and the exquisite 24K polished gold. Individual customisation is available to tailor the design to complement the rest of the interior space.
GRAFF is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
First Treehouse Hotel in America to open in California
Scheduled for a late 2023 opening, the Treehouse Hotel in Sunnyvale California will be the third property globally for the Treehouse brand that epitomises playfulness and optimism…
SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable brand management company founded by Starwood Capital Group Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht, has announced the first Treehouse Hotel to open in the U.S. in Sunnyvale, CA, in the high-tech heart of Silicon Valley. With architecture designed by SB Architects and landscape designed by RIOS, the hotel is expected to make a statement (renders are to follow).
Slated for late 2023, the free-spirited, environmentally conscious lifestyle brand creatively captures the carefree comfort, freedom, nostalgia, and fun of childhood. Every Treehouse Hotel is founded on the adventurous ideas that inspire a child to build their ‘treehouse’ and hang with real and imaginary friends. Treehouse Sunnyvale will fuse the creativity, innovation, and adventure of the dynamic Silicon Valley with the brand’s warm and whimsical ethos.
“Sunnyvale is the epicentre of the bold ideas, disruptive technology, imagination and innovation that make Silicon Valley an icon and inspiration for the world,” said Sternlicht. “Every inch of this playful property, from mismatched materials to secret nooks and unexpected artwork, creatively combines the energy and intensity of Silicon Valley’s high-tech culture with the simpler, older, more natural charms of the Santa Clara Valley’s pre-Internet era.”
The property repurposes several existing structures and elevates a new six-story building constructed offsite using modular methods that dramatically reduce environmental impact and waste. The majority of its 254 guestrooms, including 21 suites, provide private outdoor spaces, from ground floor patios to balconies and terraces on the upper floors. Interiors, including soft sofas built into rough-hewn wooden bookcases, farm table distressed wooden desks and wood ceiling beams, colourful pillows and quirky quilts, collectively convey the childlike wonder of taking refuge in a figurative ‘treehouse’, while looking down at the real world below.
The Brit List Awards 2022 came to a dramatic climax on November 2, inside PROUD Embankment, when the winners of the nine individual categories, including Interior Designer of the Year, Architect of the Year and Hotelier of the Year, were announced. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
It was a year unlike any other. Following the unveiling of more than 140 shortlisted finalists, selected across nine categories, The Brit List Awards 2022 gave an unforgettable performance for this year’s awards ceremony, dramatically crowning nine individual winners, as well as officially publishing The Brit List 2022, a publication that includes the full profiles of the top 25 interior designers, architects and hoteliers in Britain.
“This is not your typical awards ceremony,” said Katy Phillips, Publisher, Hotel Designs. “To give credit where it is due – and to ensure that the awards campaign is not just for the trophy winners – each year, we publish The Brit List following an intense listening campaign to understand and identify who among the designers, architects and hoteliers in the British design and hospitality landscape are the true leaders.”
Aside from the noise – the cabaret dancers, fire-breathers and acrobats that took over the stage at various intervals throughout the evening, the spotlight at PROUD Embankment, which was the unapologetic venue for the fifth edition of The Brit List Awards 2022, was fixed on celebrating the leading disruptive designers, architects, hoteliers and brands operating on the global hotel design and hospitality scene.
Reminding the team at Hotel Designs, and the wider industry, how far the campaign has come from simply unveiling a list in 2017 to now hosting a major event in the design and hospitality calendar, no less than 600 industry professionals attended the evening that was hosted by Phillips and Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs. “What British designers, architects, hoteliers and brands have achieved this year is a true statement,” said Kilburn. “And we feel privileged to be able to narrate and amplify so many of your awe-inspiring stories in such a public manner.”
After The Brit List 2022 was handed out, it was time to focus the energy in the room on the individual categories.
In the heart of London’s creative community, BerryAlloc’s studio is the perfect place to experience its floor and wall solutions for commercial interiors…
As one of the design businesses based at the Business Design Centre, BerryAlloc plans to be in the thick of the action at HIX this year, and will open its doors for visiting hotel designers and specifiers to discover how its floors and walls can help to build beautiful hotel experiences. With products such as the easy to install Wall&Water waterproof panels that bring a luxury spa look without the slow installation and cost of materials like tiles, and the world’s strongest floors with the High Pressure Floors collection, it’s a formidable line-up.
Image credit: BerryAlloc
“With some clever solutions that can help hotels to minimise expenditure and downtime without compromising quality of finish, longevity and ease of maintenance, we’re excited to be having an open house for HIX,” said Scott Arundell, Regional Sales Director, UK & Ireland. “I’m looking forward to some of the inspiring talks and meeting design professionals from across the hotel industry. I know we can show a great range of solutions for every size and style of establishment and I’m hoping it gives us the chance to be involved in some fantastic hospitality projects.”
With HIX scheduled to run for two days at London’s Business Design Centre, the BerryAlloc’s studio will be open throughout the show with its team of dedicated wall and floor experts on hand to answer any questions about its solutions for today’s hotels.
BerryAlloc is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Shipwrecked in the Maldives: checking in to Gili Lankanfushi
After setting his watch to ‘Gili time’, and being persuaded to say goodbye to shoes for the duration of his trip, Editor Hamish Kilburn experiences what is like to feel shipwrecked on Gili Lankanfushi, one of the most raved-about island hotels in the Maldives – and for good reason…
The closest I have ever come to feeling shipwrecked happened recently when I checked in to Gili Lankanfushi, in the Maldives just 20 minutes by boat from Malé. The luxury island hotel effortlessly balances style, design and innovative eco initiatives in a place, and it makes its own rules. Adjust your watches to ‘Gili time’ – yes, it even has its very own timezone – and even don’t bother packing shoes.
Often in hotels, it is the in-between moments – what guests capture on the journey between one experience to another – that count most. In Gili Lankanfushi, for those staying in the resort’s most secluded villas, this requires a water taxi to whisk them away from the shore and on to a mini adventure of their own, where they’ll pass shoals of reef sharks and resting rays, to arrive just five minutes after at the front door of one of the seven Crusoe Residences, named after the famous character, Robinson Crusoe. Feeling deserted in paradise is the overarching yet loose theme of the resort; to embrace shipwreck-chic. These particular villas promise complete privacy, and each frame endless views that stretch out and across towards the Indian Ocean.
Image caption: The Crusoe Residences are only accessibly by boat, evoking an unmatched shipwrecked in luxury travel experience. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
The Crusoe Residences are stunning, but, in truth, all 45 villas on the island – all of which are overwater and most are accessible by foot or bamboo bike – are similar in style and offering. Aside from the Private Reserve (more about that record-breaking beast later), all accommodation styles are also similar in size – leaving only guests’ personal preferences to decide between them. Under thatched roofs, each timelessly designed villa shelters the resort’s signature open- or semi-open-air bathroom concept, where you can hear small waves crashing underfoot, and which comes complete with a large freestanding bath, twin vanity sinks and a private outdoor shower.
Image caption: Due to all of the villas in the resort being overwater, guests can hear the sound of the ocean underneath their bathrooms. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Intelligent as well as beautiful, the two-floored villas are designed to catch the natural ocean breeze, with counter-current heat exchange systems and large roof overhangs to increase shading while minimising the need for air conditioning.
The bedrooms have been architecturally designed to feel separate from the rest of the structure, accessed by guests walking outside the lounge area and into a separate enclave. These spaces are quite literally tranquil spaces that sit on stilts. Complete with large beds made from recycled teak wood, the rooms are large, inviting and calming. There is a noticeable lack of conventional art on the walls. Instead, natural materials, that I can only guess were off-cuts used from when the furniture was being carved, are hung masterfully on the walls to add texture.
Image caption: Tranquil, light and airy. The bedrooms a peaceful nooks that frame spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
But the real art is nature itself, either captured through the glass windows or, in places, through a dramatic glass floor, to see all colours of marine life. When looking closer at each element within the villas, you will start to see the work – and personality – of the interior designer who, after a year-long renovation between 2019 – 2020, helped the resort evolve with a more subtle interior scheme that compliments the architecture throughout.
His name is Maverick, who, believe it or not, likes to go under the radar (with no website or business address anywhere to be found). His unmatched skillset in sourcing organic materials in this region attracted the resort to ask him, in person, to refresh the interiors after he made a trip to the island in April 2018, which is when he was first taken in by Gili’s relaxed nature. “When I first set foot on Gili Lankanfushi, I just felt a kind of magic of the place that I couldn’t at first put my finger on,” he told me. “This magic, it turns out, is not the design. Instead, it is how humble the resort is. When I started working with the team, my core aim was to ensure this essence was not lost.”
Soon after accepting the brief to renovate, which was at the time, just part of the island’s accommodations, disaster struck. On the eve of January 2, 2019, a fire broke out – every island resort’s worst nightmare. The locals told me that it started 300 metres from the island, on the Private Reserve, but due to the wind speed and direction, the fire spread quickly to the eastern promenade, and later destroyed seven villas in total and the restaurant on the south of the island. Miraculously, no one was injured, but the event remains etched in the minds of everyone who works there. Despite it being undoubtedly devastating, I also got the sense that this event was when the team’s resilience and sense of community became fiercer.
Image caption: In 2019, a fire destroyed seven overwater villas, which were rebuilt using reclaimed wood in order to maintain the rustic-chic design scheme. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Following this event, Maverick’s role extended to allow the resort to, yes, rise from the ashes. His method to reimagine Gili Lankanfushi, post-fire, was genius, as well as equally sustainable. “I sourced the wood from abandoned homes and train stations in Indonesia,” he explained. “This was not only an ethical decision. It was the only way to achieve the rustic luxury look and feel that the resort is loved for, and for there to be no ‘time stamp’ between the new villas and the existing ones.” With zero excuses or tolerance for cutting corners, every aspect of the resort has been designed with sustainability in mind. All buildings, on the island, are constructed using reclaimed plantation teak, palm wood, bamboo and palm fronds, whilst the overwater villas and jetties are supported with recycled telegraph poles.
In addition to saving the resort’s aesthetics and charm, the true narrative is in the detail. As I spoke to Maverick from my villa, he asked me to look closer at the desk lamp. “Can you see?” he asked with a smile beaming across his entire face. “[The lamp] is a carving of a couple arm-in-arm, looking out towards the ocean.” Once you notice one characterful artefact, others appear. The lampshades on the walls, for example, reference a turtle’s back and the soft furnishings – the cushions specifically – have a design scheme that reflects living coral – I was told that each villa has a slightly different colour scheme. Meanwhile, the wooden coffee tables are carved with stars – so too are door handles on the draws and cabinets – which sensitively reflect the undisturbed night sky in the Maldives – looking up at night is a further reminder of just how removed guests are from modern life.
“The table is made from a tree trunk that was washed up here after the 2004 Tsunami.” – Maverick.
Image caption: Maverick has used natural material as art in pockets of the villas. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
It was hard to comprehend, when walking around during the day on an island that feels entirely abandoned, that the resort was at 80 per cent occupancy. The clever layout of villas means that everyone is entitled to their own space, and private entrances into the lagoon. During the day, therefore, guests tend to keep to their own adventures. By night, though, the island comes alive with guests eating at one of the two restaurants to enjoy local, fresh ingredients from the resort’s garden or from the ocean. The menus, in each restaurant, have been perfectly curated by the head chef, Chef Hari, who after 15 years has become what I would describe as a ‘Gili island treasure’ thanks to his innovative approach to cooking and his relationship with his ingredients – it’s like he sees each plate as a blank canvas.
Image caption: The overwater bar and restaurant is where guests gather in the evening to capture the sunset. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Tucked away, below the surface, is the wine cellar. Beyond sheltering expensive magnums of Champagne and other extravagant wines that, quite frankly, made me feel nauseous, there is nothing more valuable in the cellar, from a designer’s perspective at least, than the table itself. That is because it, like many other details in the hotel, is attached to a fascinating and heart-warming story of restoration and regeneration. “The table is made from a tree trunk that was washed up here after the 2004 Tsunami,” Maverick explained. “Giving materials new chapters is what Gili Lankanfushi is all about.”
Image caption: A table in the wine cellar made from a tree trunk that was washed up on Gili Lankanfushi after the 2004 tsunami. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
The winding nature of the trunk is, alone, awkward. However, with it being the statement of the space, with small glass tables on either side for wine tasting events, it’s as if the room works around that element and not the other way around. The walls, meanwhile, are cladded with other miss-matched pieces of reclaimed wood that, too, washed up on the shores after that natural disaster. It feels like the hotel is answering to these natural events with a message of hope for the future; design’s greatest weapon: the power of reincarnation.
On the other side of Gili Lankanfushi, facing South, Meera Spa is designed to be an ‘island’ of its own, if you like, which is accessible via a long pontoon that channels one’s body, mind and soul into a calm, overwater space. To add a sense of wellness, and to really help capture a sense of place for guests unwinding and healing, the treatment rooms are complete with glass floors under massage beds so guests can watch the marine life during their holistic treatments.
You may have by now realised that Gili Lankanfushi has a purposeful relationship with nature, in both design and hospitality – its sustainability credentials alone are a reflection of that. Having achieved silver certification in 2017 from EarthCheck, it is now working towards gold certification. From every corner, it is clear that the hotel does everything it can – including planting plots of seagrass, creating man-made coral lines and launching its very own marine research facility – to preserve and protect the fragile marine ecosystem, asking guests to leave only footprints in the sand behind them.
Image caption: From the air, it is clear to see how small the physical island is compared to its vast pontoons that branch off its white sandy beaches. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Crucially, waste management is the biggest talking point on any island in the Maldives, with all plastic famously being sent to one island to be burned due to the lack of resources – this is the reality of over tourism in the Maldives. But Gili Lankanfushi has a solution. It has a strict ‘no plastic’ policy, but it still encounters a lot of floating plastic ‘carried on the currents from other islands’. In 2017, it invested in its own plastic recycling scheme in partnership with Parely Maldives to intercept single-use plastics and prevent them from entering the ocean. The island also has a fully functioning Eco Centre that recycles glass, plastic, aluminium and food waste. Glass is ground up and donated as aggregate, aluminium is crushed to prove scrap metal, plastic is stored and donated and food waste is processed into compost. All this while maintaining the speed and efficiency of a luxury hotel.
Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
With everything that the resort has to offer, and all that it has achieved in terms of reputation among high-earning travellers, it is somewhat surprising that I have come this far without highlighting, in detail, what Gili Lankanfishi is in fact best known for. The Private Reserve, located within the lagoon but surrounded by nothing but clear water, grabs the headlines for it being the world’s largest standalone overwater – it’s like walking through a hotel within a hotel. But I have to admit that, as well as it being the largest, it is also the best. In true Gili style, it hasn’t been over-designed, and it shelters the same design narrative as all the other villas.
Image caption: Gili Lankanfushi is home to the world’s largest standalone overwater villa. | Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
The ‘world’s most famous residence’ is set across 1,700 square metres, comprising of five vast buildings linked by open-air walkways and that slide into the ocean, which is spectacular. It also shelters – and I use that term lightly – an open-air cinema, its own spa, a 21-metre pool and a fully equipped kitchen. The truth, though, is that the island has so much more to it than its largest residence, and it’s almost bizarre that, given the resort’s eco mindset together with its ambition for the place to feel unpretentious at all times, that this would be where a record-breaking villa would sit. But I guess, with a sensitive approach, opposites really can attract in paradise.
Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Of all the barefoot luxury experiences at Gili Lankanfushi, saying goodbye is, by far, the hardest. Watching the waving arms of the people who made every travel moment count shrink into the distance is yet another reminder that luxury moments don’t need to last forever in order to be impactful. My time at Gili Lankanfushi has inspired me to explore the hotels that are breaking boundaries, stripping back the concept of luxury and not just surfing the wave of sustainability to operate in a more socially and environmentally aware arena.
The Tongsai Bay forges ahead with its transformation
The Tongsai Bay, the very first five-star luxury hotel to be built on Koh Samui, is forging ahead with Phase Two of its innovative refurbishment and development programme as the resort continues to lead the way in developing the harmonious interaction between the natural world and the best of traditional Thai hospitality and service…
Interior spaces at the luxury eco-haven of The Tongsai Bay are being extended and refined to complement the improved facilities undertaken in Phase One, while staying true to its ‘Natural to the Core’ philosophy. Phase Two of the transformation extends the inside-outside ethos into the new Nest co-working space in The Tongsai Bay lobby. This well-defined and dedicated area offering calm and sophisticated palettes is ideal for those travelling for business or for making genuine connections with colleagues and associates. The contemporary approach perfectly suits the modern traveller looking to recharge in a distinctive and beautiful minimalist space.
Image credit: The Tongsai Bay
Recharging in the Phase Two upgraded and remodelled 8lements Spa area brings a distinctive wellbeing approach for guests to experience the latest techniques of self-care at The Tongsai Bay. In-room exercise is possible with mounted equipment, stretch bands and yoga mats, while space for private practice and silent fitness immersion can be enjoyed via digital classes projected on the wall with headphones for direction. The 8lements Spa is set amid the hotel’s natural green surroundings, providing a haven of relaxation and beauty with a selection of fuss-free, accessible, and relevant signature treatments, massages and therapies focused on restorative wellbeing. The private spa cottages are each equipped with two massage beds, a separate area for Thai massages, an outdoor foot wash and relaxation space, herbal steam room and an open-air bathtub for floral or milk baths.
Image credit: The Tongsai Bay
The wealth of nature surrounding the resort provides the inspiration for artworks and rugs designed by internationally renowned Thai textile designer MookV (Mook Vinyaratn) using yarn spun from recycled fast fashion clothing. The textile waste is separated by colour and fully recycled, bypassing the dyeing process. All her artworks adhere to the philosophy of sustainable living and with titles such as ‘Home Sweet Banyan’ look to the welcome shade and home to birds offered by trees, vines, roots, and leaves for their subject matter. Recycled paper is also used in works such as ‘Blessed Tranquillity’ and celebrates the woods and greenery that protect many species of animals.
A new landscaping project to enhance The Tongsai Bay’s commitment to the local ecology is also under way under Phase Two, aimed at preserving the indigenous plants of Tongsai, a unique venture that will be a green trail-blazer not just for Koh Samui but for the whole of Thailand. The past three decades of success have seen The Tongsai Bay develop similar Green Projects which have gained national and international recognition and become a sustainable model for others to embrace.
Image credit: The Tongsai Bay
The landscape designer Chunlaporn Nuntapanich, who was born in Koh Samui, has been commissioned to devise a three-year plan for the area which over time will include a path to a hidden viewpoint at the highest point of Tongsai, overlooking the whole bay and beyond. Nuntapanich, who lectures at Chiangmai University and specialises in Ecological Architecture, focused on developing a sustainable local economy, surveyed The Tongsai Bay property and split the land into three categories; beach forest and small swamp area, secondary forest around the buildings, and indigenous forest on top of the hill, left untouched since before the hotel was built and throughout its 35-year existence.
The principal idea is to preserve and allow indigenous plants to take over the alien species over time. The large trees – even if non-native – will be left as they are, because they have been there for decades but ground-covering grass may be turned into more indigenous weed. On completion, the landscape will be a planned preservation of the indigenous plants of Tongsai, offering guests a walk through both a visually rewarding and an educational terrain.
Image credit: The Tongsai Bay
While Phase One built on the mandate of resort since it opened in 1987, which was to provide luxury green hospitality on the idyllic island of Koh Samui, the stage is set for Phase Two to advance its philosophy and its committed leadership role in defining new travel trends. Combined with a true passion for the environment, it has built an enviable reputation for friendly and impeccable service in an unrivalled pristine paradise for active travellers, families, well-being seekers, and guests for whom privacy is a priority. The Tongsai Bay believes nature, the protection and preservation of the environment, state-of-the-art technology, and friendly service can go hand in hand with its ecological credentials to create a truly magical getaway for guests.
Sold out: The Brit List Awards 2022 officially at capacity
Becoming the most successful awards campaign in Hotel Designs’ history, The Brit List Awards 2022 has just sold out. 600 of the industry’s finest will attend the awards ceremony that takes place on November 2 at PROUD Embankment, the famous cabaret venue. Get ready for a performance…
Following the awards ceremony at the The Brit List Awards 2021, which welcomed 50o designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and brands alike to attend, the 2022 edition of The Brit List Awards is on another level, selling 100 more tickets to the evening that has become a major event in the design and hospitality calendar. With 600 tickets now sold, the event, which will take shelter inside the spectacular PROUD Embankment venue on November 2, has official sold out. For those attending, here is what’s coming up.
Expect indoor fireworks, cabaret performances, acrobatic displays and more as The Brit List Awards celebrates half a decade of identifying the true leaders in interior design and hospitality. “This brand that falls so effortlessly under the umbrella of Hotel Designs is all about the designers, architects, hoteliers and brands alike at the top of their game,” commented Editor Hamish Kilburn who will host the evening alongside Publisher Katy Phillips. “It would be nothing without those individuals, so I would like to thank everyone who applied or nominated someone this year – we read each and every entry. Between myself and the rest of the judging panel, we are confident in who we selected as this year’s winners and highly commended candidates.”
In addition to announcing the individual winners, across nine categories, the award ceremony will also be where The Brit List 2022, the official publication that, year after year across three categories, includes the profiles of the top 75 interior designers, architects and hoteliers. “The Brit List has become a prestigious ‘who’s who’ in the British interior design, architecture and hospitality landscape,” said Phillips. “Each person referenced within it have given examples of how they have challenged conventional approaches to hotel design and hospitality in a way that is vastly disrupting the industry and setting new standards.”
Our sponsors:
Headline Partner: Bathrooms Brands Group / Crosswater
Showcase Partner: Schlüter Systems
Showcase Partner: Hamilton Litestat
Award Partner: Atlas Concorde
Event Partner: Duravit
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Decorative Partner: Arte
Entertainment Partner: BECK
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Broadcasting Partner: Grohe
Official Videographer: CUBE
Podcast Partner: DESIGN POD
If you are not attending the awards ceremony, the winners of The Brit List Awards 2022 will be announced on Hotel Designs on November 3, the day after the awards ceremony.
The ultimate designer bathroom accessories range from Unidrain, the Reframe Collection, is expanding to include this meticulously designed soap dispenser…
The carefully crafted dispenser is characterised by excellent quality and sharp attention to detail, and as with all components of the Reframe Collection the new dispenser provides quintessential Danish design for the bathroom. One of the most distinctive features of the new dispenser is the uniquely angled nozzle which distributes a specific quantity of soap that lands in your hand and not on the washbasin. Intelligent details such as this are the hallmark of the entire Reframe Collection. User comfort is ensured by a non-slip base, robust construction, and stable unshakable operation.
Image credit: Unidrain
“The unique design of the soap dispenser makes it the perfect addition to Unidrain’s Reframe Collection,” said René Risom International Sales Manager, Unidrain. “Each element has been meticulously designed, and the soap dispenser now joins this cohesive collection; The designer smooths out any imperfections and literally reimagines and reframes the product.”
Available in two formats as a countertop model or a wall-mounted version and five different finishes: brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, as well as PVD-coated brass, black and copper.The soap dispenser is an elegant and exciting addition to the Reframe Collection and the complete series with its minimalist lines harmonises magnificently with the Unidrain HighLine Colour designer drain.
Unidrain is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in November 2022
While 2022 might be winding down, hotels across the globe are still breaking ground, laying foundations and flinging open their designer doors. Keeping our finger on the pulse of all these openings and reimagining, here are a few that have caught our attention for this month of November…
Having been working remotely from my Hotel Designs desk in Northern Morocco for the past few weeks, it feels only fitting to kick off the November VIP openings list with the widely anticipated opening of the Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier. Tangier is becoming a bit of hotel hotspot as alongside The Tazi Palace, the first Waldorf Astoria for Africa is slated to be opening here in 2025.
Set on the hillside of old Tangier, originally built in the 1920s as a residence for the King’s advisor, the palace has been restored and expanded upon, and now shelters 133 luxurious rooms and suites, a Fairmont Spa, multiple restaurants and bars, as well as modern conference and banquet spaces. Curated and designed by OBMI & CCCRA Architects, the property’s historic features are meticulously restored to their original 1920s glory and are complimented by a collection of vibrant dining venues and a spectacular wellness centre. The palace will offer select guestrooms overlooking the forested hillside, with additional rooms providing unobstructed views of the Old City with mountains on the horizon, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Visiting guests will be immersed in an environment steeped in rich history while enjoying charismatic and engaging service. The luxurious place features sumptuous Arab-Andalusian architecture, combining ancient and modern design while staying true to Moroccan tradition.
Nova Maldives
Image credit: Nova Maldives
Nova is the latest addition to the Pulse Hotels and Resorts Group portfolio is a contemporary all-inclusive community concept with a laidback soul and island style aesthetic. Pulse Hotels and Resorts is an umbrella brand for a range of innovative and contemporary hotels and resorts that are being built upon their core philosophy of being smart, playful, rooted, and responsible. The newly opened Nova Maldives is based on a home-from-home concept, an all-natural island resort sheltering 76 sensitively designed villas, offering guests a laidback, soulful island destination.
The spacious beach and water villas have private terraces, pools, and endless Indian Ocean views. The interior design heroes the location with custom-made furniture, neutral whites, warm materials and natural light, in a pared-back and minimalist style with the focus on delivering a truly relaxing ambience for guests. With nature and wellness at its core, each room also offers state-of-the-art technology.
Hotel Per La
Image credit: Hotel Per La / The Ingalls
Having been revamped and reimagined by Sage Studio, Hotel Per La, located in the iconic former NoMad Hotel site in downtown LA, has opened its doors. Under new ownership and management, debuting rooms and a new rooftop concept, the 12 story Hotel Per La features 241 signature guestrooms, and a variety of public spaces.
Located in the Giannini Building, the former Bank of Italy home originally built in 1922, the reimagined property has retained the signature features of the previous hotel, while enhancing the guest experience. HN Capital Partners has collaborated with Sage Studio to revamp and expand the property’s guest offerings. They have introduced new food & beverage concepts that highlight community-driven dining experiences, and working closely with a number of local Los Angeles based creative partners to bring a new hospitality space to the Downtown neighbourhood.
The Quoin
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
The Quoin is a new luxury boutique hotel developed and designed by Philadelphia-based hospitality company, Method Co. Housed in a four-story Victorian Romanesque brownstone dating back to 1885 that was designed by the renowned Philadelphia architect, Frank Furness, The Quoin features 24 luxury guestrooms, a lobby café and bar with fireplace, a ground floor restaurant with courtyard dining, a lower-level cocktail lounge, the city’s first rooftop bar and event space, plus a gym, retail space, and bike share program featuring Solé bicycles, adding a new and lasting hospitality landmark to the fabric of downtown Wilmington.
The Quoin’s contemporary interior design was carefully considered by Method Studios, Method Co.’s in-house design firm, in partnership with Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture + Design. Inspired by the aesthetic of the Brandywine Valley, Method Studios reimagined the building’s existing natural materials by layering in modern handmade décor, floral motifs in the fabrics and wallpapers, the clean lines of modern Shaker-influenced furniture, and an overall subdued, earthy colour palette influenced by original Victorian-era paints dating back to 1820.
Hôtel Dame des Arts
Image credit: Hôtel Dame des Arts
Located in the historic Latin Quarter, Hôtel Dame des Arts, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has opened its doors as a contemporary retreat embodying the spirit of freedom, culture, and creativity of the city’s Left Bank. The hotel offers a choice of 109 guestrooms and suites, all with bespoke and unique art pieces and many featuring outdoor balconies with views of iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Towel and Notre Dame Cathedral. Additional highlights include a state-of-the-art fitness centre and wellness area with a sauna and treatment room, courtyard garden, rooftop bar, and a signature restaurant serving French cuisine, reimagined with the fresh spirit of the North Pacific.
Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton
Image credit: Curio Collection by Hilton
The iconic 218 guestroom Mills House, located in the heart of downtown Charleston’s historic French Quarter neighbourhood, officially relaunches following a complete renovation and conversion to a lifestyle hotel under the ownership of RLJ Lodging Trust. With the relaunch, Mills House transitions to Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton as the portfolio’s first property in South Carolina.
The transformation of this landmark hotel includes a complete reimagination of all original guest rooms and the addition of premium suites, while maintaining the old-world charm and warmth for which Charleston is known. Guests enter through a lush hidden garden, one of the hotel’s many new bespoke spaces, which also include a new rooftop bar and terrace. Mills House now offers multiple new food and beverage concepts, including The Black Door Café, aptly named for its panelled door on Queen Street that offers a quintessential Charleston moment for visitors to The Holy City. Tucked inside the hotel’s walled courtyard, and soon to be one of Charleston’s favourite hidden gem eateries, is Iron Rose, a new signature restaurant where guests can enjoy Southern coastal cuisine by an outdoor fireplace.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Image credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Having mentioned Waldorf Astoria in the introduction, it felt like an appropriate note on which to end – Waldorf Astoria Cancun, with architecture from SB Architects, interiors by HBA and planning from EDSA, is now flying its luxury flag on this shimmering coastline with 100 acres of private beach at its disposal. Combining Waldorf Astoria’s elegant hospitality and unforgettable experiences with a rich Mexican heritage, the hotel will offer stunning ocean views from its 150 suites. The 21 room Waldorf Astoria Spa integrates Mexican healing traditions, and five restaurants and bars provide local cuisine and flavours.
Banyan Tree AlUla lands in the desert with a light touch
AW², the Paris based international architecture and interiors studio led by Stéphanie Ledoux and Reda Amalou, has completed the design of Banyan Tree AlUla, a resort in the Ashar Valley of AlUla in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the sustainable tent-like structures have been designed to protect and preserve its desert location…
The new Banyan Tree resort, inspired by the heritage and natural beauty of AlUla, is located close to the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. Guided by the Strategic Master planning Guidelines for Alula and the Saudi Vision 2030, AW²’s design integrates and responds to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for the future as well as the resort’s completely unique desert setting amid rock formations and ancient heritage sites. The design prioritises the preservation of natural beauty and the rich heritage of the site while supporting the nation’s long-term touristic, cultural, and economic goals for the region.
Image credit: AW²
Sheltering 47 new tented suites, the accommodation ranges in size from one to three guestrooms. The public areas include two gourmet restaurants, as well as a luxury spa. The signature swimming pool sits in a natural crevice in the rocks, reminiscent of the Wadis which appears at the foot of the cliffs during rain spells.
Image credit: AW²
Image credit: AW²
AW² took an environmentally friendly, ‘light touch’ approach to the design which aims to blend the resort seamlessly with the natural scenery of the Ashar valley. Each suite is composed of a simple platform and a solid structure evoking the neighbouring rocks. Various sand-coloured canvases were used to create natural ventilation between the roof and the tent, as well as providing sun protection. This three-tiered design creates soft roof lines blending the architecture into the existing landscape.
Image credit: Banyan Tree AlUla
“Our architecture responds to the fragility of the Ashar site and aims not only to restore but also to protect it from future harm by consciously addressing the balance of Man and Nature,” stated Reda Amalou & Stéphanie Ledoux, Partners at AW². “Our concept involves harnessing the natural beauty of the landscape with a project that seamlessly integrates into the site, a design that is adapted and adaptable to the cultural, historical and natural specificities of Ashar.”
Various sand coloured canvas and terracotta renders were carefully chosen to blend with its surrounding, the architecture is designed as a landscape. The spa façades were formed using compacted sand, the variation of horizontal coloured sand lines matching with the rock formations in the background.
As with all AW² projects, the design team focused on the guest experience. A key factor that had to be addressed was the large scale of the site, and the design has been carefully considered to ensure guests do not feel overwhelmed, while still experiencing spectacular vistas. Privacy and shelter therefore go hand in hand at the resort, creating an intimate environment where the breath-taking views are individually framed.
Image credit: Banyan Tree AlUla
The interior design is a modern interpretation of the Bedouin way of life. Throughout the resort, spaces are designed with patterns inspired by Nabataean nomadic Arab tribes and traditional motifs, evoking the rich cultural heritage of Ashar. The colours of the desert are reflected in the colour palette used throughout the design.
AW² carried the approach taken to the architecture into the interior design. Spaces are designed to create an indoor-outdoor feel, to help guests feel connected to nature. Terraces extend from the interior spaces with the canvas tent covering above. The bespoke furniture design reflects a modern and elegant style which is visible throughout the resort combing a rich local experience with the highest international luxury standards in hospitality design.
Image credit: AW²
To emphasise the light touch approach in the development of the vast site, paths and walkways were designed as trails in the sand. Guests travel through a landscape of sand dunes allowing them to get closer to nature. In this way, the footprint of the resort is reduced to a minimum and the site’s natural habitat is preserved. The use of local resources, craftsmanship and minerals further minimises the project’s carbon footprint.
Local plants were implemented into the landscape of the resort, a sustainable design choice focusing on endemic species native to the desert climate. The architects used water harvesting techniques to guide the rainwater towards micro-catchment gardens to support plant life on the site. The gardens also provide flood protection during the months of high rainfall when flash floods can occur in the region.
Workspace Design Show will be taking over the hall at the Business Design Centre, London, on February 27 –28. While it is getting ready to host a whole range of creatives from the UK’s workplace industry, we are fulfilling our media partnership role with an insight on what’s to look forward to…
First things first. The theme of the 2023 edition of Workspace Design Show show is ‘Destination Workplace’. What does that mean? Good question. There is expected to be more than 3,000 workplace professionals looking to source the latest furniture, lighting, acoustics, surfaces, storage, materials, tech and biophilic products and solutions to transform their office interiors – so let’s explore that concept.
Gensler will be designing the Show entrance, with the theme ‘Destination Workplace Rebirth’. “It feels like there has never been a more exciting and yet equally unknown time in the future of workplace design,” explained Becky Spenceley, Design Director at Gensler, who is leading the project. “We are inspired by this synergy between a new era of workplace and a new outlook on how we can care for our planet, and how we as designers can affect that through pioneering and sustainable design. It’s about fresh perspectives to enable new ways of working and create unique and tailored destinations for people, hence the overarching theme of Rebirth.”
Following the success of last year’s show, over the course of the event there will be a diverse range of speakers, within an enticing talks programme, providing three Talks theatres which attendees can choose from. Refreshing, post-Covid opinions will be discussed in the Talks Lounge, beautifully curated by The Furniture Practice. In addition, attendees will be able to listen to the leading lights from architecture and design, and end-users talking about the latest trends, challenges and innovations in the workplace sector.
Image credit: Workspace Design Show
New to 2023, and designed to help define the theme physically, will be the Bio Materials exhibition, designed by BIOHM, with biological systems at the heart of its inspiration. This will combine ideologies of the circular economy and human-centred design with future-tech, representing an exciting opportunity for visitors to discover advanced materials, that will be crucial to the future of design.
Major international architecture practice BDP is responsible for ‘Change by Design’ a lounge space concept for the 2023 Workspace Design Show. This will provide a discussion piece surrounding the current climate crisis, and will question the impact of workplace design on the natural environment. It represents a problem-solving approach that will demonstrate how the use of recycled, reused and bio materials in design projects can help to shape a low-carbon future.
The FIS, (Finishes & Interiors Sector) Innovation awards will also take place at the show, recognising outstanding innovation in the finishes and interiors sector across various categories.
In addition – and here’s one for the entire interior design community – we have it on good authority that the Workspace Design Show party will also be making a welcome return, this time ‘bigger, bolder and better’. Their words, not ours.
The show will also provide visitors with the chance to explore the latest product launches that are transforming the employee experience in our workplaces, creating spaces for people to harbour creativity and enjoy working in.
Hotel Designs is proud to return in 2023 as an official media partner for Workspace Design Show.
Updating and extending an original 1930s Florida villa to give it a modernist, vibrant feel, the Artistic Director of TREND whose mosaics and materials were used throughout, created a space to bridge the decades…
Whilst keeping the buildings historical integrity called for a delicate touch, taking the design as far as possible without compromising the building’s design ethos was a challenge the owners of this extensive property in Miami Beach faced with relish. Well-known Italian entrepreneurs in the world of luxury design and high-end builds, they saw this as an opportunity to create a family home that would bridge the decades and stand loud and proud on its own merits, while allowing the 30s art deco styling to remain relevant nearly 100 years on without becoming a pastiche of itself.
