Ideal Standard achieves RoSPA Gold achievement level
Ideal Standard, provider of innovative, design-driven bathroom solutions, is celebrating the win of its eighteenth RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Occupational Health & Safety Gold award and receiving RosPA’s prestigious Order of Distinction…
Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running H&S industry awards, and The Order of Distinction is awarded to companies gaining RoSPA’s Gold Achievement Standard level for more than 15 consecutive years.
“This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment,”said Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director.”All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. By receiving this recognition Ideal Standard join like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to health and safety. I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award-congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive up Health and Safety standards every day.”
Image credit: Ideal Standard
“This incredible result is only possible with the commitment, teamwork and involvement of everyone,” commented Mike Kelly, HR Director at Ideal Standard UK. “We have achieved the Order of Distinction once again for our continued efforts to maintain the high standards of the Gold level over consecutive years, something we all should, and must, be proud of. This RoSPA Award is a great recognition and confirmation of our continued improvement by an independent organisation – well done to everyone involved.”
Ideal Standard is a world leading manufacturer of high-quality residential, commercial and healthcare bathroom solutions. Headquartered in Brussels, Ideal Standard operates at nine manufacturing sites, serving over 100 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The bathroom manufacturer works exclusively with renowned Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati to combine expertly crafted, design-led products with high-performance technologies to lead the industry in aesthetics and performance.
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.
Roundtable: wellness & sensory experience in hospitality design
For Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable, in association with GROHE, Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed renowned designers onto the rooftop of Ham Yard Hotel to explore wellness hospitality in 2022 and beyond…
Interior designers, architects and hoteliers have, for years, aimed to call out ‘well-washing’ in hotel design and hospitality. With the demand for wellness to be injected in, more or less, all touchpoints of a hotel experience – from the spa down to sensory design in public areas and the bathroom – the topic has been difficult to define in recent years.
In order to make sense of the free-flowing subject, Hotel Designs, in association with GROHE X, brought together experts from the hotel design and hospitality landscape to explore the latest technology, materials and finishes in order to create a more holistic setting.
Starting off the conversation, Kilburn asked the designers how the buzzword of ‘experience’ was shaping design decisions in their own projects. Kirstin King, Former Design Director at Bergman Design House and now Senior Project Designer at Muza Lab, explained designs role when setting a scene. “In any design that we create, we’ve always tried to incorporate the wellness aspect of the interiors,” she said,” because the trends have moved towards the home-from-from [look and feel].” King went on to explain that design now is moving deeper into wellbeing properties, such as materials, finishes, colours, and so on.
Closing in on what is a fairly broad topic, when discussing wellness in tomorrow’s hotel scene, sensory design became a key area of interest for the panel. Yi-Zhen Jones, Associate, Twenty2Degrees, believed it was a subtle way to inject sense of place. “It’s not something people necessarily notice,” she said. “it adds something unique; something they [guests] wouldn’t get anywhere else, and you get that sense of locality.”
Adding context when it came to wellness under hotel brands, Joey Goei-Jones, Former Design Director at GDC Interiors who has recently become Senior Design Manager, IHG – premium brands, believed that wellness can be used to amplify more than just a look. “Some brands, for example, will have music as a core pillar, ” she explained. “So, when you walk in you are hit with an experience. This works for certain brands. Others, especially in the luxury sector, have their own scent.”
It’s all well and good injecting sensory characteristics into a hotel project, but when it comes to brands, often cost and budget dictates how far designers and operators can go. Offering his perspective on this topic, Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer, edyn, explained where the line should be drawn, which, in his words, meant questioning how meaningful the experience is for the end consumer.
Filtering the conversation back into the spa territory, Beverley Bayes, Director, Sparcstudio, discussed how this multi-dimensional element in hospitality has helped to elevate holistic spa design and experiences. “Smell is so important,” she said. “As a spa designer, I would go as far to say that [properties] should undertake an aroma audit of their unit, because it’s such a flaw to design a beautiful spa without that element.”
You can watch the full panel discussion over on the GROHE X platform. 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.
Celebrating its 1oth year in London, contemporary Italian hotel Bulgari London, has commissioned the London-based British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori to reimagine the afternoon tea stand as a sculptural work of art…
Following the unveiling of The Bulgari Lounge’s recently refreshed interiors for the anniversary year, Bulgari Hotel London in Knightsbridge has launched a collaboration with acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori. The launch of the Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea on September 16 coincides with the opening of Ilori’s first institutional show at the Design Museum as the city prepares to celebrate London Design Festival and Frieze Art Fairs.
Image credit: Bulgari London
“We were drawn to Yinka for his obsession with colour, the distinctly optimistic spirit of his bold and contemporary work, and its celebration of the diversity of the capital,” said Kostas Sfaltos, General Manager, Bulgari London. “That celebration of colour draws a parallel with Bulgari’s heritage as the master of coloured gems, and the colourful design changes we have made to Bulgari Hotel London over the past year.”
“I am extremely excited to have worked with Bulgari Hotel London for its momentous 10th anniversary,” commented Ilori.”My designs for this collaboration celebrate London’s cultural mosaic and the joy of coming together over food. The tea stands are based on the geometry of the sphere and the meeting of different cultures, and I hope people will gather at the hotel and enjoy a vibrant and colourful dining experience through the afternoon tea.”
Image credit: Bulgari London
Ilori’s playful designs enliven the public realm using his signature combination of colour and pattern, and his window façade of geometric designs and bold visual style at Bulgari Hotel London will be instantly recognisable. Specially designed afternoon tea stands – based on stacked and interlocking spheres – will take centre stage. An artwork created for the occasion will recur as a motif across the hotel, from a vibrant takeover of the building’s facade, to the linen napkins on the tables which will also be available to purchase as a limited edition gift set. Afternoon tea pastries inspired by Yinka’s anniversary design for the hotel are created in collaboration with the artist by award-winning Italian pastry chef and chocolatier-in-residence, Gianluca Fusto.
Holly Hallam, the Managing Director for Design LSM, was Editor Hamish Kilburn’s special guest this week on DESIGN POD, the podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts that is sponsored by Minotti London. The topic? Exploring a new era of lifestyle in design and hospitality. Listen to the full episode below…
Up next in series three of DESIGN POD is all about lifestyle in design and hospitality. Many elements in hotel design and indeed hospitality are subjective: colour schemes, what is and what isn’t sustainable and what makes a hotel experience exceptional. What is absolute is the fact that modern traveller demands are bridging the gap between luxury and lifestyle. As well as being aesthetic on the eye, hospitality establishments in 2022 (and beyond), have to shelter more; a personality. Therefore, the need for a 360-degree design approach – understanding the branding, the strategy and the design scheme in one – has never been more important than it is today.
Based in Brighton, Design LSM has been responsible for creating stunning design for 36 years. In the last seven years, though, since Holly Hallam took the reigns as Managing Director equipped with a concrete background in marketing and brand strategy, the studio was really able to flex its muscles and help to truly transform businesses into leading brands to excite their audience. Offering strategy, branding, interior design and architecture, the studio has worked with brands such as The Alchemist, Gaucho, Curio by Hilton and Kiss The Hippo.
In episode 21 of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Minotti London, Hallam joined Editor Hamish Kilburn on the sofa to discuss a new era of lifestyle. Throughout the interview, which naturally led from a previous episode where Kilburn and designer Jo Littlefair explored ‘a new era of luxury‘, Hallam highlighted key projects that she believed helped to pivot lifestyle in design and hospitality into a new lane.
Episode 22 of DESIGN POD, with special guest interior designer Sue Timney, will be released on September 12.
Preview: London Design Festival 2022 – what to look forward to
As well as London Design Festival celebrating and promoting London as the design capital of the world, it has its own reason to be proud this year as it has been serving the global design community for 20 years. In that time, it has earned the reputation as a key calendar moment and a citywide celebration of London’s autumn creative season. We spent some time perusing the programme to highlight a few of the installations, events and exhibitions that are at the top of our LDF ‘to-do’ list…
Staying true to its mantra of being a truly democratic design event, the 2022 edition of London Design Festival will once again shine a bold new light on the city through its programme of installations; museum exhibits; the Design Districts that highlight clusters of creative activity across the capital; and the Global Design Forum, the Festival’s thought leadership programme, which will bring together creative leaders to exchange ideas and solutions for some of the most pressing issues of our time.
For Sir John Sorrell CBE, London Design Festival Chairman, this year is a year to reflect as well as to look ahead, while celebrating what it takes to be different in the design arena. “We consciously founded the London Design Festival to be public spirited,” he said. “Different from other design events, we not only aim to support designers by helping them showcase their work and generate business, but importantly to create an understanding and appreciation for the creative industries by as wide an audience as possible.”
Image credit: Design London, Magazine London
With an almost overwhelming list of events and venues, where do you start? Design District is London’s new permanent home for the creative industries seems like a good place to launch the week. Set on Greenwich Peninsula, the venue comprises of 16 buildings by eight world-leading architects within the most ambitious urban development in the history of London’s creative industries.
Staying in the area, Design London returns to North Greenwich for its second edition, following its debut in 2021, as the destination for contemporary design where architects and interior designers can source cutting-edge furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, lighting and architectural fittings all under one roof.
Image credit: Kohler at Design London
Image credit: New Terracotta at Design London
Swing by St Giles Square. Commissioned on the occasion of London Design Festival’s 20th anniversary, Swivel is an installation which aims to bring colour and interactivity to St Giles Square, a vibrant new public space beside Tottenham Court Road. This area is a place of transition, and the installation will animate the environment, demonstrating the power of design to bring people together and providing visitors with an opportunity to connect, reflect, and enjoy.
Image credit: London Design Festival
Image credit: London Design Festival
It would be remiss of visitors to LDF not to spend some time at the V&A. London Design Festival at the V&A is a unique collaboration between the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, and LDF. Now entering the 13th year together as the official Festival Hub, the collaboration will see iconic spaces within the museum transformed by an extraordinary collection of specially specially-commissioned installations and displays by international contemporary designers.
One of these installations, The Lebanese House: saving a home, saving a city, is an installation at the V&A installed for London Festival of Architecture by Annabel Karim Kassar that explores the reconstruction of Beirut after the 2020 explosion.
Image credit: London Design Festival / Victoria and Albert Museum
Step INTO SIGHT at Cromwell Place – a life-sized media platform, which plays on sensorial effects that transform simple boundary surfaces into an infinite vista through shifting light, colour and sound. Stepping into the installation unleashes a unique response; as audiences venture further inside, they will become more aware of unexpected visual and audio dimensions that continuously evolve through their interactions. This project aims to capture and discover new insights regarding the coexistence of physical and meta realities.
Image credit: London Design Festival
With a comprehensive range of debates, discussions and conversations, every subject under the design umbrella will have its place in the sun – even if we are talking September in London! Aside from spending our time traversing London to absorb all the week has to offer, Hotel Designs will be hosting three of these conversations during the course of the week.
On the September 19, we will be in the Atlas Concorde showroom where we will lead a discussion exploring ideas of ‘Nature versus Nurture in Surface Design’.
Putting an immersive spin on the activities, on the September 22, Hotel Designs will be in the Hansgrohe The Water Studio for an exclusive Wellness Set led by designer Wren Louks, the founder of Be-kin. This will be an exciting watercolour art experience for interior designers as away to stimulate creativity during LDF.
Rounding off the week, On September 24, from 13:00 – 14:00, Editor Hamish Kilburn will chair a panel discussion with Interior Design Declares, with the aim to establish how the design community can collectively create spaces more consciously.
So, get yourself a programme and put on those walking shoes!
Striking a pose in the bathroom, Hyperion Tiles embraces the trend for statement tiles with collections featuring leading designer brands, Ca’ Pietra, Minoli Tiles, Grespania, Siminetti and Bert & May…
With bathrooms getting an upgrade and self-care is serious business, what was once a place to get clean is transforming into a retreat, a place in which to relax and unwind in a tranquil spa-style atmosphere. to facilitate this transformation, Hyperion Tiles holds an impressive portfolio of tiles in a variety of patterns, colours, shapes and sizes, which are available to update any space, from a hotel bathroom to a personal spa. The extensive tile collection will provides designers with a multitude of design options, from the ceiling, to a splashback, or a statement backdrop for the shower.
“Bathrooms everywhere are getting an upgrade as we are taking self-care more seriously than ever,” said Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. “One of the best ways in which to transform this room into a bathing haven is with wall tiles”.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
The new Jungle Hexagon wall and floor tiles, designed by artist Clarissa Hulse in collaboration with Ca’ Pietra are perfect for making a statement across multiple surfaces. Available in a palette of Jungle Green, Midnight Blue and Spring Leaf Green, it adds pattern, shape and colour. On a more monochromatic note, Celosia Calacata from the Marmorea series of wall tiles by Grespania is a textured tile made from high-quality marble, and adds surface interest as a more subtle subtext.
“You no longer need to update an entire bathroom if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, which will evoke a spa-style atmosphere for your hotel guests. Simply keep your existing sanitaryware and add decorative wall tiles, which will instantly lift the décor.” added Skeoch.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
The Venti Boost Cold Mix porcelain stoneware tiles by Minoli replicate traditional encaustic tiles, and add subtle movement and shading to wall and floor surfaces. In addition to porcelain solutions, Hyperion Tiles works with an extensive range of textures and colours specialising in providing bespoke wall and flooring solutions including stone and mosaic tiles, engineered wood flooring, bamboo, luxury vinyl and luxury wall panels.
Hyperion 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.
Mondrian Shoreditch celebrates first birthday in the most Jack Irving of ways
Fashion designer Jack Irving, who famously dressed Lady Gaga in that urchin dress, was commissioned to create giant rocket sculpture for the milestone anniversary of the hotel…
Mondrian Shoreditch, situated in the heart of London’s creative and cultural hub, has collaborated with fashion designer-come-artist, Jack Irving, to unveil a striking inflatable sculpture on the façade of the hotel. Irving has designed an abstract inflatable rocket, Futura, measuring 12m wide x 8m high, in a bronze mirror nylon finish to covers the entire front façade – conceptualised to ‘blast Mondrian into the future’, the piece empowers the positive drive towards reaching higher ambitions and the futuristic bronze form shows Irving’s own artistic impression of a space rocket blasting off.
“I wanted to create a sculpture that represents the future of Mondrian, that both draws people in and celebrates the playfulness of the brand,” commented Irving. “I’m really proud of Futura and the message that it signifies.”
Image credit: Mondrian Shoreditch / Jeff Moore
Irving is perhaps best known for his work with Lady Gaga, who is a longstanding fan and has worn many of his pieces – the most famous of which is the Sea Urchin Showgirl inflatable dress, not to mention the three outfits featured in her acclaimed Netflix documentary. Inside the hotel will be two pieces from Jack’s archive which have also been worn by Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton. The two holographic dresses will be displayed in the lobby’s Infinity Room for guests to view.
“We’re so excited to be working with Jack on this collaboration. We knew we wanted to unveil something out-of-the-ordinary and special for our first anniversary,” said David Lockhart, Mondrian Shoreditch General Manager .”For us, the birthday rocket sculpture encapsulates all that we have achieved in the last year after opening in the midst of the pandemic, and demonstrates our positive attitude for the future. We endeavour to work with local talent where we can, and are so pleased that Jack has been the one to bring our vision to life so brilliantly.”
Image credit: Jeff Moore
The rocket was officially installed on 31st August, and is located on the hotel’s canopy rooftop on Curtain Road, where it will stay for two months across London Fashion Week and London Design Festival. Hotel guests, diners and East London locals are encouraged to take part in the celebrations using the hashtag #MondrianBirthdayBlast.
This October will also mark the first anniversary of refreshed members’ club, The Curtain Club. Representing a collective of forward-thinking, diverse and driven individuals, The Curtain Club offers a relaxed co-working space, wellness & fitness and unique social spaces that blurs the lines between work and fun, and business and culture. Its curated calendar of events span music, wellness, art, film and fashion.
Image credit: Mondrian Shoreditch / Niall Clutton
As a leading lifestyle brand, Mondrian recognises the cultural vibrancy of a place and elevates it – intertwining guest offerings with local highlights, bringing the essence of East London to the hotel and vice versa. Since its opening a year ago, Mondrian Shoreditch has sought to collaborate with local personalities and artistic pop ups, and will continue to do so into the future.
Main image credit: Mondrian Shoreditch / Jeff Moore
With the spotlight sharply focussed on the bathroom, bespoke design adding textural layers can be taken to new level when underpinned by the wide range of colours, materials and finishes available from Kohler…
As a leader in brassware design and development, Kohler prides itself on creating pieces which will enrich and enable an architect or interior designers’ vision through a huge spectrum of colour, finish, pattern and function.
“The uniformity which was once so popular in bathroom design is making way for a more varied approach, where a mixture of finishes and colours creates a rich highlight to a complementary design.” explained Lun Cheak Tan, Kohler VP of Industrial Design.
Image credit: Kohler
“Our collection of brassware speaks to this demand for spaces which are personalised, perhaps even unique to a project,” continued Tan. “Whether a luxurious walk-shower with myriad hand showers, body jets and shower heads to fully immerse the user or a bathroom suite with complementary brassware which can soothe and refresh, we support the desire to elevate the everyday and immerse the senses.”
Kohler offers an element of personalisation to specifiers across its brassware ranges, with recent launches such as Statement, Anthem and Occasion already configured across a broad colour and finish spectrum.
Kohler 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 shortlist for The Brit List Awards 2022 has been announced, with more than 140 individuals and projects – the most finalists in the campaign’s history – selected across nine categories. The winners will be unveiled in spectacular style at the awards ceremony, which takes place on November 2 inside London’s famous cabaret venue, PROUD Embankment…
From metaverse metropolis’ to new statement hotel brand arrivals – and awe-inspiring design projects and products in between – the entries that flooded in for The Brit List Awards 2022 were nothing short of exceptional. For half a decade now, The Brit List Awards has been about celebrating and championing the people behind the studios and hotels who are simply taking hotel design and hospitality to new heights and, in short, changing the game.
The finalists listed below have been invited to attend The Brit List Awards’ annual award ceremony*, taking place on November 2 at PROUD Embankment, which, following last year’s antics, is expected to be a night full of celebration, and may contain a few surprise elements for good measure. At the event, as well as the nine individual winners being announced, The Brit List 2022, a publication that will profile the top 25 designers, architects and hoteliers, will also be unveiled.
Without further a due, here is the shortlist for The Brit List Awards 2022:
Interior Designer of the Year
Name
Studio
Alex Bauman-Lyons
edyn
Alex Holloway
Holloway Li
Alexander Evangelou
Alexander Waterworth
Charlie North
Ennismore
Colin Carswell
Bell & Swift Ltd
Constantina Tsoutsikou
Studio LOST
Craig McKie
Bell & Swift Ltd
David Mason
Scott Brownrigg
German Mendoza
Wimberly Interiors
Jacu Strauss
Lore Group
Jane Landino
Taylor Howes Designs
Jennifer Williams
Mon Interiors
John Williams
Spaceinvader
Karen Howes
Taylor Howes Designs
Lauren Hughes-Glass
Ica Studio
Lewis Taylor
David Collins Studio
Lottie Suckling
Taylor Howes Designs
Marie Soliman
Bergman Design House
Mark Bithrey
B3 Designers
Martin Goddard
Goddard Littlefair
Mustafa Afsaroglu
Taner’s Sons
Na Li
Holloway Li
Neil Andrew
Perkins&Will
Nick Hickson
THDP
Oliver Redfern
Squid Inc
Robert Angell
Robert Angell
Rona McDonald
Ica Studio
Rose Murray
These White Walls
Terry McGinnity
G.A Design
Theresa Obermoser
Theresa Obermoser
Tim Griffin
Wellbrook Hospitality
Tina Norden
Conran & Partners
Toni Black
Blacksheep Design
Wren Loucks
Be-kin
Architect of the Year
Name
Studio
Alexandra Birmpili
Kappa planning Ltd
Alistair Shepherd
Falconer Chester Hall
Catarina Pina-Bartrum
LDS Architects
Cathryn Crisp
Randell Design Group
Chris Fegan
Ica Studio
David Chipperfield
David Chipperfield Architects
Davide Bertacca
Woods Bagot
Ed Murray
Dexter Moren Associates
Geoff Hull
EPR Architects
Helen Taylor
Caudwell
James Dilley
Jestico + Whiles
James Soane
Project Orange
Jen Samuel
3DReid
Jennifer De Vere-Hopkins
Jestico + Whiles
Julie Humphryes
Archer Humphryes Architects
Kerry Acheson
Ica Studio
Laurence Pinn
Tate+Co
Lee Sze Wei
Translation Architecture
Lorraine Stoutt Griffith
Twelve Architects
Luke Fox
Foster + Partners
Martin Dobbs
Bright Space Architects
Matthew Salter
HGP Architects
Metehan Apak
Dawson Design Associates
Murray Levinson
Squire & Partners
Patrik Schumacher
Zaha Hadid Architects
Paul Wells
Dexter Moren Associates
Richard Collings
SB Architects
Richard Holland
Holland Harvey Architects
Richard Woolsgrove
PLP Architecture
Rob Gibbs
Synergy Architects
Ross Stewart
Ica Studio
Tony Kho
Trehearne Architects
Hotelier of the Year
Name
Hotel
Anne Golden
Pan Pacific Hotel London
Conor O’Leary
Gleneagles
David Taylor
Lore Group
Edward Workman
The Newt in Somerset
Elli Jafari
The Standard London
Franck Arnold
The Savoy
Gareth Banner
The Ned
Giovanni Valentini
The Fellows House Cambridge Curio Collection by Hilton
Grace Leo
The Relais Retreats
Guillaume Marly
Hotel Café Royal
Hector Ross
The Signet Collection
Hubert Viriot
YOTEL
Jacqui Griffiths
Stock Exchange Manchester
James Clarke
Hilton Bankside London
Javier Beneyto
COMO Metropolitan London & COMO The Halkin
Kurt Macher
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Lina Zakzeckyte
Hart Shorditch
Marie-Paule Nowlis
Sofitel London St James
Michael Bonsor
Rosewood London
Patina Farnham
Novotel, Ibis and Ibis Budget Southampton
Paul Bayliss
Hotel Brooklyn
Paul Rafferty
The Mayfair Townhouse
Philip Steiner
Residence Inn & Moxy Slough Hotel
Ray Goertz
The Prince Akatoki London
Robert Godwin
Room2 Chiswick
Robin Hutson
The PIG Hotels
Simon Mahon
The Grand York
Stuart Geddes
The Lanesborough
Zoe Jenkins
Coworth Park
Best in British Product Design
Company
Product/project
Chelsom
LED Eye
Chelsom
Decorative Touchless Switching
Splinterworks
Stiletto
Vanessa Konig
The Lazy Daisy
Northern Lights
Helios Rechargeable Lamps
Newmor Wallcoverings
Bali, Hessian and Newmor Custom, Sanctuary Collection
Morgan
Lugano designed by Rock Galpin
Gresham
Relo
Hamilton Litestat
Bespoke Design & Production – Thornbury Castle Hotel
Hamilton Litestat
Linea Tetra CFX
BOBO1325
Surface Pattern Designs
Red Dog Glass Design
Abstract art glass panels
Daval Furniture
Renzo
Frank Allart & Company
Precision Collection – Starburst / Spiral
ARCFORM
LOOM
Elisa
Modular mixer shower range
Perrin & Rowe
Langbourn Collection
Pill
Empty State
Inari
Cameron Design House
Paradise Row
Harwood Arms Cutery Pouch
Frances Bildner
Art
Corbello Loxstone
Metallum Tribus
Andra Munro Design
Lux Progressio
Best in Tech Award
Company
Product/project
Chelsom
Decorative Touchless Switching
Zetter Hotel Group
Tech Stack
Beaumont Hotel/ReardonSmith Architects
Indoor Air Purification
James Latham
Digital Showroom
Hamilton Litestat
Bespoke Design & Production – Thornbury Castle Hotel
Luume Limited
Gatsby Fire Table
The Eco Award
Company
Product/project
THE SOHO LIGHTING COMPANY
The Ocean Collection
Room2
Net zero by 2030
The Monkey Puzzle Tree
All Tomorrow’s Futures textured linen blend fabric
Abode
Abode Swich Wood
Kelda Showers
Bubble Spa
Silentnight Group Hospitality
Silentnight Group Hospitality
Zennio
Zennio Hospitality Systems
GROHE / LIXIL
Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold Level range
YOTEL
YOTEL Amsterdam
South Lodge
The Spa at South Lodge
Perkins&Wills London
Living Design
Rising Star Award
Name
Company/Studio/University
Kendal Schutt
S C H U T T
Charlotte Lach
Taner’s Sons
Hannah Ramplee
Chilworth Manor Hotel
Angelcho Shtrbevski
Moxy & Residence Inn Slough
Anu Sarkar
The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sami Qassab
The Mayfair Townhouse
Solomia Bogusz
Gensler / University College London, The Bartlett School of Architecture
Matthew Gibbs
YOTEL
International Award
Name/Brand
Company
Buruj Hotel
DLR Group Middle East
Clint Nagata
BLINK Design Group
INODA+SVEJE
INODA+SVEJE
Jese Medina Suarez
Campbell House
Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler
Mario Ferrarini
Mario Ferrarini
Nichola Palmer
Wilderness DumaTau
Rafael Berkowitz
Campbell House
Sebastian Herkner
Sebastian Herkner
There is no shortlist for the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry, which will be the final award presented at the exclusive ceremony.
How to attend The Brit List Awards 2022 – the awards ceremony
All designers, architects and hoteliers that have been shortlisted will receive an email asking them to confirm their complimentary ticket to attend the awards ceremony on November 2 at PROUD Embankment. Outside of the shortlist, designers, architects, hoteliers and developers can purchase tickets here (£20 + VAT per ticket if purchased before September 19)*. Suppliers, and anyone else wishing to attend, can click here to purchase their tickets (£99 + VAT per ticket if purchased before September 19)*.
Sponsors and partners
Headline Partner: Bathrooms Brands Group / Crosswater
Showcase Partner: Schlüter Systems
Showcase Partner: Hamilton Litestat
Award Partner: Atlas Concorde
Event Partner: Duravit
Event Partner: Others
Showcase Partner: Utopia Projects
Award Partner: hansgrohe
Award Partner: Dornbracht
Decorative Partner: Arte
Entertainment Partner: BECK
Industry Partner: NEWH
Exclusive Trophy Partner: Sans Souci
Broadcasting Partner: Grohe
Official Videographer: CUBE
Podcast Partner: DESIGN POD
*Shortlisted designers, architects and hoteliers will receive a complimentary ticket to attend The Brit List Awards 2022. Complimentary tickets will be issued W/C September 12. Shortlisted suppliers will be required to purchase a ticket in order to attend the awards ceremony.
**After September 19, tickets for designers, architects and hoteliers will inflate to £30 + VAT per ticket. For suppliers, tickets will inflate to £150 +VAT per ticket. There are limited number of tickets on sale, which will be issued out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Main image credit: The Brit List Awards 2021/Hotel Designs
In conversation with: architect Jean-Michel Gathy on designing Aman New York
Architectural and interior design firm, Denniston, under the supervision and leadership of Jean-Michel Gathy, is responsible for the design statement encased in the newly opened Aman New York. Situated in the architecturally significant landmark of the Crown Building, Gathy has embedded the peace promised by Aman’s Sanskrit-derived name in the heart of Manhattan along with with his own unmistakable design DNA…
Aman New York is located at the prestigious address of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street and has undergone a vast transformation to become Manhattan’s newest destination for unmatched luxury, sheltering 83 elegant guestrooms and suites, three social dining venues, a world-class spa, and an exclusive collection of 22 private homes representing the first urban Aman Residences.
Following true to the Aman DNA of understated elegance, offering sublime privacy, unparalleled service, and relaxed elegance, Jean-Michel Gathy has integrated aesthetics from East and West and curated the palpable tranquillity with the brand’s Asian roots.
“Everything included in the Aman DNA is about being understated,” shares Gathy. “We did not fully bring minimalism to Aman New York but sincerely respected the Aman DNA in which we associated the energy that New York City requires.”
Image credit: Denniston / Aman New York
Image credit: Aman New York
“Peacefulness is the ethos of Aman. What makes Aman New York peaceful is the high level of attention given to the acoustic treatment within the building, enhanced further by layers of panelling and material as well as the incorporation of the fireplace to create a quiet environment within the guestrooms. There is a strong sense of partnership in the design of the Crown Building and the layout of the interiors, they are geometrically conceptualized, powerful and simple. The muted colours, simplicity of materials and the overall harmony create the feeling of peacefulness throughout. We are dealing with a composition and not a juxtaposition of elements.”
Image credit: Aman New York
Aman New York has honed its offering with its transformative influence on mind, body and spirit through harmoniously designed environments transporting guests out of their everyday lives. With Gathy’s signature use of Asian characteristics, the design transformation presents the balancing and subtle juxtaposition of many contrasts – old and new, East and West, natural and manmade.
Image credit: Aman New York
The arrival experience sets the tone for an aesthetic journey which complements the powerful statement of the building’s gilded splendour. The double-height atrium with multilayers of the textured ceiling and wall panels dressed in natural fabrics in muted tones hints at the brand’s Asian heritage while imbuing spaces with the meditative beauty and inimitable tranquillity of nature with the flower arrangements inspired by Japan’s classical Ikebana, celebrating the unceasing heartbeat of Manhattan.
Image credit: Aman New York
Image credit: Aman New York
Every suite offers a functioning fireplace, a first in New York City, while bathrooms are opulent and oversized with oval soaking bathtubs, marble rain showers and double vanities. Large windows offer dynamic views, and the use of organic, natural materials brings a sense of balance and harmony reminiscent of Aman resorts of the East. Oak, walnut, and aromatic cinnamon woods add lustre to finishes, floors, doors, and custom furnishings while bronze, brass, and stainless and blackened steel contribute gleaming warmth and edgy allure. Inspired by the airy architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia, pairs of bespoke double-pivot doors have been created to form bespoke central partitions, allowing guests to transform the atmosphere, creating a lofty open-plan layout or intimate private spaces.
Image credit: Aman New York
The crowning glory of Aman New York is its broad selection of exciting social venues, the verdant 14th-floor spacious 7000 square foot wraparound Garden Terrace offers year-round dining, a rarity in one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The Garden Terrace is flanked with water features adding a soft and soothing touch, and fire pits creating a sense of drama and energy. Restaurants include Arva, Aman’s convivial Italian restaurant, and Nama, Aman’s interpretation of Japan’s “WASHOKU” dining tradition, which features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for omakase-style fine dining.
“Aman New York has included all the facilities that you would want right at your door,” commented Gathy. “The travellers can go down to the city streets and are in the epicentre of the city, but when you want to come back and relax, you have your own sanctuary. The venue we have designed is extremely well located, in the middle of the action, but still remaining a peaceful retreat.”
Respecting the Crown Building’s storied heritage, the opening of Aman New York marks a new era for hospitality and is the culmination of a monumental transformation of the iconic Crown Building in Manhattan. This 100-year-old Beaux-Arts building has undergone a remarkable restoration and transcendent design by Jean-Michel Gathy, carefully reimagining urban design for the epic conversion in order to transport guests away from the frenetic pace of the city to the inimitable tranquillity of Aman.
From large scale bespoke murals to feature and coordinating walls, Newmor has a stocked or custom printed wallcovering for every interior. We walk though a few of the surfaces reaching new heights with a Newmor print…
With staycations on the rise in the UK, the pressure is on for hotel designs to stand out from the crowd and deliver the difference. Based in Wales, family owned Newmor is perfectly placed to design, manufacture and deliver, ensuring that the staycation boom gets covered from floor to wall. With a range of wallcoverings suitable for high traffic areas, delivering a washable surface that is can also be resistant to chlorine releasing agents, there is no excuse for any holiday destination surface to be left untouched.
Image credit: Newmor
With a new digital facility giving the company a designer edge, Newmor has developed Tufftex, a unique vinyl with an exceptionally high surface resistance to wear. This means the wallcoverings are more durable, and once installed, can keep surfaces looking fresh for up to 15 years. Existing designs can be manufactured in bespoke colourways, company-branded wallcoverings, large-scale murals, site specific imagery or interior designers can work with the in-house design department to create something completely unique. All the Newmor Designer and Newmor Custom collections can be recoloured, rescaled and customised. These designs can be printed onto a wide selection of bases, including colours, textures, metallics and window films.
Image credit: Newmor
More recently, Newmor have partnered with Halbmond Carpets, and are now able to supply carpets and rugs in a wide variety of materials, backings and specifications. There are hundreds of designs to choose from alongside a custom printing service utilising the latest high definition, total pile penetration technology.
With a brand vision to celebrate pattern and design in commercial installations globally, whilst reducing life cycle cost and impact on the environment, the selection of surface coverings from Newmor provide inspiration and solutions to enhance and add value to a design project.
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.
Le Grand Mazarin in Paris, will be the fourth hotel to be added to the Maisons Pariente collection of luxury boutique hotels in France. With interiors by designer Martin Brudnizki, the hotel begins its original and eclectic story in Le Marais, a neighbourhood beloved by Parisians and travellers from around the world…
The latest addition to the Maisons Pariente little black book of addresses is just a stone’s throw from the Hôtel de Ville and the Seine, and expands the collection and offers guests a luxurious and serene setting in the heart of Paris. Le Grand Mazarin is both unexpected and endearing, a place that reflects the values of Maisons Pariente, through an original hotel story with an exceptional location – a location which is part of the canvas of the cultural history of the capital. Le Marais has crossed the centuries to become the epicentre of new trends. 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 is imagined by the Swedish interior designer Martin Brudnizki. Le Grand Mazarin revisits French classicism with a breath of refined modernity. In the 61 guestrooms, including 11 suites, the design plays with discrepancies in a virtuous way to create a grandiose universe that is both whimsical and deliciously warm.
Image credit: Maisons Pariente
“I love the concept of the literary salon of yesteryear and this was one of the main sources of inspiration when designing Le Grand Mazarin,” explained Brudnizki.”We wanted the hotel to feel as though it has always been a part of Le Marais’ landscape so we sought inspiration from the great houses of the aristocratic era, where figures from literature, art and music gathered in sumptuous residences, exchanging ideas and thoughts. Our concept of Le Grand Mazarin was to reignite this ambience for the modern day, where guests feel as though they have arrived home and have the freedom to express themselves.”
Everything has been brought together to make Le Grand Mazarin the essential destination for a unique Parisian experience, at any time of day: a delightful restaurant, a surprising bar where each evening is a new experience, an extraordinary swimming pool, and excellent service that is always attentive yet discreet.
Image credit: Maisons Pariente
“Le Grand Mazarin is a hotel that is above all for Parisians, a place where they can meet. It’s a real bias that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Leslie Kouhana, President, and Kimberley Cohen, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Maisons Pariente. “It will be the first urban hotel in our collection to embody our DNA, the Maisons Pariente spirit of simple, warm hotel luxury and sincere, generous service. We imagined Le Grand Mazarin as a place to live with multiple influences, a place to meet and share, a showcase of elegance where refinement sublimates the mix of styles and eras with fun.”
The Maisons Pariente portfolio has been making its mark on the boutique hotel landscape in France with an impressive roll out from Crillon le Brave in Provence to more recently Le Coucou in Méribel. Located in extraordinary places, each hotel is designed as an elegant private house and reveals a unique and arty personality, in perfect harmony with its environment. and with Le Grand Mazarin, the spirit of Maisons Pariente is embodied in a modern vision of Parisian luxury.
More power, less water with the TwistFlush from Villeroy & Boch
The revolutionary TwistFlush toilet flushing system from Villeroy & Boch combines exceptionally clean and hygienic flush performance with extremely efficient use of water. Here’s the secret behind the system…
A sustainable lifestyle includes the conscious use of resources. A TwistFlush toilet that saves precious water every time it is used, can play an important role in this. The innovative technology uses the physical force of a controlled water vortex, which flushes almost all of the inside of the toilet bowl while carrying waste away. Simply put, water is used much more efficiently, saving this precious resource every time the flush is activated.
