Hotel Designs

    NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
    The Brit List Hoteliers of 2021

    Unveiled: The Brit List Hoteliers of 2021

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Unveiled: The Brit List Hoteliers of 2021

    Sticking to tradition, each year Hotel Designs publishes The Brit List, which, following a nationwide campaign, profiles the top 25 designers, the top 25 architects and the top 25 hoteliers. Following the unveilings of both the designers and architects earlier this month, please meet The Brit List Hoteliers of 2021…

    The Brit List Hoteliers of 2021

    Each year, The Brit List Awards 2021 climaxes in November with an energy-filled awards ceremony. Traditionally, though, the campaign does not end until all 75 designers, architects and hoteliers have been profiled on the Hotel Designs website. For 2021, that time is now. We have referenced the interior designers, given nod to the architects, and it is now time to conclude our annual search, with (in alphabetical order) The Brit List Hoteliers of 2021.

    Charles Oak, Hotel Director, The Londoner

    Following much anticipation, The Londoner, the 350-key luxury hotel that has the power to change the social status of Leicester Square, has opened. Designed in collaboration with Yabu Pushelberg (design) and Woods Bagot (architecture), the hotel is part Edwardian Hotels London – and has a particularly noteworthy eco design narrative that is being told by Charles Oak.

    The 16-storey hotel, which opened in September, 2021, includes six varying F&B outlets, including a destination rooftop bar, and shelters ‘unparalleled level of genuine hospitality’.

    With a career within the hospitality arena that spans three decades, prior to joining Edwardian Hotels’ new flagship property, Oak held several senior management positions in numerous hotels within the group’s portfolio, including its five-star flagship The May Fair Hotel. A highly established professional within the industry, Oak has an exemplary background in luxury hotel management and fine dining, which includes positions at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, The Savoy Hotel in London, and more recently the country haven of Heckfield Place in Hampshire.

    Conor O’Leary, Managing Director, Gleneagles

    Since being crowned Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2018, Conor O’Leary has continued to perfect and expand the Gleneagles spirit that is often referred to as ‘the glorious playground’. As an effortless result of this, Gleneagles remains one of Scotland’s – if not Great Britain’s – most adventurous luxury hotel.

    Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of Perthshire, the hotel has been a must-go destination for travellers for nearing a century. Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived in great style at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the 850-acre estate epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed.

    Now under new ownership with Ennismore, Gleneagles has enlisted the skills and expertise of some of the UK’s most acclaimed designers including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, Macaulay Sinclair, Goddard Littlefair and Ennismore’s own in-house design studio – with the aim to create designs and spaces that celebrate the rich, glamorous heritage and beautiful architecture for which the hotel is famed.

    Its latest venture that O’Leary is leading is opening the 33-key Gleneagles Townhouse. Designed by Ennismore’s in-house team of experts, the intimate hotel will shelter timeless charm that blends with today’s modern needs, while uniting Edinburgh’s ‘social souls’ – the people who make the city tick.

    David Connell, General Manager, South Lodge

    David Connell’s outstanding focus during 2019 was implementing and managing a brand-new spa and wellness facility to the already established and respected South Lodge.

    Managing the spa build whilst also leading his hotel team, Connell expertly fronted the project despite delays and challenges, keeping the team motivated and on course to deliver. A huge amount of time and effort went into the £14.5 million build project over the last seven years to create The Spa at South Lodge and develop a different brand under the South Lodge name.

    Outside of his main role, Connell is a very active member within the wider industry. A Master Innholder, St Julian Scholar and mentor, he never loses sight that hospitality is a ‘people business’ and loves to get out into the industry, meeting future leaders as part of the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Programme selection committee and acting as a St Julian Scholar ambassador.

    Edward Workman, CEO, The Newt in Somerset

    With a hotelier such as Edward Workman who ‘likes to have a narrative for everything’ he does, The Newt in Somerset, is a never-ending tale of hearty hospitality and thoughtful design. With magnificent gardens, indulgent guestrooms and a spa experience to match, the hotel experience is somewhat elevated by the fact that it is sheltered within a stunning set of Georgian limestone buildings.

    The hotel’s ability to collaborate has allowed it to be an ever-evolving landscape that is always exiting. The gardens at The Newt, for example, have been shaped over the last 200 years by successive enthusiasts, including Margaret Hobhouse who elevated the gardens to a Victorian ideal, introducing colour, a greenhouse and many trees of beech, oak, pine, walnut and cedar. Renowned garden designer Penelope Hobhouse gave Margaret’s vision a new lease of life in the 1970s, followed by Nori and Sandra Pope, whose experiments with colour delighted and inspired thousands of visitors in the mid-1980s. The latest incarnation has been created by Italo-French architect Patrice Taravella, who believes a garden should be both beautiful and useful.

    Elli Jafari, General Manager, The Standard London

    Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex in London’s thriving King’s Cross neighbourhood, the 1974 Brutalist building was meticulously restored and set the perfect award-winning stage for The Standard’s first hotel outside America.

    The Standard London shelters 266 guestrooms in 42 unique styles ranging from Cosy Core rooms to terraced suites with outdoor bathtubs overlooking St Pancras station. The lobby lounge, with a carefully curated library pays homage to the building’s original use, with a sound studio hosting weekly live music and talks.

    Setting new standards, Elli Jafari was announced as the hotel’s General Manager, months before it opened. Two years on, Jafari continues to ensure that the hotel is the epicentre of energy and just the right kind of vibes – with star-studded events – to ensure the hotel is always in the spotlight.

    Federico Ciampi, General Manager, The Mayfair Townhouse

    Born in Italy, Federico Ciampi is a seasoned traveller having lived in Dubai, Scotland and the British Virgin Islands. He now calls London home, with his family of colleagues inside The Mayfair Townhouse, a new luxury hotel that emerged onto the scene last year.

    The 172-key hotel, which joined the Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio last year when it opened, shelters a design narrative unlike any other. Inspired by the whimsical characters of our past and present, it is is flamboyantly dressed, yet carefully understated when it comes to service.

    Curious, engaging, witty and effortlessly intuitive, the hotel is part of a new generation of lifestyle hotels that deliver the unexpected in the heart of Mayfair. A stylish, imaginative home for the modern traveller, The Mayfair Townhouse redefines what it means to be a London hotel.

     Frank Arnold, Managing Director, The Savoy

     In 2020, Frank Arnold was revealed as the new Managing Director of The Savoy, one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels.

    During a career in hospitality spanning more than 30 years, Arnold has also worked with IHG, Four Seasons, Rocco Forte, Ritz-Carlton and independent hotels across Europe and North America.

    Having arrived from the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto, Arnold stepped into the shoes of Philip Barnes at a time when hospitality was on its knees. Despite this, he was not afraid to bring down barriers in order to make the hotel relevant for the modern, post-pandemic traveller. For example, the hotel transformed its iconic forecourt into a trendy, seasonal F&B experience. Named Solas, the pop-up married colourful floral bursts to the Art Deco elegance of the hotel in order to create this summer’s must-visit dining destination.

    Gareth Banner, Managing Director, The Ned

    Gareth Banner has led a team of nearly 900 members of staff to launch and establish the most ambitious hotel opening in recent decades. By repurposing an iconic 1920s grade I listed building into a multi-faceted hospitality business, this architectural landmark in the City of London has been made relevant once again under Gareth’s leadership.

    Over the past year, Gareth has used the lockdown to continue refining The Ned offering, with changes to an under-utilized members’ area on the lower ground floor into The Parlour – an intimate jazz and cabaret club boasting a weekly line up of highly regarded acts from both sides of the Atlantic.

    Quickly recognising that the pandemic was set to change the way in which The Ned interacted with its members, Banner worked with parent company Soho House on a digital transformation of the business. This included the launch of an app that could be used to provide virtual experiences, digital content and contactless payments for members who showed unwavering support through the payment of their annual subscription during closure.

    Working to support the charity Centrepoint, Banner was very keen for The Ned to work with Fare Share and The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club to provide meals to some of London’s most vulnerable individuals throughout the lockdown. A team of 42 members of staff from The Ned volunteered to prepare the meals in the hotel’s production kitchen. Motorcyclists from The Bike Shed’s 1,000-strong nationwide community of volunteer riders delivered over 100 meals a day to homeless young people living in Centrepoint hostels across town.

    Grace Leo, Managing Director, The Relais Henley

    Grace Leo is an award-winning and internationally recognised hotelier who specialises in the development of luxury hotels and resorts.

    Most recently, Leo’s meticulous research over the last two years for the right opportunity led to acquiring several hotels for herself and her partners in upscale market-towns in the greater London region. She has identified the former Red Lion in Henley-on-Thames as the initial asset that has the combination of criteria and potential she has deemed essential for the redevelopment of the property into a successful business venture as well as the introduction of her ‘Relais’ branding.

    The Relais Henley was launched as part of the Royal Regatta in August 2021, and has already received critical acclaim both locally and nationally. Henley was followed within months by the acquisition of The Cooden Beach Hotel near Bexhill-on- Sea, which is due to start its refurbishment towards the end of 2021.

    The Relais brand underpins Leo’s key strengths, which are strong leadership skills, strategic and financial oversight, creative market positioning and branding and enabling workflows in different cultures whilst energising teams for deliverables and deadlines.

    Guillaume Marly, Managing Director, Hotel Café Royal

    Since 2017, Guillaume Marly has been the Managing Director of Hotel Café Royal. Constantly referred to as ‘London’s modern grand hotel’, the property straddles the elegance of Mayfair and the vibrant energy of Soho – and Marly ensures that his hospitality experience amplifies the best of both neighbourhoods.

    Complete with stylish and contemporary rooms and suites, the design of the hotel answers the demands of modern travellers. Meanwhile, the grand F&B areas, with a unique Afternoon Tea experience, allows the hotel to stand out with its own personality.

    The Set Collection, the parent group of the hotel, has recently celebrated a ‘soft’ re-brand as it sets its sights on growing the meaningful portfolio of properties. Despite the pressures of the pandemic, Hotel Café Royal continues to be one of London’s leading hotels.

    Hector Ross, Managing Partner & COO, The Mitre Hampton Court

    Despite all the turmoil since 2020, Hector Ross not only set up a brand-new hospitality business, The Signet Collection, but he then raised the funds to buy and completely revamp a historic building in need of rescuing called The Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court.

    Ross based himself at the hotel alongside 30-plus builders during the first lockdown to conduct an extensive, multimillion pound refurbishment. The resulting new, although over 400-year-old, hotel is astonishing and has been phenomenally received well across both media and guests. The hotel consists of two restaurants, 36 individually designed bedrooms, two outside dining terraces, the world’s first ‘whispering angel bar’, new pamper suite spa and an events spaces, all envisioned by interior designer Nicola Harding.

    Ross has preserved the authenticity of the buildings, while delivering unparalleled food, drink and service, alongside unrivalled experiences for guests such as boat trips and picnics. His home-grown and hands-on approach combines stunning designs within historically significant properties. The Mitre, the first hotel from The Signet Collection, was a bold, brave and risky move during the pandemic, but it has set the tone for additional hotels yet to come.

    James Clarke, General Manager, Hilton Bankside London

    James Clarke’s aims, as a leading General Manager, to challenge conventional hospitality led him and his team on many routes that include sustainable approaches to hospitality while sheltering a sensory design experience unlike any other.

    The hotel is, with Clarke in the driving seat, anything but a conventional hospitality experience. In 2018, the hotel partnered with Bombas & Parr to create a unique multi-sensory meeting room inside its hotel, under the name The Agora.

    From flooding the room with scented air at the push of a button to specially curated objects designed to increase productivity, mood-improving lighting installations and refreshments designed to recharge physiologically, every detail is based on the science and psychology of fruitful human interactions and innovation. The room takes inspiration from its location on Bankside, with a central table featuring inlaid ley lines pointing to important sites of creativity nearby, such as The Globe, The Tate and Royal Festival Hall.

    John Scanlon, General Manager, 45 Park Lane

    Since his arrival at 45 Park Lane as General Manager in 2015, John Scanlon has been committed to ensuring that guests have the best possible experience, and has a proven track record of maintaining an enjoyable environment for employees also.

    Following a year of uncertainty – during which time Dorchester Collection donated £25,000 to Hosptiality Action – the hotel recently opened a new luxury wellness space, The Spa at 45 Park Lane, which takes it firmly out of the shadow of its sister hotel, and neighbour, The Dorchester. The spa has been designed by world-leading design agency Jouin Manku. The wellness space has been specifically created to bring a sense of the outside in, referencing artistic flora using traditional Roman style mosaics from Venetian artisans. Natural timbers and light coloured stone bring a sense of calm and tranquillity; while timber slatted ceilings have been integrated to create better acoustics within the pool, gym and relaxation lounge. The entire space has been generously arranged to maximise the sense of spaciousness – not an easy in a neighbourhood where space comes at a premium, but one that has been executed with style.

    Julian Hudson, General Manager, Fellows House Cambridge –  Curio by Hilton Collection

     Julian Hudson is a devoted and experienced hotelier with almost 25 years’ hospitality management experience in the UK. As a personable manager, his passion comes from building and developing a passionate, well-trained, and close-knit team.

    Most recently, he was appointed the General Manager of Fellows House Cambridge –  Curio by Hilton Collection, a new hotel that has opened with a deep design narrative and an unavoidable connection with creative art, which meaningfully hangs in celebration of its local history.

    The 131-key hotel features unique pieces of artwork and sculptures, inspired by the fellows and historic city. The room types are all named after people associated with the city and notable Cambridge fellows such as Kipling, Newton, Gormley and Attenborough.

    Marie-Paule Nowlis, General Manager, Sofitel London St James

     Marie-Paule Nowlis, who brings with her 30 years’ experience with the Sofitel brand, and a career shaped by international roles, joined Sofitel London St James as General Manager in April 2019. Nowlis led an extensive multi-million-pound transformation in 2019, which extended throughout the hotel’s 183 rooms and suites, restaurant and bar. The property is a flagship hotel for the Sofitel brand and a cornerstone of London’s luxury hotel scene, with the transformation and refurbishment overseen by Pierre-Yves Rochon ensuring it remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the city.

    This year, Nowlis introduced a host of new partnerships in order to propel the hotel forward and make sure that it provides the very best for all guests. One partnership was with cycling brand Pinarello, allowing guests to book a tailored two-hour bike ride, enjoy a Tour de France inspired menu at Wild Honey St James and view the Pinarello bike and jerseys displayed in the hotel lobby.

    In addition, Nowlis also aimed to promote ‘Culture in the City’, which lead to a partnership between Sofitel London St James and the Design Museum. The collaboration celebrated the launch of the acclaimed exhibition, Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life and included a suite takeover allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the Perriand culture.

    Michael Bonsor, Managing Director, Rosewood London

    Michael Bonsor has more than 18 years’ experience in luxury hotel management, working for brands such as Four Seasons and Claridge’s.

    Throughout the pandemic, Bonsor worked tirelessly alongside his team to successfully re-open the doors of the award-winning luxury hotel, while also spearheading a number of key initiatives and campaigns.

    Once restrictions lifted, alongside his team, Bonsor transformed the iconic courtyard into an outdoor oasis bringing the Scarfes Bar terrace for Summer 2021 on one side and a partnership with Macallan to create the Macallan Manor House on the other side where guests can enjoy an immersive alfresco dining experience inspired by the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

    Additionally, to show Rosewood London’s appreciation for the NHS and all their hard work during the pandemic, Bonsor led the hotel to launch a competition, giving one NHS working couple the chance to win their dream wedding held at the hotel in 2021. He also included the hotel in the Hospitalitry4Heroes Social Challenge helping to raise more than £10,000 to support the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal and organised Holborn Dining Room pies and meals for the NHS staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital who the hotel has supported for many years.

    Murray Ward, General Manager, Soho Farmhouse

    Set against untouched English countryside – after becoming the postcard for hospitality in the Cotswolds – Soho Farmhouse is where members go to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, to instead check in to enjoy a slower pace. Combining authentic British design with warm, non-fussy hospitality, the 40-key hotel on the farm is able to provide the perfect rural scene, complete with luxurious cabins, restored houses and shack-like ‘piglet’ rooms.

    Murray Ward and his exceptional team work tirelessly in order to maintain every corner guests’ turn within the 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, lives up to the property’s esteemed reputation. Even the ‘check-in’ experience is a personable moment that has been carefully considered. After driving through the main gates, members leave their car with the staff to check in at the ‘Gate House’ before boarding a milk float, which takes them into the village-like setting.

    The heart of the ‘house’ is in the Farm Yard – the ‘public areas’, if we were being conventional. Around this space, the hotel features an expansive spa, complete with an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, a lake, a plethora of dining outlets and even a state-of-the-art cinema – all of which makes the modern, British hospitality experience totally unmatched.

    Olivia Richli, General Manager, Heckfield Place

    Following a loyal career with Aman Hotels, in 2017, Olivia Richli was plucked from semi-retirement at her beachfront home in Sri Lanka by Boston’s Gerald Chan, who had bought Heckfield Place almost twenty years before. Richli’s youth spent amongst the farms and gardens of the British countryside, combined with her unique career in developing and operating eclectic luxury hotels within historic precincts, stood her in perfect stead to guide Heckfield Place into a grand new era.

    The Georgian family home was lovingly restored from its classic origins and rewoven into a luxury hotel, which now stands in 400 acres of secluded Hampshire landscape.

    The hotel’s sense of responsibility has inspired Richli onto the next level of stewardship, one that quietly leads by example and endeavors to establish an estate that will thrive and guide all those who visit. And thrive it did, with the hotel winning The Eco Award at The Brit List Awards 2019.

    Paul Bayliss, General Manager, Hotel Brooklyn, Manachester

    Awarded an MBE for services to hospitality in 2006 as well as being named Independent Hotelier of the Year in 2017/18, General Manager Paul Bayliss’ wealth of experience allowed him to navigate the Hotel Brooklyn’s opening successfully during the challenges of a global pandemic to critical acclaim, reflected through the host of national awards the hotel has received so far.

    The hotel stands out as a beacon of excellence worldwide, as the only UK luxury property that is truly accessible for all and has been named the most accessible hotel in Europe. The hotel’s unique design is leading the Gold Standard in accessible design, with 18 of the 189 rooms fully accessible offering both wheelchair access and ambulant accessibility and the first hotel in Manchester to offer ceiling track hoists for guests. The hotel is an industry game-changer as the first to make a step change in whole society inclusivity within luxury hospitality. Notwithstanding its remarkable recruitment process and CSR credentials.

    The inspiration behind accessibility for all came from the hotel’s President Robin Sheppard, whose own disabilities helped him identify a need for positive change in the hospitality industry. Bayliss has carried out Sheppard’s wishes tremendously, leading the hotel to win three Blue Badge Style Ticks for accessibility, as well as winning the BeFactor Awards 2020 Accessibility Award.

    With many more Hotel Brooklyn properties in the pipeline, Bayliss continued work with the brand will ensure ‘accessibility for all’ to luxury full scale hotels finally becomes the norm.

    Paul Skinner, General Manager, DUKES LONDON

    Tucked away in a private courtyard in the heart of London’s West End, the 87-key DUKES LONDON has become a British hospitality landmark, celebrated for its famous martinis and exceptional service as well as its prime location overlooking Green Park and St James’s Park.

    Following Covid-19 and the various lockdowns implemented in the UK over the past year, the tourism and hospitality industry has taken a huge hit. DUKES LONDON’s management team, led by General Manager Paul Skinner, had to manage expectations of owners and investors, whilst leading and supporting its team through disruption and uncertainty.

    While keeping a close eye on his staff’s mental and physical wellbeing, Skinner also ensured that DUKES remained rooted in its community during this difficult time – offering beds to key workers via the Small Luxury Hotel initiative to reach out to those in need and to help ease the strain on the NHS during the crisis. The team also participated in the “Golden Friend Scheme” designed by Hospitality Action which was created to support elderly people in the community with hourly phone calls each week to keep them entertained during the stricter parts of lockdown. Additionally, the team took part in the 5km for £5 social media campaign, where all proceeds went to the NHS.

    Robin Hutson, Founder, THE PIG Hotels

    There is arguably no one who has done as much as Robin Hutson in highlighting the plight of the hospitality industry in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic, through his ‘Seat at the Table’ campaign.

    With 45 years’ experience, Hutson has led some of the world’s most famous hotels, including, but not limited to, Claridge’s, The Berkeley, Hotel de Crillon and Hotel de Vin, and between 1995 and 2008, he was Chairman of Soho House Group, assisting Nick Jones shape the ambitious expansion of the game-changing brand into Europe and the US.

    Hutson is now Chairman and CEO of the much-applauded Lime Wood Group and Founder of another ground-breaking and some would say, ‘Britain’s best loved collection of country hotels, THE PIG.

    The much-loved leader has tirelessly championed for more help for hoteliers, railed against government ineptitude, and brought together those in the hospitality industry to try and create a voice for a formally unrepresented industry – which delivers so much to the coffers of the Treasury, and so many jobs to the people of the UK. While doing that, he kept on all of his 1,000 or so staff – without making anyone redundant – and then opened a new PIG in Cornwall (in the summer of 2020), and another one year later in the West Sussex countryside.

    Sérgio Leandro, Regional General Manager, Lore Group

     A passionate and experienced hotelier, Sérgio Leandro currently manages the London Region of the Lore Group portfolio. In his role, Leandro is responsible for overseeing Sea Containers London and the soon-to-launch One Hundred Shoreditch (the former Ace Hotel London).

    Leandro has extensive experience within the hotel industry, having worked with the likes of Marriott (Starwood) and sbe and holding the role of General Manager of Sea Containers London since its launch as Mondrian London (the first Mondrian in Europe) in 2014. Leandro was instrumental in ensuring a successful transition, not only for the brand, but also for his team – all of whom remained in place as the hotel entered a new era and the next step in its story.

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, Leandro was determined to show support towards the NHS, so he spearheaded the Sea Containers London ‘NHS Nominate Your Hero’ campaign and gave away 545 overnight stays to NHS staff from around the country, as well as lighting up the building in a rainbow to show support and appreciation. This is an ongoing initiative and as the hotel has re-opened its doors, Leandro and his team continue to invite NHS staff into the hotel for their stays and other activities such as NHS movie nights.

    Stuart Geddes, Managing Director, The Lanesborough

    In 2019, Stuart Geddes left his position as General Manager of The Goring Hotel to join The Lanesborough as Hotel Manager, with the aim to help the Oetker Collection property ‘reinforce its position as a market leader’ on the luxury hospitality scene in London.

    Two years later, Geddes has recently been promoted to Managing Director of the quintessentially British hotel (some might even say landmark). Following the most challenging 18 months the industry has perhaps ever experienced, the promotion came a time when the industry as a whole was recovering in the wake of the pandemic. The hotelier’s ‘respect for heritage’, while ‘constantly pushing for creativity and innovation’, puts him in good stead to navigate the unavoidable challenges that lie ahead.

    Geddes responded the promotion by calling it ‘both a pleasure and an honour’ and is full committed as well as passionate to lead the 93-key hotel into a new chapter of hospitality.

    Thomas Agius Ferrante, Hotel Director, The Grove of Narberth

    Following his appointment as General Manager in early 2019, Thomas Agius Ferrante was promoted in August 2020 to become Hotel Director of The Grove of Narberth, the five-star hotel nestled in the Pembrokeshire countryside in South West Wales.

    The hotel forms part of the Seren Collection which includes the one Michelin starred Beach House Restaurant on the Gower Peninsular, and the highly regarded Coast Restaurant in Saundersfoot.

    Ferrante started his career as a kitchen chef before moving into senior management roles first at One Aldwych and then at The Berkeley where he spent seven years latterly as the Food & Beverage Operations Manager. Prior to joining The Grove of Narberth, the hotelier was the Hotel Manager of The Phoenicia in Malta, an iconic five-star, historic hotel that flanks the main gates of the capital Valletta and is a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ consortium.

    Will Ashworth, CEO, Watergate Bay Hotel

    Will Ashworth, who is no stranger to The Brit List first came onto Hotel Designs’ radar in 2004 when he became the CEO of Watergate Bay Hotel, which he took over from his parents.

    Since then, the young yet established hotelier has been able to flex his design muscles to ensure that the hotel stands out as an exceptional luxury experience.

    The latest design narrative at Watergate Bay Hotel is told when checking in to one of the seven new beach-front suites, designed to take the accommodation at the hotel to a ‘new level’ with a quirky interior scheme that oozes sense of place and personality, while framing some of the most spectacular coastal views. Ashworth worked with Cornish design studio Dynargh Design to create the rooms that shelter barefoot luxury with a distinct local charm.

    Despite creating a new room category that will ‘pave the way’ for future projects within the Watergate Bay Hotel portfolio, Ashworth’s pioneering stance in the hospitality arena is unequivocally highlighting how independent hotels can indeed shelter innovative, eco-friendly design that doesn’t intrude on the guest experience. For example, all electricity that the now 69-key boutique hotel uses comes from 100 per cent renewable suppliers.

    The application process (free of charge) for The Brit List Awards 2022 will open in Q2 of 2022. 

    Main image credit: The Brit List Awards 2021

    25 hours hotel one central rooftop pool in dubai

    What you need to know about 25hours’ new hotel in Dubai

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    What you need to know about 25hours’ new hotel in Dubai

    25hours Hotel One Central has opened its doors in Dubai, and like every hotel in this brand, it tells a story unique to the city, while sheltering a contemporary design scheme that tears up the rule book…

    25 hours hotel one central rooftop pool in dubai

    Located in central Dubai, 25hours Hotel One Central is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a place for modern-day nomads to share stories and experiences. Just like the Hakawati, the Arabian storyteller in the desert, 25hours celebrates the ancient Bedouin traditions and stories, bringing them to life across different areas of the property. The history of the region is reflected throughout the design of the hotel, created in partnership with acclaimed interior design firm, Woods Bagot, and 25hours Hotels. This is the first 25hours Hotel One Central  to open outside of Europe, but true to brand, every hotel is unique to its city, and has a story to tell – the recent hotel opening in Florence, for example was designed around the theme of Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’.

    The 434 guestrooms and suites in the new Dubai hotel, feature Bedouin, Glamping and Farmstay interiors, whilst the Artist Village suites are perfect for those looking for more space. Meanwhile, the Hakawati Suite displays true Dubai glamour with a double bathtub, Triple king size bed ‘Sheikh-sized’ bed, a dining table seating 10 people, two bars, a DJ corner, dance floor, fireplace and a breath-taking view of the Museum of the Future. The room interconnects with two additional bedrooms through a secret staircase. It is the perfect playground for travellers and residents of the city to enjoy and revel in whether guests are there to indulge or relax, 25hours allows both.