“I used the mosaic collection in every single room of my house, combining our Italian tradition and culture for high quality and elevated design with TREND materials,” said Federica Bisazza, Artistic Director, TREND. “I wanted to create a special atmosphere with hints of tropical vibes so that my guests and friends could experience them. Bringing beauty into the daily lives of our customers is our mission.”
Image credit: TREND Group
Set in almost 30,000 square feet of lush tropical gardens overlooking the bay, Villa Primavera was extended to provide 7,500 square feet of living space, complete with statement swimming pool. Floor to ceiling windows flood the interior with light and help to connect inside and outside into one space.
Aiming to reflect the building’s natural surroundings of lush vegetation, views across the water, the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami and the smooth, distinctive lines of the building itself, the owners set themselves bold design objectives without compromise. Light, colour and geometric lines were key elements to achieving the overall effect and they quickly decided to use only products made in Italy to ensure the highest levels of quality. The fit-out was overseen by the owner who is also Artistic Director of TREND whose materials were used throughout to create a feeling of continuity whilst allowing ultimate creative expression and contrast.
Whilst the living areas play with light, the bathrooms are where TREND materials are used for optimum creative expression. The master bathroom uses geometric patterns and colour to create an optical illusion that bends light and space. TREND Immense Effect glass tiles clad the walls, blended with accents of White and Platinum glass mosaics.
Image credit: TREND Group
The creative use of tiles and mosaics continues throughout the property, making a statement with a combination of colour, texture and bold design. The main guest bathroom features a stunning feature wall with a Palm Leaf design finished in 24K Yellow Gold Flute 1 artistic mosaics, bringing elements of the garden inside. The custom-made vanity unit is also finished in hand-cut 24K yellow gold mosaics, creating continuity along with visual contrast. In a further guest bathroom, TREND Liberty Pearl glass tiles are used to create a warm, relaxing mood with neutral tones and subtle reflections. The tiles have been installed vertically to give the room more height and create a feeling of space.
The theme continues throughout the villa with both guest bedrooms decorated with two-colour mosaics depicting tropical floral motifs. Even the property’s private elevator features an original blue and red mosaic designed by Italian Artist Marco Nero Rotelli. Carrying the theme through to the outside, the swimming pool is clad with white mosaic and platinum gold tiles, reflecting the colour of the sky and sparkling in the sunshine.
TREND’s versatile range of surface coverings, tiles and mosaics can be found adorning the floors, walls, bathrooms and pools of private and commercial properties around the world, wherever quality, design and artistic expression are seen as essential elements to success. Villa Primavera, stands as a shining example of how TREND can bring new and old together to create something exciting, special, unexpected and timeless.
TREND Group is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Inside new beachside tented villas at Fairmont Maldives
Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi has unveiled new beachside tented villas, which have been designed to created an added sense of adventure. Editor Hamish Kilburn takes a look inside…
Are we in Africa, on safari? Not quite, although the latest addition to Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi – beachside tented accommodation – is not something we are used to experiencing in this region. However, with the promise to ‘reignite travellers’ sense of adventure’, the new villas have been designed to sit in harmony with the natural island environment – and create a completely different luxury experience from the typical beach or overwater villas that travellers now expect when discovering the region’s various islands.
Image credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Located in Shaviyani Atoll, which boasts one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi likes to think of itself as more than just a personal hideaway. The ‘secret water island”, as dubbed by the locals, glistens ‘like a pearl’ – think postcard white sand beaches fringed with swaying palms, kissed by the turquoise waters of the 600-hectare lagoon that gives way to the tranquil blues of the Indian Ocean and a never-ending horizon.
The 120-key hotel is home to the longest infinity pool in the Maldives that leads guests to the Coralarium, the country’s first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation by Jason deCaires Taylor. The Sustainability Lab – the first of its kind in the archipelago – is a hub of eco-education where guests can create bespoke souvenirs and unique items from plastic waste washed ashore and collected from the surrounding ocean. And now, in addition to a high-end tented jungle villa – which was built in 2019 to mirror the beauty and diversity of the island, with wooden frames, amber-toned interiors and walls swathed in white canvas – the hotel now has beachside tented villas.
Set on their own private pocket of beach, the new villas provide a safari-style stay whilst mirroring the beauty and diversity of the island’s verdant flora and fauna. Natural wooden frames are swathed in white fabric, which can be rolled up completely to offer unparalleled views of the turquoise ocean beyond from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Image credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
A neutral colour palette is accented with an eclectic collection of patterned throws and cushions, pieces of striking Maldivian artwork and rattan rugs, with a centrepiece chandelier lighting up the luxurious lounge area. Spacious and secluded, the Beach Tented Villas house a master suite with California King Bed and en-suite bathroom, separate children’s bedroom, spacious alfresco decking area with loungers and hammocks, outdoor roll-top tub and rain shower, and a Sala for communal dining that overlooks the private pool.
Opened in May 2018, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi also features Beach and Water Villas, with all interiors inspired to look and feel bohemian with rustic-chic, carved-wood details and copper bathroom fittings.
Dornbracht and Alape provide solutions for The Château de Vignée
Once a traditional hunting lodge hotel, The Château de Vignée at Villers-sur-Lesse is now a luxury retreat for guests seeking rest and repose in picturesque natural surroundings. The Alape bathroom solutions and Dornbracht fittings in the bathrooms, for which Sieger Design is responsible, are just one of its highlights…
The Belgian design studio WeWantMore has turned the Château de Vignée in the Ardennes into an aesthetically exciting boutique hotel. The Château de Vignée is located in the Belgian Ardennes and is surrounded by open meadows and dense forests. Deeply rooted in the region, it acted as a meeting place for hunters for centuries. The former hunting lodge has now been transformed into a boutique hotel and the design team found a special way to reinterpret the rustic charm of a property that was built in 1658. The premises are rich in detail, their design now influenced as much by the austere beauty of surrounding nature as by their extravagant, 19th century inheritance. The selected materials, lighting concepts and colour schemes take much of their inspiration from the surrounding landscape – while playfully arranged stuffed animals evoke the Château’s history with a twinkle in the eye.
Image credit: Katoo Peters
Along with extensively refurbished and restored rooms, the building boasts a bar and lounge, a high-class restaurant and a spa area. The spacious bathrooms in the junior suites are characterised by marble and whitewashed plaster walls. The undermount basins of the Alape Metaphor series fit seamlessly into the interior design. Their reduced, linear form creates an atmosphere of clarity and structure. Metaphor is complemented congenially by the Dornbracht classic Tara. The colour used for the fittings and basins is Black matt: the dark finish contrasting beautifully with the impressive graining of the marble. The geometric purity of the design mirror by Alape and the Assist floating shelf system complete the arrangement.
Image credit: Katoo Peeters
Image credit: Katoo Peeters
Image credit: Katoo Peeters
Anthracite coloured marble was the predominant influence in the bathrooms of the superior rooms. The counter-top basins on the washstands come from the Alape Unisono series. Glazed steel, with its non-porous and immaculate finish in a material that is only 3 mm thick, sets a highly ornamental and delicate tone here. The circular shape of the basin also harmonises stylishly with the equally round design mirror. The Black matt finishes of the Alape basins and Dornbracht’s classic Tara fitting exert a calming effect in combination with the subtle shade of the marble – and bring a sense of intimacy and elegance to the interior of the room.
Dornbracht is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Fuji Speedway is the dramatic backdrop of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s first hotel in Japan…
Set amid Mount Fuji, Fuji Speedway Hotel in Shizuoka, has opened as the first property within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Japan.
The hotel, which first entered our radar in 2019, sits adjacent to the historic Fuji Speedway motor racing circuit, which hosts world-class racing events, and offers a unique opportunity to fully experience the excitement of motorsports. The hotel also houses the Fuji Motor Sports Museum, which showcases about 40 story-worthy and era-defining racing cars dating from the end of the 19th century – an exclusive space where guests can learn and be immersed in the history and culture of this exciting sport.
Fuji Speedway Hotel features 120 stylish accommodations, including 21 spacious suites, all with private balconies offering breathtaking views of Fuji Speedway race circuit or Mount Fuji. They also include five dog-friendly villas that feature individual private garages with floor-to-ceiling windows on one side for proud owners to admire their vehicles while in residence. The interiors of all rooms are complemented by sophisticated finishes, from buttery leather to marble detailing, and the spa-like bathrooms include deep-soaking tubs.
“Fuji Speedway Hotel epitomises the brand’s hallmark for worldly, unforgettable memories, and I believe it is the brand that best encapsulates the appeal of the Fuji Motorsports Forest,” commented Tomohide Yamamura, President of Toyota Fudosan. “We hope this hotel will become a place loved by people all over Japan and across the world.”
Image credit: Hyatt
David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, added: “We are truly honored that Toyota Fudosan Co., Ltd., an affiliate of the Toyota Group, has chosen Hyatt and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand as a key component of their Fuji Motorsports Forest project – the first hotel that Toyota has developed in collaboration with Hyatt. With the much-anticipated reopening of Japan’s borders, Fuji Speedway Hotel will provide overseas visitors and local residents with a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience, blending the excitement of motorsports and the luxury of a boutique hotel in the beautiful countryside.”
The contemporary hotel features two restaurants serving authentic local fare, a bar and an all-day dining lounge, all with stylish interiors celebrating the golden age of motorsports, and a spa that includes an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot spring onsens and a spacious fitness centre.
Introducing Boston – a versatile tile collection from Parkside
Boston is the new porcelain tile collection from Parkside, which helps to bring the look of concrete into commercial spaces…
From the brand that has more than 20,000 commercial tiles, Parkside, a trusted tile specification company, has just launched Boston. The new collection is all about versatility in surface design; adding sophistication into interior design schemes, and bringing natural elements indoors.
Concrete brings a modern and dynamic style to interiors and now with Boston, Parkside brings its look in a versatile and practical porcelain tile. Suitable for wall and floor use and in three true-to-life colours, Boston is now available from stock for fast delivery.
With its natural variation and matt finish, the tile is an authentic and original interpretation of concrete with the longevity and ease of maintenance of high-performance porcelain tiling. Frost and UV resistant, it can be used outside as well as indoors. Boston achieves 36+ PTV slip-resistance under wet use across all three sizes (30 x 60cm, 60 x 60cm, 60 x 120cm).
Boston joins Parkside’s portfolio of over 20,000 commercial tiles, covering every need. With design-led tiles to sustainable products made with high-levels of recycled content and specialist technical solutions through the Strata Technical Tiles product brand, as well as installation products and finishing accessories; Parkside can work with you to develop a tile specification that meets the needs of your project.
> Since you’re here, why not read about Urbancrete from Parkside?
Parkside is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Slated to open in 2025, Six Senses has entered into its first sub-Saharan African project with Six Senses Victoria Falls and plans to offer wildlife lovers stilted eco-lodges on the edge of the Zambezi…
The riverside game reserve and wellness resort will fall within Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park, a UNESCO Protected Area. The partially concealed, tree-level lodges at Six Senses Victoria Falls will be ecological, tactile, and understated to provide a bird’s eye platform for what’s most important, an authentic connection with the verdant nature and wildlife all around.
The resort is part of The House of Chinhara initiative to recover the majesty of Zimbabwean tourism by elevating the available accommodation count and quality for visitors to the Victoria Falls National Park, as well as providing host accommodation facilities and hospitality training opportunities. Victoria Falls comprises five individual falls, four of which are located in Zimbabwe. Of course, the animals know no borders, and elephants, pods of hippos, buffalo, big cats, and primates will be doing their thing under the lodges, raising the question of who is watching who.
With its trademark ethos of conscious travel, Six Senses is working with the development team of Worth International, comprising SIP Project Managers, DSA Architects International, and CKR Consultant Engineers, on a modular scheme consisting of a series of stilted wooden structures. This will match the weightless aesthetic with mighty engineering innovation to ensure the lightest possible footprint while still withstanding a heavy knock from a passing elephant. Fabricated off-site to minimise construction impacts, the arrangement of lodges and villas will be connected by raised walkways and bridges.
From the main welcome pavilion, guests will transfer to the lounge lobby, where amenities will include a raised restaurant and lounge, specialty dining and braai bar, and sunset look-out bar. The Six Senses Spa and wellness facilities will include four treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga deck, outdoor hot pools, a panoramic sauna, and an integrated retail and concept store. The jungle gym is literal and therefore accompanied by a ranger.
In addition to the 22 lodges with private terraces, there will be 15 deluxe lodges with suspended pools. Some of these lodges can be inter-connected. Plans are afoot for 17 individual pool villas, nine of which offer multi-bedroom accommodation. The seamless blurring of the interior and exterior design evokes reconnection to nature and moments of mindfulness to breathe in the savannah breezes and river mists to the rhythm of a chirruping cicada.
The brief to the DSGN interior design consultancy team is to capture the eclectic and authentic spirit of Zimbabwe. The timber floors and natural finishes will serve as a canvas to showcase ceremonial and bespoke furnishings and artwork. The aim is to achieve timeless sophistication and comfort overlayed with colours, textures, and craftsmanship.
Along with on-site signature experiences such as the Earth Lab, Alchemy Bar, and Grow With Six Senses children’s activities, Six Senses Victoria Falls couldn’t be better placed for access to the river on the Six Senses cruiser, the falls, the game reserves, and paying homage to Zimbabwe’s heritage and artisan culture.
Checking in to room2 Chiswick – the world’s first net-zero hometel
When it comes to architecture, design and fashion, London is home to many ‘firsts’. Answering to any allegation of ‘greenwashing’ with conscious hotel design and hosptiality, Lamington Group unveiled the world’s first net-zero hometel – and it has the stats to back up that claim, as Nadia Walford discovers when she checks in to room2 Chiswick…
Net-zero is no longer just a concept in hotel design. Built on the site of a former wallpaper factory – with architecture from Project Orange – room2 Chiswick is the world’s first fully net-zero ‘hometel’. In short, this means it’s the first hotel in the world to fully account for its entire carbon footprint, using 89 per cent less energy compared to other hotels by rolling out various sustainable initiatives.
Since launching in December 2021 in the leafy west London suburb of Chiswick, ‘London’s first hometel’ from room2 combines the best elements from Airbnb, serviced apartments and boutique hotels, with a 24-hour check-out policy. With four categories of accommodation styles to choose from – Snug, Studio, Lounge and Suite – all rooms come with well-stocked kitchenettes (favoured by long staying guests), refillable amenities by Doers of London, and little touches like dried flowers and handmade bits and bobs boxes.
Image credit: Lamington Group
Under an exposed concrete ceiling and on top of wooden floorboards, Pinstripe headboards, rattan chairs, cork benches and banquettes are set against a palette of warm pastel colours. Fabrics and materials have been mindfully chosen to promote reuse, such as soft bedroom throws from Slow Down Studio, which are made from 80 per cent recycled cotton, and carpets constructed using recycled fishing nets which line the corridors. Look out for bespoke handmade mosaic signs on each bedroom door manufactured by local designer Janita O’Toole during lockdown.
Image credit: Lamington Group
Notable eco-friendly features at this game-changing property include solar panels and beehives on the roof, a zero-waste policy, and three-in-one in-room recycling bins (a first for the hospitality industry) designed and manufactured by room2 to ensure 100 per cent of waste is recycled or converted into energy off-site. Ultra-energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors across the building, and ground source heat pumps are other noteworthy features that add to this hometel’s list of impressive green credentials. They’ve even invested in a blue roof drainage system which can hold up to 50,000 litres of rainwater to reduce localised flooding and a green roof with soil and wildflowers to increase biodiversity and absorb CO2.
Inspired by the spirit of Chiswick’s 19th century arts and crafts heritage, each of the 86 rooms have been carefully crafted in collaboration with local artisans. Colourful, psychedelic marbled print wallpaper from Rachel Maiden of Maiden Marbling can be found all over the hotel, while handcrafted Dali-esque mirrors from London-based artist Kieran Letts feature in the lifts and bathrooms. Through procurement agency Dodd & Shute, each piece of furniture has been carefully selected to ensure its integrity, and all loose bespoke furniture has been manufactured within 10 miles of the property using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) timber. Fun fact: a total of 4,462 trees were planted to offset the carbon of all the furniture used.
Image credit: Lamington Group
According to House of Dre, the hometel’s interior design studio, “exposed concrete slabs, bricks and blocks bring an unfussy informality which is key to the room2 brand.” Reclaimed terracotta tiles and locally sourced plants inspired by nearby Kew Gardens greenhouses line the lobby. Walk further inside and you’ll notice warm lighting, wall-hung textiles and hanging plants adorn the restaurant and lounge area, and an antique Elm bar front inspired by the ancient Japanese yakisugi process taking up much of the space. Additional facilities at the hometel include a laundry room, a gym with Peloton equipment, and yoga mats made from cork.
The bathrooms, too, have been consciously designed in a scheme that feels aptly earthy. With a mutual focus on the environment, Kaldewei was, for many reasons, the perfect partner for the room2 bathroom design – all products are manufactured from 100 per cent recyclable steel enamel, and last year the company took another step towards becoming a carbon neutral business; when it started manufacturing with bluemint Steel, a balance-oriented CO2-reduced steel which will lessen emissions by 70 per cent.
Image credit: Lamington Group
While the F&B offering at room2 Chiswick isn’t the main event, neither has it been overlooked. An independently run café serves breakfast and locally sourced organic coffee during the day before turning into a cocktail bar at night specialising in organic wine.
Image credit: Lamington Group
Proving sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort, room2 Chiswick raises the bar of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry, and sets a new green standard for hotel design.
Real estate investor and developer Lamington Group has announced plans to open a new room2 hometel in Belfast in Spring 2023. room2 currently has three operational locations, in Southampton, Hammersmith and room2 Chiswick, which opened in December 2021 marking the world’s first fully whole life net zero hotel. room2 Belfast will offer 175 rooms spread across nine floors, a café/restaurant, coffee roastery, meeting and work spaces, gym, bar and lounge. Proving that net-zero hospitality is achievable on a scale larger than boutique, Lamington Group recently announced that it will open three new net zero room2 hometels in York, Glasgow and Manchester in 2024, 2025 and 2026 respectively.
Ideal Standard – making a statement in the hotel bathroom
As the hotel bathroom increasingly takes centre stage in the guest experience, Ideal Standard looks at some design solutions to elevate this previously practical space. From high-traffic lobby washrooms to spa-like hotel bathrooms, these spaces create lasting impressions for guests that go well beyond their stay…
To achieve truly impactful bathroom design, looking to manufacturers and product ranges that combine design-led aesthetics with the functionality, durability and sustainability these spaces demand is key. Ideal Standard’s The Atelier Collections are a culmination of Ideal Standard’s extensive design heritage, and the expertise of the world-renowned design studio Palomba Serafini Associati. Modernist, and contemporary in style, yet still having a vintage flavour was key to Roberto Palomba, Founder of PS+A and Chief Design Officer of Ideal Standard. Ultimately, the Atelier Collections celebrate the design philosophies which have come before, and redefine them for the future.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Image credit: Ideal Standard
The company’s Singular philosophy also means there’s no need to choose from one single range, with an infinite number of product combinations across the collections unleashing unlimited creativity for designers. Throughout the collections, pioneering technology ensures effortless functionality, so nothing distracts from the aesthetics.
The Conca range revisits the namesake collection from the 1970’s, reimagining the simplicity that first showed that less could be more in bathroom design. Deep geometric details are offset by soft curves inspired by the natural flow of water. This minimalist basin and bath collection fits perfectly with the Joy cylindrical tap, a single-cast piece that brings a sense of simple sophistication that contrasts with the delicate style of the Conca ceramics.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Accompanying the Conca ceramics, is a furniture range that provides hoteliers with a variety of stunning storage options, including complementary basin units available in five different finishes and ceramic worktops in four colours – suiting any aesthetic. As well as adding a splash of colour to the bathroom, the extra storage provides a ‘home away from home’ feel for guests. The Ipalyss basins bring a retro-inspired colour palette to the bathroom. Offering a refreshing lightness, enabled by Diamatec technology, this range makes it possible to explore designs with thinner, stronger edges – offering a truly statement piece.
Bathrooms aren’t just for looking at, and those in hotels will experience intensive use, so it’s essential to consider both form and function when designing these spaces. Unreliable products can quickly cast a sour note over guest experiences and, moreover, products that are even slightly inefficient or wasteful become bigger problems when amplified over hundreds of rooms. Singular means designers can choose products that are optimised for efficiency and performance and integrate them seamlessly within designs. What’s more, architects and designers can now also take advantage of the new Singular Solutions Sector Books, which provide the latest advice, guidance and inspiration across a variety of sectors including hotel bathrooms and washrooms.
Ultimately, designers have a wide range of criteria, from the practical to the aesthetics, to consider when they bring a hotel bathroom to life. With the Atelier Collections it is possible to have the best of both worlds across style and practicality, making it easier than ever to create a space and a guest experience that is truly memorable.
Ideal Standard is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Sand Hotel Reykjavik, located in the heart of the Icelandic capital’s cultural action, has made the switch to Hamilton Litestat’s decorative wiring accessories in its stunning refurbishment…
Situated in downtown Reykjavik, Sand Hotel sits right in the heart of the Icelandic capital’s cultural action – a perfect location for guests to enjoy the social, arts and cultural highlights of the city and the natural wonders beyond. Tucked behind one of the city’s oldest and most cherished institutions, Sandholt Bakery – a family run artisan baker since 1920 – and sharing the site of Guðsteinn Eyjólfsson’s Gentlemans’ Store, Sand Hotel ranks perfection as its ultimate priority. With this relentless drive for excellence, in synergy with its historic neighbours and with the ambition to remain at the forefront of Reykjavik’s hospitality offering, a renovation of the hotel was undertaken, and Hamilton Litestat was selected as the decorative wiring accessories supplier of choice.
Image credit: Hamilton Litestat / Sand Hotel
The vision of the project’s interior designer and architect, Gudbjorg Magnusdottir, was to create the perfect combination of architectural history, culture and contemporary design flair. Drawing on the building’s 1920’s heritage, the designs evoked a subtle Art Deco quality, with faultless attention to detail throughout. From the beautiful oak floors to the stunning marble bathrooms, stylish furniture and contemporary artworks adorning the walls – it was imperative for the electrical wiring accessories to align with this vision.
With 53 guestrooms and suites and a number of communal spaces including the hotel’s reception and bar areas to complete, a discrete yet stylish solution was required. Selected for its flat, elegant design with firm edges and concealed fixings, Hamilton’s Sheer CFX plate collection was chosen as the basis for all plates, with a number of custom-made solutions as well as standard plate formats throughout the hotel.
Image credit: Hamilton Litestat / Sand Hotel
“The quality and finish of Hamilton Litestat’s decorative wiring accessories throughout Sand Hotel has truly exceeded our expectations,” said Halla Haraldsdóttir, Marketing Manager, Keahotel EHF group. “The expertise and attention-to-detail with which the custom-made plates were developed and standard plates were implemented have totally aligned with our vision.”
All plates were finished in Bright Chrome with black inserts to complement the interior theme. With the Sheer CFX plate delivering an almost flush-to-wall appearance and with a nod to the Art Deco theme, lighting control throughout the hotel is via Hamilton’s standard (T21) 2 way on/off toggle switches, with a mixture of 1, 2 and 3-gang plates used throughout.
Simple dimming is achieved through a push-to-make (PTM) (TRT) retractable toggle switch, providing the user with enhanced control when it comes to scene setting and mood lighting.
Providing the high standard of service and reassurance demanded by the contemporary traveller was a prerequisite of the refurbishment of Sand Hotel’s electrical service provision and so a number of conventional plates were selected to deliver stylish solutions in-keeping with the interior scheme. These included: key card entry switches with blue LED locator light for every room and suite; single and double plates, with single or twin EuroFix 50×50 16A German Schuko power socket modules; and telephone and data services delivered using EuroFix RJ45 CAT 5E unshielded modules.
Image credit: Hamilton Litestat / Sand Hotel
With the demand for personal lighting control and the charging of USB devices from each side of the bed, each room required a left and right-handed custom-made plate. A double plate containing a standard On/Off T21 toggle switch plus a PTM (TRT) retractive toggle for bedside dimming, and dual 2.1A USB-A charging ports was developed, again with the Sheer CFX as the basis for its design.
Working closely with EMEA Sales Manager, Albert Valdes in Barcelona, Hamilton delivered some 2,500 wiring accessories, including light switches, electrical sockets, telephone and data sockets and key card entry switches throughout the hotel renovation.
Hamilton Litestat is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The latest Hotel Designs roundtable took place in the midst of the creative energy that was London Design Festival. In association with Atlas Concorde, Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed a group of leading designers to the table, appropriately surrounded by the Atlas Concorde range of stone, porcelain and marble, and more than a few strong espressos…
Creating a context for the conversation, the panel who attended Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable were given a glimpse into the creative process and learned about the inspiration behind Boost Natural, the latest collection launched by Atlas Concorde. Inspired by the irregular textures and dusty colours of raw earth surfaces, the collection is directly about introducing elements of nature into surface design in a contemporary way. It responds to the demand we are seeing for natural and tactile imperfections in surface design, being driven by the ever changing expectations of clients across design sectors. It also was the inspiration behind the conversation between the leading designers who were invited to discuss ‘nature vs nurture in surface design’.
On the panel:
Mustafa Afşaroğlu, Interior Designer & Co-founder, Taner’s Sons
Maria Cheung, Head of Interior Design, Squire and Partners
Leanne Armstrong, Founder and Creative Director, Black Ivy Design
Kicking off the conversation, Editor Hamish Kilburn, who moderated the discussion, identified the demand being presented to designers for bringing in natural elements and surfaces, and went on to ask the panel, as designers, how are they responding to this on various levels – addressing concepts of biophilic design and concerns about sustainability at the same time.
Responding to both elements of the question Mustafa Afşaroğlu championed clay as, “a wonderful material to use, it is tactile and textured, giving an instant connection to nature and is a fairly direct way of introducing nature though a surface design.” Looking into the qualities of clay, the designers agreed it answered a lot of the requirements of both sustainability and biophilic design, while allowing for more character to be introduced through surface design – but throw the question of durability into the mix and things get a little more complicated. The response to those concerns could be to embrace the material and its inherent qualities rather than fight against them, articulated Maria Cheung, “allow the surface to wear naturally and make that part of the story – the clay can tell a story as well – the marks and wear become part of the patina.”
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Digging a little deeper and continuing the conversation on clay, Vitalija Katine added, “the focus on natural materials and surfaces coincides with the fact that biophilic design has become a wider conversation. At Six Senses we have been addressing biophilic design since the ’90s – now that it is a design concept more widely talked about, clay is a perfect material, not only because of the texture, but it has been proven that the natural pink and earthy colours of clay subconsciously connects you to a more relaxed state of being, introducing biophilia in the interior in a more subtle way.”
Image credit: Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
All the designers around the table agreed that there is a call for more characterful surfaces in interiors, and clay certainly answers that on several levels. Although it should be seen as part of a bigger picture. As explained by Leanne Armstrong, ” it is the collaboration of elements, rather than one single element, working together, creating an atmosphere and introducing the feeling of being outside along with a sense of nature.”
Discussion moved onto the relationship between the lighting and surface design. Looking at how architectural lighting can be used to enhance surface design, Katine commented, “lighting has always been a passion of architects and interior designers, and now with so much more science connected with it it has become much more apparent, along with the science connected to materials and surfaces.”
The topic of sustainability inevitably conjures up diverse views around what is and what isn’t sustainable, especially when questions of durability as well as the rarity of the material are included, not to mention the capability of new technology. Having discussed in depth the trend to introduce materials that are importantly both natural and sustainable, this led on to questions of material specification. Kilburn asked the question about the possibility of developing a material passport to assist in the process. This could potentially be a tool to assist designers to understand both the historical make up of a material as well as how it can be repurposed seamlessly going forward. The product information is out there it becomes a matter of how to access it.
Afşaroğlu answered:”The information out there at the moment is quite complicated and very time consuming for designers and while some bigger brands will have a department dealing with that directly to advise the designers, time is always an issue and designers need a simplified rating version which can be used as a reference.”
Image credit: MARK’S SKYBAR designed by Taner’s Sons
Cheung commented: “Some industries are doing it already, timber is a good example of managed production which reduces waste – and we needs an industry push to do this with resources like stone ensuring that every piece is valued and used.”
Bringing the conversation around to the hospitality sector in particular, identifying the role surface design plays in evoking a meaningful sense of luxury and wellness was a particular point of interest for Katine in relation to the Six Senses model. “Texture and surface is a way of introducing nature in urban environments where you don’t necessarily have a tree outside the window or a beach on your doorstep – injecting wellness through surfaces and the tactility behind that becomes key,” she said. “With spa design clearly based around wellness and connection with nature, yet finding in the urban environment, the city spa so often set in the basement, using tiles and surfaces with texture and pattern from nature and then importantly using lighting to enhance this, is key. This new range from Atlas Concorde with ground earth colours and vegetative references clearly feeds into this narrative.”
Image credit: Squire & Partners
Identifying different products that can provide a connection and a sense of place, the conversation continued seamlessly between a coffee and pastry break to identifying the importance of the role surface application can play in blurring boundaries and building up the design story. The panel discussed how products that have both imperfections and character have the ability to draw people in, and with this of course, the importance of tactility in design projects. With both qualities being part of the Boost Natural collection, designers are given choices that allow them to do exactly that; draw people in with subtle notes and references to natural elements. The surface texture, especially when seen on a large surface design connects people to nature, inviting them to touch the surface. Now more than ever design and products need to reference locality and provide depth and layer to a space. Storytelling and design narrative is key and surface design and elements are integral to this process.
Afşaroğlu explained: “Story telling is becoming increasingly important – the story behind the design, the product , the designer. It is also important for the client to be part of this process and have a story to tell about a product as this all feeds into the experience. Design has become much more than the finished product, the story behind it adds another layer to the design process.”
In conclusion, Kilburn drew the conversation together by throwing the conversation open with the question: ” Is there more demand for designers to take risks, are designers being allowed, or in fact expected to be braver and push boundaries?”
Armstrong, whose clients at Black Ivy come from a cross range of sectors agreed, stating “Absolutely, that is key – taking the risk and going with it will always pay off. clients always want something new, and part of the designers role is about selling it to the client.” Agreeing with this, Cheung added: “It is so important that clients become part of the journey and narrative – the exciting part is when the client gets completely onboard and it becomes a truly collaborative process.”
Atlas Concorde is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier has opened its somewhat palatial doors in the heart of Tangier, Morocco. Originally built in the 1920s as a residence for the King’s advisor, the palace has been restored and expanded upon, standing high on the hills overlooking the city – we stepped inside for a closer look…
Set upon three and a half acres of lush, secluded hills overlooking the city, the new Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier mirrors the city’s seductive charm. Nestled on what is fast becoming the Moroccan Riviera, the majestic property offers incomparable views and unparalleled luxury throughout its 133 guestrooms, suites and penthouses including one Signature Suite, two Penthouses, and one Katara Suite. Guests will experience lavish accommodation, a wide range of culinary venues, and rejuvenating wellness offerings, all within an idyllic setting celebrating rich Moroccan history and culture.
The hotel provides the ultimate cultural getaway, sitting on the northern edge of Morocco where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, cultivating the style and artistry of Tangier. Curated and designed by OBMI & CCCRA Architects, the property’s historic features are meticulously restored to their original 1920s glory and are complimented by a collection of vibrant dining venues and a spectacular wellness centre.
“Tangier is a vibrant and multicultural city infused with Mediterranean spirit, and we’re thrilled to give the opportunity for guests to experience Fairmont’s pioneering approach to unique hospitality while exploring the many cultures and civilizations that have shaped the city’s rich history,” said Fabien Gastinel, General Manager Fairmont Tazi Palace.
Adorned throughout the reimagined interior of the property, guests can find artwork by artisans from the local Moroccan community in the handcrafted mousharabieh, tadelakt and zellige features of the hotel. In addition, each guestroom embodies the elements of traditional Moroccan décor and finely crafted textiles in a harmonious and vibrant design.
Across the expansive grounds, the property’s landscaping reflects a unique blend between Arab and Andalusian cultures – the native, centenary eucalyptus trees have been preserved, and now live alongside thriving palm, olive, citrus, and pomegranate groves. For those with a desire for authentic cultural cuisine, the palace will be home to seven culinary venues, ensuring guests have access to eclectic dining experiences and handcrafted, refreshing cocktails throughout their stay. Led by the talented Head Chef Christopher Blake, the selection of vibrant restaurants and bars reflect the hotel’s essence and personality, delivering exceptional cuisine with curated menus and varied entertainment.
Crudo brings the warmth of Northern Mediterranean cuisine in every dish from breakfast to dinner time, while Clémentine is offering fresh, seasonal ingredients and wholesome and nutritious choices. At the golden hour, the atmosphere outside takes an effervescent turn at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, as guests can mingle over poolside cocktails while listening to the eclectic rhythms of resident DJs. For a cosier experience, Origin offers innovative cocktails created by expert mixologists, using handpicked ingredients from the palace’s vegetable garden. Travelling from Doha to Tangier, Parisa is an Authentic interpretation of Persian hospitality – a juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, opulence and restraint with shareable dishes rich in spices and herbs from around the world. Guests can sit on the outdoor terrace or pass through the hidden entrance to Innocents, the speakeasy-style bar, where a mesmerizing oriental-infused soundtrack sets a sultry yet glamorous ambiance.
The Fairmont Spa welcomes guests in search of reconnecting to the mind, body, and soul through the power of potent, natural elements. With more than 26,000 square feet dedicated to well-being, the space was thoughtfully designed to emphasise the destination’s authentic character and connecting with native Moroccan surroundings. Offering a holistic experience, the spa includes ten treatment rooms and outdoor spaces bathed in natural sunlight that lead to a vitality pool, private spa, solarium, and hammam.
With its exceptional location, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring the many hidden gems the destination has to offer. Through a curated list of exclusive local experiences, the Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier is set to unveil the secrets of Tangier – from little-fishing spots offshore and horseback riding on the beach at sunset, to private boat gateways and authentic Moroccan cooking classes.
Main image credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts / Romeo Balancort
With nearly one third of Europeans living in areas experiencing water strain, GROHE has taken up the challenge, exploring new and innovative solutions to transform how we use water in the home with a recycling shower concept to combat water scarcity…
GROHE has unveiled a new water-recycling shower concept, expanding the brand’s range of bathroom and kitchen products that promote efficient water use and make sustainable choices easier. It shows how a new generation of sanitary solutions can drastically cut water use. Nowhere is this more important than in the bathroom – which accounts for over two thirds of daily water use. In addition, water is the second biggest source of energy use in the home, and improved water efficiency cuts fossil fuel use, energy bills, and carbon emissions.
GROHE’s circular solution cleanses, reheats, and reuses water in order to use only a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, resulting into a cost-saving of up to 65 per cent a year for a four-person household and up to 70 per cent less CO2 emissions. This new technology has been designed to create the shower experience desired, but by using as little fresh water as possible.
Image credit: GROHE
“The water stress challenge is one of the biggest issues of our time. And there’s no alternative but to address it boldly – especially if water is core to your business,” said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA. “For our GROHE brand, combining ‘Pure Freude an Wasser’ with sustainability has always been integral to its DNA. We think the best way to help people save water, is by making products that they enjoy using and don’t compromise on comfort. Looking at our professional partners, we believe the construction industry will need to meet ever more stringent standards as regulators look to build water security and consumers demand sustainable solutions. We will continue to invest in innovation to help our partners stay ahead of these trends and create the sustainable homes of the future.”
Image credit: GROHE
The water-recycling shower concept presents a vision of how the home can actively and positively shape our personal impact on the planet and its resources. It divides the shower process into three parts allowing users to enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge they are minimising waste. First, users start the shower with fresh water, as with any regular shower. Once finished using the shampoo or soap, the user can switch mode: The water collected in the drain after switching is pumped into a circuit, maintaining the desired temperature, and hygienically treating the water. After use, cleaning takes place to prepare the shower for the next user.