Image credit: Villero & Boch
The TwistFlush toilet requires only 4.5 litres for a large flush and a mere 3 litres for a small one. And as the flush is so powerful, one flush is usually sufficient. Moreover, the patent-pending flushing technology far exceeds standard requirements, with the controlled water vortex generating a very strong pull in a conic bowl. It reaches almost all of the inside of the toilet bowl while well and truly carrying waste away. The controlled vortex power deploys the flushing water exactly where it is needed. This reliably prevents spray and significantly reduces the formation of aerosols. Another advantage putting the TwistFlush ahead of the pack, is that it is significantly quieter than a standard flush.
Aside from providing solutions around sustainability, the toilet is practically brushless and easy to clean. The system thoroughly flushes the entire inner pan, and the smartly designed bowl with its steep and super smooth walls makes it difficult for dirt to stick. In addition, thanks to the sophisticated rimless shape making it easy to clean, the CeramicPlus and AntiBac materials reduce bacterial growth.
The Universo TwistFlush toilet model coordinates with all collections thanks to a timeless design that blends harmoniously in any bathroom. The slim sandwich-look toilet seat comes with all modern comfort features including SoftClosing and QuickRelease. The TwistFlush toilet from the Subway 3.0 series offers the same features and coordinates perfectly with the linear design of the successful series thanks to its delicately encircling toilet seat.
Villeroy & Boch 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 hotels opening in September 2022
From luxury brands to barefoot on the beach, this months VIP openings covers it all. The creativity on the design front also spans the spectrum, from the Art Deco inspired grandeur of the restoration project that has culminated in Sommerro in Oslo, to the bold primary colours of Radio Hotel in uptown Manhattan, showcasing as always the energy and diversity of the hotel design landscape…
As seasons change and, depending on which side of the equator you find yourself, days are becoming noticeably shorter or tantalisingly longer, the year rolls on, gathering momentum – as do the hotel openings which show no sign of slowing down. In this VIP opening for September we list a few that have caught our eye from all corners of the globe with incredible locations and inspiring designs.
Sommerro, Oslo
Image credit: Sommerro / Francisco Nogueira
Nordic Hotels & Resorts is bringing one of Oslo’s most iconic buildings back to life as Sommerro. With panoramic views of the Norwegian capital, Sommerro is housed in the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s original electrical company, and will be a modern tribute to Norwegian cultural heritage, with a strong focus on eco-conscious experiences. A community in its own right, the 231-key, art-deco hotel, complete with 56 branded residences, will shelter four restaurants and three bars, meeting and event spaces with capacity for up to 150 people, a 100-seat gilded theatre, a gym and wellness space, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, sauna, and terrace.
Radio Hotel
Image credit: Radio Hotel
Radio Hotel is opening as the first-ever full-service boutique hotel in Upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights. The hotel is the central anchor of the mixed-use development, which includes a restaurant, dedicated event space, office and retail space, an activated courtyard, and a rooftop lounge with 360° panoramic views of downtown Manhattan.
Finding inspiration in existing architectural patterns found throughout the neighbourhood and adopting the vibrant colours of local storefronts, Architects MVRDV and Stonehill Taylor designed Radio Hotel and Tower to resemble a vertically built Washington Heights, creating the Lego-like structure of whimsical and colourful ‘blocks’ of green, yellow, blue, orange and magenta, which are echoed in the interior design.
Radisson RED Gdansk
Image credit: Radisson Hotels
Radisson RED Gdańsk, the first Radisson RED property in Poland has opened its doors, taking Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio in Poland to 22 properties in operation and under development. The hotel is part of the redevelopment of Granary Island, situated in the centre of the Pomeranian capital on the Baltic Sea, and is housed in a reconstructed port warehouse right by the Motława River. During its reconstruction, the original walls were retained, giving the building a truly unique loft-style look. The interiors are designed in an eclectic, playful style with surprising decorative elements that play on the building’s history and location.
Brown Beach Eretria and Brown Beach Chalkida
Image credit: Brown Hotels
Known for its quirky, design-driven collection of boutique urban properties, Brown Hotels expanded into beach-side offerings earlier this summer with the launch of its inaugural resort, Isla Brown Corinthia. With the opening of Brown Beach Eretria and Brown Beach Chalkida the brand is introducing a hospitality concept new to the group, presenting four-star, beach-front resorts both complete with swimming pools, a bar and restaurant, wellness centre, spa and events space. Brown Beach Eretria and Brown Beach Chalkida are the first to launch under the new sub-brand.
Selina Tulum Downtown
Image credit: Selina
Slated to open end of September, the newest member of the Selina portfolio, Selina Tulum Downtown, is located on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. With over 163 location in the portfolio Selina epitomises the new generation of experiential travel. Delivering more than a place to stay, alongside the beautifully designed guestrooms at the new Tulum location, the hotel will also shelter a co-working space, pool, wellness area and spa, a bar & restaurant, and a nightclub. The brand ethos is to ‘provides guests with beautiful places to stay, travel, and work abroad indefinitely’, tapping directly into the zeitgeist of the decade.
citizenM Miami Brickell
Image credit: citizenM
It has been a busy year on the Miami hospitality scene, and citizenM is not a brand to be left out of the party. The new citizenM Miami Brickell is located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Backyard, which just won Architizer’s A+ Award for Architecture and Urban Transformation, and is the perfect backdrop for the latest offering of ‘affordable luxury’. The hotel will shelter 252 guestrooms, along with a 24/7 kitchen that feeds hungry arrivals from all time zones, and eight societyM meeting rooms.
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Finally, ending on a luxurious note, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has made its debut in Kuwait this month with the opening of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, which is, true to brand, a refined haven blending timeless elegance with modern sensibility and sincere service, situated in the heart of Kuwait City. The hotel shelters 200 contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline, providing guests with a transformative journey of the senses, from exquisite dining venues and beautiful event spaces to the awe-inspiring Waldorf Astoria Spa.
The interior design scheme of Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA, initiated by Architect Simone Micheli, called upon bathroom brand GROHE to create wellness spaces that were compliant with local environment standards while staying true to its treasured history…
Nestled in cave dwellings of the mountains of Matera sits the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA, which has been designed taking inspiration from its surrounding area and its deep steeped history with the natural environment. Bathroom and kitchen fittings manufacturer GROHE was immensely proud to the be exclusive partner of bathroom brassware for the project, aligning in the themes of water, sustainability, and timeless design.
Image credit: GROHE
First opened in 2018, the 35-key hotel has been built up in the mountains, and structurally traces the ancient caves tuff stone, providing a unique stay of natural beauty and wellness. With its integrated spa, and origins of an area being derived from a single drop of the water, the project focuses hugely on water and the benefits and importance of the natural resource, which closely aligns with GROHE’s own ethos of ‘Pure Freude an Wasser’ (Pure joy of water).
Image credit: GROHE
Image credit: GROHE
Throughout the project GROHE’s Essence brassware was selected as the exclusive bathroom fitting range, providing an organic silhouette and premium functionality, further complimenting the interior and exterior of the development.
“Since the post-pandemic reopening of hotels and hospitality establishments, wellness has taken centre stage,” said Nick Brown, Leader, Hospitality UK, LIXL EMENA. “Spa breaks, relaxing retreats and getaways in natural environments have been popular, with escapism back on everyone’s agenda. When travellers visit a destination as unique as this they want to be indulged by their surroundings. Our Essence collection was specified as part of this project thanks to its natural timeless aesthetic that works harmoniously within the interior, alongside GROHE’s proud commitment to preserving our natural resource, particularly when it comes to water.”
Specified in GROHE’s StarLight Chrome finish, the fittings provide a timeless design thanks to their modern- minimalistic aesthetic, along with sustainable credentials, aligning perfectly with the projects core ethos. The GROHE Essence range took design inspiration from natural forms, resulting in a naturally curved, slim profile, while GROHE’s integrated technology providing resource saving characteristics with a reduced water flow.
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.
First in: checking in to The Emporium Plovdiv – MGallery
Taking a cultural dive into the 8,000-year-old city, Editor Hamish Kilburn arrived in Plovdiv to explore the contemporary yet sensitive design narrative inside The Emporium Plovdiv – MGallery…
Built on seven hills in the southern central region of Bulgaria, Plovdiv is as ancient as cities come – its architecture and design tells many narratives, from the (cobbled) Street of Craft in the Old Town where prominent masters of traditional Bulgarian crafts such as weavers, potters and woodcarvers still work today to the impressive Ancient Roman Theatre. According to nine sources, Plovdiv is the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe.
The bones of the city may be, by definition, ancient, but the soul of Plovdiv – its heart and warm personality – is very much ageless, with vibrancy around every corner.
Nestled in the heart of the city, a new hotel, designed by Sundukovy Sisters (S+S), has arrived to take the narrative of the city forward. Sheltered inside a former department store, the 61-key boutique hotel, The Emporium Plovdiv – MGallery, is “a tribute to the city, its people, architecture and culture,” and has become the brand’s flagship property in Plovdiv.
Image credit: Accor
“The opening of this astonishing hotel is the beginning of the beautiful adventure of creating unforgettable moments for our guests travelling to Plovdiv from all over the world,” said Paweł Pańczak, General Manager, The Emporium Plovdiv – MGallery. “With the unique ambiance of the boutique MGallery brand taking hospitality to the higher level we encourage everyone to relax, admire some of the world’s oldest, golden treasures of the region and create stories that stay in memories forever.
Earning its rights to be considered a protagonist, budget was not spared on the design and operations of the hotel, which is evident immediately upon arrival as guests enter the building on the lower level to be greeted by a warm, open and inviting contemporary space, filled with textured interiors that feel, well, considered – the contemporary faux fireplace feels like the centre point of the design. Around it, an integrated lighting scheme in the ceiling as well as the stairs, together with accented modern furniture and a large contemporary fireplace, allow the space to feel apty multi-layered. Meanwhile, adding a sprinkle of personality and playfulness to the space, an indoor swing hangs in the corner, on a platform, next to the bar.
Image credit: Accor
When moving through the public areas, past the Möet Champagne bar, the atmosphere evolves as guests transition from inside to out and into the courtyard, where an island of furniture on top of a striking water feature becomes the focus. “This courtyard is so much more than just a nice area to sit and relax in the public areas,” said Irina and Olga Sundukovy. “Prior to this area, the guestrooms lacked ‘a view’ seeing as many of them face inwards around this void in the building.” The new courtyard effortlessly blurs the boundaries between indoors and out.
Image credit: Accor
The public areas are indeed impressive, but the real asset of the hotel, in my opinion, is the intuitive design of the guestrooms and suites, which have been worked into the existing architecture shell of the building. Here, the rooms are not as you would expect. The shower, for example, is in the middle to the layout, I imagine to save space. Despite the shower therefore being in the centre of the room, the designers have ensured that privacy has not been sacrificed with the glass to the shower being mirrored.
Image credit: Accor
The other detail, which suggests this hotel had a healthy budget and an investor who understood the ingredients needed to operate a successful hotel equipped for modern travels, is the technology, which so seamlessly and effortlessly connects the guests with the room. “The owner of the hotel really understood our design direction,” the designer twins added. “This allowed us to take the latest technology and merge this within the design scheme, with the aim to simply elevate the guest experience.”
Image credit: Accor
Image credit: Accor
Keeping tech under control, the touch-sensitive panels are simple to use and allow guests to command various lighting settings. Taking things a step further than conventional, even elements like the bedside lamp have been reimagined with that, in this case, being a spot from the ceiling.
Image credit: Accor
With the F&B experience yet to be unveiled, MGallery has made its mark in the city of Plovdiv, with thanks to the owner’s creative vision and the interior design flair of Sundukovy Sisters (S+S). It is true what they say, a hotel really has the power to capture a city’s soul. For MGallery, which has more than 100 properties worldwide – a brand that has built a reputation for telling unique narratives, Plovdiv is a key destination that will help craft Accor’s perception while expanding its portfolio in places you perhaps would not expect.
An icon reinvented: New York Marriott Marquis renovated & reimagined
The celebrated Times Square Hotel New York Marriott Marquis, the Marriott signature flag, has completed its multi-million dollar renovation, reclaiming its revolving crown at the epicentre of Times Square…
Opened in 1985 amid the rejuvenation of Times Square, New York Marriott Marquis’ vibrant location provided inspiration for architecture and interior design firms at conception, and continued to provide the narrative for Stonehill Taylor, which oversaw the redesign of the hotel’s public and event spaces, and Sawyer & Company, which led the design of the guestrooms and suites. Both firms drew from the 360 degrees of billboard lights experienced by visitors to Times Square. In addition, Stonehill Taylor centered the hotel’s renovation design concept on the theme of ‘Kaleidoscope of Energy’.
“The reflections, flow of energy, and vivacity that encapsulate Times Square were central references for this project,” said Sara Duffy, Principal at Stonehill Taylor. “We fed off the spirit of the hotel’s surroundings while simultaneously constructing a comfortable, rejuvenating stay for guests. The end result was a design that perfectly balances elegant playfulness and interactive experiences with flexible and varied seating, strategically open yet distinctive zones, and an artful New York theme that carries throughout the hotel.”
Image credit: Marriott International
On arrival to the eighth-floor lobby, visitors will find a reoriented space designed for a seamless and energising arrival experience. The hotel’s reception desks have been moved from the south side to the north side of the hotel, opening the northernmost wall to natural light with installed prismatic waved glass, and adding to the whimsical motifs throughout the space. Reception desks are now separated by archways made of playful wood panelling, and a lit acrylic 3-D sculpture by Parachilna sits on a plinth along with Kaleidoscope-inspired New York City artwork by Kalisher.
Image credit: Marriott International
Image credit: Marriott International
Each of the hotel’s 1,971 spacious guestrooms have been completely updated with a modern, thoughtful design complemented by locally inspired accents to draw in the energy of the city. New features include mounted, high-definition televisions; expanded closets, deluxe walk-in showers with spa-like lighting, and ultra-comfortable platform beds. The plethora of storage and sizable floor space sets these rooms apart from standard city accommodations, and a calm, neutral colour palette joined by bright accents centres guests among the hotel’s iconic views. Additionally, through the first-of-its-kind, longstanding global partnership with Marriott Hotels and TED, guests will continue to have access to thoughtfully curated in-room TED content to enjoy during their stay.
Image credit: Marriott International
In addition to the hotel’s redesign, New York Marriott Marquis has now partnered with the renowned Union Square Hospitality Group and Union Square Events on the food and beverage concepts at three updated restaurants, as well as the catering for hotel events. Featuring spectacular, two-story wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking Times Square and the Great White Way’s dazzling lights, Broadway Lounge offers an unmatched experience in the centre of it all. A small taste of a big New York experience, the restaurant’s menu centres around bold flavours and features wood fired pizzas, gourmet snacks, and handcrafted cocktails. To either side of Broadway Lounge is Perch, the venue’s intimate outdoor terrace where guests can soak in the energy of Times Square.
Image credit: Marriott International
Tucked away under the ninth floor is Revel & Rye Bar and Restaurant. Reminiscent of an old school whiskey bar, Revel & Rye provides a sophisticated atmosphere for guests to indulge in over 20 wines by the glass, an extensive American whiskey list, and a New York themed dining menu. Inspired by theatre marquees, the bar is fitted with linear piped lighting that flows from the bar back onto a metallic gold ceiling, creating an ambient and cosy atmosphere. The bright lights of Times Square have also been brought indoors with two large LED ‘billboards’ positioned on either side of the restaurant, inviting guests to gather to watch the latest sporting events, movies, and more.
Image credit: Marriott International
The hotel also features an expansive Atrium Greatroom lobby – a stylish hub of the hotel that serves as a great social gathering place for both day and night. The contemporary décor and layout provide guests with a space to relax, collaborate with colleagues or grab a night cap.
On the hotel’s ninth floor, The Terrace – a dramatic open event space under a soaring atrium, connecting the Marquis Ballroom to the Jolson, Cantor, and Barrymore Rooms – was expanded to serve as an additional functional event space, complete with streetlamp-inspired lighting. Meeting spaces and pre-function event spaces on floors three through seven, including the Broadway Ballroom and Marquis Theatre foyer, feature newly designed carpets and wall coverings. Milliken carpet patterns are reminiscent of overlapping starbursts and kaleidoscopes, tying the hotel’s theme together neatly. The largest ballroom stage in the city, The Broadway Ballroom, now also has a state-of the-art sound system, which extends to the balconies and wings, providing smooth continuous audio with exceptional sound quality.
Radisson RED Gdańsk, the first Radisson RED property in Poland has opened its doors, taking Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio in Poland to 22 properties in operation and under development. We stepped inside to take a look…
Radisson RED Gdańsk is part of the redevelopment of Granary Island, situated in the centre of the Pomeranian capital on the Baltic Sea. The hotel is housed in a reconstructed port warehouse right by the Motława River. During its reconstruction, the original walls were retained, giving the building a truly unique loft-style look. The property enjoys a prime location at the northern end of Granary Island and is connected to the main city by a newly installed footbridge.
Image credit: Radisson Hotels
The hotel consists of 30 guestrooms and suites, some of which have a mezzanine level featuring an extra bed, as well as four one- and two-bedroom suites of up to 50 square metres. The rooms offer magnificent views of the Motława and the city with the famous Gdańsk Crane. The interiors are designed in an eclectic, playful style with surprising decorative elements that play on the building’s history and location. The property is home to the Whiskey in the Jar steakhouse as well as a grab-and-go station located in the lobby. Guests of Radisson RED enjoy access to the public areas and amenities of Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdańsk, including its restaurant and bar, as well as its fitness and wellness area, located a mere 200m from Radisson RED Gdańsk.
Image credit: Radisson Hotels
“This new property is a unique place, full of energy, design, and style,” said Maciej Głownia, General Manager, Radisson RED Gdańsk. “We look forward to welcoming guests and introducing them to Granary Island’s rich, interesting history and the vibrant atmosphere of Radisson RED’s fashionable urban life.”
Radisson RED Gdańsk is Radisson Hotel Group’s fourth property in the Tri-city metropolitan area, joining Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdańsk also on Granary Island, Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk on the city’s well-known Long Market and Radisson Blu Hotel, Sopot.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, a refined haven blending timeless elegance with modern sensibility and sincere service, situated in the heart of Kuwait City…
The new Waldorf Astoria Kuwait shelters 200 contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline, providing guests with a transformative journey of the senses, from exquisite dining venues and beautiful event spaces to the awe-inspiring Waldorf Astoria Spa. Connected to The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment, and luxury lifestyle destination, the property’s prime location offers guests convenient access to some of the best local attractions such as the Kuwait Opera House, and Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre.
“We are very excited to be expanding our portfolio in Kuwait to include the iconic Waldorf Astoria, which brings an elevated luxury guest experience to the country,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is Hilton’s third property in the country and brings a trusted brand to a community of discerning travellers who expect the highest levels of service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this outstanding property, which will no doubt be one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks.”
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
On arriving at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait guests step into a place where stories begin, with interiors reflecting a grand yet intimate sense of place, including traditional brand elements such as the iconic Waldorf Astoria Clock which was adapted to reflect Kuwait’s cultural heritage, as well as The Library and Peacock Alley.
“We see the hotel stay as an opportunity to connect deeply with a destination and its people. And the team that brings the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait experience to life exemplifies this sentiment beautifully, poised to be the centrepiece of luxury hospitality in the market and welcoming travellers into a diverse, culturally significant location,” said Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head, Luxury Brands, Hilton. “As Waldorf Astoria continues to grow in dynamic markets around the world, we welcome new and loyal travellers to experience the legendary appeal of our iconic brand.”
From artistic masterpieces inspired by the legacy of Kuwait, plush fabrics, marble accents and an opulent colour selection of champagne, gold and silver, to the stunning sculptural staircase that serves as the lobby centrepiece, each design element is meticulously curated to convey a strong sense of arrival while also providing the comfort of a private home.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
In tune with the Waldorf Astoria legacy of food and beverage excellence, the hotel offers a diverse range of dining options, from fine dining and romantic cabana dinners to poolside refreshments. Opening this autumn, ROKA, the award-winning Japanese robatayaki restaurant, brings the finest dining experience to Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. ROKA is a meeting place where food and drinks are shared with friends and loved ones around the Robata (‘ro’) grill, and where heat, warmth, and an all-embracing energy surround (‘ka’). This modern Japanese cuisine concept originates from Japan’s northern coastal waters where the fishermen would cook fish on boats with different charcoals and share the food with one another using their oars. The property’s signature restaurant, AVA, delivers a tasteful and ambient experience with authentic Mediterranean flair, featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients. Inspired by a relaxed coastal lifestyle, the dishes at AVA are light and fresh, showcasing the best cuisine from across the French Riviera, the south of Italy, and the Greek islands. Touting extraordinary views of the luxury wing of The Avenues, and a menu that is sure to entice the taste buds, AVA sets the tone for an unforgettable culinary journey.
The iconic Parisian-influenced Peacock Alley is an ideal venue for both sophisticated and informal gatherings where guests can enjoy specialty coffees and fresh meals, indulge in chocolates and macaroons, or delight in Waldorf Astoria’s signature Afternoon Tea. Paying homage to the original Waldorf Astoria in New York, the elaborately adorned Peacock Alley continues to be a place to see and be seen.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Those looking to soak up the sun or take a dip in the glittering pool will find their calling at OXIO Pool and Lounge, where guests can enjoy lighter fare and refreshing treats during the daytime hours. At night, the venue transforms into Kubbar Poolside Restaurant, named after Kuwait’s Kober Island and offering pristine levant cuisine against a vibrant backdrop of lush greenery. Whether it’s a romantic cabana dinner or a gathering with friends and loved ones, Kubbar promises to offer a gastronomic experience infused with mouth-watering Middle Eastern flavours.
Launching later this fall, the expansive 13,560 square foot Waldorf Astoria Spa offers as its jewel the Private Suite, complete with an arrival lounge, well-appointed bathroom, steam room hammam, jacuzzi and double treatment zone, providing the ultimate escape for the discerning wellness guest. Those looking to enhance their fitness routine can do so at the 24-hour Technogym-equipped Fitness Centre, including a Fitness Studio offering a range of adrenaline-boosting workout sessions.
Hyperion Tiles – setting the tone in surface design
Shifting the boundaries in hotel design, Hyperion Tiles climb the walls to create sophisticated surfaces and statements to inspire and entice…
Stepping through the hotel door, first impressions are quickly made based on design and décor. The tone is set, and the colour, texture and pattern on the walls plays an integral part as the book is most definitely judged by its cover. Choosing the right design needs to be considered and often bold, combining style with a plethora of practical considerations such as durability and affordability. Hyperion Tiles explores some of the options available for designers to create the a statement wall covering solution for every space.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
With the first visual chance to impress beginning at reception, creating a welcoming atmosphere is paramount. Using a combination of a textured tile and subtle colour is one option to present a hotel entrance in a sophisticated way. Textured tiles will instantly add depth to an overall scheme, and can also be used to define different zones. Create a statement backdrop to the check in process, or frame an entrance to the lift before transporting guests to their private retreats. Choosing a clever selection of wall coverings can both direct guests as well as giving a suggestion of what lies beyond.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Wallcoverings in the guestroom can provide more than a design statement, but can also impact on acoustics. Tiles allow designers the opportunity to play with texture and finish while 3D wall panels shift the design into a stylish and contemporary frame. Panels and tiles can provide a broad range of design options that are both practical and hard wearing as well as being easy to clean, all of which is key in the hospitality arena. Alternative wallcoverings in the guestroom are a means of injecting warmth and character into the design aesthetic of the guestroom, ensuring the experience is a memorable one.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Moving from the bed to the bath, a luxury hotel bathroom is the perfect place for striking design elements. Luxury tile styles and surfaces marry perfectly with more practical elements, being easy to clean and maintain. Think opulent designs, such as marble or marble-effect tiles, which can make a small space feel more opulent, while wall panels can be used to define areas in a bathroom design. An interplay of contrasting wall ideas, some of which can tie into the floor for a more seamless finish, can elevate the bathroom from functional to fabulous.
Hyperion 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.
Combining minimalism with comfort and functionality, Alape incorporates this high standard into bathroom furnishings with its new Arkta range, focusing on the entire wash place from the basin to high-quality furniture solutions…
The bathroom as a place of retreat is becoming increasingly important in a fast-paced world. Additionally, values such as naturalness, durability, and the desire for individuality are also high on the agenda. Under the headline ‘Your personal wash place’, Alape, the specialist for high-quality washstands is raising the bathroom benchmark and setting the stage for sense and sensuality. Creating modular furniture with high design standards, the manufacturer remains true to its attitude towards well-defined designs with timeless aesthetics. The Arkta collection is all about exclusive materials, with a balanced design, smart details, and the sustainable use of resources all hallmarks for the products in the range. Derived from the Nordic style of living which combines minimalism with comfort and functionality, a diverse range of furniture has been created that expresses personality and blends harmoniously into different styles of living, thanks to its purist design and diverse customisation options.
Image credit: Dornbracht / Alape
Image credit: Dornbracht / Alape
With a clear design, precise workmanship, and a perfect symbiosis with the Alape basins, Arkta also impresses with huge planning possibilities. The variable widths of between 800mm and 1600mm, two heights, and different materials for countertops and furniture surfaces all bring design into play. In addition, you have the choice of two washbasins in three colours and four design handles in coordinated finishes however, the furniture can also be used without a handle for a purist look. Five high-quality and easy-care countertops can be perfectly matched to the furniture modules with their natural characteristics. Here, the solid and vibrant materials made of mineral material, quartz, and ceramic in an elegant design combined with the furniture elements, produce a harmonious yet stylish effect. The real wood veneer furniture exudes naturalness and comfort, while the matt white lacquered colours and three harmonious tones in silk grey, quartz grey, and turquoise grey give the furniture a pleasant texture and harmony. The precisely mitred surround frame on the front of the furniture is an expressive design detail and gives the design a sensual touch.
Image credit: Dornbracht / Alape
Ensuring that sustainability is always in focus, responsible and sustainable materials are the focus of the Arkta furniture range. The selected surfaces are certified and meet the highest quality and sustainability standards such as the NEOLITH ceramic worktops that are made of 100% natural raw materials and are fully recyclable. The wood selected for the furniture modules also comes from certified, sustainably managed forests, thus supporting an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Thanks to the wide choice of surface and handle variations, very different wash places with their very own style are created in combination with functional interior layouts, additional cabinet elements, as well as matching mirror and storage solutions. They’re all created with great attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship, and manufactured to suit individual design requirements and room dimensions, providing the perfect solution for every bathroom style.
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.
Listen now: ‘energy-positive hotels’ is the theme for ep. 20 of DESIGN POD
Listen up. The latest episode of DESIGN POD has dropped, and in it Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Ivaylo Lefterov to understand the challenges and opportunities behind developing the world’s first energy-positive hotel, which will sit under a spectacular glacier in Norway…
Episode 20 of DESIGN POD, the podcast for all architecture and design enthusiasts, is all about looking ahead while also embracing the latest technology available to allow hotel experts to design a more conscious hospitality landscape, with holistic wellness and wellbeing at the core.
Ever since Hotel Designs heard the first whispers of Svart – and its ambitious aims – the editorial team have been engaged and excited to follow the development, which in 2024, is slated to become the world’s first energy-positive hotel. The 94-key hotel, which will be operated by Six Senses Hotels and Resorts, is going to break new boundaries on the global hotel design and hospitality scene. And the man pulling together all element to ensure it hits all the right notes is Ivaylo Lefterov, who caught up with me recently to discuss how the project is coming along.
Designed structurally by Snøhetta, Six Senses Svart will combine a futuristic design, led by interior design studio, Space Copenhagen, and technological innovation with earthy, organic materials that will use the latest embedded energy.
Image credit: Svart/Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
The hotel, which will be poised on poles above the crystal-clear waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord, at the base of a glacier, aims to raise awareness of the possibilities of regenerative travel and the importance of the polar region, in partnership with the local community.
Innate to this project, and an integral part of its DNA, is the commitment not to compromise the fragile and pristine glacial surroundings or the property’s beauty and quality. The major design pillars of Six Senses Svart are environment and nature, sustainability, technological innovation, wellness and mindfulness, which have been integrated in tandem because they all directly impact each other.
International hotel collection Brown Hotels has announced the opening of two new properties from its new four-star line of resorts: Brown Beach Eretria and Brown Beach Chalkida. The new ‘Brown Beach’ branded resorts are the first to launch under the new sub-brand. Here’s what we know…
Known for its quirky, design-driven collection of boutique urban properties, Brown Hotels expanded into beach-side offerings earlier this summer with the launch of its inaugural resort, Isla Brown Corinthia. Brown Beach Eretria and Brown Beach Chalkida introduce a hospitality concept new to the group, presenting four-star, beach-front resorts both complete with swimming pools, a bar and restaurant, wellness centre, spa and events space. Located on the increasingly popular Evia Island, just a one hour drive from Athens, the new Brown Beach resorts present the perfect getaway for international travellers and local Athenians alike, with Brown Beach Eretria providing additional leisure facilities and on-site entertainment, operating as the first all-inclusive resort by Brown Hotels.
Image credit: Brown Hotels
“Evia island is one of the largest and closest islands to Athens, yet still remains relatively unknown,” said Leon Avigad, Founder, Brown Hotels. “Being so closely located to Athens, accessible by a one hour car drive, and with such a beautiful coastline, we saw an opportunity to invest in this untapped destination as domestic and international tourism continues to rise. The new Brown Beach resorts usher in a new hospitality offering to the Brown Hotels collection, and we’re excited to be diversifying and connecting with new audiences as the group expands.”
With a clean and minimalistic design aesthetic, the rooms at Brown Beach Eretria feature a calming colour palette of neutral hues with ochre and marine blue accents, natural materials and refined furnishings, for an atmosphere that encourages the ultimate tranquillity. Boasting 175 spacious rooms, guests can choose from the various configurations to suit their preference. All rooms at Brown Beach Eretria offer spacious balconies, complimentary high-speed WiFi, bathrobes and slippers and luxury bathroom amenities.
Image credit: Brown Hotels
Image credit: Brown Hotels
Brown Beach Chalkida presents the perfect weekend getaway, located on the Agios Minas beach at the entry point to Evia island, less than an hour’s drive from Athens. With picturesque sea views, 119 stylish guestrooms, swimming pool and pool bar, restaurant, tennis courts, gym, spa and wellness centre and events space, Brown Beach Chalkida is ideal for both couples and families looking for an easy-to-reach, beach-front retreat. Offering ‘Sea View’, ‘Garden View’ or ‘Pool View’ rooms, each room benefits from a balcony and is fitted out with complimentary high-speed WiFi, bathrobes and slippers and luxury bathroom amenities. Cultivating the “Brown Beach” aesthetic, the hotel’s interiors mimic those of Brown Beach Eretria, with similarly decorated stylish rooms boasting a neutral colour palette, clean lines and natural wood furnishings.
Image credit: Brown Hotels
Brown Hotels, which operates 20 hotels in Israel and one property in Croatia, expanded into Greece in 2020 with its inaugural property Brown Acropol, a retro-style 165-room-and-suite hotel located on Athens’ Omonia Square. since then it has consistently built on its portfolio in Greece to include a range of properties, including Villa Brown Ermou, a cosy 51-room boutique property with Greco-French influences nestled in the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood of Athens, and DAVE Red Athens, an 87-room hotel with an industrial style interior design. Brown Hotels seeks to spread the success of its devotion to service, design, creativity and style with the acquisition of further properties, totalling at 40 hotels across Greece by 2024.
Hilton has announced the signing of an agreement with Tradewinds Corporation Berhad to expand Hilton’s flagship brand in Malaysia with Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi. The resort marks Tradewinds Corporation Berhad’s fourth property with Hilton – here’s what we know…
Scheduled to open in 2024, the 251 guestroom resort will be Hilton’s second property in Langkawi, complementing The Nautilus Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, slated to open in 2023. The resort will also join Hilton’s established portfolio of hotels in Malaysia, where it currently operates 13 properties across three brands, with another nine in the pipeline.
“Langkawi is a tropical paradise famed for its natural beauty – home to South East Asia’s first UNESCO World Geopark and a popular upscale destination for international and domestic travellers alike,”said Guy Phillips, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton. “We are delighted to expand our long-standing partnership with Tradewinds Corporation Berhad and bring Hilton’s flagship brand and world-class hospitality to Langkawi.”
Nestled in Burau Bay along Langkawi’s western coastline, the resort boasts stunning, unobstructed views of the Straits of Malacca, and enjoys a 600 meter beachfront with white sands and clear waters. It is surrounded by untouched coastal rainforests, and overlooks the majestic Gunung Mat Cincang, Seratosa Island, and Burau Island.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Hilton through the upcoming debut of Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi. The resort marks our fourth collaboration with Hilton, underscoring the strong synergies between our companies,” said Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Tradewinds Corporation Berhad.” We are confident that Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi will be a fine addition to this popular leisure destination and will be well-received by locals and international visitors alike.”
Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi will feature an executive lounge and five dining concepts including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a pool bar. Guests can look forward to unwinding at the award-winning eforea spa, indoor and outdoor pools, or enjoy a workout at the fitness centre, basketball and tennis courts. For guests looking to host social events and celebrations, the resort also offers an events space spanning approximately 800 square meters, and a ballroom of approximately 400 square meters.
Miniview: authenticity meets modernity at W Costa Navarino
W Costa Navarino, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, has recently opened its doors overlooking the protected and historic Bay of Navarino, and in true W style it is set to introduce a place that fosters creativity, individuality, and freedom of expression…
With architectural design led by renowned Greek architects Tombazis and Associates, W Costa Navarino takes inspiration from the region’s traditional architecture with cobbled paths, monolithic building and stone towers creating the feeling of a Greek coastal village. Using local materials, Costa Navarino’s dedication to sustainable practices is reflected in the hotel’s timeless design, unified within indigenous greenery and planted roofs overlooking the sea.
All guestroom, suite, and villa interiors celebrate the heritage of Greek artisans with a palette of neutral tones which are occasionally met with pops of colour. Infused with the unexpected, thoughtful design elements of W Hotels, the interior design across the resort including the public areas and the culinary square – Platía – was led by London-based and globally focused studio MKV Design. Modern yet refined interpretations of traditional craftsmanship can be seen through the lighting and flooring, referencing the time-honoured Greek basket weavers and leather chairs that offer a contemporary interpretation of regional saddler’s art.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
“Set against the unparalleled beauty of the Mediterranean, we are thrilled to introduce W Hotels to Greece with the opening of W Costa Navarino,” said Benoit Racle, Vice President, Brand Management, W Hotels Worldwide. “From upcycling materials to a bioclimatic design, W Costa Navarino features sophisticated architecture that leans into the broader sustainability efforts of the coastal enclave, presenting international travelers and local tastemakers an opportunity to capture the energy of Mediterranean culture. World-class dining and immersive programming celebrate authentic Mediterranean culture, promising an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience at W Costa Navarino.”
The unique architectural design of the destination beach club Parelía as well as the Platía, were designed by Tombazis and Athens-based K-Studio, with the latter also leading interiors at Parelía. The interior design at the sunset restaurant and bar, Between was created by Interior Design Laboratorium. Inspired by the local area and Greek heritage, the custom-designed W totem was crafted with reclaimed wood collected from old fishing boats, representing the notion of seafaring.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
Setting the tone as a music and artistic hub, the passionate personality of W Hotels comes to life through the artistic and musical edge across the lush grounds. With its original music programming, guests can enjoy a diverse, genre-defying programme including funky house, hot disco, afro-house, tribal and neo-soul. The Escape is set to host international and local DJs and musicians each season such as Alex Nude and Valeron & Band, to complement its roster of resident DJs including Ukrainian Rie Kiriiaka, Greek-Colombian DJ Montana Cruz and Greece’s own Vasilis Georgakopoulos.