    All rooms and suites at the property serve as a peaceful oasis for nomads after a long day exploring. Each sanctuary draws on local influences, featuring quirky design elements such as hammocks, double rainfall showers, roll-top baths, Schindelhauer bicycles, analogue telephones and much more.

    rustic interior in farmstay style guestroom at 25hours hotel in dubai

    Image credit: 25hours Hotel

    “25hours Hotel One Central is the most exotic 25hours project I have experienced so far,” said Christoph Hoffman, 25hours Founder. “From the beginning of this adventure our aim was to create a new Dubai experience of hospitality. Actually we want it to become the living room, the party cellar, the speakeasy, the romantic hideaway for lovers, as well as the place for relaxed and creative business meetings, inspirational various spaces, a fun rooftop for visionary thoughts and views. A new home and playground for the local community and of course travellers from all over the world.”

    On the first floor, guests will find over 500 vinyl’s and a Walkman station in the ‘Analogue Circus’ in partnership with Vienna based Supersense. Following this, the hotel’s ‘Analogue Upgrade’ will give guests the opportunity to throwback and reminisce in the comfort of their own room. Delivered on demand in a trunk-case to guests bedrooms, the unique experience includes VHS and vinyl’s to typewriters and polaroid’s – encouraging guests to take a break and stimulate all senses.

    A fully kitted co-working space, meeting rooms, event spaces, open pantry and coffee bar are available at The Gallery on the first floor. The open plan space features plenty of modern tech, five-metre-high ceilings and huge windows so guests can enjoy the breath-taking views while they work hard…or hardly work. Other creative spaces include a pottery studio, games room and podcast studio. For bookworms 25hours has a Fountain of Tales library with thousands of books across the hotel for guests to step away from the digital world and jump into a realm of relaxation.

    cushions, books and pouffes in the lobby at 25hours Hotel Dubai

    Image credit: 25hours Hotels

    The Extra Hour Spa is dedicated to ‘you time’ and everyone is welcome – with Dubai’s first outdoor mixed gender sauna. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments from quick fixes to full-body treatments. The sixth floor is also home to the rooftop pool and Monkey Pool Bar, where guests can relax poolside, sip cocktails and take in the view.

    The 25hours brand is a smart, culturally resonant hotel idea characterised by provocative urban locations, it is all about story telling and taking guests on a journey. 25hours Hotel One Central certainly does that, as it invites you to jump on a bike and explore the streets, or lose yourself in a book and explore the story. The design is characterised by an irreverent yet functional aesthetic, with a touch of the romantic nostalgia of grand hotels. The brand focuses on individuality, authenticity and personality and, under the motto: “If you know one, you know none”, and designs each of its hotels with different designers and unique style. There is no doubting the location and inspiration for this design and all its details at 25hours Hotel One Central Dubai.

    Main image credit: 25hours Hotels

    granorte new showroom

    Granorte opens new central UK warehouse

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Granorte opens new central UK warehouse

    Granorte has opened a new Telford showroom, office and warehouse facility to showcase its range of sustainable cork-based floors, walls, furniture and design objects…

    granorte new showroom

    Due to a dynamic growth in sales, Portuguese manufacturer Granorte has moved to a new facility to ensure it continues to provide customers with a first-class service across its range of cork products for specification and retail. With a new 10,000ft2 racked warehouse space, sample facility, offices and showroom, the company can now deliver a UK-based service across its most popular collections.

    “As specifiers and consumers consider the environmental impact of surfacing, furniture and design objects more closely, the status of cork as a renewable, natural resource has seen Granorte’s activity grow,” said Andrew Ellison, Sales & Development Manager of UK operations. “Our new Telford facility will ensure that we can provide our specification and retail customers with excellent service, including UK-based sampling and stock.”

    cork wall surface by granorte

    Image credit: Granorte

    “Our new showroom is also ideal for discovering how Granorte products can transform specifications and bring sales revenue through our range of retail displays,” continued Ellison. “It is also a place to explore the many applications of cork, from our extensive range of walls and floors to award-winning furniture.”

    With growth capacity, the new warehouse will allow Granorte to introduce more products directly available from UK stock, helping to reduce lead times. A larger sample room will also ensure that specifiers and retailers can also access a wider range of product samples and product literature, with greater ease and faster despatch across the UK. The showroom is open by appointment only for specification and retail customers.

    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.

    Main image credit: Granorte

    Inhabit Hotels biophilic bar design

    Inhabit Queen’s Gardens in London slated to open early 2022

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Inhabit Queen’s Gardens in London slated to open early 2022

    With the opening of Inhabit Queen’s Gardens, Inhabit Hotels is expanding its mission to create restorative, environmentally and socially conscious places to stay in the city. We take a (mindful) sneak peak inside…

    Inhabit Hotels biophilic bar design

    Set across a crescent of mid-19th Century townhouses on a tree-lined square near Lancaster Gate, Inhabit Queen’s Gardens is an intimate boutique hotel comprised of 159 uplifting guestrooms, along with carefully considered social spaces. It has been created with a passion for wellbeing and living in a way that supports a healthy mind and body, as well as modelling responsible hospitality practices. The public areas include a 70-cover, plant-heavy-menu restaurant and bar, comfortable lounge areas for socialising and working, and a noise-free library stocked with thought-provoking reads spanning wellness, meditation, social enterprise, holistic health, contemporary art, philosophy, local London, and nature. A subterranean wellness area provides treatment rooms, a fitness suite and yoga studio.

    Mindfully designed for the modern traveller, everything at this new hotel has been curated with a genuine commitment to environmental initiatives and meaningful community partnerships. This ethos is not simply about providing guests with a recycled water bottle and the odd yoga lesson, it has been carefully thought through and penetrates every level, from design through to materials, from F&B offerings through to its business model and broader interaction with the local community.

    lounge area at Inhabit queens park london with natural light filled interior and wooden crafted furniture

    Image credit: Inhabit Hotel / Tim Evan Cook

    The tranquil interiors of the hotel are a result of the work of Holland Harvey Architects, Caitlin Henderson Design and the art curators at Culture A. Its soothing style blends contemporary Scandinavian inspiration and Eastern philosophical awareness with a fuse of quintessential British design. The Inhabit Hotels ethos has been considered on every step of the design journey, and the hotel showcases the ingenuity and creativity of craftspeople, working with more than 30 makers and artists. Goldfinger, an award-winning social enterprise demonstrating that high-end design can and should be people and planet positive, has produced bespoke joinery for the hotel throughout the public areas and guestrooms.

    Somerset House Studios and Makerversity offer artworks by emerging as well as established artists to complement and enhance the meditative mood of the interior scheme. For visitors and guests, inspiration awaits in works by artists such as AnneMette Beck, whose multi-textural art installation welcomes guests as it plays along the wall at reception. Hugo Dalton’s dynamic light drawings nudge visitors to consider nature from a new perspective. Freya Bramble Carter’s bespoke tactile ceramics are installed throughout the guest rooms. Social-impacting soft furnishings include Myanmar’s Kalinko Homewares and Studio 306 cushions from Aerende, made by people recovering from, and living with mental health illness.

    bespoke art and calm interiors in the bedrooms at Inhabit queens gardens london

    Image credit: Inhabit Hotels / Tim Evan Cook

    Inhabit is a hotel brand founded on the belief that design should have a positive social impact, and they have focused on using sustainable materials throughout the building’s transformation. One such material is Granby Rock, a custom-made terrazzo produced by Granby Workshop using marble from the original site, which will now form a centrepiece fireplace in the reception. Granby Workshop is a manufacturer of architectural ceramics based in Liverpool, as part of a community-led effort to reinvigorate Granby, a neighbourhood within the city made derelict by decades of poor planning initiatives.

    The understanding that wellness is not simply a physical state, but regarding it as a way of being, is what is at the heart of the Inhabit brand. The new hotel champions social connectedness, intellectual expansion, environmental responsibility, physical and emotional wellness and occupational enrichment. An engaging series of regular workshops, lectures and events will be curated by Maria Tsiarta, the Head of Wellness, to help guests recharge, invigorate, connect and learn. In keeping with the Scandi aesthetic, guestrooms and suites will be stocked with uplifting, full-size and refillable amenities from Skandinavisk, a Certified B Corporation.

    ‘Inhale at Inhabit’, the hotel’s wellness centre, hosts a programme of daily activities, including vinyasa flow, transformational Hatha and yin yoga, Pilates and complimentary morning meditation classes. The gym provides the essentials, as well as a Peloton Bike. Guests can join live classes with leading instructors, streamed directly from Peloton’s NYC studio, or choose from a library of studio workouts. There are also two treatment rooms which offer treatments by GAIA, a natural skincare brand handmade in Britain using traditional artisan production methods. Inspired by ancient Greece’s Mother Nature, the GAIA skincare range uses Fairtrade, certified-organic plant extracts sourced from small farms and producers. Inhabit Queen’s Gardens is the first London hotel to offer GAIA treatments.

    scandi interior of the gym at Inhabit queens gardens

    Image credit: Inhabit Hotels / Tim Evan Cook

    The hotel brand has collaborated with Marc Francis-Baum, founder of London venues such as Mare Street Market in Hackney, and Moor & Mead at Montcalm East, to create The Kitchen at Inhabit. A 70-cover restaurant serving an imaginative all-day menu in a light-flooded space that is quite unique to this West London neighbourhood. At the charismatic marble bar, focus is given to English wine and small UK spirit producers, while new-gen, alcohol-free drinks are plentiful, too, from vegan sparkling wine through to the pre-requisite kombucha.

    “It’s an exciting challenge opening a fully meat-free hotel in London,” said Craig Purkiss, Executive Chef, Barworks. “We’ve researched and developed a menu focussed on the quality of our produce, as well as the importance of sustainable dishes and practices. Ultimately, we let the produce do the talking.”

    Not content with keeping sustainability on the surface of things, the hotel brand is working towards B Corps certification with the goal of being among the first hotel groups in the UK to achieve this eminent standard of corporate responsibility, an accreditation for businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability to balance profit and purpose. Importantly, along with these admirable ideals, is a commitment to design and hospitality, stylishly illustrating the point that prioritising both people and profit is in fact a possibility as we step into a new year excited by the possibilities that places like Inhabit Hotels inspire us with.

    > Since you’re here, why not read our review of Inhabit Hotels‘ first property?

    Main image credit: Inhabit Hotel / Tim Evan Cook

    Parkside and Strata Tiles align for a total tile solution

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Parkside and Strata Tiles align for a total tile solution

    Parkside and Strata Tiles are aligning to become sister brands, as the two tile specification companies look to become the market leader in the commercial tile market by 2025. This is what we know…

    With complimentary approaches to tile specifications, Parkside and Strata Tiles are known for excellence in service, wide-ranging product offer and the expertise of specification consultants. With a goal to grow, share and become the market leader in the commercial tile market, Parkside and Strata Tiles are now aligning to provide architects, designers, specifiers and contractors with a total tile solution.

    By sharing expertise and technical solutions, specification consultants from both brands can offer the complete range of tiles, ancillary products and associated services from either company.

    “Both companies enjoy a reputation for delivering designers, specifiers and contractors tile specifications that exceed expectation,” said Dan Little, Parkside and Strata Tiles Managing Director. “Each business also has a clear strategy – Parkside focused on architectural design and Strata Tiles on technical solutions – but they share many similarities, including a sustainability pledge with a commitment to become fully net carbon neutral in 2022. By combining these areas of expertise, our specification consultants are now able to provide a product and service offer that forms a total tile solution for any residential, commercial or infrastructure project. We believe that by closely aligning these brands, we improve service to our customers and will strengthen our position in the market.”

    As total tile solution providers, Parkside and Strata Tiles have a complete tile range including specialist outdoor, slip-resistant and anti-bacterial collections, over 40 tiles with more than 40 per cent recycled content, natural and composite stone, grouts, adhesives, profiles and joints, pedestals and anything else needed to achieve a first-class tile specification from a single source.

    contemporary work surface and chairs with wood surfaces and criaterra tiles

    Image credit: Parkside / Gidon Levin

    Along with specialist services such as waterjet cutting, digital printing, bespoke product sourcing and manufacturing, design guidance, planning and more, Parkside and Strata Tiles are leading with an approach to total tile specifications that can help architects, designers, specifiers and contractors deliver thoughtful solutions.

    Parkside is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

    Main image credit: Parkside

    spotlight on the sideways sofa and cabinet by carl hanson & son

    Year in Review: Top 7 furniture products from 2021

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Year in Review: Top 7 furniture products from 2021

    With more to celebrate in Hotel Designs’ ‘Spotlight On’ feature this month, we are shifting our focus to furniture. To do this, our editorial team have been whittled down this year’s new furniture items to a list of just seven stand-out pieces. Our ‘top picks’ list includes curves, comfort and cutting-edge design…

    spotlight on the sideways sofa and cabinet by carl hanson & son

    Forget about a bucket list, investing in furniture rather than a flight seems a whole lot more appealing right now as we all settle into staycation mode! These furniture designs are the standouts from a year full of creative content, and between them they tick a full range of boxes; starting with the eco-conscious Leo range by Adrenalina, and moving down the list to end with the cutting-edge concept of 3D-printed furniture, we’ve got it all covered!

     

    Table Place Chairs: Circle of Life (as seen at HIX)

    HIX Conran and Partners' WFHotel set

    Image credit: Conran and Partners/Table Place Chairs

    In collaboration with Stansons, Circle of Life is a structural free-standing framework with hanging recycled plastic curtains, which can be seen in the Table Place and Chairs’ new home in Clerkenwell. The sustainable products was the answer for Conran and Partners, Areen Design and stroop design recently for their three installations at HIX.

    Carl Hansen & Søn: Sideways Sofa (as seen at HIX)

    The Sideways Sofa, part of the WFHotel installation at HIX this year, is, quite simply, beautiful. From the curve of the seat to the materials used, and the intricate design details of its structure, it is a sculptural piece of furniture that is as much as a design statement as a place of comfort and refuge along with a strong coffee and a good book.

    Crosswater: Artist

    Crosswater Artist in bathroom

    Image credit: Crosswater

    With the conversation about wellness getting louder, the bathroom has become an integral part of the design process rather than a practical add-on. With this in mind it seemed appropriate to include the Artist range by Crosswater in our furniture list for 2021 as it crosses those boundaries elegantly.

    Fredericia: The Spanish Chair (as seen at HIX)

    The Spanish Chair in wood and leather by Fredericia

    Image credit: Fredericia

    Despite its name this is a Danish design that has all the lines and details of a modern classic. Beautifully constructed with strong simple lines and attention to and combination of materials make this chair both practical and decorative.

    Minotti: Superquadra

    superquadra console table by minotti

    Image credit: Minotti

    The strong architectural lines of this range by Brazilian designer Marcio Kogan for Minotti, are what make these pieces stand out. The graphic minimalism of the design is contrasted with an exciting combination of materials that create a strong design statement.

    Morgan: Lugano

    Two armchairs in the new Lugano furniture collection

    Image credit: Morgan

    The Lugano collection has been described by designer Rock Galpin as being ‘like a human hug’ with its well proportioned wrap around contours. Beuatifully designed, and beautifully made, you can read more about the collaborative journey of this chair in our interview with Morgan and Galpin earlier this year.

    Yasmin Mahmoudieh: The Flow Chair

    It seems fitting to end this list by looking firmly forward into the future, although with this range it feels very definitely like the future is now! Made from plastic waste, this design harnesses technology from materials right through to production and opens up the conversation about the future of furniture production.

    Crosswater, Morgan and Table Place Chairs are Recommended Suppliers and regularly feature 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: Carl Hansen & Søn 

    black and white decor in ocean suite at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    The return of a legend: The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman re-opens

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    4
    The return of a legend: The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman re-opens

    Emerging from an extensive renovation, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman celebrated the 16th anniversary of opening its doors in the Cayman Islands in style, with newly imagined spaces and designs. We take a closer look…

    black and white decor in ocean suite at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has opened the doors on its beautifully reimagined interiors, brought to life by Champalimaud Design, and featuring a refined new design which has been inspired by the rich history and diverse cultural influences of the Cayman Islands. Blending modern coastal elegance with mid-century British Caribbean style, the completely renovated spaces reflect an updated colour palette featuring the deep blues of Cayman’s night sky, lively shades of green inspired by the islands’ botanical wonders, the whites and beiges of the island’s smooth sands, and the sparkling shades of turquoise found in the Caribbean Sea. Textured inlays and crisp borders accentuate the Neoclassical architecture, leading guests through their journey to new discoveries.

    sea blue corridor at ritz-Carlton grand Cayman

    Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

    “We are thrilled to once again welcome guests to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, one of our most beloved resort properties in the Caribbean,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “The reimagined look and feel of the resort is an outstanding example of The Ritz-Carlton brand’s design ethos, which is to provide our guests with a refined and modern experience that is also reflective of what makes a destination unique.”

    Enclosed behind majestic, ebonised wood arches is the lobby and lounge area, welcoming guests into a comfortable environment that invites connection. Similarly, the guestrooms and suites nod to the destination’s history with the rugged sophistication of British West Indian style while paying homage to the island’s colourful present and bright future with purposefully chosen artworks, fixtures, and rich natural textures. The incorporation of indigenous and inspired materials further connects guests to the beauty of Cayman. Retaining its spirit, the resort’s iconic Silver Palm Lounge features completely new interiors and a custom-built hardwood cabinet, which will offer guests a collection of indulgent discoveries from rare rums to premium hand-rolled cigars of the Caribbean and sweet and delightful chocolates created from the region’s finest cacao.

    In addition to the public spaces and guest accommodations, the resort’s meeting spaces which are known to host Grand Cayman’s grandest galas and corporate groups from around the globe were updated as well. These palatial spaces were reimagined in luminous neutrals from cream to Champagne, with rich, warm accents on the soaring ceilings and rope detailing in the wall coverings. The pre-function area evokes a classic thatch pattern while the ballroom deconstructs those designs into a beautiful field of woven elements. Light fixtures transpose undersea life to the to the ceiling, with sculptural coral colonies of organic forms with each dome a unique shape, just like in nature.

    “December 15 marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter in the history of our resort. With guests at the centre of all that we do, we are thrilled to introduce them to our newly reimagined resort,” said Marc Langevin, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. “Our forward-looking ownership group, Dart, invested heartily into our treasured property, the result of which will now be visible for guests to enjoy. Seeing the pause in travel as an opportunity, we are grateful that Dart took advantage of this time to expand the original renovation plan, manifesting a cohesive and modern property suited to the demands of today’s most sophisticated travellers. Working alongside the talented team from Champalimaud, we have together created a resort, which though virtually brand new, maintains the charm of the beloved original and we are excited to welcome our valued guests back to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.”

    An enclave of relaxation and effortless elegance, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a Forbes Five-Star resort, which offers unparalleled service and thoughtful amenities. Much like the Cayman Islands itself, the resort’s innovative new design blends worldly influence with the one-of-a kind character of Cayman, resulting in an elevated yet spirited tapestry. Wholly unique in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is a respite of sophistication, comfort, quality, and luxury, created through the celebration of its diverse residents, stewardship of its natural beauty, and culture of mutual respect.

    Located in prime position on the island, and set within 144 beautifully manicured acres, from the sparkling waters of the North Sound, to the white sands of world-famous Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has flung open the doors of all its 369 luxuriously appointed guestrooms with its inspired new look, as it reclaims its allure as a destination set to create meaningful memories and exceptional experiences for its guests.

    > Since you’re here, why not find out more about The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko?

    Main image credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

    bathroom in natural materials featuring the Roca Ona range

    Year in Review: Top 7 bathroom products that launched in 2021

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Year in Review: Top 7 bathroom products that launched in 2021

    Continuing with Hotel Designs’ ‘Year in Review’, we are grabbing our loofah, and stepping into the bathroom to list the top seven ranges and products that have caught our editorial attention and inspired us with that essential bath time combination of practicality edged with indulgence…

    bathroom in natural materials featuring the Roca Ona range

    Whether singing in the shower is your thing, or the more subtle option of a candlelit soak is your perfect end to the day, bathroom designs in the hotel industry have to be all things to all people. As discussed around our virtual round table this year, developers and designers are looking for timeless, while the guests are demanding personality. We think this list does a little of both.

    Duravit: White Tulip

    The White Tulip range, designed for Duravit by Philippe Starke, is based on the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom. Every element has a sculptural feel, yet underpinning the graceful details and design is an attention to practicality and usability that is integral to any successful bathroom design.

    Gessi: Hi-Fi Eclectic

    HI-FI Eclectic_Linear moodboard

    Image credit: Gessi

    This design is all about combining contemporary technology with a hint of retro stereo technology. While the lines and dials are all about 20th century nostalgia, the functionality of this product is very much looking forward into the 21st century bathroom.

    hansgrohe: Axor One

    Design studio Barber and Osgerby added to the Axor One range with an additional 31 designed pieces, all of which embody the same minimalist, clean, sculptural aesthetic while offering enhanced functionality and intuitive control. Technology and function work together to tick boxes for sustainability and energy saving, while the lines and finishes all contribute to a contemporary design led range.

    Kaldewei: SUPERPLAN ZERO

    Close up of Kaldewei shower surface, Superplan Zero

    Image credit: Kaldewei

    The Superplan Zero with its super thin, super flat design, removes boundaries and smooths transitions, as the shower is integrated into the bathroom space, rather than remaining as a defined unit within it. Seamless design combined with clever technology that works no matter how much water you chuck at it.

    KEUCO: EDITION LIGNATUR

    A collaboration between KEUCO and TEAM7, a company specialising in handcrafted solid wood furniture, resulted in the Edition Lignatur range. The natural warmth of the handcrafted wood contrasts beautifully with the harder ceramic surfaces and brings a note of natural luxury into the bathroom.

    Laufen: The New Classic

    Designed by Marcel Wanders for Laufen, this range is indeed a classic, and one that combines practicality and innovation with designer lines. The soft curves of the washbasins and other elements of the collection sit beautifully on the furniture, making a strong and contemporary design statement that elevates the bathroom out of the realm of pure practicality into one of indulgence.

    Roca: Ona

    Ona bathroom design by Roca

    Image credit: Roca

    Contemporary design and the considered use of sustainable materials and technology all converge in this bathroom range with its soft lines and natural palette that feels like it is bringing a breath of the fresh Mediterranean air that inspired it, into the bathroom.

    Duravit, Gessi, hansgrohe, Kaldewei, KEUCO, Laufen and Roca are all Recommended Suppliers of ours and regularly feature 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: Roca

    deluxe room at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai

    From Zurich to Dubai: A look at the latest two openings from Hyatt

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    From Zurich to Dubai: A look at the latest two openings from Hyatt

    Not content with doing things in moderation, Hyatt celebrates the opening of two incredible new properties. Travellers can feel the ‘Zurich-ness’ at Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle – the first Hyatt Place branded hotel in Switzerland, or experience Hyatt Centric’s debut property in the Middle East, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai…

    deluxe room at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai

    Hyatt has announced the opening of two new hotels to join the brand, and they couldn’t be more different, with one sitting at the foot of the Swiss Alps, and the other on the edge of the desert with panoramic sea views. The hotels also represent two different brands within the Hyatt family. The Hyatt Place brand, as showcased by Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle, is all about designing for flexibility, making it easier for guests to maintain their work and personal routines while travelling. Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, on the other hand is all about the destination and providing an upscale, cosmopolitan and boutique guest experience.

    So, two hotels, two very different design stories, but both sharing the trademark Hyatt attention to detail and understanding of they dynamic requirements of guests and travellers.

    Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle is the third Hyatt branded hotel and the first Hyatt Place branded hotel in Switzerland, as the brand continues to expand its footprint globally in markets that matter most to its guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, combined with its trademark combination of casual atmosphere with practical amenities.

    The 300 key Hyatt Place hotel combines style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveller. The guestrooms have been designed with separate spaces to sleep, work and play. Understanding the need for flexible space, convenient and communal workspaces have been created. Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle is situated in The Circle destination and directly linked to Zurich Airport, representing one of the most central locations in Switzerland. Guests can conveniently enjoy the business and lifestyle offerings of The Circle, which includes shops, restaurants, a park, airport facilities and The Circle Convention Centre. After a productive day, guests can unwind in the park or take advantage of the great outdoors, as the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich are nearby.

    “As the Zurich Airport and the Circle district continue to be a dynamic destination, we are excited to add to the momentum by welcoming the first Hyatt Place hotel to Switzerland,” said hotel manager at Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle Ines Bruenn. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking, international and local guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road, while both working and relaxing with nature right at their doorstep.”

    contemporary seating design in the bar corner at hyatt place zurich airport

    Image credit: Hyatt

    A few thousand kilometres away – 4,773 to be precise if you are working in air miles – and marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in the Middle East, saw the opening of the Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai. The seven-storey property is set to become a social hub in the La Mer district, featuring 173 sophisticated guestrooms, including 27 spacious deluxe rooms and suites, designed to reflect the city through the playful juxtaposition of colours, textures and curated curiosities.

    Set in the heart of Dubai and bringing in a fresh take on the modern hospitality sector, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai serves as an ideal launchpad for exploration for those looking to discover the city’s local hot spots and hidden gems. Conveniently located between old and new Dubai, guests have the opportunity to experience nearby attractions including Laguna Waterpark, the La Mer beachfront shopping and dining district, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. For those seeking authentic, historical experiences, the nearby neighbourhoods of Satwa, Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi are home to traditional souks, and the Etihad Museum.

    “Surrounded by the ocean with year-round sunshine and a stunning aesthetic, we are proud to introduce the 10th Hyatt branded hotel in Dubai and to bring the first Hyatt Centric hotel into the UAE,” said Britta Leick-Milde, hotel manager of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai. “With stunning views of the entire Dubai skyline, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai offers adventure-seeking travellers a window to the destination through a playful interpretation of local culture, art, and points of interest.”

    The hotel includes thoughtfully designed and casual, relaxing spaces that boast an abundance of food and beverage experiences celebrating the region’s dynamic flavours. Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai’s all-day restaurant is certain to become a hot spot for locals and visitors alike, serving continental favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also features multiple spaces for meetings, events and social gatherings with a boardroom that fits up to eight guests, large terraces ideal for social gatherings for up to 85 guests, and the exclusive rooftop bar that can be used for small group celebrations. The terrace suite is also the perfect venue for a New Year’s party, where guests can take in the spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa’s firework show.

    Whether fireworks, souks, or the private beach area at La Mer North beach for guests to relax and unwind, this 173-key lifestyle hotel provides, true to brand, a culturally immersive stay for travellers searching to uncover shareworthy experiences and local culture.

    Since you’re here, why not check out The Hyatt House debut in Africa?