“It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art technologies for using water resources sustainably while also creating additional environmental value for water,” said David Mainka, Leader Electronics, and Innovation R&D Fittings, LIXIL International. “We already supply a wide range of taps, showers, and toilets that help people use far less water at home without noticing they are doing so. In taps for example, GROHE’s EcoJoy technology uses a flow limiter and an aerator which enriches the water with air to create a voluminous experience using up to 50% less water. The new circulating shower solution goes one step further – showing the enhanced savings that can be made by products which help consumers actively make a sustainable choice every day.”
As part of LIXIL’s strong brand portfolio, GROHE’s sustainability activities as well as product developments are embedded in LIXIL’s Environmental Vision which calls for Zero Carbon and Circular Living. Water sustainability is one of the focus areas here. The goal is to help people enjoy water while ensuring sustainable water use on a global scale to have a positive impact on the planet.
GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Product watch: blown away by HIMACS from James Latham
James Latham was instrumental in a recent project for global hand dryer manufacturer Excel Dryer, providing HIMACS to solid surface fabricator, Qubicle, for a bespoke basin unit to house Excel’s latest drying innovation…
Excel is one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of fast-drying, ultra-hygienic and low energy consumption hand dryers; renowned for developing innovative systems which deliver best-in-class solutions. XLERATORsync is its latest offering, incorporating Excel’s proprietary ten second drying technology with built in HEPA filtration and fully-integrated wash troughs. Eliminating 99.99 per cent of bacteria and viruses, it’s one of the most hygienic, functional, attractive and sustainable solutions on the market.
Launched on the US market in 2017, Excel planned to introduce XLERATORsync to the UK in 2022, but found they needed a more adaptable design for the UK market. It was essential to have a product that could be installed as a trough, separate basins (both under-mount and top-mount) and, most importantly, retrofitted into existing vanity tops. So, in order to develop a visually appealing yet high-performance unit, Excel invited a handful of the UK’s leading commercial fabricators to create a new basin to complement the dryers.
“It’s great to be involved in a project which showcases the skill of the fabricator, all too often the unsung hero behind the delivery of exceptional outcomes,” said Mark Robinson, Solid Surface Sales Manager, James Latham Ltd. “For a brief like this, HIMACS was the obvious choice, as it’s well-suited to the demands of the busy setting of a commercial washroom, as well as embodying so many of the same principles which guide Excel’s approach to business.”
Image credit: James Latham
Excel’s approach to the project was highly original as, usually, a design is presented to the fabricator to price, build and install rather than create. The process yielded some interesting ideas, highlighting the imagination and creativity of the participants, with Qubicle, a solid surface fabricator from Bolton, emerging as the victor. Their design, a slanted recess ending with a vertical stop, was deliberately designed to absorb and dissipate the dryer’s powerful airflow, preventing splashback and reducing airborne droplets. This guaranteed maximum hygiene and removed potential slip hazards from on-floor water.
Design complete, Qubicle aimed to source a best-fit material to deliver on the project requirements as well as embody the uncompromising quality expected from Excel’s products. Consulting with long-time materials partners at James Latham, its specification team suggested renowned solid surface brand, HIMACS, recommending Terrazzo Grigio, one of its most sought-after colours, for the prototype XLERATORsync.
HIMACS’ strong performance qualities immediately appealed to the fabricators, who were particularly impressed with the surface’s exceptionally smooth finish. Already a popular choice for commercial washrooms, it’s non-porous, low-maintenance and high resistance to damage, scratching and abrasions meant it could deliver the uncompromising hygiene levels required.
The Qubicle-designed XLERATORsync was also developed to adapt to a variety of specification needs, either fabricated as long troughs or individual, stand-alone basins. They can also be under-mounted as well as retrofitted, making them a long-term and low-waste option, and are available in 20 of HIMACS’ most popular patterns, ranging from natural stone and marble to intense pinks and inky blacks.
James Latham Ltd is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Sun Hung Kai Properties, a renowned property developer in Greater China, have announced plans for a new Four Seasons hotel in historic Suzhou, China, set to open in late 2023. Here’s what we know…
The Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou will comprise of nine hectares of a private island surrounded by the landmark Jinji Lake, a popular attraction in the region. The city of Suzhou is a thriving centre of both economic and leisure activities, with many historic attractions, offering something for travellers of all sorts and ages. Suzhou is home to the scenic and historic UNESCO World Heritage listed Classical Gardens dating between 11th to 19th century, picturesque pagodas, canals, stone bridges and museums, as well as the neighbouring Jinji Lake International Golf Club.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“SHKP has always been committed to developing premium quality projects,” said Albert Lau, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties (China) Limited. “Our upcoming Four Seasons Suzhou will be one of the most inspiring luxury hotels in Suzhou and the greater Yangtze River Delta region, renewing a sense of glamour to this culturally rich destination, and providing an ideal choice for business executives, family holiday makers and cultural travellers interested in exploring dynastic history and the area’s artistic heritage.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou will be led by General Manager Arthur Ho, a seasoned hotelier with a breadth of experiences in senior roles in Asia and Europe, including at Four Seasons properties in Hong Kong, Macao and Shanghai. In particular, he has led the pre-opening phase of several new developments, including that of Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen in 2012.
“We are very pleased to have Four Seasons managing our first hotel development in Suzhou,” said Tasos Kousloglou, CEO – Hotel division of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited. “Our new luxury hotel will further enhance and diversify our hotel portfolio in Greater China and provide a range of unique experiences to discerning Chinese and international travellers.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Sun Hung Kai Properties after our successful collaboration with the acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, and look forward to building on our relationship with this landmark project in Suzhou,” said Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management. “China is an important market for us, and it is with great excitement that we expand our portfolio with this exceptional project in Suzhou, giving international and domestic guests a new and unique opportunity to experience Four Seasons in the region.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Perched on a private island and connected via a private bridge, Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou will be the very epitome of luxury and sophistication; intimately sized with just over 200 well-appointed guestrooms, suites and oversized private villas all within easy reach to a broad range of sought-after amenities including a tranquil spa, fully equipped gym, lakeside jogging track, lush grounds and gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fully supervised Kids for All Seasons facility designed for children and even a special venue for pet dogs.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Dining experiences will include a premier Chinese restaurant with seven lavish private dining rooms; an all-day dining restaurant serving a wide selection of international cuisine; a lobby lounge and lobby bar with a panoramic view of Jinji Lake serving selected tea, beverages and snacks; and an Executive Lounge overlooking the hotel’s private landscaped lagoon.
Within easy access to Suzhou Industrial Park, the hotel will also have a grand ballroom, a multifunction room and several meeting rooms that can be tailor-fitted with state-of-the-art equipment for important meetings, presentations, conferences or social events. The ballroom/meeting area has its own individual entrance accessible by car or bus. For newlyweds, the hotel boasts a penthouse honeymoon suite overlooking Jinji Lake as well as an outdoor wedding lawn for romantic and photogenic events amid the hotel’s generous landscaped gardens inspired by the beauty and fame of Suzhou historical heritage.
Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
In the third article in an exclusive ‘wellness series’ with Hotel Designs, interior designer Wren Loucks, CEO and Creative Director of Be-kin, explores the psychological benefits of adapting with the seasons in interior design and hospitality…
Imagine, for a moment, a hotel that moves and shifts with the seasons. A hospitality space where the interior and external environment align, providing guests with a rich and dynamic sensorial experience throughout the year.
This is thebeautiful opportunity on the table for all hotels, as we move into an age where consumers care more and more about their wellbeing, and that of the planet. Before I dive into the science behind seasonal design, and how to implement it, I’d like to share a personal story.
Image credit: Be-kin
Last February, I spent some time at a retreat space in Margate, Kent. I experienced a beautiful alignment of the interior space with the exterior environment – as if they hugged one another, to provide me with a holistic experience:
In the mornings, I spent time walking along the coast. The thick, fast wind slapped my body with a sense of untamed wildness – the sounds of waves crashed unapologetically along the coastline, as my feet apprehensively moved across the uneven path. After these walks, I would return to my holiday apartment and submerge myself in the deep, claw-foot bathtub – the softness of the warm, aromatherapy-infused bath water gently enveloped me, balancing the rawness and unpredictability of the outside. The contrast between both experiences made each one richer.
In the evenings, as the natural light of the day dropped, I’d light a fire. The sound of crackling wood, and the mesmerising visual of flames, invited me into a space of introspection. The darkness does this, and it’s beautiful to embrace it. In fact, during this trip I read ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May, who explores how we can think of different stages of our life as different seasons.
Why & how to design with the seasons
“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to mature your nature with Nature.” – Joseph Campbell.
The truth is, our sense of wellbeing increases when our interior spaces align with nature. I still daydream about my sensory-rich time in Margate – and isn’t that what all hotel operators want? To ground a good memory in the physicality of their spaces, so that guests keep coming back.
Image credit: Be-kin
Sensorial design considers how we can work with the senses to stimulate wellbeing. Whilst aspects of a design may be fixed (e.g., the colour of the walls, the furniture), sensorial elements can be adapted across the seasons.
Here are a few ways to implement seasonal design:
Sound
Use biophilic soundscapes. In my previous article on sound, I talk about GetSound.Ai. They create soundscapes that are inspired by the sounds of nature, and your local temperature and time of day. This is a beautiful example of how AI and technology can be mindfully used to bring us closer to nature.
Go deeper still, and use sound to balance the external temperature. In the winter, richer, heavier sounds (e.g., orchestral symphonies) can help balance the starkness of the season whereas in the heat of the summer months, light acoustic and folk music can feel refreshing.
Image credit: Unsplash/Skye Studios
When it comes to producing sound, you must be mindful of the speaker quality. Have you heard of spatial audio? Spatial audio helps us more accurately recreate the experience of real-world listening. It’s more immersive than listening to music on headphones. Why is this important? Because findings, published in the likes of Forbes, suggest that it induces a more relaxed state of attention and overall wellbeing.
Smell
Create a seasonal scent story. A forest smells differently at different times of year. In the summer, the sweetness of flowers infuses the air, in the autumn the crisp air inspires a sense of raw vitality. Think about how you can create a scent story for your hotel, that shifts with the seasons. This can include fragrance in the communal areas, as well as toiletries in the bedrooms.
Be inspired by vernacular plants. Years ago, I completed an aromatherapy course at Kew Gardens. It was beautiful to see and touch the plants and trees and then smell their essence. Think about how you can connect your scent story, to the regional plants—connecting inside and outside directly.
Lighting
Explore circadian lighting systems. A circadian lighting system, which aligns the interior lighting to sunrise and sunset, can aide in relaxation and better sleep. To learn more about this, you can research chronobiology.
Avoid light pollution. Think about how to light your exterior environments, without creating vast amounts of unnecessarily light pollution. Holidays are the perfect time to dream—and being able to invite guests to look up and see the stars, can inspire them, and create a sense of peace.
Use natural light. Where possible, use natural light. This includes daylight, and the light of a fire and candles.
Taste
Perhaps the most obvious way to introducing seasonal hospitality is in F&B. This is more sustainable for the environment and provides a deeper connection with your community—supporting social sustainability.
Designing with the seasons, and across the senses, will provide guests with a very rich and meaningful experience. It will also encourage us as Designers, to remember the magnificent of Mother Earth—and how it is such an abundant source of inspiration.
Just in ‘time’ – Skopos drops a new collection of fabrics
Continuing its celebrations of 50 years of design and manufacture in contract textiles, this month Skopos takes inspiration from its Time collection…
Making its first appearance in 2006, the Time collection brought together geometric outlines and more organic silhouettes, wet-printed onto the ‘Cool Linen’ cloth. The linen/cotton mix base-cloth added natural beauty to the collection, and the series of graphic shapes kept the collection eye-catching, yet simple. Among the designs, Silence gave a feeling of retro calm, with its stretched ogee shape and vertical movement. Keeping the same scale and pattern, the updated design has simply been given a linen background texture for our Anniversary collection and is offered in two colourways. Launching in 2022 as ‘Silenzio’, the design will be produced initially on our Varese base-cloth, a velvet upholstery quality with a kitten soft touch.
Image credit: Skopos
To accompanying Silenzio, Skopos have adapted another design from Time, Moment, to inspire its second October design. The new design, ‘Momentum’, brings together the angular graphic blocks of Moment with an additional outline to create a more dreamy, abstract design with more textural interest. This design is being sampled initially on the Ashford linen-look base-cloth.
Designs for October are available on any of the standard print base-cloths and are being offered in two colourways. For alternative colourways, in-line with minimum order requirements, the Skopos design team will be able to help.
Skopos is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
In conversation with: Jon Bond, Head of Projects (UK), Roca & Laufen
While experiencing the Everything Flows exhibition at the Roca London Gallery, a display showcasing the decade-short collaboration between the showroom and Zaha Hadid Design, Editor Hamish Kilburn caught up with Jon Bond, Head of Projects (UK) at Roca and Laufen to capture the evolution of wellness through his eyes…
In 2011, Roca and Laufen made a statement when the two brands, owned by the same company, unveiled their London HQ, which was so far removed from any other showroom of its time – arguably that is still the case today. Partnering with Zaha Hadid Architects and Zaha Hadid Design, the brands’ new home was one that put experience at the forefront of showroom design. “It wasn’t an accident that when you walk into the gallery, you don’t actually see any products,” Jon Bond, Head of Projects at Roca and Laufen, tells me as we arrive through the automatic doors into what feels like a different world. “It was progressive, and simply a different way to look at what a showroom should be.”
Highlighting the rewards of doing things differently, more than a decade on since the opening, Roca and Laufen are sheltered in what is still one of London’s most innovative showrooms, which has is utilised for events and parties throughout the year.
Image credit: Jack Hardy / Laufen / Pan Pacific London
From Spring earlier this year until the end of 2022, it is sheltering an exhibition that showcases key objects developed by Zaha Hadid Design from the last 15 years. Despite, to my surprise, having not worked together on a designing and developing a bathroom product, there is unquestionable synergy between the energy of both the studio and the Roca and Laufen brands. And this is where I feel I should begin when catching up with Bond on his turf.
Hamish Kilburn: Why is the ZHD collaboration not only important but also relevant?
Jon Bond:Roca London Gallery remains incredibly important to Roca in the UK, in so far as it communicates our brand values of innovation and design excellence through partnership with one of the world’s leading design practices. As one of six global Roca hubs (also including Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Shanghai and Beijing), it acts partly as a showroom space, but equally important is its role in engaging with the design community through a continually evolving programme of exhibitions and events. The current exhibition celebrating 10 years of our partnership with ZHD is genuinely my favourite collaboration to date. In demonstrating the continued excellence of ZHD across a wide range of disciplines, it’s driven footfall to the space and allowed us the perfect opportunity to re-engage with our friends in the design community after so long away.
Image credit: Luke O’Donavan / London Roca Gallery
HK: Let’s talk about Roca’s latest unveil, Ona Collection. It’s a beauty. What makes it so unique to anything the brand has launched in the past?
JB: It’s brilliant, isn’t it? I think for Roca this is a moment, and the collection really answers the need from designers for design-forward products that come in so many different variations.
When the range was launched the designers (Noa Design and Benedito Design) talk about Ona (which means ‘wave’ in Catalan) as facilitating the ‘democratisation of design’. It stands out for its versatility in terms of the full bathroom solution, whilst making full use of Roca’s recent innovations in fine ceramic, stonex, Everlux pvd coatings and touchless technology.
Image credit: Roca
Image credit: Roca
The basins are a great example to demonstrate that point. The range includes different configurations where the bowl is placed asymmetrically or centred, with a full range of sizes in the wall-hung version from space-saving cloakroom options to large double-basins, and with two different projections. It’s also the first Roca range where every ceramic piece is available in gloss or matt white finishes.
Image credit: Roca
Moreover, Fineceramic® facilitates a more sustainable production process: it generates zero waste, all its composites are natural and the weight reduction positively impacts firing and transport, reducing c02 emissions
HK: What would you say are the biggest demands among designers when it comes to product development at the moment?
JB: I would say that the biggest challenges regarding the design of products for the bathroom space lie in the contradiction between what is demanded from the modern bathroom (especially in terms of luxury hospitality) and the physical space within which it is realised.
The bathroom is, first and foremost, a place of sanctuary, not only because its often the only room in our living space with a lock on it, but also because it’s where we perform our daily rituals at the beginning and end of each day. The trend for wellness has amplified this sense of the bathroom as an ‘escape’ from the world around us, as has the pandemic but in a different way.
As hospitality increasingly looks toward the re-purposing of existing buildings within the urban landscape where space is at a premium, the contradiction between luxury/sanctuary and the physical dimensions of the typical bathroom become even more stark.
So the way in which you design that space and design the products within it – to make them fit a small footprint yet make them aesthetically pleasing, functional and enjoyable to use – is a real challenge.
Image credit: Roca
Image credit: Roca
HK: How are Roca and Laufen embracing the mega trend that is wellness through product innovation?
JB: Wellness has a broader meaning than within a spa or hospitality context to most people. Its about providing sanctuary and escape through the use of products which fit the way we live and use our bathroom spaces.
This could be through using natural materials or materials which mimic natural finishes, to create a sense of escapism from the look and feel of the rest of the design (in the case of hospitality). Or it could be through the application of design solutions which maximise space and create ‘luxury’ in that way. Fine ceramic or ‘Saphir Keramik’ as pioneered by Laufen, has changed the way we think about ceramic design, creating beautiful forms but also positively impacting functionality in space-restricted areas.
Image credit: Laufen
HK: From your experience, having worked with designers and architects for many years, what are the biggest pitfalls hotels fall down when designing the bathroom?
JB: Aside from my personal gripe of walking into a hotel room and spending 10 minutes trying to figure out how to turn on the bathroom lights, I wouldn’t say the pitfalls are the fault of the specifier necessarily. The trend for coloured brassware shows no sign of abating for example, but true matt finishes are only possible by powder coating which isn’t suitable for high traffic areas such as public bathrooms, and arguably hotels full-stop. Design should be a collaboration between all the stakeholders involved, both in terms of the concept and physical design, but also requires the expertise of the manufacturer in recommending the most suitable products and materials.
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
Q: How long have you worked for Roca? A: Eight years.
Q: What’s been your favourite collection so far? A: For Roca, it is Ona Collection. For Laufen, Kartell.
Q: What has been the biggest, most significant innovation in bathroom tech in the last 10 years? A: Saphir Keramik’ changed the way ceramics were in the bathroom.
Q: What’s been your most challenging project to date? A: Every project, without fail, has its unique challenges.
Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up? A: I wanted to be a sports journalist.
HK: At HIX 2021, the brand displayed its new range of smart products. What are your plans this year?
JB: To give Ona a platform. It’s a fabulous range which completely reinvigorates our ‘full-bathroom’ offer for projects. We can’t wait for the design community to see and feel the products in person and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Image credit: Jack Hardy
HK: What will hotel showering experience look like 30 years from now?
JB: Good question. Again, there’s a real friction here between the need to deliver a luxury (or even pleasurable) bathroom experience and our need to conserve our natural resources. One of the non-negotiables in many mid to upper-scale hotels is the rainfall shower, which is not conducive to saving water. A product was released into the market recently which uses only five to six litres of water to deliver a flow rate of 20l per min (check that) for a 10-minute shower, by utilising a closed-loop system that constantly cleans the water as it circulates. In doing so it saves around 80 per cent of the energy of a standard shower in addition to the huge water savings it offers.
Image credit: Laufen
If grey water recycling can be adapted to retro-fit projects without affecting the user experience, then there may be no need for the hotel showering experience to change at all. Otherwise, water monitoring will be commonplace I’m sure, with hotels incentivising guests to use less water through money off their next stay or vouchers to use in the restaurant or bar. And as manufacturers, we need to ensure we’re designing products which meet these requirements and deliver products which both conserve water and are sustainably manufactured.
Roca and Laufen is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Reflections: why bathroom mirrors are more than accessories
Mirrors are an integral part of any bathroom design, from boutique hotel to guest toilet, and these mirrors from Duravit are more than mere functional accessories – they create an opportunity for individuality without having to compromise on design, functionality, or comfort…
Providing both functional lighting, as well as gentle illumination for some spa downtime in the bathroom, mirrors and any accompanying bathroom lighting need to harmonise with each other and the overall design. The illuminated mirrors should be easy to operate and where possible avoid glare and mist. As it can be immensely frustrating standing in a steaming bathroom after a hot shower trying to find a gap in the mist on the mirror. A heated mirror can help by preventing the surface from misting up in the first place. This is an option that is already integrated on many mirrors within the Duravit designer furniture series.
Image credit: Duravit
Image credit: Duravit
Two convenient operating systems are available: an integrated sensor ensures that the mirror and the accompanying light can be operated contactlessly. As an alternative, a contactless control panel for the main light, ambient light, light temperature, and mirror heating is available on the surface of the mirror. Contactless control is hygienic and prevents unwanted fingerprints on the surface. On the Happy D.2 Plus, Luv, XSquare, models and the icon version of XViu, the heating is switched on and off using an icon on the operating panel, while on the other models it is connected to the light. The integrated ‘auto-off’ function switches the heating off after an hour.
Creating a pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom is easier than ever with mirrors that are compatible with the Casambi light-control app, such as those in the White Tulip or Zencha range. Light temperature with a memory effect, mirror heating, or dim function are really easy to control. Additionally, customers can create and save scenes, such as extra soft lighting for some spa downtime in the home bathroom.
To ensure glare-free lighting alongside optimum illumination, Duravit uses modern technology to create computer simulations to precisely calculate the light extraction. Specially selected LEDs are used with a guaranteed service life of at least 30 years and consistently high luminous efficiency. The spacing of the individual LEDs on the circuit boards is individually defined and specially manufactured for each product and model.
The light sources on mirrors with a light band in the mirror surface are deflected by a reflector. This is specially constructed and guarantees glare free lighting on all models. As a rule, individual light sources are not visible, the light is homogeneous, has optimum brightness of at least 300 lux in the field of vision, as well as high colour fidelity for natural colour rendering of skin tones.
All Duravit mirrors and mirror cabinet models use energy sparingly. The development process involves comprehensive tests in a climatic chamber to ensure that the materials can also cope with extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or high humidity as well as splash-proof protection.
Duravit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Bringing with it Mama Shelter’s first ever ‘Mama Skin Spa’, and Rennes’ first rooftop bar – slated for March 2023, Mama Shelter have announced their 17th hotel will be opening in Rennes, the French city where modernism and tradition meet. Here’s what we know…
Staying true to brand, Mama Shelter always seeks to open in cities and neighbourhoods that are on the rise, and Mama Shelter Rennes is writing a new chapter without overshadowing the previous ones. The hotel welcomes locals as well as visitors from abroad, and is ideally located in the centre of a square where passers-by can stroll and wander in. In this square, guests can enjoy the cocktail bar, the lounges and food shops, including a restaurant that are all retailers independent of Mama Shelter. A natural extension of the city and a new district in the historic centre, city dwellers here can stock up on exceptional products or enjoy F&B offerings with the hotel’s guests, all in the confines of a friendly town square.
Image credit: Mama Shelter
“At Mama Shelter in Rennes, our teams have successfully met two challenges: to establish a contemporary hotel in a renovated historic complex, many parts of which come under the Bâtiments de France jurisdiction,” commented Serge Trigano, Co-Founder & President. “We also wanted to soak up traditions in this region of Brittany, with its strong personality and highly sophisticated culture. Having completed the work, we are now looking forward to sharing Mama’s festive spirit with the people of Rennes and all those who love Brittany. To invite them to experience and feel the city, in its restaurants and bars, which subtly tell its story. We’re also looking forward to welcoming fans of Mama’s in the heart and soul of Rennes.”
Image credit: Mama Shelter
Benjamin El Doghaïli, architect and head of the Mama Shelter design studio, has embraced Rennes’ vibrant heritage and designed the hotel to be at one with its environment. The 119 guestrooms vary in sizes and shapes, with some nestled under the roofing, and some carrying old mouldings and a fireplace. The bathrooms are timeless, with large black and white striped tiles, a large space for toiletries and organic beauty products from the Mama Skin range. El Doghaïli, in this former banking property where currency was once minted, has drawn on the vibrant local culture.
Image credit: Mama Shelter
The lobby is home to a large rounded counter adorned in a mosaic frieze of buckwheat pancakes, a classic delicacy of the area, in the Odorico brothers’ style, with salted-butter-caramel coloured walls. In the large brasserie restaurant offering beautiful views over the city, upholstered benches with a custom-made fabric evoke the popular saying ‘Vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre’ – meaning ‘to have one’s cake and eat it’.
Image credit: Mama Shelter
One of the ground floor lounges is decorated entirely in pink and embellished with lobsters, mussels, seaweed and oysters, to evoke the delicacy of local seafood platters. Jumbo-sized Chinese umbrellas showcase the umbrellas mixologists decorate cocktails with, as a reminder that the Breton people are travellers at heart. The pattern on the carpet along the corridors represent the lace of the Bigouden headdresses, the stoat of the flag of Brittany, and the wolf, the fox and the weasel of a medieval song of Burgundy origin.
Image credit: Mama Shelter
Guests can enjoy the rooftop with sweeping views of the city. The rooftop, a novelty in Rennes, provides an incredible view of the city’s well-tempered character, bourgeois 19th century buildings, ramshackle 16th century houses, and towers built just like the tapered bell towers of its churches. In the basement, several colourful karaoke rooms will be available to hire for groups.
Image credit: Mama Shelter
Another highlight is the swimming pool, with disabled accessibility, a hammam and a sauna and a Mama Skin Spa – a first for Mama Shelter – a boudoir nestled under stone vaults. Absolution, a French organic cosmetics house, has partnered with Ho Karan, a Breton cosmetics brand renowned for its hemp-based treatments to offer various relaxing treatments.
Exclusive video: the making of The Other House (part two)
Rounding off Hotel Designs’ exclusive editorial series in style, which has seen us following the making of The Other House South Kensington, from concept to completion, Editor Hamish Kilburn returns to a now completed and fully open hotel to speak to the developer, the architect and the designer behind London’s latest luxury hotel offering (scroll down for exclusive video content)…
It feels somewhat apt that the slogan for The Other House South Kensington that has been the inspiration behind its development – and that has kept us on our toes for at least a year – is ‘curious as a monkey, wise as an owl’. We knew the inaugural property in the group’s portfolio was going to be a maximalist statement, but the ‘hotel meets private members’ club’ has exceeded our own expectations when it comes to colour, texture and personality – think jungle-like public bathrooms, underground vaults and mosaic tiles that reflect peacock feathers.
Image credit: The Other House
Image caption: The members’ lounge inside The Other House South Kensington credit: The Other House
The interior design scheme, created by Bergman Design House, is layered to feel like a home-from-home, complete with unexpected artefacts, complemented with mix-matched artwork – it feels more like walking into a good friend’s cosy living room than a hotel experience. The design unapologetically answers to a clever architectural structure, put in place by Falconer Chester Hall, that has given what was a tired and worn-down heritage building in South Kensington a new reason to exist, inside 11 Victorian townhouses. Going beyond simply opening up spaces, the architectural narrative, mixed with a considered design narrative, has opened the opportunity for the building to shelter joyful spaces that sit above, below or next to tranquil nooks.
“Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, I ruined the art.” – Marie Soliman, Co-Founder, Bergman Design House.
In the previous episode of this concept-to-completion series, our production set was nothing more than a building site. Today, it is a thriving, new and exciting hospitality experience that is bursting with character wherever you look. And that personality is somewhat split depending on which area of the hotel you walk into – from the eclectic Owl & Monkey bar to the sedate members’ club below, calming apartments and couture-like lobby to leads into an intriguing library – this hotel, as you will see below, is all about discovery.
For myself, with vivid memories of interviewing the developer, Naomi Heaton, on a sofa in the middle of a lonely building site – a logistical nightmare when looking back – making this video series with the help of CUBE is a pinch-me moment. Throughout this series, we had no doubts that the final product would live up to the hype, but it’s exceeded even our expectations on how a building that felt, well, redundant could be transformed into a space that feels so current and relevant on the hospitality map.
The truth that we should all accept is that The Other House South Kensington is just the first of many properties that will soon emerge under The Other House brand – it has set a disruptive tone – that will vastly challenge conventional hotel design and, with each opening, take hospitality to new boundary-shattering levels in the territories where the luxury properties will emerge.
Vinyl flooring manufacturer, Beauflor will be opening its doors to designers at its first open house event in its new London home at the Business Design Centre during HIX 2022…
Designers attending HIX will have an opportunity to walk in and discover Beauflor’s range of commercial flooring solutions, including the Create range of customisable floors. With the ability to reflect, identity and to play a part in interiors that build memorable experiences, Create is for any hotel or hospitality venue looking to create a lasting impression. From library patterns in branded palettes to immersive graphics, Create is unique to Beauflor.
The showroom is also home to Beauflor Pro, the brand’s collection of commercial vinyl floors available from stock. Beauflor Pro provides a core collection of 11 ranges with fast access to standard designs in multiple widths up to four metres. With natural wood, stone and architectural looks across specifications for commercial use, Beauflor Pro delivers high-quality vinyl flooring made in Europe.
“We’re delighted to be taking part in HIX as it gives us the chance to build new relationships with hotel and hospitality’s best designers,” said Chris Roberts, National Key Account Manager, Beauflor. “With Create we’ve something unique and which gives designers a fresh way to imagine the experiences they create. The digital technology is incredibly flexible and can adapt to almost any design imaginable. We’re looking forward to showing it off throughout HIX.”
Through a well-established retail network covering the entire UK, Beauflor is one of the country’s leading vinyl flooring brands. Providing high-quality vinyl floors to the domestic market through Beauflor Home, the manufacturer has become a favourite for retailers and consumers and is focused on growth in the commercial market. The opening of its first London showroom at the Business Design Centre, puts it at the centre of the commercial design community and supports growth plans.
Beauflor is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Four Seasons is launching a series of ultra-luxury branded yachts, with interiors by Tillberg Design of Sweden and London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, and creative direction from Prosper Assouline, taking the hotel experience on board and sailing into the sunset…
Four Seasons is joining the likes of Ritz-Carlton and Aman with the debut of own-brand yachts, each sheltering 95 onboard luxury suites. Itineraries will likely include stays at Four Seasons properties en route, and yachts will have an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio to deliver the brand standard of highly personalised service. With the first vessel setting sail in late 2025, Four Seasons Yachts are being built by Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
The first Four Seasons yacht will be 207 metres long and 27 metres wide with 14 decks, all featuring bespoke design and a dedication to excellence, appealing to discerning guests looking to reimagine their love of travel by experiencing the splendour of modern sea voyaging. And at a cost to build of US$4.2 million per suite, no expense is being spared in terms of the design. The first Four Seasons Yacht will offer nearly 50 per cent more living space per guest than typically available, in a residential setting providing privacy, flexibility and spaciousness. Catering to large families and groups, it will be possible for many of the vessel’s 95 suites to be inter-connected to create villa-like residences.
Veteran luxury travel industry expert Larry Pimentel is responsible for leading the new enterprise. “In partnership with Four Seasons, we are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests,” said Pimental.”We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering through world-class design, curated experiences, and truly exceptional service.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“Four Seasons Yachts represents the next chapter of our long history of industry leading innovation, and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalise on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons,” said Christian Clerc, President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “True vision rests in the ability to imagine the possibilities while always remaining loyal to one’s values. Our vision for this new venture does exactly that. We are creating something extraordinary that combines their expertise with what Four Seasons does best – delivering unmatched quality and excellence, surrounded by beautiful acts of service and love for our guests.”
Suites will start at an average of 54 square metres of indoor/outdoor living space but more than half will be in excess of 76 square metres. The biggest will be the ‘Funnel Suite’, which will occupy four levels and cover more than 892 square metres. It will also have a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area. Each suite will offer floor-to-ceiling windows and access to expansive terrace decks.
The yachts will also have a full-service spa, sushi bar, salon and wellness programming. The canoe-shaped aft will be home to a pool deck that can also be transformed into an outdoor movie theatre. The elegant and industry-first ‘transverse marina’ will allow people to jump off and swim in the sea, as well as play with specially-designed aqua leisure toys.
Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Inspired by the Chicago Fire Department’s heroic role in extinguishing the state’s Big Fire of 1934, GRAFF Designs pays homage with this tactile and vintage style brassware in its Vintage Collection…
The Vintage collection by GRAFF Designs is a unique range marrying industrial style with rich heritage. Reminiscent of the iconic fire hose valve silhouette and mirroring the red logo of the Chicago Fire Department, the collection boasts exquisite craftsmanship and detail, from its architectural elements to its modern take on traditional design. Comprising 140 stylish products including bath and basin mixers, shower heads and rails, as well as an accompanying accessories range.
Image credit: GRAFF Design
Image credit: GRAFF Design
Formed with precision engineering and premium-quality materials, the Vintage Collection is available in 21 luxury finishes including 24K polished gold, vintage brushed brass and the classic limited-edition red. Like all GRAFF designs, the manufacturing is 100per cent in-house which means control every part of the design process is controlled. This also allows the studio to offer a fully bespoke service for residential and commercial projects.
Image credit: GRAFF Designs
GRAFF is an actively green brand, from using lead-free materials in its products to adhering to zero waste in its lean manufacturing system. The brand is inherently dedicated to water conservation, and in 2012, raised the bar on eco-standards by automatically including water-saving systems with all bathroom-sink and kitchen faucets, and showerheads.
GRAFF Designs is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Leaflike grounds Sofitel London Heathrow with nature
Leaflike was invited to provide the biophilic design throughout The Sofitel Heathrow, the narrative of which involved a minimalistic style and sophisticated approach for the prestigious airport hotel…
The Sofitel Heathrow, a hotel with direct access to Terminal 5, comes with health spa, 24-hour gym, and of course, panoramic views of the airport. Leaflike were given the task of introducing green planting to soften the edges of a minimalist and sophisticated hotel design. The project included exterior trough planting and floor standing displays with slate topping, a selection of designer interior floor standing planting displays throughout, including Vivre Restaurant, Zen garden and Tea Salon, plus large feature floor standing displays in the Tea Salon and the meeting and events space. The plants selected by Leaflike included several tall statement pieces, introducing softening notes of nature in unexpected corners.
Image credit: Leaflike
Image credit: Leaflike
“It’s always good working with new venues, seeing their vision turn to reality with designer live planting,” said Kenzi Abernethie, Design Associate, Leaflike. “I love putting the proposals together to include all the details required for the customer. The visuals created are a great way for the customer to see how their venue can be transformed with the addition of biophilic design.”
The zen biophilic narrative continues throughout the guest space right through to the bathrooms. In the public areas glimpses of greenery are framed by the glass staircase, the dramatic entrance and the link bridge, with even the ballroom roof having a dedicated large feature floor standing display. In addition to the live planting, Leaflike has included Everleaf preserved plant displays feature within the Theme Bar Lounge and the Spa lobby. A selection of orchids in bowls and floral table centre displays in vases add the finishing touches to the delicate interior design of the Tea Salon, Fine Dining, Club Milestone and reception desk.