True to brand, W Costa Navarino ignites curiosity with contemporary art throughout the hotel, intended to provoke conversation among guests. The artwork curation is led by visual artist and curator Poka-Yio and a team of young artists by the Athens School of Fine Arts LAB12. It is closely linked to notions of inclusiveness and culture, aiming to have a deeper purpose and act as a means to explore and escape, surprise and challenge and ultimately contribute to what W Costa Navarino represents – a different hospitality experience.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
The resort shelters a number of culinary points, ensuring that – whatever the mood and whatever the hour – guests will have something that promises to please the palate. W Lounge, at the heart of the Escape, offers a globally inspired menu alongside a range of palate cleansing spritzers, aperitifs and locally inspired, eco-conscious cocktails. Platía is a playful spin on the traditional Greek food market and is a destination for breakfast, daytime coffees, or a relaxed group dinner in the evening. The space evokes the informal buzz and energy of a marketplace with four separate “grab & go” outlets. The Café celebrates coffee culture with daily ground coffee selection and a roastery serving all specialty varieties, in addition to fresh juices and snacks throughout the day, while the Cookery presents an open-style kitchen for morning breakfast and plays host to visiting chefs and pop-up concepts.
With a menu concept based on raw food, Between will offer cocktails and light dinner bites that celebrate the purity of flavour and aroma found in the natural form of ingredients – including oysters, clams, and premium caviar. Accompanied by live DJ sets and a cocktail menu focused on seasonality and simplicity, the aptly named Between will be the ideal setting for sipping a craft cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
“W Costa Navarino celebrates a unique blend of energies immersed in a naturally beautiful setting. The new vibrant resort combines traditional elements from the Messinian culture with the unmistakable character and unique vibe for which W Hotels are known,” said Nassos Papazoglou, General Manager, W Costa Navarino. “From the thoughtfully refined and locally inspired design, with a strong focus on art to, diverse and energetic programming, W Costa Navarino is ready to make a mark in the Mediterranean hospitality scene.”
The destination beach club is set to be the social hot spot of W Costa Navarino. Its name Parelía’s combines the Greek word ‘parea’, meaning friends socializing, with ‘paralia’, meaning beach. With DJs playing a mix of genres from Electro House to NuJazz and Fusion and live music throughout the day, Parelía naturally evolves from a casual beach mood for swimming and unwinding, to a high-energy venue for late night fun, dancing and partying by the sea.
The WET Deck features a breath-taking infinity pool with views across the crystalline Ionian Sea and beyond, along with plenty of space to relax in the sun after a swim. The AWAY Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments to balance guests’ energy while FIT gym has a 25-meter outdoor heated swimming pool and the latest gym equipment for guests wanting to maintain their fitness routine at leisure.
Main image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
Hotel Summit & Tech in Hospitality Summit 2022 unveil speaker line-up
With just over a month to go until hoteliers and suppliers will attend Hotel Summit and Tech in Hospitality Summit, Editor Hamish Kilburn takes a look at the speaker line-up, which includes panel discussions and talks on sustainability, technology and diversity…
With just under five weeks to go until Hotel Summit and Tech in Hospitality Summit officially get underway, the line-up of speakers, which Hotel Designs has secured as part of its on-going partnership with the events, has been announced.
Owned by Forum Events, Hotel Summit, which for more than two decades has been bringing together senior hospitality professionals with key-industry suppliers, will take place between September 26 – 27 at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow. The event, which is free to attend for qualified hotel buyers, will consists of pre-arranged, one-to-one meetings, a carefully curated seminar programme and a networking dinner with entertainment.
After recognising the rise in demand for tech-driven hospitality, Forum Events has strengthened its hospitality and design portfolio by launching a summit specifically catered towards technology. Tech in Hospitality Summit will make its debut on September 27 at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow.
The sister events, both closely linked, will not only share the same venue, but also the same talks programme, which has been designed to tackle relevant and ever-evolving topics, such as ESG and greenwashing; diversity and inclusion, efficient marketing and sensitively injecting technology.
Scratching away at the greenwashing veneer, Hotel Designs aims to put sustainability and ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) at the forefront of Hotel Summit, which will start with an exclusive panel discussion that will explore how recent research, development and a conscious mindset is allowing hotels to lay down innovative initiatives to achieve a net-zero business model – and it starts with design.
09:45 – 10:30 (seminar) Back to front inclusion
Presented by Sheryl Miller, Founder, Reboot Global, this session will explore how to create an inclusive culture that values difference, turns your customers into fans and gives you a competitive edge in customer service. The session will cover navigating the evolving diversity of global travellers, how cognitive bias can derail a positive customer experience, how a ‘be yourself’ workplace empowers colleagues to respond to unique guest needs and practical strategies to make colleagues feel valued through everyday interactions.
Miller is a Chartered Accountant by background. She qualified with EY and worked in a variety of commercial finance roles before moving into organisational change, leading large scale transformation in companies such as National Grid and Tesco. In 2018 she wrote the book, ‘Smashing Stereotypes: How To Get Ahead When You’re The Only _____ In The Room’. This led to extensive research into the science of individual performance in the workplace for people from different backgrounds.
She provides Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training, consultancy and C-suite coaching to businesses who are looking for fresh perspectives on how to create the right environments for high performance. She also holds a number of Non Executive Director roles for organisations including the NHS, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and is Head of Mentoring for the London Chapter of PWN Global (Professional Women’s Network).
17:00 – 17:45 (seminar) Recession marketing plan: the 7 key areas to focus your limited spend
Former hotelier and digital marketing expert, Adam Hamadache, CEO, DHM, will present a talk on effective and efficient marketing strategies. As recession looms, and energy prices soar, marketing budgets will be scrutinised, reduced or even slashed. Stopping all marketing activity is well known to be a false economy as we learnt during the pandemic. Hamadache will share his advice on what hotels should do with their limited marketing resources in 2023. His presentation aims to provide a set of guiding principles to help hotels continue to grow bookings and recruit staff with a reduced budget.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
08:45 – 09:20 (Panel discussion) Sensitively injecting tech in hotel design & hospitality
With tech in hospitality and design being one of the key pillars of Hotel Summit and Tech in Hospitality Summit, Editor Hamish Kilburn interview Naomi Heaton who is the developer of the new hospitality brand The Other House to understand how the brand – from design to service – is meaningfully injecting and embracing technology.
09:30 – 10:30 (Seminar) “How hospitality technology has changed and what does the future look like?”
The two-day programme will end with a talk from Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA. The pandemic saw an influx of new technologies some of which have been adopted into ‘normal’ life, others have been dumped! In this final session, Pendlebury will explore what the future looks like regarding technology in hospitality?
Sounds great! How do I attend either summits?
If you are a supplier (tech or otherwise) to the hospitality industry looking to meet top hotel professionals, contact Ashley Dawson at a.dawson@forumevents.co.uk– or click here to book your place.
If you are a hotelier and would like to attend either Summit for free, please contact Kerry Naumburger at k.naumburger@forumevents.co.uk– or click here to book your place.
Main image credit: Hotel Designs/Interior Design & Architecture Summit
Hotel Designs takes a look at two of Sekers’ latest collections, Toledo and Varna…
Sekers has recently announced the launch of Toledo, a lush polyester velvet that incorporates FibreGuard anti-stain technology and Varna, which is a versatile collection featuring two opulent velvet upholstery fabrics; Columbia and Odessa.
Toledo proves suitable for contract upholstery and accessories. Also, this collection boasts a subtle printed texture and soft lustre providing a modern edge. Moreover, the anti-stain finish makes it even more relevant for the hotel and contract market, where durability is key. In short, Toledo resists tough stains.
Image caption: Varna by Sekers. | Image credit: Sekers
Varna, meanwhile, is all about opulence with its two velvets. Odessa isa. bold tie-dye print that is reminiscent of the water’s edge on the shore of the Black Sea. Its colour is its value, with it being easy to pair with the contemporary plain, Columbia, which is a sumptuous-cotton-look velvet with a luxurious soft touch. The collection is available in 30 colourways and is supplied with crib 5 flame retardant backing with a strong Martindale abrasion performance.
Sekers 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 caption: Toledo by Sekers. | Image credit: Sekers
The Laguna, A Luxury Collection property by Marriott International in Nusa Dua, has been completely renovated, showcasing a design inspired by its beautiful tropical surroundings with echoes of the local traditions of Balinese culture…
Nestled on Bali’s pristine white sand beach of Nusa Dua, The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, having just emerged from a full-scale transformational renovation, encapsulates the best of Bali. Boasting seven lagoon pools, 287 guestrooms, suites and luxury villas, the resort has its own temple and award-winning restaurants and bars. Step outside of the resort, and guests will find the nearby Nusa Dua beach, the renowned Uluwatu Temple and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park.
Image credit: The Laguna / Marriott International
Image credit: The Laguna / Marriott International
The new design of the rooms is inspired by the collective stories and traditions of Bali, as well as nautical influences from the resort’s seven lagoons. The Laguna has incorporated the Balinese ‘sulaman’ embroidered headboard as the rooms’ central design feature, choosing colours and materials that echo the art, while the story of the lagoon and the nautical experiences around it are also celebrated with rope and leather detailing and a bespoke selection of lamps and shiplap walls. Woven keben baskets, typically used to carry offerings at temples, and low-rise dulang tables that carry colourful spreads of local tropical fruits feature alongside specially commissioned artwork pays tribute to the island’s arts and crafts. The rooms all offer unique advantages such as private balconies, immediate access to pools, private pools and large living spaces.
Image credit: The Laguna / Marriott International
Surrounded by azure pools and leafy tropical greenery, the award-winning spa features indoor treatment rooms, two treatment gazebos overlooking the Indian Ocean, along with a private relaxation lounge with steam and sauna facilities. In perfect harmony with seven crystalline lagoon pools, lush tropical gardens and pristine beach, the resort’s design and ambiance ties in with its surroundings of water, nature and indigenous culture, encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit.
Main image credit: The Laguna / Marriott International
Following on from the success of Harlequin Colour 1 and Colour 2, Harlequin Colour 3 embarks on a voyage of discovery, charting the cultural aesthetics and regional techniques found along the Silk Road. We went along for the ride…
The Harlequin design journey begins with the glowing midnight colours of China’s lantern lit streets and the gently meandering rivers in the same glorious turquoise shades as Uzbekistan’s mosaic clad architecture. In ‘Journey of Discovery’, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon sit alongside the Tower of Babel, surrounded by geishas, goddesses and emperors, snow leopards, giant pandas and the mythical Chinese dragon. Like a map of the Silk Road, this wallpaper charts a voyage of discovery in a remarkable and ornate piece of hand painted cartography.Together with nine further wallpaper designs, that are all suitable for contract settings, this collection includes the sights, experiences and some inspired interpretations of the ancient trading route.
Image credit: Sanderson Design Group / Harlequin
Image credit: Sanderson Design Group / Harlequin
The perfect partner to Journey of Discovery, ‘Shiruku’ is a wonderful colour coordinating wallpaper. Representative of a traditional Uzbekistani silk, its ikat style is printed on beautiful nonwoven paper, with a gentle emboss that retains the same woven texture as the original archive document. Combining an organic hand with architectural influences, ‘Dawning’ is an ideal choice for modern spaces. Inspired by the cover of a tiny Japanese book housed in the Harlequin archive and a Silk Road sunrise, its diffusion of colour welcomes in the new day. In a gorgeous set of chalky colours, Dawning’s slightly geometric pattern is almost like refracted light.
Image credit: Sanderson Design Group / Harlequin
Image credit: Sanderson Design Group / Harlequin
With a strong architectural look, ‘Blocks’ is a large scale checkerboard wallpaper influenced by a traditional artisan weave. Layers of 3D shapes build to make a bold geometric pattern in a choice of three colourways. For a harmonious aesthetic, ‘Manzara’s’ beautiful, large scale ombre with a relaxed, tonal movement and ethereal feel creates an atmospheric wallpaper panel that resembles painted parchment. Providing a stunning backdrop to all styles of interior, it’s the perfect choice for wrapping large spaces.
“Harlequin Colour 3 builds on from Colour 1 and 2, combining new and existing designs to create a global traveller feel,” explained Claire Greenfield, Head of Design, Harlequin. “We have some beautiful ethnic and Asian inspired patterns that slot together like pieces of a jigsaw, with a richness of colour contrasting with a handcrafted aesthetic. We’ve chosen our favourite Silk Road treasures, whether local crafts, compositions or colours and applied them to a gorgeous range of wallpapers to create a collection that sings of adventure.”
Image credit: Sanderson Design Group / Harlequin
Continuing to champion individuality, Harlequin’s designs and colourways have been carefully edited into one of four signature ‘looks’. Named Rewild, Retreat, Renew and Reflect, each look enables designers to discover how their customers can #OWNTHEROOM in a way that matches their interior style, while providing a sense of well-being with products suitable for the hospitality environment.
Sanderson Design 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.
Harrison Spinks’ path to becoming leaders in luxury sustainable comfort
The plot around bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks becoming leaders in sustainability thickens. Here is how the brand that was born on a farm, near Leeds 180 years ago, is making a difference…
Fifth generation family business Harrison Spinks secures its position as industry leaders in luxury sustainable comfort with a partnership with a sustainability consultancy and the appointment of a non-executive director. This follows news in April that they have become the largest industrial hemp grower in the UK, with the acquisition of an additional 80 acres of farmland in North Yorkshire to allow the company to produce in excess of 1,000 tonnes of hemp annually.
Image caption: Pocklington by Harrison Spinks
Image caption: Ravenscar by Harrison Spinks
A 180 year old business; the company has three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, Innovation and International Trade, was the first in their industry to hold a Carbon Neutral Plus accreditation and the first in the sector to partner with British Wool on their Traceable Wool Scheme.
The bed manufacturer has started working with management consultancy Project Rome to support in the development of their sustainability road map, in addition to appointing leading sustainability and social responsibility advisor Dr Louise Ellis as non-executive director to redefine their plans to include an emphasis on people, community and sustainable, circular manufacture. Dr Louise Ellis has more than 25 years’ experience of leading organisations to make a difference and strive for environmental and social equity.
Image credit: The Signature Collection by Harrison Spinks
Harrison Spinks’ expansion into new North Yorkshire farmland supports the business’s growth and sustainability plans, increasing its hemp production. Spanning 80 acres the farmland will be used to increase the company’s industrial hemp production, becoming the largest industrial hemp producer in the UK.
Image credit: Harrison Spinks
A key component in the brand’s mattresses, known for its fresh, gentle and absorbent properties, is the fibre that makes for the perfect mattress filling. Known for its environmental benefits, hemp absorbs more CO2 per hectare in its growth cycle than any other forest or commercial crop. This allows the company to continue to produce luxury mattresses in the most environmentally responsible way possible.
Harrison Spinks strives to use recycled components and grow or manufacture as much as of their own sustainable materials as possible on their farms and at their headquarters.
Believing comfort and sustainability go hand in hand with goals to be world leader in both and to leave the world in a better place for future generations.
Harrison Spinks 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: Toni ElKadi on maximising the hotel bathroom experience
With the bathroom playing an increasingly important role when it comes to selecting a hotel, a high-quality, contemporary design is key. Toni ElKadi, Head of Global Project Business Duravit, spoke to us about upgrading the hotel experience, while looking at how to maximise customer satisfaction via design…
Whether in a three-star city hotel or a five-star luxury resort, comfortable, spacious bathrooms with perfect hygiene solutions are a solid foundation for satisfied hotel guests. With the spotlight firmly focussed on wellness and spa experiences, the pressure is on for the bathroom to deliver. We caught up with Toni Elkadi, who in his role in Global Project Business at Duravit, works with hotels across the globe, to discuss all things bathroom and design.
Hotel Designs: Mr. ElKadi, at Duravit you oversee Global Project Business, part of which involves interfacing with renowned hotel operators from around the world. How important is the bathroom within the interior design of a hotel?
Toni ElKadi: In an era of online booking portals, positive guest reviews are more important than ever for hoteliers. We need to see the bathroom as being a key factor in customer satisfaction and enhancing the quality of the guests’ stay. Guests are more susceptible to the bathroom than other areas of the hotel, no other space is as intimate for the guest as the bathroom.
Image credit: Duravit
Image credit: Duravit
HD: What are your recommendations to hoteliers for their interior bathroom concept in terms of design and colour? Are there any materials that hoteliers should avoid?
TEK: It’s not about avoiding a specific material, but rather selecting high-quality materials that meet the needs of both the environment and the guest. Rectangular bathroom furniture with open space is recommended for smaller areas, as they can increase the usability of the room. Use authentic, natural colours for furniture. This creates a relaxed environment and helps the guests feel comfortable and can enhance the overall experience of a stay, as the guests enjoy the tranquillity of the bathroom.
Image credit: Duravit
For 5-star hotels and resorts, comfort, design and materials play a decisive role, especially for bathtubs. The innovative DuraSolid is a material with a unique look and feel. Duravit’s freestanding bathtubs such as Zencha, Luv or Cape Cod can be rectangle, round, oval or even square and entice guests to enjoy a unique bathing experience. With its all-encompassing product portfolio, Duravit provides designers and operators with inspiration and a wide variety of design concepts – whether modern, traditional, or contemporary.
HD: Which surfaces are best suited for the sanitary equipment in hotel bathrooms? What makes them suitable for this environment?
TEK: The quality of the product is the deciding factor, in addition to the attention to detail in terms of design. Duravit offers highly developed products made especially for wet and damp environments. As an example, I’d like to mention our innovative matt lacquer surfaces as these are scratch-resistant and are easy to care for. Several coats of a special water-based lacquer are applied by hand, producing a surface of an extraordinary quality with innovative properties. The anti-fingerprint coating makes fingerprints disappear, the surfaces have a pleasant feel, and they are easy to clean.
Image credit: Duravit / Michael Gregonowits
HD: Cleaning and cleanliness also play a central role in the hotel business – can you elaborate a bit on this?
TEK: Exactly, a further aspect is of course hygiene. The hotel bathroom is a place that needs to guarantee the utmost in cleanliness and hygiene. That’s why the right equipment is essential and why the hygienic qualities of the products need to be considered, such as the Duravit Rimless technology. The open rim design promotes hygiene thanks to a powerful water flow and represents a cost-effective solution for the housekeeping team – the overall cleaning time can be reduced, and efficiency guaranteed.
HD: What role does sustainability play in hotel bathrooms?
TEK: Alongside design, sustainability is naturally a key principle in decision-making. All Duravit furniture is manufactured at our plant in the Black Forest and is PEFC-certified, meaning it is made from wood products from sustainably managed forests. Water consumption is also a key factor. This can also be reduced by the optimum flushing of toilets. The innovative HygieneFlush flushing technology provides a powerful flushing flow. Independent tests show that this new flushing technique optimally cleans the entire inner surface of the toilet. Similarly, the focus of the development of the Duravit faucets is on creating sustainable and durable products. Durable products are characterised by timelessly modern design, high user-friendliness, and intelligent functions. All washbasin faucets are limited to 5 l/min, and the MinusFlow option even reduces this to 3.5 l/min. This can save energy and costs, especially with large projects in the hotel area.
HD: And finally, how can technology in the bathroom enhance the guest experience?
TEK: As the world becomes ever more digital, innovative products that enhance the user’s comfort are finding their way into the bathroom. This is the product of a customer-focused research and development process that combines technology, functionality, and design in a meaningful way. An example of this is the shower toilet. With shower toilets, hotels can offer their guests a comfortable experience with optimum hygiene – because nothing is as purifying as water. SensoWash is a by-word for contemporary, gentle, and flawless hygiene. The SensoWash Starck shower-toilet is iconic and minimalistic in equal measure. Light is another important topic for designers and operators. With the use of Duravit mirrors, the light atmosphere in the bathroom can be covered for any structural conditions – whether in terms of mood, ambience, experience, design or technology. Finally, sensor basin mixers: touchless faucets offer a hygienic and smart solution for public areas.
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.
Following the success of the Aleenta Resorts & Spas in Phuket and Hua Hin, the luxury boutique hotel group in Asia, AKARYN Hotel Group has announced that it will open its third property under the Aleenta Resort brand of luxury boutique resorts with Aleenta Chiang Mai Resort & Spa slated to open in Q1 of 2023…
Aleenta, which means ‘a rewarding life’, has served as the hotel collection’s manifesto since its launch in 2006 with the inaugural Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Committed to offering a five-star experience, Aleenta Resorts are focussed on spacious suite accommodations, premium design, exceptional F&B, first class facilities and holistic retreat programmes for ultimate wellness uniting the mind, body and spirit. Situated between the ancient city of Chiang Mai and the region’s lush countryside, Aleenta Chiang Mai will be geared towards the health-conscious traveller seeking complete relaxation, holistic rebalancing and an authentic Thai hospitality experience.
Image credit: AKARYN Hotel Group
“After a fruitful few years with the success of the first two Aleenta Resorts, we’re excited to be launching Aleenta Chiang Mai along with the addition of the holistic medical programmes, elevating the resort’s wellness offering to an unrivalled level in the region,” said Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Managing Director, AKARYN Hotel Group. “Continuing to strive for excellence, the Aleenta Resort brand will welcome additional properties over the next few years, expanding beyond the borders of Thailand.”
Sheltering an intimate 44 guestrooms, Aleenta Chiang Mai will boast a combination of 32 spacious guestrooms all with private terraces, and one-and-two-bedroom pool villas. The highlight of the hotel is a four bedroom teak wood villa, made from antique golden teak that was collected by the owner, restored, and carefully reassembled into a new structure, inviting guests for a traditional Thai living experience finished with contemporary comforts and a private swimming pool. Tastefully merging traditional Thai design with modern facilities, each villa will be crafted from recovered, traditional teak wood, manifesting a sustainable design concept whilst celebrating the essence of rejuvenation. With a clean and contemporary aesthetic, the façade of the hotel will marry well with the state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, and when it comes to the hotel’s interiors, guests can expect to be welcomed by a soothing palette of neutral hues, natural materials and sophisticated furnishings for an atmosphere that encourages the ultimate tranquillity.
Image credit: AKARYN Hotel Group
With a mission to provide the very best in innovative holistic medical wellness, having recently been awarded its medical licensing, Aleenta Chiang Mai will offer wellness retreats with tailor-made programs to help clients reach their individual goals. With an in-house doctor, nurse and “master healer”, the resort will assist its guests in achieving optimum wellness and balance in life, through holistic approaches encompassing diet and nutrition, mental wellbeing, physical fitness and medical guidance, all set in an idyllic and tranquil environment.
Elevated gastronomy will be a priority, with the utmost importance given to curating a menu offering nutritious and delicious dishes. Advocating that diet and nutrition is a key component to health and wellbeing, the F&B programme at Aleenta Chiang Mai will boast a creative menu of Thai dishes with a contemporary twist, using the best local ingredients. For those attending health retreats, nutritionists will be on hand to devise tailor-made diet plans to support guests though achieving their health goals.
In addition, the hotel’s facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool with lounge area and bar, an all-day-dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and a fine-dining menu in the evening, library bar serving cocktails and drinks in the evening, Ayurah Wellness centre offering a full-service spa and a meeting room/event space for up to 40 people, with a workshop and multipurpose area.
The importance of colour – an artist’s perspective
With colour being the vibrant thread that runs through the work of artist Frances Bildner, she is a strong advocate of the transformative power of art in any environment. We caught up with her to ask the simple but loaded question – what’s so important about colour…?
There is no doubt that colour plays a major role in our daily lives and, more importantly, influences and impacts on our mental health and general feeling of wellbeing. Much has been spoken about mental health recently – mental health and illness have been a taboo subject for years, especially in the United Kingdom, but with recent events still hovering on the horizon, it is now talked about continually.
Environment is extremely important for good mental health. Consider grey drab walls and their effect on a person who may be mentally fragile. It could exacerbate their already depressed mood. The opposite of that holds true as well, and bright colours in hotel lobbies and bedrooms add a great deal, not only to the hotels brand image, but it also makes the hotel a welcoming and friendly place to go.
The most effective way of injecting colour into a commercial or hospitality space is, in my opinion, through art. Apart from the art making its own statement, it also creates an environment that allows customers to feel comfortable and inspired.
Image credit: Frances Bildner Expressive Arts
Image credit: Frances Bildner Expressive Arts
Looking at colours specifically, there has been a lot of research on what different colours bring to the table. If used intelligently, colours can both enhance and direct an experience – the colours and art you would put in a spa for example would be different from those in a restaurant. Blues and greens add a calm atmosphere, reds and pinks stimulate passion, adventure, and energy. Purple has been shown to boost creativity and productivity, while shades of yellow stimulate appetite.
Apart from enhancing the customers experience, consciously curated colour can assist hotels in their business and interactions with clients. Having happy customers who have reacted positively to their environment is advantageous to everyone. And colour can make this happen.
The importance of colour has long been recognized by interior designers and architects. Bright and even subtle colour eliminates the institutional feel of places like hotels. In hospitals unfortunately they still don’t use enough colour or good paintings to help patients and lift the mood. The corridors and rooms still retain the grey monotony which must have a negative effect on patients. Happily, hotels are recognising the importance of colour and original art, using both to bring happy customers in and to have them return.
It is important to remember that we are both visual and auditory beings. Light comes in through our eyes and is translated into signals in our brains which tell us whether we should approach and remain in an area or whether the lack of light warns us and makes us move away. Colour influences us in how we respond to everything around us. It can affect how we feel, think, how we interact with others and even whether we buy a certain item or have a drink or a meal. It is all subtle and subliminal, but it affects us all. As Picasso once said “Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions” .
The concept of colour psychology has become a huge topic in marketing, art, design and even business psychology. It is important to remember that peoples feelings about colour are often deeply personal and rooted in individual cultures. White has been seen in western countries to represent purity, while in eastern countries white may be seen as mourning. Different colours appeal differently to individuals, and can have varied cultural associations collectively.
Image caption: Prisms of Light. | Image credit: Frances Bildner Expressive Arts
Several ancient cultures like the Chinese and Egyptians practiced chromotherapy, sometimes called light therapy, to heal. It is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment. Colours and emotions are closely interlinked, so designers can take this on board, and choose colour specifically to get the results they are looking for.
Hotel guests today make their choices based on what kind of experience they envision for themselves. Colour evokes an emotion which can be attached to an experience. People can, we are told, make subconscious evaluations about their environment in as little as ninety seconds. So is colour an important aspect of hotel design? It would appear to be a vital element for everyone, from clients through to staff. Without it a drab unfriendly environment is the result.
In my opinion, yes, colour is important and no hotel should be without bursts of colour provided by good art!
Frances Bildner Expressive Arts 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: Frances Bildner Expressive Arts
Monterock International opens its second Santorini property
Monterock International (MRI), a global private equity holding company, has announced its launch of Danae Suites Santorini, the firm’s third Greece-based, and second Santorini-specific hospitality investment this year – preceded by the opening of Nobu Hotel Santorini and N Hotel Mykonos…
Santorinis’ newest kid on the block, the boutique hotel, Danae Suites, is located in the serene and scenic village of Finikia and is just a short drive from the vibrant coastal town of Oia. The property is surrounded by steep cobbled alleys where travellers can explore the authentic architecture of the cave houses, and traditional local tavernas which are available for experiencing the regional cuisine and most importantly, one of Santorini’s best local, organic vineyards, whereby guests can indulge in a session of wine tasting. Monterock have undertaken a rigorous development of this property over a period of several years, expanding the hotel to approximately 6,500 square meter plot area sheltering 23 guestrooms.
Image credit: Danae Suites Santorini
Taking inspiration from, and complementing its environment, Danae Suites pays homage to Finikia’s architectural traditions, with all its suites in Cycladic themed surroundings with pastoral sunsets and sea views. The property’s room sizes range from 25 to 40 square metres, and includes six Regular Cave and five Deluxe Cave Suites, four Junior Suites with alfresco jacuzzis, three Honeymoon Suites with alfresco jacuzzis, and finally five Exclusive Executives Suites with adjoining private plunge pools, and full sea views.
Image credit: Danae Suites Santorini
The hotel is centered around its vast infinity pool which boasts a breath-taking panoramic view, particularly at sunset hour. The infinity pool is accommodated with a pool bar where guests can enjoy local cuisine and native ingredients within their all-day dining and snack menus. Danae’s breakfast area is located indoors, under the pool deck where patrons can enjoy the fresh and succulent dishes, which are all accompanied by the unparalleled Greek hospitality, which is the core ethos of Danae Suites.
The Brit List Awards 2022 – early bird tickets now on sale!
Come (back) to the cabaret, old chum! We are preparing a performance of a lifetime. That’s right, The Brit List Awards 2022 will return in style to London’s iconic cabaret venue, PROUD Embankment, on November 2! What’s more, early bird tickets have just gone on sale (but hurry as there is limited time and limited spaces available)…
It’s getting to that time of the year again – shake the glitter out of your pockets from last year and shine your shoes – in preparation for The Brit List Awards 2022! Now that applications/nominations have closed, we are steering our attention towards the climax of the campaign; the award ceremony, which this year takes place on November 2 at PROUD Embankment – and we would love to see you all there!
To make sure you all do indeed ‘come to the cabaret’, we have just released our ‘early bird’ tickets, which, if purchased by September 18, will allow designers, architects, hoteliers and developers to attend for just £20 + VAT per ticket – click here to secure. For suppliers and anyone else who does not qualify as a designer, architect, hotelier or developer, tickets purchased before September 18 are priced at £99 + VAT – click here to secure.
But hurry! We have limited tickets available for The Brit List Awards 2022 (last year was a sold-out affair). After September 18, remaining tickets for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers will be available £30 + VAT. For anyone else wishing to attend, tickets will be priced at £150 + VAT.
Image credit: Sans Souci
PROUD Embankment is a majestic two-storied venue that is designed to host a spectacular array of shows and events. Complete with sumptuous otherworldly interiors, the venue will transform on November 3 as a playground for respected designers, architects and hospitality experts as The Brit List Awards 2022 comes to a close with the awards ceremony.
Founded by the club owner and entrepreneur Alex Proud himself, the PROUD group started in 1998 with galleries. Since then, it has grown exponentially to become one of Europe’s leading photographic galleries and cabaret venues. From the historic and decadent feel, to its immersive interior design details, PROUD Embankment is truly spectacular with a sense magic in the atmosphere, complimented soon with a sprinkle of Hotel Designs glamour.
The Brit List Awards 2022 is Britain’s most meaningful design and hospitality awards ceremony. In addition to the individual awards up for grabs, the top 25 entries in the interior design, architecture and hospitality categories will be profiled in the prestigious The Brit List, Hotel Designs’ annual publication that references the top 75 most influential individuals in British design, architecture and hospitality.
The shortlist for The Brit List Awards 2022 will be available shortly ahead of the winners being announced at the awards ceremony. We hope you can join us at the cabaret in celebration of a year full of design statements and hospitality milestones.
In an important step towards greener buildings, GROHE is disclosing the ecological impact of its products with the release of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and have committed to rolling this out for more than 600 products by the end of October…
As carbon emissions from buildings and construction constitute almost 40 per cent of global carbon emissions, knowledge of a building’s environmental impact is becoming key to enable the construction industry to work towards the necessary green transformation. Accordingly, a number of countries have already established national lifecycle carbon limits for new or public buildings. Some require carbon reporting as a minimum standard, while others have generally enacted more stringent requirements for new construction projects.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are considered by the European Commission as a suitable means of evaluating the sustainability of a building since the materials and products used in it significantly determine a building’s impact on the environment. In order to provide its customers with transparency regarding the ecological footprint of its products, GROHE will release EPDs for 18 product groups that cover more than 600 single products by the end of October. The first batch, already published, includes basin and kitchen mixers, thermostats, and shower rail sets. A second wave will follow by the end of October 2022 and will comprise special fittings, hand showers, installation systems and flush plates.
“To preserve our planet, we need to change the way we create our built environment,” said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA. “We welcome EPD as the industry’s ‘new normal’ to foster the transformation towards low environmental impact and low energy consumption projects. They are the prerequisite for sustainable, future-ready building concepts.”
Image credit: GROHE
“With the launch of EPDs for a wide range of our portfolio, we offer our customers easy orientation and transparent comparison options with regard to the life cycle assessment of our products,” continued Brennwald. “On this basis, they can make informed statements about the environmental impact of buildings, which is often a cornerstone for sustainability certifications such as DGNB, LEED or BREEAM, or even a prerequisite for new building permits in many European cities. With increasing pressure on the construction industry to make buildings ever more sustainable, information of this kind will be a selection criterion for products in the future, on a level with price, design or quality.”
Image credit: GROHE
“We also looked at the usage phase, which has sometimes been neglected by the industry in the past,” explained Tomas Kvillström, Leader, Commercial Regulation, LIXIL EMENA. “The long use phase of our products is the main driver for water and energy consumption and therefore a crucial piece of information for building management companies and hotel operators in particular. However, this knowledge is not only elementary for our customers, but also a good benchmark for us to further increase the sustainability of our value chain and products.”
Today, the focus for sustainable product requirements is primarily on Global Warming Potential. Through the collection and validation of EPD-relevant data, GROHE is striving to develop increasingly low-emission product strategies in the long term while continuously improving its own carbon footprint. Potential for improvement could be identified, for example, in aspects such as sourcing materials closer to the plant or strengthening GROHE’s approach to green transportation. All fittings plants and German distribution centres have switched to green energy. The collected EPD data shows CO2 peaks and can therefore support the goal of further avoiding and reducing emissions, and also in turn minimize the share of compensation to be paid. As a brand in the LIXIL portfolio, which is a Japanese manufacturer of pioneering water and housing products, GROHE’s efforts contribute to the corporation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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.
Nobu Hospitality, has announced the launch of a Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in the chic beach destination of Tulum, Mexico. This is a significant milestone for Nobu Hospitality, marking the brand’s 30th hotel globally and the sixth hotel and fourth residential project between Nobu Hospitality and RCD Hotels. Here’s what we know…
With powder-soft, white sand beaches, coastal Mayan ruins, and one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, Tulum is an idyllic location for adventurous sunseekers. Tucked away in the charming Riviera Maya, Nobu Hotel Tulum will feature 200 guestrooms and suites including 12 villas, a beachfront Nobu restaurant, expansive meeting space with stunning outdoor venues for weddings and special events, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa, and 50 stylish beachside residences.
“We are extremely proud to have achieved our 30th hotel milestone in just nine years and honoured to share the vision of our hotel owning partners and thankful for the passion of our Nobu colleagues around the world,” said Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality. “Formidable partnerships at their heart need complete and mutual trust, alignment of values and a shared vision; through establishing strong and special relationships with key industry leaders and groups around the world our growth has been catapulted to 30 hotels. One of these groups, RCD Hotels, were born out of the same family values and spirit of entrepreneurship as Nobu Hospitality, and today RCD has grown into a hotel owning powerhouse including six Nobu Hotels Residences whilst maintaining their core values. It is a special privilege to be partnering with RCD again and on this exciting new project as the Nobu Hotel and Residences Tulum.”
Image credit: Nobu Hospitality / Nobu Santorini
“It’s incredible to celebrate major milestones and it’s amazing to see the Nobu Hotels brand expand its multi-property footprint together with us in Mexico, the Caribbean, and the US,” added Mr. Roberto Chapur, President of RCD Hotels. “Congratulations to everyone who helped get us here and we are confident that our relationship will continue to thrive for years to come. With our growing portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts, RCD is grateful for the support of our partners and patrons throughout the years and we are here today because of you.”
This is a significant milestone for Nobu Hospitality, marking the brand’s 30th hotel globally and the sixth hotel and fourth residential project between Nobu Hospitality and RCD Hotels. The growing partnership between Nobu Hospitality and RCD Hotels was cemented in 2016 with the opening of Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, followed by Nobu Hotels in Los Cabos, Chicago, and pipeline openings in Punta Cana, Orlando, and now Tulum.