    Main image credit: Hyatt 

    comfortable seating and vintage lighting in coco cafe in coco hotel paris

    Miniview: Coco Hotel, where old style meets cosmo hospitality

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Miniview: Coco Hotel, where old style meets cosmo hospitality

    Contemporary Copenhagen meets vintage Paris in the new boutique Coco Hotel. Colourful key in hand, Melania Guarda Ceccoli opens the door to take a closer look…

    comfortable seating and vintage lighting in coco cafe in coco hotel paris

    Grab your tassel key with your room number, fall asleep in crisp white organic cotton sheets and watch TV while eating in bed. You are in the Coco Hotel, the new boutique hotel in Copenhagen that mixes old style with a sprinkle of the cosmopolitan. The hotel offers 88 unique guestrooms, a lovely café and a quiet green courtyard, perfect for working or drinking with friends. The hotel caters for those travellers looking for exceptional value and those looking for a little more luxury, offering what every big city should have: bikes, toiletries, a Pilates studio, and of course, a ping-pong room.

    Built in 1880, the building has a long history as a hotel. More recently, it was acquired by Cofoco in 2018, and the renovation process began. When it came to the interiors, the Coco’s design brief had three key points: the owner wanted to respect the architecture of the building, reuse and recycle as much as possible. This meant mixing vintage with new and, at the same time, meeting the needs of the multi-functionality of the building. The space functions as a reception, a hotel, a café, a cosy hangout, an office and a cocktail bar at night. Built in 1880, the building has a long history as a hotel.

    The TONEN Agency was chosen for the interior design of Coco Hotel, a collaboration between Malene Bech-Pedersen and Mette Bonavent, both designers based in Copenhagen. The café on the ground floor is very similar to a Parisian apartment, and Tonen decorated the space exclusively with materials that age beautifully in leather, wood, brass and marble. The bar and various pieces of furniture are custom made for the hotel by a local carpenter. The Danish artist FOS made brass lamps and mirrored tables, while global icons like Thonet chairs and classic bistro tables added a taste of Paris to the mix.

    grey and white bedroom with skylight in Coco Hotel

    Image credit: Coco Hotel

    The 88 guestrooms are spread over five floors and vary in size and style: some are suites, some have gardens, some have connecting rooms, others have a garden or street views, and some are simple. TONEN chose to make them look less generic by painting different wall colours on each floor, mixing vintage with new and putting curated art on the walls. The walls on the first floor are painted a bright blue; the second floor walls are intense and vivid green; the third floor is creamy white, and the walls of the fourth and fifth floors are smoky grey. In addition to the standard rooms, the family rooms have PlayStation and toys for the younger guests.

    bright green walls in guestroom at Coco Hotel

    Image credit: Coco Hotel

    The more romantic penthouse suites have sofas, panoramic views and large bathrooms. Each room has its visible personality: new, classic and vintage furniture, patterned fabrics, walls with paintings, selected art books, magazines, printed fabrics, and lamps. Guests will encounter Thonet Bentwood chairs, Prouvé chairs, locally handmade wooden tables, Bauhaus-inspired trolleys, Michael Anastassiades lamps, hand-stitched leather seats and Helle Thygesen Art & Antiques handmade lampshades. All these elements contribute to the layered design of the hotel that transforms each space into an individual statement.

    At the heart of both Cofoco and now Coco Hotel, is the desire to make a positive difference for people and the planet. That is why sustainability is such a big priority, and with this as a guiding principle throughout the design process, Coco Hotel has achieved Green Key Certification.

    This principle runs through every element of the hotel. Café Coco primarily serves organic products, and you will find no plastic bottles in the minibar. All towels and bed linens in rooms are made from organic cotton. The entire building has been renovated with energy and water-saving solutions. Like Cofoco’s restaurants, the hotel is covered by sustainable energy from Cofoco’s solar park in Nees, North West Jutland. The solar power park is the size of nine football fields and produces more solar power than the restaurants and the hotel use combined, which means that they are self-sufficient with sustainable energy.

    Main image credit: Coco Hotel

    The Brit List Architects of 2021

    Unveiled: The Brit List Architects of 2021

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Unveiled: The Brit List Architects of 2021

    Following hot on the heels of this year’s designers who made the list, it’s now time to shine the spotlight on the 25 architects who were profiled in The Brit List 2021, which was unveiled in style at The Brit List Awards 2021…

    The Brit List Architects of 2021

    After a year full of rethinking and recalibration in the hotel industry, architects have been faced with increased demands on their innovation and creativity as the industry moves forward with determination.

    The Brit List Awards 2021 was the perfect platform that amplified the leading British-based architects, with Mark Bruce, Director at EPR Architects winning Architect of the Year following the unveil of NoMad London, which takes shelter inside the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court.

    In addition to the individual winners, though, the awards campaign also gave nod to the top 25 architects who are proving themselves to be influential figures in the hotel design arena. Following our unveiling of The Brit List designers of 2021, here is our list (in alphabetical order), of the architects in Britain who continue to contribute to the dynamism of British hospitality design, who have all been profiled in the published version of The Brit List 2021.

    Alastair Shepherd, Director, Falconer Chester Hall Architects

    Following his arrival at Falconer Chester Hall Architects in 1999, Alastair Shepherd was appointed as a Director in 2007. Since then, he has been instrumental in delivering award-winning residential and commercial schemes across the country. Most recently, his focus has been on delivering large scale regeneration projects with a particular expertise in the private rental sector.

    Cue the launch of The Other House, a new revolutionary hospitality concept that will have the body of a hotel, the heart of serviced apartments and the soul of a private members’ club. Shepherd is currently working on the conversion of the brand’s first property, Harrington Hall in South Kensington. He and his team have been tasked to transform the heritage building into a luxury hotel that will open in 2022 while also designing the brand’s second hotel, which will sit majestically in Covent Garden.

    Central to these projects, the studio has carved out club flats – all of which vary in size and layout. The two new hotels will also shelter welcoming, luxurious and distinctly British public areas as well as a destination spa.

     Amrit Naru, Studio Director, ADP Architecture

    Amrit Naru is a Studio Director at ADP Architecture and leads the Newcastle studio.

    ADP Architecture has been designing exceptional buildings since 1965, and the architecture and interior design teams are working on an ever-growing portfolio of exciting hotel and leisure projects. The studio works with international brands, and it is currently delivering high quality buildings and interiors for clients across the globe.

    With an extensive knowledge in the healthcare sector, Naru has worked on a range of primary health care, specialist care, mental health and acute hospitals. His interest in healthcare design is further strengthened by his outside academic interests in medical health planning and elderly care in Europe and America.

    Naru also has extensive experience in the hospitality sector, delivering architectural and interior-led hotel projects. In addition, he has also contributed to a number of thought-provoking articles on Hotel Designs on topics such as public spaces, green hospitality and community-driven hotel design.

    Ben Adams, Founding Director, Ben Adams Architects

    The work at Ben Adams Architects is underpinned by a rigorous process that balances context, constraints, and concepts. Once the team have fully understood the constraints and potential inherent in a project, they begin to develop a concept – a visionary response to what the building needs to be, and a creative point of departure from which a design can spring.

    The Founding Director of the studio, Ben Adams, is a regular name featured in The Brit List. His previous work demonstrates architectural flair, fresh thinking and commercial acumen, with projects that are individually distinctive and the result of bespoke ideas rather than formulaic solutions. Within his portfolio is Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, the first Nobu hotel that arrived in Europe. The property occupies a tight urban plot and the building follows the street line, accenting its strong linear form with horizontal steel and concrete fins at each floor level.

    His most recent hospitality project is sheltered inside Page8 Hotel, a thoroughly contemporary boutique hotel, which is “all about the lifestyle”. The studio was part of the design team that created Bisushima Restaurant, the amalgamation of two key elements: Bisu represents the Egyptian God of hedonism and party and Shima, the Japanese word for island and sanctuary. Born from these two elements, the concept conveys the transformative journey that guests can relish in from Shima (Day) to Bisu (Night).

    Catarina Pina-Bartrum, Project Director, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands Architects

    Catarina Pina-Bartrum, again no stranger to The Brit List, was part of the team developing a mixed-use development on Hanover Square; a retail-led project on Oxford Street in central London and Hoxton Southwark, a mixed-use hotel and office development, which has quickly become a new destination hotel in London.

    In addition, the studio’s portfolio also includes The Moorgate, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, The AEG Greenwich Hotel and the London 2012 Athletes village            Plot No. 2.

    Prior to joining Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands in 2014, Pina-Bartrum worked with Daniel Gusmão in Rio de Janeiro on the design and development of the broadcasting centre for the 2016 Olympic Games.

    Christos Passas, Director, Zaha Hadid Architects

    Christos Passas, the winner of Architect of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2020, was the Project Director for Zaha Hadid Architect’s latest hotel project in Dubai. Spanning 84,300 sqm, the Opus was designed as two separate towers that coalesce into a singular whole – taking the form of a cube. The unique cube shape has been ‘eroded’ in its centre, creating a free-form void that is an important volume of the design in its own right. The two halves of the building on either side of the void are linked by a four-storey atrium at ground level and are also connected by an asymmetric 38-metre-wide, three-storey bridge, which is 71 metres above the ground.

    The structure’s double-glazed insulating façades incorporate a UV coating and a mirrored frit pattern to reduce solar gain. Applied around the entire building, this dotted frit patterning emphasises the clarity of the building’s orthogonal form, while at the same time, dissolving its volume through the continuous play of light varying between ever-changing reflections and transparency.

    Doug Pearson, Senior Associate, 3DReid

    Doug Pearson has extensive hospitality experience working with a number of prestigious hotel brands, covering both new build and refurbishments and conversions throughout the UK.

    Pearson is a versatile architect and experienced job runner, working predominantly on hospitality, commercial and cultural projects. He is responsible for the design and delivery of high profile and complex projects. Notably, he has led design teams on the refurbishment and extension of Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Goodwood Hotel in Chichester and Malmaison in Edinburgh.

    Most recently, Pearson has been an integral member of the creation of Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, and is currently working on The Bull at Burford Hotel in Oxfordshire, The Lucullan Hotel in Inchmarlo and Erskine Church Development in Falkirk.

    Ed Murray, Associate Architect, Dexter Moren Associates

    Ed Murray is an accomplished Associate and architect who has led a wide range of projects for independent owners and international brands across the entire hospitality spectrum, including luxury hotels, banqueting and conference venues, resorts and spas. Murray has meticulous attention to detail, a good sense of perspective and a proven track record in delivering projects from conception to completion. He has a strong value set based on honesty, integrity and respect for the individual.

    For the last two and a half years he has been leading the delivery of the Westin London City, the brand’s debut hotel in the UK. The 222-key, new build hotel opened in September, 2021 and also shelters nine residential apartments and an 8,000 sq ft spa.

    Murray’s ability to coordinate and manage large teams, his rapport with colleagues, clients, design teams and contractors alike makes him an indispensable interface between projects and their stakeholders.

    His role goes well beyond a purely architectural as he is also involved in the practice’s inclusivity forum group as well mentoring other team members.

    Gordon Ferrier, Head of Hotels – 3DReid

    As Head of Hotels at 3DReid, Gordon Ferrier brings more than 30 years’ hospitality design experience on a wide range of hotel projects, covering both new build and refurbishments and conversions.

    Ferrier has worked with a number of prominent hotel brands including Goodwood, Gleneagles, Cameron House, Dakota, Malmaison, Principal and De Vere and has worked internationally on projects across Europe, UAE, the US and Africa.

    Most recently, Ferrier and his team have been putting the final touches on Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, a highly anticipated opening for the Gleneagles brand. Hi addition, he is currently working on The Bull at Burford Hotel in Oxfordshire, The Lucullan Hotel in Inchmarlo and Erskine Church Development in Falkirk.

    Graham Barr, Associate – jmarchitects

    Set behind a striking façade of Scottish stone at the point where Edinburgh’s historic Old Town meets the New Town, Market Street Hotel, designed by jmarchitects, emerged as a cultural gateway to both the city’s storied past and its pulse-quickening present.

    The visual concept of the 98-key hotel pays homage to the capital’s character and historic narrative, while simultaneously exploring Scottish cosmopolitanism. Cracked, earthen walls are juxtaposed against the clean, minimalist lines of contemporary furnishings, and unexpected bursts of traditional tartans alongside heritage fabrics provide an experiential element to the hotel’s aesthetic.

    A modern take on Baronial materiality and composition also provides the inspiration behind Market Street’s 98 guestrooms and suites. Organic, natural materials such as oak and locally sourced stone provide a tactile canvas for modern design classics from the likes of Fritz Hansen and Saint Luc, alongside custom-made furniture and handcrafted local pieces.

    Herbert Lui, Partner, Dexter Moren Associates

    Originally from Singapore, Herbert Lui has led numerous large scale mixed-used projects at Dexter Moren Associates, ranging from residential to hospitality-led schemes both in the UK and internationally, and has pursued and won a number of international architectural design competitions. He is a popular mentor to the younger architects and assistants at the practice, and is keen to encourage hand sketching during the creative and problem-solving process among junior colleagues, as he constantly laments the disappearance of pencil and paper in current architectural education.

    In the last year, despite battling through adversity, Lui has continued working on several notable international projects in Africa. Following the completion of two hotels in Benin, Lui won a commission to design a new hotel in Lagos. Responding to the client’s brief, the 20-storey tower hotel will create an iconic and exciting hospitality destination for the city, and will feature a mid-level spa and sky terrace, and rooftop pool and bar. Located on a challenging and narrow site, Lui’s architectural composition and his sculptural expression of the building’s rooftop – inspired by the sleek lines of luxury yachts – has generated much excitement with the client, his investors and the hotel brand.

    James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles

    James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles, is more than an exceptional British designer and architect. In a career that has spanned more than 27 years, Dilley has become an accomplished and charismatic leader who has helped to steer luxury and lifestyle hospitality into several new eras. Some of his masterpieces include W London, Zuri Zanzibar and Villa Honegg.

    His most recent work includes W Edinburgh, a new mixed-use development known as Island Quarter in Nottingham, a spectacular atrium onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona vessel and Kempinski Palace Engelberg, which opened earlier this year.

    In addition to reshaping the hospitality landscape, Dilley is also an authentic and honest speaker on the international hotel design scene. Most recently, he has supported a campaign with Hotel Designs, supported by NEWH, to give young, and hungry designers and architects a voice by being the subject of an interview that they themselves lead.

    Jen Samuel, Associate Director, 3DReid

    Jen Samuel manages all aspects of a project at 3DReid, from feasibility and concept design to the production and co-ordination of construction information, liaising closely with clients and contractors at all stages of the process. Her experience spans a variety of sectors, including education, offices and residential and working primarily in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

    Most recently, Samuel led the project team working on the reinstatement and extension of Scottish five-star resort, Cameron House, on Loch Lomond. Reopened in summer 2021, the hotel offers unrivalled five-star luxury. Renowned for its timeless style and refined Scottish culture, the property features 140 guestrooms, including 24 exquisite suites complemented by elegant function rooms and inspiring event spaces, with spectacular unspoiled views of Loch Lomond.

    Ensuring the newly restored hotel offers an unrivalled guest experience, the restoration has required meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, which will be seen throughout the beautiful reinstated suites, reception areas and event spaces.

    Jonny Sin, Associate Director, ReardonSmith Architects

    Since joining the firm in 2011, Jonny Sin has led ReardonSmith Architects’ hospitality team modestly into present time. He was a key member of the award-winning team who transformed a Grade II listed art-deco style building into the luxury boutique hotel that we know of as The Beaumont Hotel, which was one of the first projects he worked on from concept through to completion.

    Other projects include a 173-key hotel in Battersea, Adere Manor, Co. Limerick as well as a conversion of three buildings in London’s Soho into a 69-key urban lifestyle hotel.

    Most recently, although many of the projects the studio is working on are guarded by NDAs, ReardonSmith Architects was named as one of the architecture firms that will be working on creating The Chancery Rosewood, which is expected to make its arrival in 2024.

     Julie Humphryes, Co-Founder, Archer Humphryes Architects

    Julie Humphryes is an architect and innovator. One of the first two women in 700 years to be invited to read Architecture at Cambridge University’s prestigious Peterhouse college, today she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and is directly responsible for many of the most beautiful and iconic spaces across the United Kingdom and overseas.
    Her company, Archer Humphryes Architects, has won a multitude of international awards and accolades, and is championed throughout the global sector for its inimitable style of architecture and interiors, as well as its diverse range of projects.

    With a portfolio worth £400 million, £3 million in turnover and a 30-strong team that is ever-increasing, the firm is revered for its approach to research and development (R&D) – embracing technological advances like no one else. This is exemplified, in the past three years, by the awards by the UK governments HMRC for unrivalled innovation, and showcased in such pioneering projects as the 95ft racing yacht Archer Humphryes is creating for Finnish sailing company, Nautor’s Swan, and the groundbreaking hospitality complex at the hotel, Peninsula London; and The Eggli Club, Gstaad; all of which boast technological advances that are a world first. Significant completed projects in her practice include Chiltern Firehouse, The Standard Hotel, The Great Northern Hotel and Lalit London.

    Luke Fox, Head of Studio – Foster + Partners

    Luke Fox is a head of studio at the practice and part of the Design Board and the Partnership Board. He leads a team of designers in London, Hong Kong and Beijing on a wide range of international projects. He is originally from Sydney, Australia and studied architecture at the University of Sydney. After graduating he worked in New York and joined Foster + Partners in 1998.

    Fox has worked on many significant projects varying from infrastructure and offices to hospitality and residential. His recent schemes include new offices for Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba, in Shanghai; Jeddah Metro, where the practice was appointed to develop the architectural vision for Jeddah’s city-wide public transport plan; Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the iconic venue for the 2022 World Cup; Murray Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Central Hong Kong and a new Four Seasons Hotel in the heart of Makkah for Jabal Omar.

    Mark Bruce, Main Board Director, EPR Architects

    Mark Bruce is a Main Board Director and heads up the hotels and hospitality team with extensive experience across the sector, with particular expertise on listed buildings, refurbishments and resort hotels.

    Previous projects include The Ned, Rosewood London, Sea Containers and LaLit London. Following the completion of London’s new popular place to be, NoMad London – which is sheltered inside what used to be Bow Street Magistrates Court – Bruce is now, in collaboration with Foster + Partners and AvroKO, working with Six Senses to sensitively inject the luxury brand’s distinctive personality and philosophy into its debut hotel in London.

    In addition, EPR Architects is also working on what will become Raffles’ first hotel in the UK, which will be contained inside the storied walls of the Old War Office building in Westminster.

    Mark Kelly, Partner, PLP Architecture

    Following much anticipation – and a year of unpredictable variables – Mark Kelly and his team at PLP Architecture have recently completed their work on creating Pan Pacific London. Arriving with the aim to take London’s luxury and wellness scene up to new heights, the project’s vision was to balance a design that is sensitive to the Asian heritage of the brand whilst creating an ultra-modern, timeless hotel and complex that challenges conventional architecture.

    In an interview with Kelly, Hotel Designs’ readers learned the need for flexibility in today’s era of design and hospitality. “Architecture is an inherently flexible process – always evolving while constantly questioning and reinventing itself,” he said when discussing architecture’s role post-pandemic. “As such, it is well placed to respond to the current and seemingly ever-changing Covid crisis and, for that matter, other current and future global concerns such as the climate emergency.”

    Metehan Apak, Senior Interior Architect, Dawson Design Associates

    Metehan Apak brings more than 10 years’ professional experience working on projects for luxury hotel and spas in the US, Europe & Asia to the Dawson Design Associates (DDA) as Senior Interior Architect and Project Manager. Six years of work at DDA has led to his involvement in projects for renowned brands such as Z Collection Hotels, Mondrian, W Hotels and Rosewood Hotels.

    Apak applies a holistic methodology during the design process from concept creation to the project completion with a tough-minded attitude and efficient communication within the team as well as with the clients. His dedication and work ethic continue to be recognised by his former and current clients.

    DDA recently completed groundbreaking Hotel Zena which was designed as a new cultural hub celebrating the accomplishments of women and recognizing their enduring struggle for gender equality.

    Currently, the studio is working on numerous multi-million-pound hotel projects which includes resorts and uniquely positioned city hotels.

     Nicholas de Klerk, Co-Founder, Translation Architecture

    Following 13 years at Aukett Swanke, Nicholas de Klerk recently made the bold leap, together with Co-Founder Sze Wei Lee, to set up a new design and architecture studio. Translation Architecture is on a mission to transform innovate ideas into extraordinary spaces on tomorrow’s hospitality scene. Two of Klerk and Lee’s first projects are situated in the UK – and are both for a new brand. The Relais Retreats is a waterside hospitality concept developed by Grace Leo and Tim Hartnoll.

    One of these projects completed its first phase in Q3 of 2021. Both are complete refurbishments of existing buildings, one of which is Grade II Listed. The heritage and urban context of each building is fundamental to the hotel concepts that they are developing. Both also embrace changing attitudes to work by creating beautifully designed and well serviced, generous lounges with great F&B, which nonetheless create a comfortable environment with a domestic feel to it – a work from home environment that doesn’t necessarily need to be at home.

    Richard Coutts, Director, BACA Architects

    Designer of the UK’s first amphibious house, Richard Coutts, who founded BACA in 2003, featured on the Channel 5 documentary entitled “Sinking Cities – The Great Flood of London: Environmental Challenges, Food and Floating”, which referenced Aquatecture (architecture on water) and the need for consideration to be given to intelligent innovative ways of living by optimising water as a resource.

    From concept right through to completion, BACA Architects has been a key collaborator and an inspiration for Tyram Lakes. Described as “so much more than a hotel, spa and resort,” the property shelters uncompromised luxury within an eco-friendly and sustainable environment.

    BACA’s holistic approach has developed a pragmatic method to a long-term vision of a sustainable hospitality landscape. The team find practical solutions for inhabiting and building with water. This ultimate aim for the architecture studio is to make built communities safe – keeping people dry whilst enjoying the benefits of living near water, which humans are so attracted towards.

    Richard Holland, Director, Holland Harvey Architects

    Richard Holland leads the hospitality team at Holland Harvey Architects – working on early concepts through to turnkey delivery of some of London’s most high-profile hotels.

    His recent work includes establishing and designing architecture solutions for Inhabit, a hotel brand with a heart for community, a head for life-enhancing hospitality and wellness wisdom. Holland and his team were fundamental in the development of the brand’s first hotel, which launched in 2019. The architecture studio returned to help the brand grow its mission to create restorative, environmentally and socially conscious places to stay in the city, with a second London hotel that opened recently.

    Sarah Murphy, Architect, Jestico + Whiles

    Following being listed in Hotel Designs’ 30 Under 30, which was published in 2018, Sarah Murphy has emerged as a rising figure on the British architecture scene. Not only is Murphy an emerging example of women leading the way in hotel design, her portfolio of past and present work as a senior member of the Jestico + Whiles team, is impressive as well as inspiring. This includes W Edinburgh, a new mixed-use development known as Island Quarter in Nottingham, a spectacular atrium onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona vessel and Kempinski Palace Engelberg, which opened earlier this year.

    Murphy works among a strong and tight-knit team at Jestico + Whiles, which is led modestly by Director James Dilley, who is regarded by those who know him best as a strong, forward-thinking and kind mentor – everything the industry needs as it recovers and evolves.

    Simon Whittaker, Associate Director, Orms

    Simon Whittaker, architect and Associate Director at Orms was deservingly crowned Architect of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2019, following the spectacular completion of The Standard London. Since then, Whittaker, fuelled by his love for retro-buildings has started to work on a new development, which will see the transformation of the Central St Martins Building in Holborn – a property that shelters many memories for the UK’s leading designers, architects and creatives alike.

    Nearly a decade after University of Arts London moved out of the site, Orms is currently working with a world-renowned team to sensitively restore the building and give it a new lease of life as a mixed-used development, which will include a new lifestyle hotel.

    Orms were approached in 2019 to, through the power of architecture, secure consent for a hotel on the iconic site. The plot within the Holborn area includes the Grade II listed building, formerly Central St Martins building that fronts Southampton Row, as well as a collection of ‘60s buildings behind.

    In addition to a new hotel, the ‘new neighbourhood’ as Whittaker described it in an exclusive interview with Hotel Designs, will include exhibition spaces, a refurbished lecture theatre, a screening room, various F&B outlets, a library, a series of function rooms and co-working spaces.

    Tom Lindblom, Principal, Gensler

    Tom Lindblom is a Hospitality Leader and a Studio Director in Gensler’s London office (despite taking a few years out to travel and work from various Gensler offices around the world). He has more than 25 years of experience on a variety of projects, with a special focus on hotels, resorts, and museums.

    Working with diverse clients in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States has broadened his understanding and appreciation for unique opportunities in a variety of markets. Lindblom is active with clients in the Mediterranean and Adriatic to develop sustainable resorts that operate efficiently from an economic, social and environmental position. His experience also includes design and planning for several museums and galleries in the United States and Europe. He teaches and lectures on architecture, lighting design, and museum design at universities in the US and London.

    Yasmine Mahmoudieh, Founder, Yasmine Mahmoudieh Studio

    Completing The Brit List alumni of 2021 is Yasmine Mahmoudieh, an architect, designer and product developer who is pioneering real change in hospitality arena globally through social and sustainable hospitality initiatives.

    Mahmoudieh’s unique and holistic approach to design and architecture, which merges human psychology and cutting-edge technology, has resulted in an acclaimed international showcase of award-winning, one-of-a-kind projects. Her achievements include Strandhotel Atlantic and Villa Meeresstrand as well as Four Seasons Hotel in Hamburg, among others.

    > Since you’re here, why not read The Brit List 2021

    The application process (free of charge) for The Brit List Awards 2022 will open in Q2 of 2022.

    Main image credit: The Brit List Awards 2021

    pool area at accor mantis masai mara

    Accor signs first Mantis in Masai Mara, Kenya

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Accor signs first Mantis in Masai Mara, Kenya

    Hotel group Accor is going on safari, and expanding its footprint in Eastern Africa with the opening of the Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge set for 2024…

    pool area at accor mantis masai mara

    The Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge will be located in the Enonkishu Conservancy, and is set to become a highlight property for the brand and the group, offering guests direct access to the Mara-Seregenti game reserve and providing the ideal location for unique safari experiences.

    Mantis, founded in 2000 by entrepreneur and conservationist Adrian Gardiner, features a diverse collection of extraordinary destinations around the globe. Since joining forces in 2018, Accor and Mantis have worked together to take on new opportunities to welcome guests in authentic curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterways, while prioritizing the cause of sustainability and to promote further appreciation of the natural environment across every unique destination.