Leaflike is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
A key pillar in interior design, texture holds the power to create depth, warmth and interest in a space no matter how pared back or elaborate and Edmund Bell offers a multitude of textures and designs in its fabric collections giving designers co-ordinated and layered options across projects…
For the designers at Edmund Bell, texture is an integral part of the process, with the positive association that goes with touch and tactility, adding depth to the design – how a cushion feels, or how the carpet or rug feels under your feet, or how the sofa feels when you run your hand across the surface. When developing new fabrics, because Edmund Bell offer a range of decorative blackout, dim out, sheer, woven, upholstery and prints that can be used in a coordinated project approach across curtains, blinds, upholstery, cushions and bedding – a multitude of different textures and designs are available. From chunky weaves with interesting yarn combinations creating two-tone structures, to elegant and luxurious velvets, and other subtle textures.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
BOUNCE upholstery fabric has a super soft touch boucle yarn which is tremendously tactile – the twisted wool look fibres make this fabric extremely durable, and it suits a multitude of contract and domestic environments. Teamed with luxurious SENSATION velvet blackout fabric in an interior project, and you have two contrasting textures adding interest to the design.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Texture can also be interpreted in the form of a textured design or pattern – LIMIT is a fabric from the woven range which captures the perfectly imperfect style of wabi-sabi. The staggered vertical lines capture a certain sense of creativity in its spontaneity. Combining texture with a geometric pattern has impact and will punctuate the partnership as well. Geometric style plays a crucial role in the pursuit of balance and harmony in an interior design scheme – it instantly energizes a room with its whimsical play on shapes. When paired strategically, simple pops of geometric forms are the key to keeping the scheme looking timeless and elegant, and this makes LIMIT, CONNECT and TWIST the perfect team from the woven range.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Texture can also be navigated in terms of rough or smooth, and both will impact a space in different ways. This can also be associated with textiles, with velvet adding a sleek, sophisticated and sensual feel to a drape or piece of furniture, whereas a boucle has a more honest, earthy and tactile sensation. A textured sofa or chair is a great addition to an interiors project, and can be easily layered with cushions and throws in different materials and patterns, as a way of adding depth and dimension to a room as well as comfort. The Edmund Bell range of upholstery fabrics offer a wealth of texture in different yarn choices and weave techniques, enhancing their textured appeal. Performance standards also merit a mention here with Enduracare+, Crib 5 and antimicrobial features adding extra security for Healthcare and Hospitality environments.
Choice is key, and mixing up the textures provides balance and visual interest. Texture is something you see, feel, but most of all, you sense it! Through strong visual effects adding more depth, detail, and the look of multiple layers; textured interior pieces bring new dimensions to every space.
Edmund Bell is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
BLINK brings a grand dame of resorts into the future
EXCLUSIVE: BLINK Design Group has taken on the challenge to bring the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa gently into the future with a stunning and timeless renovation, as well creating interior design magic for the adjoining JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites. Creative Partner and BLINK Founder, Clint Nagata talks us through the renovation…
The brief called for a total renovation of the interiors of the original resort, which sprawls over a massive beachfront site at Khao Lak’s Takua Pa district. It has been one of Thailand’s most treasured and successful resort properties, and BLINK founder and Creative Partner Clint Nagata described the just-completed three year project as a thrilling challenge, and one that allowed the design group to develop its philosophy of ‘placemaking’ on a grand scale.
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
The project encompassed the renovation of all existing 293 guestrooms plus the addition of 127 rooms which include guestrooms and newly built pool villas. Other new facilities also include Sala Restaurant & Pool Bar, DRIFT Beach Bar & Grill and JW Grand Ballroom. In addition to the renovations is the new JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites comprising of 52 stylish two-bedroom suites ranging from 89 to 111 square metres, all with bright indoor and outdoor spaces, Southern Thai-inspired design, contemporary living areas and private terraces or balconies that overlook the natural tropical surroundings.
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
“Yet we also drew inspiration from the opposite point of the compass, Thailand’s north, expanding on the hotel’s Lanna architecture to conceive a renovation that celebrated Lanna patterns, motifs and design in new and original ways.”
Nagata added: “The challenge was bringing the resort up to date without trying to be trendy. ‘Timeless’ was our watchword, and we were very conscious of marrying the interiors with the architecture of the resort. Our palette was informed by the existing architecture, so there is a lot of beautiful timber flooring and ceilings, heavy teak furniture, red clay roof tiles and floor tiles.”
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
In the guestrooms and suites, a Lanna colour palette and patterns prevail. “There is an established architectural palette created from the red clay roof tiles and red clay corridor floorings through-out,” he said. Traditional Lanna textiles were recreated for the pillow patterns in the guest rooms, rain drums were custom cast from brass as coffee tables by local artisans, and vintage silk spindles taken from traditional Thai silk weaving looms were also mounted as artwork. “The bathrooms were all terrazzo before, so we have brought in Thai granite and abstracted the red clay tiles into a very contemporary feature wall so they are transformed and feel contemporary yet timeless.”
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
The hotel’s lobby and much-loved Thai and Japanese restaurants, Ta-Krai and Sakura, were labours of love that kept a connection to what loyal customers knew and loved while infusing them with unique new touches and wow elements.
“We gave the lobby and an injection of colour and life,” said Nagata. “We took all the furniture and repainted and reupholstered it with tropical patterns mixing shades of green inspired by the local palm trees and the vivid blue palette of the bay.”
The aim for Ta-Krai was to instill the feeling of a comfy Thai house. “We kept all the ceiling and windows, and added H-frame wall panels,” said Nagata. “We sourced rattan baskets and decorative items from the local markets. A mix of blue and white ceramic works were chosen for a showpiece display cabinet, and the raised area features custom mosaics in colourful local patterns.”
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
Sakura, the Japanese restaurant, featured a series of skylight panels that had grown tired. “We found a local tattoo artist, Luke Satoru, who is inspired by Japanese art, and he has turned the sky-lights into a stunning mural inspired by cherry blossoms. It was all about avoiding cliché, so he took something very feminine and gave it a more masculine vibe. Cherry blossom pink is woven into the fabrics and accents, while the teppanyaki grill was redone in pink tinted glass and rose gold.”
Image credit: BLINK / Ben Richards
With a collection of 11 dining and social venues, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites are a culinary destination in their own right. This portfolio of restaurants now includes DRIFT Beach Bar & Grill, a naturally uplifting space which celebrates the grill experience, utilising premium meats and seafood inspired by regional Mediterranean cuisines. A cocktail bar compliments the relaxing vibe and beachfront experience. Sala Restaurant & Pool Bar meanwhile, colourfully showcases Thai and Asian comfort food in a family-friendly setting. The JW Garden grows organic herbs and other natural ingredients to be used in restaurants, cooking classes and spa treatments. Award-winning Olive Restaurant, a traditional Italian experience has also been completely made over.
Nova Maldives arrives with conscious design scheme
A bright new star in the Maldives, Nova, the latest addition to the Pulse Hotels and Resorts Group portfolio is a contemporary all-inclusive community concept with a laidback soul and island style aesthetic…
Pulse Hotels and Resorts is an umbrella brand for a range of innovative and contemporary hotels and resorts that are being built upon their core philosophy of being smart, playful, rooted, and responsible. The newly opened Nova Maldives is based on a home-from-home concept, an all-natural island resort sheltering 76 sensitively designed villas, offering guests a laidback, soulful island destination.
Image credit: Nova Maldives
The spacious beach and water villas have private terraces, pools, and endless Indian Ocean views. The interior design heroes the location with custom-made furniture, neutral whites, warm materials and natural light, in a pared-back and minimalist style with the focus on delivering a truly relaxing ambience for guests. With nature and wellness at its core, each room also offers state-of-the-art technology.
Image credit: Nova Maldives
Image credit: Nova Maldives
Perched overwater, against the picture perfect backdrop of the lagoon, Eskape Spa at Nova provides guests with the chance to fully rejuvenate, reset and restore. A range of holistic spa treatments using organic products aims to stimulate the mind, body, and soul. The three treatment rooms, traditional Thai Sala, yoga pavilion and relaxation areas take guests on a journey through a world of wellness experiences that have been curated to re-connect and awaken the senses.
Image credit: Nova Maldives
Nova Maldives invites guests to ‘nourish the soul’ at one of the five bars and restaurants. Discover the flavours of traditional Maldivian cuisine and freshest tastes from all around the world at the all-day dining Soul Kitchen or the sizzle of the grill at Flames where tastebuds are treated to the smoky, sweet and savoury flavours of freshly grilled fish, seafood and meat. Sample a mouth-watering signature menu of fresh ocean delights including lobster, scallops and salmon as well as sushi, Sashimi and Wagyu beef at Nova’s overwater teppanyaki restaurant Mizu, set against a backdrop of the Indian Ocean. For a more informal get-together or a fast meal, Wink provides guests with good soul food and music. With fun activities and party nights, Wink is the perfect place to unwind with a handcrafted cocktail or two.
Image credit: Nova Maldives
An extensive range of water sport activities are on offer, giving guests the opportunity to explore the underwater world and the beauty of the marine life surrounding Nova’s private island. The South Ari Atoll is known for its spectacular diving sites and guests can dive and snorkel with the world-class PADI Aquaholics team and the resident Marine Biologist who will guide them to and through the dramatic underwater topography of overhangs and canyons.
Guests are also invited to immerse themselves in the local culture via cultural interactions with locals or contemporary creative Maldivian arts via the KULA Art Initiative of which Nova is a proud supporter. KULA means ‘colours’ in Dhivehi and the initiative supports contemporary creative arts in the Maldives. It aims to open up horizons for the local art community, providing opportunities for artists to present their work including local crafts, fashion, photography, videography, and music.
With a pioneering new vision for city living, Dandi has announced the opening of its innovative co-living scheme – Dandi Wembley, a hybrid concept planning to redefine co-living by delivering an elevated new standard of rental design reminiscent of a luxury hotel...
Dandi and its partner Dukelease have announced the opening of their flagship co-living scheme in Wembley, unveiling 355 innovatively designed apartments and two floors of elegant amenity space. The design-led scheme offers adaptable studio and one bedroom apartments with flexible space management solutions that cleverly allow each home to be configured into five different modalities throughout the day: sleep, exercise, work, eat and play. Complete with beautiful amenity spaces and access to a curated cultural and social events programme, Dandi Wembley allows residents to enjoy vibrant community living in the heart of one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods.
Image credit: Dandi
Dandi Wembley has transformed a former office building into unique apartments starting at 255 square feet, expertly designed to maximise every centimetre of space. From floating beds and modular sofas to pull-out breakfast bars and concealed kitchen cabinets, the apartments are ingeniously designed to evolve around the resident, making cutting edge design more widely accessible. Each impeccable apartment comes complete with a floating bed, 50-inch smart TV, kitchenette with marble worktops and splashbacks, a bathroom with a rainfall shower, floor-to-ceiling storage, and air purifying systems. Seamlessly designed in both form and function, the bespoke furniture is created by Dandi’s in-house design team and manufactured at the vertically integrated Dandi facilities in West London. The pieces allow the apartments’ function to adapt to optimise space without compromising style.
Image credit: Dandi
“We are delighted to launch our flagship co-living scheme in Wembley after 17 years of continuous innovation and improvement while working on smaller London schemes,” said Ali Reza Ravanshad, Founder of Dandi. “This process won’t stop here. Dandi is a family business and we truly believe in creating homes that enrich people’s lives. This is why we challenge norms. We want to make better living spaces available to more people. Here at Dandi Wembley we have developed homes in which people can enjoy their own beautiful private spaces while being part of something bigger, a community that interacts in a range of elegant shared spaces – what we call the theatre of life. Our vision isn’t only about what we create but how we create it. We have established our own supply chain and built our own factory in West London, which means we can maintain total control over quality and sustainability. From product design to manufacturing, construction to management, we want to do things the right way. Ultimately we want to reimagine city living.”
Image credit: Dandi
Image credit: Dandi
Beyond the apartments, Dandi Wembley’s two light-filled penthouse floors offer intricately designed amenity spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and enviable panoramic views of the city. Curated by lifestyle director Samir Kerchiched, whose previous experience spans Momo, Sketch and W Hotel amongst others, the scheme’s communal spaces encompass Dariana Café and Lounge Bar, Dandi Works and Dandi Meets. Located on the 16th floor of Dandi Wembley is Dariana Café, a café and bar that’s freely open for membership, to all. The informal yet sophisticated restaurant features a seasonal menu offering international comfort food blended with Persian flavours. Non-residents can apply for free membership, enjoying full access to the intimate space which features fully grown evergreen trees and the calming sounds of a fountain under a retractable glass rooftop, flooding the room with natural light. A stone’s throw away is Dariana Lounge Bar, a private rooftop haven offering a tranquil setting to unwind, complete with a self-service drinks station and in-house mixologist for residents, co-working members, and their guests.
Image credit: Dandi
Situated a floor below is Dandi Works, a contemporary co-working space carefully designed with stimulating study and meeting areas, available through flexible membership passes starting from £125 a month. Across the hallway, the Dandi Meets events space accommodates social gatherings for up to 140 people. Available for private hire or for use by residents and co-working members, this multifunctional space can be cleverly partitioned to be utilised in a multitude of ways. The spaces include a wellness studio, meeting rooms, private dining room, games room, BBQ garden terrace, micro-theatre, and cinema.
Image credit: Dandi
Image credit: Dandi
Engendering a real sense of community, the curated cultural and social events calendar offers residents and members alike priority access to a carefully chosen programme of well-being and personal growth activities, from supper clubs to micro-theatre performances, mental health sessions and live music sets.
Located above Wembley Park’s London Designer Outlet, Dandi Wembley is situated in one of London’s most creative quarters, with a long-established musical, sporting and arts scene. Well connected with the nearest tube stations so the capital’s centre can be reached in under 15 minutes, residents have direct access to an influential cultural neighbourhood whilst only a short distance from the additional commercial and culinary offerings, museums, galleries and shopping that central London has to offer. Dandi Wembley is the flagship of Dandi’s co-living schemes launched in London and embodies the company’s goal of developing institutional scale build-to-rent assets, underpinned by a philosophy that is principled, ambitious, long term and sustainable.
Creative Director and Founder of her own brand, Eva Sonaike has become known for her bold interior design solutions with a vibrant, elegant West-African aesthetic. The studio’s ethos ‘bringing colour to life’ is reflected in its signature collections of interior textiles. Pauline Brettell took a closer, colourful look when she caught up with the designer during London Design Festival…
One of the joys of events like the recent London Design Festival, is the opportunities it gives us to connect in real-time. While the advantages of remote and flexible working are innumerable, it was wonderful to sit down with Eva Sonaike to talk design, collaboration and general creativity. Over the years she has worked with some of the worlds leading interior design firms on residential and commercial design projects, such as the Kanuhura Resort in the Maldives (HBA), Hubert Zandberg Interiors, the Bill Gates Foundation and has also secured some exclusive collaborations, most recently with Soho Home, the interiors collection of the members club Soho House – we kicked off the conversation asking about this project.
Pauline Brettell: Can you give us a little background insight into your Soho Home collaboration?
Eva Sonaike: Soho Home were looking for guest designers to enhance and work with their style in the Houses, as well as develop a retail line – there was a lot of creative freedom on this project, and the process of integrating my design style with the Soho House aesthetic was an interesting one. The end result is a combination of some of their key products with my products and designs. Some of the designs were done in exclusive colourways for this collection. The result is an interesting juxtaposition of design which is Nigerian at its roots but quite universal at the same time.
Image credit: Eva Sonaike
PB: with your trademark colour and pattern, do you find clients more open to colour now?
ES: Clients usually come to me because they are looking for something bold and colourful – they come looking for colour. People are definitely much more open to colour now, and here in the UK people are experimenting with colour, and prepared to take bolder steps to include it in their interiors. I recently declined a client who requested an all white bathroom, but eventually took it on the project and replaced colour with form and pattern and texture which was an interesting exercise!
Image credit: Eva sonaike
PB: Tell us a little about the new collection you have hinted at!
ES: My first collection in 2011 was really bold and bright – it did well and became my signature, but over the years I went through the process of thinking it needed to be more commercial and toned down – as a designer you go through phases. But after lockdown I felt energised to move back to that place of bold joy and happiness – I feel like the time is right and people need it. We are all looking for something to stand out and make a positive statement, so with my new collection I have gone back to bold colours, joy and happiness , inspired by the colours and patterns of Northern Nigeria.
Image credit: Eva Sonaike
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
PB: Which is your personal favourite in the Eva Sonaike range? ES: Oh that’s a difficult question. Who’s my favourite child? I would say the Kano collection at the moment, as it is the latest launch. I went back to basics and created a collection full of colour and pattern – unapologetically African!
PB: What is your favourite part of the design process? ES: I love the whole process from the research and going though images I took, creating a story and of course the actual drawing process. The best part is always when I get the printed designs back and approve them, which means ‘its a wrap!’
PB: Any exciting new projects to let out of your designer bag? ES: Nothing I can talk about at the moment, but watch your screens, you’ll see me soon….
PB: If you HAD to choose, London or Lagos? ES: Can we do winter in Logos and summer in London?
PB: and finally ….cake or caviar? ES:Cake with a capital C!
Image credit: Eva Sonaike
PB: And finally, can you tell us a little more about the CP Hart bathroom collaboration?
ES: The brief was very open ‘wellness redefined’, which was great as it allowed me to be creative and design what I really wanted. My inspiration came from beach houses on the West African Atlantic coast. We included mid century elements such terrazzo flooring and colourful vanity units. I love translating this look into a luxurious, contemporary bathroom.
Head in the clouds: introducing Four Seasons Megève Collection
Taking luxury quite literally to new heights, the Idéal Suite from Four Seasons Megève Collection sits at the top of the slopes, at an altitude of 1,850 metres and offers unparalleled views of Mont Blanc – an exceptional place which invites guests to put their head in the clouds…
In the sumptuous setting of the chic restaurant l’Idéal 1850, lies possibly the most intimate suite in Megève; the Idéal Suite. Covering 100 square metres, this entire floor of luxury is designed in the tradition of the Savoyard chalet, while keeping a twist of modernity with its ornamental details – including art objects carefully selected by Baroness Ariane de Rothschild. The primary bedroom offers a spectacular view of the snowy peaks, while the private bathroom with shower and bathtub is an invitation to relax with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
An impressive fireplace and a dining room that reveals a panoramic view of Megève and its snowy valley elevates the living room, while the bathroom feels like it is placed on the slopes. Guests staying at Four Seasons Hotel Megève or Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel will be able to indulge in this perched suite for one night, accessible only by cable cars.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
For those who are eager to explore, Hotel Concierge Baptiste Andrieu has designed a range of activities for a magical stay. “When the mountains are covered with their snow caps, they become the ideal place for new escapades in the heart of majestic landscapes,” said Andrieu.”From a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, to a charming dog sled ride, or an introduction to electric snowmobiling, we strive to offer exceptional experiences. We suggest taking a helicopter ride to discover all that the Alps have to offer and admire the beauty of the snow-covered peaks from above.”
With a dedicated and attentive butler to coordinate every detail of the stay, guests will enjoy a memorable overnight experience in the most beautiful suite of Megève. The majestic terrace makes the ideal spot for stargazing with a telescope while enjoying the silent charm of a winter night at the top of the mountain. A tailored breakfast menu can be savoured while admiring the sight of the pink sunrise gently settling on Mont Blanc and the Aravis mountain range, before enjoying the ultimate privilege of being the first to access the ski slopes. Assisted by the in-house butler, who will prepare the skis and propose a personalised itinerary, the most motivated will take to the slopes on freshly fallen snow for a magical moment.
Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
At an altitude of 1,250 meters, the Burghotel Falkenstein nestles at the foot of Germany’s highest castle, and Duravit’s bathroom products have been used to complete the designer outlook…
The Burghotel Falkenstein is a family run hotel known for both its award-winning cuisine and unmistakeable interior design. Making full use of its extraordinary location, the hotel was designed to showcase its unique sense of space with plenty of charm, a touch of cosiness, and elements of sophistication. All 17 guestrooms and suites have been designed with a keen eye for detail, and designer fittings by Duravit were chosen to complete the look. Each room is unique and has its own charm, maximising views of the starry sky over the Alps.
Image credit: Duravit / Paul Meyer
An impressive highlight of the hotel is the Schlossblick Suite, where guests can enjoy a view of Schloss Neuschwanste while luxuriating in the freestanding Duravit Luv bathtub. ““We were impressed straight away both by how the Luv bathtub looks and feels,” said hotelier Simon Schlachter. “As a high-quality free-standing bathtub, it blends perfectly into the living space and creates a perfect feel-good experience for our guests.”
Designed by Cecilie Manz, the bathtub’s surprisingly velvety feel sets it apart from the crowd. The material DuraSolid allows for an amazingly thin bathtub rim and a spacious interior, meeting the most exacting requirements of this carefully curated hotel.
Image credit: Duravit / Paul Meyer
Image credit: Duravit / Paul Meyer
Image credit: Duravit / Paul Meyer
The family-run business renovated the hotel in spring 2022, and Duravit products were selected to run through the entire the remodelling of the Burghotel. The hotel places a lot of value on exclusive design and durability, and choice of bathroom products needed to look good while at at the same time, meeting the highest standards in terms of hygiene and ease of care. The organic above-counter basins, and sophisticated faucets in the White Tulip collection combines these requirements seamlessly. With an extravagant design by Philippe Starck, the above-counter basins of the series lend uniqueness to the washing area, with the shape inspired by the silhouette of a blooming tulip. The innovative material DuraCeram makes delicate shapes with extremely thin wall thicknesses possible, while also being hygienic, easy to clean and consequently highly robust, anti-wear, and scratch-resistant. Chosen to complete the look were the sophisticated C.1 faucets designed by Kurt Merki Jr. which blend harmoniously into the high end interior. The C.1 faucets set the tone for the room with their unpretentious simplicity and create a perfect synthesis with the washbasin and bathtub.
Duravit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Hoteliers, investors and developers, spent two days at AHC 2022 (Annual Hotel Conference), sharing and absorbing valuable insight on pertinent topics delivered in keynotes, panel discussions and presentations at the event in Manchester – here are some of the top tips and takeaways given to help the hotel sector ‘chart the course’…
With so many unprecedented domestic and global events both impacting the hotel sector and creating new opportunities, the hotel industry could be said to be at a pivotal moment. Unsurprisingly, the economy and how events are shaping the industry now and in the future, was a central topic within the conference programme.
Opening AHC 2022 in the keynote session The Economic and Business Outlook: What Is in Prospect amid the New Uncertainty David Smith, Economics Editor at The Sunday Times likened a string of events – the global financial crash, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine – to the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’. Despite obvious challenges facing the industry, including labour shortages, supply chain difficulties and central banks tightening policy, Smith emphasised there were opportunities for hospitality in the coming year.
Image credit: AHC
The £200bn ‘war chest’ of savings built up by consumers during the pandemic was still yet to be spent, and pent-up demand for travel and experiences could see a large chunk directed towards hospitality. “People have got money to spend if they can be persuaded,” said Smith.
There were further glimmers of positivity found in the session The Power of Insight: Consumer Confidence and the View from Wall Street where Sam Ward, UK Hotels Leader at PwC, noted that the current situation was not as severe as other ‘black swan events’ and noted clear opportunities for UK hotels as research showed UK consumers were planning fewer trips abroad and instead planning holidays closer to home.
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for The Independent, and Justin Reid from TripAdvisor echoed this in Shift Happens: Unpicking Big Impact Trends to Drive Competitive Edge. “Pent-up demand is there in spades,” said Calder. “At the end of all this they are desperate to make up for lost travel.”
Image credit: AHC
Hotel leaders Kenneth Macpherson, CEO, EMEAA, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Radisson Hotel Group CEO Frederico J Gonzalez shared their learnings and showed how they led their teams and businesses through one of the most challenging and changeable times in recent history. When asked how he’d led through the last three years, Macpherson answered “through reputation, with purpose and getting through challenges.”
“Firstly, always start with reputation,” continued Macpherson. “Trust is extremely important for sustainable growth. You need to keep your reputation pristine, think about guests, health and safety, owners, your role in the industry, collaborative growth and people. Secondly, lead with purpose. Tell your staff why it matters – communicate it. And thirdly, constantly ask ‘how do we improve?’ Be stronger, collaborate better, be more efficient and build partnerships.”
Tips for navigating change were also shared in Succeeding When Nothing is Normal. “Always challenge the status quo, so that when you are forced to do it you know how to do it,” said Phil Andreopoulous, Chief Operating Officer Owner & Franchise Services at Marriott International. Continuing this line of thought, Dmitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, suggested cutting out the noise from outside and focusing on what is going on within an organisation. “Control the controllables,” said Manikis. “Focus on the things you can control.”
Image credit: AHC
Leadership was also high on the agenda when addressing How can the Hospitality Industry Win the Talent Challenge, where the panel featuring industry leaders from Accor, Aimbridge and GIG discussed the importance of changing the narrative around hospitality to encourage young people to enter the industry, and then mentor them to success once they start their journey. “Match the talent with a good mentor,” said Ronan McGovern, Accor’s Vice President of Operations. “Every experience is a learning experience. The GMs who have a natural talent to develop their teams don’t tend to have problems recruiting.”
Those seeking sustainable economic solutions, ESG, were steered ahead through sessions across both days. Robert Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group, explained why his company was aiming for net zero in Zero Means Zero: Forging the Path to Whole Life Net-Zero and outlined how others could start their journey by ‘avoiding, reducing and offsetting’. Lamington Group handed out an oak sapling to all attendees to plant in their drive towards net zero.
In The Sustainability Conundrum: Accreditation, Measuring and Reporting, moderated by Energy & Environment Alliance CEO Ufi Ibrahim, the overarching message was that while standards are currently being set by government in relation to international environmental standards for developments, there is still much that can be achieved in current operations.
“E is only one part of the ESG and carbon is only one part of the E – it gets talked about a lot, but there are a lot of parts in the S and the G to focus on,” said Susan Bland, Managing Director of RBH Management. “The environmental focus is newer to the conversation, but within it there are a lot of parts easy to understand and already measurable.”
While challenges were highlighted, there was an overwhelming feeling of positivity from panellists and speakers. In Crunching the Numbers: The Key Demand, Revenue and Cost Trends to Monitor in Times Ahead, Thomas Emmanuel of STR said things were “unashamedly positive”, adding “when looking at the data, things are good.”
The opportunities presented by public-private partnerships were explored in How to Fill the Hotel Development Viability Gap. Andy Townsend of Legacy Hotels said many local authorities were keen to develop hotels for the future, but still needed guidance in getting it right. “For every local authority it’s a journey of discovery,” said Townsend. “The real selling point is the future economic benefits. That’s what ultimately attracts the investment.”
The same topic continued in Levelling Up: Maximising the Social and Economic Impact of the Hotel Sector. Jon Day of Cardiff Council emphasised that the public-private partnership had to be strong in order for it to work, but that there were clear economic and social benefits for both hotels and a local area when it was. Speaking in the same session, Andy Jansons, Managing Director of Jansons Property, added: “Two years of tourism and events lost to Covid-19 has grown a huge amount of pent-up demand that presents a favourable investment opportunity. And with the inbound investment stimulated by hotel developments, urban regeneration projects and economic rebalancing in the UK will reap the benefits- both socially and economically.”
This sentiment was echoed in the concluding key note interview with Steve Morgan CBE, founder of housebuilding company Redrow, owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and formerly the largest shareholder of De Vere Group. While discussing the opportunities he had been offered – and taken – he talked about the impact the pandemic had on hotel, Carden Park. While others stopped, Morgan chose to invest millions into the business. “Part of my philosophy in life is when everyone retreats, go on the attack!” he said.
Practical advice around a range of topics, including technology and staffing was also delivered in bitesize sessions in The AHC Fringe. Held during coffee and lunch breaks over the two days, the ten minute sessions by industry experts from organisations such as Springboard, Amazon, Hotel Cloud and Duetto offered insight and talking points. There were also multiple networking opportunities over the two days with events at Society, YOTEL and Hotel Brooklyn affording delegates the chance to continue discussions and make new connections.
Designed for Laufen by award-winning French designer Toan Nguyen, LUA presents a complete bathroom collection that delivers long-lasting design, quality and a wealth of functionality…
The LUA bathroom range combines classic and timeless lines with the production capabilities of Laufen, making for a delicate balance between expert design and efficient manufacturing. The result is a complete series whose universal pieces fit confidently into a number of diverse environments including private, commercial and public. With the striking oval as its basic shape, the collection is stylistically independent yet consistently solution oriented.
“For me design is above all an approach, a close attention to the object applied to the craftsmanship of excellence as well as serial production such as LUA,” stated designer Toan Nguyen.
Image credit: Laufen
The collection offers a complete range of washbasins, washbasin bowls, several WCs, two bathtubs and its own range of matching brassware. Along with careful consideration for aesthetic details, the WCs and matching bidets offer a more flexible approach to bathroom planning. Available in a selection of two wall-hung and three floor-standing, a key feature is rimless technology which makes for significantly easier cleaning and improved hygiene.
The slim, rectangular LUA washbasins are created in robust ceramic and are available in eight sizes from 450mm to 1200mm. Laufen demonstrates an understanding of functional detail by adding drill holes to allow a towel rail to be attached to the washbasin, thus negating the need to drill into the wall tiles. Furthermore, the collection also features wall-hung washbasins with oval fronts that reflect the shape of the bowl, as well as an oval 500mm-wide countertop basin. If the trap needs to be concealed, the wall-hung washbasins can be combined with the Laufen Pro semi-pedestal.
For matching brassware, Laufen and Nguyen have developed a collection for LUA that compliments the washbasins, bidets, bathtubs and showers. With slim, minimalist designs, curved spouts and elegant levers, these robust and durable fittings are manufactured to the highest quality. Created in the mineral cast material Marbond, LUA bathtubs are available in free-standing and back to-wall styles measuring 1700mm in length, but offering generous bathing proportions thanks to the slim profile of the material.
The collection demonstrates the brands significant expertise in terms of design, purpose and production, offering well thought-out solutions for the entire bathroom and opening up a new and refined aesthetic. Thanks to his knowledge of high-quality Swiss production, designer Nguyen was able to develop a clever, user-friendly design for LUA, which is based on the clear, stylistic vocabulary of rectangles and ovals which Laufen brings to life with precision.
Laufen is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Miniview: inside Delaware’s first luxury boutique hotel
The Quoin, a new luxury boutique hotel developed and designed by Philadelphia-based hospitality company, Method Co., in partnership with Delaware’s largest real estate developer, The Buccini/Pollin Group, officially opens its doors this month with a design that subtly references the buildings history while introducing eclectic notes of contemporary luxury – we stepped inside to have a look…
Located in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware’s historic district, the reimagined The Quoin is housed in the former Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company Building, a four-story Victorian Romanesque brownstone dating back to 1885 that was designed by the renowned Philadelphia architect, Frank Furness (of Frank Furness & Evans Architects). The Quoin features 24 luxury guestrooms, a lobby café and bar with fireplace, a ground floor restaurant with courtyard dining, a lower-level cocktail lounge, the city’s first rooftop bar and event space, plus a gym, retail space, and bike share program featuring Solé bicycles, adding a new and lasting hospitality landmark to the fabric of downtown Wilmington.
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
The property derives its name from the old French word, Quoin (pronounced ‘coin’) meaning corner or angle, honouring the legacy of the original banking house which housed silver and gold coins throughout the 1900’s.
“When people ask, ‘Where is the best boutique hotel in Philadelphia?’, we’d like the answer to be Wilmington,” said Randall Cook, Co-Founder and CEO. “We hope this project becomes known throughout the region as a place to have on travellers’ short list for staycations, excursions as well as to meet what we perceive as unmet demand for a boutique project in the emerging scene in Wilmington. The hotel architecture and design, personalized service and several unique culinary experiences within the same project all add up to a compelling offering.”
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
The Quoin’s contemporary interior design was carefully considered by Method Studios, Method Co.’s in-house design firm, in partnership with Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture + Design. Inspired by the aesthetic of the Brandywine Valley, Method Studios reimagined the building’s existing natural materials by layering in modern handmade décor, floral motifs in the fabrics and wallpapers, the clean lines of modern Shaker-influenced furniture, and an overall subdued, earthy colour palette influenced by original Victorian-era paints dating back to 1820.
“Our design inspiration came from a variety of sources, from psychedelic rock to 70’s furniture to shaker craftsmanship,” said Daniel Olsovsky, Creative Director at Method Co. “But, I would say our biggest inspiration would probably be the earthy colours and forms found in the nature of this region – which can be found throughout the floral motifs in our fabrics and wallpapers and the soft, organic lines of our furnishings.”
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
With an eye for detail across all touchpoints and a high level of quality in craft, the property shelters 24 luxury guestrooms and suites that pay homage to the building’s original architecture with restored details such as arched windows and mouldings, blended with a nature-inspired identity plus curated vintage furniture, and psychedelic hand-drawn floral illustrations. Each room has a unique layout, but all are furnished with luxurious bedding, walls draped in wallpaper by Farrow & Ball or Little Green, and dining and desk chairs designed by Gubi. Décor includes a mix of artwork featuring photography by David Burnett, pieces from House of Spoils along with curated Vintage works sourced from the Brandywine Valley, while vintage rugs from Old New House that tie each room together.
“So many great things have been happening in Wilmington in the past several years, Method Co. felt that it was the right time for an elevated hospitality project to open and contribute to this city’s progressive development,” said Olsovsky. “The Quoin’s location is unbeatable – only a few blocks from the Amtrak station and close to the world-class Longwood Gardens and the picturesque Brandywine Valley. We are strong believers that Wilmington is one of the greatest cities in the United States and look forward to bringing Method Co.’s unique hospitality philosophy to the city and region.”
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
The Quoin will also feature three distinct food & beverage concepts: The Quoin Restaurant & Bar, Rooftop at The Quoin, and Simmer Down, operated by Method Co., who are also behind the nationally acclaimed Philadelphia restaurants Wm. Mulherin’s Sons and HIROKI.
The Quoin Restaurant & Bar is a handsome, full-service neighbourhood restaurant and bar featuring an open kitchen framed by a spacious dining room outfitted with elegant custom mohair banquettes and spindle arm chairs. The restaurant is illuminated by two antique leaded glass skylights and shaded sconces dotted along its wallpapered walls. In the dining room, curving oxblood leather upholstered banquette is contrasted by white oak table tops and antiqued brass bases. Outside, the restaurant’s courtyard is lined with gas fixtures of old brass and connected directly to the Historical Society of Wilmington. The lobby café, an extension of the restaurant, features historically restored windows and hand-blown leaded glass partitions that flood the area with light, highlighting the antiqued La Bastille zinc bar and mirrored seating area which is draped in upholstery from Soane Britain.
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
The Rooftop at The Quoin is Wilmington’s first rooftop bar with an event space and one-of-a-kind views of the hotel’s adjoining courtyard, the steeple of the Old Town Hall and beautiful sunsets showing a new side of the city. During the day, The Rooftop operates as a lounge and workspace amenity to hotel guests. During evenings, The Rooftop will open up to the public for light fireside fare and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Inside, design details include custom corduroy banquettes, tufted leather sofas and Lawson Fenning barstools. Outside features B&B Italia sofas, Marset lighting and cane furniture.
Image credit: The Quoin / Matthew Williams
Located in what was once known as ‘The Money Room’, The Simmer Down cocktail bar and lounge offers classic cocktails with a luxurious edge. Method is bringing opulence back to the space where furs, silks, excess money, gold bars and coins were once stored; the craft cocktail lounge features the original brick ceiling and a custom, room-spanning mural illustrated and hand painted by the Reverend Michael Alan.
Method Co. has crafted an end-to-end hospitality experience within The Quoin that leverages its storied urban location and lends itself to a country environment with a nature-inspired brand identity. The result is a luscious and intriguing hotel property contributing to a new, elevated level of distinction and boutique luxury to Wilmington’s hotel and restaurant scene, serving as an idyllic base for travellers and locals alike from which to explore the city’s nearby restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, and various outdoor attractions.
Editor Hamish Kilburn takes a dive into the exclusive arena of luxury hotel residences and villas to understand how slow travel is evolving, and what the new standards are for those who want complete seclusion from the outside…
For years, the world has been captivated by hotels that have taken hospitality to new heights; pushing modern traveller demands and transforming pure design concepts into extraordinary sanctuaries for the few, not the many.
Taking this concept up a level, while answering to the call for slow travel, hotels already on the curve of luxury, and all competing to offer the biggest and the best, have torn up the rule book to go all out when designing their top residences and villas. In the below edit you will find island havens, Bond-esque pads, cliff-edge retreats overwater mansions – from the world’s tallest residences to the most remote. In this round-up what we believe are the jewels in the crowns, size, style and substances matter.