Main image credit: Nobu Hospitality / Nobu Los Cabos
LISTEN NOW: Ep 19 of DESIGN POD explores unconventional design details
The dynamic design duo from INODA + SVEJE sit on the DESIGN POD sofa with Editor Hamish Kilburn to discuss the inspiration behind the three new product designs that they created for the Minotti 2022 Collection, as well as sharing the secrets behind working with your life partner…
INODA+SVEJE was founded in 2000 in Copenhagen and is now, since 2003, situated in Milan. Together, working as a team of two – expanding beyond that would disrupt each designer’s harmony (their words, not mine) – they have developed a sensitive approach applied to both the design process and the resulting form and aesthetics.
Listen here:
The pair joined the podcast sofa just one week after Milan Design Week to record the episode where we discussed how their latest products – Yoko, Lars and Sendai – went down with the design and architecture community when they launched during the show as well as exploring the design duo’s unique approach to product design.
In addition to discussing the collection in detail – from concept to unveiling of the products – the interview explores the merging of two cultures – Japan and Denmark, which geographically are far apart but in terms of style have similar respect for minimalism.
DESIGN POD is the contemporary podcast for all architecture and design enthusiasts. Series 3 of DESIGN POD is produced by Mel Yates and is hosted by Hamish Kilburn. The next episode to drop will feature Ivaylo Lefterov to understand how he is developing the world’s first energy-positive hotel.
Inspired by America’s mid-century modern design movement, Crosswater has launched Canvass, a new furniture collection that balances traditional design elements with modern craftsmanship to offer highly functional and stylish bathroom solutions…
The Canvass collection features classic silhouettes, calming palettes, and hard-wearing materials that work together to provide a timeless and durable solution that compliments both traditional and contemporary bathroom designs. The collection comprises a wall hung countertop unit that can be paired with coordinating height adjustable legs for a floor standing option. The Double Drawer Unit is available in four sizes, and four flawless finishes, which include Sage Green, Deep Indigo Blue, Storm Grey Matt, and White Gloss. Crosswater has included a choice of three different handles, modern, knurled, and classic, available in a range of different finishes for a uniquely customisable offering.
Image credit: Crosswater
Image credit: Crosswater
Canvass features soft closing, push to open drawers and, for those that want optimum functionality and extra storage, an optional internal drawer. The Double Drawer Unit features a Carrara Marble Effect Worktop that pairs beautifully with Crosswater’s wide range of countertop basins, including Circus, Navona, and Castellon. Available fully assembled for a quick and easy install, the Double Drawer Unit is crafted from sustainable sources and finished with a matt lacquered finish to protect the wood from bacteria, fingerprints, discolouration, and fading. The worktop is easy to clean, highly heat resistant, and impenetrable to dust, dirt, and bacteria.
Crosswater 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, in partnership with real estate development corporation Talaat Moustafa Group, has announced its plans for an extensive portfolio expansion in Egypt with the addition of new hotels, residential offerings and significant property enhancements…
Building on the long-term partnership with Talaat Moustafa Group, Four Seasons is set to expand its Egyptian collection with a new hotel and residential community in New Cairo Capital, a new hotel in Luxor and additional Private Residences in Sharm El Sheikh as part of its multi-million-dollar expansion. These latest residential additions, will take the Four Seasons Private Residences portfolio to over 300, across multiple markets in Egypt. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will be introduced in Egypt through this upcoming phase of strategic growth, further building upon the latest multi-million dollar property enhancements at Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh, which doubled the offerings of the existing property.
“Egypt is an important destination in Four Seasons history, as it marked our brand’s entry into the Middle East 22 years ago. Our continued expansion illustrates our ongoing commitment to the region, and all that it has to offer for luxury travellers and homeowners,” said Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management. “TMG has long been an integral development partner for our projects in Cairo at Nile Plaza, Alexandria at San Stefano and Sharm El Sheikh. We are thrilled to continue our exceptional work together, providing guests and residents in Egypt with unmatched luxury experiences through our collection of new hotel and residential offerings.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Located in the heart of the capital’s new evolution, New Cairo Capital is a global destination that stands entirely on its own. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty is anticipated to open in 2025 and will be set within the extraordinary Madinaty development on 185 hectares (460 acres) of verdant parkland. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be a captivating destination for those who wish to visit the ancient metropolis of Cairo and effortlessly explore the modern extension of the iconic capital city. The Hotel will feature 346 guestrooms and suites, while the Private Residences will be comprised of 107 villas and 80 luxury residences. The villas will range from 721 to 1,847 square metres, with six configurations featuring a contemporary design, floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop gardens, limestone finishings and private pools, all reminiscent of majestic Egyptian palaces, while luxury residences will range from 221 to 670 square metres with five configurations.
Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be designed by the legendary Pierre Yves-Rochon, who has also worked on Four Seasons properties in Paris, Megève, Bahrain Bay, Doha, Florence. The Hotel and Private Residences will feature a standalone spa and fitness facility. Across several private treatment rooms, an extensive array of tennis and multi-sport courts, guided group classes, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, visitors will be treated to an intentional space that has been designed for the art of wellbeing. Setting the stage for remarkable events, the hotel’s ballroom features striking vaulted ceilings and generous outdoor event lawn space to accommodate occasions big and small. Off property, the dynamic destination will offer guests, residents and their families easy access to additional gourmet restaurants, world-class golf courses, exceptional retail outlets, private schools and a full suite of attractions for all to enjoy in New Cairo Capital and Madinaty.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Perched on the Nile River in the south of Egypt, Luxor is one of the country’s most storied destinations and considered to be one of the world’s greatest ancient sites. Best known for its history as the ancient city of Thebes and its breathtaking Karnak and Luxor temple complexes, this impressively historic city acts as an open-air museum with some of Egypt’s finest artefacts on grand display throughout. Set to open in 2025, Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will include 200 guest rooms and suites, each with views of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The Hotel will be located just south of the highly acclaimed Luxor Temple, which dates back to 1400 BC. After a day of exploring the wonders of Luxor, guests will enjoy several restaurant and bar outlets, a tranquil spa, a fitness facility, multiple pools, and luxury retail. For those visiting for business or to host a special event, the property will feature expansive meeting and event spaces totalling 1,300 square metres .
WATG Architects, who have helped create Four Seasons experiences in Maui, Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Tianjin and a soon-to-come project in Hanoi will lead the design of the building, with Wimberly Interiors overseeing the interiors.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh has introduced a new era of seaside luxury to what has been one of Egypt’s most celebrated resorts since its opening 20 years ago. While the legendary service has remained the same, the property has now doubled in size following an exceptional enhancement project, with new accommodations, restaurants, recreational facilities and meeting spaces for travellers who seek a magical blend of mountains, desert and sea.
The expansion project includes the addition of 69 Private Residences to the existing collection of 77, giving luxury homeowners the very best of seaside living in Egypt. Overlooking crystal-clear waters and more than one kilometre of private beachfront, residents enjoy the property management and service expertise of Four Seasons dedicated residential team as well as priority access to the amenities and offerings of the newly expanded resort, which include twelve exciting culinary concepts, tennis courts, a golf course, fitness facilities, along with entry to one of the world’s most renowned dive sites.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
The new residential offerings will be comprised of 25 villas and 44 chalets ranging from 195 to 240 square metres. The two-bedroom ensuite chalets will feature expansive living spaces with sophisticated interiors and private pools. The four-bedroom villas will include sea views, private pools, spacious open-air entertaining setups and will have a total gross area of 710 square metres. With only two in the collection, the five-bedroom villas will be custom designed to the owner’s discretion and occupy expansion plots with uninterrupted views of the Red Sea.
Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Inside Downtown L.A. Proper – a Kelly Wearstler design
The latest addition to the Proper Hospitality portfolio, Downtown L.A Proper has opened its doors to the reimagined landmark building with interiors by designer Kelly Wearstler, blending vintage elements from the property’s historic roots with modern influences to create a hub for local creatives. We stepped inside to have a look…
Originally constructed by iconic Los Angeles architects Curlett & Beelman in the 1920s, the property was initially a private club whose members included luminaries such as Cecil B. DeMille, and was subsequently a YWCA in the 1960’s. Fast forward to the 21st Century, and LA-based real estate developer The Kor Group, in partnership with Frank Stork and Channing Henry, have worked closely with architect partner Omgivning and designer Kelly Wearstler with Proper Hotels, to reimagine that storied history with a modern lens, drawing inspiration from Downtown L.A. to layer vestiges from the 1920s with elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Mexican and Moroccan design.
Image credit: Proper Hotels / The Ingalls
In addition to vintage furniture and rugs, Wearstler employs more than 100 different kinds of hand-painted and custom tiles throughout the property, while site specific murals and installations by local talents such as artists Abel Macias and Ben Medansky, ceramicist Morgan Peck, and Judson Studios stained glass bring further dimension to the public spaces.
Image credit:
Deeply residential in feel, each of the rooms and suites is a canvas for curated pieces and specially designed furnishings with charcoal and mauve tones lending depth and warmth. Nodding to its former life as a YWCA, stand-out accommodations include the 1,430 square foot Proper Basketball Court Suite and 2,777 square foot Proper Pool Suite featuring a full-sized indoor swimming pool accented by a ceramic mural by local artist Ben Medansky.
Image credit: Proper Hotels / The Ingalls
Also positioning itself as a culinary destination, James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, oversee two (soon to be three) culinary experiences throughout the property. Lobby level restaurant & bar Caldo Verde, is a focal point within the hotel and neighbourhood, showcasing Goin and Styne’s nuanced and warm approach to hospitality. Open for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant draws inspiration from Portuguese and Spanish influences, while finding expression through the lens of Southern California. Boutique, esoteric wines from small producers hailing from Spain, Portugal and California, along with an extensive list of cocktails and non-alcoholic libations make up the property’s thoughtful beverage programme.
Image credit: Proper Hotels / The Ingalls
The dynamic bar programme is echoed across Cara Cara, the property’s rooftop restaurant and lounge offering sweeping and unobstructed city views. Goin’s all-day menu is similarly grounded in inspirations from sunny coasts around the world, and is crafted to complement Downtown L.A. Proper’s unrivalled rooftop and poolside experience. Later this winter, Proper Hospitality and Goin and Styne will introduce Dalia, an intimate ground level classic cocktail lounge and bar showcasing small-batch spirits in refined presentations.
“There is so much inspiration to draw from in each pocket of this historic building that is also reflective of DTLA’s evolution and modern-day awakening,” said Goin and Styne. “We look forward to serving this vibrant neighbourhood where locals and travellers converge, offering culinary experiences that tell the story of our personal histories in Los Angeles, as well as travels abroad.”
Image credit: Proper Hotels / The Ingalls
Underscoring Proper Hospitality’s commitment to creating distinct gathering places big and small for all occasions, Downtown L.A. Proper offers more than 14,000 square feet of spaces for meetings, weddings and special events with settings being home to diverse cultural and wellness programming including rooftop yoga and meditation. Guests will also enjoy access to complimentary Linus Bikes, and a 24/7 fitness centre featuring Peloton bikes, Tonal equipment and more.
Located within the South Park District adjacent to the Fashion District, the property is in close proximity to celebrated cultural venues such as L.A. Live, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Music Centre, MOCA, and The Broad Museum. With its opening, Downtown L.A. Proper is set to be an epicentre of hospitality and cultural experiences within the community.
From understated luxe to the avant-garde, Northern Lights have created bespoke luxury lighting for the hospitality sector across a range of impressive projects. We take a closer look at a few of the projects that had us swinging from the chandeliers…
With projects that begin on the drawing board, and get taken right through to installation, Northern Lights create bespoke lighting pieces, handcrafted by a team of skilled artisans in its UK facility. With particular expertise in glass techniques and metal fabrication, along with an extensive range of finishes, the designs utilise the creative capabilities and push the boundaries of manufacturing to create some of the most iconic luxury bespoke lighting on a global scale.
The array of different bespoke lighting developed for The Cadogan, Belmond was designed to reflect the spirit of a grand townhouse. It required scale and impact without overpowering the unique features in the space. The reception chandelier features two large rings with bespoke spun shades finished in off-white with a warm and luxurious gold interior.
Image credit: Belmond Cadogen / Michael Franke
With strong Art Deco influences, the brief for the opulent bar area in The Cadogan called for a two-tier feature chandelier comprising forty-four crackled glass globes, each housed by individual copper-spun pans. The frame of the extravagant bespoke centrepiece was handcrafted using mirror-polished nickel. The central chandeliers in the restaurant areas feature lead crystal tiers and hand cut oval textured glass on a tiered ring. The opacity and layering of the glass components allow the light to softly radiate through each piece with different intensity as guests move around the room.
Image credit: Mayfair Townhouse / Northern Lights
Northern Lights were appointed to develop deco-inspired lighting installations for the award-winning Mayfair Townhouse project, led by designers Goddard Littlefair. Centre stage in The Dandy Bar sits the impressive overhead lighting feature, luring guests to a truly atmospherically lit space. The bespoke design took inspiration from the form of delicate feathers, akin to flapper outfits made popular in the 1920s. Comprised of over 100 hand-blown glass pieces, each glass segment was pressed into a moulded hand carved tool to make each piece unique. Northern Lights worked with their artisans to develop an application of fine glass ‘flecks’ into each piece. Hand-applied to support the organic design intent and individuality, it created a subtle yet eye-catching twinkling effect integral to the brief. The lighting piece weighed in at over 150 kilograms, spanning over four metres in width.
Image credit@ Oatlands Park Hotel / Northern Lights
The large scale glass and brass finish chandelier, which demands attention in the lobby at Oatlands Park, came with several engineering challenges. The initial mild steel model was three times over the maximum weight allowance. The team at Northern Lights changed the approach, selecting alternative materials and modular slimline designs to maintain the aesthetic design principles but with a much lighter weight, ensuring the integrity and safety of the huge installation. An asymmetric series of rings are dressed in undulating clear fluted glass tubes to ensure as much light bypasses the structure from the skylight above, with brass antiqued tubes to offset the delicacy of the glass. Illuminated entirely with LED, each tier benefits from a uniform glow to accentuate the decorative perimeter tubes and create a warm ambience in the evening.
The brief for the Carlton Tower Jumeirah with designers 1508 London, required a vast quantity of exquisitely crafted bespoke lighting for the numerous public spaces. The artisans at Northern Lights utilised many luxurious materials including porcelain, brass, bronze and cut glass. Upon entrance to the hotel, guests are greeted by fixed cylindrical wall lights, expertly crafted using fine reeded glass and finished in a bronze lacquer. The frosted acrylic tube within enhances the illuminated effect, providing light that perfectly reflects the finish’s surface. In the Al Mare private dining room an incredible 1.8 metre-wide brass pendant is fixed centrally above the main dining table, creating a unique focal point. This elegant design features eight brass arms, each complete with slumped porcelain dishes offering an inviting ambience.
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: Belmond Cadogen / Michael Franke
Where design meets performance: Ceratherm Navigo from Ideal Standard
Combining sleek, minimalist design with innovative Navigo technology, Ideal Standard, has expanded its range of built-in thermostatic shower valves with the new Ceratherm Navigo…
The new Ceratherm Navigo allows users to precisely adjust water flow and temperature with a smooth push-and-turn movement, or pre-set desired levels for optimum comfort. Available in both square and round variations, the shower mixers have been designed to complement Ideal Standard’s wider offering, featuring a choice of four stylish finishes: chrome, magnetic grey, silver storm and brushed gold. The slim faceplate, which is just 10mm in depth, creates a modern and clean appearance with discreet shower option symbols located on the control knobs. In addition, Ideal Standard’s Singular approach means there are also a number of matching Idealrain shower accessories available, including rain showers, hand sprays, hoses and wall fixations for a complete and integrated end result.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Image credit: Ideal Standard
“The Ceratherm Navigo collection has been expertly designed with industry leading technology on the inside and a sleek design on the outside, said Ashley Smith, Residential Brassware at Ideal Standard International NV at Ideal Standard. “With Ceratherm Navigo, end-users will be able to control and customise temperature and water flow with ease, whilst the minimalist look and variation of finishes make it perfect for any bathroom.”
As well as being a design-led product, Ceratherm Navigo also features the latest in modern bathroom technology, including an innovative temperature safety feature that automatically adjusts the flow of hot or cold water if pressure spikes or is lost. Meanwhile, the Cool Body technology works like a protective shield, keeping the controls and body cool to the touch despite the interior flow of hot water.
The thermostatic shower valve is powered by Ideal Standard’s pioneering Firmaflow Therm cartridge. Extremely durable, this ceramic cartridge disc ensures target temperatures are reached quickly and lasts twice as long as the industry standard. The cartridge also saves on energy consumption and helps to limit the amount of water dispensed without compromising on performance.
Ceratherm Navigo is straightforward to install thanks to Ideal Standard’s improved and re-designed built-in unit, the Easy-Box. Compatible with any Ideal Standard built-in shower mixer, Easy-Box simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need for specific tools.
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.
Hyperion Tiles gets handmade and reclaimed with Bert & May
Family-run, independent tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles has joined forces with handmade and reclaimed artisan tiles specialist Bert & May, expanding its comprehensive tile portfolio to include the distinctive colours and patterns in its collection…
Hyperion Tiles is renowned for its design-driven portfolio of porcelain, ceramic, stone and mosaic statement wall and floor tiles, and now it includes the complete encaustic cement and reclaimed tile collection from Bert & May. Colour is key in this collection as Bert & May produces a core palette which is derived from natural pigments that are mixed by hand in a vast range of colours and styles to suit every aesthetic. Materials vary, so you can choose from encaustic, glazed and porcelain through to marble, terracotta and terrazzo to suit every residential and commercial project.
“Our new Bert & May tile collection enable us to provide you with even more opportunities to add individual character to any hotel design,” said Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. ” From encaustic cement and reclaimed to glazed and terracotta tiles, there are distinctive colour ways, materials, styles and patterns or plains to suit your project. These collections offer all sorts of applications and this versatility is matched by their super-stylish designs.”
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
Led by the trend for minimalism and sleek surfaces, a decorative statement tile can be the perfect application for hotel showers and wet rooms. With more attention being focussed on wellness and the bathroom, creating a spa-like showering experience can be the differentiator in a design, and tiling is an integral part of that. With tiles forming the basis of a palette, the Green Alalpardo porcelain tile by Bert & May have been specifically designed for those who want to define their wet room space with a strong graphic statement. In another wetroom application, the Fennel Green Herringbone Honed Marble Tiles contrast beautifully with, while framing the gold finish on the brassware.
Whether vintage pattern and earthy tones, or contemporary colours and strident statements are your thing, distinctive floor and wall tiles, can create a cohesive look in a shower zone, or wet room. The comprehensive collection at Hyperion Tiles will add the defining difference to a space while maintaining all the practical necessities for a space that needs to work hard and look good.
Hyperion 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.
James Latham strengthens its sustainable portfolio
James Latham, one of the UK’s leading and most forward-thinking distributors of timber, panels, and decorative surfaces, has become the only UK distributor of revolutionary Spanish construction panel HONEXT, harnessing its potential to help deliver sustainable and cost-effective design solutions…
HONEXT is a game-changing, carbon-neutral, lightweight construction panel, produced from waste fibres and cellulose residue from the paper industry. By upcycling this run-off material, using a proprietary biotech process, the Barcelona-based brand has achieved a fully recyclable, non-toxic board with a circular lifecycle, perfect for specifying to a sustainable brief. Suitable for interior wall and ceiling linings, and other non-loadbearing applications, the introduction of HONEXT represents the latest step in Lathams aim to be the most innovative and sustainable materials distributor in the UK and Ireland.
“According to the UN Environment Programme, the construction sector was responsible for 38 per cent of all energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019, prompting sustainability to become a non-negotiable in many contemporary design briefs,” commented Nick Widlinski, Panels Director, James Latham. “Specifiers are now having to respond by selecting the lowest carbon materials possible, particularly those manufactured in a circular fashion. HONEXT meets all these needs and goes further. It’s a high-performance interior construction panel that deals with a long-standing waste management problem for the paper industry, which globally generates more than eight million tons of waste annually. It’s also another welcome addition to our ever-expanding portfolio of green panel options, meeting our clients evolving preferences and offering them a greater degree of choice.”
Image credit: Lathams
Unique in its category as Cradle-to-Cradle Silver Certified, the benefits of HONEXT for interior cladding and partitioning go far beyond its upfront sustainable attributes. A high-performance material, it possesses strong thermal conductivity, vapour permeability, and acoustic performance. simply put, the panels are designed to feature better sound absorption properties than traditional building materials, and they are also resistant to moisture and water vapour.
The panels also promote better indoor air quality, as they contain no added VOCs and are Material Health Silver Certified. From a fabrication perspective, the lightweight construction panel has a fibrous build-up, therefore it’s extremely easy to work with regular woodworking tools. Furthermore, it’s considerably less dense compared to other fibreboard products used for interior applications and its relative lightness eases the installation process.
All these qualities make it particularly suitable for applications such as retail fit-out, exhibitions, set decoration and staging, as the product can be shaped, painted, bonded, and laminated offering a greater degree of flexibility for architects, designers, specifiers, fabricators and industrials.
Demand for HONEXT is also growing in the commercial office sector, where its sound absorption capabilities are being realised by fit-out professionals. In a recent workspace project for Spanish construction firm Construcía, HONEXT panels were specified for suspended ‘sound islands’ and ceilings to improve the interior acoustics. In this case, the product met all the client’s requirements for a cradle-to-cradle certified solution, as well as achieving optimal acoustic levels and a comfortable and pleasant working environment.
Building on other recent forward-thinking initiatives, including the Carbon Calculator and Digital Showroom, this addition to the brand portfolio is helping its diverse audience of architects, designers and fit-out professionals make the most eco-friendly choice when selecting surfaces
James Latham 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: RAK-Valet, emotion and functionality styled by Patrick Norguet
A cluster of visions, drawings, exclusive shapes and a fast-paced rhythm leading to unexpected solutions: this is what the French designer Patrick Norguet brings to each of his new creations. In this collaboration with RAK Ceramics, the results are the contemporary design statement that is RAK-Valet…
The RAK-Valet collection combines the creative genius of designer Norguet together with RAK Ceramic’s characteristic production quality and project completeness. This is a project which explores a new concept of living and a new way to use domestic space, which becomes free of constraints, permeable, osmotic, and innovative. As a collection, RAK-Valet sits comfortably in both a contemporary or a traditional envrionment.
In his design, Norguet explores the dialogue between light and shadow, between volumes and lines, between elements, forms and materials. A delicate balance that is never disrupted, as each element becomes functional to the user in this ongoing, harmonious exchange. Everything is in the service of the person who experiences the space, everything centres around the dialogue, bearing witness to something magical and unique.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
The RAK-Valet collection is composed of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes – that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasins, top-notch stylistic research for the bathtubs, and elongated lines for the toilet bowls.
It is a project that comes to meet a need in interior design, leaving out any unnecessary shape or detail while the expression of the real is reduced to its pure, bare form. The collection coordinates well with some of the most successful RAK Ceramics collections, such as their brand-new bathroom fittings and RAK-Joy Uno mirrors. It is rounded off by a rich choice of accessories, such as legs and towel holders made of metal, or the practical but extremely elegant ceramic surfaces also designed by Patrick Norguet.
RAK Ceramics 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.
Transformational technology moves Unilin Panels closer to circularity
Osiris is the transformational recycling technology from Unilin Panels that reclaims wood fibre from HDF and MDF and gives it a second life, moving the brand forward on its journey to circular production…
MDF and HDF boards are commonly used in furniture and interior design, yet it has been impossible to recover and recycle them for reuse. With Osiris, Unilin Panels is beginning its journey to change this, reclaiming the wood fibres from HDF and MDF in a viable way for reuse in the production of high-quality fibreboards. Over time, Osiris will lock-in 380,000 tons of CO2 per year in the circular production of fibreboards.
In the initial phase of onboarding Osiris technology, Unilin will use it for internal recycling at its Bazeilles production site, which has a history of cutting-edge production technology. Production capacity will gradually be increased to allow the recycling of externally sourced fibreboards and laminate floors with the goal to replace at least 25 per cent of raw material with recycled fibres by 2030. This patented technology is a world-first and part of a wider investment programme in sustainable technology and initiatives, including a further €160m investment for projects over the next two years.
said Véronique Hoflack, President of Unilin Panels., says: “Because of the use of adhesives as a binding agent for the wood fibres, no industrially viable method existed to recycle the fibres from fibreboard waste at the end of their product life. That means that the lion’s share is incinerated after use (on average 14 to 20 years),” explained Véronique Hoflack, President of Unilin Panels.“We have now succeeded in developing a new and innovative process to recycle these wood fibres and reuse them for the production of new panel material. For example our decorative Evola panels or Quick-Step laminate floors. This new technology doubles the life of the wood fibres. This longer life will give new trees the chance to grow and, in turn, store CO2. A major step forward towards circularity.”
Unilin Panels already uses 100 per cent recovered wood for the production of its MDF and HDF. This is wood sourced from waste streams of the timber industry and low-grade timber from sustainable forest management and roadside maintenance. The new Osiris technology will combine with this recovered wood for production that moves closer to being truly circular.
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.
Sought after Sporades – Radisson opens in Skiathos
Radisson Hotel Group has opened its latest Greek resort, Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos, in the Greek Sporades islands on the sought-after island destination of Skiathos, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and exquisite sandy beaches on the blue waters of the Aegean Sea…
Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos is located on the beautiful south coast of the island, overlooking the Aegean Sea and Kanapitsa beach. Skiathos, the westernmost of the Sporades islands, is known for its stunning coastline of more than 60 beaches with soft sand and clear blue waters, as well as sea caves, impressive rock formations, and hiking trails on the tree-covered hills along the north shore made famous as the location for the filming of Mamma Mia. The island’s Byzantine churches and monasteries, Venetian-style Bourtzi fortress, and Papadiamantis House with its typical architecture are important parts of the island’s rich history.
Image credit: Radisson Hotels
Image credit: Radisson Hotels
The resort’s 84 guestrooms and suites are decorated in a modern, minimalist style, and most of them offer views of the hotel pool or the sea. Private balconies or terraces are available in select rooms, and the resort’s biggest suites feature private whirlpools for ultimate privacy and relaxation. The resort is ideally suited for weddings with its own on-site orthodox chapel and versatile outdoor pool area that offers receptions with stunning views.
Image credit: Radisson Hotels
The main all-day dining restaurant celebrates Greek and Mediterranean flavours on its lunch and dinner menus. The poolside bar offers breakfast treats and late-night snacks as well as a wide selection of drinks and an extensive wine list. For guests looking to keep up their fitness routine, a well-equipped gym is available.
“We are excited to offer our guests a fantastic resort experience on the beautiful island of Skiathos, as we continue to expand our Greek resort portfolio,” said Yilmaz Yildirimlar, Area Senior Vice President at Radisson Hotel Group. “Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos allows guests to switch off and relax surrounded by stunning natural beauty.”
Radisson Resort Plaza Skiathos is Radisson Hotel Group’s latest island resort to open in the Greek islands, following the opening of Radisson Blu Euphoria Resort, Mykonos earlier this year, and Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini, which started to welcome guests in 2021.
With nominations/applications closing on August 19 (this Friday), time is running out if you want to apply/nominate, free-of-charge, for The Brit List Awards 2022 Here are five solid reasons why you should enter one of the nine categories…
The Brit List Awards was launched five years ago with the simple aim to identify and celebrate the leading interior designers, architects and hoteliers in Britain. Since its launch, the awards, like all quality products, has evolved and grown each year.
Today, it stands proud in the design, architecture and hospitality calendar. But, don’t be put off by the glitz and glamour, as it is still free for all interior designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers alike to enter.
If you still need persuading to apply for yourself nominate somebody deserving, then here are five other reasons why we believe you should get involved.
1) You and your studio deserve your projects – on the boards as well as recently completed – to be noticed!
2) The shortlisted interior designers, architects and hoteliers will be announced in early September and will all receive a complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony, which takes place on November 2 at PROUD Embankment – save the date.
“Rain on me.” Following the winners being crowned at The Brit List Awards 2021, PROUD Embankment turned up the music!
The Brit List Awards 2021 was, for many, the first industry party since the pandemic
3) There are many winners! In addition to the nine individual awards that are up for grabs – the winners of which will get their hands on a bespoke trophy designed exclusively by Sans Souci – the top 25 entries in the ‘Interior Designer of the Year’, ‘Architect of the Year’ and ‘Hotelier of the Year’ categories will also be profiled in The Brit List 2022, an annual publication that profiles the leading creatives who are operating in Britain and shaping the future.
Image credit: The trophy design for The Brit List Awards 2022, created by Sans Souci
4) The awards ceremony will be a unique networking opportunity – we expect 500 interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and key-industry suppliers in the famous cabaret venue. Put simply, it will be a (wild) party that will shelter and celebrate the true pioneers in the hotel design and hospitality arena.
The individual award winners from The Brit List Awards 2021
Manalo & White’s Michaela Malia flicking through The Brit List 2021
5) The application/nomination process is quick and easy – all we ask is for you to list the project(s) you wish to put forward – feel free to include images and renders to support – and then explain why you or your nominee should deserve to win.
So, there’s no time to delay – and, we believe, there’s also no reason why you wouldn’t want to be part of The Brit List Awards 2022.
Meet the sponsors:
Headline Partner: Bathrooms Brands Group / Crosswater
Showcase Partner: Schlüter Systems
Showcase Partner: Hamilton Litestat
Award Partner: Atlas Concorde
Event Partner: Duravit
Event Partner: Others
Showcase Partner: Utopia Projects
Award Partner: hansgrohe
Award Partner: Dornbracht
Decorative Partner: Arte
Industry Partner: NEWH
Exclusive Trophy Partner: Sans Souci
Broadcasting Partner: Grohe
Official Videographer: CUBE
Podcast Partner: DESIGN POD
Main image credit: The Brit List Awards 2022/Hotel Designs
Barceló Hotel Group has opened the new Orient Jakarta in the capital of Indonesia. A Royal Hideaway Hotel, it has been designed by architect Bill Bensley with a unique interior design inspired the destinations culture and heritage…
Located in the central business district in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Orient Jakarta will be the first Barceló property in the country, and confirms the hotel chain’s commitment to its expansion in Asia. The group is currently operating a hotel in Sri Lanka and with plans to expand with two new outposts in the Maldives. Housed in a 32-story building, The Orient Jakarta, a Royal Hideaway Hotel will shelter 153 guestrooms, divided into eight categories and spread across twelve floors, all boasting panoramic views of the city.
Architect, landscaper and interior designer, Bill Bensley, known for his work in the hotel sector and balancing sustainability and conservation with high-end luxury, has put his design stamp across the property. With notable projects in Southeast Asia – Bensley has designed over 200 hotels around the world – his most recent project was to bring The Orient Jakarta to life. The hotel interiors elegantly blend traditional style with avant-garde design. Inspired by the hotel’s surroundings and the island’s ancient history, furnishings, ornaments and antiques exude a spirit of legacy and reflect the richness of Indonesian culture.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
Among its references to local art, the interiors incorporate numerous elements of craftsmanship each with cultural significance. The décor weaves together a narrative that invites guests to discover and experience the island of Java from within, being immersed in its culture. Bensley has intricately imbued the UNESCO cultural heritage of Jakarta into the interior design project, using sculptures, carvings and paintings made by local artisans, recycled wood from ships and handmade batik fabrics.
Its gastronomic offerings will include the Caspar Restaurante and Lounge, specialising in modern Spanish cuisine cooked in an open kitchen and a Whisky Bar serving cocktails from a private corner of Caspar, giving the feeling of being in a prohibition-style club. The rooftop will be transformed into an urban beach club oasis comprising a restaurant – Café California – two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a dancefloor, and an infinity pool bar with unrivalled vistas over Jakarta.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
In addition, the hotel will have a fitness space, which includes a yoga and meditation room, a wellness corner, saunas and a weights training area, among many other facilities. There will be seven meeting rooms and lounges with VIP areas, along with an open terrace for events.
The Orient Jakarta joins the portfolio of Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts – a portfolio which is composed of unique establishments, linked to art and culture, its spirit combines the classic with the modern, reflecting the most extraordinary of each destination. This new addition consolidates the brand’s philosophy – hotels that offer extraordinary and unforgettable experiences, because every trip has a soul and creating special memories is an art.
Independent Hotel Show launches its seminar programme
Sustainability, staffing and strategies for success will be some of the subjects in the spotlight at the Independent Hotel Show this year, with a range of in-depth discussions covering everything from ESG funding to powerful automations, to what it takes to secure industry accolades …
Inspiring independent hoteliers and hospitality industry experts are set to take to the stage at the Independent Hotel Show, on 4-5 October at Olympia London, for two packed days of learning and discovery. In addition to the sessions on the Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo, and the Hotel Vision stage, in partnership with HotelPartner, guests at the show will also have the opportunity to meet with independent industry experts at the Business Solutions Bar, presented by HOSPA & HMA, and gain confidential advice across tech, marketing and more tailored to their specific business needs.
The show will kick off with a session delving into an important feature area at the event: The Inclusive Hotel Room. Designed by Cocoon & Bauer, this immersive hotel room will showcase how thoughtful, intelligent design can prevent sensory overwhelm and create truly welcoming, inclusive and sustainable spaces. The session will see Hotel Designs Editor Hamish Kilburn interview Cocoon & Bauer’s Peter Turner on this year’s design, plus Nicholas Sunderland of NSI Design, designer of 2018’s Hotel Room of the Future, will reflect on the evolution of the room’s key themes and ideas four years on.
Highlights across the two stages include:
How do we join together as a community to fill the hole in hospitality staffing? Andy Boer of The Edge Hotel School is joined by UKHospitality’s Sandra Kelly, Veryan Palmer of The Headland Cornwall and Greg Fruchenicht of non-profit Saira Hospitality as they look toward the next generation of hospitality professionals and how we can keep them enthused and engaged for years to come.
Elevating the hotel restaurant. James Stagg, Editor of The Caterer, takes to the stage to moderate this all-star panel of chefs including Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa’s Ricki Weston, Howards House Hotel’s Andy Britton and Rob Jones of Upham Pub Group as they discuss the challenge of creating creative and delicious dishes in the face of supply chain issues, calorie counting menus and sustainability aspirations.
Hotels are not just a place to lay your head: the future is multifaceted. Independent Hotel Show Ambassador Peter Hancock talks alternative profit avenues, creative additional offerings and the evolution of the hotel business model with Hotel Brooklyn’s Paul Bayliss, Tara Robinson of Eden Hotel Collection and Chris Penn of Birch Community.
To connect or to disconnect: how should we be designing hotel spaces for the future? Design Insider’s Alys Bryan hosts this session on predicting the needs of the travellers in the years to come, and the importance of tech in the hotel of the future, alongside Design LSM’s Holly Hallam and Nicholas Hickson of THDP.
“I’m delighted to be part of a live panel at the show this year,” commented Tara Robinson, Eden Hotel Collection. “It’s always an event not to be missed: full of innovation, ideas and inspirational speakers. Plus, the show is totally unique as it’s geared specifically around the boutique hotel market.”
This year’s event will also see the return of the Social Business Space, sponsored by Planet and designed by Taner’s Sons, where sessions from the main stages will be continued in the form of informal roundtable discussions for hoteliers wishing to explore the issues further and hear from peers in the industry.
To view the full seminar programme for this year’s event, or to register for your complimentary trade ticket, head to independenthotelshow.co.uk.
5 minutes with: Sebastian Herkner, designer of the Zencha collection for Duravit
Sebastian Herkner has always been interested in traditional artisanal trades such as glass-blowing, wood-carving, and basket-weaving, which he combines with new technologies and contemporary design. His collaboration with Duravit takes the form of Zencha; a harmonious bathroom collection inspired by Japanese bathing and tea culture…
It was while studying product design at the University of Art and Design in Offenbach, that Sebastian Herkner started to focus on designing furniture and objects. On completing his studies, Herkner decided to go it alone by opening his own studio in Offenbach in 2007 and since then has seen a rapid rise in the design world. He has a pronounced instinct for colours, materials, and textures, resulting in designs which always have a certain twist – whether artfully woven outdoor furniture, mouth-blown side tables, or handwoven carpets. In collaboration with Duravit, the versatile designer has created the harmonious Zencha bathroom range – sanitary objects with a rounded shape and a graceful, outward-curving edge along with minimalistic storage furniture with a subtle frame inspired by Japanese rituals and culture.