    The group is partnering with Rakam Investment Ltd, a limited company engaged in investment, focusing on real estate since its inception in 2016, and which has developed commercial and residential properties in the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

    “We are pleased to bring Accor’s brand, Mantis, to one of the most distinct and exclusive locations in Masai Mara,” said Ann Rutere, CEO Rakam Investment Ltd. “In addition to the brand’s uniqueness and awareness in the market, our confidence in this project comes from the high focus to sustainability and preservation of natural heritage offered by the Enonkishu Conservancy and Mantis expertise in the industry. We are excited to open our doors in 2024 and look forward to offering a combination of authentic, unique, and curated experiences to our guests visiting from all parts of the world.’’

    entrance to mantis masai mara eco lodge

    Image credit: Accor

    Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge will be strategically located in the Enonkishu Conservancy, on the Northern boundary of the Mara-Serengeti game reserve, and will feature 20 tented suites, a restaurant and bar, events space, a sauna and a wellness facility. As with every Mantis across the world, guests staying at Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge will be immersed in an environment celebrating conservation, locality, and sustainability, with activities varying from educational talks about the Masai people and the history of the land, or evening ‘story-telling’ around the boma.

    “The Masai Mara is one of the most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, and we are excited to offer guests sustainable adventures which celebrate the region’s culture and stay true to the roots of safari,” said Paul Gardiner, CEO of the Mantis Collection. “We will provide fresh experiences which enable guests to make authentic connections with both nature and the people, all whilst supporting sustainability, conservation and community empowerment and upliftment – the founding core pillars of Mantis.”

    natural materials used in the dining area of the accor mantis masai mara

    Image credit: Accor

    Once open, the lodge will be ready to welcome safari enthusiasts, offering them the opportunity to discover wildlife in their environment, as well as nature lovers who enjoy stargazing at night, birding or photographic tours, all of which will be available at the property. The spectacular new Eco-Lodge will continue to promote the cause of sustainability as part of the collaboration between Accor and Mantis.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about more Accor developments in the pipeline?

    Main image credit: Accor

    The Bvlgari Lounge at The Bvlgari Hotel London

    Bvlgari Hotel London reveals refreshed look of The Bvlgari Lounge

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Bvlgari Hotel London reveals refreshed look of The Bvlgari Lounge

    Adding another jewel to its London crown, Bvlgari Hotel London unveils the colourful new look of The Bvlgari Lounge along with a little sweet indulgence…

    The Bvlgari Lounge at The Bvlgari Hotel London

    Following the recent unveiling of Bvglari Hotel Paris, the brand’s London property has had a revamp of its own, with its refreshed interiors and the launch of a one year residency by eminent Italian pastry chef and chocolatier Gianluca Fusto, the reimagined and newly defined space features a new ‘Dolci’ experience, as the hotel welcomes Fusto to The Bvlgari Lounge, and launches Il Cioccolato.

    The hotel called upon renowned architectural and interior design firm, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel (ACPV) – the practice that designed the original hotel interiors – to create a fresh look true to Bulgari’s heritage as the master of coloured gems. The Bulgari Lounge offers elegant all day dining in the comfortable glamour and considered taste of a beautifully appointed modern Italian living room. Inherently Bulgari in style, the new look reveals gem-coloured rugs made of wild silk in emerald, blue diamond and citrine. This fresh injection of colour is offset by cognac-hued leather sofas, armchairs in neutral tones, Calacatta marble coffee tables and a central table in black oak. Particular focus is given to the Bulgari eight-point star which is embroidered in gold on bespoke green silk wall hangings. A custom made raised polished chrome and silver mesh partition transforms the space into its own distinct destination, with smaller seating areas and half-height curtains in a soft bouclé sheer creating a cosy intimacy – the perfect spot to enjoy food and drinks at any time of day.

    “The Bulgari Lounge is much loved locally as a relaxed and elegant space for gathering in style, depicting the considered taste of modern Italian comfort,” said Patricia Viel, CEO and co-founder of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. ” We are excited to reveal a colourful new design to take Bulgari Hotel London into its next decade at the heart of Knightsbridge.”

    jewel colours in design scheme for Bvlgari Lounge London

    Image credit: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts

    A further aspect of the refresh is the addition of artworks from the Bulgari Archives; vintage adverts from the Dolce Vita era featuring images of celebrated actors and models Virna Lisi, Benedetta Barzini and Marisa Berenson adorned with iconic Bulgari pieces.

    With an Italian eye to every detail, ‘Dolci’ – covering everything sweet on the menu – will be served on delicate porcelain plates and dishes with a floral design by Italian manufacture Ginori 1735. While the ‘Dolci’ themselves, crafted by Gianluca Fusto, who has been described as the ‘Italian architect of modern pastry’, have been developed with the same exquisite vision as Bulgari gem designs. Using only the most precious ingredients, the minimalistic design reveals complex textures with bold and unexpected flavour combinations. The beautifully crafted chocolates capture subtle flavour notes in masterful and unexpected combinations, such as Porcini and Black Pepper, and the limited edition boxes and seasonally inspired creations make exceptional gifts for all.

    So, on that note of seasonal gifting and exquisite Bvlgari craftsmanship, who are you going to treat this Christmas with a box of Bvlgari Dolci?

    > Since you’re here, why not check out more Bvlgari Hotel Milan?

    Main image credit: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts

    INNSiDE Liverpool bathroom design with Roca and views over the river

    Case Study: Roca goes INNSiDE the bathrooms in Liverpool

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Case Study: Roca goes INNSiDE the bathrooms in Liverpool

    The new hotel in the heart of Liverpool, INNSiDE by Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International, features products by leading bathroom manufacturer Roca throughout. Pauline Brettell take a closer look…

    INNSiDE Liverpool bathroom design with Roca and views over the river

    The much-anticipated INNSiDE Liverpool by Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International is based on Old Hall Street, inside the iconic former Liverpool Echo offices, offering a superb location just a short walk from the famous Liver Building and Albert Dock. The design and reconfiguration of the building was taken on by architects Corstorphine & Wright , and the 18 floor hotel now aims to be a major attraction for visitors to the city with 207 en-suite guestrooms, restaurant, panoramic 360 Sky Bar, expansive conference & event space and state-of-the-art fitness gym.

    bathroom by Roca with panoramic cityscape views of Liverpool

    Image credit: Roca

    The contemporary and stylish guestrooms have been designed with a modern monochrome palette, using tones of black, white and grey, and open on to the minimalist bathrooms specified with high-quality bathroom products by Roca. The bathrooms feature the stylish Prisma basin, in gloss white. With its contemporary design combined with its easy functionality, the Prisma collection from Roca has been a favourite since its launch. The Prisma 600mm basin unit is completed with Roca brassware – the modern L20 basin mixer in stylish chrome, featuring Roca’s EverShine finish for long lasting shine. Larger rooms include the Prisma double basin for added convenience.

    The bathrooms all feature wall-hung WC’s from Roca’s popular Debba range with luxury soft close seats and complimentary chrome flush plates. The Debba collection has a wide range of solutions that, combined with its soft, square design, fit seamlessly into any bathroom space. The Virginia freestanding bath in white, provides an impactful focal point in 26 of the bathrooms, while the rectangular Contesa adds a touch of elegance to others. Made from steel, the Contesa bath is hygienic and extremely efficient in retaining the water temperature, keeping the water warmer for longer.

    Roca’s Victoria T shower columns are used in the shower areas, offering a practical and stylish solution with the added benefits of thermostatic functionality which maintains a constant water temperature for a pleasant showering experience and avoid the risk of scalding.

    “We collaborated closely with the Melia Hotel team and main contractor mac-group to ensure that our innovative and high-quality bathroom products were the perfect solution for the bathrooms in this exciting project,” said Sara Farina, Specification Manager for Roca. “Roca has a long heritage of working on some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality projects and we were delighted to be able to utilise our expertise at the INNSiDE Liverpool hotel.”

    freestanding statement bath by Roca in guestroom at INNSiDE Liverpool

    Image credit: Roca

    A huge draw at the INNSiDE Liverpool hotel is its stylish restaurant, Gino D’Acampo Old Hall Street, with an extensive menu of classic Italian dishes and premium drinks in a chic and contemporary setting. Further raising the bar for drinking and dining in Liverpool is Gino’s new 360 Sky Bar on the 18th floor of the hotel with unrivalled panoramic views of the city and beyond, set to be one of the city’s most desirable locations, with local resident DJ’s further elevating the atmosphere from day to night. A bar this spectacular, calls for an equally impressive guest washroom specification. The chic guest washrooms feature a full range of Roca products, including the luxurious Inspira Round on Countertop Basin, delivering a minimal and modern design style.

    Roca use the very latest and most innovative materials to produce the Inspira collection. The basins are manufactured in Fineceramic, a high-quality ceramic material exclusive to Roca which facilitates precision and sophisticated design details. Deep, spacious bowls and smooth surfaces make Inspira basins both easy to use and to clean. The brassware specified is Roca’s touchless L20-E Electronic Basin Mixer in chrome for a contemporary and sleek finish. Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact. The lack of contact with the tap improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

    The specifications of these products in both the guestrooms and the public areas combine the strong design and aesthetics of Roca, along with the innovation and practicality required of bathrooms in a forward thinking project like INNSiDE Liverpool.

    Roca 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: Roca

    Nobu San Sebastian facade and outside space

    Nobu set to launch in San Sebastián

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Nobu set to launch in San Sebastián

    Closing the year in style, global lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, has announced plans for its fourth Spanish hotel and restaurant, Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián for spring 2023. This is what we know…

    Nobu San Sebastian facade and outside space

    With a strong focus on cuisine, local culture, and architectural design combined with an air of celebrity, Nobu Hospitality may have met its match in San Sebastián. As the capital of the Gipuzkoa region in Spain, this is a city with the most Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world, the site of Balenciaga’s first atelier, and a place that Hemingway fondly called home while writing ‘Fiesta’. A true culinary mecca, the mountainous Basque Country’s culture is reflected throughout the coastal town, where visitors are invited to hop from bar to restaurant while sampling bitesize gastronomy referred to locally as pintxo.

    “San Sebastián is an exciting location for the brand as good quality food is intrinsic to the destination,” stated Founders Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper.”We’re so pleased to be partnering with Javier Illán Plaza on this project and to be opening our fourth hotel and restaurant in Spain, bringing the Nobu cuisine to a new audience of residents and travellers.”

    Nobu Saint Sebastian rendering

    Image credit: Nobu Hospitality

    Overlooking La Concha Bay, Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián is scheduled to open in March 2023, with 20 luxuriously designed guestrooms and suites and a 98 seat Nobu restaurant offering panoramic water and city views. The fully renovated hotel sits on the site of the famed Palacio Vista Eder, constructed in 1912 and designed by renowned Spanish architect, Francisco Urcola.

    Partnering with Nobu Hospitality on the new opening, is Millenium Hospitality Real Estate SOCIMI (MHRE). With an existing collection of five-star hotels peppered throughout Spain and Portugal, MHRE’s strategy places an emphasis on the careful selection of properties and their location. Based on generating value by acquiring and repositioning hotel assets, MHRE is managed by a multidisciplinary team of prestigious professionals with extensive experience in hotel investment, boasting a large portfolio of assets both under operation and in the process of being repositioned.

    “The partnership with Nobu Hospitality and launch of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián further places the region on the map as the ultimate gourmet hotspot,” said Javier Illán Plaza, President and CEO of Millenium Hospitality Real Estate. “I’m thrilled to be working with the brand to make this opening one of the country’s most exciting for 2023, which will be embraced by residents and visitors alike.”

    Named one of luxury’s 25 Most Innovative Brands by Robb Report, Nobu Hospitality has earned its position among an elite selection of global luxury brands. The natural growth of Nobu Hospitality, built on service, image, and reputation, offers the complete spectrum of hotel, restaurant, and residence management for unique projects around the world. The brands announcement of the slated opening of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Sebastián for the first quarter of 2023 is an exciting … and on look forward to following the progression as it unfolds.

    Main image credit: Nobu Hospitality

    array taper floor lamp by Franklite

    Year in review: Franklite continues to take lighting to new levels

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Year in review: Franklite continues to take lighting to new levels

    It has been a year full of new designs, divas and dramatic lighting schemes for Franklite, not to mention a few awards gathered along the way. Pauline Brettell reflects…

    array taper floor lamp by Franklite

    Franklite can look back on 2021 with pride, as amongst its achievements this year, it can list three prestigious awards along with the successful launch of new and innovative product ranges.

    Starting the run of success with scooping up the Artistic Award at the Society of Light and Lighting’s Ready Steady Light 2021, the 14 other companies were clearly no match for the Franklite team. Held at Rose Bruford College, the company was tasked to illuminate a specific area of the campus, and not being one to hide its light under a bushel, it lit the way and won the day.

    Later in the year, after being shortlisted in two categories for our very own  Brit List Awards  – Best in Tech, and Best in British Product Design, Franklite won the Best in Tech award for its latest development in LED technology, the L11 tuneable white light engine.

    Franklite L11TW Overview

    Image credit: Franklite

    Over the last several months, Franklite has worked tirelessly to design ranges of products that are not only functional and efficient, but also beautiful and creative. In continuation of the well received Catalogue 26, new product ranges each with their own variations, have been added to the Catalogue 26 supplement.

    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.

    diva range of lighting from franklite 2021 range

    Image credit: Franklite

    Continuing with new designs, the large scale chrome finish fittings with a multitude of smoked and patterned clear glass spheres in varying sizes makes the Array a truly stunning centre piece. Available in 29 and 47 light fittings.

    Along with new designs, existing ranges were added to. New designs can be seen amongst the brands most popular ranges; the Taper, Perdita, Philly and Wisteria, all providing customers with more product choices. The Taper range now includes wall brackets, floor and table lamps. A phenomenal 21 light, spanning 1.2m in length has been added to the Wisteria range.

    Ending the year off with a bang, Franklite received Best Retail Decorative Lighting Manufacturer 2021 at the fourth consecutive Southern Enterprise Awards hosted by SME News. With all the hard work and dedication of the team at Franklite having been both recognised and rewarded, we are excited to see what the brand has in store for the industry in 2022.

    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.

    Main image credit: Franklite

    Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs

    Editor checks in: A sense of change in hotel design

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Editor checks in: A sense of change in hotel design

    Making the best out of a disruptive situation – day eight of 10 into quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19 – Editor Hamish Kilburn finds the time (and the words) to explore in his final editor’s letter of 2021 how sensory design and togetherness could help fuel hotel design and hospitality into a new yet-to-be-written chapter…

    Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs

    Can you feel, smell, hear, touch or taste it? Don’t worry, this isn’t a new variant symptoms check. There’s a transformation happening. It’s affecting the way we work. The way we communicate. Even my tone seems dissimilar (perhaps more honest) as I write this, uncomfortably pessimistic, in day eight of a 10-day quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19 the day I landed back from reviewing a recent cluster of hotel design projects in Spain.

    Whether we like it or not, we have no choice but to embrace new ways of living and working. As frustrating as this ‘new world’ may feel at times, we cannot always alter our surroundings. What we can adjust, however, is how we react. In great depression comes new prospects. When we accept a remodelled status quo, we can move past the practical hurdles and start to see how a change in landscape creates a transformation in behaviour, which in turn can lead to new breakthroughs in design, architecture and hospitality.

    If you are struggling to see it, look no further than The Brit List 2021, which was unveiled in November at a spectacular, glitter-filled awards ceremony. The publication includes 75 individual examples of people at the forefront of our industry who are utilising this situation, which is becoming to feel more long-term as the months draw on. Take Robin Hutson, the Founder of The PIG Hotels, for instance, who won Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2021. During a time when hospitality was forced to be on hold, Hutson started A Seat At The Table campaign in order to give the industry – formally under-represented – an unapologetic voice.

    Another example is Tina Norden, Partner at Conran and Partners, who recently completed projects include the new five-star Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland; FEAST within Hong Kong’s iconic EAST hotel and the Peninsula Boutique and Café in Hong Kong. Norden was crowned Interior Designer of Year because of these projects as well as her selfless efforts to support the industry through lockdown, saying ‘yes’ to any opportunity to help raise the profile of British and global hospitality and design at its best. And instead of wallowing in self-isolation despair, I’ve just realised that I am interviewing both leaders in just a few days (note to self: use this time locked away from the world wisely in order to work on thought-provoking questions).

    Logically, design and creativity during this period should have suffered, when human interaction and supplies chains have been damaged. Okay, it’s taken longer, and designers have been forced to, at times, sacrifice global FF&E, but it has allowed our community to do what it does best; find solutions to problems. Interior designer Álvaro Sans was tasked to steer one of Seville’s most iconic hotels, Meliá Gran Hotel Colón, into a modern era at a time when it was illegal for citizens to leave their houses. The delivery times of materials was a great task to manage,” he told me. “We had to change some furniture items because they did not arrive after five months of delay.” Sans recently unveiled this project, and it is, in my opinion, genuinely one of the most impressive public area renovations in recent history.

    So, you see, change on this kind of scale can be a pivotal part of the overall narrative – we are turning the page of a gripping novel. Well, I have a confession to make. I read ahead and skipped a few chapter, and – spoiler alert – I have to tell you what I found before I read backwards. Waiting for us on the other side is an industry, scarred and not broken, which sets a holistic and more meaningful setting. The textured scene is layered with colour for personality, sound to create atmosphere, touch to make it personal and the smell of fresh bread from the bakery. It’s a sensory fusion of all the things we lost during dark times – a coming together of new skillsets we learned when restrained to the parameters of our homes. I’m not the only one who is reading ahead. At a recent panel discussion I moderated at Independent Hotel Show, Mark Bruce, Main Board Director at EPR Architects; Sound Designer Tom Middleton and Marie Soliman, Co-Founder of Bergman Design House discussed all the possible senses that will take hospitality forward – and no area, even the often forgotten hotel corridors, were off limit. “The gaps between the experiences are just as important as the experiences themselves,” said Bruce. “Those few metres can be thoughtful in themselves.”

    The answer to many (if not all) of our problems comes in the form of collaboration, which has long been a fuel for the sector. I’m not talking about interior designers working with lighting designers or architects forming partnerships with sound architects. Instead, I’m suggesting two (or more) interior designers – AKA competitors – actually working together on a brief.

    We saw this recently at HIX, in a wonderful display by the three design studios worked together to create Hotel Tomorrow. In this space, Conran and Partners injected the energy of community. Meanwhlile, Areen Design created an art installation-style safe cocoon nest that brought down the heart rate. stroop design, very much inspired by its own situation of launching recently with no physical base, was inspired by nature – and unveiled its co-working pod as a walk-in-the-park experience. Outside these three pods, the studios worked together, using visuals and sounds as tools for transformation from one area of the show to another – and as a result, intentional or not, they helped redefine the traditional trade show into an insightful experience.

    Elsewhere in the show, a new revolution came to the surface in the wellness ‘living moodboards’ that were created by Sieger Design, Studio Carter, and Studio Corkinho – think hemp walls, spa-like suites and silent architecture. These concepts that were inspired with the 12 principles of design by Nestwell proved that the world is truthfully our oyster, and there is little we cannot achieve through constructive research and development (R&D).

    “Yes, close the laptop lid and prepare to round-off another year on the international hotel design scene with a sense of pride from what we have created in a difficult year.” – Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs.

    Render of organic guestroom designed by Studio Carter

    Image credit: Studio Carter’s concept explored organic materials as well as soft architecture to create an authentic sense of wellbeing. | Image credit: Studio Carter

    I would like to evolve R&D to add a new ‘R’: ‘rest’, which is unreservedly an integral element with innovation in design and hospitality. It’s the same with writing. Leaving an idea or an article to mature is all part of the process, which cannot sometimes be rushed, nor forced. Resetting the scales allows you time to exhale. When the writer returns, the space they’ve created allows the opportunity to add value to whatever was created previously.

    And with that, several drafts later of attempting this column, it’s time to ‘switch off’ and turn on our Out of Office automatic replies. Yes, close the laptop lid and prepare to round-off another year on the international hotel design scene with a sense of pride from what we have achieved in a difficult year. I hope that when we return in 2022, we will find it in our hearts to embrace togetherness; to take on, in harmony, new opportunities and challenges.

    To spur on this sense of change, I pledge to amplify on these pages bold, genius and non-conforming concepts next year and beyond. Revise the recipe – we’re craving spice and flavour here on the editorial desk – and please help us take hotel design and hospitality forward in beautiful, authentic, and disruptive ways. So, who will feature in the next chapter, I wonder?

    Stay tuned…

    Editor, Hotel Designs

    Main image credit: Dish Creative/James Munson

    International salon Culinaire at Hotel Restaurant & Catering

    Registration opens for Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2022

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Registration opens for Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2022

    Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), the UK’s largest and most prestigious business event for the hospitality and foodservice sector, has opened visitor registration for its 2022 edition, taking place on 21-23 March at ExCeL London. 

    International salon Culinaire at Hotel Restaurant & Catering

    Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) is the UK’s largest and most prestigious event for the hospitality and foodservice industry, and Hotel Designs is proud to be one of the media partners for HRC 2022. The show welcomes a wide range of suppliers, from big brands to innovative start-ups, showcasing ground-breaking products in catering equipment, food, drink, technology, interior design and tabletop solutions.

    With the 2021 HRC being cancelled – yes, you guessed it, due to Covid-19 – HRC 2022 is coming back bigger and better! For the first time in 2022, the event will take place alongside the International Food & Drink Event (IFE), IFE Manufacturing, London Produce Show and The Pub Show, bringing together a diverse audience of more than 35,000 food, drink and hospitality professionals along with over 2,000 suppliers.

    “HRC was the last industry event to take place before the Covid-19 lockdown began in March 2020 and we’ve been supporting our industry throughout the pandemic with a wide range of webinars and virtual events hosted on HRC Connects, a new digital platform for the industry,” said Event Manager Ronda Annesley. “We’re thrilled to be welcoming our community back to ExCeL London to meet and do business face-to-face, and excited to be joining forces with our partner events for an unparalleled gathering of the food, drink, hospitality and foodservice industry.”

    A wide range of innovative industry suppliers will be on show, covering categories such as food and drink, catering equipment, hospitality tech and, newly rebranded for 2022, design and décor.

    Visitors will have free access to more than 100 talks, competitions, chef demonstrations, panel discussions and trend trails over the three days of the event covering some of the most vital challenges and opportunities for pubs, restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, public sector and more. The event will also be continuing its partnership with Staff Canteen as some of the industry’s most respected culinary experts cook up a storm at The Staff Canteen Live demo area.

    cooking demonstration at HRC London

    Image Credit: Hotel Restaurant & Catering

    In addition, HRC once again plays host to the Salon Culinaire chef competition which will be celebrating its centenary in 2022 and which has seen numerous well-known chefs compete throughout its prestigious history.  The competition will see talented chefs putting their skills and knowledge to the test across a wide range of categories throughout the three days of the show.

    HRC takes place between March 21 – 23, 2022. Head over to the website to register for your ticket.

    Main image credit: Hotel Restaurant & Catering

    lighting by Chelsom from edition27 range

    Year in Review: Top 7 lighting products that launched in 2021

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Year in Review: Top 7 lighting products that launched in 2021

    Continuing our ‘Spotlight On’ feature this month on ‘Year in Review’, where we publish the ultimate throwback of our 2021 highlights, this is our list of lighting products, designs and innovations that have grabbed our attention and got us swinging from the chandeliers…

    lighting by Chelsom from edition27 range

    Lighting in the hotel and hospitality industry has moved forward in leaps and bounds from the functional to the fabulous, and is now leading the way with the new buzzword in hotel design – flexibility. As demands on the hotel experience shift, so too do the demands on the lighting. In our Virtual Roundtable series this year we have covered several of these shifts in design and direction in the lighting industry with conversations about innovation, through to the broader social concerns of ethical solutions in lighting, reflecting the range of challenges being faced by interior and lighting designers. The seven products and designs below, we feel have responded to these demands, and are set to add depth and dimension into the interiors of 2022.

    Chelsom: LED EYE

    The joy of an innovative reading light…this combination of functionality with a contemporary aesthetic is what put this product in line to be awarded a Red Dot Award earlier this year.

    “The starting point was to create a product which nestled into a headboard with minimum projection whilst serving as a decorative accent to an interior design scheme,” said Will Chelsom, Managing Director, Chelsom. “It had to start with ‘the look’ of the product but quickly we focussed all of our efforts on creating a thoroughly advanced mechanical design which made ‘THE EYE’ easy to use and essential to any guestroom design scheme.”

    Christopher Hyde: The Houston Collection

    Houston 2 light wall light

    Image credit: Christopher Hyde

    Christopher Hyde has always included bold statement pieces in its lighting collection, and the designs from The Houston Collection are no exception. A contemporary take on a traditional chandelier, what we love about this design is its versatility; it can make a grand design statement in a hotel lobby, while being equally comfortable on a domestic scale lighting up a corner of your home.

    Dernier & Hamlyn: Nobu London Portman Square

    It’s always exciting to see bespoke lighting projects literally light up a design scheme, in an equally exciting hotel development. The designs by Dernier & Hamilton for Nobu London Portman Square elevated the interiors in some of the most spectacular areas of the hotel.

    “This project utilised many of our team’s skills to ensure the lighting we manufactured achieved the quality and attention to detail required,” Lyn Newcombe, Head of Projects at Dernier & Hamlyn, told Hotel Designs. “The lighting they produced for Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is even more exquisite than we hoped for and we have no doubt that the hotel’s guests and diners will have their experience enhanced by the mood it helps to create.”

    Franklite: L11

     

    Franklite L11TW Overview

    Image credit: Franklite

    Behind every beautiful designer lampshade, there needs to be an L11 tuneable white light engine! This innovative design makes ambient lighting both a subtle and a simple affair, and gives designers the capability to easily control the transition of light colour temperature wirelessly through an app or hard-wired within a building management system. With this product being noted as a ‘gamechanger’ in the industry, it came as no surprise when the company was awarded the Brit List Best in Tech 2021 award.

     LEDS C4: Grok

    This design by LEDS C4 makes that transition from lighting to art installation with its innovative use of materials, along with a strong visual statement. With this system, design studio Nahtrang has created a lighting collection that’s visually surprising, and offers designers endless possibilities for creative and bespoke lighting schemes.

    Omio: Nefertiti

    The organic shapes and natural materials of the bespoke lighting by Omio certainly caught our attention at HIX2021. The artisanal qualities of the lighting along with the oversized scale and sculptural qualities of some of the pieces are a result of the successful collaboration between craft and production. It is exciting to see the handmade and craft based techniques of the designs taking centre stage in a commercial environment.

    Well-Lit: Azure

    Well-Lit has brought the question of ethical lighting to the design table, but along with questions of ethics and sustainability, it is also keeping the design profile of its lights high on the agenda. The Azure collection is an innovative combination of light and bulb and is quite simply beautiful, functional, and of course, ethical!