No. 7: Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Starting our list at number seven, Four Seasons Resort Nevis’ charm is its unpretentious, naturally relaxed and authentic island charm – it is the way the the Caribbean used to be (untouched), where no building is allowed to be built taller than a palm tree. The hotel, one of only four on the island, gives Nevis’ luxury status for modern travellers around the globe. For guests wanting total seclusion, there is arguably nowhere more private than the resort’s Private Residences, which offer quiet, spacious villa interiors and poolside private terraces.
No. 6: SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
Image credit: SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
Taking things up a level, the two bedroom duplex residences inside SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences exude a cosmopolitan sophistication and refine authentic design style, with playful accents of colour and texture to maintain a comfortable setting. Framing unmatched views over the city’s skyline, the residences are located in the glass corners of the building and offer 180-degree views of Dubai.
Each apartment has a contemporary sophisticated feel, offering owners the finest in furnishings, materials and finishes. The spacious living areas use light-toned colour schemes of grey and purple, with rose-gold touches, with windows that allow sunlight to stream in.
No. 5: Six Senses Yao Noi
Image credit: Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
Phang Nga Bay has become of the world’s most spectacular seascapes. In true Six Senses style, Koh Yao Noi hotel is effortless at one with nature in a way that elevates the hospitality experience without compromising on luxury. ‘Stilted and thatched’ sets the mood for all-pool villas and suites that perch like plush treehouses within tropical greenery. The most luxurious accommodation, though, is without doubt the three-bedroom Ocean Retreat with panoramic views overlooking Phang Nga Bay and direct access to the beach.
The Eglantine and Eléonore chalets – complete with large kitchens, dining areas and even their own spas – are located in private nooks of the hotel. Unique and different from the rest of the building, the chalets are in their singular decoration, with layout and personalised services designed to share real moments of happiness. The chalets feature fully equipped kitchen to try traditional mountain recipes, a large cathedral living room with vaulted ceiling and a huge bay window are just some of its impressive and unique offerings.
No. 3: Private Villa, Matetsi Victoria Falls
Image credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls
Exclusive, vast and ideal for those seeking non-curated luxury moments, the Private Villa at Matetsi Victoria Falls rests on the edge of the Zambizi River, framing scenes of crocodiles bathing, elephants wondering and hippos clashing. Untamed and seamlessly blending into the local vernacular, the villa, like the rest of the hotel, has been designed by Kerry van Leenhoff so that on the other side of the river you would not tell where the villa starts and ends.
The private villa, featuring four en-suite bedrooms and open-plan indoor and outdoor living areas with wide verandas and a sparkling private pool, has a design scheme inspired by natural materials mixed with luxurious furnishings and creative art pieces.
No. 3: Villa North, North Island, Seychelles
Image credit: North Island
Image credit: North Island
Travel to the far north of an Indian Ocean archipelago and you will discover North Island, a remote tropical paradise that offers the ultimate luxury escape and consummate privacy. Acting as a ‘haven for discerning travellers’, checking in to North Island is a bespoke, personalised experience that evokes total relaxation and restoration.
Also known as ‘Villa 11’, Villa North is perched on the granite boulders at the far east of East Beach. The travel experienced is unimaginably decadent as the large villa spreads out across multi-tiered levels, cascading down through a coconut grove, with direct beach access to the ocean below.
No. 1: The Private Reserve, Gili Lankanfushi
Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Image credit: Gili Lankanfushi
Naturally, we saved the biggest (and perhaps the best) until last. The Maldives was the original barefoot luxury destination. Taking ‘no news, no shoes’ to the extreme, cue the arrival of The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi, which is the largest standalone overwater villa in the world. It may be large in size, but anyone checking in to Gili Lankanfushi will know that this hotel is all about unpretentious, castaway hospitality – it even has its own timezone, ‘Gili time’.
In the North Malé Atoll and set across more than 1,700 square metres, the sprawling Private Reserve perches atop a turquoise lagoon, 500 metres from the island and 300 metres from the nearest residence, ensuring utmost privacy and serenity. It features four bedrooms, an open-air cinema, wellness centre, 21 metre infinity pool and even a water slide straight into the lagoon.
Comprised of five vast buildings linked by open-air walkways, The Private Reserve can accommodate up to 12 guests in four bedrooms with spectacular lagoon views, extensive private living space and open-air bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs. With a rustic-chic design inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings, handcrafted, upcycled furniture is combined with a warm, neutral colour palette and luxurious fabrics. Put simply, it has made a splash on the global hotel design and hospitality scene.
Can the harmony of design, architecture and style really turn an entire destination’s image around? Editor Hamish Kilburn touched down in Mallorca, Spain, to check in to INNSiDE Calviá Beach, located in the heart of Magaluf, to answer that question…
The last time I was here, in Mallorca, I was eight. It was only my second flight and the thought of landing on an island, in the middle of the sea, felt hair-raising – as well as frightening – as we descended from the clouds towards the sea.
Together with my family – mum, dad and two older brothers – after being mesmerised by the ragged coastline seen from the transfer bus winder, we made ourselves home in some all-inclusive resort. The hotel itself wasn’t anything special, but the family experience was. At the time, it felt like a magical concrete kingdom that came to life at night with live performances. The resort had insane pools, and it was set back from the edge of the warm and inviting Mediterranean, where we hired pedalos and broke each other’s snorkels.
In and amongst the beachside memory making, I remember catching a poster advertising a talent show. As a young, over-confident (and fearless) gymnast at the time, with a one-track mind for the Olympics, it was my time to shine. So, the extravagant, attention-seeking, cartwheeling runt of the litter signed up to get his fix of applause. Backflipping on a floor area smaller than most peoples’ living rooms took some skill, and after adding in a few twists, I was claimed the winner. “I’m the most talented person in May-or-ca,” I teased to my brothers who were more focused in who could give each other the deadest arm until one gave in during a contest of their own, determining who among them were going to concede to sleep in the dodgy camp bed in our room.
Needless to say, island life hits different as an adult. Beachside cocktails help. The ‘strip’, located just a minutes’ walk from INNSiDE Calviá Beach, is alive and kicking. The beach also full of travellers determined soaking up the dregs of summer, in balmy mid-20-degrees temperatures – not a cloud in sight. Make no mistake, this is Magaluf, but while the hotel’s position geographically is in the centre of the action, entering its glass automatic doors feels like walking through a port key that takes you away from the noise, the questionable fashion and, well, the drama. Instead, INNSiDE Calviá Beach shelters a more muted style, somewhere between lifestyle and luxury – think more smart-cas’ than formal wear.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
The building itself is striking – a modern, white arch-like structure with buildings either side, dominate the skyline. The rooms are located in the buildings on either side, and they are connected by a bridge on the top floor that features two glass pools (more on those later). Interestingly, before INNSiDE’s significant takeover, the former resort was one concrete block, not too dissimilar to other properties nearby. “We decided to sacrifice rooms in order to create this walkway between the street and the beach so that we connect people in the city,” Alberto Lalinde Fernaud, Area Manager Director at Meliá Hotels International, told me during my stay. “This decision allowed people to move between areas freely.” The power of architecture never ceases to amaze – by creating a vortex through the structure, the whole plot now feels open and almost attached to the beach itself.
Inside (pun intended), wooden-cladded walls, contemporary design-led artefacts and books together with comfortable, and deep, furniture together with soft furnishings create an inviting ambiance in the lobby – the arrival experience is one that immediately evokes a sense of calm in a city not famous for serenity.
From the public areas to the ground-floor restaurant, the design team have made each space to reflect beachside rustic, a kind of laidback approach to interior design, but it doesn’t feeling dated or thrown together meaninglessly. Nothing is quite matching, but that’s its all part of its boutique charm.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Elsewhere, in the rooms, the Mediterranean motif continues. They are clean, crisp in design with a clever injection of natural materials, such as wooden structures creating a light boundary between the bedroom and the living area without the space feeling at all shrunken. The wetroom bathrooms feature quality brands such as GROHE (flush plates) Roca (basins), and Duravit (basins). As tranquil as the guestrooms and suites feel, though, where the hotel scores its points is on the rooftop.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
“I think this is the model to follow, hotel brands that contribute and projects that add value to the public spaces of the city of Magaluf.” – Álvaro Sans, the designer INNSiDE Calviá Beach
For people arriving with preconceptions attached to their stay, there is indeed more to Magaluf than people might expect. A rugged coastline, golden sand and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters – it’s surprising that the wellness scene, aside from cycling in the north of the island, hasn’t claimed Mallorca, as it has other Balearic islands, for its own. The destination, which feels ready to change its image, is screaming out for more hotels that feature one-off experiences instead of ‘all you can eat (and drink)’ lodgings. Cue the arrival of INNSiDE Calviá’s best kept secret – or worst, considering it’s not exactly inconspicuous.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
“The transformation of cities is a global phenomenon,” Álvaro Sans, the designer of the hotel, told Hotel Designs. “All cities are converting to ]become] more human-centric spaces, where the car loses prominence and the passer-by becomes the king. Cities like Liverpool, Manchester or Bilbao have been humanised and why not Magaluf, a typical holiday city from the 70s of the last century, which has become out of date at the urban level but which has a magnificent bay and many possibilities to be reborn as a model city? This project breaks the existing model with an innovative brand like INNSiDE and provides a very important urban value to the city. I think this is the model to follow, hotel brands that contribute and projects that add value to the public spaces of the city of Magaluf.”
Not one, but two outdoor long and narrow pools – or as Sans describes them, “balconies to the sea” are poised on the fifth floor, both featuring glass sides and glass bottoms, which makes swimming here not for the faint-hearted. “This was a fantastic way to unite the two buildings,” he added. The power of the rooftop offering should not be overlooked, for the potential of this elevated nook could indeed take the hotel – and quite possibly the entire destination – into the wellness sphere. With ample space available, the bars and restaurant could easily be transformed for sunrise or sunset yoga sessions, or indeed wellness sessions.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels International
Evolving with the mood is something INNSiDE is innately gifted at, perhaps because of its easy-going style. Flexing its muscles in this area, and putting this ethos to the test, the hotel recently, for the second year running, became the venue for the culture and literacy festival called FLEM, allowing it to open its doors to a plethora of cultural talks, while sheltering live music sets from noon until late. The result was a mix of locals and travellers coming together to immerse themselves in the experience, learning one or a few things new during their stay.
Roundtable: enhancing guest experience in hotel bathroom design
For our latest roundtable, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Geberit, sat down with a group of designers working in the hospitality industry, from boutique through to the brands, to discuss the changing demands being made on bathrooms in the hotel context and, importantly, how to harness both design and technology to enhance the guest experience…
A conversation fuelled by Geberit, our latest roundtable explores the changing shape of bathroom design, which inevitably brings into play certain touchpoints; the questions, concerns and the demands designers are required to balance when configuring a concept for what is, conventionally, the smallest space in the suite. Questions of technology, hygiene, sustainability and, of course, wellness all need to be considered and, inevitably, were part of this roundtable conversation. All these trends and considerations are now converging and having a direct impact on what has traditionally been the add-on space, that inconvenient design necessity behind closed doors. But those doors have been thrown wide open.
On the panel, expanding on all these points and more, were:
Jane Landino, Creative and Design Head of Studio, Taylor Howes
Lottie Suckling, Senior Interior Designer, Taylor Howes
Lee Thompson, Specification Sales Manager, Geberit
The roundtable conversation kicked off with a question looking directly at the role technology plays in the design of hotel bathrooms. What soon became clear is that the depth of technology varies as dramatically as budgets and design briefs – the bathroom design of one of London’s latest boutique hotels, Chateau Denmark, being a case in point. Design studio, Taylor Howes, took a refreshingly disruptive approach to the bathrooms, breaking several hospitality models in the process. The approach to technology was, again, typically unique – embracing it as part of the design rather than hiding it.
“The brief [for Chateau Denmark] was that the bathroom needed to be integral to the design, and in many cases is the focal point and hero,” explained Jane Landino, Creative and Design Head of Studio, Taylor Howes.
“In terms of technology, as music is a huge part of the narrative, sound and audio visual technology had to be embraced and made part of the design rather than hidden – something that is often counter-intuitive for a designer,” expanded Lottie Suckling, Senior Interior Designer, Taylor Howes.
Image credit: Chateau Denmark / Michael Franke
Moving from the boutique to the brand, Kari Carter, Senior Interior Designer at Scott Brownrigg pointed out that: “Technology is generally impacted on by budgetary constraints when working with the bigger brands, and as a result is often less visible. Technology in these situations comes on board as a function rather than as part of the guest experience.”
Shifting from technology to sustainability, Kilburn picked up on this and pointed out that technology is not just about the dials and screens but, in many cases, is becoming about what is going on behind the tiles. With this in mind, the designers around the table were asked if this was increasingly becoming more of an undertone to a design brief.
“Sustainability and reducing carbon footprint are all becoming increasingly important and the big brands are – rightly so – pushing this side of things when it comes to bathroom design,” said Raj Sonatra, CEO, KCA International.
Continuing on the subject of sustainability and water consumption, Lee Thompson, Specification Sales Manager at Geberit agreed that this was a definite focus when it came to product design. “Together with hygiene,” he said, “these have become the key concerns in terms of bathroom product design, and ensuring that we are designing for the future. Geberit’s shower toilets are an example of how we strike the balance between designing for wellbeing, hygiene and sustainability. These toilets incorporate a range of smart features including an oscillating wash and our AquaClean Sela, for instance, uses 50 per cent reduced water.”
Thompson went on to discuss that these concerns are being integrated into designs across the board rather than one dimensionally, or in a single product. What materials are being used, how the design functions to reduce water flow, as well as touchless and intuitive designs are just some of the issues being faced by bathroom product designers – and then of course things have to look good too! All these points reiterate the idea that the technology behind the scenes is, in many cases, becoming more important than what is on display.
Conversation moved from the practical to the more design-focused realm of the hotel bathroom. With both boutique and brand models increasingly blurring the boundaries between the bathroom and the guestroom experience, it was agreed that one of the most fundamental shifts in hotel bathroom design is the increased importance of a more cohesive design language between spaces. As Carter added: “creating a lack of boundary between elements also creates the illusion of space.”
Image credit: Geberit
In many cases the bath has, quite literally, moved into the bedroom which then opened up discussion onto the separation of space and function. Maybe it is time to look critically at how both the guestroom and the bathroom is being used. As Sonatra stated: ” It is time to take the bath out of the room.”
As bathroom expectations evolve, this is being reflected in how the space is both defined and designed. Looking at how to differentiate between bathing, wellness and practical ablution can allow for a more imaginative configuration of space and, once again, comes back to the concept of blurring lines in the hotel guestroom.
“It is interesting to question how you prioritise the space in the hotel room – do you prioritise the bathing or the sleeping aspect,” was a question thrown into the mix by Maria Cheung, Head of Interior Design, Squire & Partners. “Placing the bath in the hotel room is fantastic as it is not something you necessarily have the time and leisure for at home – having the bath within the sleeping area, in many cases with the hero view, can be that defining difference, immediately creating a more luxurious guestroom experience.”
To accommodate the increasing demands being put on the bathroom space in the hotel there is a concurrent increase of space being allocated to the bathroom within the design. The bathroom footprint is getting marginally larger but it has to work a whole lot harder. “The proportions of the hotel guestroom are changing,” expanded Sonatra. ” Almost 45 per cent of the room space is now taken up by the bathroom but, at the same time, that space needs to offer a lot more.”
Guest expectations on both a design and experiential level of the hotel bathroom have become a lot higher, especially in those family or resort style hotels where the trend is towards the longer stay. We are going on holiday to relax and recharge, and the bathroom is no longer just a practical space, but needs to have a pretty face as well – again working harder – and, a point rapidly agreed on by the panel, these increased demands are not always met with an increase in budget.
“The design focus on the bathroom varies hugely depending on both budget and target audience,” agreed Cheung. “Working with a brand like Bulgari, for example, as a luxury brand the bathroom becomes key and is clearly linked to the concept of luxury.”
Throwing open the discussion onto the wellness trend, the question was asked if this is a trend that is here to stay or simply a passing post-pandemic phase? With a general consensus that wellness is indeed a permanent design fixture, the panel dug a little deeper into the subject, agreeing that as guests are increasingly demanding a more holistic guest experience, the bathroom is key to that.
“The wellness trend is no longer the realm of high-end spa hotels, but is trickling down from high-end to mid-range hotels,” said Carter. “We are increasingly seeing hotels which are not necessarily wellness brands, introducing aspects of it into their offerings – in some case this is with the introduction of opt-in wellness guestrooms.”
“Wellness is not really a trend anymore,” added Thompson, ” but a more holistic expectation from a holiday or hotel experience.”
Cheung expanded on the holistic approach to wellness and connecting it clearly to sustainability. “When you enjoy an experience in a wellness hotel, those hotels can, and possibly should, extend that and have a role to play in the educational and information aspect of the design purpose, relating wellness clearly back to sustainability and water use,” she noted.
From wellness to hygiene in one swift step – both are trends emerging out of the experience of last few years and both, it would seem, are here to stay on the design agenda. While hygiene questions might be a little less focused as we move on, it was felt that expectations remain high. From toilets to taps, touchless technology is increasingly being seen as the norm. Key to the successful introduction of technology is that it remains, on the face of it, both simple and intuitive. In addition, the intervention of technology to facilitate water saving in the bathroom becomes more acceptable to the user as well.
Image credit: Geberit
The question of surfaces, texture and tactility within the bathroom soon came under discussion. While wellness and spa-like environments lend themselves to an element of texture, hygiene demands remain high. Described by Carter as a “post-pandemic duality”, while attracted to tactile surfaces and interfaces, the bathroom design default tends to be smooth surfaces and touchless controls.
In conclusion, Kilburn asked: “Should we be injecting more personality into the bathroom, or by doing this are we reducing the longevity of the design and therefore impacting on sustainability?”
“It is definitely important to focus on the longevity of key elements and the other components need to be relatively neutral to accommodate a soft refurbishment,” added Sonatra.
Again Chateau Denmark stood out as an exception to the rule with an over-the-top design intention. “The narrative is so strong it goes beyond trend and should maintain a design relevance,” Landino asserted.
On pushing the boundaries of bathroom design, Carter concluded by saying: “We are always trying to design timeous interiors, and there is definitely room for bathrooms in the hospitality arena to have a little more character.”
The conversation around this roundtable identified the hotel bathroom as an area of both shifting boundaries and expectations, and a space that is open to a lot more design innovation and consideration as hotels take on board the changing expectations of guests on both a functional and an aesthetic level. Taking the conversation further, Geberit’s report on Sensory Design picks up on several of these considerations when looking at how to enhance the bathroom experience in the hospitality arena. The bathroom is clearly an opportunity to inject both character and authentic experiences into the hospitality model, and design and technology will no doubt be working in tandem to take us on this path.
Geberit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
How citizenM plans to dominate the US ‘affordable luxury’ hotel scene
With four new properties in its 2022 pipeline, citizenM is taking its ‘affordable luxury’ lifestyle brand and signature style to new cities and locations spanning the USA from coast to coast. Here’s what we know…
citizenM was launched in 2008 with a purpose – to disrupt the traditional, stale hotel industry. Focussing on central locations in the world’s most exciting cities, but at an affordable price, the brand got to work to create not just a place to sleep, but somewhere to work, relax and play – just like home. The first hotel opened at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in 2008. As of September 2022, citizenM’s portfolio has 29 hotels in 18 cities, and is now expanding its footprint across the USA.
Image credit: citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Bringing much-anticipated new life to one of one of Seattle’s most historic and original neighbourhoods, citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square is the groups second property in Seattle, following citizenM Seattle South Lake Union which opened in 2020. The hotels presence in Pioneer Square highlights an important milestone for the historic lot. Originally home to Seattle’s first saw mill, the corner lot will now represent the neighbourhood’s evolution into one of the country’s premier cultural and art districts. Sheltering 216 guestrooms, remaining true to citizenM’s commitment to integrating art into its properties both inside and out, local artist, RYAN! Feddersen, has been commissioned to create a large mosaic art installation on the hotel.
Image credit: citizenM Miami Brickell
citizenM made its debut in Miami with the opening of its Miami Brickell location. The building features bright and vibrant façade artwork by Miami born-and-raised artist Jen Stark. With five pieces united together to make one composition, this art installation bridges the brands playful personality with Brickell’s bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere. Inside the 252 key hotel, eight societyM meeting rooms offer tech, style, and unlimited coffee to let ideas flow. The hotel will also feature the brand’s first rooftop pool, offering sweeping views of Miami’s downtown for in-house guests.
Image credit: citizenM Washington DC NoMa
Short for North of Massachusetts Avenue, NoMa is quickly rising as one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Washington DC. NoMa is all about modern convenience and connection – adjacent to bustling downtown offices, exciting nightlife, and only two miles east of The White House, it’s close to the city’s most famous locations. citizenM has joined this fast growing neighbourhood, with 296 guestrooms connecting travellers to some of the most famous landmarks in America, making this location its second property in Washington DC. The hotel also features artwork on the façade by Brooklyn-based, but originally from Washington DC, Hannah Whitaker. Inside, three societyM meeting rooms stylishly designed to inspire creative thinking are available for private hire.
Image credit: citizenM Chicago Downtown
Big and bold and last on the list, this September saw the first hotel in Chicago with a newly constructed hotel that is part of Sterling Bay’s mixed-use development at 300 North Michigan Avenue, situated between the Riverwalk and Millennium Park. The 280 guestroom hotel sits within the 47-storey tower which also includes 289 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space. citizenM Chicago Downtown offers the signature brand experience, with an art-filled living room, 24/7 canteenM and three societyM meeting rooms. Chicago native Nina Chanel Abney was commissioned to transform the building’s exterior 2,000 square foot terrace and entrance walls into a gigantic abstract and vibrant Chi-town tribute.
Edmund Bell has taken on the challenge of the rethinking and fluidity of spaces and their functions which has resulted in the concept known as chronotopia – an understanding about how a space can adapt to become more of a multi-functional, and accommodate different activities at different times of the day…
From businesses to individuals, the past couple of years has certainly had an impact on the way we all live and work – we have had to adapt and develop new behaviours which have, in turn, improved the way we operate. Whether that is at home, in an office, in hotels and in the healthcare world. While chronotopia might be an unfamiliar term, when put into context it makes complete sense, and like so many other concepts, has been fast-tracked by the pandemic and clearly needs further thought and understanding.
Edmund Bell’s print designs serve to brighten up those spaces that would otherwise be a normal working space and many of the dimout fabrics, like those in the Expression collection, can help transform a room from sleep to work without being too fussy. Strata is a textured blackout fabric that also easily divides living and working and can also help with acoustic limitations.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Even before the pandemic, this multi-functional use of spaces is something that has been a reality in many public spaces for years, but with regards to interior space it is a relatively new undertaking. With the arrival of technology, digital solutions, and connective devises, chronotopia has gradually edged into our homes and it looks like it’s here to stay! We`ve certainly embraced the shift to home working – with many companies taking steps towards hybrid working environments, where teams can work both remotely and in the office. Our kitchens, lounges and bedrooms have effortlessly morph into workspaces, cinemas and gyms at various times of the day.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
From a hospitality point of view, hotel lobbies have become hot desk offices with customers enjoying coffee and lunch – working is very much an ad hoc experience and significantly different to 20 years ago. Coworking solutions are becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality sector and hotels are very capable at providing the necessary services. They too are embracing the new world of ‘bleisure’ and ‘workation’ whereby we see regular hotel practises shift and see the customer booking longer periods of time away and combining work and leisure in a single booking. Interestingly, over the past few year’s offices have begun to resemble loft apartments with relaxation zones and comfy sofas, magazines and coffee machines, a touch of wallpaper and a rug or two! Osmosis between the two worlds has given rise to hybrid ways of working.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Edmund Bell’s Expression dimout fabric really does capture the wonderful hue of nature, and the Foliage print from the upcoming Nature Reserve print collection can be coloured to camouflage out any unwanted urban views bringing the outside inside and giving the space a truly lush character. Our increased reliance on the home brings ever more pressure for it to function well and fulfil our growing demand to support us and our health and wellbeing. On top of needing the home to deliver our work, rest, exercise and play needs, the whole question about chronotopia and the functionality of space together with that of our wellbeing is a topic and design style that is here to stay.
Edmund Bell is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Inside Halehouse Spa: somewhere between tradition & innovation
TLEE Spas has collaborated with Auberge Resorts Collection to create a spa and wellness compound centred on a purifying bathhouse concept – Halehouse has been designed as a dynamic experience that blends hands-on treatments and self-directed components…
The recently debuted Halehouse Spa at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a vibrant wellness resort cultivating community spirit on a historic working ranch in Napa Valley. Set on 712 acres of vineyards and ranch land and showcasing elegant design by Overland Partners and CCID, the new-generation wellness destination takes inspiration from its scenic location in the heart of California’s wine country and fosters a sense of connection and community through diverse experiences and facilities that engage all senses.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Conceived by TLEE Spas and further developed and operated by Auberge Resorts Collection, Halehouse Spa at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection is a results-oriented wellness destination for the modern wellness consumer. To create a suitably fresh and contemporary feel, TLEE Spas + Wellness, who worked with Auberge Resorts previously on multi-award-winning Spa Solage in Calistoga, collaborated with Overland Partners and CCID on the concept and planning for the new spa and wellness offering.
“What’s unique about Halehouse, other than its strikingly beautiful setting, is the Springhouse Circuit at the heart of the spa, a concept that blends attendant services and do-it-yourself components to create an innovative bathhouse experience with a Northern California twist,” said President and Founder of TLEE Spas, Tracy Lee. “It’s rooted in nature and is inherently social in its sensibility: encouraging meaningful connections, relaxation, recovery, within the context of pleasure and celebration.”
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Situated at the spa’s core, the Springhouse Circuit is a series of hot and cold contrast experiences and technology boosts, used as a pre-treatment primer or post-workout recovery, to activate the body’s natural healing processes. Inspired by Nordic bathhouse culture, the purification circuit blends thermal bathing with a social dynamic that weaves the natural beauty of the property into the experience. The self-paced spa journey begins in the communal area designed to raise the body’s temperature, followed by alternating heat, cold, steam, and salt inhalation therapies to help optimize physical performance and improve health.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
The fresh, convivial spirit at the wellness resort is reflected in an abundance of social venues nestled among cottages, guest rooms, villas, and vineyard homes: outdoor fires that invite guests to linger, multiple pools and hot spas set in their own lavender valley, three on-site restaurants, and Halehouse Wellbeing Centre. Situated on top of a hill next to the infinity sculpture by Gordon Huether, the multi-venue wellness centre is flanked by a spectacular spa pool with the most mesmerizing views on the property. To help guests downshift to a more mindful state of being, the spa employs leading wellness specialists, medical professionals, and sports experts from around the world to tailor individualised programmes that incorporate nourishment, hydration, sleep, movement, and targeted treatments to restore the body’s physiological markers and balance mind and spirit.
Guests can also book the spa’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, as well as continuing their purification journey in the tepidarium, followed by restorative bodywork or customised skincare with Biologique Recherche products. Fieldhouse, the centre’s movement studio and peak performance fitness club, offers state-of-the-art technology and amenities. Here, guests can choose from a variety of daily movement classes, undergo a fitness assessment, and receive functional training and performance coaching from world-class practitioners.
With Halehouse, the TLEE Spas team created a complete ecosystem where guests can pursue their wellness goals and staff can fulfill their mission to heal and inspire positive change, delivering both a timeless and very fresh perspective to spa.
From underwater references of coral and seaweed, to glittering mosaics, Hyperion Tiles’ comprehensive patterned selection unleashes creativity in the bathroom…
With Bert & May having recently joined the Hyperion collection, the patterned tiles offering , which already feature leading designer brands, including Ca’ Pietra, Minoli, Siminetti and Original Style, has moved up a notch.
“Patterned tiles in vibrant hues and bolder styles are becoming more popular as hotel designers are willing to unleash their creativity in bathrooms, spa areas and further afield,” discussed Richard Skeoch, Director at Hyperion Tiles. “However, there are a variety of ways in which you can use them to achieve a greater effect.”
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
The new Bert & May encaustic tile, Marigold Maze One, is from the Mazes collection and nods to mid-century and Art Deco styling. Each tile measures 200mm by 200mm by 18mm and comes in three designs which you can use together to create a bespoke pattern in the perfect mx of classic and contemporary. The Bert & May Fennel Terrazzo tile provides a perfect way to introduce pattern into your bathroom with a less obvious repeat which is about surface interest, rather than bold lines.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
The new luxury Siminetti Freshwater Emerald Gold Square Mosaic tiles measure 25mm and introduces a reflective pattern along with a little glamour. In contrast, the matt surface of the Original Style Penshaw Yellow on Chalk tiles from the Odyssey collection injects a note of quiet calm.
From choosing mosaic tiles to clad a statement bath to large scale patterned tiles in a compact cloakroom, there are plenty of options, which can help add a personal touch to a project. Within the comprehensive collection from Hyperion Tiles there are designs and patterns to both compliment and elevate any interior project. Hyperion Tiles work closely with designers, specifiers and architects to ensure the design vision is translated into reality.
Metal, gratings, drains, black, silver, brushed steel and brass are not on your average shopping list but if you are looking for a ‘softer’ industrial silhouette for your bathroom Unidrain could have just the inspiration you need…
The 1950s saw the start of the industrial design movement; beginning in New York where large warehouses were re-invented and became the ultimate in spacious, stylish avant-garde living. Iron beams, naked brick and bare wooden floors, the look went initially from open plan living through to specific rooms first to the kitchen and now industrial design has found a new home for inspiration in the bathroom.
Industrial design is based on contrast, a mixture of light and shade combining textures and tone in fixtures and fittings, which can be a little too harsh. But no need to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater, as a softer version of an industrial style can still be high on visual impact by using some of the key characteristics of an industrial bathroom but toning them down. A bare brick or cement wall might be too much but using a darker design style and including brushed metallic elements may soften those edges and make it easier to live with.
Image credit: Unidrain
One way of introducing darker tones is with a black frame shower screen such as Unidrain’s GlassLine. The colour is perfect adding just the right touch of industrial style as the black frame itself hints at the large, framed windows in a New York apartment. The black framed GlassLine shower screen is 10mm of clear tempered glass, available in three sizes it can be mounted to the left or right and is installed discreetly and securely without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings, or joins. The screen is lowered into the Undrain uniquely designed ShowerLine drain located under the bathroom flooring, before being attached to the wall, creating a secure, stable, and watertight showering space. The black frame sits against the wall covering any edges generating a smooth finish. For an additional industrial touch install the screen with Unidrain’s colour co-ordinated black HighLine frame and panel.
Metals accents are a key factor in industrial style, but getting the right finish is essential. Smooth, shiny metals such as chrome don’t offer the rugged and raw look needed for an industrial bathroom, copper and brushed brass finishes have a slightly warmer tone and suggest a more rustic look. This different shade can be introduced both in the shower drain and, in the accessories used in the bathroom, from towel hooks and shower shelves through to toilet roll holders and toilet brushes. All are part of the Reframe Collection and add a hint of colour to a room which could otherwise be quite dark.
Unidrain is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
‘Take me to church’: inside NH Collection Milano CityLife
The NH Collection Hotel Group has opened its 12th hotel in Milan, taking guests on an extraordinary journey through history, design and innovation while offering the opportunity to stay in a reimagined 1930’s church…
Located in the futuristic CityLife district in the heart of Milan, the new hotel is a masterful mix of old and new. Built from the structure of the Church of Christ the King, the imposing building was designed to preserve the artistic heritage of the original 1934 building, which was deconsecrated in 2017 and later acquired by the company CLH srl, part of Gruppo Igefi and rehabilitated by the architectural design firm QuattroAssociati, under the management of NH Hotel Group.
Image credit: NH Collection
Just 100 metres from Portello station, the imposing and massive NH Collection Milano CityLife stands out due to its iridescent white colour which, with its 13-story tower attached, draws attention to the new hotel for its architectural excellence and, more generally, as ‘Made in Italy’ statement. A large part of the church building – with a Latin cross floor plan, original wooden doors, round arches and aisles of the side naves – has been maintained and now serves as a spectacular entrance to the hotel, with its height and sense of verticality. That verticality is also evident in the gilded organ-like rear wall of the reception, the details of the cocktail bar and restaurant, the unexpected cascade of light in the lobby and in the Venetian seminato flooring. The significant features of the new hotel – order, measure, composure and elegance – reflect the Milanese cultural tradition and fit into the neoclassical architectural landscape of Milan in a coherent and authentic way.
Image credit: NH Collection
With 185 guestrooms, including 10 duplex suites built above the central nave, NH Collection Milano CityLife is one of the few hotels in the world to offer the possibility of sleeping, relaxing and staying in a former church dating back to the 1930s. Six of these suites also feature terraces with stunning views of the city. The remaining 175 rooms are in the 13-story tower, all of which share the spirit of ‘Made in Italy’ excellence, which can be seen in the minor details such as the Italian designed lighting, through to the photographs of models in elegant 1950s and 60s dresses in the public areas of the hotel. The outstanding hospitality and many services offered also demonstrate typical Italian savoir-faire, synonymous with quality.
Image credit: NH Collection
The hotel’s location is also noteworthy, with a view of the Three Towers of the City Life complex, just a few metres away, and, just beyond, the skyscrapers of the Garibaldi district, which can also be seen from the 9th-floor terrace. NH Collection Milano CityLife is located in what, until a few years ago, was the city’s trade fair district. And although it has now been transformed into one of the new fashion districts, where you can spot many celebrities, its soul remains that of a deeply commercial district. For this reason, the NH Group has incorporated six spacious meeting rooms into the structure, which can be set up in 11 different configurations and have a maximum capacity of 520 people. These make it the perfect place to experience Milan in its full glory as a city of art and tourism, but also as a business centre, with its proximity to the MiCo halls, Europe’s largest convention centre.
Image credit: NH Collection
The hotel has a large private garden, right next to the meeting rooms, perfect for all kinds of events and as an exhibition area. A real highlight of the hotel is on the top floor, where the star of the show is the exclusive rooftop, with pool and The District cocktail bar, the perfect place to enjoy ice-cold drinks and signature cocktails.Tailors restaurant features a photographic narrative reflecting Milan’s tailoring history in the fifties and sixties, which is also evoked by the earth colours, the Pianca furniture and Flos lighting. Tailors is a space in which you can breathe in the essence of the district, while Chef Gabriele Grisolia expertly combines traditional, new and avant-garde cuisine that celebrates Italian tradition. The restaurant’s speciality mainly lies in its finest quality, home-made pasta and meat dishes, always with a strong focus on sustainability through the use of locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible.
The luxury country estate of Schloss Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course, located in the Scottish Borders, will be the first Destination by Hyatt brand in Scotland as the group focusses on growth of its luxury resort brands in Europe…
The elegant countryside property of Schloss Roxburghe has a rich history that dates from the 12th century and was formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe. The charming historic estate and its expansive, stately grounds will be fully transformed into a luxury retreat with the addition of 58 guestrooms and suites to the property’s existing accommodations, as well as 12 cottages, expected to be complete by late 2022. An additional 49 cottages will successively open until 2024.
“Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course is a property of distinction and an exciting milestone for the growth of the Destination by Hyatt portfolio in the region,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Hyatt’s vice president of development, Europe. “Our latest collaboration with the 12.18. Group is a testament to the value Hyatt places on nurturing meaningful, strategic relationships with owners to create luxury hotels and resorts in sought-after destinations that matter to our guests and World of Hyatt members. The desire for travel in the luxury segment remains steadfast, and this project is set to cater to luxury travellers, both international and locals alike, in one of the country’s most exquisite locations.”