Image credit: Duravit
Hotel Designs: Attention to detail and the desire to imbue the products with additional value are some key facets of your work. How did you apply this approach to the development of the Zencha collection?
Sebastain Herkner: The Zencha series once again highlights our understanding of authentic materials and the desire to evoke emotions. Inspired by the tea ceremony along with inner reflection and slowing things down, the low-key design, available in three colour worlds, focuses on details such as the delicate, curved washbasin edge. This was inspired in turn by delicate teacups that nestle in the hand. For us it was important to engender an ambience in the bathroom where we can recharge our batteries in the morning and enjoy some ‘me time’ in the evening.
Image credit: Duravit
HD: You talk about ‘authentic materials’. What impact do these have with Zencha?
SH: For me it’s important to use authentic materials like wood, ceramic, and glass. With this design we also use a textured glass that plays with light and shade, with reflections. I believe that this authenticity is part of the harmony of this bathroom as an overall creation. And I think everyone can interpret Zencha for themselves. As the designer I provide the stage, but everyone chooses how to dance on it themselves.
HD: How did the design process of the new collection progress?
SH: We started discussions with Duravit a good three years ago and very quickly agreed on the story we wanted to tell. Working closely with the Hornberg plant for ceramic and Schenkenzell for furniture, we developed the entire collection consisting of washbasins, bathtubs, mirrors, and furniture. This was the first time we had developed a bathroom ceramic series and relied to a large extent on the vast knowledge, willingness, and openness of the employees. It was important for us to project the delicate elegance of the gentle, outwardly curving washbasin edge on to the furniture. The gentle frames of the storage furniture are once again testament to Duravit’s technical excellence.
Image credit: Duravit
HD: How important is it to you to make full use of the design freedom that you have as a designer in your projects?
SH: As a designer it’s a privilege for a company to give you the freedom and trust to develop a new vision and language for them. Zencha is my interpretation of Duravit and shows how I want a bathroom to be. However, ultimately such a development involves cooperation from both sides.
HD: In our fast-paced world, the bathroom is also a place of reflection and calm: how do you think this is changing the design of this room in the home?
SH: In our apartments or houses we have places of communication, such as the kitchen or bathroom, and this also extends to the bedroom, which nowadays is also sometimes used for working. I find that the bathroom is the last place that is limited to its original function: reflection, relaxation, and spending some occasional time alone.
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.
Idyllically situated on the banks of Lake Fuschl, the graceful, historic property is reminiscent of a fairytale castle and has been welcoming illustrious guests for centuries. The new resort will mark Rosewood’s second property in Austria following Rosewood Vienna’s recent opening and adds to the brand’s robust development pipeline of properties across Europe and the German-speaking market.
The reimagining of this 15th century landmark not only adds to Rosewood’s unique collection of ultra-luxury hotels and resorts, but cements the brand’s status as a meticulous and caring guardian of some of the world’s most iconic heritage buildings. Landmark structures from Paris to Madrid, New York to London and beyond, have been sensitively restored to former brilliance and positioned to create new and distinguished chapters in their stories.
“We are pleased to continue our growth in Austria, with the addition of this beautiful and tranquil lakeside property. Complementing the opening of Rosewood Vienna, this property expands our presence in this storied destination with a unique resort offering,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “Reimagining and restoring historic spaces has become an integral part of Rosewood’s brand DNA, and we are honoured to be entrusted with continuing the legacy of this notable property.”
The full renovation, beginning in 2022, will update the structure and grounds to feature 98 well-appointed guestrooms, including 46 suites and six chalets. In addition, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will be home to world-class restaurants and lounges and will also feature Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept, with eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre.
First used as a hotel space in 1954, Hotel Schloss Fuschl was initially constructed as a castle to serve as a country escape for Austrian royalty, with its original structure dating back to 1450. Across its fabled history the resort has been acclaimed as an exquisite, tranquil retreat for discerning travelers from film stars to foreign dignitaries. Its silhouette has been synonymous with the grandeur and glory of elegance through time.
This is the second partnership between Arabella Hospitality and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, with the brands currently working together to debut Rosewood Munich. The two groups are committed to protecting Rosewood Schloss Fuschl’s deep heritage while modernizing the resort experience, celebrating the intersection of both old and new, in keeping with Rosewood’s A Sense of Place guiding concept.
“My family is once again investing heavily in the substance of this magical place and in its soul” said Florian Schörghuber, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Schörghuber Corporate Group. “Along with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts who, with their A Sense of Place philosophy, are the perfect partner for Schloss Fuschl; we will lead our hotel into a new, successful era and secure and expand it as a home of exceptional hospitality and equally as an important economic contributor to the province of Salzburg.”
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is the latest hotel announcement for the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand, adding to a strong pipeline of projects set to open in Europe in the coming years, in Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, London and Venice. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will join the brand’s existing portfolio of hotels and resorts across Europe, including Rosewood Vienna; Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany; Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris; Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid and Rosewood London.
Case study: Tarkett supplies floors for DoubleTree in Brussels
Recently renovated and refurbished, The DoubleTree by Hilton located in the beautiful centre of Brussels City, worked with Tarkett to create an authentic yet modern ambiance in this Art Deco landmark…
The DoubleTree by Hilton is an eight-storied hotel, situated minutes from the city’s top attractions. The hotel was built in 1910 and is an Art Deco landmark in Brussels, which has been owned and managed by Pandox since 2003. Completely renovated and refurbished in 2021, the hotel has 353 guestrooms and suites. With bold and playful design details characterising the renovation, Tarkett was a clear choice to supply most of the floors for this beautiful luxury hotel. The brand’s expertise in co-creating unique designs and customised sizes ensured that the flooring in this refurbishment project took centre stage.
Image credit: Tarkett
In the public spaces, guests can discover the bespoke, made to measure Art Deco style herringbone floors. The floor has been constructed with luxurious vinyl tiles from Tarkett iD Inspiration collection. The hallway and corridors have been fitted with a statement, customised Axminster carpet using again an Art Deco design.
Working with Tarkett, the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel has contributed to the circular economy by making its used carpet available for recycling, with an impressive 20,690 kilograms equating to approximately 8,200 m2 of carpet being recovered from this project. Off-cuts from the vinyl tiles have also been returned to the factory and reused through the Tarkett ReStart program to ensure the flow of material never stops.
Tarkett 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.
Kempinski Hotels is extending its footprint in the North American market through a takeover of a luxurious beach hotel in Cancun, Mexico. With a three month transitional period in the pipeline, this is what we know…
White sandy beaches and a crystal-clear ocean await guests in the newest five-star addition to the Kempinski Hotels portfolio – starting from September 2022, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group will take over a luxurious beach hotel in the Mexican tourist destination of Cancun on the Riviera Maya. With no closure of operations, this well-known property will undergo various improvements and adjustments to the Kempinski brand standards in the coming months and will be named Grand Hotel Cancun. the property will be managed by Kempinski during the transition period, and from end of year 2022 it will be fully operated under Kempinski Hotel Cancun.
“To strengthen the North American territory and to extend our footprint in this crucial market is an outstanding opportunity for Kempinski,” said Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG. “Cancun is a top vacation destination for guests from The Americas, who also make up a good proportion of our guests in the rest of the world as well as for Europeans. During a three-month transitional period, we will ensure that we implement our Kempinski DNA in the operation of this outstanding beach hotel and that we extend our brand recognition by delivering the impeccable service and quality Kempinski is renowned for.”
Occupying one of the finest beaches in Mexico, the elegant hotel offers 315 guestrooms and 48 suites – all featuring private balconies or terraces with a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. Eight dining options including two AAA Five Diamond Award restaurants, an exclusive club lounge, two swimming pools and an oceanfront whirlpool, a spa with relaxation gardens and secluded terraces, a fitness centre with sauna and steam rooms, a tennis centre, private cabanas and lounges on the hotel’s 400 metre stretch of beach, a beauty salon and a kids’ club offer a wide range of facilities to cater for all kinds of guest requests.
For incentive meetings, weddings, galas and conferences as well as events for large groups, abundant indoor and outdoor meeting space can be found around the resort. From a 1,000 square metre ballroom which can be divided to elegant meeting rooms, boardrooms, breakout spaces and outdoor venues by the pool or a beachfront venue for up to 700 guests, there are ample options to elevate events and customise special meetings of all kinds.
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt celebrates the authentic spirit of Santorini
The highly anticipated luxury Magma Resort Santorini has opened, marking the first resort in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in the Greek Islands, as it invites guests to find inspiration in the island’s rich history…
Designed as a secluded sanctuary nestled amid the hilltops of Vourvoulos, Magma Resort Santorini Hyatt The Unbound Collection, offers a serene Santorini experience with unforgettable views. Striking contemporary design complements the hotel’s breathtaking surroundings of lava sand beaches, sweeping vineyards and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. A commitment to holistic and spiritual wellness is realised through a subterranean Lava Spa and elite gastronomic experience led by chef Arnaud Bignon of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Spondi Athens. Stylish features including a stunning sun terrace and infinity pool offer mesmerising panoramas of the island’s dramatic coastline, elevating the hotel’s unique atmosphere of relaxed luxury.
“We are delighted to open Magma Resort Santorini and introduce The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand to the many independently minded, luxury travellers looking for an authentic experience of our iconic island,” said Stelios Koutsivitis, President and one of the major shareholders of SWOT Hospitality, management company of Magma Resort Santorini. “We have a deep understanding of the soul of Santorini and what makes it such an extraordinary destination. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt ethos is all about inspiring, thought-provoking experiences and we invite guests to be inspired by a new side of Santorini, uncovering its true spirit with us.”
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
Inspired by the traditional Cycladic architecture that Santorini is known for, PEOPLE and Elastic Architects’ eco-conscious design honours the natural elements of the hotel’s landscape. Wood, stone, and volcanic, magma-black tones blend with minimal and sophisticated interiors, meanwhile the hotel architecture follows the curved formations of the lava-made slopes that surround it.
The resort shelters 59 luxurious guestrooms, including 24 suites, finished with cosy verandas, walk-in showers, relaxed living and dining spaces, as well as private pools, all of which provide unrestricted views of the island’s horizon. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can retreat into the elegant Magma Suite, where they’ll find 828 square feet of space encompassing an expansive living area, king size bedroom, a private terrace and a pool that overlooks the beautiful azure waters of the ocean.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
On a culinary level, Spondi is the hotel’s exclusive dining concept curated by the two-Michelin-starred chef, Arnaud Bignon. Awarded his stars while working as Head Chef of Spondi Athens, Arnaud is one of the youngest chefs to ever hold this distinction. He brings his rare interpretation of local and seasonal ingredients to Magma Resort Santorini, with a signature menu that spotlights the culinary traditions and heritage of the Greek Islands.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
Guests can experience holistic and spiritual wellness at the hotel’s state-of-the-art Lava Spa and Wellness Centre. Descend into the subterranean 4,628-square-foot spa, the largest on the island, and uncover its calming, indoor pool and signature treatments designed to revitalise and indulge the senses. For those looking for more intentional movement, the hotel offers a fully equipped, professional fitness centre, as well as a range of activities intended to connect guests to the island’s lush natural environment, including hiking, snorkelling, and sun-drenched yoga classes on the terrace.
For an exceptional private event space, Magma Resort Santorini presents Magma Hall, a 2,454-square-foot venue featuring modern design notes and the latest high-spec technology. Suitable for any event, from intimate social gatherings and romantic weddings to inspiring business receptions, the event space at the hotel can welcome up to 250 guests to create story-worthy experiences in a venue like no other.
The opening of Magma Resort Santorini as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand signals Hyatt’s continued focus on growing its brands within the Independent Collection in key, desirable global destinations for guests.
Design & wellbeing: how to stimulate wellness through sound
In the first article in an exclusive ‘wellness series’ with Hotel Designs, interior designer Wren Loucks, CEO and Creative Director of Be-kin explores sound’s role when creating more meaningful and textured hospitality spaces…
For example, think about how you feel commuting on a train compared to sitting in a park. You are still you, but the sensorial web around you has changed. The sounds, textures and qualities of light are different—and they evoke a different emotional response.
These sensorial inputs dance and interact with one another, amplifying the effects. But it is also interesting to isolate each one—and explore our relationship with it. This month, I feel inspired to talk to you about sound.
What is sound?
I asked this question to my friend Moshik Kop, a sound designer. He clapped his hands, which made me jump, and described sound as energy, as vibrations, that travel through the air until they reach your ears. The closer you are to the source, the louder the sound will be.
The Oxford Dictionary describes it in a similar way: “Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person’s or animal’s ear.”
In his book, In an Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us, Young describes how we hear sound: “Your ear consists of three parts—the outer, middle, and inner ears,” he says. “Your outer ear greets incoming sound waves, collecting them with a fleshy flap and sending them down the ear canal. At the end of the canal, they vibrate a thin, taut membrane called the eardrum. Those vibrations are amplified by the three small bones of the middle ear….and transmitted to the inner ear—specifically, into a long fluid-filled tube called cochlea. There, the vibrations are finally detected by a strip of movement-sensitive hair cells, which send signals to the brain. A sound is heard.”
Image credit: Be-kin
All these definitions describe sound in a tangible way. This makes sense to me, because when I listen to music, I feel it somatically through my body—I want to dance, move, run, or sleep. Sound has a physicality to it felt through the vibrations.
If we consider sound through the lens of the biophilic hypothesis, we can see how we are hard-wired to react to sound. Our ancestors relied on it to alert them to danger (e.g., dangerous animals). Our life has depended on it. Thankfully today, for individuals with hearing impairments, new products are being developed to connect them to the information they might otherwise hear through sound—such as pillows that vibrate to signal a fire alarm, tactile surfaces, and the use of hearing loops in public spaces.
“Music is the emotional life of most people.” – Leonard Cohen.
I spend a lot of my time walking and listening to music. Certain songs pull me into the past, evoking nostalgia and giving me the space to process feelings and ideas. Other tracks pull me into the future—daydreaming about new opportunities, imagining new design and art projects. But what if music can pull us right into the present?
Image credit: Unsplash
Sound meets Ai
GetSound.Ai is a weather-reactive soundscape platform, created by Adi Goldstein and Lior Nitzan, who are musicians, producers, and soundscape creators for more than 20 years. They believe passionately in the power of sound to stimulate wellbeing.
What makes GetSound.Ai so special, is that their soundscapes are never the same. They are designed to pull us right into the present moment. The sound is constantly changing, just like the sensorial web we are engaged with, created through AI that takes into consideration your location, the weather conditions and time of day.
We, as designers and people responsible for evolving the hotel design scene into the future, are only just starting to understand how sound can be used to help amplify a feeling in hotel design. Arguably, it requires specialists in this area to make the largest impact, but, at the very least, understanding sound – and realising its beneficial qualities will no-doubt help interior designers to broaden their mindset when envisioning how spaces can come alive, through ‘vibrations in the air’.
Roundtable: balancing design, style and tech in hotel design
High above central London, on a summer-ready rooftop at Hamilton Litestat’s showroom, Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable took place, which dangled technology back into the spotlight. Leading designers gathered to explore how modern hospitality is a balance between design, style and technology…
Not a new topic for Hotel Designs to position under the spotlight – just recently, in a roundtable, we explored digital innovation – technology has been a hot topic in hospitality design for quite some time. Earlier this year we identified several interesting – and somewhat far-fetched – technology trends in hotel design. Despite getting a real forecast as to how tech is helping to fuel evolution, until now we have not yet explored the topic through the eyes of designers, who are faced with modernising spaces, on budget, while adhering to brand standards and working within timeless style parameters.
Putting technology, design and style in the same sentence, Hotel Designs in association with Hamilton Litestat, invited a handful of leading designers to take this conversation forward beyond today’s scene and into the future.
Hamish Kilburn: With what’s on offer in today’s market, can designers afford – with a healthy budget – to create a tech-savvy hotel?
Camilla Turner: Generally, we take things project-by-project and budget-by-budget. Certainly, it’s important at the start of any project to understand what you are and what you’re not willing to compromise on – technology is often on the list.
I am working with a client at the moment in Barcelona and technology is proving to be a key part of the brief. Innovative lighting, which doesn’t come cheap, is a significant element, and luckily the client understands the cost element of quality technology in this instance. This, I feel, makes all the difference.
Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
Claire Smith: At the end of the day, we can design the most incredible spaces, but the reality of projects is that it is client-driven and they decide where they spend their money. Some clients will come forward at the start to say that technology is integral – think all singing, all dancing and everything at a touch of a button – and others believe it’s not that important, but still want the space to be user-friendly and intuitive.
Especially in hotels, technology is also led by demographics and customer experience. For example, technology is really important for millennials, because they were the first generation to grow up in an accessibly digital environment – so it becomes an expectation when they visit somewhere that digital interfaces and tech behind the scenes forms part of that experience. Interestingly, I have found that the GenZ demographic is, on the whole, wanting to detach from digital interfaces and technology dictating the user experience.
Jennifer de-Vere-Hopkins: Technology can be subtle and it can really enhance the overall guest experience. We perceive that the older generation are not clued up when it comes to tech. However, we have recently undertaken research on the demographic of 55+ age bracket, and for that group of people, who have travelled the world perhaps and have good life standards, it is a basic minimum for there to be sound, video and connectivity with their devices. So, it’s just very interesting how our outside perception is not always correct when understanding the behaviours of travellers.
SM: I think that’s the key, moving forward, is for technology to be simple and where possible connect with the guests’ own devices. Certain lifestyle brands, I think, get it so right in areas – like the public spaces, for example – but so wrong in other ways. As soon as you enter the room, you are faced with this pad, and left wondering how to switch the lights on. That, to me, just feels messy and totally wrong. I think that whole idea of an iPad supplied by the hotel is dated, over-complicated and just not in-line with what modern travellers want today.
Image credit: IHG/Hamilton Litestat
Hamish Kilburn: In terms of supply, given the demand, is there more tech that is on offer and accessible in 2022 than in the last five or so years?
Tom Thorogood: There are more options that still allow you to have design aspect to it. It’s positive to see, for example, the detailing that’s now on offer with switches. I agree with Claire. I think brands try to make the experience one that is personalised, but it has the opposite effect when making guests use a device supplied by the hotel to operate the rooms. I think, ultimately, the guest should be given the choice.
Also, technology is led by the brands, which I think clients need to be careful of – if you go too far then you very quickly start losing the authentic feel of the hotel experience.
Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
JVH: I think a lot of time, brand’s challenge the designers. One of our projects, Mandarin Oriental in Lucerne, was due to open this year. The luxury hotel is all about experience and human interaction – and we were surprised when the client wanted us to include two large desks – one reception and one concierge – in the lobby. For us, it initially felt like we were designing a hotel 10 or so years ago. In the last decade, we have been trying to do away with reception desks and having a personal check-in experience. However, the brand wanted to create that statement-like arrival experience, which challenged us to make that feel modern and inviting.
Image credit: Westin London City, designed by Dexter Moren Associates
SM: Many brands have quite, what feel like, old-fashioned brand standards when it comes to technology. Whereas others take a completely different tactic to go as far as even including Amazon Alexa technology into the guest experience. I think now more than ever, especially in the lifestyle sector, technology is really being used to tell the brand’s narrative. The whole idea of a hotel storing data from the guest on their room settings, for example, is interesting, but for many it is a step too far.
HK: We do then stray into the territory of data protection…
TT: I do understand that data-driven experiences are on the cards for hotels – and it will, if used sensitively, make guests’ demand personal with lighting and sound being set to their liking – but I just don’t know how that would work in reality when there is concern around data.
SM: It would be nice if hotels remembered your preferred pillow softness, for example, but I’m not sure about walking into a hotel room and my favourite playlist was on repeat.
Image credit: Mandarin Oriental Lucerne, designed by Jestico + Whiles
HK: What is your biggest bugbear when it comes to technology in hotels?
TT: For me, if the public areas become too tech-led and there are limited people to manage it. We, as designers, are trained to activate spaces. Sometimes, technology can take over these spaces that are designed to feel free-flowing.
CT: I did find this, during the pandemic, when restaurants took away the menus and instead presented people with QR codes. Although, it didn’t change my order, I couldn’t help but notice that there was less conversation around the menu – and, all of a sudden, it gave people the opportunity to stay on the phone, which distorted the social element of the experience.
JVH: I think it comes back to the brand. At a grab-and-go level, I have found the QR code quite useful and work with their target audience. The worst thing is when there’s confusion around whether someone is meant to serve you or not.
HK: Over the last few years, we have been interested to explore sensory design in hospitality. In reality, is this an element that is making noise in 2022?
SM: We work with a global tech company – and sound and smell in their office space is key to their designs. When you walk into their offices, worldwide, the smell is very signature. In the hotel projects I am working on now, it doesn’t seem to be as much of a focus during the design discussions, but I think it’s only a matter of time before it will start to fall into our territory when discussing the whole user experience.
JVH: Absolutely, and I believe this will drive innovation in the future, but only if it is implemented in a way that is seamless around the guest experience.
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.
Announcing the first Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Vietnam, situated along Danang’s legendary My Khe beachfront, Nobu is set to command the city’s skyline with an iconic 43-story tower, the tallest building in the city, and will offer a world-class dining and entertainment destination with some of the most spectacular views anywhere in the region…
Crafted as a luxury beachfront urban resort, the Nobu Danang destination in Vietnam will provide a vibrant lifestyle situated in the heart and beachfront of Danang. Guests will find elegantly designed interwoven spaces, realigning the traditional beach hotel with a destination urban resort embracing the needs and desires of guests whether there for vacation, entertainment, or business.
“We are excited to further expand into the Asia Pacific region and bring Nobu to the Vietnam market, a rapidly growing tourist destination, with one of the most beautiful and desirable locations in Danang,” said Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality.” Our partners at VCRE are passionate supporters of the Nobu brand and share our commitment in growing Nobu Hospitality in other destinations in Vietnam. We are confident that the Nobu brand will attract visitors both locally and from around the world to stay and become residents of Nobu Danang which will be crafted as dynamic urban resort.”
Danang is a beach city on the South-Central Coast of Vietnam, flanked by the beautiful Pacific Sea waters to the east and the Annamite Mountain range to the west, known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. The city is near several UNESCO sites including the Imperial City of Hue, the Old Town of Hoi An, and the My Son ruins.
The hotel will shelter 200 guestrooms, including 18 luxurious suites, expansive meeting and event space ideally suited for weddings and important social events, and a state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facility. In addition, there will be 271 stylish residential units offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations as well as two spectacular, skyline penthouse units, adding to Nobu Hospitality’s growing portfolio of private residences.
The Nobu destination will combine modern, forward-thinking design touches with Nobu’s signature elegance and minimalism and the traditions of Japanese design. Situated below the hotel and residences, the Danang City Centre podium will offer high-end retail shopping, an upscale Chinese restaurant, a modern Vietnamese fine-dining restaurant, and an American steakhouse. A cocktail bar and lounge will be positioned on the rooftop of the building, offering stunning views for sunset drinks and after-hours entertainment in Danang.
Venti20 by Gessi – bringing Art Deco inspiration into the bathroom
With carefully curated retro notes, doing away with nostalgic replicas, the Venti20 Collection by Gessi breathes new life into signature elements the roaring ‘20s are known for – the detailing, the iconic style, the playful essence…
Designed by Spanish interior decorator Lázaro Rosa Violán for Gessi, the Venti20 Collection is characterised by the purity of form and the chromatic beauty of the finishes that intrigues the imagination. The formal details of the design are beautifully nuanced, resulting in an eclectic finish with a distinctly Art Deco vibe. The collection is clearly born in a period, and perhaps more than ever before, we should draw upon our ability to imagine extraordinary things, to dream fantastical dreams, and to renew our pursuit of beauty. Great design has emotional power and an innate ability to instil beauty into everyday objects. Venti20 captures that essence and allows us to rediscover the grace and invigorating spirit of the 1920’s, – drawing inspiration from that remarkable era to bring the ‘spirit of the age’ to the modern world with all its energy, optimism and joy.
Image credit: Gessi
Image credit: Gessi
The collection embodies the enthusiasm for life and future-looking optimism of the era and infuses it into the most private spaces of contemporary living. Venti20 designs are not limited to accessories but include furnishings with the same strong visual identity. Elegantly detailed profiles pair with simple, pure lines to work together as functional works of art. The meticulous workmanship of the handles and the base of the long umbrella spout recall a classic style, reimagined for a new era. The eclectic mix of classic and modern design elements fits neatly into any style, adding a touch of dramatic elegance to the space.
Image credit: Gessi
The design detail of this collection is what sets it apart. The elegance and harmony of the high sink mixer work together to create a design intended as a functional sculpture for bathrooms. This jewel-like object, with its reflective curves and cuts, adds light to the space and perfectly blends into the narrative of the style. The Warm Bronze finish is the perfect embodiment of classic ‘20s style with a dynamic infusion of contemporary energy, perfect for any design space and style. The sleek silhouette of Venti20 is notable for the grooves along its body, adding interest and texture to this jewel-like object.
The bathroom fixtures and accessories in this collection bring into play iconic design elements while the shine of metallic surface treatments to create a chicly coordinated ensemble. With decisive cuts, lavish details and unexpected plays on light, the essence of Venti20 is characterised by both beauty and durability. New forms and original details come together in a classic yet contemporary blend.
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.
Located within an existing single building on the edge of Westfield Stratford City, the new Hyatt Regency, sheltering 225 guestrooms, provides a stylish destination for both business and leisure while the 125 guestroom Hyatt House provides a new ‘home from home’ for those on extended stays. The interior design by Scott Brownrigg mirrors the connectivity of Stratford, with subtle nods to the Victorian Golden Age of train travel. Archways, typical of London’s railway, form entrances to common spaces and inspire bespoke detailing throughout. A rich palette of brass light fittings, marble fixtures and luxury velvet furnishings alongside jewel colours offer a contemporary take on the glamour and travel of the 1920’s.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels / Scott Brownrigg
“We worked closely with M&L Hospitality and the wider design team to create a new destination in Stratford,” said David Mason, Director, Scott Brownrigg. “With a nod to the glamour and elegance of travel, we wanted to connect people back together and design fabulous spaces for work, rest and play.”
Designed to cater for a seamless transition from work to play, a spacious lobby on the third floor features a range of seating arrangements ideal for socialising or for focused work or meetings during the day, and intimate dining and cocktails at night. Bar and dining booths, with fixed seating and contemporary fluted detailing, are an understated nod to a Victorian railway carriage and provide an elegant feature along the perimeter of each space. Guests also enjoy access to meeting space, gym and an open-air terrace.
“The addition of these two hotels will be another exciting step in growing Hyatt’s brand presence in the United Kingdom and in creating a network of hotels across the key commercial and leisure markets in the country,” said Felicity Black Roberts, Vice President of Development Europe, Hyatt.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels / Scott Brownrigg
Both Hyatt hotels provide a peaceful sanctuary to guests, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hyatt Regency rooms feature fresh interiors, with bold splashes of colours and high quality brass fittings, including bespoke designed ‘pill’ lights and details on the mini bar area. Hyatt House rooms provide modern, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and flexible workspaces. Where possible, existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing services have been retained and refurbished. Low-lit corridors and different room lighting options help contribute to the peaceful atmosphere.
The refurbishment follows a new management agreement between an affiliate of Hyatt and Stratford City Hotels Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of M&L Hospitality, identifying Hyatt Regency and Hyatt House as the right brands for the location.
The first in a new range, the Ergofocus Holographik model breaks new ground with an astoundingly realistic holographic fire that marries sensory pleasure, technological innovation and the timeless style of FOCUS fireplaces…
For more than 50 years, FOCUS has been disrupting the conventions of traditional wood fireplaces and gas fires. Today, it is blazing the trail of a new era – virtual fire. A fire powered by electricity with a pioneering holographic system coupled with realistic ceramic logs to produce a 3D effect of unprecedented realism. A fire uniquely adapted to today’s world and living spaces. The first FOCUS model to feature this technology, the Ergofocus Holographik, has a hearth that pivots 80 degrees so the fire can be enjoyed from any angle.
Image credit: FOCUS
Whether in a private home or a luxury hotel, this pioneering, fuelless fireplace can be installed anywhere and is operated with a simple touch of a button. Only an electrical supply is required to power it, and the flue is purely decorative, so there are no connection constraints. The flue can be adapted to all ceiling heights. All of these aspects mean the Ergofocus holographik is suitable for any interior, in even the most improbable settings. Its ease of use is specifically designed for contract and retail environments, with just a simple on/off switch on the appliance. No adjustments are necessary. No complicated operating instructions, no need to use the remote control after the initial set-up, no application that would make it difficult for a team to use. The successful combination of simple installation and easy operation, makes it the perfect fireplace for spaces that welcome the public and have strict safety standards such as hotels, restaurants and boutiques.
Image credit: FOCUS
Image credit: FOCUS / David Coppieters
Protecting the environment is a primordial concern for us all. Regulations in this sense are multiplying and becoming stricter, and the traditional fireplace sector is no exception. Standards around the world are increasingly restricting the use of wood and fossil fuel. In parallel, new and renovated buildings are becoming more energy efficient, reducing the need for heating. In this context, the Holographik fireplace is the environmental answer for those who wish to enjoy the pleasure of fire with zero emissions.
FOCUS 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 opening of Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton, marks the debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in Poland. With a 200‑year‑long legacy in Poland’s cultural capital, the design draws on the musical and cultural traditions of the hotel, combining carefully restored historic features with modern design elements…
Located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, the 117 guestroom property is well located within walking distance of the city’s many art and history museums, as well as Wawel Royal Castle, one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in Poland. Krakow’s Old Town is known for its historic churches, interesting museums and Main Market Square, the largest in Europe. With the bustling squares of the Jewish district of Kazimierz and the quiet alleys of the Old Town, the city is a key feature of every tourist’s trip to Poland and Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton provides guests with access to these unique experiences from a location right in the heart of the city.
“Marking the debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in Poland, Hotel Saski Krakow is a stunning addition to our portfolio of over 120 unique hotels and resorts around the world, handpicked for its distinct character,” said Jenna Hackett, Global Brand Head, Canopy by Hilton and Curio and Tapestry Collections by Hilton. “The hotel will open its doors with a rich 200-year history, offering guests an authentic insight into Krakow’s cultural past while providing modern comforts of a boutique hotel. Hotel Saski Krakow joins a growing number of fantastic Curio Collection properties in Europe, including Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort and The Emerald House Lisbon, which opened earlier this year.”
Image credit: Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Saski Krakow draws on its musical and cultural traditions for the hotel’s design. In cooperation with world-famous Krakow-born photographer Ryszard Horowitz, corridors and rooms are decorated with portraits of musicians and composers such as Louis Armstrong, Krzysztof Penderecki, Aretha Franklin, Czesław Niemen and more. Saska Hall, the historic ballroom in which legendary composers Francis Liszt, Johannes Brahms and Ignacy Paderewski performed, has been reopened with frescos restored by hand. As well as designs referencing the hotel’s history, among the many modern amenities guests have at their disposal are a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, as well as a business centre.
Image credit: Curio Collection by Hilton
The hotel’s elegant Regale Bar & Restaurant offers an authentic Polish venue with a modern, international touch. Dishes are prepared with premium quality local ingredients and served with innovative and delightful touches by Roman Pawlik, one of the most renowned chefs in Krakow. The drinks experience at Regale Bar & Restaurant is elevated by top mixology, signature cocktails such as ‘Saski Mule’ and ‘Hungarian King’, an extensive wine list and local and home-made liquors and vodkas. A bespoke trolley serving tableside cocktails each evening creates a truly special ambience and the further combination of the rich, storied history and musical heritage of the building add to the experience.
Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton joins five hotels in the Hilton portfolio in the city: DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow Hotel & Convention Centre, Hampton by Hilton Krakow, Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Krakow and Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport.
Registration is open for Independent Hotel Show 2022
It’s time to save the date as visitor registration has opened for the Independent Hotel Show. IHS is the only industry event dedicated entirely to the needs of luxury and boutique hoteliers, and returns to Olympia London, running from 4-5 October this year…
The Independent Hotel Show is a comprehensive business event for the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector. The show presents a carefully curated collection of over 250 exhibitors, showcasing innovative ideas, products and services, all flourishing within this creative and compelling industry. This will be supported by a programme of inspirational and practical seminars to address industry concerns and exciting developments for hoteliers to stay ahead in this fast-changing sector.
“We’re so excited to be launching registration for the 10th edition of the Independent Hotel Show. Over the past decade the show has become a must-attend in the industry calendar and beloved by its community of hotel owners and managers,” said Glenn Wallace, Event Manager for the Independent Hotel Show. “We’re proud of the show’s commitment to the independent and boutique hotel community, which is at the centre of each session in seminar programme and each suppliers chosen to take part in the show, and we can’t wait to celebrate our 10th birthday in style on 4-5 October.”
Returning for this year’s event are the Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo, and the Hotel Vision Stage, in partnership with HotelPartner, both packed with talks, discussions and debates aimed squarely at the independent hotel sector. In addition to discussions on how to tackle 2022’s supply chain and recruitment challenges, the seminar programme will provide insightful best practice sessions on topics such as social media marketing, gaining industry accolades and accreditation and expanding a hotel’s offering to drive additional revenue.
“As a small family-owned group of hotels in the Lake District we always make sure the Independent Hotel Show is in our calendar,” commented Daniella Hope, Director at Lake District Hotels Ltd. “It is one of the best places to hear about latest industry ideas, see new products and meet suppliers, and with it being so specific to the boutique hotel industry we find it invaluable. Most importantly we always take home an abundance of inspiration.”
A major feature at this year’s event is The Inclusive Hotel Room, designed by Cocoon & Bauer, an immersive conceptual hotel room showcasing how thoughtful, intelligent design can prevent sensory overwhelm and create truly welcoming, inclusive and sustainable spaces.
Guests at the show will have the opportunity to meet with peers and discuss industry trends and best practice in the Social Business Space, sponsored by Planet Payment and designed by Taner’s Sons, with hosted roundtables covering the latest opportunities and challenges in the hotel sector. Plus, the Business Solutions Bar, presented by HOSPA & HMA, will enable hoteliers to seek out expert, objective advice on solving their business pain points from leading industry experts.
Another returning feature for this year’s event is The Concept Lab, which will showcase true innovation and outside-the-box ideas from up-and-coming suppliers to the hotel sector. The Concept Lab will present a hand-picked collection of the industry’s most forward-thinking independent brands offering unique and exciting solutions to implement in hotels; providing a first look at the possibilities surrounding the future of the hotel experience.
To learn more about everything on offer at Independent Hotel Show 2022, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, head to the IHS website.
In conversation with: Sally Coulden, Founder of Red Dog Glass Design
Red Dog Glass Design is an independently owned British business, transforming public and private spaces into ‘something extraordinary’ with stunning abstract art glass panels. The mastermind behind the brand is artist Sally Coulden, who Editor Hamish Kilburn recently caught up with…
One thing I have learned in my almost five years editing Hotel Designs is that art, much like creativity, has no limit. The possibilities are indeed endless, and with brands searching for unique ways to amplify their style and image, the door has opened for artists to set new standards. Sally Coulden is very much part of this wave. Her company, Red Dog Glass Design, is combining art with surfaces in the most innovative of ways.
Coulden’s impactful abstract paintings reflect wild British spaces, whether that be expansive skies or infinite horizons. The team at Red Dog Glass Design carefully translate the artist’s original paintings into works of digital art, deconstructing and recreating each piece into a range of bespoke sizes. The artwork is then expertly applied to high-quality glass panels. Durable, practical and of course beautiful, each unique piece can be installed as high-end contemporary art panels or as glass splashbacks, in a range of commercial and residential settings.