     

    Chelsom, Christopher Hyde, Dernier & Hamlyn, Franklite and LEDS C4 are all Recommended Suppliers and regularly feature 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: Chelsom

    The Brit List Designers of 2021

    Unveiled: The Brit List Designers of 2021

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Unveiled: The Brit List Designers of 2021

    Each year, Hotel Designs unveils The Brit List, a publication that profiles the top 25 designers, the top 25 architects and the top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. Following the official unveiling of The Brit List 2021 at this year’s spectacular award ceremony, please meet The Brit List Designers of 2021…

    The Brit List Designers of 2021

    Since 2017, The Brit List Awards has become Hotel Designs’ meaningful year-long search to find the designers, architects and hoteliers who are proving to be trendsetters on the international hotel design scene. In addition to the individual winners who were crowned at the awards ceremony in early November, the campaign also includes the unveiling of The Brit List, an annual publication that, from the shortlisted finalists, profiles the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and the top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain today. And every year, in December, we take time to profile the 75 individuals.

    > Since you’re here, why not read The Brit List 2021?

    To kickstart our editorial celebration of this year’s leading and most-influential designers, architects and hoteliers, please meet (in alphabetical order) The Brit List Designers of 2021…

    Alan McVitty, Founder & CEO, M Studio London

    Alan McVitty has worked within the interior design industry for more than 30 years and his portfolio reflects his distinctive, elegant style. The variety of projects, including the recently opened InterContinental Porto, which shelters a fresh interior design scheme, offer endless opportunities creatively, which McVitty and the team at M Studio London thrive on.

    The cross over from high-end residential to luxury hotel and cruise ship projects, as well as a deep understanding around materiality, gives M Studio London the knowhow to layer the interiors in the brands’ hallmark understated style.

    McVitty leads a team of multi-talented designers from the London studio.

    Alex Kravetz, Principal & Creative Director, Alex Kravetz Design

    With projects from the Middle East and Africa to Europe and the USA, Alex Kravetz is truly an international interior designer.

    His clients range from private individuals to independent hotels and major global operators. The designer not only strives to create interiors that are both timeless and elegant, but through storytelling and brand creation looks at all aspects of the project to create a compelling and immersive narrative. For example, The Carlton hotel project had a very strong concept from the offset, based on the client and Kravetz’s shared vision and market positioning for the hotel. The designer and his team developed the story of The Carlton as a hip and progressive grand hotel in the heart of the city of music, re-joining the line-up of great, grand hotels in Katowice, Poland. Turning the traditional perception of a grand hotel on its head, The Carlton is a gravitating magnet yet also a paradox. A fusion of styles from both past and present, a juxtaposition of classical versus modernistic, the old versus the new. All of these paradoxes co-exist together at The Carlton, captivated through the movement of music. This vision for the hotel, was paramount to what Kravetz would do for the interiors and was woven into the brand narrative all the way through.

    Beverley Bayes, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Sparcstudio

    Beverley Bayes is a passionate designer, with a unique signature style that effortlessly blends form and function with informality and a touch of ‘barefoot luxury’. Her designs create stunning, luxurious and sumptuous spaces that add a sense of fun, enabling guests to feel at home in an instant.

    Over 10 ten years, she has helped to transform and create ‘game-changing’ hotel spa and wellness facilities. Her portfolio includes Calot Spa, Dormy House Spa, Cottonmill at Sopwell House and the Spa at South Lodge (among others).

    Bayes’ approach is ‘ahead of the curve’, always seeking to establish a link to the outside and nature. Calcot Spa had one of the first spa gardens in the UK with its iconic slate lined hydro pool and Cotswold stone fireplace and more recently she completed South Lodge Spa’s natural swimming pool. Most recently, Bayes has completed the interior design scheme of the new spa inside London’s iconic Harrods.

    Bayes also has a unique talent for producing intelligent, inspiring environments that respect the history, culture, concept and aspirations of the project. Much of the studio’s work at the Spa at South Lodge, for example, drew on inspiration from the property’s botanical history dating back to the 1800’s to inform the spa design and concept for the 65-cover Botanica Spa Restaurant.

    Clara Mason, Interior Designer, Dexter Moren Associates

    Clara Mason joined Dexter Moren Associates in 2017 as a junior interior designer with a background in designing F&B spaces in the UK and internationally, and has built upon this experience to establish herself as a valued member of the interior design team. In the following four years, Mason has worked on numerous major hotel projects from large scale developments to small independent hotels.

    Throughout the challenges of the past year, Mason has pushed herself professionally and has stepped up to become project lead on some of DMA’s key projects, including a luxury destination wine bar, part of the Nine Elms development, and a 100-key hotel refurbishment in West London. Most recently, she has played a key role in the design and delivery of the Westin Hotel City of London, a 220 room 5* property, which includes 10 suites and nine private residences, due to open later this year and the first of its brand in the UK.

    Mason is passionate about creating timeless spaces that are responsive to their environments and user needs. Striving to push the boundaries of conventional design, she believes that the opportunity to influence how people interact with the world is a particularly exciting part of the work that we do. She is instinctively artistic with a keen sense of commercial awareness and has committed to honing her skills creatively, technically and administratively, and furthermore displays a strong team spirit. Clara has proven herself to be a highly driven and well- rounded designer.

    Craig McKie, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Bell & Swift

    Described as the ‘beating heart’ of the creative process at Bell & Swift, Craig McKie creates impactful, locally relevant, insight-fuelled design concepts. McKie is known for pushing the boundaries to create original, commercially focused, award-winning interior schemes.

    As Co-Founder of Bell & Swift, he leads the creative process and guides the team to deliver exceptional results. He has more than 12 years’ experience in the hospitality sector designing for global brands such as Hilton, IHG, Accor and Marriott International.

    As an active collaborator with a foundation in construction, McKie’s drive and experience in taking complex projects to completion and maintaining the design integrity throughout the entire process, will guarantee the final product looks every bit as good as the initial concept. Specialising in brand prototype design, new builds and major refurbishments throughout the UK, Europe and North America, McKie’s passion lies within creating welcoming spaces that result in guests returning time and again.

    Mckie is also passionate about giving young designers the opportunity to gain experience in our industry. He recognises how hard the last year has been for young designers starting out and how important it is for the future that they are given the chance to grow and develop their skills and experience in the field.

    Dale Atkinson, Founder – Rosendale Design

    Dedicating his life to his passion, Dale Atkinson takes pride in his design aesthetic, rich in tradition and yet creatively contemporary, utilising research as the bedrock of all projects, allowing each project to possess a unique environment.

    June 2021 saw the opening of Mykonos Social at the renowned Santa Marina Resort, on the vibrant island of Mykonos. Here, the studio was commissioned to create spaces both internally and externally that celebrated Greek culture.

    Another recent project, The Stafford Park Suite, marks what has been a long, successful client-designer relationship between the hotel and the studio. It started with the award-winning restaurant, Game Bird – the first project for Rosendale Design at The Stafford that opened in 2017. After receiving glowing plaudits, the studio revitalised the illustrious American Bar, one of the longest surviving American bars in London. These acclaimed projects were followed by the 2020 debut of the fourth and fifth floor main house rooms, and finally, The Stafford Park Suite.

    Other 2021/22 projects include ARAGAWA, a Japanese Steakhouse in Mayfair (one of the world’s most expensive restaurants) and Mathura by Chef Atul Kochar in the old Westminster Fire Station. Rosendale Design are also working on several high-profile residential projects including the home of the CEO of Versace. The team have also recently designed the home of A-list Chef Jason Atherton.

    David Mason, Head of Hospitality, Scott Brownrigg

    David Mason has 25 years’ experience in interior design, predominately located in London as well and living and working in Australia and Beijing. His career spans across all sectors but his main focus is hospitality and high-end residential. After joining Scott Brownrigg in 2016, he has helped strengthen our design and lead multiple teams in delivering exemplar and award-winning projects, including the arrival of Hard Rock Hotels brand in London.

    Current projects include a 226-bedroom hotel and public area refurbishment in Stratford, East London, which is about to start on site and the design of an experiential immersive hotel for a major lifestyle brand.

    In addition, Mason has recently been part of a campaign, led by Hotel Designs and supported by NEWH, to support young designers who are struggling to find the first step on the ladder. He took part in an interview, helmed by a young designer, and shared his knowledge, experience and advice on how young designers can progress post-university.

    Ed Warner, CEO & Founder, Motionspot

    In 2012 Ed Warner launched Motionspot. Since then, he has built Motionspot to become an award-winning design company recognised by RIBA.

    He has worked with hundreds of home owners, businesses, occupational therapists, architects and interior designers, helping deliver beautifully designed access for all. In 2019, Warner was appointed as the UK Government Champion for Accessible Design of Spaces and Products.

    Last year, he and his team completed Hotel Brooklyn, regarded as the UK’s most accessible design-led hotel. Bringing New York flare to Manchester, the hotel provides 189 rooms that are set across 10 storeys with conference rooms, a restaurant and bar on the ground floor and mini cinema in the lobby.

    But what really makes this hotel special is its commitment to design-led accessibility. This was central to the design and build of the hotel, which shelters nine wheelchair accessible bedrooms – including the first hotel in Manchester with ceiling track hoists – and nine ambulant accessible bedrooms.

    Accessibility isn’t just limited to the bedrooms, as attention was paid to the communal spaces too, to ensure that guests with a range of physical, visual and cognitive access needs could enjoy all the hotel has to offer.

    Fiona Thompson, Principal, Richmond International

    Last year’s winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry award, Fiona Thompson is one of the UK’s leading and most-respected hospitality interior designers – and for good reason.

    Richmond International, a studio that Thompson was adamant to remain in London when a few years ago she was given the opportunity to expand overseas, has completed projects such as Sandy Lane in Barbados, Rosewood Miramar Beach, The London West Hollywood and a cluster of Four Seasons and Langham Hotels properties (to name a few).

    What’s more, Hotel Designs has seen first-hand Thompson’s support for the next generation of designers – a sign of a real leader – such as putting forward her own employees who were shortlisted for the 30-under-30 campaign that the publication launched in 2018.

    Geraldine Dohogne, Founder, Beyond Design

     An unorthodox beginning to her career, Geraldine Dohogne began on the operational side of hospitality, with Zannier Hotels. It was not long until her natural gifts and undeniable talent as a designer began to shine through, and quickly pulled her to become the brand’s DesignDirector. Her career blossomed out of pure love for design.. With each project, she brings positive social impacts, sustainable literacy and fresh inspiration drawn from each country and culture. Her strategy and work ethic that she leads her studio with, pushes projects beyond ‘hotels’ and into spheres of learning, leisure and beauty.

    Grandvoir, nestled in the Ardennes, Belgium is due to open in Autumn 2022 – and it will be a masterful expression of biophilic design. 84 cottages will span over 60 acres in the pocket of pristine vegetation. The project will bring children’s education in nature and regenerative sustainability to the forefront. With educational paths, stimulating architecture and mindful wildlife watching, the project will be driven by our humanistic need, for both adult and child, to play and reconnect. What’s more, all products will be locally grown, made or found.

    People like Dohogne remind us that designers shape the world. It is through our collective decision making in construction, development and experience when our world interacts — and ecological and social system are built.

    Hamish Brown, Director, 1508 London

    Director Hamish Brown and CEO Stuart Horwood are the Partners of 1508 London design studio, specialising in private residential, hospitality and multi-unit developments as well as yachts and product design created 12 years ago. Deeply rooted on a collaborative approach, the designs are derived from measured principles, inspired by history, geography and the local architectural vernacular. The studio’s expertise extends across all stages of design and construction; from feasibility studies, planning applications, conceptual and detailed design through to monitoring construction on-site, procurement, dressing and hand-over, ensuring each project is finished to the highest level of quality.

    With offices spreading across four continents 1508 London offers a world leading design service with a global reach. 1508 London is currently designing an important historical Townhouse in London, an incredible property in Reykjavík, Iceland and Villas in South of France and Italy. In addition to private clients, 1508 also have a dedicated team, fully experienced in designing larger scale projects such as The Raffles Residences at the OWO (the old war office) a landmark in London, a new Four Seasons Resort in the Middle East and The Rosewood Doha that will be ready for the World Cup 2022.

    Henry Chebaane, Founder & Creative Director, Blue Sky Hospitality

    Since opening his multi-disciplinary London studio in 2002, Henry Chebaane has developed an all-encompassing approach to designing hospitality spaces that are more akin to film and stage productions. Always starting with a compelling concept with a story to tell, his interiors are meticulously articulated through script-writing, stage-setting, scenography, architecture and product design, immersing staff and customers into experiential transactions within each project – think modern-day Oliver Messel.

    From single cocktail bars to multi-use real estate developments, he endeavours for each client to balance commercial discipline and brand identity with high impact drama, quirky detail and strong styling.

    His eclectic design philosophy has led him to work for large brands such as Four Seasons, InterContinental, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott as well as independent hotels and restaurants.

    Each project, which recently includes Voco, The Hague, The Megaro at Kings Cross in London and Andaz Prague, shelters thought-provoking art installations that he creates himself, enabling multiple levels of engagement for the public: from simply entertaining to often deeper introspection into culture, sociology, ecology and animal welfare.

    Hilary Lancaster, CEO & Interior Designer, Fusion Interiors Group

    Australian by origin, Hilary Lancaster is an award-winning interior designer with more than 25 years’ experience, designing internationally for some of the world’s most high-profile clients and projects.

    After returning to the UK in 2015, following a few international design ventures, she won a series of hotel projects in Amsterdam, which took her to yet another exciting city and culture in the Netherlands. Adding to the melting-pot of her experience and widening even further her knowledge of various cultures, she experienced their ways of living and working and expanded her connections in the industry from suppliers to investors to hoteliers and private clients. Her design for The Hendrick’s Hotel in Amsterdam is well-known for its charm and uniqueness, sheltering just 25 rooms in an old Canal House.

    The designer is very interested in developing her interest in sustainability in design. She is appreciative of the opportunity given to her by Club Med that enabled her to deliver her first sustainable resort for Club Med in the Dominican Republic. Following this, she is planning on working on more sustainability-led projects in the Caribbean and globally.

    Ilse Crawford, Founder, StudioIlse 

    Ilse Crawford, the Founding Editor of Elle Decoration UK, is a designer, teacher and creative director. As Founder of Studioilse, over two decades – in which time she has published a handful books – she has pioneered humanistic design in its real-life application to environments, objects and experiences, by addressing true human needs (not manufactured ones).

    As a meaningful designer, who once said, “design is a verb, not a noun,” her portfolio includes Ett Hem, Babbington House, Soho House New York and Kranzbach Hotel – as well as designing innovative products (or ‘things’ as they are described on her website) such as the Together Table, the Touch Collection and the iconic Ilse Sofa.

    One of her most recent projects is located in Hong Kong. Carlyle & Co., Rosewood Hotels’ debut members’ club opened earlier this year, presenting a new style of the private membership experience.

    Carlyle & Co. welcomes a carefully curated community of members drawn together by personalities, passions, interests and stories ­– rather than status or profession – to experience exceptional dining and lifestyle moments, a rich cultural calendar and unrivalled entertainment.

    Jeremy Grove, Managing Director, Sibley Grove 

    For more than 10 years, Sibley Grove has been considered a pioneer in the world of interiors and sustainability. During a difficult 2020, Jeremy Grove, after winning The Eco Award at The Brit List Awards 2020, has continued to drive forward with existing projects and win new, exciting projects that will be implemented in 2022.

    KAUST Hotel in Jeddah was completed in September, 2021. The hotel is on the site of the world’s largest LEED accredited university campus; it is more than 22,000sqm and consists of 300 guestrooms and suites, conference centres, restaurants, a gym and fitness centre, and a rooftop terrace and restaurant.

    Grove approached the interior design from a human scale, celebrating the seven-metre ground floor ceiling heights and creating warmth and intimacy through the introduction of lighting rafts, screens and partitioning. The designer created a horizontal datum along the large walls and applied a fluted lighting feature on the upper half to cut down the vast volumes and rationalise the spaces. Using a feature chain link screen, the studio created private lounges and areas for informal meetings while maintaining visibility across the space.

    The ambition for the guestrooms was to create the feeling of a luxury apartment. The materials, palette and layout reflect a relaxed residential scheme, rather than a more formal/generic hotel guestroom.

    The team at Sibley Grove have spent many years visiting factories and building relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure supply chains are as sustainable and ethical as possible.

    Kirsty Vance, Senior Designer, I-AM London

     I-AM London has been a fundamental partner in successfully designing the interiors for a number of hotels, including the Center Hotel Laugavegur in Iceland.

    For Laugavegur, Kirsty Vance and her team used their ideation process to capture the brand’s values and translate it across the building’s interiors, while effectively attracting the target audience. I-AM London created the ‘stay like a local’ philosophy for the group, which led the concept of the lobby design. Encompassing both the hotel reception and a guest lounge, the lobby features a concierge desk, luggage locker wall and area for guests to digitally book tours and trips. The waiting area incorporates a feature wall showcasing various Icelandic curiosities and providing an insight into the local culture. It also has a flexi-space that guests can use to work or relax, creating an atmosphere that aims to feel like a home away from home.

    Following the success of Laugavegur, I-AM London continues to be the hotel brand’s much loved design partner. Along with the launch of a new destination restaurant Héðinn, which opened its doors in June, 2021, I-AM London is also working with the group on a number of other hotels, including Ísafold Restaurant in Þingholt and the complete redesign of the hotel Skjaldbreid.

    Marie Soliman, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Bergman Interiors

    Following five years at HBA London working as Projects Senior Designer, Marie Soliman together with partner Albin Burgland, launched Bergman Interiors in 2016 with the aim to establish a design studio that focused on tailored briefs, redefining luxury and delivering bespoke experiences within the hospitality arena.

    The designer and her team are currently working on a new luxury hospitality experience at Silverstone, while helping to develop a revolutionary hospitality concept, called The Other House. Launching in Spring 2022, the brand’s first hotel, located in South Kensington, promises to combine world-class design with a decidedly clubby feel to encourage a new generation of long and short-term guests to make Southwest London their home.

    Effortlessly and elegantly combining home comforts with hotel style facilities, whatever the length of stay, The Other House South Kensington will offer 200 signature fully fitted and contemporary classic Club Flats – for leisure travellers and corporate visitors alike.

    And that’s just the beginning. Following Burglund winning Interior Designer of The Year at The Brit List Awards 2020, the team have recently expanded, and in the process launched Njord by Bergman Design House, which is travelling at full-force to design tomorrow’s fleet of luxury superyachts.

    Mark Bithrey, Founder & Creative Director, B3 Designers

    Mark Bithrey’s approach to design is always first to ensure operational efficiency – whether that’s in hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, or homes. The design concepts and finishes make most sense when the space works to do what it is supposed to.

    For the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, the design challenge posed to B3 Designers was multifold. The property has been split into two, to accommodate two Marriott brands – Sheraton and Marriott. B3 Designers was tasked with designing the entire interiors for the common areas at the Sheraton, and some shared areas between the two hotels: lobby, check-in, F&B spaces, lounge and business meetings areas. A new train station is under construction, from where a bridge will lead straight up to the communal area of the hotel.

    The HOSHO Hostel in Paris was another challenging hotel/accommodation project that Bithrey and his team worked on, and was launched in early 2021. Catering to young travellers and families, this hostel needed to sleep guests in bunk beds, which B3 Designers designed, while offering a cool and fun F&B space, locker area, and laundry section.

    Bithrey brings 20 years’ experience to every single project; looking at each of them with fresh eyes while applying his knowledge and solid understanding of design, technically challenging spaces are his forte.

    Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality, Perkins&Will

    Neil Andrew joined Perkins&Will in 2020 to head up hospitality projects for interior design and architecture – and there was no time for a gentle ‘easing in’ period.

    Since joining the company, Andrew has led the design for the public areas of Hilton London Metropole which opened in September 2020. As one of the largest conference hotels in Europe, the Metropole boasts some vast spaces, and so the challenge as architects and interior designers was to bring those down to a human scale, creating intimate pockets within the larger spaces. At the same time, it was important to balance design flair and concept narrative with a practicality which would meet the functional requirements of the property – as it caters for conference and leisure guests.

    Currently Perkins&Will are developing their Net Zero Pledge for Hospitality which will see the team set a target of producing 100 per cent Net Zero design by 2030. In order to do so Andrew’s team are contributing to the Perkins&Will ‘Now Database’ which is a shared resource for designers and architects within other practices, listing suppliers that adhere to sustainability requirements outlined by the studio. In order for the hospitality market to continue growing whilst reducing its carbon footprint on the planet some quite drastic steps need to be taken now and this is key to the Perkins&Will ethos.

    Nicholas J Hickson, Founder & Partner, THDP 

    Nicholas J Hickson, with more than 34 years’ experience, has extensive knowledge and understanding within the hotel design arena. His diverse contemporary approach to traditional manufacturing ideas, combined with his attention to detail, delivers inspirational client led solutions. He has extensive experience with hotel interior architecture, schematic planning, FF&E selection & custom design, and procurement strategies.  He has a contemporary approach to traditional manufacturing, combined with his attention to detail, he delivers inspirational interiors.

    In terms of projects, he and his team completed the interiors inside the Hilton DoubleTree Roma Monti in April. Last year THDP also completed Indigo Verona, Terme di Saturnia, Hilton Frankfurt City Centre. In addition, the studio has recently finished a brand-new RG Naxos hotel that will become a Marriott next year, as well as more projects in Venice.

    In addition, Hickson is a well-versed speaker on the international hotel design scene. He recently joined Hotel Designs LIVE, a unique online conference that was launched during the Covid-19 crisis, to explore the topic of bathrooms beyond practical spaces.

    Scott Torrance, Head of Interiors, 3DReid

     Scott Torrance leads the 3DReid interiors team and works on a diverse range of interior projects and sectors designing three-, four- and five-star hotels, bars and restaurants, F&B operations, hospitality lounges, residential including student residences, retail, leisure, health

    and wellbeing and workplace environments.

    Torrance has extensive experience particularly within the hotel sector working collaboratively with clients throughout the UK and abroad. He is responsible for all aspects of projects from managing initial concept design to project delivery on site and has a particular interest in historic buildings, specifically their change of use and reinvention into hotels.

    Scott has worked on the following selected hospitality projects, including the British Airways Lounge in Aberdeen, Goodwood Hotel in Chichester, Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, KM Central in Edinburgh, Masson House Hotel in Edinburgh, Rutland Arms Hotel in Newmarket and V&A Hotel in Manchester (among others).

    Simon Kincaid, Partner, Conran and Partners

    Simon Kincaid joined Conran and Partners in 2006, became a Director in 2016 and a Partner in 2018. His work at the practice covers various typologies including residential, hotel, restaurant and retail projects, across markets ranging from the UK, Europe and North America to China, India and South Korea.

    Kincaid is deeply immersed in the creative industry, on an international level, which has allowed him to travel to culturally significant places, meet inspirational people, and enjoy experiences which have become treasured memories. It’s the culmination of these encounters, places and the people that shape his designs.

    Collaboration is a central part Simon’s approach and his projects acknowledge the importance of working closely with specialist design and brand consultants, engineers and fabricators.

    He approaches any interior design project with the complete building and the way in which individuals use – and relate to – the design in mind, irrespective of the scope of the brief. It’s a process that focuses on the quality of the journey which residents, guests or customers make through spaces, and how well-considered design can encourage personal engagement with buildings and interiors. This holistic approach allows him to marry the interiors of a building with the exterior, considering the journey to and through a building and space throughout the design.

    Simon Rawlings, Creative Director, David Collins Studio

    As Creative Director of David Collins Studio, Simon Rawlings has overseen the realisation of some of the world’s most iconic hospitality, residential and retail spaces. In the course of more than two decades at the studio, he has collaborated with clients such as Harrods, Alexander McQueen and Mandarin Oriental, both in reinventing prominent buildings and establishing important new landmarks.

    His most recent headline-grabbing project was Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, which, unavailingly was forced to confront the pressures of the pandemic by opening its hotel as the UK went into a national lockdown. Despite this, its contemporary approach to both aesthetics and hospitality, has kept it on the agenda of modern travellers and design enthusiasts. The hotel’s design takes cues from Japanese architectural disciplines and minimalist design, whilst utilising a refined colour palette influenced by heritage Japanese colour combinations.

    Located in the heart of central London’s vibrant Marylebone area, the new luxury hotel features 249 guestrooms and suites, Nobu’s world-class restaurant, a ballroom and meeting spaces – all beautifully conceptualised by David Collins Studio with architecture by Make Architects.

    Suzanne Garuda, Principal Designer, Garuda Design

    The Garuda vision, led by Suzanne Garuda, is luxurious but creative and fluid. The team creates interiors for a rich kaleidoscope of tastes, but communication is at the heart of everything they do. The studio matches aesthetics to the architecture and purpose of the space and the lifestyle of the client – or customer in commercial work. There is no single Garuda style – as you scroll through the portfolio, you begin to notice that each project has its own unique story and vision.

    The studio is made up of a talented team, consisting of architectural technologists, design experts, and specialists in commercial and residential work. The studio works with multi-talented artisans, who vary from design to design.

    NYX Hotels, a brand that the studio is working with, shelters a unique cluster of lifestyle hotels. Each amplifies the vibrancy of the cities they are in, while also being destinations of relaxed luxury.

    NYX Hotel London Holborn, which the studio recently completed, is perfectly located on Southampton Row in the Midtown area between the City and London’s West End. At NYX Hotel London Holborn, London’s electrifying spirit does stop at the front door, but instead flows throughout and inspires everything you see, hear, taste and experience.

    Tina Norden, Partner, Conran and Partners

    Tina Norden’s energy is infectious – not a word we use lightly (especially following the biggest cultural shift the industry has perhaps ever seen). She is an architect and interior designer with a truly diverse portfolio which stretches across many contexts and continents, from hotel and restaurant design to high-end residential.

    Throughout the pandemic, Norden was a consistent and key voice in the industry, speaking at various online events and university lectures about the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry. She continued to mentor more junior members of the team, inspiring the next generation of designers – ‘no’ is not in her vocabulary when it comes to the opportunity to help others.

    With every project, Norden approaches the brief by delving into its context and unique history to create timeless spaces that tell a story. Her unique, concept-driven approach has shaped the way in which the whole practice presents its work and was influential in the creation of Conran and Partners’ first monograph which was published last autumn.

    Recently completed projects include the new five-star Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland, FEAST within Hong Kong’s iconic EAST hotel, a new dining destination and members’ club within London’s Taj Hotel and the Peninsula Boutique and Café in Hong Kong.

    The application process (free of charge) for The Brit List Awards 2022 will open in Q2 of 2022. 