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
The Destination by Hyatt brand is a diverse collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences that are all individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course aligns completely with the brand ethos as it authentically reflects its surroundings. Evoking traditional Scottish hospitality, guests will find fire-lit lounges and bars decorated with the Duke of Roxburghe’s original tartan, contrasted with contemporary finishes such as stone and wood textures and natural colour palettes. The estate’s luxurious guestrooms and suites will be spread across three areas: the main historic house with 20 individual rooms and suites, the Estate House with 58 rooms and suites, and 61 cottages that overlook the estate’s lush grounds, each to be fitted with personal kitchens, snug living areas and secluded patios.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
Poised to become the number one destination for country sport enthusiasts, the estate will immerse guests in the staggering natural beauty of the surrounding Scottish Borders through a wide range of sporting pursuits and activities. From bracing walks in the region’s remote wilderness, archery, tomahawk throwing and clay-pigeon shooting, to angling in the River Teviot, and of course, golfing the property’s Championship-grade golf course, guests will be invited to experience Scotland’s world-class country sport tradition with picturesque landscapes as their backdrop.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
The hotel will feature two outstanding restaurants, three bars, and two lounges that will deliver home grown, locally sourced and seasonal Scottish produce. A 600 square metre spa facility with two saunas and outdoor infinity pool will join the estate’s existing state-of-the-art amenities, including a purpose-built banqueting suite. For spectacular, stress-free events surrounded by inspiring scenery, the property will offer four meeting spaces with up to 157 square metres of space, perfect for hosting any kind of event, from weddings to conferences, among the rolling Scottish hills.
Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course will be the second Hyatt-branded property in Scotland, joining the recently announced Hyatt Centric Edinburgh Haymarket.
The agreement between the two operators brings with it an 810 room partnership at five properties across Spain, France and Italy. The five properties include voco Madrid Centre Retiro – a market debut for the voco brand in Spain; three Hotel Indigo properties in Florence, Italy; Bordeaux, France; and Barcelona, Spain, respectively, and Crowne Plaza Madrid Centre Retiro.
All three brands are going from strength to strength – the Hotel Indigo brand now boasts 40 open hotels in Europe with a further 19 in the pipeline; voco has expanded to 15 open hotels in Europe, having recently opened voco Dusseldorf Seestern and voco Venice Mestre – The Quid, and Crowne Plaza currently has 88 open hotels across Europe, including the recently opened Crowne Plaza Budapest.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Grape Hospitality on such a strong collection of hotels across some of our key European markets of Spain, France and Italy,” commented Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This partnership further highlights the strength of IHG’s much-loved brands and reputation, our desire to expand into new locations and our ongoing initiatives to improve the customer journey such as the recently enhanced IHG One Rewards programme.”
“Grape Hospitality continues its development in Europe with the acquisition of premium assets,” added Frederic Josenhans, Chairman of Grape Hospitality. “We are delighted to work with IHG in addition to our brands, to create value and diversify our portfolio. With Indigo, voco hotels and Crowne Plaza, all strong brands in their segment, we will be able to develop our catering and MICE expertise and make each hotel a unique living space.”
Under the partnership, the new 193-room voco Madrid Centre Retiro will be the first voco hotel to open in Spain. The Latin name, voco, means ‘to invite’ and ‘call together’, and the property will feature all the brands unstuffy hallmark amenities from an arrival gift and simple check-in to lively social spaces, and guest rooms with thoughtful comforts like cosy bedding and luxury bathroom amenities. The hotel is due to open in April 2024.
Following on the Madrid opening will be Hotel Indigo Florence – with 160 guestrooms, conference facilities and a wellness centre, the hotel is set to open later this year. The 100 guestroom Hotel Indigo Bordeaux will be the third Hotel Indigo-branded hotel to open in France. The property is based in Bordeaux Chartrons, a sophisticated and leafy neighbourhood with buzzing bistros in Place du Marché Chartrons, plus waterside dining and eclectic shops. The hotel is due to open in May 2023.
Moving the pipeline back to Spain, the 189 guestroom Hotel Indigo Barcelona Gran Via Plaza España will be the second Hotel Indigo to open in Barcelona. Guests will be close to the Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) and a short bus ride into the centre with its plethora of art galleries, parks and beaches. The hotel is slated to open in April 2024.
edyn is taking its lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke to Paris with the acquisition of a historic property in the cosmopolitan 5th arrondissement, continuing its rapid expansion across European gateway cities and marking edyn’s first entry into France…
Built on the philosophy that travel should be a rich journey of discovery, providing unique experiences that inspire, whether travelling for business or leisure, edyn has expressed this vision through the development of a unique and diverse portfolio of properties reflecting the evolution of the travel and hospitality industries.
Image credit: edyn
The hybrid hospitality sector continues to benefit from significant expansion driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand, and the acquisition of a historic property in the city’s fifth arrondissement will be followed by its development into a 145 key boutique aparthotel, slated to open in 2024.
The acquisition further strengthens edyn’s position as an industry leader in the hybrid hospitality sector, with the groups recent growth track including the acquisition and redevelopment of the NH Hotel in London’s Kensington and the opening of WunderLocke in Munich, with Locke at East Side Gallery to follow imminently in Berlin. Edyn has also announced 2 further Locke hotels currently under development in Zurich and Lisbon which are due to open in 2023 and 2024.
The Locke model of a lifestyle aparthotel, gives guests the freedom to travel on their own terms by creating spaces that are designed to adapt to travellers ever-changing lifestyles. Since opening its first location in London in 2016, the brand has expanded exponentially, currently operating 12 trading properties and 1,978 trading keys across five markets in the UK and mainland Europe.
Image credit: edyn
“Locke will be the first design-led lifestyle aparthotel to open in Paris, and we’re thrilled to introduce our forward-thinking brand to such an iconic city,” commented Stephen McCall, CEO at edyn. “After establishing ourselves as one of the most innovative hybrid hospitality groups in Europe, this flagship opening in Paris further extends the reach of our exciting pipeline of Locke and Cove hotels across the continent, at a time when awareness of extended stay is translating into record levels of consumer demand.”
Currently an 18th Century mansion located in the cosmopolitan Latin Quarter, a stone’s throw from Sorbonne University and the Panthéon, edyn will transform the property into a flagship location for Locke. Integrating Locke’s unique hybrid concept, the sensitive redevelopment will result in 1000 square metres of activated social spaces comprising a winter garden, a high-concept restaurant and bar set under a restored glass atrium, co-working, coffee shop, gym and laundry facilities. Accommodation will feature 145 studio apartments spread over seven storeys, which will be housed in a new building to the rear of the site. The site has been purchased with planning permission and the development is expected to start October 2022 with a targeted opening date in the second half of 2024.
Product watch: new collections from Christopher Hyde
Christopher Hyde Lighting has introduced three new 2022 collections – the eclectic collections of table lamps, pendants and wall lights feature both contemporary and classic designs…
Continuing to fly the flag of luxurious style that is the benchmark of the Christopher Hyde brand, these collections like all the others use beautiful materials offering only the finest quality. Providing lighting solutions to suit both classic and contemporary interiors, the latest offerings from the design team include a range of solutions in surfaces from ceramic to bespoke hand blown glass. These latest additions to the brand portfolio, are as much about a statement of shape and form, as they are about lighting.
Starting on the table, designed using a muted colour palette the ceramic table lamps incorporate touches of gold and brushed silver finishes paired with beautiful silk, textured shades. This collection includes various geometric shaped bases which complement both contemporary and more traditional style interiors.
Image credit: Christopher Hyde Lighting
Image credit: Christopher Hyde Lighting
Moving on up the wall, the ‘Wave’ wall light is designed with soft elongated curves and is available in a number of exquisite finishes. The tiered design of these wall lights add depth and dimension as well as create a beautiful illumination of light.
Image credit: Christopher Hyde Lighting
Image credit: Christopher Hyde Lighting
Lighting up the ceiling, the craftsmanship of the hand blown ‘Teardrop’ means that each pendant is entirely unique. With the ombre effect glass and teardrop design the organic forms of these pendants are the perfect addition to the contemporary range of lighting, making a single statement or working together in composition.
All the new designs in these collections are on display in the Christopher Hyde Chelsea Harbour showroom.
Christopher Hyde Lighting is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
British bedmaker Hypnos has partnered with likeminded hospitality experts for series of in-depth interviews. Kicking off the series of talks, Hotel Hypnos welcomed Sally Beck, General Manager at the stunning Royal Lancaster London hotel, as its first guest…
Hypnos Contract Beds, the largest provider of hospitality beds in the UK and makers of award-winning, sustainably made beds and mattresses, has announced the launch of Hotel Hypnos – a series of in-depth conversations in which Hypnos partners with experts from different sectors of the hospitality and interior design industry, to share their expert advice, knowledge, and experience over a series of filmed interviews.
Hotel Hypnos will comprise a series of ‘episodes’ featuring a range of influential industry insiders, providing information, insight and opinions centred around hot button topics relevant to those working in the hospitality and interior design industry. Hosted on the Hypnos website, Hotel Hypnos will touch upon topics including the future of interior design within hotels, how hotels can adapt their marketing output to appeal to a more eco-conscious guest, how the customer experience is evolving and how the industry should react.
Image credit: Hypnos
“Hotel Hypnos has been created to encourage important discussions and debate within the hospitality and interior design industry, facilitating the sharing of knowledge by a range of industry experts,” said Carolyn Mitchell, Sales and Marketing Director at Hypnos Contract Beds. “As the largest provider of hospitality beds in the UK, we want to draw on the fantastic relationships we have built and champion those who excel in their role, whether in management, interior design, marketing, or any other key role within the industry”.
For the first in its series of talks, Hotel Hypnos welcomed Sally Beck, General Manager at the stunning Royal Lancaster London hotel, as its first guest. “I am delighted to take part in Hotel Hypnos.,” commented Beck. “Having worked with us for several years, Hypnos is a key supplier of Royal Lancaster London, and their ethical and sustainability ethos lines up perfectly with our own. Hospitality is one of the most vibrant, creative industries to be in so I’m thrilled to be able to share my experiences and hope it may inspire others to think of hospitality as the fantastic career choice which it is.”
In her interview, Beck offers an inside look at her day-to-day activities as General Manager at one of London’s most prestigious hotels and discusses why she is a true advocate for careers in the hospitality industry, why sustainability must be at the top of hotelier’s agendas, and why sleep remains at the core of a good experience.
All interviews with the expert guests at Hotel Hypnos will be hosted on the Hypnos website, and will be accessible to those within the hospitality industry.
Hypnos is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts announces its expansion in Europe with the brand’s upcoming debut in Spain. The luxury La Caleta Resort, located in Tenerife’s Costa Adeje and which previously operated under the Sheraton brand, is scheduled to relaunch as Tivoli La Caleta Resort in spring next year…
Currently with a portfolio of 16 properties in four countries, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts is owned by Minor Hotels and managed by NH Hotel Group in Europe. Adding to the portfolio, the Tivoli La Caleta, currently closed and undergoing an extensive refurbishment, will reopen with 284 guestrooms, including 20 suites, four restaurants, two bars and ten meeting rooms, as well as three swimming pools, a fitness centre, plus tennis and paddle tennis courts. The property will also be home to a luxurious Anantara Spa, a space where ancient spa and wellness traditions are combined with modern techniques, to offer an incomparable experience.
Image credit: Tivoli La Caleta Resort
Following the renovation, the resort will relaunch offering service to the high standards of the Tivoli brand, where, within the customer experience, gastronomy will play a key role. Tivoli Hotels & Resorts will continue its collaboration with well-known Portuguese chef Olivier da Costa for the development and implementation of new concepts through the restaurants the hotel will offer. The first of them, Yakuza, specialises in fusion food between East and West. It proposes exclusive creations that combine Mediterranean flavours with the oriental tradition of sushi and sashimi. Guilty will be another of the restaurants, presenting a ‘casual food’ offer in a young and cosmopolitan space. The last of the concepts will be the classic Beach Club, a meeting point under the warm Canary Island sun, which will incorporate some of the most renowned dishes of the island’s gastronomy in its menu.
Boundaries without boundaries – introducing Kaynemaile
Kaynemaile architectural mesh is a design solution for creating spatial division without structural boundaries, allowing designers to divide and define interior spaces without the need for solid partition walls or glazing…
Kaynemaile is an extremely strong yet highly flexible architectural modern mesh consisting of interlinked polycarbonate rings formed together by a unique liquid-state assembly process – a process which enables seamless mesh screens of any height and width to be fabricated. It is a versatile design element which can accommodate a range of design applications while lending an impactful, sculptural aesthetic to any interior.
Inspired by centuries-old medieval chainmail used for armour, Kaynemaile’s origins can be traced back to the film set for The Lord of The Rings trilogy. The film’s art director for the Creatures, Armour and Weapons department – and Kaynemaile’s founder – Kayne Horsham developed a lightweight, manually assembled version of traditional chainmail made from polypropylene piping. This lightweight material looked and moved realistically and allowed the cast to work in chainmail costumes for extended periods. After filming finished, Horsham continued his work with chainmail, perfecting a liquid state assembly process to mass produce the first polycarbonate chainmail for architectural applications.
Image credit: Kaynemaile
An exceptionally hard-wearing yet elegant architectural material, Kaynemaile mesh boasts a wide range of functional benefits. The nature of the interlocking rings give the material unique malleability that allow it to adapt to different forms with ease. The seamless nature of the mesh has made it the ideal choice for ceiling features at convention centres, auditoriums and hotels around the world. Lighter than glass or steel with an impact-resistant structure, the mesh has a scratch-resistant surface and built-in colours – plus it has an ASTM E-84 Class A rating for flame spread & smoke density.
Image credit: Kaynemaile
Perfect for creating privacy screening and spatial dividers for restaurants and cafes without the need for fixed solid walls or glazing panels. With a wide range of standard colours including translucent options Kaynemaile is a simple, cost effective way to create dramatic chandelier-like feature pieces for foyers, reception and entrance areas.
The mesh works beautifully with feature lighting. For the Crowne Plaza Hotel it was used as a feature piece above the check in area. The winding mesh strips group together to form a flowing feature piece and the different heights of each strip allow feature lighting to glow through, emphasising the warmth of the bronze coloured material.
Image credit: Kaynemaile
Screens can be curved, which allow for interesting spatial dividers as seen in the Colie Makchi Café in Vietnam which mixes a traditional and modern aesthetic. The seamless nature of the mesh means that incredible long continuous pieces can be fabricated – for the recently opened YouTube Theatre in Inglewood Los Angeles Kaynemaile manufactured a 90 metre long hanging screen from one continuous piece of mesh which weaves through the lobby of the auditorium.
Image credit: Kaynemaile
Design options are endless with Kaynemaile architectural mesh. Screens can easily be fabricated to any height or width without gaps or seams and fixings are able to suit multiple scenarios. In addition, the mesh is lightweight, weighing in at around three kilograms per square metre, and gives approximately 80 per cent airflow through the cross sectional open area. This means air compliant movement can be maintained in interior spaces.
Manufactured through a waste-free process Kaynemaile is 100 per cent recyclable. The unique manufacturing process enables production of only what is needed, while all re-ground waste is recycled in-house and then used to create new mesh.
Kaynemaile is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Marriott to debut Fairfield by Marriott brand in Europe and the Middle East
Six new Fairfield properties are set to join the Marriott portfolio in key business and leisure destinations, including France, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia. Fairfield is the second largest brand within the Marriott portfolio; here’s what we know about its pipeline moving forward…
Fairfield celebrates the beauty of simplicity with an effortless hotel experience focused on bringing key elements of value, productivity, and a great night’s sleep. Inspired by the heritage of the Marriott family farm, Fairfield pays homage to the restorative place built on the feelings of pure joy and natural ease. Fairfield properties globally offer a design aesthetic that is both calm and modern. Within Europe and the Middle East, the design has been interpreted to reflect the locale of the hotel. The European design is inspired by Scandinavian style, which offers a light and bright aesthetic, and the Middle East properties are expected to have a layout tailored for the region including prayer rooms and Qibla directional signage.
Image credit: Marriott International
Each hotel’s public areas will serve as flexible social spaces to share and connect with other travellers or simply to relax. Guests can expect a harmonious balance of functionality, comfort and enriching décor, with the use of natural materials and carefully selected amenities. Each guestroom will feature comfortable beds, a shower and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Social Market food and beverage concept will offer a complimentary healthy breakfast that provides a nutritious start to the day and, in selected hotels, guests can enjoy a selection of cold and hot à la carte items in the evening. Guests can also grab what they need from the convenient 24/7 market, fully stocked with snacks and beverages.
“We are excited to welcome travellers to the first Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Europe in Copenhagen and Amsterdam in 2023,” said Satya Anand, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The debut of the brand in Europe and the Middle East has been thoughtfully considered for each market, and we’re looking forward to delivering Fairfield’s iconic friendly service and warm hospitality at these new properties.”
Image credit: Marriott International
The first of the anticipated openings across Europe and the Middle East, Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen North Harbour, Denmark is expected to open in Q3 of 2023. Situated in Copenhagen’s North Harbour district, Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen North Harbour, Denmark hotel is slated to be dual-branded with 234 guestrooms devoted to the Fairfield by Marriott brand and in the adjacent hotel, 81 guestrooms dedicated to the longer stay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott. North Harbour is one of Northern Europe’s largest new urban development area, and it is planned to be a fully sustainable, energy carbon neutral hub.
Fairfield by Marriott Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands is also expected to open Q3 2023 – slated to offer 175 guestrooms, the hotel will be perfectly placed for those wanting to stay outside of the city and near the airport. Moving into 2024, Fairfield by Marriott Zug, Switzerland is planned for Q2 2024, and Fairfield by Marriott Bordeaux Train Station, France is expected to open Q4 2024.
Continuing the pipeline, Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, Saudi Arabia is slated to open Q1 2025. Located in the Al Naseem district and set to rise in five towers, the 2,600 guestroom Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem will be a fantastic property for those looking to visit cultural sites, such as Mina, Muzdalifa, Al Jamarat Bridge and Arafat. Situated in Makkah city centre, the hotel will provide a convenient base for those visiting on pilgrimage or business.
Set to be the second Fairfield property in Makkah, the Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil Road, is planned for Q4 2025. and will look to offer guests a prime location just walking distance of the Grand Mosque. Every year, more than two million people visit Makkah for Hajj, the pilgrimage to Kaaba and with 1376 expected guestrooms outlined in the design plans, the hotel will be the perfect destination for those visiting.
From its innovative design, to adapting each property to be locally relevant and its ability to cater to the needs for today’s traveller, Fairfield by Marriott is expected to see continued owner demand.
Winners of the 2022 Independent Hotel Show announced
The winners of the 10th annual Independent Hotel Show Awards were announced on October 4 at Olympia London, with the who’s who of the boutique and independent hotel sector in attendance…
For the 10th year, as day fell to evening on October 4, The Independent Hotel Show seamlessly transformed its Innovation Stage into an awards arena. Recognising the passion of independently spirited hoteliers who drive the hospitality sector forward, the Independent Hotel Show Awards champion all that make independent hotels such amazing places to stay.
Karen Weisheit, Hotel Manager at The Grove of Narbeth won GM of the Future, in partnership with the Master Innholders, and Stuart Procter, Chief Operating Officer at Stafford Collection, was awarded Independent Hotelier of the Year.
Procter said of the award: “I’m very honoured and humbled to win such a wonderful award and to be shortlisted alongside some of the best hoteliers in Britain. It really is a privilege to be the boss of the Stafford and I only win this award because of the 200 people behind me who are exceptional day in, day out.”
Oliver Brown, General Manager of Wivenhoe House Hotel, home to the Edge Hotel School, was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the sector and to the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Brown commented: “Thank you so much to everyone that has supported this, I can’t believe it. My team and our students will be so delighted for me. Thank you so much.”
Image credit: Independent Hotel Show 2022
In addition to winning the GM of the Future accolade, Karen Weisheit, will be granted a place on the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield in 2023, worth £12,000. This is funded by a generous bequest to the Master Innholders Charitable Trust by the late Neil Bannister, a former Master Innholder. She commented: “It’s incredible, I can’t quite believe it. To have been nominated along such an amazing array of people, I’m so proud of what we’re delivering for the industry and I’m very excited for the future ahead.”
The GM of the Future was presented by Dan Rose-Bristow MI, Chair of the Master Innholders, who said: “The Master Innholders developed the GM of the Future Award to honour up-and-coming hotel leaders and to recognise and celebrate those who go above and beyond to show their dedication to becoming future leaders.
“Karen, Beth and Alexander all exhibit these incredible characteristics and their dedication to the hospitality sector will do wonders for it in the years to come. Myself and the rest of the Master Innholders extend our sincerest congratulations to Karen and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow and develop as one of the nation’s leading GMs.”
The Independent Hotel Show, and the Independent Hotel Show Awards, will return to Olympia London on 16-17 October.
Marriott Khao Lak opens its doors on the Andaman coast
Boasting the longest swimming pool in Southeast Asia, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort has opened as an all-suite luxury retreat nestled in a serene beachside setting on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast…
The family-oriented Khao Lak resort offers a selection of stylish and spacious two-bedroom suites, designed to foster togetherness through experiences that nourish the soul, such as culinary workshops in the JW Garden and educational activities at the shark nursery and conservation project. Just an hour’s drive north of Phuket, Khao Lak is one of southern Thailand’s quieter coastal destinations with its tranquil charm, golden sandy beaches, scuba diving and outdoorsy, family-friendly activities.
“The opening of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, with its spacious accommodation and outstanding service, will complement our existing property in Khao Lak, enabling all guests to come together and create meaningful connections,” said Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International. “As the world starts to travel again, this new opening will further stimulate the country’s tourism sector and attract families back to the Land of Smiles.”
Image credit: Marriott International
The resort shelters 52 stylish two bedroom suites which range from 89 to 111-square-metres with bright indoor and outdoor spaces, Southern Thai inspired design, contemporary living areas and private terraces or balconies that overlook the natural tropical surroundings. On the ground floor, a collection of pool access suites allows guests to step straight into the inviting waters of Southeast Asia’s longest swimming pool – a sparkling two and a half kilometre-long lagoon that features water slide, a wave pool, and even an aqua trampoline. Young guests staying in the pool access suites can choose to enjoy the thrill of being transported to their room by boat, and all ages can look out for the resort’s Coconut Boat which will cruise around the lagoon every day loaded with fresh, ice-cold coconuts.
Image credit: Marriott International
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites will share the extensive facilities of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, including the Aqua Play Zone, a fully-equipped fitness centre, racket sports, the Kids Club and Quan Spa, which offers holistic healing therapies from traditional Thai massages to revitalising body wraps and scrubs, many of which use organic coconut oil produced onsite at the resort. A series of serene spaces such as cosy cabanas let guests reconnect, whilst Khuk Khak Beach offers an idyllic setting to stroll, splash or sit in the shade of palm trees.
Image credit: Marriott International
The resort’s collection of 11 restaurants and bars offer guests an extensive array of casual and formal dining choices ranging from traditional Thai to Japanese and Italian cuisines. New additions to the resort include Sala Restaurant & Pool Bar, an inviting all-day venue that celebrates the timeless pleasures of great Asian and international food and family dining by the poolside. DRIFT Beach Bar & Grill is the resort’s new meat and seafood grill restaurant inspired by regional Mediterranean cuisine. The brand’s signature JW Garden offers a variety of homegrown organic herbs, spices and other natural ingredients that are used in the restaurants, resort activities, cooking classes and for organic treatments in the spa.
Geberit has expanded its Geberit ONE and iCon series with new product enhancements across the ranges, combining Geberit’s sanitary technology know-how and design expertise…
The new Geberit ONE washbasin cabinet and washtops incorporate an impressive range of individual design options, including single or double washbasins with either a cabinet or a minimalist washtop, or a combination of the two. Three new washbasin variants feature in the series – a standard and slim washbasin available in a range of sizes as well as a lay-on washbasin, in two different designs, rectangular or bowl.
“We pride ourselves on constantly optimising and evolving our products and services,” said Sophie Weston, Channel Marketing Manager, Geberit. “That’s because we understand the importance of meeting the every-changing business requirements across the numerous sectors we supply. Geberit’s modular bathroom furniture offers virtually limitless design flexibility. Through the expansion of these two new collections within our premium Aspire range, we are able to provide space saving and hygienic solutions to even more of our customers within the UK marketplace.”
Image credit: Geberit
The washbasin designs are also fitted with two options for space saving waste. Washbasins with a classic waste now incorporate a ceramic cover while the innovative waste design option includes a die cast zinc integrated comb insert, and both can be removed with ease to clean. The innovative waste has been tailored to the design of the washbasins and is cleverly positioned at the back edge of the bowl, reducing water and limescale residue.
Image credit: Geberit
The new, Housebuilder Product Award winning Rimfree technology has also been incorporated, and is available exclusively with the iCon WCs, eliminating hard-to-reach areas around the pan. The iCon WC features a sustainably designed, water saving toilet flush and QuickRelease seat, enabling the toilet seat to be removed with the flick of a wrist for ease of cleaning.
Geberit is also adding a new wall-hung WC and a compact floor-standing WC within the iCon range which will be complemented with both a wall-hung and floor standing bidet. Not only this, but the expanded array of modular iCon furniture has been designed with intent to deliver both function and aesthetic. The range offers three basin options, standard, slim and light, all ideal for any bathroom setting.
Geberit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Incorporating light and colour into wellness, Gessi introduces new dimensions into the bathroom experience with the multifunctional Sogni showerhead…
The Gessi brand has become synonymous with wellbeing and quality living in all types of environments, from hotels to spas, from yachts to private homes. Gessi creations allow the enjoyment of private spaces to become sanctuaries of private wellness, places to re-establish contact with oneself. The introduction of light and colour in the Sogni collection brings a sense of private wellness to everyday life, enhancing the concept of water as a means of wellbeing.
Image credit: Gessi
With a play of reflection and refraction of LEDs, glass and mirrors, the multifunctional SOGNI showerhead offers a trick of perspectives that endlessly multiplies the vertical vision. Water, light and colour stimulate the senses and create an almost transcendental end result. Three water jets, rain, cascade and refreshing mist, and the customisable colour therapy, make it possible to create ever-changing atmospheres, from the most energising to the most relaxing. The introduction of light and colour increase the wellness benefit by contributing to rebalance emotional disharmonies affecting the psyche and body.
Gessi is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Town Hall Hotel – reimagined to stimulate creativity
Located in the energetic inner-city hub of Bethnal Green, Town Hall Hotel has partnered with the London-based furniture designers and makers Jan Hendzel Studio to transform two of the property’s suites to create a gallery-come-living space aiming to stimulate creative interaction. We stepped inside for a closer look…
Previously the Bethnal Green Town Hall, a Grade ll listed building, was reborn as the Town Hall Hotel with design-led interiors characterised by its with many artistic touches. Set in the heart of London’s vibrant East End, the hotel combines architectural splendour with cutting-edge design and a devotion to the pleasures of life. The hotel houses 97 guestrooms and suites, many equipped with fully fitted kitchens, allowing for both short and long-term stays. This offering also includes one of the largest hotel suites in London; the De Montfort Suite. On the ground floor of the property is Da Terra, the two Michelin star restaurant, Silkweaver, the hotel’s bar, a 14 metre pool and gym, and a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces.
Image credit: Town Hall Hotel / Jan Hendzel Studio
In keeping with the hotel’s core ethos, it has historically worked with local brands and supported the community through various partnerships and events. The most recent collaboration with Jan Hendzel Studio is not only an extension of this, but arguably one of the hotel’s largest projects to date. It will also act as the first of many future collaborations with other likeminded, neighbourhood brands to build a community of creatives around the hotel and eventually house an eclectic range of suites, each telling their own unique story.
Image credit: Town Hall Hotel / Jan Hendzel Studio
Where a traditional hotel room might encourage total introspection that takes the visitor away from their surroundings, these suites invite touch and stimulate creative interaction with the pieces. Texture and sculptural finesse are two striking signature characteristics of Jan Hendzel Studio’s furniture designs. So in these suites you’ll find smooth curved edges on coffee tables, ageing cracks in green wooden sculptures, hand-carved scallops on mounted mirrors. It’s in these details where the hand of the maker is most evident. As a studio that has historically worked with British timber and a hotel that has always sourced locally and sustainably, it was important to incorporate these into the design – whether in the more sculptural furniture pieces or the more subtle interventions. You’ll see it in the soft pattern of the London Plane timber, the capital’s street trees that were sourced from Denmark Hill, close to Jan’s workshop in Woolwich.
Image credit: Town Hall Hotel / Jan Hendzel Studio
Image credit: Town Hall Hotel / Jan Hendzel Studio
In addition to Jan Hendzel Studio’s work, a selection of British brands have also supported the project. Pickleson Paint, a new paint brand based just a stone’s throw from the Town Hall Hotel, to create a range of colours that spoke to the design and local area. You’ll see touches of East End Clay on the walls, an entirely new shade custom made specially for this project, alongside the brand’s Drunk Tahini and Tarte Tan shades. Elsewhere, the suites are complemented by lighting, upholstery and accessories from British brands including A Rum Fellow, Yarn Collective, Hand & Eye Studio, Lights&Lamps and Fariceramics. The crinoid marble used for the kitchen countertops was sourced from Mandel quarry in Derby. It is the attention to design details with local touches that tell the story, and make the space unique.
Main image credit: Town Hall Hotel / Jan Hendzel Studio
Skopos continues to punctuate 50 years of design excellence by revisiting its extensive range of original designs, and this month sees the curtain rise again on the Flamingo and Kimono collections…
A bold, abstract graphic collection, originally launched in 2006 Flamingo brought six new designs to the Skopos portfolio. Hero of the collection was the Absinthe design, with echoes of 60’s psychedelia, the bold depiction of a flower head with a vertical background wave and central pop of colour shouted proud within contract spaces. Originally produced for screen printing this design has been adapted to add in subtle details and textures into the leaves and petals, but still remaining true to the Absinthe design. Launching therefore with the same name – the two colourways will be produced on the Skopos Turin linen-look basecloth.
Image credit: Skopos
Image credit: Skopos
Working in tandem with Absinthe is the Fuji design. Born out of patterning seen in Japanese designs, the original inspiration came from the two tone Edo design within the Skopos Kimono collection of 2008. Screen printed originally on fabrics with the appearance of silk, Edo gave a simple geometric option for curtains and bedding. With a change of scale and tweaks which saw the design more representative of a fan, the design has become a smaller, graphic four colour design. Offered in two colourways which complement the Absinthe design, Fuji is the second design for September and will be sampled on the Nereus waterproof, antimicrobial base-cloth for upholstery.
Skopos is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Medical practices, healthcare institutions, and hospitals face a wide range of challenges when it comes to accessible bathroom design. Duravit has come up with solutions which meets requirements and norms without sacrificing design…
There are bathroom solutions which need to be barrier-free with adequate space for wheelchair users, for people who use walking frames, and carers who need to be able to always access their patients from all sides and to ensure their safety. At the same time, prescribed minimum sizes and DIN norms need to be met, yet this doesn’t need to be at the expense of appealing design, which is just as important in these applications as it is in private bathrooms.
Image credit: Duravit
Duravit offers four design options for the washing area to enable the bathroom or the facilities within the medical practice to be designed with everyone’s comfort in mind. DCode, DuraStyle, Architec, and Starck 3 all have options which meet current DIN standards 18024/II and 18025/I+II for barrier free bathrooms and are wheelchair-accessible.
In terms of the requirements in the healthcare sector, Duravit supplies special models without an overflow and without a tap hole, offering optimum hygiene. The washbasins of the series DuraStyle and Starck 3 are available with baked-in, easy-to-clean WonderGliss coating. Starck 3 Vital is the perfect solution for barrier-free bathrooms with adequate space for wheelchair users and people who use walking frames.
The range also includes toilets to match the barrier-free washbasins. These Vital models also optionally come with the innovative HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze, which has an antibacterial effect which inhibits bacterial growth. The projection on the barrier-free toilets is 700 mm and enables ease of transfer and independent use to the greatest possible extent pursuant to DIN 18040. Fold-out grab bars that are firmly fixed in position and that have an integrated toilet-paper holder are recommended as transfer devices. These are available separately from specialist retailers. Patients can hold on to them and pull themselves up as need be, enabling them to actively assist or go to the toilet as independently as possible. Sufficient room for manoeuvre in front of the toilet ensures safety as well as comfort for the care staff.
Image credit: Duravit
A shower tray that is flush with the floor is not just a perfect solution in terms of looks, it is easy to clean and helps to prevent falls. Shower trays with dimensions 120 x 120 cm meet the criteria of DIN 18025/I + II and 18040-2E for barrier-free bathrooms and offer sufficient room for manoeuvre for everyone involved. The Stonetto shower tray made from robust and antislip DuraSolid Q achieves class B slip resistance and is suitable for barrier-free installation pursuant to DIN 18040. The flush-mounted shower trays meet the criteria of the standards 18025-1, 18025-2 and 18040-2E for wheelchair users. The optional “Antislip” coating is available for the acrylic shower trays of the Tempano series.
Duravit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Emerald Faarufushi brings barefoot elegance to the Maldives
The Emerald Collection has announced the opening of its second Maldivian luxury property in Raa Atoll – Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa. Kick off your shoes and explore the island…
Immersed in lush greenery and surrounded by a large private lagoon with natural coral reef, the new Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is located on an intimate 7-hectare island, a short boat trip from the group’s first property, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa. Both resorts are members of The Leading Hotels of the World, and offer The Emerald Collection’s signature Deluxe All-Inclusive service formula, as well as the opportunity for guests to island-hop in the Maldives, experiencing two luxury properties under the same brand.
Image credit: The Emerald Collection
Emerald Faarufushi shelters 80 contemporary and independent villas, five restaurants offering international cuisine, two bars, the Emerald Spa with eight treatments rooms in evocative treehouses, and a Sports Centre equipped with professional Technogym machines and equipment. The resort is also home to tennis and padel courts, and ensures a programme of fun yet educational activities for children and teens at the Dolphin Kids Club.
Image credit: The Emerald Collection
Image credit: The Emerald Collection
“We are thrilled to consolidate our presence in the Maldives with the opening of Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa,” said Aldo Scarapicchia, Partner and Managing Director of The Emerald Collection. “The new property will allow us to offer an integrated experience for international guests, with 80 additional accommodations between Beach and Water Villas, 70 of which have private pools. All our villas have been designed to comfortably host both couples and families with children. In fact our new resort is also home to the Dolphin Kids Club, a space where younger guests can really play, learn, have fun yet feel independent under the watchful eye of our multilingual professional educators. The ‘barefoot elegance’ style of the resort is woven through every element of a stay, and promises excellent standards delivered hand-in-hand with a genuine sense of ease in the refined yet informal surroundings”.
Image credit: The Emerald Collection
The group has also renewed its focus on promoting sustainable tourism by implementing green practices both operationally and for the guest experience at the 100 per cent plastic free property. The Emerald Collection aims to leave as limited impact on the destination as possible, with projects including a coral farming initiative, and the consumption of Emerald Water bottled directly at the resort.
Following on the opening of Faarufushi, the group has plans to build on its past success managing resorts in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with the launch of a new luxury property in Zanzibar within The Emerald Collection.
GROHE wins award for contribution to circular economy design
Wallpaper has awarded GROHE’s Cradle to Cradle Certified collection in the ‘Best Sustainable Step Forward’ category for this year’s Smart Space Awards…
The Smart Space Awards, now in their second year, where created to celebrate and explore what’s new and emerging in product design, with a eye on goods that will go the distance and give good service and lasting pleasure. GROHE’s Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold range promotes a move to circular economy that aims to significantly reduce waste in manufacturing and at the end of the product’s life-cycle, and the Smart Space judges commended the range for being a great movement towards circularity.
“Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and Cradle to Cradle Certified provides us with a framework to look at the life cycle of products in a new light,” said Raj Mistry, Leader Marketing, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK. “We’re delighted that our continued efforts to demonstrate that circular products can be commercially viable has been recognised by a voice as iconic as Wallpaper.”
Standing for quality, technology, design, and sustainability, GROHE actively research and action methods of bringing meaningful products to market, while guaranteeing they leave behind a healthy planet for future generations, along with making a positive impact and most importantly, a world with less waste.