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
To learn more about the company’s direction, and to try and understand if the artist’s creativity knows no boundaries, I caught up with Coulden in her studio.
Hamish Kilburn: First things first, how would you define your work – is it mainly art or innovative surface design?
Sally Coulden: Red Dog Glass Design products are exceptionally versatile and can be considered to be both art and surface design, depending on how and where the product is used.
The panels [we create] can be used in two ways. Either as stunning contemporary art installations in public spaces, such as hotel lobbies and inside elevators – they look incredible when they’re beautifully hung and lit. Or, looking at it from a surface design angle, because the panels are five times stronger than normal glass, waterproof and heat-resistant, they can just as easily be used as a washbasin or shower splashback in a hotel bathroom.
I originally had the idea of transposing my artwork onto toughened glass panels as a way of making my contemporary art a purposeful and central part of everyday life. Engaging with art should be an integral part of our daily routine and I love working with colours and textures that create an emotional response in the hotel guest, evoking a sense of comfort and wellbeing.
I have a love for expansiveness and non-containment in my work, so I am a great lover of big skies and expansive landscapes. All my work is inspired by our beautiful British outdoors, especially the wild spaces of the coastlines where I grew up.
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
HK: How and when was Red Dog Glass Design born – and can you explain the name?
SC: I have always been passionate about making contemporary art accessible. Art should never be something gathering dust on a forgotten wall. I wanted a way of getting art in more places, so that it can be enjoyed more widely by more people.
The company was born in December 2018 with the goal of making beautiful, yet functional (and therefore accessible) art. After a year of research into what else was already out there, we established that we were first to market with the process that we developed around digitally deconstructing my original art into vibrant, exceptionally high-resolution digital works for printing onto glass. The creation of this process sets us apart from any other supplier in the world (as far as we know!)
The Red Dog Glass Design name connects us to our human experience of ‘home’. Tens of thousands of years ago, our ancestors started painting in caves with red pigment. A place of gathering, shelter, warmth and nourishment, red dogs were amongst the earliest symbols decorating these caves, where fires were lit and families lived together in safety. Our ethos at Red Dog takes us back to this most pure version of what home is, to remind us why kitchens always provide such a warm heart in the home and speak to our basic human longings.
“My art emits an energy of its own, and that is something that we use to influence how a hotel’s personality is perceived and communicated.” – Sally Coulden, Founder, Red Dog Glass Design.
HK: How can your products help to enhance a hotel’s personality in the lobby and beyond?
SC: Our work is designed to enrich the customer experience, revealing and connecting us with our emotions. We all know from our own hotel experiences that how we perceive a space is very much influenced by the things around us.
My art emits an energy of its own, and that is something that we use to influence how a hotel’s personality is perceived and communicated. Whether that is using an existing piece of artwork or creating a completely unique commission piece, we work with clients to define the colours and shapes that build the right level of energy to resonate with hospitality industry spaces.
Whether that touchpoint is in a communal space, such as the restaurant or lobby, or the private areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms, Red Dog Glass Design is a premium brand that is all about elevating environments, bringing a wow factor to our indoor spaces.
At a time when consumers expect more from their leisure time, Red Dog Glass Design is the perfect partner to deliver impactful, yet purposeful, visual installations that elevate the customer’s hotel experience.
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
HK: Is there anything you cannot replicate, design-wise, in your products?
SC: I am an abstract painter, so if someone was looking for an image that is photorealistic then that’s not my bag!
Other than that, not really. As my paintings are digitally deconstructed and then carefully reconstructed to meet the exact needs of the client, we can create a composition to the size and shape requested by any brief.
As the painting is digitised, we can also work with the colours and, where artistically appropriate, colour match if there are certain brand specific colours the client would like.
We pride ourselves on being extremely agile, creative thinkers and we are always open to a conversation. We haven’t yet had any requests we can’t accommodate, and we love working with brands who have a particular feeling that they’d like to create in their spaces.
We have also started experimenting using textured glass, which can add a very interesting and unique third dimension to the final artwork. We are really excited by innovation and are always looking to experiment with new ideas.
HK: What are the benefits of Red Dog Glass Design products being made in Britain?
SC: We are a British brand and our products are made on demand, at our facilities here in the UK. By manufacturing everything to order, there is zero wastage of materials which is very important to us. Our carbon footprint is minimised with UK based only transportation Our team is based in the UK – supporting the local economy and ensuring easy access to the team for our clients. We are not reliant on extensive supply chains, and we are not impacted by Brexit [thankfully]. Quality is key. We have exceptionally high-quality assurance processes. Each piece is individually signed off by me before shipping.
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
HK: Let’s finish off by talking about the emotional connection to art. What is art’s role in creating this connection with wellbeing in hotel design?
SC: Sensory design and emotional responses to art continue to be a massive topic of conversation amongst designers, particularly in the hospitality sector. As we emerge from the pandemic, more than ever consumers are looking for experiences and environments that nurture and nourish the soul.
Where most hotels once served a functional purpose, with the design focused on functionality and mass appeal, we now have the opportunity to create more interesting and intimate spaces that speak to our hearts, not just our heads.
And it’s not just about the customers. As the hospitality industry fights to retain staff and attract new talent, working in an environment that shows personality and warmth is far more attractive to employees than the generic magnolia buildings we have all experienced at some point.
Evoking an emotional response from a work of art lies at the core of everything I create. Colours, forms and textures all trigger memories that exist uniquely in the mind of the viewer. Very often it’s not even directly about my work, it’s a magical combination of the viewer’s own lived experiences that create the internal story-telling, which then results in an emotional (and actually sometimes physical) response.
Carefully curated spaces within a hotel are critical and Red Dog Glass Design panels are a superb way of bringing art into space in a highly functional and practical way. Always start with the end in mind.
Red Dog Glass Design 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.
Park Hyatt Milano has opened its doors after two years of extensively reimagining its spaces, while staying true to the property’s unmatched, historic character…
A stone’s throw from the Duomo, strategically positioned in the heart of Milano, the exclusive hotel and its recent enhancements provide the perfect backdrop to discover authentic Italian luxury. The 106 guestrooms and 25 suites, as well as the common spaces, have been preserved to reflect the property’s historical identity, while elements of contemporary design combined with classic interiors in a delicate and neutral palette evoke a feeling of understated Milanese elegance.
Sustainability aspects came into play during the restoration of the building’s foundations – while equipping the house with new water pipes and modern air conditioning units as well as focusing on FSC certified materials for many of the refurbishments.
“The reinvented atmosphere of the new Park Hyatt Milano combines well-beloved and unexpected touches to a deeply personal, luxury offering,” said Monique Dekker, area vice president, Hyatt. “Being able to make such an investment during a critical time for the hospitality industry is reassuring and, I know our team in Milan is thrilled to host local and international guests again.”
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
The four Terrace Suites, the Presidential Suite and the Duomo Suite with their unbeatable panoramic terraces each overlook the city skyline. Warm-toned durmast oak parquet and original light travertine marble from Breccia Mdicea quarries reference the neutral colour palette of the Duomo of Milan and are used for the custom furnishings designed by Venetian Uno Contract. In the bathrooms, elegant medici pebbles on the floors and marble vanities combined with hand-blown glass light fixtures represent a traditional interpretation of Italian luxury. Among others, artwork from Stefano Meriggi, Matteo Boato and Luca Brandi adorn the rooms.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
Park Hyatt Milano’s common areas have been revisited with great attention to detail. Located next to La Cupola and illuminated by the natural light coming from the nearly 30-foot-high glass dome, the new fine dining restaurant Pellico 3 Milano attracts both travellers and locals. With its unique culinary experience, the menu sources ingredients and taps into the culinary traditions of France, Spain, Greece and Italy to awaken all five senses while respecting each product and its unique seasonality. The bright space, designed by architect Flaviano Capriotti, features a colour palette inspired by the ingredients: warm chestnut brown, urchin yellow, a cool artichoke green with orange and purple tying in pumpkin and saffron. The ceiling and floor reflect the magic of the sky and the productive capacity of the earth, setting the perfect scene for Chef Guido Paternollo’s haute cuisine.
The reopened AQVAM Spa – which features a Turkish bath, multifunctional showers, and a jacuzzi bath adorned with an intricate gold mosaic – offers a selection of treatments utilizing the 111SKIN treatment line. The urban wellness oasis and the gym, equipped with latest generation Technogym equipment, round out the property’s refreshed offering.
Product watch: REVA by KEUCO, connects form & function in the bathroom
REVA, meaning ‘the one which connects’, is an elegant and functional range of accessories from KEUCO. Combining clear geometric aesthetic forms with sensible functionalities, the range does indeed connect all the elements in a creative bathroom design…
Accessories are not always the first components that spring to mind when creating a bathroom, but if missing from the room it is immediately noticed. Bathroom accessories, especially free-standing, are more than just useful items, when thoughtfully and creatively designed they bring style, harmony, and individuality to every bathroom design. The REVA accessories series by KEUCO has been crafted as a clear geometric shape that works with a wide range of furnishing styles and living environments, regardless of fashion trends. They are high-quality with a flawless finish, available with a chrome-plated, or matt black finish which creates a particularly striking finish.
Image credit: KEUCO
Image credit: KEUCO
The range includes a harmonious selection of accessories, which are both elegant and extremely practical such as the lotion dispenser, with its practical single-handed operation and white satin-finish inverted glass for easy filling. It is operated from below, there is no risk of water drops dripping from wet hands onto the surface of the dispenser. Towel holders are available in single and double-arm versions and the toilet paper holder is available with or without a shelf. The REVA toilet brush set with a white satin-finish inverted glass has a removable plastic insert, which is easy to clean, and the toilet brush is always dry due to the drip reservoir.
The shower shelf comes in white or matt black and has a hidden secret – a glass squeegee is invisibly integrated into the design as a details that is both creative and practical. There are two recesses on the side of the shelf, which can be used to hang bathing and showering toiletries. The range includes a grab rail which acts as a sturdy support in the bath or shower.
The towel holder is available in sizes of 600 mm or 800 mm providing towels of any size enough space to dry away from the wall. With characteristic attention to detail, the bath towel rail has a hook on the reverse side – not visible from the front – which can be used to hang items such as a bath sponge. Towels or bathrobes hang securely on the slightly inclined hook and thanks to their solid wall mounting, all KEUCO accessories guarantee comfortable use and durability, along with innovative design details.
KEUCO 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.
Series three of DESIGN POD – the podcast for all architecture and design enthusiasts – will land this August, with eight engaging episodes ready to drop weekly. Editor Hamish Kilburn, host of DESIGN POD, explains what to look forward to…
It’s official, series three of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Minotti London, will land this August. The podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts aims to create conversations unlike any other, and provides a unique platform to amplify leading designers, architects and creative experts.
The series, which will contain eight curated episodes, will kickstart with episode 19; an exclusive interview with Nils Sveje and Kyoko Inoda, Co-Founders of INODA+SVEJE, which was one of few protagonist studios behind the 2022 collection by Minotti. The pair joined me on the podcast sofa just one week after Milan Design Week to record the episode where we discussed how their latest products – Yoko, Lars and Sendai – went down with the design and architecture community when they launched during the show as well as exploring the design duo’s unique approach to product design.
Up next, episode 20 will explore a hotel concept that Hotel Designs has been interested in since its early conception. Hot off delivering a Ted talk about creating the world’s first energy-positive hotel, developer and former designer and architect Ivaylo Lefterov, while on a whistle-stop tour, joined me live in the Minotti London showroom to discuss how SVART will break down boundaries when it comes to net-zero architecture, sustainable hospitality and luxury travel.
Episode 21 will feature Holly Hallam, Managing Director of Design LSM, who arrived on the podcast sofa full of energy to explore the topic of ‘a new era of lifestyle’. At the time of recording, Design LSM had completed several lifestyle hospitality projects, including Kiss the Hippo, Jiji in London, and were in the process of working to revamp the iconic Heythrop Park.
In Episode 22, DESIGN POD will be taken over by a legend on the interior design scene. British designer Sue Timney, who recently became a judge for The Brit List Awards 2022, joined me to discuss some of her statement projects and partnerships, including an appearance on Grand Designs as well as working on several high-profile residential projects.
Approaching the podcast from a slightly different angle – catching up with a designer working for a brand instead of a design studio – episode 23 will welcome Matthew Balon, Head of Design at Ruby Hotels, to discover the theme of ‘lean luxury’ in today’s competitive hospitality scene when lifestyle hotels need to not only be all singing and all dancing in terms of offerings but also accessible and affordable.
Spreading our wings outside of the UK, episode 24 will capture a theme that’s relevant outside parameters of design and architecture. ‘Sliding doors’ will be the topic, inspired by the 1998 rom-com featuring Gwyneth Paltrow. The episode will welcome Brian Messana, Co-Founder of Messana O’roke, and will celebrate the upcoming release of the studio’s first monograph, Messana O’Rorke: Building Blocks, with text by Mayer Rus and a foreword by Thomas Phifer, to be published by Rizzoli this October. The episode will highlight moments in Messana’s career and life that pivoted into new chapters of design and architecture.
Continuing in New York City, episode 25 of DESIGN POD will welcome Karen Stonely, Co-Founder of SPAN NY onto the podcast to explore wellness in design. In this episode, Stonely, focusing on case studies that are both loud and quiet, will touch on how each of the studio’s projects sensitively inject meaningful senses of place. In addition, the episode will explore the architect’s definition of wellness in 2022.
Concluding the series in style as well as speed, episode 26 will welcome architect Lorraine Stoutt Griffith, Director, Twelve Architects, to explore the theme of engineering meets design. The episode will put one of Griffith’s current projects called Escapade Silverstone under the spotlight, a space that will, when built, seamlessly merge hospitality and motorsport in an original way – right on the edge of the iconic Silverstone race track, home of the UK Grand Prix.
DESIGN POD, Sponsored by Minotti London, is available to listen to on all major platforms, including (but not limited to) Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify. Look out over on Instagram for the official teaser to drop, which will contain the exact launch date of series three.
The Nueva washbasin by Kaldewei debuts in the Hotel Seegarten
Created by the designer Werner Aisslinger for Kaldewei, The Nueva, with its clearly defined design, sits perfectly in the bathrooms of the Hotel Seegarten…
The Hotel Seegarten in Sundern is an ideal place for an exclusive holiday in Sauerland, Germany. The hotel is owned and run by TV chef Olaf Baumeister, who with his team selected the best partners to create an ambience of hand-picked, contemporary furniture and luxurious interiors. Baumeister chose to use Kaldewei throughout the hotel, giving the bathroom design a high-quality profile, and in addition to 14 Centro Duo bathtubs, the Hotel Seegarten also installed the first Nueva washbowls designed by Werner Aisslinger in its 49 guest bathrooms.
“The special thing about the Hotel Seegarten is that traditionally we select the entire interior from the region: from clay plaster on the walls, to small items like switches and cables, to bathroom objects made of steel enamel,” said hotelier Olaf Baumeister. “This is not only extremely well received by our suppliers, but of course also by our guests, who love the stories behind the products.”
Image credit: Kaldewei
The designer Werner Aisslinger has succeeded in giving the bowls made of Kaldewei’s steel enamel a unique accent. The Nueva captivates with its clear, authentic design, the way the contour is offset adds a calm precision that means it is destined to become a classic. The washbasins are made of recyclable steel enamel and are suitable for luxurious hotel bathrooms and wellness areas as well as for exclusive private spas and public areas. The model is available in all Kaldewei’s sanitary colours as well as the shades of the Coordinated Colours Collection. The design received the Red Dot Award, at the end of June 2022.
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.
Soho from Sekers is a versatile, velvet upholstery fabric which features an elegant, decorative cut pile to create a modern stripe…
Sekers has launched Soho, a velvet collection which captures a mature, stylish feel that sits comfortably in a wide range of interior schemes. This durable collection is presented in 16 colourways including on-trend blues, greens and neutrals shades. Each colourway features a fancy effect in the voided ground which combines a number of complementary coloured yarns to form a luxurious textured stripe.
Image credit: Sekers
Image credit: Sekers
Supplied with a crib 5 flame retardant backing and with a high Martindale abrasion performance of 60,000 rubs, Soho is a great choice for upholstery and accessories, also meeting all of the relevant UK, American and IMO standards. Soho is a handsome addition to any interior and is the ideal choice for the marine, hospitality and leisure markets.
Sekers continually inspire with versatile collections suitable for contract and hospitality interiors. From Wabi Sabi drawing inspiration from Japan, to the Deco collection which taking its inspiration from Miami’s Art Deco historic district, the designs are the perfect vehicle to add depth and layers to an interior project.
Sekers 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.
To celebrate the 2022 edition of The Tour of France, BORA-Hansgrohe has unveiled The Golden Bike, which is a top-of-the-range racing bike that has been specially coated in hansgrohe FinishPlus Polished Gold – and it will be making its appearance in Clerkenwell, London soon. Our (cycling) editor Hamish Kilburn has more…
The Tour of France started on July 1, 2022 with the premiere stage in Copenhagen, one of the capitals of good design and architecture. To kick off this year’s Tour de France, another design highlight entered into the Danish capital: The Golden Bike, a Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL7, customised in the hansgrohe FinishPlus Polished Gold look.
The bike, a contemporary design icon in its own right, was developed together with various partners in cycling in honour of Matthew Wall’s Olympic Gold Medal. After its debut in Copenhagen, The Golden Bike has continued its tour, and is expected to show up at major cycling events and Hansgrohe WaterStudios over the next few months. After the roadshow, it will be raffled off, and all proceeds raised will benefit Viva con Aqua, an organisation that works to provide access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Because clean water is as precious as gold! Tickets for the Racing Bike Raffle are available through the Viprize platform.
By buying a raffle ticket – anyone can enter – one automatically applies to win the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL7 in Polished Gold Optic.
Hansgrohe 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.
Ligne Roset & RF Studio collaborate to design new hotel concept for Novotel
Ligne Roset Contract, in collaboration with Belgian designer Ramy Fischler, have been chosen to manufacture a new era of design for hospitality brand Novotel, bringing contemporary furnishing and quality design into the guestroom, with sustainability at the heart of the concept…
Following an intense worldwide design pitch, Novotel has teamed up with four international design teams to introduce the brand’s new vision of modern, 21st century style to the world. One of these four bedroom concepts have been designed by Belgian designer Ramy Fischler, through his design studio RF Studio, based in Paris, and will be manufactured by Ligne Roset Contract which have collaborated with the designer on previous projects.
The winning concepts will be brought to life at Novotel locations around the globe, shifting Novotel from a standardised brand to a hospitality leader in the midscale hotel space. By choosing four distinct concepts, the brand will provide flexibility to its owning and franchisee partners, allowing each to choose and customise an ideal style that best suits the unique character of the destination.
Image credit: ABACA / Thierry Sauvage
With the bespoke manufacturing knowledge of Ligne Roset Contract, sustainability has been considered throughout this bedroom concept. Designed and manufactured to last over a long period of time, removable covers have been used to limit the overconsumption of furniture and to allow for easier future renovations. The furniture items have all been made from PEFC and EUTR certified particleboard, while 100 per cent recycled polyester has been used for the fabrics. The wardrobe, mini bar and stool have also all been made from 100 per cent recycled materials. The occasional and bedside table bases have been made from cork.
Flexibility is a key aspect of the different sleeping arrangements made possible by the daybeds, also manufactured by Ligne Roset Contract. Available in different colour options and for different bedroom orientations, the daybeds provide 18 different guestroom configurations.
The bedroom concept is available in full and partial realisations, with different colour options, in a standard and premium finish which includes additional charging outlets. One of the key features of the concept is the headboard. Available in a standard and premium finish. The premium option has connectivity to the bedside tables providing induction charging.
Luggage racks, a mini bar and the Valmy armchair, also designed by Ramy Fishler and part of the Ligne Roset collection can also be included.
The Ramy Fischler bedroom concept has already been used in Paris and will feature in other Novotel hotels soon.
Linge Roset Contact 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.
Chicago adds glamour to skyline with The LaSalle Hotel
The design-forward and Art Deco-inspired luxury hotel, The LaSalle Hotel, sits on the top five floors of a historically iconic Chicago landmark from famed architect Daniel Burnham. Let’s take a look inside…
Following our shout-out earlier this summer about the hottest hotel openings – and just in time for the summer rooftop demand – The LaSalle Hotel has opened in Chicago’s financial district. Developed by an affiliate of The Prime Group, Inc, the opulent hotel guests true luxury and ‘uncommon experiences’.
Sitting majestically 21 storeys above street level, the hotel is expected to be the preeminent destination within Chicago’s Financial District.“We are thrilled to offer a luxury experience unlike any other hotel in the loop”, said General Manager Stefan Gruvberger. “Not only does the hotel evoke the elegance and rich history of Chicago’s past, but also puts guests right in the heart of today’s best attractions, making it easy for visitors to make the most of their time at The LaSalle Hotel.”
Image credit: The LaSalle Chicago
The LaSalle Hotel is operated by Aimbridge Hospitality and is the newest addition to Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The hotel is a modern club-like escape that sits on the top five floors of a historically iconic landmark from famed Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. Its central location in the city’s financial district makes it the perfect destination for the sophisticated business traveler, while its plush, spacious guest rooms and luxurious amenities make it an ideal retreat for the leisure traveler looking to be in the middle of all Chicago has to offer.
Designed by DiLeonardo International and Chipman Design Architecture, the hotel’s design evokes the building’s Art Deco roots while exuding the style and sophistication of the surrounding area’s prestige and modern lifestyle. High end finishes, rich wood tones, and classic stone elements were combined to create an elevated yet casual setting.
The property includes a signature restaurant and lounge; 232 luxury suites and oversized guestrooms, featuring elegant furnishings, millwork, cabinetry, and large marble-clad bathrooms; a library retreat and a beautiful solarium adjacent to the hotel lobby; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and over 7,500 sq. feet of ballroom and meeting space. Amenities of note include Beautyrest Black by Simmons beds, Lavazza espresso machines, mini-refrigerators, and 65-inch UHD TVs.
Its 1,684-square-foot Presidential Suite brims with style and sophistication. An elevated stay for the elite, the suite includes an expansive king-size master bedroom with an oversized master bath featuring dual vanities, a separate water closet and shower, plus a porcelain soaking tub imported from Germany. The Presidential Suite also features a separate living room, dining room, private study, powder room, designer kitchen, butler pantry, and ability to connect to an additional king deluxe room.
Image credit: Anthony Tahlier
Named for its location on the 21st floor within The LaSalle Hotel, Grill on 21 is a modern interpretation of the classic American grill created for the sophisticated diner of the 21st century. The restaurant’s conscious approach to service provides an exciting meal that’s fit for a time-efficient business lunch or a leisurely and luxurious dinner for visitors.
The restaurant deftly pays homage to traditional techniques and classic dishes while also taking into account contemporary tastes and lifestyle trends. Innovative dishes like Hearth-Roasted Carrot Wellington appeal to plant-based diners, while steak tasting menus allow guests to indulge in high-quality, locally sourced meats in thoughtful portions.
Edmund Bell fabrics in the frame at NHow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
With cultural influences from all around the world on display through the interior of city landmark NHow Amsterdam RAI Hotel, with collection names like Discovery and Zanzibar, the fabrics from Edmund Bell are a good fit…
Designed by Dutch architects OMA, the iconic NHow Amsterdam RAI Hotel is made up of three overlapping triangles, symbolising the multicultural backdrop that characterises the past, present and future of the city of Amsterdam. Since opening its doors in early 2020, the hotel has positioned itself as a ‘cosmopolitan social hub’ and as a meeting place where contemporary art, design, fine dining and cultural expression echo the multicultural spirit that characterises the city. The 650 guestroom hotel is now a vibrant hub for business travellers, tourists and Amsterdam locals alike, with its location right beside the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Interior-Consult was asked by the developer to provide design assistance to NH Hotels and the project designers, working on the procurement and project coordination of all furniture, fixtures and equipment. Edmund Bell fabrics were specified throughout the hotel, a concept based on an eclectic mix of vibrant colours, patterns and traditional elements. International symbols such as the mandalas of India, skulls of Mexico and the cherry blossoms of Japan are brought together to create an exciting and striking cultural fusion. The guestrooms are inspired by the cardinal direction the particular room faces – South, East, North, South West, South East and North West, and the fabrics all contribute to this design narrative.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Edmund Bell’s large colour ranges were the perfect solution for this project, with an average of 28 colours in each of the decorative blackout ranges – an ideal option for hotel bedrooms as they offer complete light exclusion to ensure a perfect night’s sleep. The chosen blackout fabrics in this case were Discovery Damson, Discovery Green Tea, Discovery Indigo and Zanzibar Bordeaux – very colourful indeed! Over 5000 metres of double width fabric was needed for this project. The design included a bespoke plain colour print, using Edmund Bell’s Printlab service. This service allows for bespoke colour matching, which in this case gave the clients something truly unique. The colour was printed onto the chosen base fabric; flame retardant Outback Silk FR offering 100 per cent light exclusion – perfect in a hotel guestroom to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
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.
Main image credit: Edmund Bell / NHow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
Inspiration inside Regent Phu Quoc, designed by BLINK
We take a look at what happens when prime movers in placemaking BLINK Design Studio, team up with the last word in authentic Asian luxury to create the stunningly unique resort experience of Regent Phu Quoc – perfectly timed to open as South East Asia roars back to life…
This is the story of the making of Regent Phu Quoc, the new jewel in the crown of Regent Hotels, which opened its doors earlier this year to a world longing to rediscover the romance of travel and crying out for experiences of beguiling authenticity. It is the story of the ultimate collaboration between a hotel brand that has become the benchmark of timelessly elegant escapes, and BLINK’s design visionaries who live and breathe destinations, immersing themselves in the vernacular and diving deep into local culture, art, craft and design before conjuring up experiences that become a true exploration of time and place.
Image credit: BLINK Design Studio
And it’s the story of the birth of something very special on an island transforming from ‘best-kept secret’ status, to its emergence as the region’s hottest destination. A statement of intent from a brand with an auspicious history, part of the mythical lore and the cultural DNA of the East. Phu Quoc transcends cliché as a true island paradise; a gem of rarest jade reposing in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Fishing villages, pearlers and pepper plantations provide charming glimpses into Vietnamese customs spanning generations, while more than half of the island has been protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2006.
It was against this backdrop that BLINK’s best design brains were summoned to pool their knowledge and inspirations with the vast hotel and resort experience of the Regent brand and its new owner, InterContinental Hotels Group.
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
The goal was to create a luxury resort experience imbued with the soul and culture of Phu Quoc in an enviable location on the island’s most beautiful and longest beach on its western shore. A place where sunlight pervades and the sparkling waters of the gulf enchant from every angle; a tranquil environment for relaxation, swathed in natural textiles and minimalist decor. A place where traditional Vietnamese and modern design merge.
“This is a very special project, from the brand involved to the uniquely beautiful location and a rich local culture full of traditions and artisans, and on to the timing of its launch,” said Clint Nagata, Founder, BLINK Design Studio. “It was right in our wheelhouse in terms of delving into the art of placemaking; going very deep into the cultures, materials and traditions of the vernacular before we even put pen to paper.”
Image credit: BLINK Design Studio
The brief was to create an all-suites and villas luxury beach resort, consisting of Ocean View Suites, Garden Pool Suites and opulent Pool Villas from one to seven bedrooms, private infinity pools and plunge pools, as well as six food and beverage concepts with Regent’s elegant take on the ‘wow factor’ and incorporating the brand’s penchant for storytelling. A grand ballroom and event spaces, a Regent Club, and a cutting-edge spa concept were also required.
“Informing the master plan above all, was making the most of the breathtaking gulf waters and sunset,” said Nagata. “This meant utilising a multi-dimensional approach for every major guest-facing space, deliberately spread horizontally and stacked vertically so that all guests enjoy an optimum view of the natural setting.”
Image credit: BLINK Design Studio
The sense of arrival begins with a processional staircase to the lobby. Guests are greeted with an iconic space, framed with a modern interpretation of Vietnamese roofs and featuring luminous laquerwork with the delicate duck eggshell inlays for which the region is famous.
The initial architectural ideas were steeped in the Vietnamese vernacular. “This is a country with strong local culture and traditional architectural heritage,” explained Nagata. “One of the structural systems commonly found is the wooden truss system, known locally as the Bovi. We have abstracted that feature and developed it into subtle patterns that feature on screens, carpets and accessories.”
One of the key elements in the masterplan is the courtyard-like villas, each with its own infinity pool and plunge pool and layers of privacy and intimacy. This is inspired by another key feature in the Vietnamese vernacular known as Gian Nha.
“A traditional house is often composed of small compartments and courtyards,” said Nagata. “These individual spaces create transition and different experiences within the same house. Our spatial zoning presents a contemporary interpretation of Gian Nha, blurring the boundaries of indoor and outdoor.”
The finished product is suffused with delicate Vietnamese craftsmanship and intricate thought processes. The villas gradually reveal themselves to their inhabitants, presenting moments of joy and little epiphanies. On a practical level, this also allows great flexibility so that spaces can be separated, creating a lock-off unit for different amounts of guests in different types of occasions.
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
Rice Market, Regent Phu Quoc’s all-day dining space, affords a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals. Drawing inspiration from the rice market, the restaurant spills onto the central courtyard, inspired by the vibrant street markets of Vietnam. Ingenious twists on rice mills and water wheels along with burlap rice bag textures offer up eye candy in a relaxed ambiance. OKU is the showpiece fine dining restaurant, a French-Japanese Omakase atelier and salon de boeuf. It sits at the heart of the resort, a celebration of intricate Japanese woodwork, evoking the feel of a Parisian brasserie with a hint of new orientalist.
Meticulous attention to detail pervades, from the cuisine to the interiors. Precision and perfection were BLINK’s watchwords in creating this icon in the making. “Just as an Omakase Chef pays special attention to select ingredients to create a meal as an artistic expression, so too does the woodworker as the precision and perfection of his joinery becomes a work of art,” explains Nagata.
Designed in the tradition of a speakeasy with a secret entrance, the Jade bar is the hidden treasure of Regent Phu Quoc, only revealing itself at dusk. Inspiration was found in the jade-coloured waters of the Gulf, as well as the rich tradition of jade in Vietnamese culture, handed down from mother to daughter as an heirloom. Sophisticated shades of jade and layers of intricacy lend an opulent, old world feel. The arrival experience is purposely concealed during the day.
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
An exclusive Regent Club sits atop the resort’s main tower, overlooking the entire property. The ethereal image of crisp silhouettes against the stunning sunsets of Phu Quoc inspire the design of the rooftop pool area. Gradients of colour at the feature wall, flickers of golden tiles mimic the reflection of the sun against the clear blue waters. In the most private area of the Club, a library inspired by the tropical botanical gardens and local plants offer a sanctuary for guests. The Regent Club is a perfect place to watch sunset with a perfectly crafted Gin and Tonic.
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon opens its ‘anything but standard’ doors
Top of our VIP arrivals list for august, The Standards Asia flagship has taken up residence inside the iconic King Power Mahanakhon, creating an urban retreat offering world-class design, retail and cultural programming anchored by dynamic food, drink, and after-dark offerings in the Thai capital…
As the latest addition to the King Power Group portfolio, the hotel will leverage the iconic building’s architecture and energy and bring the brand’s signature mix of culture, design, entertainment and hospitality to the city. With 155 rooms and suites and a central location in downtown Bangkok, the property offers the perfect getaway to Old Town, where a wealth of cultural attractions and a dynamic art scene await. To reflect the unmistakable energy of the Thai capital, The Standard’s “anything but standard” ethos is translated into exciting amenities, one-of-a-kind culinary programming at six food and beverage spaces, and meeting venues that break the mould.
Image credit: The Standard
“We are incredibly thrilled about the launch of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon in Thailand,” said Srettha Thavisin, Chairman of Standard International. “This iconic flagship hotel of The Standard represents an extraordinary phenomenon in the hospitality industry not only in Asia, but globally as well. We are confident that The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will have huge success in delivering the ultimate hotel experience – unlike any other in Thailand.”
To conceptualize the uber-social downtown property, Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and The Standard’s award-winning in-house design team delved into the synergy between the city’s melting pot of cultures and free-form artistic exploration. The resulting social spaces are fresh and intertwined with reinterpretations of cultural cues, such as Marco Brambilla’s video monument to Hollywood dreams and excesses, in the lobby. Titled ‘Heaven’s Gate’, this provocative artwork is the first installment in the ‘Box’ series, a concept inspired by the brand’s first property in Hollywood that showcased an ever-changing roster of art installations.
Image credit: The Standard
Image credit: The Standard
The hotel’s beautifully understated rooms are balanced by bold, glamorous touches such as the softly-lit bar area and retro-style furniture. At 144 square metres, The Bigger Penthouse with its sumptuous upholstery, a full kitchen setup, ensuite bathroom with a giant soaking tub, and indoor plants feels like a stately home where good times reside.
Tucked away in a lush and serene poolscape overlooking the city, The Pool offers poolside service with light dishes, craft cocktails and healthful, plant-based delights in a social setting. Guests also have access to a stylish, 24-hour fitness centre, The Standard Gym, that comes with city views, ample natural light, and state-of-the art equipment from CLMBR and PELOTON, and a variety of signature group classes, including high-intensity endurance training, group outdoor classes and Hollywood aerobics.
Image credit: The Standard
With six distinctive dining, drinking and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon promises to shake things up in Bangkok’s neighbourhood on the up. The Standard Grill, a spirited American brasserie informed by the brand’s celebrated original at The Standard, High Line in New York’s Meatpacking District, seamlessly transitions from power breakfast to social hotspot at night. While high up on the 76th floor, guests can experience one of the city’s most anticipated restaurant unveilings of the year – a collaboration with multi award-winning chef Francisco ‘Paco’ Ruano. His Mexican-inspired restaurant Ojo draws on Bangkok’s progressive outlook and the venue’s whimsical design, referencing Mexico’s ancient civilizations to deliver flavours never experienced in Thailand or the region, such as aguachile seasonal prawns and bone marrow tortillas, complemented by inventive cocktails and a thoughtful wine list. Bringing together Chef Paco’s culinary prowess, panoramic views, creative beverage program and genre-bending décor, Ojo will sit proudly beside The Standard’s legendary Boom Boom Room in New York City and London’s star attraction Decimo as one of the world’s best rooftop venues.
Image credit: The Standard
For 360-degree views from the 78th floor perch there is Sky Beach, Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar mixing blissed-out ambiance, downtempo beats, and a hard-hitting cocktail selection from one of Thailand’s most celebrated mixologists. Guests can also dine on award-winning Chinese cuisine at Mott 32 Bangkok’s open-air terrace dotted with lush greenery. The famous apple wood roasted Peking duck is not to be missed, as are expertly curated cocktails and authentic Cantonese, Beijing and Szechuan flavors created with the most meticulously sourced ingredients. At Tease, a strikingly graphic, black and white bijoux tea room, the intimate room overflows with whimsy and wonder.
For comfort food with a side of The Standard’s cultural programming, guests can head to The Parlor. The menu offers authentic Thai cuisine, and breakfast is available all day. Cocktails like the Honey Trap and Be Wild, created by Khun ‘Milk’ Thanaworachayakit, The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon’s beverage manager, complements the atmosphere and delicious food. In addition to an eclectic playlist spotlighting local and global talent, curated by The Standard’s music division, the hotel’s relaxed social hub hosts talks and workshops, including astrology sessions, live performances, and themed bingo nights inspired by the fabled bingo sessions at The Standard, High Line.