    Main image credit: The Brit List Awards 2021

    We are Harrison Spinks, The True Bedmakers copy

    Year in Review: How Harrison Spinks will go Net Carbon Zero by 2023

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Year in Review: How Harrison Spinks will go Net Carbon Zero by 2023

    World leaders in luxury sustainable comfort, Harrison Spinks is a heritage bedmaker that has been at the forefront of sustainable bed making for 180 years. Innovation drives our business and is contributing to saving the planet, with every decision made rooted in sustainability, as Editor Hamish Kilburn learns when reflecting on the brand’s year…

    We are Harrison Spinks, The True Bedmakers copy

    For some time now – 180 years to be precise – Harrison Spinks has been ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, sustainability and innovation in bed making. In 2021, the brand went further than it has ever gone in its commitment to the circular economy and announced that it will become Net Carbon Zero by 2023. And here’s how it’s going to achieve that ambitious task.

    The brand’s Beyond Circular approach focuses on ethical and sustainable design, committing to an entirely recyclable, reusable and zero to landfill production to ensure we continue to lead the way in sustainability and change the way the world sleeps. This year, Harrison Spinks published our first annual Sustainability Report, proudly stating it is a Carbon Neutral plus manufacturer. It included details such as offsetting more than 3,500 tonnes of carbon in the last year but, even more importantly, it detailing how the brand is leading the way in sustainable innovation. From its circular-by-design approach to how it is reducing and recycling with the objective to become Net Carbon Zero by 2023.

    Every handmade mattress manufactured is 100 per cent glue, foam and FR chemical treatment free and 100 per cent recyclable. Each product is handcrafted, in the brand’s factory in Leeds, England, to the highest standards by its master craftspeople using time-honoured skills and only the best luxuriously sustainable materials available.

    Harrison Spinks Handcrafting copy

    Image credit: Harrison Spinks

    The Pocket Spring machines are designed in-house by the brand’s own engineers, which in turn allows the brand to manufacture its award-winning pocket and micro pocket springs, all with glue less technology, meaning each spring system can be fully recycled at end of life.

    The Harrison Spinks sustainable story starts at the farm, just outside York, where the brand grows its own hemp and flax. In 2021, Harrison Spinks also partnered with British Wool to launch a new scheme that traces the origin of the wool used in its mattresses from farm to factory. This allowed consumers to fully understand where the wool in the products they are purchasing comes from and giving them peace of mind that the farmer has received a fair price.

    The brand also uses synthetic fillings and these are all 100 per cent GRS, 100 per cent recyclable and made from recycled plastic bottles. In addition, it is the only bed manufacturer to weave the fabric it uses to cover our mattresses in house on our state of the art weaving looms. This fabric is 100 per cent FR chemical treatment free and adds a natural finish to the perfect night’s sleep.

    Each year 5.8m mattresses in the UK end up being burnt or disposed of in landfill sites. In short, brands like Harrison Spinks want to put a stop to this. As a result, it has pledged to recycle all its mattresses that contain our Cortec spring technology. In 2021, the brand opened its own recycling centre, working towards our vision to be the most sustainable bed manufacturer in the world.

    2021 has also been a hugely successful year with multiple product launches in our Hospitality division. The Sprint Collection, offering three mattress types featuring multiple layers of sustainable and synthetic fillings alongside the brand’s innovative pocket spring systems all available in a rolled format, should you wish, for ease of installation. The Signature collection, a range of six mattresses, all featuring sustainably and supremely comfortable natural fillings.

    And in October the brand launched the Exclusive Collection, a range of four mattresses that are the ultimate definition of handmade luxury, with the very finest natural fillings, handmade to order, and all 100 per cent recyclable.

    Harrison Spinks Hospitality Beds Division now offers the most comprehensive hospitality collection available with pocket counts from 750 through to 42,000, essentially a mattress to suit every hotel. Harrison Spinks works with some of the most prestigious names in the industry to understand their requirements, while helping every customer to improve their own green footprint our mission is to deliver the ultimate sleep experience for every guest.

    With unrivalled sustainability credentials, 180 years of manufacturing excellence and multiple Queens Awards, Harrison Spinks are proving themselves to be “the true bedmakers” and will continue we hope to change the way the world sleeps in 2022 and beyond.

    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.

    Main image: Harrison Spinks

    the main stage at Independent Hotel Show 2021

    Panel discussion: Exploring sensory design in hospitality at IHS 2021

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Panel discussion: Exploring sensory design in hospitality at IHS 2021

    At the Independent Hotel Show 2021, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with Mark Bruce, Main Board Director at EPR Architects; Sound Designer Tom Middleton and Marie Soliman, Co-Founder of Bergman Design House, to discuss the latest developments in the world of sensory design. Nicola Macdonald writes…

    the main stage at Independent Hotel Show 2021

    Creating an appealing hotel design is no longer just about making a space easy on the eye. Sensory design has grown rapidly as a movement in recent years, incorporating smell, taste, sound and touch from the initial design, not as an afterthought, and interlinking closely with trends such as wellness and curated, personalised customer experiences. A prestigious panel of industry experts gathered at the Independent Hotel Show 2021 to discuss some of the innovations at the forefront of sensory design.

    Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs, kicked off the discussion by commenting that, while all hotels are different, all hospitality projects can benefit, regardless of budget, from looking at their designs from a 3D perspective.

    “Sound can be used congruently with other senses to help support the journeys we’re on every day,” added sound architect Tom Middleton. “It can reduce anxiety, help with peak performance and productivity, help you become les anxious and overwhelmed and, vitally, help you get a better night’s sleep.”

    Mark Bruce, EPR Architects’ Board Director, who following this panel was crowned Architect of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2021, agreed. He said: “What has changed recently is that we value all of the senses more. Acoustics was a form of design and sadly often it was a plug-in or an add-on, an afterthought. We’ve now found ourselves in a really interesting place in terms of our experiences in hotels.

    “As all of our lives get busier and more frantic, hotels are a little moment of luxury and when we start looking at all the senses holistically we can understand the value of that. It’s not just about having a great soundtrack in a bar, it’s about influencing the customer experience and making people enjoy themselves more by understanding the science and embedding that in the design.”

    Marie Soliman, Co-Founder of Bergman Design House, added: “I get asked ‘what makes you loyal to a specific brand?’ and the answer is that I care how I felt in that hotel. People forget how the room looks, but they don’t forget how they felt. The room needs to be about them, with the right light and the right sound.”

    Marie Soliman on the main stage at Independent Hotel Show 2021

    Image caption: Hamish Kilburn was joined by Marie Soliman, Tom Middleton and Mark Bruce to discuss a sense of design in hospitality. | Image credit: Independent Hotel Show 2021

    Bruce commented that even corridors were becoming a sensory experience, in addition to being a functional route from A to B: “The gaps between the experiences are just as important as the experiences themselves. Those few metres can be thoughtful in themselves.

    “With Six Senses [the luxury hotel brand’s debut London property, opening in 2023], we looked at how we can use sound, light and smell to help people with their moods, and to get them ready for their experience.

    “First thing in the morning people don’t want to walk into a dark corridor, so we worked with some very talented light engineers to mimic certain types of light across the year, with calming music and smells. Not plug-ins, but very subtle undertones to help with your heart rate and your mood. What we’re talking here about isn’t hugely expensive; we all have LED lights and speaker systems.”

    Image caption: Standing room only on the main stage at Independent Hotel Show 2021. | Image credit: Independent Hotel Show 2021

    Image caption: Standing room only on the Innovation Stage at Independent Hotel Show 2021. | Image credit: Independent Hotel Show 2021

    “Having a sense of where the customer might be emotionally and mentally is key to adapting sensory design to fit the occasion,” added Middleton. “There is a social responsibility. Every hospitality brand right now needs to be considering the anxiety that guests will be experiencing getting out there, travelling and flying again.

    “We need to understand that, as human beings, we’ve had our nervous systems decimated over the past year and half. Anxiety is going through the roof, as is mental health generally, so wellness is a key word right now: emotional and mental wellbeing. We should be supportive and kind.

    “We’re handing over trust to brands as we’re going to go into this environment.” – Sound architect Tom Middleton.

    “I design with empathy, and we all need to be more empathetic in the way that we approach design so that the whole journey isn’t too hyper-stimulating. The reason I use that word is that we’ve been hyper-stimulated for nearly a year and a half by fear, uncertainty and overwhelm.

    “We’re handing over trust to brands as we’re going to go into this environment: trust that it’s going to be safe and we’re going to enjoy ourselves. Trust that it’s even going to help us feel more relaxed and less anxious. That’s my responsibility now: work with all these sensory inputs and the ecosystem of senses within designing and make sure that the guest does feel supported. I think that’s our responsibility within the industry.”

    Since you’re here, why not read our show review of the Independent Hotel Show 2021? Also, check out the full discussion on-demand on Independent Hotel Show London’s new digital platform IH Connects.

    Main image credit: Independent Hotel Show London

    moxy hotels manchester check in and bar area

    Moxy Hotels arrives in Manchester

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Moxy Hotels arrives in Manchester

    Moxy Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy’s experiential hotel brand, has officially opened in Manchester with the launch of Moxy Manchester City, inviting us all to #playon #atthemoxy…

    moxy hotels manchester check in and bar area

    Manchester’s latest contemporary neighbourhood hotel, Moxy Manchester, is located in the heart of Spinningfields. The hotel is sheltered inside a rising nine-storey building, which is clad in weathered-effect metal panels to give an urban contrast to the original façade that has been retained from the former hat factory. Young at heart, Moxy Manchester City is the place to be for a social staycation, offering affordable fun and endless adventure, which starts the minute you step into Bar Moxy – the social heart of the hotel, which also serves as the hotel’s front desk, where a cocktail is served at check-in, alongside the room key.

    games area and social media wall at moxy hotels

    Image credit: Moxy Hotels

    Bar Moxy and the social atrium space has a modern and industrial feel, with local-inspired artwork, curated Manchester-style illustrations and illuminated signs across the lobby. A foosball table, card games and board games and communal lockers also feature in the 24/7 space. From brightly coloured pouffe seating, hidden corners, and laid-back sofas to seats at the urban-style wrap-around bar, there’s something for all occasions.

    Featuring a light bites menu and vibrant cocktail, Bar Moxy will also have DJs playing every night to draw hotel guests out of their rooms and locals out of their homes. An extensive drinks menu of beers, spirits, wine, and cocktails are available – featuring Moxy specials, Got MOXY: Gin, with MOXY syrup blend, a non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy: MOXY Syrup Blend and Chilled Tea and the star of the show, Disco Diva: the ultimate sharing cocktail served in a disco ball with Vodka, Vanilla, Limoncello, Citrus Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Prosecco. There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7.

    The 146 stylish and smartly designed guestrooms can be as productive or as playful as needed. From plush platform beds to a fun-size workspace and comfy lounge chairs. Moxy Manchester City rooms feature walk-in showers, TVs with Netflix, open-wall closets, and motion activated LED guidelights. Plus, they’re pet friendly, so pooches can come too.

    Moxy hotels are designed with social media-lovers in mind, and Moxy Manchester City is the first Manchester hotel to have a digital ‘Guestbook’ wall. The Guestbook streams photos, and videos that Moxy guests have shared to the social sphere. Moxy moments are shared on the wall, which constantly changes as the social feed is updated.

    relaxed and playful seating in moxy hotel manchester

    Image credit: Moxy Hotels

    The hotel brand offers a playful hotel experience for the young at heart. With more than 100 properties open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Moxy Manchester joins the group as they boldly break the rules of a conventional hotel stay across the globe. The Moxy ethos is all about stylish, industrial design and sociable service at an attractive price point, allowing guests to splurge on the experiences that matter most to them during their travels.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about Moxy in China?

    Main image credit: Moxy Hotels

    aerial view of marriot ritz-carlton eleuthera bahamas

    Marriott to debut Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand Bahamas

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Marriott to debut Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand Bahamas

    Marriott International has announced its plans to introduce a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas, making it one of only five properties in this exclusive collection around the world. Here’s what we know…

    aerial view of marriot ritz-carlton eleuthera bahamas

    Marriott International has announced it has signed an agreement with Cotton Bay Holdings to introduce a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The proposed resort will be a highly personalized leisure experience, blending the signature Ritz-Carlton intuitive service with local design and stunning natural landscapes. Located on the southern end of the island, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Eleuthera is expected to feature an open-air resort with 90 intimate guestrooms forming part of the community once known as the iconic Cotton Bay Club. A range of select luxury amenities and exceptional services are slated to include an 18-hole golf course, a lavish spa and swimming pools, and restaurants all surrounded by pristine beaches, azure waters and tropical flora and fauna.

    “We are thrilled to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand and service to this pristine island in the Great Bahama Bank,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “We are excited to partner with Cotton Bay Holdings in developing this luxury resort, where the original Cotton Bay Club was built in 1959.”

    there are also plans for 60 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, which are expected to include a mix of two to five-bedroom villas. Designed in the same unique architectural style of the resort, each privately owned residence will offer refined design, and a one-of-a-kind luxury experience for owners.

    “We are pleased to work with Marriott International to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand and experience to one of the most exotic and secluded destinations in the Caribbean,” said Daniel Zuleta, Manager for Cotton Bay Holdings. “We are excited to make this project a prime example of business, environmental and social excellence. Our plan for the project takes into strong consideration the role of the local communities and their active participation for its success.”

    Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a complete escape to the unexpected – a private and transformative travel experience that is centred around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, history, heritage and environment. For the most discerning travellers seeking a personalized and luxurious escape, Reserve properties are tucked away in the rarest corners of the world, featuring chic, relaxed and intimate settings that weave native flavours with highly responsive and individualized service. The Eleuthera development is set to join the five properties currently under the Reserve brand by Marriott International, located across Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about The Ritz-Carlton Nikko?

    Main image credit: Ritz Carlton / Marriott Hotels

    New collections from Moooi Carpets to put on your 2022 watch list

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    New collections from Moooi Carpets to put on your 2022 watch list

    Moooi Carpets, which never fails to deliver an endless mix of colours, has just unveiled four new collections, which have been designed by individual artists – all with the aim to add personality in hotel design. Editor Hamish Kilburn takes a look…

    All rugs at Moooi Carpets combine an endless mix of colours thanks to the use of a ground breaking high definition Chromo jet printer and its accurate tones, which generate a playful illusion of depth – just take a look at the Liquid Layer collection if you need convincing.

    When Marcel Wanders (Founder of Moooi in 2001) came across the technique of digital printing on carpet material, more than 10 years ago, he realised that it was so ground breaking that he felt it needed its own space to grow, without being absorbed by/in something else. Moooi Carpets was launched by Moooi in 2015.

    Since then, each collection launched has, in its own way, challenged conventional design with meaningful patterns – and the brand’s latest collections are no exception. Cue the arrival of ‘Pluck Their Petals’, ‘Lint’, ‘In the Meadow’ and Bisanto.

    Pluck their Petals by Ferry Schiffelers

    Ferry Schiffelers founded his eponymous womenswear label at the age of 25. In 2018, Schiffelers graduated Cum Laude from the design department at AMFI (Amsterdam Fashion Institute). His graduation collection ‘Défilé de Deuil’ ensured that he won the Lichting prize and was named the most promising graduate of 2018. In September 2019, Schiffelers presented his first independent collection ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ during AFW (Amsterdam Fashion Week). Prior to AMFI, he followed the four-year Fashion / Bespoke tailoring course to develop himself in the field of tailoring and techniques. Schiffelers has successfully completed internships in the couture atelier of Viktor & Rolf and Antwerp designer Tim van Steenbergen. His work is being published in Vogue, ELLE and Mirror Mirror magazine.

    Moooi Carpets: Tumbling petals by Ferry Schiffelers-300DPI copy

    Image credit: Moooi Carpets

    Combining fashion with design – a concept we can’t get enough of at Hotel Designs – Schiffelers designed the ‘Pluck their Petals’ colleciton, which was inspired by the greatest love tragedy whether he loves me – or not. Multiple layers of tulle petals build up a gradient of colour causing a mysterious, yet romantic and dramatic dimension. The technique of layering creates more depth and darkly shadowing in the creases, turning the carpet into a fantasy like destination somewhere between a dream and a nightmare.

    Lint by Visser & Meijwaard

    Visser & Meijwaard is a design studio focused on product- and scenographic exhibition design based in Arnhem, The Netherlands. The studio is run by Dutch designers Vera Meijwaard and Steven Visser who met at ArtEZ University of the Arts. As a design duo they create distinct but minimalistic products from an aesthetic world of material, colour and shape. Their working method is associative. By playing with materiality, context and scale and with a fascination for ‘form follows function’, Visser & Meijwaard researches new applications for the hidden aesthetics found in everyday products. Their wide range of work extends from furniture and lighting to textile, ceramic and glassware. Visser & Meijwaard collaborate, among others, with brands as Hermès , Linteloo and Pulpo Products. Their work has been presented in museums, galleries and fairs worldwide, including London, Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Cologne and Copenhagen.

    Visser & Meijwaard - ribbon carpet real size

    Image credit: Moooi Carpets

    In the ‘Lint’ carpet collection, silk ribbons are woven into a colourful graphic pattern to create a bold interplay of lines. Inspiration for the ‘Lint’ design was found in the rectilinear pattern of a traditional tartan textile, made by weaving alternating strips of coloured threads, both in the warp and in the weft, at right angles to each other. ‘Lint’ was created by playing with the materiality and the size of the threads and in search of the right colours to contrast but complement each other at the same time.

    In the Meadow by Emma Larsson

    The carpets of Larsson’s In The Meadow collection are inspired by the never-ending wonders of nature. With whimsical and abstract shapes, the carpets depict mesmerising worlds of aquarelle art. The bright and soft colours are an ode to nature’s variety. In The Meadow is Larsson’s contribution to bringing nature indoors, into your space, like ink in water.

    The intensity of colours creates density while maintaining that ethereal feel. Every day we are surrounded by an endless variety of colours, shapes, textures, and patterns. Every living moment our senses are treated with a beauty only nature can give us. And it gives us everything. It gives us scents and smells that keep us going or calm us down. Spectacular colours that fill our hearts and minds with hope and lightness. Textures and patterns that amaze and trick us. For artists and designers, nature is an endless source of inspiration. It has been so for centuries, and hopefully it will be for the next centuries. Nature is to be coveted and cherished, for it is as close as magic we will ever experience. In The Meadow, by Emma Larsson, reveals an ethereal world of abstract aquarelle shapes. Inspired by the beauty that nature surrounds us with every day. Inspired by nature’s endless variations of colours, shapes, patterns, and textures. Nature surrounds us when we’re outside, but with In The Meadow, you can bring the magical beauty of nature inside. Whimsical and abstract shapes in bright and soft colours to mesmerise every onlooker. In The Meadow is a collection of carpets that all bear the signature aquarelle-style artwork of artist & designer Emma Larsson. Her contribution to bringing the beauty of nature inside.

    Bisanto by Antonio Aricò

    Antonio Aricò is an Italian artist, designer and creative director. After earning a double degree at Milan Polytechnic he obtained his master’s degree with a work based on the themes of Design & Tradition, combining the fields of art, craft and design. These theories merged with the poetic of contemporary culture, make up Aricò’s inter-disciplinary practice today. He is known as forerunner of a unique approach that parallels crafts and self-production with industrial design. With each new project he approaches design themes, preferring to focus on the romantic, fantastic and archetypical rather than just the functional. In this universe the coldness of industrialism is replaced by the poetry, fantasy and romance of our past, vividly brought to life in contemporary days.

    Bisanto by Antonio Aricò

    Image credit: Moooi Carpets

    Italy is not a country, it is a sea of stories. Its imaginary is waved of infinite magic stories coming from North to South and from West to East. By shaking and mixing these stories come to life BISANTO, a collection drawn by the intimate memories of a child playing with iconic souvenir coming from his memories of antique ages. The idea is to transform the Byzantine Italy into a Carpet Collection by playing with drawings and colors. The result are Luxurious Textile Mosaics printed on carpets able to represent new characters and worlds. Each piece is “secretly” inspired by real Italian historical masterpieces that are reinvented starting from eclectic inspirations and ending into renovated traditions. Indeed, all the IKONAS of the collection hide a secret inspiration belonging to Italian History of Art, coming both from North & South. The result is a collection of carpets where bidimensional signs get mixed with 3D elements, where the mosaic become soft and flocked as velvet and heavy precious printed jewels becomes a as light as fabric. Aricò doodles becomes vivid icons, making Italian tradition new again.

    Moooi Carpets 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: Moooi Carpets

    art deco inspired interior of Olympos Naoussa Restaurant at ON Residence

    ON Residence: The revival of a Legend

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    ON Residence: The revival of a Legend

    The emblematic ON Residence, a partnership between TOR Hotel Group and Grivalia Hospitality, is one of Greece’s most anticipated hotel arrivals, breathing new life into the centre of Thessaloniki. We found out more about this historical renovation…

    art deco inspired interior of Olympos Naoussa Restaurant at ON Residence

    The lights at the historic Olympos Naoussa are about to turn back on. Thessaloniki will welcome, not only a legendary restaurant that brings back the glamour of a bygone era, but also a unique hotel that aims to redefine luxury hospitality in Greece’s co-capital. A true seafront jewel in the heart of the city, with unobstructed views of Thermaikos bay, ON Residence marks a new chapter for the TOR Hotel Group, one of Greece’s most established hospitality firms, operating since 1925. In addition, its opening is a vote of confidence in the tourist market of northern Greece by leading investment fund, Grivalia Hospitality.

    The iconic restaurant, Olympos Naoussa, was the heart of Thessaloniki’s jet-setting society for decades, acting as a favourite hangout for celebrities and politicians such as former prime ministers George Papandreou and Constantine Karamanlis, Giscard d’Estaing and many more, until its closure in the mid-90s.

    “Now, Olympos Naoussa returns to the city of Thessaloniki. Our vision to revive the historic restaurant, and together with the Tornivoukas family, to create a hotel destination of unparalleled beauty and a high level of service is close to completion,” said George Chryssikos, CEO of Grivalia. “We are certain that all visitors will love and embrace it, as we did from the first moment.”

    The main restaurant, Olympos Naoussa, will be on the ground floor, along with a beautiful inner courtyard, the cocktail bar, Tiger Loop, a modern gym, and a specially designed mezzanine ideal for business meetings and events.

    ON Residence will have 60 beautifully designed guestrooms and suites. Characterised by high quality materials and bold designs, the guestrooms are designed to create an expression of timeless chic. With the brief of classic design meets calm luxury, the rooms are decorated in natural colour tones with touches of light pink and green.

    bedroom design in natural tones at ON Residence with seaview

    Image credit: ON Residence

    For Konstantinos Tornivoukas, CEO of TOR Hotel Group, ON Residence is a key project for the company and for Thessaloniki itself. “After the violent shutdown of the Mediterranée Hotel by the catastrophic earthquake in 1978, my dream has always been to be able to return to the city’s seafront with a project that would have the dynamics of the legendary hotel founded by my grandfather in 1925,” he told Hotel Designs. “When the property that housed Olympos Naoussa, which was connected to the Mediterranée due to their close proximity and similar history, went up for auction I considered this more than a business opportunity. It was also an act of gratitude from our family towards our beloved city to restore this historic restaurant, and at the same time create a hotel of high standards that would turn the page for luxury hospitality in Thessaloniki.”

    With a luxurious design that connects the past with the present, the property that houses ON Residence was based on designs by renowned Greek-Jewish architect Jacques Mosse and was built in 1926. It is a typical example of Thessaloniki’s eclecticism during the interwar period, with elements reminiscent of the Belle Époque and neoclassicism. The important and delicate past of the building essentially provided the guidelines for its restoration process, completed by the architects Diversity Group and Dimitris Thomopoulos who collaborated on the project. The preservation of the façade and the decorative elements of the building were completed according to the instructions of the Ministry of Culture. The architects took extra care to not only bring to the surface all the features that made the building unique, but also to carefully combine them with contemporary elements, always guided by the aim to achieve a harmonious coexistence. The award-winning architects Nikiforidis and Cuomo took on the design of the surrounding communal areas, while the office of Nikos Fletoridis was responsible for the architectural study. The interior design was done by French decorator Fabienne Spahn, who wanted to give a renewed classic art deco style to the project, enriching it with a discreet luxury that matched the character of the building.

    “On my first visit to the place, I felt that I was at the house of ‘Sleeping Beauty’,” said Spahn. “Bringing the place back to life using modern design elements but fully respecting the building’s architectural heritage was a big challenge. It reminds me of wonderful brasseries in Paris with their neoclassical charm.”

    historic Olympos Naoussa Restaurant at ON Residence

    Image credit: ON Residence

    The important gastronomic heritage of Olympos Naoussa, and its influence on Thessaloniki’s food culture were the guiding principles for the hotel’s namesake main restaurant. The elegant interiors blend beautifully decorative elements from the past and from European bistros, juxtaposing them with a modern, urban aesthetic. In addition to the refined ambience inside the restaurant, the visitor is invited to discover a hidden evergreen courtyard, a rare oasis of relaxation in the bustling city centre of Thessaloniki. The restaurant is led by executive chef Dimitris Tassioulas, the main representative of a new and highly dynamic generation of chefs from Northern Greece, with important and award-winning projects, such as Sebrico and Thria, which Sunday Times Travel magazine awarded the title Gourmand’s Destination in 2019.

    The F&B offering is completed by Tiger Loop, a cosy cocktail bar with art deco elements. Here, black, gold and deep red dominate; the space is full of movement and energy. The catalogue is curated by the award-winning bartender and entrepreneur, Achilleas Plakidas. Known for creating popular venues such as Gorilla and Mahalo, here he is called to give a cosmopolitan twist to the drink menu.

    Both of these collaborations show the culture that ON Residence carefully builds, aiming to function as a connecting link between people and experiences. At the same time, it underlines the commitment of the hotel to develop these synergies that will continue to promote the culinary identity and the unique cultural character of Thessaloniki.

    Main image credit: ON Residence

    Minimal scene with podium and abstract background. Geometric shapes. Pastel colors scene. Minimal 3d rendering. Scene with geometrical forms and textured background for cosmetic product. 3d render.

    Year in review: Fashion-forward rug designs by Modieus

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Year in review: Fashion-forward rug designs by Modieus

    2021 has been an exciting year for Modieus, the Australian-based fashion-led carpet and rug company – here’s just a selection of what it launched to the market. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…

    Since becoming a Hotel Designs Recommended Supplier earlier this year, we have referred to Modieus as many things; ‘rugtrepreneurs’ and ‘pioneers’ are among them. From being specified in new hotels to unveiling breathtaking designs, the brand is quickly establishing itself as a trend-setting supplier.

    Minimal scene with podium and abstract background. Geometric shapes. Pastel colors scene. Minimal 3d rendering. Scene with geometrical forms and textured background for cosmetic product. 3d render.

    From case studies to product launches, Modieus has a lot to celebrate in 2021, and here are our top picks.