GROHE is proud that four of its bestselling products are Cradle-to-Cradle Certified at the Gold Level. The products were assessed towards this global leading standard for safe, circular, and equitable products, across the performance categories of Material Health, Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy & Carbon Management, Water Stewardship, and Social Fairness. This certification confirms that GROHE has manufactured these products with the potential to be re-used endlessly, offering a whole new take on the concept of recycling. The Cradle to Cradle Certified approach to product design enables GROHE to drastically reduce the use of new resources, as a product is designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life-phase for the creation of new products, resulting in the ultimate sustainable solution.
GROHE’s bestselling taps, GROHE BauEdge S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart Kitchen and the GROHE Tempesta shower rail set are now Cradle to Cradle Certified at the Gold level, meeting one of the certification’s highest requirements. In addition, the sustainable impact of GROHE BauEdge and GROHE Eurosmart basin mixer is enhanced with SilkMove ES technology, where ES stands for energy-saving. The technology prevents the unnecessary use of hot water by supplying only cold water with the lever in the middle position, while the brands core water-saving technology, EcoJoy, is also integrated throughout the range, further heightening the sustainable credentials of all products.
GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Africa’s first Waldorf Astoria to debut in Morocco
Hilton has announced the signing of an agreement with Star Hill Tanger SA to open Waldorf Astoria Tanger, signaling the debut of the iconic luxury Waldorf Astoria brand in Morocco. Slated to open in 2025, the luxury resort will be located in a prime location close to the northwest coast of the country…
Surrounded by lush greenery on the northern Moroccan coast, Waldorf Astoria Tanger will be the preeminent luxury destination in Tangier. The resort will be in close proximity to the Cape Spartel Reserve, making it a convenient base to explore the historic Caves of Hercules and the renowned lighthouse with breathtaking views of both the blue Mediterranean and the Atlantic waters.
“Introducing Waldorf Astoria to Morocco in partnership with Star Hill is an exciting move for Hilton, and we are pleased to debut this iconic brand in Tanger, a stylish destination which is witnessing rapid development,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “Across Morocco we are growing our portfolio of hotels, building on the significant momentum the country is experiencing for travel and tourism, with plans to nearly triple our presence in the coming years with openings from across our brand segments.”
Waldorf Astoria Tanger will feature 115 contemporary style guestrooms and suites, including 21 villas with private pools and a 1,250 square metre Royal Villa. In addition, the resort’s 3,000-square-metre luxury spa is anticipated to be the largest holistic wellness destination in the country.
Guests will enjoy an array of culinary delights at the resort’s five distinctive restaurants, including the world-famous Peacock Alley, synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand. The luxury resort will also feature multi-functional meeting spaces and boardrooms, perfect for hosting business gatherings, celebrations, and world-class events.
Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head, luxury brands, Hilton, said, “Across the world, we bring Waldorf Astoria’s world-class hospitality to our guests, providing elegant service and unforgettable stays in new and exciting destinations. With the brand’s debut in Tanger, we are delighted to add Morocco to our growing global portfolio.”
As part of a recent signing ceremony for the property, Mr. Zaid Ali from Star Hill Tanger said, “Signing this agreement with Hilton represents our ambition to partner with renowned global hospitality partners that provide world-class service standards, on par with our company’s value of excellence. Bringing the luxurious Waldorf Astoria brand to Tanger is a step we are proud of because it supports the development of the tourism sector in Morocco and the city of Tanger.”
Hilton currently operates four hotels in Morocco: Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences, Hilton Tanger Al Houara Resort & Spa, Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Centre, and its most recent opening, Hilton Garden Inn Casablanca Sud. With seven hotels under development in locations across the country, Hilton expects to open Conrad Rabat Arzana and Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa later in 2022.
In the factory with: lighting brand Dernier & Hamlyn
On the outskirts of London, in Chessington, Editor Hamish Kilburn arrived at Dernier & Hamlyn’s headquarters; the place where bespoke lighting concepts that, on paper may look impossible, become realities…
Dernier & Hamlyn, the lighting geniuses behind projects such as Nobu London Portman Square, NoMad Las Vegas, The Standard London, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Adare Manor and Kimpton Fitzroy London, among others, will celebrate its 135th anniversary next year – it has come a long way from its early days as a lampshade manufacturer. In fact, I was told by Michael Mulhall, Director at Dernier & Hamlyn, that in the 1930s, and throughout the war, the company, like all surviving businesses do, adapted in the most heart-warming of ways. “All of a sudden, due to the social and financial pressures of war, the demand for beautiful lighting had muted,” Mulhall said. “Instead, utilising the skill of its workforce and well and truly evolving with the times, the business supplied the British military with parachutes before remerging from that period of history and evolving into supplying high-end bespoke lighting.”
Image caption: Lighting inside Nobu London Portman Square designed by Dernier & Hamlyn. | Image credit: Jack Hardy
Re-emerging at that time on the design scene and gaining a reputation for quality bespoke lighting solutions was not the only time the company evolved. More recently, in 2020, another transformation happened when Dernier & Hamlyn was purchased by NVC.
Image caption: How many people does it take to install the Dernier & Hamlyn chandelier inside Grosvenor Square? Answer above. | Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
With large ambitions, a healthy injection of cash – investment being placed on accreditation and savvy marketing opportunities and purchasing state-of-the-art technology – the lighting company was expected to grow. Mulhall described this acquisition as a way to welcome ‘free-thinking’, something interior designers relish when attempting to challenge conventional approaches to lighting and interior design in general.
Image caption: FromBefore and after: The Chandelier inside Grosvenor Square, manufactured by Dernier & Hamlyn, plays a major role in the quintessentially British interior design scheme. | Image credit: Grosvenor Square
Today, the brand’s focus, among other sectors, is to be a leader in the high-end hotel design market, which, with the rise in travel demand for one-off experiences, is crying out for innovative bespoke design – an element that from experience this brand offers with an abundance of style and precision. It’s hard not to notice the passion in the room, amplified perhaps by loyalty – many members of the team have been with the company for decades, and it’s refreshing to see how they, too, have adapted with the company to always stay ahead.
Image caption: Lighting scheme inside Jumby Bay in Antigua, manufactured by Dernier & Hamlyn. | Image credit: Jumby Bay
Adam Coare, Design Manager at Dernier & Hamlyn, who calculated that he had worked on more than 200 projects in the last few years alone, explained how moving with technology, especially 3D printing, has allowed the brand to produce lighting products that reach new levels of luxury, and complexity. In particular, one project challenged him and his team more than some others. “The Penthouse in The Mandrake,” he recalled. “It was an interesting project for us. We manufactured nearly 1,000 aluminium tubes, which all had to be welded together to create an industrial-like statement chandelier.
Image caption: ‘That’ striking chandelier inside the Mandrake London penthouse was created from nearly 1,000 tubes of aluminium. | Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
“In addition, and this is the case with a lot of our work, we only had one chance to get it right. Projects like that call for a cohesive team who all work together and communicate transparently.” The factory itself is perfect for that because each member of the team can always see what other departments are working on, separated only by a wall of glass.
Despite the unquestionable talent among the team, one thing they are not trained at is reading designers’ minds. Often presented with very limited information from the client or designer, the team do their best with the resources they have. However, in order to understand how a designer can get the most out working with a lighting manufacture like Dernier & Hamlyn, I asked Philip Lazell, Head of Product, what, specifically, designers should communicate to the team when briefing them on a new project. “As well as designing a beautiful project, we also offer valuable insight, knowledge and solutions if we are provided with enough context around the design,” he said. “I would say elements such as knowing the budget, sharing as many relevant elements about the timeline as possible, understanding the quantities needed and genuinely being transparent with us throughout will allow our team to work in harmony with the designer and the project. Of course, though, we do understand that many of these factors are out of designers’ hands, so we will always do our best to work with what we have got.”
Image caption: A contemporary yet sensitive lighting design scheme inside Jumby Bay, manufactured by Dernier & Hamlyn. | Image credit: Jumby Bay
After the idea of a product becomes a drawing, its design approved and the team at Dernier & Hamlyn have received sign-off from the client, the idea starts to become physical when the manufacturing process begins, and it’s here where the magic happens. For me, walking into this area of the factory felt like walking back into my old secondary school Design and Technology laboratory, but in the future – think laser cutting devices next to bandsaws and heavy-duty welding machines below a structure that tests each of the products.
During my visit, projects being worked on in the factory included reproduction of heritage chandeliers for a restaurant in Mayfair, beautiful fittings for a luxury residence in California, table lamps for a rather famous London retailer and some enormous external lanterns for a refurbished hotel in Oxfordshire – I was told that no day is ever the same, and I can believe it.
Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
One of the most impressive elements to emerge in recent years – and its innovation is really allowing the in-house team at Dernier & Hamlyn to stretch the boundaries in lighting design – is 3D printing. The technology is now used extensively to produce a wide range of prototypes that help designers and their clients to visualise what the bespoke components or light fittings produced in the factory will actually look like when unwrapped.
But beyond prototyping, it is also successfully being used to produce intricate patterns rather than the more traditional styles. This method is not only more cost effective, but also greatly reduces the lead times in getting the patterns to the foundry for casting. For some applications this process can also be utilised for elements of the actual light fittings themselves. Recent advances in finishing techniques now enable Dernier & Hamlyn to get these parts finished to suit the client’s requirements whether it’s a sprayed or a specialised metal finish.
The service complements the existing wide range of skills available from the design team, from the very traditional sketching of initial ideas and concepts, hand drawing of intricate designs, CAD drawings used to inform manufacture and finishing, through to photo realistic renders. When Hotel Designs first learned of the company using this technology in this way, Mark Pye Head of Production at the company, explained just how beneficial this investment has been for the whole team. “Having this printing facility within our own studio means we can now provide a much more flexible and fast service, which is key to our focus on quality and high levels of customer service and satisfaction,” he said.
Image caption: A render of the lighting design structure for Holborn Dining, inside Rosewood London. | Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
Following my meaningful time with the team driving the company – and lighting manufacturing in general – into the future, I have seen how the company has nurtured its reputation of being one of a select few British companies that designs and manufactures bespoke light fittings in the UK. Most of all, though, it’s clear to me that at Dernier & Hamlyn, quality lighting design comes as standard.
Dernier & Hamlyn is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
HIX preview: behind the curtain of hotel members’ clubs
As part of the HIX Talks programme, Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs, will moderate a panel exploring the rise of hotel members clubs. Ahead of the event’s return on November 17 – 18, Kristofer Thomas, Head of Content at HIX, explores how these clubs can facilitate the growth of organic hotel communities by leveraging membership models and experiential design…
Be it on a global or local scale, the driving force behind modern hospitality is a sense of community. Today’s guests want to feel like they are part of something, not just temporary strangers passing through, and operators are increasingly recognising the need to facilitate organic connections between people and the hospitality spaces that welcome them. It is this connection, after all, that turns a one-off stay into a repeated customer, and long-term loyalty can ultimately produce both commercial and cultural currency.
Likewise, extending a hotel’s reach beyond four walls has become a necessity for those seeking to stand out in an ever-crowded sector, and in the wake of the pandemic’s disruption, there has emerged a gap in the market for a space that operates between work, play and life. The rise of communal facilities that reconsider short-term shelter as places of community makes perfect sense then, and the surge of members clubs within hotels might just be the ideal platform for this resonant third space.
Image credit: Sir Hotel Joan, Ibiza
Indeed, if the colossal entertainment, media and technology markets are anything to go by, the future of brands is built on subscription and membership models. Products that can be accessed from anywhere, encourage repeat usage with constantly updated programming, connect users either in-person or through digital forums, and allow subscribers to self-curate these assets to an extent, all eschew the purely transactional in favour of something more consistent, engaging and meaningful.
The hotel sector is no different. Hotel members’ clubs that allow guests to engage with the property beyond the limits of a physical stay are the foundations of this surge, but the cultivation of consistent guest communities who regularly engage with both each other and the clubs themselves is perhaps the most important factor.
“The hotel sector is evolving as the demands of guests have changed,” says Naomi Heaton, CEO of The Other House South Kensington, who will be speaking as part of the Hotel Designs moderated panel Members Only at HIX 2022. “We have seen people wanting to live like a local, rather than being treated as a transient hotel guest, and we have seen greater value being put on placemaking, new experiences and spaces which offer flexibility.
“Members’ clubs create a sense of community that guests can readily engage with,” she adds. “They offer a place to work, socialise or relax in and are embedded into local culture through shared values and events, bringing together other local members who live and work in the area.”
But this model is not solely the domain of local neighbourhood clubs. Indeed, scaling up a member’s club to encompass experiences around the world can allow guests to stay loyal and engaged even whilst travelling. Opened last year at Barcelona’s Sir Victor, The Cover is Sircle Collection’s first foray into the members club market, and features a private club and gym, co-working space, library, podcast studio and event spaces for use by members. Crucially, however, are plans to roll out additional clubs in Amsterdam, Berlin and Vienna, as well as the ability of members to access all locations.
Image credit: Sir Victor Hotel, Barcelona
Indeed, if guests have access to a wide network of these clubs they might never need to stray beyond the brand’s remit. Similarly, even when venturing far away from their known locale they will be able to find something familiar. For the influx of travelling digital nomads and newly minted laptop entrepreneurs, this networked approach will likely come to form a key resource. Representing Sircle Collection and The Cover at HIX will be Myriel Walter, the brand’s Global Director of Culture & Membership, who will share the journey of The Cover from inception to launch, and how the group curates cohesive communities under the banner of hospitality experience.
Experience, however, can only carry a club so far, and it is the job of designers to both give this community form and differentiate the club portion sufficiently from the wider hotel. Members, after all, will not wish to pay extra for access and programming alone, and if there is no difference between the property and its exclusive inner circle, then the subscription fee may face scrutiny. Spatial variety – as in locating the club element away from the main offer – is a start, and some sort of visual signifier in the vein of FF&E that is exclusive or bespoke to the club can set this tone.
Image credit: The Other House South Kensington
But perhaps exclusivity is not always the ideal state for these environments. Yes, the presence of a membership model implies some degree of privacy and a restrictive door policy, but bridging the club with the wider hotel via design could be mutually beneficial to both elements. With a continuous aesthetic bridging the two sections, standard guests are given a taste of what they will gain with a subscription without feeling second rate, whilst paying members are made to feel like they are part of a community as opposed to a clique.
“We wanted to create flow and cohesion between all rooms and looked at the project as a whole rather than separate parts,” explains Natalia Miyar, the designer behind London’s The Twenty Two and the third member of the Members Only panel. “There are a lot of signature touches which you can see across the whole hotel, this is what brings the design together as a coherent style statement… I think guests and potential members are more discerning with each that year that passes; people want to see the newest thing and the latest trend, and an interior designer’s challenge is keeping ahead of them whilst creating something timeless that will last.”
Image credit: The Twenty Two
In a market where genuine community is key, and consumers are seeking more personal resonance than a simple one-off transaction, the longevity of members club is an enticing prospect. It’s no surprise that major brands have invested so prominently in the launch of their own clubs, but the next step for this movement will be to find a means to develop these facilities organically and at larger scales without sacrificing the intimacy guests sign up for.
Want to hear what’s next for the hotel members club movement, and how can designers, operators, investors and suppliers can best prepare to work within this model? Come along to Members Only: Behind The Curtain of Hotel Members Clubs (17 November, 13:00pm) at HIX 2022 for the full story. Hotel Designs will be on Stand A63 throughout the show.
Main image credit: The Other House South Kensington
Case study: Northern Lights illuminate the Chateau Denmark narrative
In its latest string of impressive interior projects, award-winning London-based design firm Taylor Howes appointed Northern Lights to bring to life their unique vision for the new hospitality concept, Chateau Denmark, introducing a note of ‘polished punk’ to Soho…
Northern Lights, shortlisted for The Brit List Awards Best in British Product Design, continue to develop impressive and often complex lighting installations for high-profile projects and luxury brands, and the collaboration with Taylor Howes on the Chateau Denmark project is a case in point. The in-house team of designers and master artisans in the Northern Lights studio work with a variety of luxury raw materials, with decades of experience in metal fabrication, glass techniques and custom finishes. All of which have been expertly utilised to create unique lighting pieces for the project, designed to cut through the darkness and highlight some of the unconventional and striking interior elements on show.
Through distinct narratives, Taylor Howes’ unique design intent is best described as a symbolic journey through Denmark Street’s prolific rock ‘n’ roll days. Vintage Gothic captures a particular charm and presents dramatic intrigue, while Timeless Grandeur offers an opulent and indulgent Victorian-era aesthetic. Modern Psychedelia brings 60s and 70s London to life through texture, finishes and striking palettes.
“It was important for us to truly understand the vision and narrative threads behind the expressive concepts. Our aim was to craft lighting solutions from scratch that would not only create the right ambience and illumination, but that would also form an integral part of the storytelling,” said Kevin Swart, Sales Director, Northern Lights. “Lighting is such a crucial part of the overall design picture; it has the power to really immerse guests in the design by adding to the sensory experience. We see each project we undertake as journey of collaboration, design, craftsmanship and adventure, and Chateau Denmark was certainly no exception. It was fantastic working with the team at Taylor Howes to bring this unique vision to life through bespoke lighting solutions.”
To realise the vision for the unique destination, Northern Lights worked to conceptualise a collection of bespoke industrial and decorative lighting to complement and elevate the different design narratives. The design team and master artisans were involved at every stage to advise on materials, techniques and processes required to meet the goals of the brief. Once the various solutions and designs presented to the team were approved, technical drawings were created with detailed information for each process required for the manufacturing stage.
Image credit: Chateau Denmark / Michael Franke
Image credit: Chateau Denmark / Michael Franke
The Townhouse Apartments incorporate show-stopping Victorian-inspired baths to complement the immersive cherry-red backdrop of the interior, all haloed by light brass & glass shard industrial pendants. Toughened glass ‘shard’ panels were delicately infused with a smoke colouration, designed to softly diffuse the light to retain the dark, evocative atmosphere. Laser-cut ‘meat hooks’ were consciously used to secure the brass chain links draped between the pendants.
Image credit: Chateau Denmark / Michael Franke
Located either side of the beds in the Superior Session Rooms are industrial blackened steel pipework wall lights, each fitted with decorative stop taps for true authenticity. An exposed filament bulb provides a bright aura that shines warmly against the dark walnut panelling.
Detailed Victorian-inspired wall sconces illuminate either side of the elaborate Willis & Gambier four-poster beds in the Flitcroft Apartments, highlighting the intricate hand carvings and the dark wood panelling on the walls behind. Evoking an industrial aesthetic through skilful ageing of the metal, the old English brass finish works to highlight every intricacy of the hand-modelled wing-shaped casting. The winged fixture is held in place by a cast brass wall plate, chosen for its ability to blend beautifully with the dark walnut panelling behind.
Northern Lights is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Chateau Denmark / Michael Franke
VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in October 2022
With Autumn well and truly fallen, Editor Hamish Kilburn shares his pick of the hottest hotel openings expected to make the most meaningful noise in October…
A wise man, James E. Faust, once said that ‘a rebirth out of spiritual adversity causes us to become new creatures’, and I think the same can be said for hotel openings for the destination they sit in. I have experienced this myself – design hotels really do have the power to change the look (and feel) of a destination. As we usher in a new month, the team at Hotel Designs have meticulously identified this month’s hotel openings that we expect will make the biggest impact, both locally and globally, designed in order to sensitively reflect destination, personality and timeless style.
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Seen as a significant addition to the Group’s Asian portfolio, Rosewood Luang Prabang is the brand’s first property featuring luxury tented accommodations, and it is hidden in the lush green jungle that surrounds the historic royal settlement of the ancient Laotian capital. Bordered by a riverbank, the resort offers 23 spacious accommodations including four deluxe rooms, four specialty suites, three riverside villas, six pool villas and six luxury tents, which include their own private dining areas and wrap-around decks.
Lao tradition and French colonial style are sensitively woven throughout the design and architecture, including the use of indigenous materials and locally inspired artwork. Dining options consist of The Great House and the Elephant Bridge Bar. Meanwhile, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, draws on locally harvested botanicals to create Laotian therapies designed to cleanse, replenish and balance the body, mind and soul. Seated next to a natural waterfall on a large open space behind The Great House, the oval shaped pool is the focal point of the property, where guests can relax on sun beds under tented cabanas.
Pendry Washington DC
Image credit:: Pendry Hotels
Image credit:: Pendry Hotels
Worlds away from the last Pendry property we checked in to, a striking new waterfront destination on in Washington harbour is about to arrive. Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf is being described as a ‘timeless testament to our nation’s classic style and grace’. Layered with a European-inspired sensibility and Pendry’s signature offering of modern-day hospitality, the ‘polished playground’ takes the city’s rich history and redefines it for a new era. Where substance is rooted in style.
The hotel features 131 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including 38 spacious suites, each imbued with a warm, residential-inspired aesthetic that feels comfortable and classic, while also inspiring with incredible detail and design-centric touches throughout.
In addition, Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf is home to three signature dining destinations welcoming hotel guests and locals alike. From all-day fare to evenings at Bar Pendry to the panoramic cityscape views from the Pool Terrace, each space is a stunning standout for food, drinks and just the right amount of revelry.
Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Image credit: Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Given the fact that the destination is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet – with around half a million species (estimated five per cent of the species on earth) inhabiting there – Costa Rica continues to be protected and developed sensitively in order to amplify and preserve the country’s unique relationship with nature. Cue the arrival of Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica that’s location is its answer to keeping things ‘local’. Positioned on the Atlantic coast, the hotel’s style is that of a surfer by morning and a jungle explorer by afternoon.
The hotel has been built with the environment in mind, using local materials and up-keeping the native flora and fauna, while also creating a luxury experience for guests checking in.
Sun Street Hotel London
Image credit: Sun Street Hotel / Bespoke Hotels
Multi-award-winning hotel brand Bespoke Hotels is adding to its already impressive portfolio with the launch of Sun Street Hotel this month, a brand new five-star property in the heart of London. Situated on the borderline of Shoreditch, the boutique hotel pairs a sensitively restored Georgian terrace with eclectic interiors that evoke timeless sophistication and acknowledge the old and new of the two contrasting areas of the capital.
The core aesthetic of Sun Street Hotel is elegance personified, with extravagantly beautiful décor and finishes. Internationally renowned interior design firm, Bowler James Brindley have expertly designed 41 guest rooms, including seven suites, where guests can choose to spend the night in either Georgian or modern styled suites. Creating the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, all bedrooms have king-size beds, Oxford pillows, illy coffee-machines, air-conditioning, twice-daily maid service and Penhaligon toiletries.
The Tampa EDITION
Image credit: EDITION Tampa / Marriott International
Technically, this hotel creaked open its doors last month when it soft opened, but given the statement it is about to make on the Tampa hotel scene, we couldn’t help ourselves and had to include this luxury address in this month’s mix of VIP arrivals. Cementing the city’s coming of age, and its position as a gateway to southern Florida, Water Street Tampa, a $3.5 billion urban mixed use development, shelters the newly unveiled The Tampa EDITION.
“Not often have I had the opportunity to work on a project that will completely transform the very centre and heartbeat of a great city like Tampa, and make it even greater,” said Ian Schrager, the visionary pioneer of the boutique hotel concept and the EDITION creator. “I call it urban expansion, rather than urban renewal, and it serves as a model for how cities will transform and evolve the future. The scale of it is mind-boggling and we’re very happy to be right here and a part of it.”
Bulgari Hotel Roma
Image credit: Bulgari Hotels
The decision to debut in the capital of Italy was one that was described as a ‘full circle moment’ for the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, but also a significant one, opening a hotel an iconic destination that is rooted in the luxury brand’s heritage.
The Bulgari Hotel Roma is strategically located in the central Piazza Augusto Imperatore. This is in the very heart of the Campo Marzio neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from Via del Corso and Via del Babuino, the iconic Spanish Steps and the signature Bulgari flagship on Via Condotti. Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel was in charge of both the architectural project and the interior design of the hotel, which counts more than 100 rooms, most of them suites. In addition, the studio has designed the prestigious ‘Il Ristorante’ curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito and ‘The Bvlgari Bar’, both located on the top floor to guarantee an unparalleled view of the Eternal City.
If you know of a design hotel opening its doors in Autumn or Winter this year that you believe deserves to be featured in our VIP Arrivals series, then please email the editorial desk.
Charged with transforming the legendary cocktail institution The Bar at The Dorchester, designer Martin Brudnizki has been inspired by the spirit and elegance of the roaring thirties…
Having recently released the first images of its extensive renovation, The Dorchester is drip-feeding us design inspiration with these images, and an announcement that the new Vesper Bar will be launching this December ahead of the first phase completion of the hotel’s comprehensive transformation. At Vesper Bar guests will encounter a bar with movie star looks and a supporting cast of talented bartenders ready to curate evenings of mature fun. The cocktail menu will showcase both timeless and signature cocktails inspired by The Dorchester, curated by award-winning drinks connoisseur and head bartender Lucia Montanelli.
Image credit: Dorchester Collection
The bar’s new interior celebrates a time when manners were still important and yet mayhem was celebrated. The new layout allows for a dedicated Park Lane entrance and an outside terrace with views towards Hyde Park. Ornate design runs throughout the bar, including a 1930’s Palladium leaf ceiling creating a warm effect as Martini hour transitions into the evening. An upper area of the bar and cosy ‘snug’ provide more privacy without compromising on the atmosphere.
A series of Cecil Beaton pieces will adorn the bar walls to honour a long-standing connection between the celebrated photographer/designer and the hotel, and to remind guests of this glamorous decade. Some of Beaton’s original drawings and celebrity photography will be brought together with work by contemporary artists, such as Rosie Emmerson, who were inspired by both Beaton and the energy of that time.
Image credit: Dorchester Collection
The name, Vesper Bar, honours The Dorchester’s many connections with James Bond throughout the years. Bond author, Ian Fleming, who invented the Vesper Martini, stayed and dined at The Dorchester in the 1940s and throughout his life until he died in 1964 and when William Boyd continued the Bond series with the novel ‘Solo’, Bond wakes up in a suite at The Dorchester on his 45th birthday. During the 60s and 70s the production company for the James Bond films, EON, had an office at the hotel and throughout the decades The Dorchester has hosted many press junkets for the films and welcomed all six James Bonds, 14 Bond Girls, four M’s and nine Bond villains as guests of the hotel.
The Dorchester will be ready to reveal its new interiors as of December 2022. The hotel remains open for guests throughout the renovation.
Product watch: a look at Kaldewei’s solar bathroom solution
Kaldewei is bringing its luxstainability concept from the sanitary mainland to the seven seas for the first time, equipping the solar-powered catamarans of SILENT YACHTS with sustainable Miena washbowls…
The collaboration between the German bathroom manufacturer and the shipbuilding company is sustainable in the truest sense of the word, as both share high standards when it comes to ecologically responsible products. The vessels from SILENT-YACHTS are solar powered and electric which gives them the ability to cruise and operate with zero emission. With Kaldewei and SILENT-YACHTS, you have two partners who both consistently place sustainability and CO2 savings at the focus of their actions.
Image credit: Kaldewei
Image credit: Kaldewei
For Kaldewei, luxstainability means nothing less than the combination of individual luxury and sustainability. The production of products using C02-reduced bluemint Steel, marks a forward-looking strategy within the entire Kaldewei production. From the company’s point of view, both aspects are decisive factors for contemporary bathroom design, and which is now being used for the first time in modern shipbuilding.
“We believe that when it comes to yachting, sustainability goes beyond the solar-electric powertrain,” said designer Juliana Miguel, Creative Lead at SILENT-YACHTS. “We know that it takes a comprehensive approach in all areas for our passion really to work hand in hand with nature. For this reason, we base our approach on three pillars: Design, material and operations”.
The design team is enthusiastic about steel enamel and the modern lines of the Kaldewei washbasins. With its slender design, Miena skilfully adds accents to every bathroom, even on the high seas, and turns the bathroom into a place of retreat and an area of wellbeing. The recyclable and durable steel enamel material makes the washbowls an easy-care, durable jewel that can withstand constant use or particularly salty air.
Kaldewei is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
In a groundbreaking project that has seen teams of experts excavate five floors into London clay in order to pave the way for the next 200 years of Claridge’s life, the legendary Mayfair hotel announces the opening of its first ever Spa, and we stepped inside for a closer look…
Situated three floors down, Claridge’s Spa has been created as a haven of wellness and tranquillity featuring a swimming pool, steam rooms, sauna and seven treatments rooms – a sensorial space that evokes wellness and spirituality. Hong Kong based interior architect André Fu has designed the 7,000 square foot spa which promises to offer the ultimate sanctuary in the heart of Mayfair. Fu, who has collaborated extensively with Maybourne Hotel Group on other projects, was invited to bring his highly personal vision for a new wellness experience within this iconic London hotel.
“Wellness is the focus of the design of Claridge’s Spa,” said designer Fu. “This demonstrates a more general societal trend towards looking after the wellbeing of ourselves and the environment. The notion of ‘luxury’ is also evolving to become more holistic, incorporating concepts of wellness. For me, this is all about creating an escape that celebrates mindfulness, and is pure and balanced.”
Image credit: Claridges
Set within the context of the hotel’s Art Deco history, the spa has been designed to evoke the spirituality of the East. Inspiration for this approach came from Fu’s own experiences visiting traditional Japanese temples and Zen gardens in Kyoto. However, rather than imitating these particular aesthetic traditions, Fu has imagined a unique contemporary experience that promotes a genuine sense of mindfulness and balance, drawing heavily on Asian design influences. As with many of Fu’s other projects, this design conveys a purity of form as well as a strong feeling of intimacy and warmth.
Image credit: Claridges
The spa’s architecture invites guests to experience a series of highly articulated spaces that play with proportions and, more importantly, light and shade to create an immersive experience. Each vista is carefully considered with windows that subtly frame each view. The use of natural elements – solid French limestone, natural oak and water – emphasises the sense of authenticity that is at the foundation of Fu’s personal aesthetics.
On entering the foyer, guests are greeted by a full-height cast glass screen crafted by Irish artisan Eoin Turner. The texture of the glass evokes the silhouette of bamboo grove or reed beds, guiding them into the rotunda – a meditative, dimly lit cylindrical space that features a suspended Japanese glass artwork by Victoire Bourgois. Falling water trickles down the installation, creating a multisensory atmosphere with relaxing sound and visual elements.
Guests then enter another circular space adorned with a solid limestone counter, alongside a ceiling illuminated by a halo of light glowing from above. The spatial tour continues through a 12-metre long tunnel with a slanted wall on one side, embellished with a grid of strong shadows cast across the ceiling. On the other side is a linear glass opening that looks onto the indoor pool. This visual connection to water, light and shadow creates the impression of a subterranean micro-climate. The corridor leads to a series of private changing pods, each complete with private showers and amenities.
Image credit: Claridges
The main pool area is the spa’s central hub. Minimalist in spirit, two rows of limestone-clad columns and a magnificent, multi-vaulted ceiling frame the pool. Set back from the water, personal cabanas offer private spaces to unwind. A Scarpa-inspired feature low wall also appears to cut into the pool, with a mini waterfall projecting out from one side.
Another installation of interlocking oak posts adorns the threshold marking the entrance to the treatment area. Inspired by the silhouette of bamboo forestry, the spaces are suffused with a sense of calm and meditation. Bonsai trees are also featured extensively in the connecting passageway to accentuate the sense of nature throughout the spa.
The ultimate urban retreat can be found in each of the seven private treatment salons. Lined in full height oak panelling that conceals all equipment, each treatment chamber is deliberately pure to allow a rejuvenation of the mind and body.
Exclusive: a preview of The Inclusive Hotel Room at Independent Hotel Show
A key feature of the upcoming Independent Hotel Show will be The Inclusive Hotel Room, an immersive showcase of concepts and materials designed to welcome each and every guest equally. Peter Turner, Managing Director of design studio Cocoon & Bauer, gives us a sneak preview of the room’s design ahead of the show…
The mission statement of The Inclusive Hotel Room at the Independent Hotel Show, conceived and designed by Cocoon & Bauer, is to showcase how thoughtful, intelligent design can prevent sensory overwhelm and create truly welcoming, inclusive and sustainable spaces for guests. Some hoteliers might think that the word inclusivity is at odds with the concept of quality, high-end design – a compromise for the sake of practicality – but Peter Turner argues that designing for neurodiversity in guests employs many of the same subconscious cues used in every aspect of hospitality design.
“Small, barely noticeable touches can make a huge difference to how someone with a condition such as ADHD, Dyspraxia or Autism experiences a space,” explained Turner. “Changing the colour of the floor from the bed to the rest of the room, for example, can help with spatial awareness, while clear partitions between areas of the room can clearly signpost their function, for example a hair-drying station. You can put these ideas in place and drip feed them in and they won’t affect the overall look and feel.”
The Inclusive Hotel Room will demonstrate a number of these deceptively simple concepts, including the use of solid colours to reduce the visual overwhelm of a space and incorporating biophilic design for a natural, calming ambience. The focus on inclusivity ties into the larger trend of wellbeing in the hotel sector, which has been an increasingly important part of hotel design and customer experience following the pandemic. Everything from lighting to materials to sound-scaping to food & drink play a unique role in the guest’s experience of a hotel, and the room is by far the epicentre of the trend.
Like many contemporary design projects, sustainability was a key consideration for the Cocoon & Bauer team as they planned The Inclusive Hotel Room. All of the materials used are either recycled or will be recycled or reused post event and the supplier partners, from F&B to toiletries to bedding to furniture, are businesses that put sustainability concerns front and centre.
To learn more about everything on offer at Independent Hotel Show 2022, head to the IHS website.
Hypnos adds new layer of luxury in Staffordshire hotel
Hypnos’ long-running commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating truly sustainable sleep, make it the perfect partner for The Tawney Hotel in rural Staffordshire, offering guests choices that from a hillside treehouse to a designer shepherds hut…
Located in the heart of rural Staffordshire, The Tawny Hotel provides an experience like no other. Set within the 70-acre grounds of the wonderfully restored wild garden of Consall Hall Estate, guests can discover woodland, stroll through lakeside gardens, find peace in secluded fells and delight in enchanting follies.
The hotel launched in 2021 with 55 immaculately designed Shepherds Huts, Treehouses, Boathouses, Retreats and the Lookout. Six Hillside Treehouse were added in May 2022, with a further eight new Retreats to open during the course of the year. Each accommodation has been inspired by its surroundings and features sympathetic design aesthetics, accented by luxurious touches that intertwine with the natural environment.
“A good night’s sleep is central to every guest experience, and whilst comfort will always be key to delivering this, we are thrilled that wellbeing and sustainability are increasingly influencing consumer choice and how they view their experience,” said Carolyn Mitchell, Sales and Marketing Director, Hypnos Contract Beds. “As a family owned business, we believe it is essential we leave a lasting legacy for future generations, so are delighted to support The Tawny to deliver comfort with integrity”.
Image credit: Hypnos / The Tawny Hotel
The Lookout, maximises the extraordinary view across the lakes and valley of the estate and can accommodate between two-six guests, offering accessible access as well as a freestanding bathtub and private deck with an outdoor spa bath and shower. The joyful, nature-inspired Treehouses are lofty and playful and look out across the rolling landscape. They can house up to six and play host to a freestanding Barcelona bathtub, private deck and outdoor spa bath.
“The Tawny is the UK’s first deconstructed hotel,” said Josh Chadwick, The Tawny General Manager. “We’ve taken all the best bits from a traditional luxury hotel experience and combined them with your own private space, a country escape to call your own for the duration of your stay. Our guests want to relax in nature’s embrace but don’t want to compromise on their well-deserved creature comforts. A great night’s sleep is fundamental to our guests’ wellbeing and choosing a bed of exceptional quality was never up for debate.”
Image credit: Hypnos / The Tawney Hotel
Considered design is present throughout the project, the cabins have been discretely and sensitively placed in harmony with the rolling landscape and with care given to ensure the ecology of this very special estate continues to thrive. The project aims to be an exemplary showcase of responsible and sustainable tourism and this shines through all elements, be it the wood cladding used on the cabin exteriors, the foundations engineered to not harm the tree roots.