Image credit: The Standard
Public spaces at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon immerse guests into the local community as well as introducing them to Bangkok’s vibrant creative scene through the elements of fine art hidden in plain sight. A stunning and vibrant Marc Quinn, ‘Flood Plain of the Tributaries of the Orinocco’, 2018, from King Power’s private collection, enhances the colour and personality at reception. Hidden in plain sight in the corridors leading to the elevator and The Parlor is a breathtaking, original, Joan Miro sculpture, entitled, ‘Personnage’, also from the King Power collection. In the lobby they are greeted by a portrait of a couple, caught in an embrace, embedded in the floor. Overhead, locally handmade rattan lamps create an intricate canopy, while fine objects showcased in the shop are the labour of love of local artists as well as The Standard and its collaborators. Chief Design Officer, Verena Haller and the design team, hand-picked art, antiques and curiosities, creating their version of a shoppable flee market, enhancing both the custom designed and locally sourced furniture, creating meticulously designed and inviting spaces guests never want to leave.
Inside the 106-mile mirrored city concept in Saudi Arabia
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to turn a stretch of dessert in Saudi Arabia, roughly the size of Belgium, into a high-tech linear city that will be contained within a mirrored wall. Here’s what we know…
The most recent concept that has been picked up by the world’s media is known as The Line and is part of the Neom development, which, for some, is a step too far. Nonetheless, its unconventional approach to city design has got us thinking about the future, especially as this month Hotel Designs is focusing its editorial gaze on weird and wonderful hotel concepts.
Image credit: Neom
It is being widely reported that it will cost $500 Billion to design the mirrored wall city that will stretch 106 miles into the distance in the northwest of the Gulf country.
While on the outside The Line will reflect dessert landscape, inside the urban city is expected to contain residential, hospitality, and leisure spaces as well as vertical gardens and educational buildings. Each building will be stacked and layered in an arranged that the visionaries behind its concept are calling ‘Zero Gravity Urbanism’.
Image credit: Neom
Within the space of just 200 metres, the city in between two perfectly parallel mirrored walls, is said to house nine million people. The structure, reaching 500 metres tall and stretching over 106 miles, if built, will become the 12th tallest – and by far the longest – building in the world.
“The designs revealed today for the city’s vertically layered communities will challenge the traditional flat, horizontal cities and create a model for nature preservation and enhanced human livability,” said Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Line has been designed, we believe, by US-based studio Morphosis. Its aim is to “tackle the challenges facing humanity in urban life today and will shine a light on alternative ways to live,” added the crown prince.
In addition to funky sci-fi buildings, the plans for The Line will include a transport system that will connect either ends of the city in just 20 minutes.
Neom, which this bold concept is linked to, is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 drive that will ’embody the future of innovation in business, liveability and sustainability’.
In conversation with: Clint Nagata, Founder of BLINK Design Group
The bold designs that have come to characterise the work being delivered off the drawing boards of the BLINK Design Group are being rolled out across the globe, impacting on our understanding and experience of hospitality design – this is in no small measure due to the creative energy of its founder Clint Nagata, who kindly took time out of his very busy and very global schedule to satisfy our curiosity and answer a few questions...
Since setting up his own studio in Bangkok in 2006, Clint Nagata as founder, has been the force behind BLINK which now has three studios and an impressive rollcall of clients and projects, along with more than a few design awards collected along the way. The studios are characterised by a sense of collective creativity, and despite an obviously demanding schedule, Nagata remains an intrinsic part of the process, overseeing every project from concept through to completion.
Before exploring the most recent design to come out of the BLINK studio – the W Dubai Mina Seyahi– we took a few steps back…
Pauline Brettell: Before opening your own studio, you were with WATG in Hawaii – you left to establish BLINK Design Group in 2006. What prompted that move, and made it the right time for you in your design journey to open BLINK?
Clint Nagata: I will be forever grateful for the years at WATG, especially working with my mentor, Don Goo, and ending up becoming the youngest partner in the firm. Despite this, in my mid-thirties I realised that I wanted to create my own firm and relocated to Bangkok, where I founded BLINK. The name is homage to Malcolm Gladwell’s book ‘Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking’ that emphasises the power of first impressions. For me, it is that first impression – when you meet a new client or visit a site – that spurs the entire creative process. Since it launched, BLINK has been focusing solely on luxury lifestyle hotels and resorts, and now is turning to luxury residential designs too.
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
PB: Why did you launch the studio in Thailand?
CN: I was and I am still attracted to the arts, culture and vibrancy of Asia. In Thailand I found many talented, creative designers who are a joy to work with.
PB: What was the first project you completed as BLINK Design Group?
PB: Since opening that first studio in Thailand, you now have offices in Bangkok, Shanghai and Singapore – do the studios work collaboratively or do they focus on their own projects?
CN: Our studios work collaboratively, and we share work across the teams to ensure that each project and client get the most appropriate resources. Currently the teams are working together on several projects across the globe, from Spain to Bora Bora and everywhere in between!
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
PB: The concepts of travel, experience and the journey are all recurring references in your work – can you discuss this a bit more?
CN: At BLINK we are committed to translating our clients’ visions into remarkable pieces of architecture inspired by travel experiences and cultural encounters. The first step of the creative process is listening: we need to understand why our clients choose a specific location, what’s the history behind it, how the local community interprets the place, and how guests could connect with it. We invest a lot of time in this preliminary phase of the process.
We then dive into local traditions in search of ideas that will inform our contemporary projects: we take inspiration from cultural elements, indigenous materials, traditional craftsmanship and local artworks. The result is a design that reflects the intrinsic qualities of a place through the eyes of locals.
Image credit: BLINK Design Studio / Ben Richards
PB: Your design for Roko Kyoto was awarded the Kohler Bold Design Award – can you talk us through this design; its story, its challenges, and how you created that balance between the traditional and the contemporary in the design.
CN: We designed Roku Kyoto – Hilton’s first LXR Hotels & Resorts branded hotel in Asia Pacific – with the discerning traveller in mind, someone who is after what I like to call a ‘sense of place’. We knew that Hilton and the owners were seeking a one-of-a-kind design concept, a resort that would stand out from the crowd while also blending into the landscape. For us, every space is a journey created by people and places: this is why we took inspiration from Kyoto’s rich heritage, organic beauty and Zen philosophy to create something that is both authentic and cutting-edge, elegant and contemporary.
Image credit: BLINK Design Studio / Ben Richards
Nestled at the foot of the Takagamine mountains by the Tenjin River, the hotel is a never-ending exploration of Kyoto’s landscape and the simplicity of Japanese craftsmanship. It features 114 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, a spa, maples and cherry trees gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. We strived to weave the local aesthetic into every aspect of the resort’s interiors, from the lobby and pavilion-style dining area to the wooden tea lounge, the serene wellness centre and all contemporary rooms and suites, which exude a sense of minimalistic grace.
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
PB: Moving on to W Dubai Mina Seyahi – there are very clear references inspired by the locale and culture and crafts – what was the starting point and how did these ideas surface?
CN: The ‘Port of Travellers’ – an ancient copper trade hub where the hotel is located – was our overarching inspiration: we set out from the ground up to imbue W Dubai – Mina Seyahi with the soul of storytelling and the spirit of the souk, a place for people to meet and share stories. The concept translated into guest rooms and suites laden with lavish touches and hints of intrigue, adventure and romance. From treasure-chest-like bedside tables to white leather bed headboards – with ribs and shapes inspired by swooping shape of the traditional Dhow boats – fabrics with motifs drawn from local calligraphy and lights that resemble the Arabian Nights’ ancient lanterns, nods to the Arabic culture are peppered throughout. The element of surprise extends to the walk-in closets, closed with billowing curtains in a gradient of sunset colours, echoing the hues of the bay. Here, we played with the philosophical theme of the secrets behind the veil. The storytelling continues in the bathrooms via a calligraphy motif, with bold black and white colours to echo ink and paper. The bathrooms also feature a seating area, encouraging long bathing rituals, and conversation.
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
PB: What was the biggest challenge in this design?
CN: Cost and time have always been a challenge for designers, and the pandemic exacerbated this especially in Asia. Clients need things designed and built within very challenging timelines and budgets.
PB: Do you have a personal favourite element or space in the W Dubai?
CN: My favourite space in the hotel is the restaurant, Ginger Moon. I love that you feel like you’re at a beach club but you’re still in the city’s vibrant heart. The eclectic interiors connect seamlessly with the terrace and pool, but guests can still find many quieter spaces tucked in between.
QUICKFIRE ROUND
PB: Best hotel to be a guest? CN: Any of the Aman properties PB: Most inspiring hotel design? CN: The Puli, Shanghai PB: Design icon? CN: Geoffrey Bawa PB: Favourite country to work in? CN: Thailand PB: Cake or caviar? CN: Caviar
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
Image credit: BLINK Design Group
PB: On your website, it states: “Currently, we are collaborating with a new era of hospitality entrepreneurs. By sharing their energy and imagination, we are challenging ideas and making spaces that reward each client and reach every guest.” Can you elaborate on this – what are the differences in this ‘new era of hospitality’, and what are the ideas that are being challenged?
CN: When we say a ‘New Era of Hospitality Entrepreneurs’ we refer to our clients who are from HNW families and have now ventured into the hotel business and are looking to define their niche in a rather crowded marketplace. We are enablers in helping these young entrepreneurs tell their story. Our goal is to take them on a creative journey and define a bespoke design that cannot be repeated or duplicated.
In a world where travellers have seen it all and eschew luxury for luxury’s sake, there is a desire for experiences steeped in simplicity, authenticity, sustainability and a perfectly imagined ‘sense of place’. Bringing all of this to life is our mission. We do everything we can to build our hotels in an environmentally respectful way, integrating the surrounding nature with our designs to the point that they’re both reciprocally enhanced.
Image credit: BLINK Design Studio / Ben Richards
PB: If you had to choose one design to be remembered by – which one would it be?
CN:Roku Kyoto. Its design is, in many ways, close in spirit to who I am as a person.
Providing a good night’s sleep is essential to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience, which is why Hypnos Contract Beds, the largest provider of hospitality beds in the UK, has been working with hoteliers for decades to inspire everyone to sleep more sustainably, with no compromise on comfort…
Offering innovatively designed, sustainable, and stylish beds and mattresses, Hypnos Contract Beds is recognised for providing the ultimate in comfort with integrity. Now more than ever, hotel guests are actively making eco-conscious decisions when it comes to travel. There has been a shift in consumer attitudes with research indication that 73 per cent of global hotel visitors today would prefer a sustainable hotel over a traditional one, up from 62 per cent in 2016, and a growing number of guests are willing to pay up to 75 per cent more to stay in a hotel that demonstrates authentic green credentials. With this change, hoteliers are being called upon to demonstrate their sustainability initiatives that meet their hotel guests’ eco-conscious needs.
Image credit: Hypnos
To meet these consumer interests, hoteliers should demonstrate how they have adopted a sustainability-first approach. This needs to be a multi-faceted approach, and could include removing single-use plastics from its hotel, providing locally sourced food in its restaurants, creating greener infrastructure, and importantly, working with ethical suppliers to provide guests with the most sustainable, eco-friendly products possible during their stay. In doing so, hoteliers are considering every step of their sustainability journey along the way; and by working with eco-conscious suppliers and partners, they are bolstering their own eco credentials too.
The new Hospitality Origins Collection by Hypnos represents a new era of sustainable sleep solutions, providing hoteliers with a truly eco-conscious bed for their guests. The fully sustainable collection comprises a choice of luxury, durable mattresses, each of which embodies Hypnos’ commitment to using natural materials. Featuring a comprehensive choice of sustainable fibres with unparalleled traceability credentials, including ethical cotton sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative and 100 per cent British wool from Red Tractor assured farms, each mattress is also fully recyclable, meaning that they will never end up in landfill.
Image credit: Hypnos
The Woolsleepers Pillow Top mattress offers supreme comfort thanks to its luxurious built-in pillow top layer and the 1,000 ReActivePro pocket springs used, which evenly distribute weight across the expanse of the bed, providing optimum support. It also utilises ethically sourced materials of the highest quality, including natural, unbleached cotton. As a result, the bed is truly ethically made meaning hoteliers and eco-conscious guests can rest easy knowing that they’re sleeping on a bed that’s supremely comfortable and offers sustainable luxury too.
This collection also includes the Woolsleepers Elite which comes with a hand-finished pocket sprung mattress, incorporating 11 layers of sustainable comfort. Upholstered in unbleached, naturally fire-retardant woven cotton and viscose ticking, the mattress also benefits from 1,400 ReActivPro pocket springs and 3,000 Adaptiv springs, which evenly distribute weight, and flex to individual body shapes for optimum support and personalised comfort.
The Woolsleepers Classic mattress features five layers of comfort; covered in a breathable sleep surface woven from sustainably sourced, unbleached cotton and viscose to create a luxurious sleeping surface, and with a 100 per cent British wool filling. The 1,000 ReActivePro pocket spring core has been specially engineered to deliver ultimate comfort. This accessible mattress reflects Hypnos’ commitment to providing the hospitality sector with sustainable sleep solutions, enhancing the guest experience.
Hoteliers looking to make their business as sustainable as possible should ensure they are engaged with partners who have genuine sustainable business practises, and products. By working with responsible suppliers like Hypnos Contract Beds, hoteliers can enhance their own sustainability credentials.
Hypnos Contract Beds is continually driving forward its sustainability journey, planning to go beyond carbon neutrality and ensure that the wellbeing of consumers, and caring for the planet, remain at the centre of the business. With a focus on accelerating transparency to create a resilient and ethical supply chain, Hypnos works alongside its certification partners which include Red Tractor, The Woolkeepers, the Better Cotton Initiative, CottonConnect and the Global Recycled Standard.
Whether it’s upgrading hotel amenities to more environmentally friendly options, or investing in sustainable sleep solutions, hoteliers can benefit from taking note of their guests’ desire for genuine green credentials.
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.
Ensuring a connection to nature is ever present, Leaflike continues the floral experience with its biophilic arrangements in an explosion of blooms and colour in the Fairmont Windsor Park…
Leaflike has extended the quintessential English floral experience, which frames the Fairmont Windsor Park. From the sweeping lawns that surround the hotel to the beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains, the hotel has always been ‘at one with nature’. But now, the hotel has added a ‘secret garden’ café to the hospitality experience, which takes guests into another world.
“The English floral experience complements the venue and helps to carry the customers into another world,” explained the Leaflike Design Team. “It becomes a secret garden; a zen paradise to take you away from every day life.”
Fairmont Windsor Park, is set in the English countryside where history and iconic elegance merge to create an outstanding destination. The floral displays created by Leaflike were done to enhance both the destination and the guest experience. Luxurious hanging foliage forms a colourful boarder around the canopy of the Courtyard Hydrotherapy Vitality Pool. The florals arranged in an informal sequence of purple wisteria, soft pink, deep pink and dark blue Delphiniums with white blossom to complement the pink blossom trailing across the trellis of the poolside. Well placed troughs with white geranium blooms placed along the surrounding pathways, the floral displays are everywhere enhancing the guest experience.
Image credit: Leaflike
“We are very excited about opening our Courtyard Hydrotherapy Vitality Pool later this summer,” said Katarina Nielsen, Marketing and Communications Director, Fairmont Windsor Park. “It is a wonderful addition to our already vast spa and wellness offering and will be the perfect spot this summer to relax under the beautiful canopy by Leaflike. Next door, Greens Café is a welcoming environment serving wellness choices and is also complemented by the lifelike greenery designed by the Leaflike team.”
The trailing plants and flowers by Leaflike for Green’s Café, create a floral border and ceiling hanging in the centre of the space. Adding to the already glamorous ceiling glass structure, the green ivy and foliage, white Orchids and pink Delphiniums, plus red roses and red hydrangea complement the interior seating colour scheme and contrast with the striking black and white flooring design. Covering walls, pillars and archways leading into the private dining area, this is a showstopper of biophilic design, on brand for Fairmont Windsor Park.
The café is well placed outside the Fairmont Spa and Wellness and brings into play the perfect biophilic design for the ambiance of the space. The display creates the desired effect of luxury combined with the feeling of a natural environment to enhance the guest experience.
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.
Franklite unveils a shell and a diva in its latest lighting collection
With almost 50 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality decorative lighting for the hospitality industry, Franklite continues to provide innovative lighting solutions for any space with designs from the extravagant to the classical…
The lighting requirements within the hotel and hospitality arena are often both functional and focused. Certain areas within hotels have specific lighting requirements and Franklite has numerous product ranges designed and manufactured with hotels in mind.
The Shell is one of the Franklite designs that can provide a strong statement within a hotel or hospitality setting. Its nautical inspired design in matt black is an openwork pendant with a black cable suspension. This exceptional pendant will complement a space with coastal elements and wood tones such as shiplap wall panelling.
The Kasteel range is unique with its twisted metalwork arms. These dark, antique bronze fittings with brushed brass candle tubes consists of two and three light wall brackets along with larger five, eight and 15 light fittings. The four-light fitting is supplied with a chain suspension which can easily be converted to a flush fitting suitable for low ceilings.
Image credit: Franklite
The Diva range is exactly that, extravagant! Chrome finish fittings surrounded by rectangular crystals with a mass display of crystal glass spheres as a base. This magnificent range includes 11, 15 and 20 light fittings and matching wall bracket. When lit, the colour temperature and reflection of the lamps creates very distinctive ambiences. While for a more classic style the Mondrian range is ideal. A range of pewter finish chandeliers and wall bracket designed in the ever popular traditional Flemish style. The chandeliers are available in three, five, eight and 12-light fittings.
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.
Case study: unwind with Hypnos at The Riverside Inn
The Riverside Inn is the perfect location to relax and unwind, and, after a restful nights sleep on a Hypnos mattress, to enjoy exploring the beautiful surrounding hills…
Having been acquired by the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, Greene King in 2020, the Riverside Inn near Shrewsbury has undergone a seven-figure investment to become the latest addition to their Chef & Brewer collection of country pubs. The charming grade II listed Riverside Inn, boasts idyllic views over the River Severn. It is the perfect location to rest and unwind after exploring the medieval town of Shrewsbury or the beautiful surrounding hills.
Image credit: Hypnos / Riverside Inn
General manager at the Riverside Inn, Chris Kendall, said: “There has been such a lot of hard work leading up to the reopening, it just feels absolutely fantastic to be welcoming people again,” said Chris Kendall General Manager, Riverside Inn. “Everyone is amazed at the transformation of the pub, from the beautiful interior to the jaw-dropping gardens and outdoor bar. We have done everything possible to embrace the stunning location we have here, with an extended conservatory giving amazing views over the river, along with the outdoor seating areas too. Guestrooms are inviting and delightfully furnished.”
Image credit: Hypnos / Riverside Inn
Guests can unwind in one of the six stylishly modernised bedrooms. Each room is named after popular walking routes that are nearby and promises fabulous décor and a restful night’s sleep on a gorgeous Beaumont Pillow Top mattress and bed-set from Hypnos .
“Our handmade pocket sprung mattress are designed for a perfect night’s sleep,” said Carolyn Mitchell, Sales and Marketing Director at Hypnos Contract Beds.”As a family owned business, we value our craft and want everyone to sleep sustainably. So, all mattresses are designed to be recycled at end of life. We want every guest to wake up on a Hypnos bed and feel good for the rest of your day”
The Beaumont Pillow Top is no turn, lighter mattress filled with luxury wool and silk, offering a sumptuous sleeping surface whilst regulating body temperature the whole year round. The no-turn specification reduces housekeeping time significantly, so was the ideal specification for this busy boutique country inn.
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.
Hotel concepts: flights of fancy on the hotel development scene
From designs inspired by the ‘birds and the bees’ – not those ones – right through to the metaverse and beyond, this month we take a look at hotel concepts that are setting trends, responding to change and all the contradictions in between…
After being locked down and earth-bound for so long, it is perhaps not surprising that hotel designs are being inspired by flight – whether in the literal or more metaphorical sense – as design moves both up and out. Up into the trees, and out into the metaverse. In a world that so often seems characterised by extremes, the universe of hospitality can reflect, deflect and direct those extremes, and while some designers are moving into the metaverse, others are getting more focussed and grounded as questions around sustainable and circular design resonate louder.
What is in fact the way forward? Is it a nuclear-powered hotel in the sky, or is that a throwback more appropriate for a James bond villain? Should we be looking to the horizon for design inspiration or keeping our feet firmly on the ground? While this series on hotel concepts usually focusses on the bold and bizarre, I have introduced some smaller, slightly more contained designs into the mix, which, to my mind, embrace larger and brighter concepts than those floating about in the metaverse – but perhaps I have missed the point there?
Architecture reconnected to nature
Image credit: BIG
Earlier this year, we featured the plans by BIG design for BIOSPHERE – this is one concept that has become reality, and you can now book to stay in this suspended bird-nest adorned pod in the trees. Aside from the design, the guiding concept behind this is nature – reconnecting to nature, re-wilding, regenerating – it truly is all going to the birds…
Image credit: Wimberly Interiors
Another concept firmly rooted in the natural world while simultaneously embracing technology, is the Glam Pod design. Designed by Wimberley Interiors, these sustainable 3D printed glampods embrace forward thinking technology, yet are all about creating an immersive experience in nature while offering guests luxurious lifestyle solutions. Envisioned for ultra-remote locations, Glam Pods, inspired by the spiralling coil of a shell, have been designed as a solution for everything from a backyard guest house to an off-the-grid lifestyle.
Contained architecture
Image credit: Ora Ito
Image credit: Ora Ito
Landing back to the bird and flight analogy, designer Ora Ito is no stranger to the virtual world of design, having started his career with virtual products highjacked from top brands that instantly became global icons of the digital revolution. In a collaboration with Accor, the Flying Nest shipping container hotel project was designed as a mobile, temporary hotel offering with low environmental impact at its core. With its bold design, this concept of mobile and sustainable accommodation is in line with AccorHotels’ innovative approach of constantly rethinking tomorrow’s hospitality in response to a strong trend, that of guests expecting to enjoy exclusive and intense yet transitory experiences.
Head in the clouds
Image credit: Atari
From small and contained to infinity and beyond as things move both virtual and into the metaverse. Both citizenM and LEVEN have taken strides into the future and are planting their brand flags in this new territory. With this, suddenly virtual hotels and spaces are no longer the realm of the future, but are with us in the here and now. How and if they will become more integrated into our social spaces will be an interesting design journey. Remaining on the interface between virtual and real time, a new addition to the Las Vegas hotel skyline plans to walk that rope. Atari, a trailblazer in the gaming industry, is pioneering the new concept combining the iconic brand within a hotel destination designed by Gensler, providing guests with a video game-themed destination. Hunger Games here we come!
Need for speed
Image credit: Escapade Living
Turn on your engines. Last year we got excited about Escapde Living’s new hospitality concept at Silverstone, home of the UK Grand Prix. Well, the project, designed by Twelve Architects with interiors of the residences conceptualised by Bergman Design House, has gone up a gear. The trackside luxury retreats, Escapade Silverstone, are being designed to be an abstract representation of a F1 car overtaking. The residences themselves have cantilevered terraces, allowing spectators to get even closer to the racetrack. Light-filled and with high acoustic specifications, each sanctuary will have underfloor heating, comfort cooling and ensuite bathrooms.
Birds and the bees
And finally bringing in the bees to join the birds. Going a little off topic with this, but the perfectly formed little structure, designed by Invisible Studio and sheltered on the estate of The Newt in Somerset, provides both a home for bees, a Beezantium, along with an exhibition centre for guests and visitors. The design is practical for the bees and educational for the visitors, with elements of design whimsy thrown in for good measure.
Image credit: Invisible Studio
The point about the Beezantium is that increasingly there is a move to introspection, and sometimes, it is the little things that count. Should cutting edge design shift from looking beyond our planet for outlandish inspiration to something entirely more grounded? Are the truly exciting designs for the future the ones that can embrace both?
The newly constructed Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, melds contemporary design and legendary service as it makes its mark soaring 50 stories above the dynamic North of Madison Square Park neighbourhood…
Rising 500 feet above New York’s streets, the new Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad hotel and residences, the latest addition to Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton portfolio developed by New York-based Flag Luxury Group, brings the unparalleled service and refined elegance to one of the city’s most vibrant and emerging districts. Staking its claim, it takes its place within the city skyline as one of the tallest buildings in NoMad, the birthplace of American popular music at Tin Pan Alley and today a nexus of art, entertainment, fashion and technology. World-renowned design teams including Rafael Viñoly Architects, Rockwell Group, Lazaro Rosa-Violan Studio, Martin Brudnizki, and SUSSURUS International deliver a bold, contemporary design that pays homage to the hotel’s location in the city’s vibrant Flower District. An impressive art collection by art curator, Culture Corps and Founding Partner Yvonne Force Villareal includes local artists Pat Steir, Ross Bleckner, and Donald Baechler. Seasonal floral installations throughout the hotel create a unique welcome experience for guests visiting the blossoming neighbourhood.
“The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad represents a milestone moment in the evolution of The Ritz-Carlton brand,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “With an exquisite design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalised service, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad delivers an experience tailored to today’s luxury guest. I know that travellers and locals alike will enjoy settling into Nubeluz, our rooftop bar, for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.”
Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad
The hotel’s 250 guestrooms include 19 suites, with an additional 16 one and two-bedroom penthouse residences. The guest rooms and public spaces all showcase elegant floral expressions such as natural elements and textures that reflect the soft curvature of petals alongside sleek accents and lines, which echo New York City’s verticality and city grid. Inspired by residential-style living, guestrooms feature bespoke furnishings and a neutral colour palette that allow the expansive, light-filled living spaces and stunning city views to take centre stage.
Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad
The 2,100 square foot Ritz-Carlton Suite, located on the hotel’s 37th floor, features breathtaking views of Manhattan, a private wellness room complete with a Peloton bike, separate living and dining areas, media room and 194 square foot walk-in closet, and service entrance. All guestrooms include bathroom amenities by Diptyque, featuring the scent Philosykos – an ode to the fig tree.
Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad
The hotel’s food and beverage partnership is truly unique, with all culinary venues and in-room dining helmed by Michelin-starred chef and global citizen José Andrés. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, Zaytinya, a play on the Turkish word for olive oil, offers an innovative mezze menu and creative cocktails inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 140-seat restaurant is saturated with a palette of bronze metals and white oak wood, with distinctive pops of blue and soft curves to channel the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.
Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad / Jason Varney
An exciting addition to New York’s nightlife scene, Nubeluz is located on the hotel’s rooftop. It offers sweeping 270-degree views across Manhattan, complemented by an expansive menu of classic and signature cocktails, light bites, and an array of Tablas where guests can build boards of jamon, queso, and embutidos hailing from Andrés’ native Spain. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the space acts as a glittering jewel box, with interiors that are a modern age reinterpretation of New York’s glamorous past, including a combination of reflective surfaces, indulgent textiles, and modern materiality.
Image credit: The Ritz Carlton New York NoMad / Jason Varney
The Bazaar by José Andrés will make its New York debut in late 2022. This high-end avant-garde dining destination is a wild sensory adventure born of Andrés’ Spanish roots where sophisticated cuisine, artful service, and playful theatrics come together. Each location has its own vision and promises both an inspiring culinary experience and dynamic aesthetic. The Bazaar, designed by Barcelona-based studio Lázaro Rosa-Viola, uses painted and natural wood, texturised glass, ceramic tiling, and drapery to create an atmosphere that is warm and distinct.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers a wide range of thoughtfully curated amenities designed to complement a highly personalised guest experience. The hotel also features a 6,800-square foot signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Centre, including eight treatment rooms, and separate sauna and steam rooms. Luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader is bringing its signature facial, The Method, to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering a bespoke interpretation with the use of exclusive scents and oils inspired by the New York Flower District. For intimate gatherings, celebrations, or corporate functions, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad also features 10,000-square feet of meeting space, including a vast, private outdoor terrace, with all banquet and catering culinary offerings also overseen by Andrés.
Main image credit: The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad
Editor checks in: lessons learned in hospitality design since Covid-19
It’s coming up to two and a half years since a deadly virus aggressively brought the hospitality and design industry to its knees. Rules, regulations and guidelines were sharply put in place, but did any of them stick – and have we emerged from the forced hibernation with a wider perspective? Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
Now that hospitality has, on the whole, re-opened for business, and the design industry has shown progressive signs of recovery with demand for travel igniting once more, Covid-19 is now considered a dirty word best left in the past. But as we creep past the two-year mark from when the world was placed into a temporary lockdown, which at times felt permanent, and when hard protocols were put in place to protect citizens while drastically limiting international travel, I wonder how many of those changes that were enforced in desperation have remained, and whether, long-term, the industry can perhaps even go as far to benefit from the lessons learned during those bleak times.
“Creativity on the whole in hotel design remains loud, proud and, above all, meaningful.” – Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs.
It was always going to be a challenge for a sector that thrives on human interaction to force boundaries between people to limit free movement. I remember checking in to a hotel during this time, and the building had, well, just lost its pulse. Instead of the lobby feeling warm, inviting and free-flowing – the way they are designed to feel – instead it felt clinical and disjointed – almost like a hospital ward, but without flowers.
Image credit: Pullman Doha West
It’s reassuring to hear from designers and hotel experts, while considering Covid-19’s impact, that the way in which clients and studios are approaching new design concepts and renovations has remained unaffected. Aman New York, Ace Hotel Toronto, Pullman Doha West and Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon – all of which have been identified by the editorial desk here at Hotel Designs as the hottest hotel openings this month – are clear examples of this. Besides excavating space in the public areas for new co-working spaces and cleverly zoning areas in a way that feels cohesive, creativity on the whole in hotel design remains loud, proud and, above all, meaningful.
Image credit: Aman New York
One tries not to cast my mind back to ‘that year’ too often, but when I mentally go back to 2020 [pause for a head-to-toe shiver] the painful memories of organising and hosting an online awards ceremony and too many virtual conferences are gratefully overshadowed. The strongest throwbacks for me were the simply heart-warming stories from people and businesses alike launching wonderful initiatives – Rosewood London, The Dorchester and Stock Exchange Hotel Manchester were just a handful of examples – to purely help those most in need.
While thinking bold and perhaps wider than ever before, I saw hard, perhaps once cold images of hospitality brands melt away. One conversation in particular, with Conor O’Leary, Managing Director of Gleneagles, hit a chord. “We used to have signs asking people to keep off the grass,” he said in one of our virtual roundtables. “We now have pop-up restaurants and bars on the lawn.” It was those ‘ah-ha’ moments that created new connections and allowed brands from all sectors to explore something new.
Image credit: William Jess Laird / Ace Hotels
Image credit: William Jess Laird / Ace Hotels
Speaking of F&B, it seems odd to think, now that restaurants are back to full capacity, that hotels were packaging up their meals in to-go containers to safely bend the strict lockdown measures to still offer past (or future) guests that sprinkle of indulgence in their day-to-day lives. It was a challenging time for all businesses in hospitality, but the innovative solutions – some grand and some small – fed the demands from regulars while at the same time opened the metaphorical doors to new demographics.
I remember having a powerful catch up with John Gardiner, Founder of Matetsi Victoria Falls during this time. He told me that, for the first time in Matetsi’s history, to keep a steady revenue stream flowing during the harshest days of the pandemic, the hotel dropped its prices to target more of a local audience. This, as well as keeping the luxury hotel in operation while keeping the entire workforce in employment, allowed the team to understand the local demands from his hotel. He was able to, in places, evolve his existing premium and personalised hospitality concept into something even more authentic that answered fluently to its location and culture.
Image credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls
If Covid-19 taught the hospitality and hotel design industry anything it was for brands to be unique in their approach – go hard or go home. Consumers were largely empathetic to the brands that tried something new. Today, with the wellness ‘mega trend’ growing by the day – bringing with it a flood of travellers all demanding authentic experiences, which we will explore among other topics in the up-coming new series of DESIGN POD – now is the time to be bold in design and service to offer something unmatched.
From what I am seeing with the hotels that are opening in 2022, as well as those hotel development concepts that are on the boards, we’re changing direction – going off pisté in some instances. After all, hospitality design rarely travels in a straight line.
VIP arrivals: hottest hotels opening in August 2022
Turning up the heat, Editor Hamish Kilburn explores some of the hottest hotels that will be emerging on the hospitality scene this August – including an anything but standard jewel in Bangkok, first-time arrivals in Doha and Greece and an icon making itself known over in New York…
From the balmy climates of Santorini to the concrete jungles of New York and Bangkok – and Formentera, Austin and Qatar in between – this month’s VIP arrivals article is a whistle-stop tour around the world to see how designers and architects have helped hotel brands to enter new territories. Creating a statement, each hotel listed below, we believe, are going to be significant additions to the global hotel design scene – and each property shelters an interesting, unconventional and timeless design scheme that so effortlessly answers its location.
The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, Bangkok
Image credit: The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon
We start our editorial journey in a city that is known for its ornate shrines, vibrant street life and ever-changing hotel development landscape – welcome to Bangkok, where Standard International is about to call home.
Located in one of the most iconic buildings in the city, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon will feature 155 keys, inside which guests can find bright and stylish rooms ranging from 40 sqm to a sprawling 144 sqm penthouse. The hotel will also include a terrace pool, fitness centre, meeting rooms, and a dynamic variety of food, drink, and nightlife venues. Put simply, the destination’s spirit of innovation and unconventionality made the Thai capital the perfect locale for the brand’s Asia flagship. We can’t wait to check it out!
Aman New York
Image credit: Aman
After much anticipation, Aman New York is finally set to open in early August. The hotel’s opening is the culmination of a monumental transformation of the iconic Crown Building in Manhattan: a 100-year-old Beaux-Arts building sensitively restored by the legendary Jean-Michel Gathy.
Inside, in addition to paired-back comfortable guestrooms and suites, the hotel has landed its latest wellness flagship concept, which is set across three storeys and includes an indoor swimming pool lined by fire bits and daybeds.
Aman, which now has more than 33 properties spread over 20 countries and is absolutely considered a leader in luxury hospitality, has described the hotel as “a new urban sanctuary with the rebirth of an architectural icon” in the heart of the city.
Teranka, Formentera, Spain
Image credit: Teranka
Image credit: Teranka
The island of Formentera – the smallest of the Balearic islands, which lays just south of Ibiza – is about to welcome its answer to boutique luxury in the form of Teranka. The beachside hotel, with just 35 guestrooms across just three levels, features a laidback yet contemporary feel – think the Balearics the way they used to be.
The hotel will combine sophisticated design with cutting-edge hospitality, connected by sensory experiences. Vert Mer – by acclaimed Andalusian chef Juan Martín – will offer fine dining from French three Michelin starred chef Emmanuel Renaut. Meanwhile, Nobu Formentera, on the hotel’s rooftop, will allow Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to serve up signature dishes.
The Pullman Doha West Bay, Qatar
Image credit: Pullman Hotels & Resorts
Immersive art and vibrant design inspired by the colours of the sand, Pullman Doha West Bay will be feature a light and airy interiors scheme, while the high-end materials in the interior create an impression of understated glamour. The 468-key hotel becomes a stylish addition to the iconic West Bay skyline.
In the expansive hotel, art plays a major role. Upon arrival, guests enter a generous lobby space and are welcomed by an impressive sculptural globe. The piece of art created by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur represents a time, place, and sense of travel and discovery, embodying the spirit of Pullman. As guests walk through the lobby, they will find a stunning collection of playful sculptures complemented by carefully curated decorative artefacts and books. Quirky and bold, these installations add character to the hotel design and enrich the guest experience.
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Austin
Image credit: The Loren
Image credit: The Loren
Said to deliver ‘hospitality that is elegantly elevated’, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake will be as much about the adventure outside – including a stunning rooftop pool – as the contemporary design inside.
With the “beautification of everyday living” at its core, the 108-key hotel’s guestrooms offer generous spaces with sophisticated modern furnishings and expansive views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Luxurious bathrooms feature natural stone, walk-in spa shower, plush bathrobes, SFERRA towels, and Malin+Goetz products.
Nobu Hotel Santorini, Greece
Image credit: Nobu Hospitality
Just when we thought Santorini couldn’t get any sexier – or busier with hotels. – along comes Nobu Hotels with the opening of Nobu Hospitality’s first Greek hotel and restaurant. And although this hotel technically opened last month, now that we have the official images, we couldn’t help but add it to the mix of hotels to watch this August.