    Hotel Indigo Adelaide

    HOTEL INDIGO ADELAIDE 1200X62811

    Image credit: Hotel Indigo

    Earlier this year, the sixteen-storey boutique hotel on Market Street became the first Hotel Indigo in Adelaide and the sixth signing for the brand in Australasia, following Hotel Indigo Brisbane Fortitude Valley, Melbourne Docklands, Sydney Central, Melbourne Little Collins Street and Auckland. The boutique hotel rooms pay homage to the legendary festivals of the city and Modieus designed colourful and personality-packed rugs inside the rooms and suites.

    Landers and Rogers 

    The second case study that Hotel Designs published of Modieus was in reference to the leading Australian law firm Landers and Rogers. In this editorial, we established how flooring can be used to create connective workspaces. The Melbourne office combines socially activated spaces for connection and collaboration with quiet work settings for privacy and focus. This contemporary space fosters creativity, whilst providing people with flexibility and adaptability in the way they work.

    In addition, Modieus also supplied the carpets for the guestrooms in the Ace Hotel Sydney.

    NEW PRODUCTS

    Modieus launched three collections during 2021 – cohesive colour palettes and distinctive designs which can be made into broadloom carpets or rugs.

    The Makers Mark rug collection really packed a punch and has been the inspiration for many projects Modieus has worked on this year. Incorporating nine encapsulating art stories – from colour blurs to graffiti and stylised monochromatic graphic effects, this unique collection of rug designs belonged in an art gallery.

    Spontaneous Mark – Modieus

    Image credit: Modieus

    Launched in Spring, the Lifestyle Living collection by Modieus is structured around five easy to use colour palettes which appeal to  a broad spectrum of sectors from boutique hotels to beautiful retirement living residences.

    Modieus is currently promoting its Revive Collection. Four neutral colour palettes with a contemporary twist – each is distinctively different. Cool greys, stonewashed denim blues and teals sit alongside rusts, terracotta and dusty pinks with a touch of intense black highlights to add drama.

    Earlier this year, Hotel Designs was the first to report the 2021 Embracing Nature trends by Modieus. The four trends: Grounded, Green Utopia, Textured Layers and Crafted reflected our need for freedom from isolation; it embraced nature, craved simplicity, and inspired meaningful moments of peace. It was spot on and has proved to be the inspiration for so many projects this year.

    Modieus is currently working on their 2022 trends and will share them shortly.

    Modieus 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: Modieus

    Close up of check-in desk at Hotel Colon

    ‘First in’ to review the newly renovated Hotel Colón Gran Meliá

     1024 640 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    ‘First in’ to review the newly renovated Hotel Colón Gran Meliá

    In the heart of Seville, the iconic Hotel Colón Gran Meliá re-emerges from lockdown showcasing a sophisticated first impression that’s timeless design effortlessly takes it into a new era. Editor Hamish Kilburn is among those ‘first in’ to explore the newly renovated hotel – and while there, he manages to secure an interview with the interior designer behind the project…

    Close up of check-in desk at Hotel Colon

    With its grandeur monuments, orange tree-lined cobbled streets and a vibrant gastronomy scene, Seville is a city that will leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned of travellers. At the epicentre of this cultural hub – just a 10-minute stroll from the The río Guadalquivir, the Torre del Oro and the Real Maestranza Bull Ring – is Hotel Colón Gran Meliá; a hotel that has been an inherent part of Seville since its iconic architecture by José Miguel de la Cuadra was first unveiled in 1929.

    Some 92 years later, and the building is now a listed pillar, having majestically maintained its original neoclassical façade. Don’t let its grand structure fool you, though. It shelters a contemporary hotel that fluidly forms around a modernist central dome, made up of thousands of coloured crystals. It, as Rosana Gonzáles, General Manager of the hotel says: “Shines over the hotel bringing a new light over Seville’s history.” And it was this central part of the hotel that became the core inspiration for interior designer Álvaro Sans when he was asked to steer to the its public areas through a sensitive renovation that could meet the demands of today’s travellers.

    “Seville is a unique city, the ‘Spanish Florence’, if you like.” – Álvaro Sans, interior designer.

    Lobby inside Gran Melia Hotel Colón in Seville

    Image caption: The central dome inside Gran Melia Hotel Colón, which is the heart of the hotel and was a significant source of inspiration for the design team. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

    “We wanted to differentiate Hotel Colón Gran Meliá from the rest of the hotels in the city,” said Sans. “To do this, we decided to inject a healthy dose of Sevillian culture, art and feeling into the building. The strong sense of place transports guests to the destination where they can really experience the true essence of the location. Seville is a unique city, the ‘Spanish Florence’, if you like. The ‘Sevillano’ is felt in the streets and by visitors who live who live within it. There is a contagious joy of living here.”

    QUICK-FIRE ROUND WITH THE DESIGNER:

    Hamish Kilburn: How long did the project take from concept to completion?
    Álvaro Sans: Two years, due to delays with Covid-19

    HK:  Describe the newly renovated hotel in two words?
    AS: Sevillian and timeless

    HK: What’s next for the hotel?
    AS: Two wonderful suites, but you didn’t hear that from me!

    There is no doubt about it: the hotel’s rejuvenation has been influenced by the past. However, its hospitality offering on the other hand has been created with a worldly traveller in mind, while looking ahead towards the future. By opening up the space in the lobby, the opportunity emerged for Sans to create a new F&B proposal – a new destination bar – that is now the focal point of all first impressions, which sits under the magnificent dome. The interiors of the bar are decorated with pieces that have been curated by young local artisans. Together, they form a magical atmosphere.

    Making such a drastic transformation in an iconic hotel is challenging enough, but add to this the fact that Sans was working on this project during a pandemic creates a whole new layer of uncertainty. “The delivery times of materials was a great task to manage,” Sans explains. “We had to change some furniture items because they did not arrive after five months of delay.”

    Originally known as Hotel Majestic, the property was, in its hay day, one of the most luxurious hotels in Spain, built primarily to welcome international visitors of the world’s fair, Exposición Iberoamericana, hosted in Seville in 1929. Following this, world renowned figures such as Ava Gardner, Picasso and Dalí also walked its floors and fell in love with the historical building. The hotel was where famous matadors (bull fighters) used to stay ahead of crowd-drawing Corridas (bull fighting events), which arguably helped put Seville on the tourism – domestic and international – map. In fact, traje de luces (the various costumes) of the famous El Cordobes have become part of the interior design decoration, displayed behind the check-in desk, along with original flamenco dancer costumes, to add a unique sense of place for guests who are beginning or ending their stay.

    Check-in desk inside Gran Melia Hotel Colòn in Seville

    Image caption: The check-in desk inside the hotel features a display of memorabilia, which gives a sensitive nod to Sevillian culture. | Image credit: Melia Hotels International

    As guests arrive, what was a dated red and white design scheme has been transformed into a space that feels light, elegant and welcoming. “Pure red is a colour only used in the bullfighter’s cape in Seville – it is not an emblematic colour of the city,” explains the designer. The lobby now features hues of green, ochra, gold – reminiscent of the Andalusian countryside. Wood alongside luxurious and elegant materials such as velvet, silk, leather and walnut add meaningful texture. Amongst the new services, guests can enjoy a completely new Red Level on the ground floor, the new Bar del Colón and the restaurant Abacería del Colón.

    “Seville is olive green,” adds Sans. “It is a city with many cultures that have merged in a magnificent way. The hotel, therefore, had to have something that amplified this authentically.” To achieve this, Sans introduced natural materials – Andalusian Macael white marble, solid walnut wood, hydraulic concrete floors – designed and built for the hotel, in a format larger than the traditional one. “We chose olive green [throughout the lobby and public areas downstairs], to mimic hotel’s wonderful skylight,” says Sans. “Ceramics were handcrafted specially for the hotel by Isabel Parente’s workshop in Seville, in an oxidised olive-green tone and an original Mudejar design, with details of the plasterwork from the Alhambra in Granada.”

    One of the gastronomy venues at the hotel, Burladero restaurant offers a wide range of Andalucian tapas that attract locals as well as international visitors. The new Abacería del Colón is a place where guests can indulge in typical Sevillan produce such as jamón, cold meats, jams and chicharrones, as well as purchasing them to bring that iconic Sevillian flavour back home.

    The hotel is also part of the Virtuoso y Fine Hotels and Resorts de Amex (FHR), as well as The Leading Hotels Of The World (LHW). It comprises of 188 rooms including 24 suites, adorned with classic paintings of the Spanish Golden Age from artists such as Goya, Murillo, Velazquez y and El Greco – the giants of 16th and 17th century Spanish painting.

    Suite inside Hotel Colòn Gran Melia

    Image caption: If rumours are to be believed, the next chapter for the hotel will be the renovation of two suites. | Image credit: Meliá International

    The newly renovated Hotel Colón Gran Meliá is a tribute to Seville’s history and culture; a space where old and new meet with incredible results. Everything is curated to the smallest detail and recalls original elements from the 1929 Exposition to make every guest walk back in the past and discover the beauty of the city. And with whispers all but confirmed from Meliá International that the hotel will unveil two new renovated suites soon, it’s clear that the Gran Melia Hotel Colón’s narrative is far from ending.

    Main image credit: Meliá International

    sculptural wooden sauna detail at six senses spa kokatas mansions

    Six Senses Spa Kokatas Mansions opens in Istanbul

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Six Senses Spa Kokatas Mansions opens in Istanbul

    With uninterrupted views of the Bosphorus, and taking inspiration from the uniquely Turkish hammam experience, Six Senses Spa Kokatas Mansions is open and ready to pamper…

    sculptural wooden sauna detail at six senses spa kokatas mansions

    Elevated above the retreat, and blending into the natural landscape, Six Senses Spa Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul is set in a beautifully restored 100-year-old stone house. Using natural materials from the original setting, the 1,500 square-metre three-level spa has been constructed with sensitivity to the local environment and incorporating local cultural references which pay homage to the city’s past.

    stone built exterior of sis senses spa kokatas mansions

    Image credit: Six Senses

    Within the calm oasis away from the city, there are five treatment rooms, three hammams, two steam rooms, two saunas, an open-plan relaxation area and retail boutique, along with a Holistic Anti-Aging Centre, Pilates Studio, Alchemy Bar, and Nail Bar. A locally inspired, multi-layered mix of treatments are on offer including massages, facials, rituals, and hair, body, and beauty treatments. In addition, the spa has partnered with French skincare specialist Biologique Recherche to supply treatments and Subtle Energies for ayurvedic aromatherapy rituals.

    “Six Senses Spa Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul is a magical place for guests and members alike,” said Spa Director Sündüz Ediz Kibar. “After months of anticipation, we have opened our doors, completing the resort’s identity. Our passionate team will be working to create #OutOfTheOrdinary guest experiences and immersive wellness programming and retreats.”

    natural lighting in the traditional turkish hammam at six senses spa kokatas manions

    Image credit: Six Senses

    Inspired by the tiles of the Blue Mosque, the walls of treatment rooms are designed with brilliant blue tiles to celebrate Turkish culture, and completed with red line details to give the walls a natural, authentic, and smooth finish. The blue accents throughout the design also reflect and reference the blue hues of the Bosphorus which provides the spa with both view and inspiration.

    Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul marks a new milestone for the brand as it combines the Six Senses ethos of sustainability, wellness and local sensitivity with Turkish heritage and culture in everything it does, right down to the 100 per cent sustainable uniforms for the spa hosts. The resort has partnered with local designers EzraTuba, who champion sustainable, circular, and ethical fashion in Turkey.

    > Since you’re here, why not explore Six Senses Shaharut?

    Main image credit: Six Senses

    open air jungle bedroom in banyan tree group hotel

    How Banyan Tree Group will double its footprint of hotels by 2025

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    How Banyan Tree Group will double its footprint of hotels by 2025

    Banyan Tree Group is set to introduce five new brands into its portfolio, all flying the flag of purposeful travel. We take a look to see where they are headed…

    open air jungle bedroom in banyan tree group hotel

    Banyan Tree Group has announced that it is set to double its footprint of 54 properties across 23 countries by 2025, with the introduction of five new brands launching over the next 18 months. As a pioneer of purposeful stewardship and responsible tourism, this expanded global portfolio of 10 unique brands will allow the Group to increase its impact in the countries where it operates, whilst taking advantage of post Covid-19 growth opportunities in purposeful travel.

    red parasols and an infinity pol on the edge of the jungle at Banyan Tree group hotel

    Image credit: Banyan Tree Group

    Through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, all brands coming onboard will abide by the proprietary Stay for Good program, a structured framework that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Stay for Good embeds core stewardship values in operations and guest experience, promoting community engagement and partnership to drive long-term impact in the three core pillars of Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG).

    Deepening this mission amidst expansion, Banyan Tree Group’s operation of Stay for Good across its multi-branded ecosystem ensures that each location, no matter how far apart, is unified in its commitment to regenerative and wellbeing practices.

    “We have always believed that tourism can be a powerful force for driving positive change,” said Ms. Ho Ren Yung, Senior Vice President of Brand HQ. “Covid-19 gave us the impetus, pause and opportunity to reinforce our ethos of ‘Embracing the Environment, Empowering People’ in the context of today’s needs. It is our generation’s mission to build forward better together with our partners and guests, and redefine what essential, purposeful and responsible travel looks like in this next era.”

    Throughout 2022, the Group will introduce new brands Garrya, Homm and Folio, as well as two new brand extensions of Banyan Tree named Veya, and Escape. Each of the five new brands to be released are responses to macro and regional trends in travel, accelerated by Covid’s impact, such as conversion opportunities in resort destinations, emerging second-tier tourism destinations, as well as a greater desire for wellbeing and sustainability-minded travel offerings.

    “This expanded multi-brand ecosystem fortifies our stronghold in the lifestyle spectrum in Asia, while diversifying our offerings to meet the evolving needs of diverse, affluent travellers around the world,” said Mr. Eddy See, President of Banyan Tree Group. “As an independent, mission driven company with our core DNA in wellbeing and sustainability, we define what ‘good growth’ looks like. We are committed to being an exemplar and leader in our field, inspiring better living for our guests and associates in all the communities where we operate.”

    With the soft-opening of Banyan Tree Veya Phuket scheduled for this month, the group plans a total of 19 openings across seven countries, throughout 2022   –  Maldives, Thailand, China, Indonesia,  Cambodia, Mozambique and Saudi Arabia – seeing new flags being planted in the latter three countries.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about Banyan Tree Mexico?

    Main image credit: Banyan Tree Group

    beachdeck at penina hotel and golf resort part of IHG vignette collection

    IHG Hotels & Resorts announces European debut of new luxury brand Vignette

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    IHG Hotels & Resorts announces European debut of new luxury brand Vignette

    In a landmark property deal bringing together exclusive properties in sought after urban and resort locations, with signings in Austria and Portugal, IHG’s latest brand, Vignette Collection, is set to make its mark…

    beachdeck at penina hotel and golf resort part of IHG vignette collection

    In August 2021, Vignette Collection became the sixth brand added to IHG’s portfolio in the past four years, taking it to an impressive 17 brands across more than 6,000 hotels in more than 100 countries. Its first two signings set the tone of the unique and distinctive nature of the collection, with The Aquatique Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, and Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley in Australia. The driving force behind the Vignette collection is the commitment to welcoming world-class independent hotels to the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle collection in a style that combines the distinctive identity of each property with the power of IHG’s global scale and expertise.

    The addition of Vignette Collection further enriches IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle offer for leisure and business travellers alike, and IHG expects to attract more than 100 Vignette Collection hotels in 10 years, with the brand key to delivering its ambition of industry-leading net rooms growth.

    decorative ceiling at the bar in the Dona Filipa hotel

    Image credit: IHG Vignette Collection

    The agreement between IHG Hotels & Resorts, and JJW Hotels & Resorts includes a new property for IHG’s voco hotels brand overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal’s Algarve. Other hotels included in the European launch are ; Grand Hotel Wien, Vienna Austria, Penina Resort and Golf, Algarve Portugal, Dona Filipa Hotel, Algarve Portugal.

    “We are delighted to announce our first European Vignette Collection signings through our partnership with JJW Hotels & Resorts. Complementing our existing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Europe, these unique properties will meet the needs of travellers seeking a luxury stay experience, whilst maintaining each hotel’s authentic charm and individuality,” said Karin Sheppard, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Europe.” The introduction of Vignette Collection follows the successful launch of voco hotels – another of our many conversion-friendly brands – so it’s fitting that we are also working with JJW to build voco’s presence in the popular Algarve region.”

    Going above and beyond the remit of hotel development, Vignette Collection embraces IHG’s ethos of responsible commitments to care for our people, communities and planet. Hotels in the collection will have the opportunity to work with IHG on a range of initiatives that are part of the shared vision to not only build hotels, but to build brighter futures for the communities in which they operate.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about IHG’s landmark dual-branded hotel in Nottingham?

    Main image credit: IHG Vignette Collection

    Newmor wallcoverings in lounge

    Year in Review: It’s in with the new for Newmor Wallcoverings

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Year in Review: It’s in with the new for Newmor Wallcoverings

    2021 has been quite a year for Newmor Wallcoverings, not only has the company rebranded, but it has also launched a host of innovative wallcovering designs  – here are just a few of them. Editor Hamish Kilburn explores…

    Earlier this year, Hotel Designs exclusively revealed the rebrand of Newmor Wallcoverings after I met with David Johnston, the brand’s Managing Director.

    Newmor wallcoverings in lounge

    Since then, Newmor Wallcoverings, which is is the largest independent commercial wallcovering manufacturer in the UK, operating in more than 70 countries, has launched some eye-catching new product collections. And here are our top picks:

    Spring 2021 was all about celebrating traditional style, with a twist

    • Metropolis  – stacked blocks are reminiscent of city skylines which catch the light from every angle.
    • Kensington –  a traditional botanical damask with a woven emboss to add a tactile textile surface.
    • Tweel –  a classic weave print with a tactile surface in a palette inspired by natural dyeing processes.

    Newmor Wallcoverings also launched a brand new Newmor Custom collection – Trompe-L’oeil. Each design can be recoloured, rescaled and printed on an array of wall covering textures and window films.

    Autumn 2021 new designs focussed on craftsmanship, organic surfaces, and surface texture

    • Peloso – an intricate emboss that replicates cowhide as the plush texture shifts and shimmers as the mica pigments catch the light.
    • Batik – tapping into the trend of resistance dying techniques, this design was inspired by a piece hand-dyed fabric, the super matte emboss adds to the tactile feel of creased fabric.
    • Marquetry – this geometric design celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and the technique of marquetry, which uses wood veneer to create decorative patterns.

    Each year Newmor Wallcoverings launches a new designer collaboration to bring the work of artists and designers to the commercial interiors market. This autumn the brand launched a collaboration with Lois O’Hara, a Brighton-based artist and designer who creates joyful hand-painted murals and illustrations. O’hara’s brand ethos, which we looked at earlier this year, explores how colour can have a positive effect on how people feel when they use spaces. Her unique colour combinations and use of shape and movement form her signature style. The designer has transformed many public spaces and has partnered with exciting brands including Habitat, Pantone, Westfield, Brighton City Council, London Design Festival, and Urban Outfitters, to name a few.

    The Brit List Awards 2021 – a worthy shortlisted finalist 

    In September, Newmor Wallcoverings was shortlisted in the Best In British Product Design category for their innovative Healthcare Wallcoverings. Newmor is the largest independent commercial wallcovering manufacturer in the UK and are specialists in design and manufacturing vinyl wallcoverings. The ideal choice for high traffic areas as they are washable and scrubbable, Newmor’s healthcare wallcoverings provide added assurance as they contain an antimicrobial additive that is highly effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi and algae.

    Case studies 

    In a year where many of us enjoyed staycations the newly-refurbished ibis Styles Bournemouth was the perfect destination for families. The ibis Styles Bournemouth takes inspiration from the local beach environment, so guests can enjoy the sunny Great British Seaside vibes.

    You really wouldn’t want to work from home if you could work in a place like the new RB Pharma office in Lisbon. Newmor completed this project with Yaroslav Galant for the company headquarters. It is bright and colourful with an organic colour palette inspired by a nearby park, and features designs from their Leigh Bagley Designer collection.

    What to expect next

    At the beginning of each year Newmor launches its trends predications and 2021 was no exception. Stay tuned, as the brand is putting the finishing touches on the 2022 trends predictions.

    Newmor Wallcoverings 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: Newmor

    The-Dorchester-Harlequin-Penthouse-living-room-portrait-highres

    London Architecture firm unveiled for The Dorchester renovation

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    London Architecture firm unveiled for The Dorchester renovation

    London-based architecture firm ReardonSmith Architects has been named the ‘architects’ and ‘lead designers’ for the extensive renovation that is due to be completed inside The Dorchester by Spring 2022. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…

    The-Dorchester-Harlequin-Penthouse-living-room-portrait-highres

    Following yesterday’s news that unveiled The Dorchester will undergo a major renovation, we have done a bit more digging and we can now reveal that London-based architecture firm ReardonSmith Architects will be the architects and lead designers on the project, which will include the re-design of the iconic The Promenade and The Bar at The Dorchester, as well as two guest floors.

    We now have clear endorsement from one of the project directors at The Dorchester that ReardonSmith Architects has been working closely with The Dorchester management team since June 2019 on a long-term design plan for the hotel and, in particular, on the detailed plan for phase one of the programme. In a statement released after the official announcement, the firm’s extensive involvement in the project will include a partial redesign of the arrival lobby, to provide greater ingress of natural light and enhance the hotel’s street level presence.

    ReardonSmith Architects will be working closely with Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio to sensitively steer the 250-key luxury hotel in London into a new era.

    The architecture firm, which recently unveiled phase one of a new design scheme inside The Beaumont, has been responsible for the coordination of all consultants, documentation and local planning, as well as listed-building approvals for the iconic Grade II listed building.

    As we expect this story will become the hotel design gift that keeps on giving between now and when Spring 2022 (and potentially beyond), Hotel Designs will be following this project closely to report on accurate information and updates throughout the process.

    > Since you’re here, why not read our in-depth feature on The Dorchester, where we argued that style will always conquer over fashion inside the hotel?

    Main image credit: Dorchester Collection

    The Dorchester Terrace Penthouse living room

    Breaking: The Dorchester announces major renovation

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Breaking: The Dorchester announces major renovation

    Dorchester Collection’s ongoing investment programme to enhance its luxury portfolio of hotels has led to The Dorchester, one of London’s finest luxury hotels, commencing a comprehensive renovation, which will start in February, 2022. Here’s what we know…

    The Dorchester Terrace Penthouse living room

    The Dorchester, which is one of London’s most celebrated luxury hotels, has announced that the hotel will be undergoing a major renovation in February 2022.

    The 250-key hotel, which was recently featured by Hotel Designs as a hotel that shelters style over fashion, is known for its distinct classic English residential style, which has stood proud on Park Lane – majestically on the fringe of Hyde Park – for nearly nine decades. Within that time, it has managed to build and retain a legacy while effortlessly leading London’s premium hospitality scene to rank itself time and time again as an award-winning luxury hotel.

    The renovation will be the biggest since 1989 and will start with the entrance to the hotel, The Promenade and The Bar at The Dorchester, as well as two guest floors, with this work to be complete by September 2022.

    Two of the most renowned names in design have been appointed to transform the hotel: Pierre-Yves Rochon is reimagining the hotel entrance, The Promenade and the new guest rooms and suites, while Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has been appointed to re-create the bar.

    The Promenade at The Dorchester

    Image caption: The Promenade at The Dorchester, which features stunning floral displays using the signature Dorchester rose| Image credit: The Dorchester

    The Dorchester will remain open for guests throughout this time with its popular afternoon tea served in the spectacular Orchid Room and a reinvigorated concept for the rooftop restaurant to be launched in spring 2022.

    As The Grill, Alain Ducasse and China Tang completed refurbishments in the last few years, they will continue to remain open as normal, as will The Dorchester Spa. The Ballroom, with its own entrance on Park Lane, the magically theatrical Penthouse & Pavilion rooms, and the Chef’s Table will continue to be available for corporate and social events.

    More to follow…

    Main image credit: Dorchester Collection

    guestroom in wasserturm hotel cologne

    Curio Collection by Hilton opens the Wasserturm Hotel in Cologne

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Curio Collection by Hilton opens the Wasserturm Hotel in Cologne

    Housed in what was once the tallest water tower in Europe, Hilton has opened the newest addition to its Curio Collection, the Wasserturm Hotel, in a historic building right in the heart of the city…

    guestroom in wasserturm hotel cologne

    With sweeping views of the city from its rooftop bar, Wasserturm Hotel Cologne presents itself as a dynamic work of art that always has new, unexpected discoveries in store. Designed by the internationally awarded design studio Goddard Littlefair, this ethos can be felt as soon as you enter the characterful 11-metre high lobby. The hotel’s structure showcases some impressive brickwork, lofty ceilings, and geometric patterns, all of which contrast with the contemporary elegance and touches of down-to-earth charm that can be seen throughout the design.

    “Wasserturm Hotel Cologne joins a growing number of Curio Collection by Hilton hotels in Europe, a portfolio that is expected to more than double in the coming years,” said David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, Hilton. “This hotel, with its imposing structure, tasteful design, and elevated guest offering, is a perfect addition to that collection. As both a centre of commerce and a popular tourist destination, travellers will be well poised at this enviably located hotel to take advantage of all Cologne has to offer.”

    The historic building, owned by Aroundtown, Germany’s largest listed commercial real estate company, is now home to 88 guestrooms and suites, a spa, gym, and three bars and restaurants. At the heart of the water tower is a round hub, leading guests to the lounge and adjacent winter garden. Here, hotel guests can start the day with a breakfast of regional delicacies, freshly baked bread, and homemade jams. Guests can enjoy a direct view of the private garden, which wraps around the entire hotel like a green ring and helps to create a calm oasis in the city. Also with access to the private garden are the hotel’s nine fully flexible event and meeting rooms, which combine to make 500 square metres of event space.

    seating area in hotel wasserturm cologne with doors leading to central garden

    Image credit: Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton

    As the lift travels up the water tower’s 11 floors, guests move past the rooms and suites, all with state-of-the-art furnishings, and Tapps, the hotel’s spa and gym, complete with treatment rooms, sauna, and training equipment. Finally, on the 11th floor, the top of Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, guests can experience a whole new view of the city at a height of 35 metres. The intriguing and atmospheric Bar Botanik is where botany, plants, herbal and floral aromas meet industrial chic and Cologne air. As the new hotspot for cocktail lovers, the rooftop Bar Botanik represents the bar culture and trendy Cologne society scene. This is where Cologne and its visitors feel equally at home, in an atmospheric mix that can only be topped by the breathtaking panoramic view.

    Located less than five minutes from major attractions such as the cathedral, Cologne Chocolate Museum, and the Rhine, Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, making a statement in this iconic and historical building, is set to take its place with the other unique, one-of-a-kind hotels that make up the Curio Collection by Hilton.