Hypnos is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is adding to its global portfolio of luxury properties as it re-emerges in Southeast Asia with newly re-opened properties and refreshed programming. Here’s what we know…
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, has announced the re-opening of Rosewood Bangkok in Thailand and Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos as well as key updates for Thailand property Rosewood Phuket and Rosewood Phnom Penh in Cambodia. With a collection of eight hotels and resorts in Asia, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has robust plans to grow their presence in the region, having already announced nine future openings. With the recent re-opening of the destination to international travellers, the brand continues to focus on building unique and thoughtful programming for guests, with a focus on sustainability, wellness and food and beverage initiatives.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
“We are thrilled to share the latest news around Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ Southeast Asia properties and look forward to welcoming back international travellers to these discerning destinations as travel returns in a larger way,” said Hoss Vetry, vice president of operations, APAC of Rosewood Hotel Group. “The re-openings of Rosewood Bangkok and Rosewood Luang Prabang, coupled with exciting programming updates at Rosewood Phuket and Rosewood Phnom Penh, mark the brand’s continued establishment in the region.”
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Making a strong statement, Rosewood Bangkok has re-opened its doors, unveiling 17 new guestrooms, wellness studios, signature suites, and ‘houses’ that represent first-of-their-kind superlatives in the capital. The new houses feature expansive high-rise outdoor terraces with private plunge pools, state-of-the art wellness facilities and uninterrupted views of the metropolitan skyline and lush nearby parks from floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel’s largest accommodations are the luxury residence-style houses: Nara House, Thara House and the Bannakarn House.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
The design of Nara House is inspired by an apartment loft of a worldly art collector and showcases a collection of voluptuous sculptures as well as contemporary paintings produced by up-and-coming Thai artists, including a large piece specially commissioned by art authority S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre. Situated on the 23rd floor, the 208 square meter Thara House follows the same design cues as Nara House but offers even more living space and an airy ambiance, with a palette of silver and jade green. Both Nara and Thara Houses can be combined with a Premier Suite to expand these spacious accommodations into two-bedroom residences. The pinnacle of Rosewood Bangkok luxury living situated on the hotel’s top floor, Bannakarn House was inspired by a mid-century modern Mad Men lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s. It features a sumptuous lounge area, seductive alabaster cocktail bar, grand 10-seat dining table, and a full chef’s kitchen complete with a wine cooler, full-sized refrigerator, and Gaggenau appliances. Decked out with ornate mouldings and artisanal accents by local craftspersons, Bannakarn House also features a commissioned figurative oil painting on canvas by Bangkok artist Amnaj Wachirasut, a separate powder room, spacious walk-in closet, and an outdoor terrace with sunbeds and a plunge pool. Bannakarn House residents have exclusive access to their own dedicated VIP elevator accessed through a private entrance.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Slated to re-open in October, 2022, Rosewood Luang Prabang, the brand’s first property featuring luxury tented accommodations, is hidden in the lush green jungle that surrounds the historic royal settlement of the ancient Laotian capital. Bordered by a riverbank, the resort offers 23 spacious accommodations including four deluxe rooms, four specialty suites, three riverside villas, six pool villas and six luxury tents, which include their own private dining areas and wrap-around decks. Lao tradition and French colonial style are sensitively woven throughout the design and architecture, including the use of indigenous materials and locally inspired artwork. Dining options consist of The Great House, a relaxed colonially influenced bistro featuring the best of local Laotian flavours, and the Elephant Bridge Bar, serving classic cocktails with a twist, made using local herbs and spices grown in the resort’s organic garden, as well as traditional Laotian bar snacks. Sense, A Rosewood Spa, draws on locally harvested botanicals to create Laotian therapies designed to cleanse, replenish and balance the body, mind and soul. Seated next to a natural waterfall on a large open space behind The Great House, the oval shaped pool is the focal point of the property, where guests can relax on sun beds under tented cabanas.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Phuket, a 600-meter beachfront property at Emerald Bay and featuring Asaya, an integrative wellness concept, will debut an array of new programming, touching on wellness, food and beverage, and sustainability. Asaya’s new seasonal program ‘Fall into Wellness’, is available to both guests and locals, and offers a half-day experience dedicated to assisting participants in discovering their personal path to wellness. This program will begin with a 45-minute health and wellness consultation to determine the body’s essential wants and needs, followed by a comprehensive selection of treatments based on five different modalities to enrich the mind, body and soul: physical, emotional, fitness, skin and nutrition. The programme will end with a two-course meal tailored to individuals’ dietary preferences.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
With sustainability at the heart of the brand’s values, the resort has launched their Rosewood Explorers Kids Club with Movement, Culture and Sustainability as the three main pillars. Yoga classes invite children to learn about health, wellness and meditation, while the Garden Explorers program teaches young guests about the health benefits of herbs and vegetables grown on property. After learning, the Rosewood Explorers will pick from the garden to make their own green juice or plant-based lunch. As a part of the Eco Discovery Walk, children will learn about the resort’s sustainable practices and the ways people can reduce their carbon footprint. They will also understand the importance of clean and purified water, solar energy, sustainable building materials and how to harvest rainwater when they’re back at home.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Focussing on F&B offerings, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Rosewood’s Cambodian property located in the heart of Phnom Penh, is excited to bring several new food and beverage initiatives to life. The property recently solidified its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s leading cocktail destinations through the unveiling of their Rosewood Bar Series in collaboration with The World’s 50 Best Bars. Hosted by Sora Sky Bar, the series invites guests to connect with one respected mixologist per month and has already hosted veteran bartender Hayden Lambert of Melbourne’s Above Board; Nikos Bakoulis, who helms top-ranked Greek bar, The Clumsies; famed Italian bartender Benjamin Fabio Cavagna of Milan’s 1930; industry legend Benjamin Padrón of Licorería Limantour (No. 6) in Mexico City; and Lukas Kaufmann from the Singapore’s famous 28 HongKong Street. Later this year Rosewood Phnom Penh will welcome head bartender Giacomo Giannotti from world renowned Paradiso, Barcelona’s atmospheric speakeasy bar, currently ranked third on the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Franklite is gearing up to celebrate a prestigious milestone with next year marking its 50th year in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-quality decorative lighting…
Over the years Franklite has manufactured exquisite products for the retail, commercial and hospitality markets along with a diverse range of bespoke project designs, and its latest catalogue – Catalogue 26 – offers hundreds of ranges that cater for both contemporary and classic design styles.
Image credit: Franklite
Launched this year is the Bubbles range, available in chrome finish with oval-shaped smoked glasses or brushed brass finish with iridescent glasses. The unique shape of the opal glasses along with the matt black and gold finish of the Vermeer makes this range quite contemporary. The single fitting is supplied with an adjustable cable and can be used as a pendant or wall bracket.
Image credit: Franklite
The Philly is a popular, classic range which is now available in white brushed gold and black brushed silver finishes. This range of ironwork fittings include two, three and five lights. The three and five light fittings are supplied with chain suspensions which can be converted to a flush fitting suitable for low ceilings.
An achievement such as a 50th anniversary is the result of a strong work ethic, experience and company longevity all whilst continuing to manufacture decorative lighting that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics. In the upcoming months Franklite will begin working on its next catalogue which will include numerous new product ranges.
Franklite is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Autumn sees Newmor unrolling exciting new products and collections in both its wallpaper and WallArt ranges, promising to continue its vision to celebrate pattern and design…
With plans to launch a series of new designs in two phases, Newmor has added to its Designer collection with a collaboration with John Morris Wallpaper, and an exciting new product range, WallArt, as well as re-introducing their APEX collection. With plans to share more new collections in October, the spotlight is firmly on surface decoration to add depth and interest to an interior.
Image credit: Newmor
John Morris Wallpaper, is the latest addition to the Newmor Designer collection, and is a vibrant celebration of British heritage. Drawing on over 50 years of design archives and traditional manufacturing techniques, John Morris has reimagined some classic designs for the modern era with bold colours, scale and drama. It’s great British heritage, with a contemporary twist!
Image credit: Newmor
Image credit: Newmor
Building on the success of the range, Newmor have added a new WallArt service to their product offer. Specifiers can now order Newmor Designer and Newmor Custom designs as canvases, framed artwork and mounted prints. From geometric prints and botanical designs to scenes from nature and site-specific photography, the sky is the limit.
Image credit: Newmor
Some designs are simply worth repeating, and the APEX collection of heavyweight wallcoverings manufactured with precision gravure printing using water-based eco-friendly inks continue to be a firm designer favourite. The range features bold patterns, extended colour palettes, custom embosses, complex textures, and just the right amount of shine.
Newmor is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The new voco Venice Mestre, The Quid, is a project developed by interior design firm THDP which skilfully blends materials to create the perfect mix of natural elements to form a dialogue between the interior and exterior. The result is a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable…
The design narrative developed by TDHP for this hotel has been built from the most common perception of Mestre, which is all about being a hub for business and travel. Mestre is known to be a connective location, bridging the prestigious Venetian seaside with the rich countryside of Veneto. An iconic and social location thus becomes the inspiration for the voco experience.
The guest experience begins with a grounding arrival in the reception and bar areas and flows into the cosy and calming guestrooms. The hotel has been designed as a comfortable space with a relaxed atmosphere and includes new food & beverage offering, making it playful and lively whilst still being suited to corporate guests, with characteristics that are reminiscent of the voco Milan-Fiere. The lobby with game area has been transformed into a fluid space, connected to the restaurant where guests can freely interact – it is not a transit corridor, but a social space where they can relax, enjoy a drink and a game of pool together.
Image credit: Janos Grapov
The reception and bar design are a continuation of the surrounding green gardens and lands with an outdoors indoors concept, while the guestrooms encapsulate an aerial view of the laguna illuminated by the sunsets of Venice. Taking inspiration from the unique landscape, the colour palette is a nautical blend of blues. The hotels eight floors shelter 128 Standard and Premium guestrooms, some with inclusive private fitness equipment. The functional design of the rooms makes them ideal for business travellers with a focus on large spaces, comfortable beds and soft linens, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and spacious showers. Guests can also make use of the 24-hour hotel gym to stay active on their travels.
Image credit: Janos Grapov
The impressive new Food & Beverage outlets are the jewels of the refurbishment with a fully refurbished restaurant offering high-quality dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients; and the lobby bar ‘Ludico drinks, food & play’ interconnected with the gaming area and dedicated to amusement and socialising with friends or colleagues. The bar design boasts a decorative gantry adorned with contemporary Venetian glass objects, and a rear wall cladded with beautiful glossy green tiles and backlit bottle display shelves – transforming it into the heart of the hotel and an enticing space even from the street outside. The main dining restaurant extends outside into the lounge garden and the design is a true representation of indoor and outdoor area fusion. The restaurant finishes are implicative of an outdoor space: with large scale terrazzo flooring; wood fence screens; large blue tiling and an abundance of plants.
Image credit: Janos Grapov
The Congress Centre includes five meeting spaces, with seating capacities ranging from 10 to 170. The soundproofed rooms enjoy plenty of natural light and are designed to be modular, with endless configuration possibilities to meet the needs of any event. There is also an enhanced breakout space and a section of the bar can be used during intensive meetings.
The hotel is green in many ways beyond the plants, and THDP has introduced the use of ecological materials in the interior design, along with the prioritisation of sustainability by the operator HNH Hospitality. The IHG Green Engage program works to cut waste, water and energy consumption and reduce plastic to a minimum, replacing single-use plastic vessels with glass or paper alternatives. LED lighting is implemented throughout the hotel and monthly utilities checks are carried out to minimise waste. To reduce packaging waste, courtesy sets have been replaced with bulk dispensers in both the guestrooms and the public areas. Pillows and duvets are made from recycled PET bottles, and guests have the choice of ecological daily room cleaning. The hotel can also be easily reached by public transport and offers electric car charging stations and rental bikes to use in the city.
Reasons to listen to the latest episode of DESIGN POD on ‘lean luxury’
Other than hearing Editor Hamish Kilburn, host of DESIGN POD, and special guest Matthew Balon, Head of Design at Ruby Hotels, share a hilarious first-encounter anecdote, there are many reasons to listen in to the latest episode of the podcast all around the hotel design and hospitality concept of ‘lean luxury’…
‘Lean luxury’. What does that even mean? Well, we are not talking about removing the bed frame, or doing away with decent lighting. In fact, lean luxury, as defined by Matthew Balon, Head of Design at Ruby Hotels, is about offering something meaningful, such as “a great bed, a great shower and a great bar.” The interior designer, who was this week’s special guest on DESIGN POD explains in the episode how these edits reflect on the guest experience. “By leaving off some of the other services, it also allows us to cut costs,” he says, “we are able to pass on those services to the guests, which means that we are able to offer a high level of the services we do offer.”
In addition to what happens sheltered under the roof of the hotel, for Balon and the team at Ruby Hotels, location is key. “For ruby, it is really important to have a great location in the city, which is vital because we don’t offer dine-in restaurants,” Balon adds. “We want our guests to walk onto the street from the hotel and to be ‘in the neighbourhood’.”
By implementing such a defined design and hospitality concept, there is the risk of spaces feeling clinical. To combat this, the hotel brand evolves creating hotels within historic buildings. This is where Balon and his team come into their own. “We will accept a lot of strange layouts that other brands may stay clear of – we have had round and even triangluar room layouts,” he says. “When it comes to designing and adding new elements that are driven by the story we are telling in each location, a lot of this happens in the public areas, and it is a lot of fun to dive in there and hit it hard with those elements.”
With a lean organisational structure and concentration on the essentials, Ruby Hotels, succeeds in creating a contemporary, affordable form of luxury for modern, cost and style-conscious customers. Founded in 2013, the Group already operates thirteen Ruby hotels, with a further 22 hotels under construction or in the planning phase. Ruby is expanding into Asia with the joint venture Ruby Asia, founded in 2018. Ruby also offers Ruby Workspaces in Munich, Hamburg and Dusseldorf.
London Design Festival 2022 was a week of events, exhibitions and installations as the entire city provided a platform for designers and creative businesses to showcase their work. With festival programme in hand, the Hotel Designs team divided and conquered to ensure that they got to see and experience (almost) everything the event had to offer…
We started off our London Design Festival (LDF) agenda with at the historic heart of all things design – the V&A. As the official festival hub, the museum was the perfect place to pick up a programme, refuel with a swift espresso, and hit the design trail. Aside from the exhibitions within, the central gardens were host to a series of performances – the one that caught our eye was an immersive glass-blowing exhibition with artist Omar Arbel’s iridescent and fragile sculpture taking centre stage. During the mesmerising performance, copper and glass objects sourced from flea markets and vintage stores were returned to their raw materials, and used to create a series of new vessels. A very visual interpretation of the conversation of circularity that ran through the week.
Image credit: London Design Festival / Victoria and Alebert Museum
Image credit: London Design Festival / Victoria and Alebert Museum
Continuing the journey through the design and fabrication process, was the installation titled The Art of Nature at Hart Shoreditch. Inspired by the natural world, The Art of Nature brought a new perspective to fabric design by transforming silhouettes found in nature to create distinctive woven designs. The hotel commissioned Yasmine Faress, founder and director of Atelier Roc, to design customised cushions, rugs and tapestries for the hotel’s suites and lobby, which will remain as permanent pieces and an integral part of the hotel design. The hotel showcases an interior design which celebrates its Shoreditch location as a centre for craftspeople and makers, and the installation in collaboration with Atelier Roc underscores the concept.
Image credit: Hart Shoreditch / Atelier Roc
With several districts around and about town putting on their designer shoes for the week, visitors were spoilt for choice. Not to be left out of the party, Clerkenwell studios and showrooms participated in the Clerkenwell Design Trail inviting visitors to explore new designs, product launches, installations and showrooms. From high-end furniture to lighting, kitchen and bathroom brands to material manufacturers; following those pink flags through Clerkenwell is always a journey of discovery and interior inspiration. The Morgan showroom, showcasing the curvy new Bilbao Collection got our attention and enticed us in, before heading off to the Atlas Concorde showroom for an exclusive Hotel Designs roundtable event exploring ideas around nature and surface design; a discussion that was fuelled by Atlas Concorde’s Boost Natural collection – but more about that later!
Image credit: London Design Festival / Morgan London
Moving from one end of the city to the other and getting our step count up, next on the list was Magazine London. It’s refreshing and apt for a major design destination within the festival to take place on the outskirts of the capital; soaking up all that is creative, new and different in a neighbourhood that is bursting at the seams with creativity and diverse thinking. Magazine London, with its spectacular vista over Canary Wharf, was indeed, the perfect setting for Design London, which made its triumphant (and colourful) return following its debut inside the venue last year.
Having caught our eye at Clerkenwell Design Week, the bright and organic logo on the façade was the work of Brighton-based artist Lois O’Hara whose installation explored movement in design and the positive impact colour has on people and places.
Image credit: Design London / Sam Frost
The thread holding each pavilion of the show together was, to the surprise of nobody, sustainability and conscious design – whether that was the impressive Adidas installation highlighting ocean plastic in design or furniture, and lighting brands flexing their muscles with their own eco credentials and unique craftsmanship. Tasked to unapologetically put conscious creativity under the spotlight this year, and to challenge the design community’s pace to transform its methods, Editor Hamish Kilburn took this conversation to a new level on the Saturday. On the main stage, he moderated one of the stand-out panel discussions of the week. Joined by the founding members from Interior Design Declares, the panel discussion cut through the noise and realistically explored what designers can do in order to operate within a circular economy.
Image credit: Fora Form
The new kid on the design block this year – arriving with passion and meaning – was Material Matters, which took place across five floors of the iconic Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf. The show, which was a massive hit with the audience of designers and architects who we spoke to, was an exciting and exhilarating exhibition that was teeming with designers, makers and manufacturers all exploring and pushing boundaries around the value of materials. Looking critically at waste and the need for circularity in design, this event was clearly just the start of a conversation which has an exciting future ahead of it.
Image credit: Planted
Finally, ending on a bright and biophilic note, was Planted, which put down roots in Kings Cross. With the aim of presenting us with ‘cleaner, greener, healthier spaces’, this event was based on, and explored the concept of biophilic design while connecting and showcasing brands, businesses and people seeking to restore nature’s balance and turn the tide on climate change.
What made this event particularly noteworthy, aside from the content and conversations it presented, is that it is the first zero-waste design show and is currently actively working towards B-Corp certification – which does feel like both a positive note on which to end this round-up and a fitting challenge to the design and event industry!
The TREND Group has applied colourful creativity to the designer curves of the W Dubai The Palm Hotel, transforming the blank canvas of the walls into organic surfaces that catch and hold the light…
In a city full of architectural wonders, the W Dubai The Palm Hotel sits like a crown jewel on the Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. Since its opening in 2018, the hotel’s dramatic design elements have become a talking point, with their disruptive and distinctive flair. In order to create a design which could mirror both the curves of The Palm Jumeirah, and the beaches and desert beyond, the hotel features a host of curved walls that defy convention. In order to bring these to life, the hotel design team reached out to the TREND group to source wall covering surfaces which could transform this vision into reality.
The artistry of the glass mosaics has always been at the heart of TREND offerings, and are made using the same artisanal methods developed by master craftsmen at Venice’s Orsoni in 1888. With more than 3,500 colours in the collection, designers are provide with almost endless possibilities to create a bespoke, high-end look. As all pieces are hand-cut there is a natural asymmetry to any wall covering, allowing artists and designers to accentuate curved feature walls such as those at the W Dubai The Palm Hotel. This irregularity creates interesting effects on any surface, especially when done on a grand scale.
Due to the impressive variety of colour within the TREND range, the group was also able to create a number of bespoke features, including several striking, multi-hued designs for the interior of tunnels linking key areas of the hotel. Abstract shapes and vivid colouring evokes the shifting light of the desert in one, while another is imbued with a bright, foliage effect to seamlessly blend the natural and modern.
TREND Group is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Bain Capital Credit and Omnam Group to take the EDITION Hotels brand to Italy’s Lake Como. The Lake Como EDITION is slated to open in 2025 – here’s what we know…
The Lake Como EDITION plans to open in 2025 with 145 luxurious guestrooms, including two penthouse suites, a lively lobby bar, a floating pool, and multiple restaurants and bars overlooking Lake Como with breathtaking views of the Bellagio mountains. The property is a 19th century building located on the western shore of the prestigious Lake Como, a short drive from Central Milan. It will be converted into a luxury lifestyle destination that brings new life to Lake Como while honouring the intimate history of the building and its rich heritage.
“We are excited to work with Bain Capital Credit and Omnam Group to introduce the EDITION Hotels brand to one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations,” said Josh Fluhr, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, EDITION Hotels, Marriott International. “Today’s signing demonstrates guests continued demand for luxury accommodations and experiences.”
Image credit: EDITION Tampa / Marriott International
EDITION Hotels is the collaboration between hotel visionary and cultural icon Ian Schrager and Marriott International. The commitment to uncompromising quality, true originality and impeccable modern service continue to challenge traditional perceptions of luxury and entrench the brand’s position as an industry leader. Every EDITION hotel is unique, reflecting the social and cultural milieu of the time and place of its creation.
“We look forward to bringing the Omnam flair to this unique location and celebrating the natural beauty of Lake Como,” said David Zisser, CEO, Omnam. “This is Omnam’s fourth development in Italy and as always, our team strives to create new experiences while remaining true to the special heritage of our surroundings. Our goal is to create sophisticated luxury that invites everyone to experience and enjoy. Together with Bain Capital Credit, we are excited to team up once again with Marriott International and to bring this vision to life.”
Each new property is individually developed in collaboration with one of the world’s most eminent designers chosen specifically for that location and introduces original food and beverage concepts from internationally renowned chefs. The end result offers the best of dining and entertainment, modern luxury services and amenities encompassed in the ‘all under one roof’ philosophy. The Lake Como EDITION is expected to further enhance Marriott International’s footprint across Europe where it currently has a portfolio of over 719 properties across 25 brands. EDITION Hotels currently operates 14 properties in locations around the globe including New York, West Hollywood, London, Reykjavik, Madrid, Tokyo, and Shanghai.
With Master Oak, Unilin Panels has created a decorative surface that looks and feels just like oak, adding definition and detail and textures that go deeper than ever before to make the panels a true interpretation of nature…
At the heart of this innovative product, giving Master Oak its impressive feel, lies Unilin Timber Touch Technology. Regular HPL and melamine-faced panels only have around three or four depth levels which limits how much texture can be applied the surface. The new press plate behind Unilin Timber Touch Technology allows for 64 different depth levels for 20 times more texture than regular surfaces. This is what gives the product the touch of real oak – from rough to smooth and everywhere in-between – the technology is also responsible for its uniquely matt finish with almost absent shine levels for a natural ‘unfinished’ effect.
It is not just the surface of Master Oak that is extraordinary; Unilin’s digital printing technology is also unique in the industry. A patented coating applied to the digital paper ensures that Master Oak has more colour-play and depth, as well as better sharpness and contrast. The end result is a decorative surface that looks exactly like oak. This print technology also allows for the largest pattern in the industry. Master Oak has an extra-large pattern of 5.8 square metres, which means an authentic look and fewer repeats.
As well as the durability and value advantages of using decorative surfaces over genuine materials, Master Oak is also a sustainable alternative. Unilin Panels uses 100 per cent recovered wood for Master Oak melamine-faced products. Recovered wood is rescued from incineration – a mix of wood waste from sawmills or wood-processing and from post-consumer wood such as old furniture. Master Oak chipboard panels use 90per cent post-consumer wood.
Using 100 per cent recovered wood in the making of Master Oak is made possible by the industry’s most advanced sorting and cleaning process. An ultra-modern machine sorts the post-consumer wood, using a mix of processes including magnets, wind sifters and centrifuges to remove impurities. Developing the technology over the past six years and through using wood that would otherwise have been incinerated, Unilin Panels gives continued life to more than 1,000,000 tonnes of wood every year.
Master Oak compromises on nothing for its authentic look. It remains just as easy to look after and just as durable as any other Unilin HPL or melamine surface. Compared to real oak, Master Oak is three times as scratch-resistant, more colourfast and more stain proof. It can be used on everything from desktops to shelves, doors, hotel furniture, storage, cupboards, partitions and more. Thanks to its excellent performance characteristics, the finish is also easy to clean and needs no specialist or ongoing maintenance.
Each of Master Oak’s six looks has been created by the in-house design team. Looking towards global trends and exploring how natural wood finishes are used in commercial interiors, they have put together a range of authentic oak looks that are versatile and usable in real world applications. Master Oak Elegant black and Master Oak Everest white are exclusively available in coloured in core high pressure laminate (HPL). This special construction ensures that the edges are the same colour as the Master Oak finish. Ideal for furniture and cabinetry construction, coloured in core leaves a smart edge.
Master Oak is a product suited to a broad range of interior applications. Everywhere from retail, cafés and bars, hotel and offices to schools and hospitals can enjoy the comforting and relaxing look of natural oak.
Unilin Panels is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Hotel Designs was invited to take an exclusive tour of RAK Ceramic’s impressive Design Hub in London, and was given the low down from leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles on the new tile collections available for the hotel and hospitality sectors. Paul Sewell, Specification Manager, CTD Architectural Tiles, was there to welcome Editor Hamish Kilburn…
“At CTD Architectural Tiles, we believe the specification of commercial tiles should be a tactile experience so that designers can not only see the colours but feel the textures,” Paul Sewell, Specification Manager, told Editor Hamish Kilburn. “This really gives a much better sense of how the product will suit a space. Samples are obviously important, but when there is a chance to see beautiful tiles up close and in situ, as demonstrated by the impressive Design Hub of our supply chain partner RAK Ceramics, the specification experience really comes to life.”
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest independent ceramics factories in the world, with the capacity to produce 123 million square meters of tiles per year. Over the years, CTD Architectural Tiles has developed a strong relationship with RAK Ceramics, not only holding significant stock of the manufacturer’s tiles in the UK but also working closely together to deliver on projects in London and the rest of the UK.
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
Some of the most sensory new products available are those that can be used safely in wet areas such as around swimming pools or in shower rooms, but that still offer a pleasant feel when walked on barefoot. RAK Ceramic’s new Lapideus range is a perfect example. This new range of stone effect tiles incorporates ‘Barefoot Plus’ technology, a special coating which delivers enhanced slip resistance in wet conditions. These tiles have a pleasant feel and a special roughness which is barely perceptible to the touch, making them ideal for areas where safety and comfort are paramount.
Sewell describes another impressive innovation from RAK Ceramics. “The development of its Klima technology is very exciting,” Sewell explains. “It can be applied to many of its core tile ranges. This is a new generation ceramic that, thanks to special materials, is able to absorb and repel heat according to individual needs. In the hotel sector, we see this technology being particularly effective when specifying tiles for around exterior swimming pools, as they will remain cool to walk on with bare feet, even on the hottest days.”
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
With safety a top priority in all areas of a hotel, not just those that are likely to become wet, both manufacturers like RAK Ceramics and suppliers like CTD Architectural Tiles understand the importance of being able to offer specifiers a number of solutions that combine aesthetics with practicality. Here, tile collections that offer exceptional slip resistance are vital and there are many examples on display at RAK Ceramic’s Design Hub and held in stock by CTD Architectural Tiles. “A great example is Imperial, a timeless collection of porcelain tiles that is available in five complementary colours and three different size formats,” adds Sewell. “Not only ideally suited for us in wet rooms and bathrooms thanks to its high slip resistance, Imperial tiles can be used throughout front of house and communal areas to offer a classically charming yet cost-effective solution.”
And then there is the versatile Paleo, a range inspired by the natural beauty of stone and available in a selection of calming shades, also offers a high slip resistance and can be used to great effect in many areas of a hotel to create a simple yet sophisticated finish.
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
Certain tiles transformed through the use of light to create different stunning effects. “Luce is a beautiful marble and onyx translucent tile which can be backlit to create a soft glow and a powerful style statement,” Sewell says. “Whether used as a feature in a bar or restaurant, to create an attractive focal point front of house or as a luxurious addition to a bedroom, Luce really showcases how commercial tiles can be used to create bespoke interior design schemes.”
Other designs simply need to be seen to be appreciated, and there are many stunning tiles on display at RAK Ceramic’s Design Hub. Maximus Mega Slabs, for example, which are shown in many settings and really demonstrate how they can be successfully incorporated into hotel designs. “One of my personal favourite designs within this range is the striking Calacatta Nero,” admits Sewell. “When you chose a marble effect tile like this, you benefit from the timeless beauty of one of the finest materials in nature, combined with all the advantages of porcelain tiles such as performance, durability and ease of laying and maintenance.”
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
Being able to actually see the tiles in situ and therefore more accurately visualise them in your own project is really beneficial to the specification process, particularly when the tiles, like the Maximus collection, are available in a variety of finishes such as marble, concrete, metal, stone, wood and unicolour finishes. There’s a striking book match display within the Design Hub, which is a great place to start your design journey.
Another tile design that really takes your breath away when you see it in situ is the fantastic Metamorphosi range. Inspired by nature and reminiscent of the intricate and detailed patterns found in Art Deco style wallcoverings, this range is truly spectacular and incredibly eye-catching. Available in a choice of colours and designs, the decorative geometric and floral patterns of this range can create a real feature wall and are great for bespoke designs and boutique hotels.
Between RAK Ceramics’ manufacturing expertise and CTD Architectural Tiles’ specification and technical knowledge, we can help specifiers and designers working in the hotel and hospitality sector from the initial planning stages to installation on site. And with such inspirational venues as RAK Ceramics’ Design Hub available to host meetings and design consultations, the specification process can become much more interactive, bespoke and above all, enjoyable.
CTD Architectural Tiles is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Real estate investor and developer Lamington Group has announced plans to open three new net zero room2 hometels in York, Glasgow and Manchester in 2024, 2025 and 2026 respectively…
Emerging over the last year to prove that it is a true pioneer of net-zero hotel design and hospitality, with the opening of room2 Chiswick, Lamington Group has just unveiled an exciting pipeline of sustainable properties, worth £100m investment. This strategic move reflects the group’s commitment to only build and operate to whole life net zero standards for new properties developed after the launch of the group’s net zero roadmap in September 2021.
“Lamington Group strives to push the boundaries of net zero in the hospitality industry,” said Robert Godwin, Managing Director at Lamington Group. “The opening of new net zero properties in York, Glasgow and Manchester is a realisation of the group’s vision to expand across the country and reach 5,000 keys by 2030. At the heart of each property remains our commitment to social values, community engagement and collaboration and the promotion of sustainable values to educate guests on the importance of the sustainability agenda.”
room2 currently has three operational locations, in Southampton, Hammersmith and room2 Chiswick, which opened in December 2021 marking the world’s first fully whole life net zero hotel. room2 Belfast is also due to open in spring 2023. Hometels combine the best elements from Airbnb, serviced apartments and boutique hotels in an offering designed to appeal to modern corporate and leisure guests seeking flexible accommodation.
Image credit: Lamington Group
Image credit: room2
room2 York will welcome guests from September 2024 with 116 rooms inside the city’s castle walls. Working with developers North Star, the hometel will introduce a modern take on the destination’s medieval heritage.
Image caption: Exterior render of room2 Manchester. | Image credit: Lamington Group
Image caption: Exterior render of room2 Glasgow. | Image credit: Lamington Group
room2 Glasgow is due to open in the first quarter of 2025 and will offer a central location in the city’s financial district overlooking the River Clyde. Working with Mosaic planning architects, developer One Clyde Ltd in collaboration with West One Capital and planning consultant Iceni, the 134-bedroom property will be a part new build, part refurbishment of a traditional building.
room2 Manchester is set to become the tallest of the brand’s hometels to date when it opens in Q1 2026. The 180 rooms will span 22 floors and offer a range of studios as well as introducing one and two-bedroom apartments, a first for room2 hometels. Located centrally, within easy walking distance of the city’s Piccadilly station, the property will aim to seamlessly blend old and new and is the result of a joint venture between Lamington Group and North Star/ Country Large.
Image credit: Kaldewei / room2 Chiswick
All three new hometels will offer ground floor restaurant and bar spaces for guests and locals as well as work and meeting spaces, gyms and laundry rooms. All new openings will also include room2’s innovative features such as 24-hour stays as standard, mattress selection and kitchens in most rooms. The brand will continue to champion local craftspeople and designers and use both innovate technology and recycled and reclaimed materials to create homely environments that are sustainable without sacrificing on style, convenience, or comfort.
From the opening of a lighting laboratory for artists in Barcelona, to an impressive interior installation in Manchester that becomes art, we take a closer look at some of the innovative LEDS C4 lighting solutions…
With LEDS C4, lighting is about a whole lot more than flicking a switch, it can makes a statement, and it can alter a space. The lighting installation in The Angel Gardens, does both. The Angel Gardens apartments are located in one of the newest areas of Manchester and they’ve been designed with the aim of establishing a new way of sharing the spaces we live in. The building was constructed in the area of the former Shudehill Mill owned by Richard Arkwright, the first steam-operated mill in Manchester, built in 1782. All of the building’s interior is inspired by the history emanating from every corner of this place. Choosing the Candle collection to light up its spaces was no accident: this collection was selected given its similitude with old cotton looms. These light fixtures are excellent choices based on their delicate appearance and their ability to generate warm, natural settings.
Image credit: LEDS C4 / Edit Photo
The lighting laboratory in Vic, promoted by Miquel Boada, founder of the distributor Boada, was built in collaboration with LEDS C4 which, in addition to providing products, also offered advice during the design of the facility. The laboratory opened its doors in February this year, inviting four prestigious artists (all specialising in sculpting and acrylic painting) from the region to experiment with the impact of lighting on their work.
Image credit: LEDS C4 / Leafhopper
Image credit: LEDS C4 / Leafhopper
Thanks to an innovative installation of Atom spotlights that was specially designed for the occasion, using LED Tunable White and Casambi built into the luminaire, and the development of a specific application to assure easy handling through a tablet, the colour temperature and light intensity can be easily adjusted to suit the work and the colours or finishes to be highlighted. The installation’s control possibilities are endless, enabling the user to select a full range of tones from 2700K to 6500K, as well as adjusting light intensity. The system allows different settings to be created depending on the artists and works, ensuring a visit to the space is truly experiential.
LEDS C4 is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
From woven grasses to braided leaves and even leather; the most beautiful textures found in nature are also showcased to striking effect on the wall in the Textura range from Arte…
Enhancing the collection, the textures of nature are complemented by the textures of rough or very finely woven linen and brilliant silk. The colour palette of this vinyl collection ranges from timeless, soft hues to striking colour tones.
The Cuadro wallpaper design is a patchwork of irregular rectangles, with imperfections that give the pattern added charm. The design is based on coarsely woven linen, and is available in seven colourways.
Alma & Campo are two designs with the authentic look of soft, luxurious leather, complete with all its natural nuances and irregularities. Handstitched leather details contribute to the realistic appearance of this sophisticated wallpaper. Alma is available in five colourways while Campo is available in seven colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
The design Aspero has a more outspoken, thicker weave, but undeniably retains the authentic linen structure. A lively effect is achieved by combining subtle shades of colour. When used on the wall, it instantly creates a warm, cosy feeling.
The single-colour Puro has a slightly glossy finish. The woven grass structure with light colour nuances brings the tropics to mind. The somewhat rougher base lends this pattern a natural touch.
The tiled wickerwork seen in the design Pandan, is inspired by the tropical plant of the same name. The fibres of this plant are cut into strips and woven diagonally. The clean, diagonal lines appear less abstract thanks to the natural look and feel.
Image credit: Arte
The Weave design is based on braided leather. The braided leather relief creates a very realistic impression of leather strips. Weave is available in 5 colourways.
The inspiration for the design Nongo comes from traditionally woven baskets from Zimbabwe, called nongo. The natural look of this plain pattern in combination with the fine wickerwork lends texture to the wall. Nongo is available in 10 colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
Walls of woven grass inspired Marsh, and the wallcovering almost make you feel like you’re spending the night in a lodge on the savannah. The structure has been realistically recreated, subtly bringing a real element of nature into your home. Marsh is available in 11 colourways.
Arte is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
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