Providing unparalleled access to the island’s iconic views and rugged coastlines, Nobu Hotel Santorini sits on a clifftop in Imerovigli and houses the country’s first Nobu Restaurant, dual-level infinity pool, fitness facility and 25 five luxurious rooms, suites and pool villas.
Ace Hotel Toronto
Image credit: William Jess Laird / Ace Hotels
Image credit: William Jess Laird / Ace Hotels
Following our exclusive ‘first look’ inside Ace Hotel Toronto, we are finally in a position to celebrate its official opening. The 124-key hotel, designed in collaboration between Shim-Sutcliffe Architects and Atelier Ace, stands as a testament to the quiet but regenerative power that thoughtful architecture and design can have on its environment.
The hotel’s architecture, materials, furnishings, lighting and art were designed to create a place of pride for Torontonians and their guests, and evoke a particularly Canadian expression of place. Entering Ace Hotel Toronto, for example, guests will be greeted by a suspended lobby overlooking St. Andrew’s Playground Park — site of the city’s first patch of green devoted to children’s play.
If you have a story for the editorial desk – or would like to put a property or brand on our radar, please email the editorial desk.
Made by Granorte in Portugal, Corium’s leather finish sits atop of a hybrid cork construction for a floor that not only looks and feels luxurious but that carries all the performance of nature’s wonder material…
Using cork to provide underfoot comfort, thermal insulation and acoustic absorption; Granorte has created a unique luxury floor with the capability to add something very special to interiors. The 100 per cent recycled genuine leather finish is availabe in a range of finishes – the the mock-croc of Veneto, grained Umbria and elegant Lombardia, are each offered in a palette of dark, sophisticated tones.
Granorte uses a 2mm thick piece of recycled leather for Corium and uses cork to enhance performance. A high-density fibreboard core lets Granorte use Uniclic joint for fast and easy glue-free installation. The cork integrated underlay has Microban technology to inhibit the growth of bacteria and the floor is available in two formats – a rectangular tile and plank.
“There’s something unmistakably luxurious about leather,” said Paulo Rocha, Granorte. “Corium captures this feeling beautifully in a floor that has modern performance. Bringing something extra special to homes or heightening a luxury aesthetic in boutique hotels and stores, the floor comes with a five-year commercial warranty for peace of mind.”
The leather surface of Corium is protected with Granorte’s AQUA2K+, a water-based performance coating that enhances wear resistance and makes maintenance easier. GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions, PVC-free, made from 80 per cent recycled materials and with no added formaldehyde; Corium is a luxury flooring option that comes with excellent environmental credentials.
Granorte 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.
Case study: CTD Architectural Tiles makes a statement in Antwerp
Drawing on its extensive experience of working in the UK hotel sector, leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles was chosen to curate a unique tile package for the refurbishment of the Mercure Antwerp City Centre Hotel in Belgium…
Located in the heart of Antwerp’s historic city centre, the Mercure Antwerp City Centre Hotel seamlessly combines the sophistication of a boutique hotel with a quirky style in a nod to the city’s links to fashion. Antwerp is home to some of the oldest and most renowned fashion colleges in the world, and it was important that this hotel refurbishment was equally stylish. Working in collaboration with architects Buckley Grey Yeoman, CTD Architectural Tiles curated a tile package that not only reflected the city’s fashionable history but also offered a durable solution.
The Lisbon collection proved the ideal choice for the hotel’s high traffic bistro and breakfast rooms. The full bodied porcelain tiles are suitable for both floor and wall applications, and the collection is particularly popular for commercial spaces with high footfall thanks not only to its durability, but also its availability in a wide range of sizes and finishes. Shades Light Grey Blue and Light Green were used in this hotel for a finish that combines the aesthetic of a classic European bistro with the natural world to create a cosmopolitan yet relaxing atmosphere.
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
CTD Architectural Tiles works with some of the world’s leading tile manufacturers to curate a vast collection of products that not only cater to a variety of aesthetics, but also meet the demands of busy hotel environments. From highly durable porcelain tiles and low-slip floor tiles boasting a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) score of 36 or higher, to ultra-hygienic anti-bacterial tiles which utilise the latest technology to minimise the need for deep cleaning, there’s a tile package to suit every hotel project.
With over 50 years’ experience and a proven track record of creating high performance tile specifications for projects across the hotel, hospitality and leisure sectors, CTD Architectural Tiles can also provide technical support and advice. Furthermore, the company holds an extensive range – one million square metres – of specialist tiles in stock in the UK at all times; ideal for helping to keep a hotel scheme on that all important schedule.
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.
Sekers has launched DECO Collection, a vibrant range of fabrics, featuring six eye-catching designs woven in 100 per cent Trevira CS. Hotel Designs takes a look at them…
Drawing inspiration from Miami’s Art Deco historic district, Deco Collection from Sekers boasts a wide range of colours across five versatile designs which are all suitable for drapery, bedding and accessories as well as a coordinating sheer.
Image credit: Sekers
Image credit: Sekers
From the smooth, straight lines of Cardozo to the angular geometrics which have inspired Celino and the irregular, staggered, linear design of Lummus, this bold collection showcases simple, clean shapes that work well as drapery or cushions and will bring a touch of glamour and flair to any interior. Both Pestana and Raleigh bring a textural element to the collection while Setai, the complementary sheer, presents a colour gradient with a subtle lustre.
Image credit: Sekers
The Deco collection (Cardozo, Celino, Lummus, Pestana, Raleigh, Setai) is suitable for all aspects of the contract market from hotels to cruise ships. Meeting all relevant UK and IMO standards for curtains, accessories and bedding, as well as US standards, this washable collection is the ideal resource for any contract application.
Sekers 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.
Located in a serene setting between the coast and the mountains, Hilton Mallorca Galatzo blends traditional Mallorcan architecture and contemporary design…
Hilton has opened the doors to Hilton Mallorca Galatzo, set on the coast of the stunning Spanish island of Mallorca with panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and eye-catching Galatzo mountain. Picturesque pathways meander through 50,000 square metres of tropical gardens, connecting traditional Mallorcan round tower buildings, four diverse bars and restaurants and extensive leisure facilities – all combining to make it a destination in its own right. With a fusion of island architecture and contemporary design, each of the 208 guestrooms feature private balconies to take in the fresh sea air and embrace the Balearic climate.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
The resort will also soon be home to Cotton Club Mallorca, Cotton Lifestyle’s latest destination following its acclaimed Cotton Beach Club Ibiza and Cotton Club Zakynthos.
“Hilton Mallorca Galatzo is a spectacular addition to Hilton’s growing European portfolio and follows other recent resort openings in Santorini and Sardinia,” said Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton. “Long recognised as one of Europe’s top leisure destinations, Mallorca has an enduring appeal and we are thrilled to partner with Galatzo Inversiones, S.L. to bring Hilton hospitality to the Balearics with the opening of this stunning hotel.”
Image credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
The hotel shelters four dining areas, serving up the best of Mediterranean cuisine with gourmet dishes inspired by the island’s historic fishing villages and local flavours. Start the day with breakfast and sweeping sunrise views from La Cocina, then head to Alma Restaurant & Bar for lunch or dinner to discover locally-inspired dining by well-known chef Eduardo Gandia, whilst enjoying lively entertainment. Here you can indulge in local specialities such as Mallorcan squid ‘a la bruta’, or sip on a Herbal Mediterranean digestive cocktail with Gin Mare, olive tonic, an old rosemary infusion and thyme to finish. Those catching sun rays by the pool can enjoy Paradis Pool & Bar, where an extensive wine and cocktail offering includes a Mallorcan Prensal Blanc from the KM.1 eco wine range, and cocktails are prepared with local spirits and seasonal fruit.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
The latest Cotton Lifestyle destination, Cotton Club Mallorca will seat 180 guests in a stylish signature designed restaurant and bar area with a 70 sunbed pool deck surrounding a first-class grand pool. It will be designed and run to the standards of its clubs in Ibiza and Zakynthos, where the brand’s success has been closely tied with its ability to create laid-back luxury living with a stunning style scheme, and provide outstanding service, great food, wine, and music.
The property offers a range of sports and activities. From five clay tennis courts to a full-equipped gym, sauna and steam room as well as a spa with a tailored wellness program, guests will feel rejuvenated in no time. Beautiful meeting and event spaces provide idyllic venues for celebrations or tailored corporate events with eight meeting rooms, a large ballroom and a private terrace.
With a plethora of activities in the resort and surrounding local area, the resort boasts the ultimate “bleisure” destination and the hotel is set to host this year’s World Travel Awards in October, the awarding body’s first ceremony in the Balearic Islands.
First look inside Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzerne
Following a meticulous renovation, Lucerne’s iconic Belle Époque landmark will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern in September. Enjoying a commanding location on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the hotel will set a new benchmark for contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality…
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzerne will be Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in Switzerland following in the Swiss footsteps of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva. A stone’s throw from the old town and with spectacular views over the Swiss Alps, the reimagining of the hotel is seen as a tribute to the Swiss entrepreneur Franz Josef Bucher who realised his dream of a Mediterranean retreat when he originally built the house in 1906.
Local architects Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles were the creative talents responsible for the elaborate renovation. They have delivered a contemporary design, inspired by the legendary beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscapes, while preserving the rich history and heritage of this landmark Belle Époque building.
“Nearly three years after announcing Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in Lucerne, we are getting ready to welcome our first guests to this historic, local monument that has now been transformed,” said General Manager Christian Wildhaber. “The Palace has been deeply rooted in the local community since 1906 and we look forward to welcoming the local community back to their home on the lake. My team and I are looking forward to delighting locals and visitors from all over the world with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned service.”
Image credit: Mandarin Oriental
The hotel shelters 136 elegant and spacious guestrooms including 48 of the city`s largest suites. Inspired by the beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscape combined with the colour palette of the Mediterranean, the designers have succeeded in creating a unique fusion of the hotel’s original grandeur, contemporary elegance and the quality and attention to detail for which Switzerland is renowned.
Highlights include two Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suites with magnificent 360-degree lake and mountain views, as well as the luxurious Presidential Suite which offers 133 sqm of captivating lifestyle experiences. Most of the guestrooms have private balconies or terraces and all are equipped with luxurious products and amenities and a state of the art sound system.
The hotel will become an epicurean destination within the city, offering four restaurants and bars under the patronage of Michelin star experienced Executive Chef Gilad Peled, which will impress with their variety and quality. MOzern Bar & Brasserie is an ideal all-day-dining meeting point for locals and international visitors, offering Asian cuisine, all-time classics, afternoon tea and exciting cocktails. Overlooking Lake Lucerne, Quai 10 awaits visitors with al fresco dining and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings and focusing on local seasonal highlights, Colonnade offers modern French Haute cuisine. Finally, Mizūmi will feature exclusive and refined Japanese craftsmanship, set in an intimate six-seat dining environment. Both Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in the first quarter of 2023.
SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled face and body treatments provided by this renowned beauty brand. An expansive wellness area offers sauna, steam bath, experiential showers and a relaxation room. In addition, a state of the art Fitness Salon with high-end equipment by Life Fitness is available 24 hours for hotel guests.
With its stunning lakeside location, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is the ideal venue for meetings, private celebrations and unforgettable social events. Each of the four newly renovated venues is flooded with natural light and provides the latest technology. Of note is the Salon Alpine, a hidden historical gem with original Belle Époque décor dating back to 1906 and the Edelweiss Ballroom which offers unparalleled lake and garden views.
With a new design inspired by the shapes and colours of the volcanic surroundings, Barceló Hotel Group has announced the reopening of Barceló Tenerife , following a significant investment and transformation process…
Barceló Tenerife is situated in the south of the island, on the seafront next to the San Blas Environmental Reserve. The location has influenced the entire transformation process, ensuring the hotel is seamlessly integrated into the environment. The focus throughout the renovation has been to combine exclusive services and facilities with a total respect for the natural and cultural heritage of the area, integrating Barcelo Tenerife into the landscape while reducing its environmental impact.
Image credit: Barceló Tenerife
The new five-star hotel shelters 331 completely renovated guestrooms all with terraces and many with sea views. An additional 59 of the guestrooms have been upgraded to Royal Level offering exclusive facilities and services. The lounge areas have been remodelled and the gastronomic offering expanded with the creation of two new a la carte restaurants and three bars.
Image credit: Barceló Tenerife
The hotel, which has direct access to the beach, has seven outdoor swimming pools, one of them heated all year round, surrounded by gardens and water fountains, as well as a kids club, a wellness centre, and a fully equipped gym. Barceló Tenerife is ideal for sports fans due to its complete range of sports facilities, which include: tennis courts, a cycling centre, climbing wall, a lake navigable by kayak, as well as two 18-hole golf courses located in the vicinity of the hotel.
Live roundtable: enhancing luxury through digital innovations
Amidst the design laden schedule of Clerkenwell Design Week, Editor Hamish Kilburn, in association with Kohler, found time to sit down at a table with a group of leading designers to discuss the path that technology is – or should be – heading in the realm of wellness and intuitive bathroom design…
Thoughts on technology in the bathroom can usually be divided into two distinct camps; those who embrace it, and those who see the bathroom as a sanctuary, a place to escape technology. But, is there space in hospitality design for a middle ground? Can technology be used in a sensitive and subtle way to enhance the wellness experience, embedded within, rather than added on? Framing the conversation in the Kohler Experience Centre in the heart of London’s Clerkenwell neighbourhood, it felt appropriate to be discussing technology in the bathroom while surrounded by design by a bathroom brand moving sensitively into the digital space.
Lauren Hughes Glass, Associate Interior Designer, ICA Studio
As home bathrooms are getting bigger and more intuitive, the hospitality industry would fall behind if it didn’t identify what a hotel can offer that is more than what we have seen or experienced before. Bathrooms have to work harder, while at the same time look sophisticated and have a design edge, as they are increasingly the hero in the hotel guestroom experience.
As the discussion rolled out, the panel soon reached consensus on the fact that while it is important to give the guest an enhanced experience, it is as important to look carefully at how and where technology is injected into design. A guest experience of technology in the bathroom should be an intuitive one, rather than something that needs to be confronted. “Our lives are already complicated, balancing family, work and social,” said Jo Littlefair, Co-Founder, Goddard Littlefair who took the position that technology needs to assist design rather than dictate to it. “So for me I don’t want to over complicate things, but would love to see a more intuitive experience in the bathroom – technology that actually works, that can be used as much or as little as we want to.”
Image credit: Kohler
What was agreed on by the panel was the importance of technology behind the tiles.; the technology that works to make things more efficient, more sustainable, and in fact easier for the user. With this in the forefront, Henry Reeve, Director of Interior Design, IHG, believed that this conversation really should be about balance. “There is then a need to balance technology with design,” he said. “Everything needs to work together to create the whole package.” Successful technology adds to the experience, sometimes without even being noticed. “Where I see technological advancements as a positive, is when it enhances our ability to be more sustainable without impacting the user experience, added Littlefair. “Products like these allow the designer to focus on a more curated experience.”
Image credit: Kohler
To integrate technology successfully and seamlessly into a design we need to explore it on all levels – it can be quite simple, like underfloor heating, good lighting, a de-mister in the mirror. “We are seeing hotels include subtle add-ons that elevate the experience without leaving guests feeling like they need to be an IT expert to turn on the shower,” said Joseph Troughton, Senior Designer, David Collins Studio. “It is instead about finding solutions that elevate the experience rather than a technology based gimmick that will receive short term interest but will ultimately date and reduce the lifespan of a design, rather than enhance it.”
With debate around levels of technology a user or guest might be comfortable with, it was felt that design should be used to curate the experience and to ensure that the balance between technology and experience is maintained. “Technology should be in the functionality of the bathroom and should make life easier rather than over complicate our already complicated and technology driven lives,” explained Kincaid. “Looking to the future, there is the ambition to be able to personalise technology in the bathroom to simplify, to create an experience that is able to tread the line between invasive and inventive.”
“A hotel is an unfamiliar space, and as a designer it is important not to make a guest feel unintelligent,” said Jane Maciver, Creative Director, BuckleyGrayYeoman. “If it is all too complicated and they have to ask how to turn the shower on, you’ve lost them. Technology works best [in a hotel setting] when it is really seamless, intuitive, and present without even being noticed.”
Image credit: Kohler
With the bathroom increasingly the focal point in the guestroom rather than a practical necessity or add-on, tucked away in wardrobe-like proportions, spaces are getting bigger in response to guest expectations. “Bringing a wellness and a spa experience into the bathroom has become key, and along with this, the luxury of space,” explained Chuck Dedeu, Design Principal, 1508 London. “This has become the ultimate luxury in the bathroom and one which is changing the demands and design specifications of not only bathrooms but the guestroom and suite as a package.”
Of course, with the standard hotel bathrooms larger and given more of an emphasis, this opens up opportunities to take these spaces beyond practical spaces. “Bringing in the wellness aspect is really starting to shift what we can do in the space, and is a great opportunity to take the bathroom to another level,” added Claire Walduck, Senior FF&E Designer, GA Group.
Image caption: The Stillness bath is Kohler’s answer to a premium sensory design experience in the bathroom. | Image credit: Kohler
Technology is and will continue to be integrated into successful bathroom design, but the how and what is a matter of both nuance and opinion. It is about balance. Balance between gimmick versus longevity versus elevation. With longevity increasingly becoming the pivot around which discussions on sustainability hinge, technology needs to be considered to ensure it doesn’t date a design.
While the panellists might have had different ideas of the level of technology they were comfortable with, and there was some hesitation when discussing how far to move in the direction of digitalisation in the bathroom, it was agreed by everyone on the panel that where technology unquestionably has a role to play is in the production of materials and surfaces that are more sustainable in the bathroom.
With the pace that technology is developing, it needs to be considered carefully within the debate on longevity of design. Technology can instantly date a room and does tend to need replacing, which can detract from its design appeal. However, again it was felt that designers need to curating the level of technology. “Clever design can get around a lot of the problems, where you recognise that you have technology that will need replacing, don’t build it in in a way that is not replaceable,” advised Lauren Hughes Glass, Associate Interior Designer, ICA.
Bathrooms are, by design and purpose, used in a very routine way which presents technology with the opportunity of directing and enhancing these everyday routines. For some it is a place where guests can detach from technology, while others are happy to embrace it. It might be the place to catch up with Alexa about your schedule, or the sanctuary to soak away the day in some in Himalayan salt – and a good design should be able to integrate both these roles. How this is integrated into design needs to be a considered and a natural progression rather than something imposed on the user. In short, we need to be smart about how we use technology to ensure that it contributes to the design, experience, and finally longevity.
Kohler have recently launched its new digital showering collections, Statement and Anthem, ensuring that technology in the bathroom is driven by both design and concepts of wellness.
Kohler 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.
Ideal Standard has been recognised by the international Red Dot Awards for Product Design 2022, collecting four awards for three ranges in Ideal Standard’s design-led Atelier Collections and the new Ceraplan iX mixer…
Every year, the Red Dot awards celebrate products that are aesthetically appealing, functional, smart and innovative – all with outstanding design. The first Ideal Standard product to be recognised by the award is, Joy Neo, Ideal Standard’s most recent addition to Atelier Collections – a classic yet contemporary range of taps. The products’ neoclassical aesthetic perfectly combines extravagance and modesty, while the simple geometric shapes and symmetrical design of these pieces deliver luxurious, understated elegance. Available in two different finishes, a variety of models and two handle styles, Joy Neo encourages creative expression.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Next to be recognised by the judges was the Linda-X collection – a timeless and elegant range of basins, vessels and a bathtub, celebrating the iconic Linda collection first launched in 1977. The fine, curved lines of the Linda-X range are achieved with Diamatec, an innovative material that pushes the boundaries of ceramics to offer thin, yet extremely strong and durable pieces. The result is a collection that beautifully meets the needs of contemporary living.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Image credit: Ideal Standard
The Atelier Collections striking Tipo-Z basin was the third product to be awarded. Carefully sculpted as a single, fluent piece of fine ceramic, this unique washbasin features a monolithic silhouette and smooth flowing surfaces, making it an elegant standout feature in any bathroom. All three collections have been designed in partnership with renowned Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati.
“We are delighted that Ideal Standard’s design excellence has once again been recognised by Red Dot,” said Jan-Peter Tewes, Joint-CEO at Ideal Standard. “Our Atelier Collections, in particular, are aimed at fostering the process of creation by bringing together high-performance technology and innovative design to enable the realisation of timeless projects.”
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Ideal Standard’s innovative hybrid basin mixers, Ceraplan iX, also won an award – taking the total to four for the brand’s most successful year yet at the Red Dot Awards. The tap’s advanced technology combines the flexibility and control of a single lever basin mixer with the hygiene and water-saving benefits of a touchless tap. Specifically designed to bring no-touch technology to residential homes and the hospitality sector, the Ceraplan iX collection achieves a beautiful balance of innovative technology and stylish design, answering the needs of modern life. The new range was exclusively showcased at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan and will launch later in 2022.
The award-winning pieces can be easily paired with products from other Ideal Standard ranges to provide a complete solution for any bathroom through the brand’s innovative Singular approach. Developed specifically to simplify the selection process, while also inspiring creativity, Singular streamlines bathroom design for architects, designers, retailers, tradespeople and end-users.
With thousands of entries from across the globe, the Red Dot Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. Since its inception in 1955, the sought-after distinction Red Dot has been the revered international seal of outstanding design quality.
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.
The innovative hotel brand YOTEL has announced its first hotel in Japan. Slated to open in 2024 YOTEL Tokyo will be located in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most desirable and dynamic neighbourhoods. Here’s what we know…
The new YOTEL Tokyo is steps away from Ginza, the city’s most popular dining and shopping destination, featuring flagship stores for many of the world’s best-known brands. The hotel is also only a fifteen-minute walk from Tokyo station, home to the city’s main Shinkansen high-speed rail terminal providing access to most parts of Japan. Sheltering 244 guestrooms, YOTEL Tokyo will showcase the brand’s latest features including the brand’s signature robotic concierge YOBOT, motorised SmartBeds, and fully integrated technologies enabling a complete touchless guest experience from reservation up to check-out.
Image credit: YOTEL
The hotel will also include the brand’s signature versatile and high energy public areas, where guests can eat, drink, work and play as well as a 24/7 fitness centre, a Grab-and-Go cafe where guests can take away locally sourced food and drink options, meeting space and an outdoor terrace to meet, connect and relax.
“Japan’s focus on technology and innovation has been an important source of inspiration for YOTEL ever since our inception,” said Hubert Viriot, CEO of YOTEL. “We are immensely proud and excited to announce our first hotel in Tokyo. A flagship for our group, YOTEL Tokyo will also be a steppingstone to roll out our brand across Japan, a market of strategic importance for YOTEL.”
YOTEL Tokyo is part of the brands wider expansion strategy to expand across key cities in Japan including Sapporo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. The group is also working on opportunities to roll out YOTELAir – the group’s unique transit hotel concept – at key gateway airports and train stations.
Pullman Doha West Bay, the first Pullman in the heart of Doha, is opening the doors on a stylish addition to the iconic West Bay skyline and bringing a contemporary twist to Doha’s diverse hospitality scene…
The upscale Pullman hotel in central Doha is poised to welcome residents, leisure and business travellers with its 468 guestrooms, suites and apartments, innovative culinary concepts, artful touches, flexible meeting spaces and vibrant lifestyle facilities.
“We have been given a wonderful opportunity to open the first Pullman hotel and introduce the brand to Doha ahead of the anticipated World Cup later this year,” said Ehab Barghouth, General Manager, Pullman Doha West Bay. “Featuring a smart and modern design, best-in-class business facilities, reliable service and a balanced approach to work and wellbeing, I am confident Pullman Doha West Bay will become a standout favourite of Doha residents and international visitors alike.”
Image credit: Pullman
Inspired by the colours of the sand, Pullman Doha is filled with light and brightness, and the high-end materials in the interior create an impression of understated glamour. Upon arrival, guests enter a generous lobby space and are welcomed by an impressive sculptural globe. The piece of art created by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur represents a time, place, and sense of travel and discovery, embodying the spirit of Pullman. As guests walk through the lobby, they will find a stunning collection of playful sculptures complemented by carefully curated decorative artefacts and books. Quirky and bold, these installations add character to the hotel design and enrich the guest experience. The art concept will be developed and completed later this year with the launch of the Artist Playground, a dedicated space in the lobby for inspirational art exhibitions by local and international artists.
Image credit: Pullman
Resolutely chic and modern, the 375 guestrooms and suites, which include four Pullman Penthouses, span 47 floors and feature 11 categories. All rooms offer an extensive selection of C.O. Bigelow amenities, a UK handcrafted skincare brand. The guestrooms also feature a pillow and duvet menu for an ultimate good night’s sleep experience – the core of Pullman’s Bedding concept. The hotel also shelters 93 stylish apartments, all fully furnished, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and some available with balconies.
“Our apartments cater for demand in extended stays and serviced living options, combining the luxury of five-star hotel and comfort of your own home,” commented Barghouth, General Manager, Pullman Doha West Bay.
Image credit: Pullman
The hotel offers multiple dining options with fresh, fine cuisine for all palates. Full of light and brightness, Avenue restaurant invites guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This venue is themed around bringing people together through the restaurant’s signature concept – CuisInMotion, which gives diners an opportunity to watch the culinary team in action or hop on a gastronomic journey through four cosmopolitan avenues of the world – Champs Elysees in France, Tsukiji in Japan, Bosphorus in Turkey and Broadway in the US. Food lovers can also enjoy the best flavours of Italy at the internationally renowned BiCE. The restaurant overlooks the city and features an impressive cellar. For something more relaxed, guests can try The Score, a trendy gastro and sports bar that blends a casual settings with contemporary American cuisine. Lastly, located in the heart of the hotel, The Junction makes for a perfect hub to socialize over selection of healthy dishes, sweet and savoury delicacies or linger over classic afternoon tea with a modern twist.
Image credit: Pullman
The Meet/Play concept by Pullman reflects the need of today’s entrepreneurs to combine efficiency and pleasure for a fresh take on the traditional aspects of a meeting. The extensive range of events facilities in Pullman Doha West Bay creates an environment that enables guests to push their limits and unlock potential. All seven meeting rooms are hyper-connected, smartly furnished and offering cutting-edge AV facilities. The ‘Play’ part comes with a ‘chill out’ room right next to the meeting spaces, where delegate can recharge and disconnect over a cup of coffee or play foosball.
Image credit: Pullman
And finally, on a suitably lavish note, the Al Thuraya Ballroom is one of the largest in Qatar and can accommodate up to 700 people. Featuring high ceilings, Arabesque-designed walls, stunning Swarovski chandelier and an expansive private bridal room, the venue sets the perfect stage for dream weddings, milestone celebrations and gala events.
BREAKING: The House Collective to open first hotel outside China
Positioned in Tokyo’s fashionable Shibuya district, the as-yet unnamed luxury hotel – the fifth property in The House Collective portfolio – is expected to be an inspiring and peaceful retreat from the city. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
Swire Hotels has announced a collaboration with Tokyu Corporation and Tokyu Department Store (together, Tokyu Group) and L Catterton Real Estate (LCRE) for a new luxuryhotel in Tokyo under The House Collective brand, as part of a prestigious and striking mixed-used development.
Architectural design of the project is being led by Snøhetta, internationally acclaimed Norwegian architecture firm that specialises in creating sustainable spaces that fuse conceptual form with nature.
Set in the fashionable and vibrant neighbourhood of Shibuya, the as-yet unnamed hotel – or House – is due for completion in 2027, and will be the first property to open outside China for The House Collective; a notable milestone for the brand which marks the start of a new phase of expansion.
Image credit: Proloog, Copyright: Snøhetta, Courtesy of: Tokyo Corporation.
The new hotel, designed to meet ambitious sustainability standards, also marks the ongoing commitment of the Swire Group in Japan as the firm had previous businesses dating back more than 150 years with the opening of its office in Yokohama handling imports and exports. The firm gradually built a varied portfolio of businesses, and expanded its network with branch offices in Kobe, Tokyo and Nagoya. In 1959, Cathay Pacific Airways, one of Swire’s aviation businesses, inaugurated a service to Tokyo, making it the first foreign carrier to serve the city. The Swire Group’s marine and aviation businesses are its principal interests in Japan today.
Launched in 2008 with the opening of The Opposite House, The House Collective creates and manages distinctive hotels. Each with its own cultural character and architecture, The Opposite House in Beijing, The Upper House in Hong Kong, The Temple House in Chengdu and The Middle House in Shanghai are created for seasoned travellers who seek originality, style and personalised service in luxury travel. Each House is uniquely imagined and inspired by its location – from Beijing’s prominent art scene, Shanghai’s high fashion style, Chengdu’s tea and tranquility, to the bright lights of Hong Kong – with distinctive design, exceptional culinary experiences, and individualised hospitality to be found at each. By taking a people-first approach, The House Collective creates spaces and stays which are both inspiring and effortless, setting the brand apart and earning the Houses loyal fans world-wide.
For the new House, The House Collective, a member of The Set Collection, will work with acclaimed developers Tokyu Group and LCRE, pooling their established market presence and understanding with The House Collective’s experience in operating world-class luxury hotels, to create a unique and exciting new destination. Standing for modernity, social vibrancy and luxury, the choice of Tokyu Group and LCRE as partners was a natural fit for The House Collective which puts elevated experiences, people, and places at its core.
Image caption: The Middle House, another property in The House Collection portfolio. | Image credit: The House Collective
“Witnessing the growth of The House Collective is an extremely proud moment for us as we look to expand into new cities throughout the Asia Pacific region,” said Toby Smith, Deputy Chairman, Swire Hotels. “We’re delighted to be able to bring our distinctive design and people-first approach in hospitality to Tokyo. Our partners Tokyu Group and LCRE, share our vision of creating a new and vibrant guest experience which, with the opening of our new House will offer world-class hospitality for both locals and visitors to Tokyo.”
Kazuo Takahashi, President and Representative Director of Tokyu Corporation, added: “Swire Hotels’ The House Collective creates elevated luxury experiences with distinctive character and a sense of style. With Swire and The House Collective, we work with one of Asia’s most sophisticated and luxurious hoteliers and are delighted to introduce a new standard of contemporary hospitality to Tokyo”, said Mathieu le Bozec, Managing Partner of L Catterton Real Estate.
The new House will be part of the Shibuya Upper West Project by Tokyu Corporation, Tokyu Department Store and L Catterton Real Estate. This 117,000 square meter (includes Bunkamura) landmark real estate project will bring together a potent combination of luxury and high-quality retail, contemporary luxury hotel, luxury residences, as well as art and cultural experiences to the vibrant Shibuya district for the very first time.
No news yet on the interior design studio who will take on the responsibility of bringing the interiors to life, but our bet is going on André Fu Studio, given the designer’s bond to the brand. Only time will tell…
Main image credit: Proloog, Copyright: Snøhetta, Courtesy of: Tokyo Corporation.
Following a magnificent restoration, Tower Elvira has now opened in Puglia, providing luxury hospitality and bespoke experiences across four uniquely designed suites within an 18th century tower and ancient masseria…
With design and art at the heart of this unique property, owner Steven Riseley employed a team of local architects and specialist artisans to assist in the respectful restoration of the two historic structures and surrounding gardens. Set on St Elia Ridge, the historic lookout tower offers unrivalled views of citrus groves, private parkland, a 40 square metre swimming pool with colonnaded sun loungers and sister residence, Castle Elvira.
Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge
Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge
Now home to two stunning guest suites, the tower was originally built in the 18th Century and was thought to have been created as the lookout tower for the Saint Elia Monastery. Star vaulted ceilings, meet supersized Timothy Oulton beds and exquisite design fixtures. The ensuite bathrooms feature powerful rainfall showers with luxury fittings from IB Rubinetti with a sunken bath in the Park Suite and hand carved sandstone bath on the private terrace of the top suite. Whilst the suites are all equipped with modern, state of the art technology and contemporary design details, Riseley has kept these details carefully hidden amongst a mix of antique furnishings and design elements, ensuring the design remains authentic with a contemporary twist. Each of the rooms feature carefully curated art works, including a selection of new pieces by Elvira’s resident artist Harvey B-Brown.
Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge
The ancient masseria features two beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms sleeping up to five guests. Each suite boasts a private garden with barbeques for an exclusive dining experience. Additionally the suites features a two-person, hand carved, sandstone bathtubs within the private garden, the Agave Suite, or extra-large ensuite, the Pepper Suite. The split level Agave Suite, with its own lounge area with open fireplace, is suitable for up to three guests.
Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge
Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge
Tower Elvira’s sister residence, Castle Elvira, accommodates 12 guests in six uniquely designed suites. Castle Elvira is located in the immediate vicinity of the Tower and offers the same luxury across its suites with private salons, luxurious living and dining rooms, an incredible roof terrace, a heated 70 square meter swimming pool, and 37 acres of private parkland and gardens.
Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge
In a conscious effort to preserve nature in the estate and local area, Riseley has invested in the preservation and potential cure of the estates 500 olive trees, suffering the ravages of formidable Xylella bacterial disease which has hit the entire region, destroying thousands of trees. This remarkable new scientific effort is showing great promise and could potentially save some of Puglia’s most ancient trees. Additionally, the team has put huge efforts into the revival of the 50-tree citrus orchard, with its lemons, limes, and mandarins.
Planning to open its designer doors to coincide with Paris Fashion Week, SO/ Paris is the newest addition to the Ennismore SO/ portfolio. Sitting stylishly on the banks of the Seine, Paris’ new flagship hotel has been infused with art, fashion and charisma for a truly unparalleled experience…
SO/ prides itself on taking travelling in style to a whole new level, and now the glam group has landed in the fashion capital of the world. As part of the newly inaugurated La Félicité Paris, Sully-Morland complex, which has just transformed a former municipal building – the Cité Administrative de Paris – into the capital’s new hospitality hub, the SO/ Paris hotel is housed in a 1966 structure designed by architects Albert Laprade, Pierre-Victoire Fournier and René Fontaine, and features urban arches created by architecture firms David Chipperfield Architects and CALQ.
Image credit: SO/Paris
Image credit: SO/Paris
SO/ Paris features 140 guestrooms and 22 suites, designed by the architectural firm RDAI represented by Denis Montel and Julia Capp. Elegant, warm and vibrant, the guestrooms and suites echo the SO/ spirit of redefining Parisian luxe with style. Filled with life and light, the interior decor is inspired by the origins of the city of Paris itself, a total immersion into contemporary art inspired by our destination’s iconic fashion sense. The très chic Parisian location celebrates a love for the joy of dressing up, where great tailoring meets a backdrop of considered construction and flawless accessorising.
Image credit: SO/Paris
Fashion designer Guillaume Henry, the artistic director of La Maison Patou, has infused his own creative vision into the hotel’s avant-garde design and signature style. The hotel also welcome an iconic guest star: the view. Its panoramic perspective is both romantic and stunning. On the top two floors of the hotel, Bonnie is the hotel’s restaurant, bar, club and smoking room. Design and location combine flawlessly, making it the new place to rendez-vous for memorable Parisian nights. The creative, sensual and sultry allure on show here is the work of interior designer Jordane Arrivetz, founder of the Notoire agency. The interiors are wrapped in masterful works from Studio Other Spaces’ ‘The Seeing City’ by Olafur Eliasson and Sebastian Behmann, which like a kaleidoscope of sumptuous mirrors, reflects all of Paris’ beauty.
Image credit: SO/Paris
Image credit: SO/Paris
Leaving no element of luxury unturned, SO/ Paris offers guests the ultimate interlude for a Parisian pause at the Maison CODAGE Spa. On its very Zen-en-Seine programme are an array of healing face and body treatments. The spa features all the essentials for beauty, youth-boosting and fitness treatments as well as access to the Ô Zenhit sports club and its 20-meter long pool.
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