    > Since you’re here, why not check out The Royal Senses Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton?

    Main image credit: Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton

    Villeroy & Boch lifestyle image of modern bathroom

    Villeroy & Boch scoops multiple accolades at German Design Award 2022

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Villeroy & Boch scoops multiple accolades at German Design Award 2022

    Bathroom brand Villeroy & Boch was awarded no fewer than three accolades in the German Design Award 2022…

    A total of three of Villeroy & Boch’s product lines received awards at the German Design Award 2022, including the water-saving TwistFlush toilet, the Artis BiColour washbasin series and the Subway Style ceramic sink.

    Villeroy & Boch lifestyle image of modern bathroom

    These successes once again clearly demonstrate the Mettlach-based company’s strong positioning with its products designed to create stylish looks throughout the entire home. Almost no other manufacturer offers collections and colour schemes that coordinate perfectly in every detail – from the washbasin and unit to bathroom textiles in harmonious shades.

    The German Design Award was introduced in 2012 by the German Design Council, a world-leading centre of excellence for design. Only products nominated on the strength of their exceptional design quality can take part in the competition. An expert jury assesses the entries and selects the winners.

    Award-winning: TwistFlush and Artis BiColour

    The innovative TwistFlush water-saving toilet flushing system uses the physical force of a controlled water vortex to thoroughly rinse the entire inner surface of the toilet bowl. And it cleans so thoroughly that it generally eliminates the need for repeated flushing or tiresome cleaning with a brush. The toilet needs just 4.5 litres of water for a large flush and three litres for a small flush. This allows a family of four to save up to 19,700 litres of water a year – with a flushing performance that significantly exceeds the current standard requirements.

    The Artis BiColour washbasin series is making a real style statement in the bathroom this year in the rich new colours of Indian Summer, Sage Green, Rust and Bordeaux, developed by the German-Danish designer Gesa Hansen. The Artis colour palette now includes a selection of eight shades for the delicate surface-mounted washbasins with coloured exteriors and a glossy pure white inner surface, in round, oval or square versions.

    Award-winning: Subway Style ceramic sink

    As diverse as life itself – the trendy Subway Style ceramic sink combines a timeless design with fine lines. It also impresses with clever functionality. The slender tap hole bench serves as a shelf for accessories, while the large basin offers lots of space for cleaning large kitchen utensils and additional accessories transform the sink area into the perfect workstation. The thin-walled ceramic is resistant to scratches and impacts, heat-resistant, food-safe and, thanks to the CeramicPlus surface finish, exceptionally easy to clean. Subway Style is available in 13 lightfast ceramic colours for 60 cm and 50 cm vanity units and can be installed either surface-mounted or flush-fitting depending on interior design and layout preferences.

    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.

    Main image credit: Villeroy & Boch

    Roca Ona in a contemporary bathroom with white and natural surfaces

    Introducing Ona: The new bathroom collection from Roca

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Introducing Ona: The new bathroom collection from Roca

    Inspired by the Mediterranean with soft shapes and geometric lines, Roca has launched Ona, its new collection that is all about simplicity and versatility…

    Roca Ona in a contemporary bathroom with white and natural surfaces

    In a typically innovative presentation, Roca went live from Barcelona with Ona, its new complete bathroom collection, in a round table launch that involved a broad range of some of the professionals involved in its design, development, and production processes as well as its communication campaign. The event included live link-ups to Roca factories in Anadia (Portugal) and Gavà (Spain) to learn about the production processes of the collection’s ceramic pieces and brassware.

    The Ona Collection has “a timeless, highly functional and accessible design, respecting natural materials and having a transversal approach to sustainability,” said Marc Viardot Roca Group’s Corporate Marketing and Design Director, on revealing the first images of the complete range.

    The range takes it inspiration from the Mediterranean way of life that is characterised by simplicity, care and connection. Reflecting a lifestyle that brings the outdoors into the home, the collection is about creating a relaxing retreat that connects the homeowner with nature.

    “Ona is a Catalan word that means ‘wave’, a concept that takes us to the Mediterranean Sea, which is intrinsically linked to Roca,” said Danile Ayuso of Clase Bcn, the studio in charge of the art direction of the communication campaign.

    Versatility is key to the collection, with its slim basins and subtle tap designs featuring a cylindrical and slender body with a flat rectangular handle, in perfect harmony with the shape of the spout. It considers the user needs on every level, from a comfortable WC height, to asymmetric design features that provide wider shelf space, along with soft close drawers for optimal storage. The gentle matt white colour can be complemented with furniture and accessories in the on-trend Mediterranean colours.

    With innovation and sustainability at the core of the company ethos, designers were able to take advantage of materials like Fineceramic, which has been developed exclusively by Roca. Ona is a range that uses innovation in conjunction with design. It is designed as a collection that adapts easily to different spaces, and its clear and comfortable aesthetic make you feel at home across private and public spaces, creating a pleasurable, well-designed and safe place for family, hospitality and business clients.

    With the launch of this new range, Roca continues to combine tradition and product knowledge with a passion for innovation and respect for the environment, all with the overriding aim of meeting people’s needs and contributing to the improvement of society’s wellbeing.

    Roca 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: Roca

    nestwell panel discussion at hix2021

    HIX panel discussion: The next chapter of wellness in hotel design

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    HIX panel discussion: The next chapter of wellness in hotel design

    With quietness at its core, the nestwell installation at HIX explored the theme of responsible wellness in hotel design. The collaborative and multi-layered journey, spearheaded by nestwell, involved leading interior designers and architects from Sieger Design, Studio Carter, and Studio Corkinho, all of whom put forward concepts of slow design with wellbeing firmly on the agenda. The climax of the project was an insightful panel discussion that took place on the HIX Talks stage, moderated by Editor Hamish Kilburn. Pauline Brettell writes…

    nestwell panel discussion at hix2021

    Day two of HIX 2021 was again characterised by energy and innovation. One panel discussion in particular, entitled: Quietness with Attitude, went beyond convention and instead took the debate on wellness and wellbeing in hotel design to a whole new level. The session aimed to amplify the thought and passion behind the nestwell installations that were displayed at the show, and the design processes of the studios that were involved. Moderated by Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs, the discussion about wellness in hospitality became about a lot more than simply installing a power-shower in the ensuite.

    “Wellness has been solidly on the agenda for years, and it’s significant that time and time again, at shows like HIX, we believe it’s our duty to stretch this topic and take it further than ever – be that through sensory design, immersive art and even as far as whole hotel concepts,” said Kilburn. “I know Covid-19 is a bit of a dirty word, but the pandemic was the catalyst we needed to elevate this topic beyond the spa and high-tech bathroom controls, to instead highlight the need to discuss mental health; to remove social taboos and evolve peoples’ definition of wellbeing. By unveiling, discussing and thus amplifying three separate hotel room themes, all of which share a human-centric approach to wellness and design, together it really feels like we are changing the narrative once and for all.”

    designers etienne, yadev and sieger at HIX2021 panel discussion for nestwell

    Image caption:  Cedric Etienne (Studio Corkhino), Hen’a Yadav (Studio Carter) and Christian Sieger (sieger design) discussing their sets on the HIX Talk stage. | Image credit: HIX

    Introducing the concept to the audience was Motti Essakow in his role as Co-Founder of nestwell, and the driving force behind both the installation, and the philosophy behind it. Kicking off the discussion, Essakow went back to what was for him, a key point of inspiration, the spark that ignited nestwell, with this quote from 1972 when the country of Bhutan took the bold move to create the world’s first Gross National Happiness Index – where the wellbeing of the people and development of the country would no longer be measured based on economic indicators and instead based on happiness indicators: “Happiness and wellbeing is the concern for everyone. Whether or not you acknowledge it, this is the purpose of every human being”– Kingdom of Bhutan.

    Fast forward to 2014, and WELL – the world’s first design and building standard to focus on enhancing people’s health and wellbeing through the built environment. In many ways this was the beginning of the conversation. Then came Covid-19, and like so many other conversations, lockdown, and all that came with it, made the industry look at theories of wellness with renewed interest and vigour. Inspired by how the WELL standard and Wellness Real Estate had become one of the hottest global lifestyle trends, while noticing how there was nothing similar occurring in the global – including London – hotel sector, the discussion on wellness and wellbeing was getting louder and looking for definitive answers.

    It was this search for solutions that developed into nestwell, which took on the task of setting a new and pioneering industry framework for shaping and elevating ideas of wellness through design. “The solutions as presented and discussed by the panel of nestwell designers are about a multi-level approach to design, as well as about a multi-dimensional view of what we actually mean by wellness, and how that translates into a hotel room design,” explained Essakow. “Each studio developed a facet of the conversation and looked at three different types of experiential and sensorial rooms to illustrate the concept.”

    The installation, which was inspired around the 12 guiding principles of nestwell, was divided into a space to Re-Charge (spa) by sieger design, an area for Tranquility by Studio Carter, and a suite to be Unplugged by Studio Corkinho.

    “We want to bridge this gap and make the stay as pleasant, inspiring and relaxing as possible for business travellers.” – Christian Sieger, Owner and CEO, sieger design.

    Re-Charge, designed by sieger design

    Giving some background to the re-charge (spa) concept was Christian Sieger, Owner and CEO of sieger design, who spoke about the importance of the quality of the space rather than the quantity of space, the importance of being able to recharge, to be able to unplug while remaining connected. The bathroom is now the centrepiece in this concept rather than the add on, as it becomes all about harnessing the regenerative and therapeutic power of water. “I want to see the same quality I have at home in the hotel,” said Sieger. “In my experience, there were no hotel rooms that met my demands for comfort and furnishing. With the Re-Charge suite, we want to bridge this gap and make the stay as pleasant, inspiring and relaxing as possible for business travellers.”

    sieger design spa hotel room

    Image caption: sieger design unveiled its version of a spa hotel room at HIX. | Image credit: sieger design

    “For me it was a wonderful experience to share our solution of a nestwell spa hotel room at HIX, to have a personal exchange with all those involved and interested in the vision of nestwell and to receive positive feedback directly from the audience. I am sure that, together with our and the other solutions, we made an impact to start a movement for better hotel room design. In the near future, these rooms will enhance our and the guests’ staying experience in hotels and make their stay as pleasant, inspiring and relaxing as possible.”

    Tranquility, designed by Studio Carter

    One of the recurring themes in this discussion was the importance of flexibility in design, (flexibility being one of the HIX buzzwords right across the event, including in the earlier panel discussion exploring the WFHotel concepts). On this platform, the conversation explored the idea of how to introduce flexibility into the hotel experience and the guestroom design. Hen’a Yadav from Studio Carter discussed this idea in some detail in relation to the Tranquillity suite. Having observed a significant change in her own post-pandemic lifestyle, and realised it was for the better, she considered how this could be integrated into design. “The boundaries between my work and my play hours were dissolving more and more,” she explained, “and though things remained fluid, an adaptive and flexible approach needed to be introduced.”

    That is when the theme of “one room, many faces” was developed.

    Render of organic guestroom designed by Studio Carter

    Image credit: Studio Carter’s concept explored organic materials as well as fluid architecture to create an authentic sense of wellbeing. | Image credit: Studio Carter

    Although as boundaries disappeared, some structure is then required, or to be more precise – a routine, a ritual. This lead Yadav to the idea of bringing this tailored and adaptive lifestyle concept to the hotel guestroom. That is when the theme of “one room, many faces” was developed. The importance of being able to design a guestroom with multiple faces, allowing the guest to configure the space according to their needs. The increased connection between work and play leads organically to the need for the guestroom to both reflect and accommodate choices and lifestyle. Yadav went on to discuss the importance of materials, and how a conscious and considered use of materials needs to be included in wellness design. All the installations were in fact characterised by both a thoughtful, and thought provoking, use of materials that considered the impact on the individual and the broader impact on the environment.

    For Etienne and the Unplugged installation, it is quite simply about eliminating distraction in design.

    Unplugged, designed by Studio Corkhino

    Finally, discussing another key element of the nestwell concept – that of Quietitude (Quietness-With-Attitude) – in the Unplugged installation was Cedric Etienne from Studio Corkhino. The installation was inspired by the studio’s philosophy, which is all about reflecting on “the architecture of silence” and exactly what it is about a room, a building, that can bring about a sense of serenity and wellness. But how do all these very conceptual ideas about intentionality and contemplativeness actually translate into a practical experience? For Etienne and the Unplugged installation, it is quite simply about eliminating distraction in design, and using the principles of the architecture of silence to transform the guestroom experience into a sanctuary that will promote the essential concept of wellbeing. It is about being able to create a space that not only allows you to slow down, but also engages your curiosity and evokes enhanced physical, emotional and cognitive wellbeing.

    A minimalist bed on the floor, with organic materials

    Image caption: Studio Corkinho decided to strip back the conventional hotel experience in order to create pockets of quietness within architecture and hospitality. | Image credit: Studio Corkinho

    All the panellists discussed these ideas of stillness and silence in relation to wellbeing and how a space can transform and alter a guests sense of time. As a result, this reduces the pressure of time so that the concept of ‘downtime’ becomes something more tangible. Ultimately, nestwell is about looking at practical solutions for some very philosophical concepts. It explores how to create a positive experience through innovative and flexible use of space, a conscious use of materials and a way of directing technology, whether in the form of water or light, to enhance the hospitality experience. It takes on all of these questions, and provides hotel designers with some meaningful answers along with some rather weighty food for thought.

    The Quietness with Attitude panel discussion at HIX, moderated by Hotel Designs, was sponsored by Hansgrohe.

    Main image credit: HIX

    The Lake Spa Resort Vista Aerea

    Domes Resorts announces plans to expand globally

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Domes Resorts announces plans to expand globally

    Domes Resorts, which is one of the fastest growing luxury hotel brands in the Mediterranean, continues its rapid expansion taking over The Lake Spa Resort in Portugal owned by HIP (Hotel Investment Partners), the largest owner of resort hotels in Southern Europe backed by funds managed by Blackstone. Here’s what we know…

    The Lake Spa Resort Vista Aerea

    After what Domes Resorts has stated has been a “very successful 2021”, which saw the repositioning and opening of a completely renovated Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, Domes Resorts will once again partner with Hotel Investment Partners (HIP) to strengthen its presence in Europe with the much-anticipated early 2022 opening of The Lake Spa Resort in Algarve.

    The project, which has been backed by a €7 million investment, will see the upgrade and transformation of the property through a complete refurbishment of all rooms and public spaces – including the creation of a new adults-only pool and pool bar. In addition, the existing F&B outlets will be replaced with signature Domes dining concepts.

    Domes Resorts is amongst the fastest growing luxury hospitality groups in Greece, with a number of new projects in its pipeline. Owned by Ledra Hotels and Villas, the group is comprised of the legendary Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, the cosmopolitan Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection, Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort on Corfu, Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete and the newest addition Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection. With a love for the destinations and driven by the thrill of sharing them with the world, Domes Resorts offer transformative experiences for cosmopolitan explorers, combined with authentic Greek hospitality and the highest international luxury accommodation standards.

    Domes Resorts are developed on handpicked locations at iconic destinations and embrace their environments in every possible aspect, from local cultural experiences, to design, architecture, and community engagement. All properties are unique, award winning and known for their sophisticated design, opulent accommodation offering and fine-tuned services.

    Main image credit: Domes Resorts

    Guestroom render inside Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands

    Introducing Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands: inspired by contours of yachts

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Introducing Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands: inspired by contours of yachts

    DKO Architecture has completed its mission to design the interiors of Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, a hotel that takes design cues from the luxury yachts that are moored outside the property…

    Guestroom render inside Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands

    In line with the hotel group’s plans to open almost 100 hotels in 2021, and following its 70th hotel opening in Japan, Marriott Hotels, the signature flag of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has welcomed the arrival of Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands. Sheltering 189 guestrooms and a one-of-a-kind rooftop infinity pool, the new hotel is destined to become a resort-style haven just minutes from Melbourne city centre. The property is set to offer elevated dining and inspiring experiences that will help locals and travellers alike foster their inventive nature.

    The first international five-star hotel in the harbour suburb, Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands is nestled within the retail, leisure, and entertainment precinct, The District Docklands on Waterfront Way. The centrepiece of the hotel is the sky-high water feature, a 92 ft wet edge rooftop infinity pool, serviced by an adjoining bar with panoramic views across Melbourne’s CBD skyline, Bolte Bridge, Port Phillip Bay, and Hobsons Bay.

    Infinity pool at Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands

    Image credit: Marriott International

    “We are excited to open the first Marriott Hotels property in Australia in 20 years. The opening of Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands marks the seventh property within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Melbourne and the 27th property in the country, providing more opportunities for inspiring connections and moments of self-discovery around the world,” said Manny Rappenecker, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Marriott Hotels. “As we see the growing demand for all types of travel, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy an all-encompassing Melbourne experience at this beautiful urban oasis.”

    Designed by DKO Architecture, the hotel takes design cues from the aerodynamic contours of yachts in the city’s harbour. The curved façade offers multiple and enviable views over the water, city skyline, and the Bolte Bridge. The gentle and soothing motif transitions harmoniously from the exterior of the building through to the interior, complemented by the fluted glass windows of the lobby, with art installations gently ushering guests through to the connecting laneway.

    Setting the scene upon arrival, polished brass golden chains by Australian sculptor Alexander Knox are suspended in sweeping parabolas throughout the hotel lobby, echoing the ruched forms of cinched sailcloth. Additionally, the featured pendant lights by Melbourne lighting designer Volker Haug set a sense of comfortable intimacy throughout the dining spaces.

    The lobby area inside Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands

    Image credit: Marriott International

    The graceful ‘petal’ shape of the building offers a unique view from every room and window. Showcasing the latest design thinking from Marriott Hotels, the 189 guestrooms are thoughtfully-designed to offer

    a spacious and modern look complete with tailored solutions that are as inventive as its guests. Bathed with abundant natural light, each guestroom features premium in-room amenities including luxuriant bedding, a 55-inch LCD TV, an open, retail-inspired wardrobe to alleviate fears of leaving clothes behind, a work surface that provides flexibility to freely move and use technology wherever the guest desires, a walk-in shower, and a curated ‘Made in Melbourne’ bar fridge. Additionally, through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Marriott Hotels and TED, guests will have access to specially curated in-room content to enjoy from the comfort of their bed.

    Inside, there are four distinct culinary experiences. Destined to become one of the Dockland’s signature dining venues, Archer’s is a refined restaurant space serving exquisite Australian cuisine with fresh produce from local farms. Nestled within a vaulted cellar-esque ceiling, the interior is reminiscent of Melbourne’s historic bridges and train stations. Ada’s in the hotel lobby expresses the style and multi-functionality of the Marriott Hotels’ Greatroom, a space where guests can work, socialise or simply relax with light snacks, soft drinks, and cocktails. The sophisticated lobby bar menu and beverage list are inspired by, and pay homage to yesteryear, with a modern twist. Celebrating Melbourne’s coffee culture, laneway café Corsia serves premium and locally roasted coffee from St Ali, and a European-inspired menu of light meals by day, switching to espresso martinis and local wines by night. Sunset House is one of the few west-facing bars in Melbourne looking out to dazzling sunsets and sweeping views across Melbourne. Adjacent to the rooftop pool, this standout new addition to Melbourne’s sophisticated bar and restaurant scene will sit atop the building delivering an eclectic mix of casual dining and entertainment.

    M Club inside Melbourne Marriott hoetl Docklands

    Image credit: Marriott International

    The new hotel also caters to fitness enthusiasts with all the revolutionary solutions of the new Technogym Excite Live platform whilst working out in the Fitness Centre. Using AI and immersive content, the state-of-the-art equipment range is designed to give users a personalised training experience by connecting to a wide range of workout content, personal wellness data, and entertainment options including Netflix. Heated to an inviting 84 degrees Fahrenheit, the 92 ft rooftop infinity pool enables guests to take a dip while enjoying the sweeping views of Melbourne all year-round.

    Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands also welcomes the first exclusive M Club executive lounge in Australia. Designed to emulate a residential style living room, the 24-hour lounge is the perfect space to relax, socialise or meet for business. The adjoining outdoor terrace offers a rare al fresco space in the heart of Docklands.

    The hotel is sparking new ways of thinking, fuelling curiosity, and fostering collaboration across five state-of-the-art function and meeting spaces. More than 4,000 sq ft. of event space is available, featuring contemporary styling and cutting-edge technology, and an abundance of natural light, making it the ideal venue for business and social events.

    “We are excited to finally open our doors to guests and help them get into their best headspace for success with our forward-thinking, and refreshed and refined style,” said Girish Talreja, General Manager, Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands. “We look forward to establishing our hotel as a must-stay hotel for both locals and visitors to the city thanks to our unrivalled dining outlets and spectacular rooftop pool and bar.”

    Main image credit: Marriott international

    Bvlgari Hotel Paris collage Hotel Designs

    In pictures: Inside Bvlgari Hotel Paris

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    In pictures: Inside Bvlgari Hotel Paris

    Three years since the concept of the luxury hotel appeared on our radar, Bvlgari Hotel Paris has opened. The new hotel, designed by Italian architecture firm Antonio Patricia Viel, alongside the renowned Parisian architects Valode & Pistre, promises an experience that mingles Italian excellence with the magnificent culture of the City of Lights…

    Bvlgari Hotel Paris collage Hotel Designs

    In the heart of the world-renowned Golden Triangle of Paris, Bvlgari Hotel Paris has opened. Breaking with the traditional codes of the Parisian architecture, the elegant building that shelters the new luxury hotel enriches the eighth arrondissement with its contemporary style. For Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, the opening marks a harmony between two cultures in design as well as hospitality. “We are particularly proud to add a French jewel to the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts collection, the opening of the new Bvlgari Hotel Paris,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari. “Following the recent opening of the Bvlgari flagship store in Place Vendome, it is an honour for us to bring, once again, the best of the Italian design, lifestyle, culture and luxury hospitality to Paris.”

    BH Paris Lounge, fireplace

    Image credit: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts

    As with all of the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, the Bvlgari Hotel Paris has been designed by the Italian architecture studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Both the interior and exterior have been created with the same attention to details and precision of a Bvlgari jewel, enhancing all the characteristic codes of the establishments developed by the Rome-based jewellery house. The Bvlgari Hotel Paris offers 76 rooms, of which 75 per cent are suites, featuring terraces and loggias. Each one is designed as a private apartment and is exquisitely furnished with the highest quality luxury furniture brands. In addition, the artwork and photographs of celebrities closely linked to the Maison add that touch of personality characteristic of the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts.

    Perched atop the building, the Bvlgari Penthouse illustrates the pinnacle of this approach. Across more than a total of 1,000 sqm of which 400 sqm interiors and 600 sqm exteriors and on two levels, the Bvlgari Penthouse features a fully landscaped hanging garden, filled with Mediterranean plants and fruit trees, and offers a panoramic view over the emblematic buildings of the French capital.

    Bvlgari Hotel Paris penthouse suite at night

    Image credit: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts

    The highlight of the hotel’s culinary offering is “Il Ristorante – Niko Romito”, curated by the three Michelin star Chef, Niko Romito. Romito has created this concept for all the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts with a blend of modern and classical Italian dishes using ingredients that are the essential characteristics of the culture, elegance and vitality of the ‘Made in Italy’ ethos.

    Adjacent to the restaurant and facing the hotel garden, the Bvlgari Bar expresses the full generosity, elegance and spirit of the House and is set to become one of the most sought-after gathering places in western Paris. Located just next door, the Lounge – with its plush armchairs, massive fireplace, and ceiling inspired by a Bvlgari minaudière – is a desirable place to gather. Spanning 1,300 sqm on two levels, the Bvlgari Spa at Bvlgari Hotel Paris offers a unique experience, with its 25-metre swimming pool, one of the longest in any Paris luxury hotel. The fitness space, featuring state-of-the-art technology and entrusted to Workshop Gymnasium, has been exclusively created for Bvlgari by Lee Mullins, and includes a private studio.

    Luxury pool inside Bvlgari Hotel Paris

    Image credit: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts

    What’s next? Well, Bvlgari Hotel Paris is the latest creation in the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts collection, which includes properties in Milan, Bali, London, Beijing, Dubai, and Shanghai, as well as upcoming openings in Rome (2022), Moscow (2022), Tokyo (2023),Miami (2024) and Los Angeles (2025).

    Main image credit: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts

    In Conversation With: Kalia Konstantinidou on hotel development in Greece

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    In Conversation With: Kalia Konstantinidou on hotel development in Greece

    After creating three unique properties in Santorini, each reflecting the spirit of its location, it was only a matter of time before KANAVA Hotels & Resorts explored wider hotel development in Greece. Pauline Brettell speaks to co-owner Kalia Konstantinidou about the group’s island-hopping development plans…

    KANAVA Hotels & Resorts is meaningfully making a dent in hotel development pipeline in Greece with its collection of unique hotels, resorts and villas that are all designed and curated by owners Kalia Konstantinidou and her husband, and business partner, Antonis Eliopoulos. For the pair, it is all about creating beautiful spaces as well as memorable experiences, while introducing guests to their beloved Cycladic way of life.

    The brand’s hospitality vision first emerged on the whitewashed island of Santorini, where Eliopoulos turned a rustic vineyard on his family estate into the first five-star hotel of the island in 1993, which is now the renowned Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort.

    Since then, the couple’s combined passion for hospitality motivated them to expand in 2007 towards the north of the island, with the opening of Mystique, a boutique jewel carved into the rugged Caldera cliffs. Taking a different approach in 2018, the decision was made to transform an abandoned mansion of a legendary socialite on the famous black-sand beach of Perivolos into the peaceful Istoria, a Member of Design Hotels that offers a unique residential accommodation experience.

    white interior and blue sea at Kanava hotels greek island resort

    Image caption: Mystique was the second hotel to open in KANAVA Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio. Image credit: KANAVA Hotels & Resorts

    After making its mark on Santorini, KANAVA Hotels & Resorts stylishly island hopped to Paros, where it opened the brand’s fourth hotel, Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels, which is a statement hotel, envisioned as a gateway to the real Cyclades. The following year, the group introduced Acron Villas, a unique collection of 24 villas, all with a minimal Cycladic aesthetic.

    The visionary brand is fast establishing its position on the island, and is launching its third property on Paros in 2022, Cosme Hotel, a project that is conceived to be a celebration of the authentic Mediterranean village. The hotel aims to “carry its guests away in time”, and filling them with a sense of serenity.

    Before then – and with the aim to establish where the next hotel development hotspot is in Greece – I caught up with Konstantinidou for a coffee in London’s west end. I wanted to get an idea of both the brand in general, as well as the more specific plans for the new project on Paros – and I was told that no question was off limit!

    A rock on the edge of a luxury swimming pool in Paros

    Image caption: Parīlio was KANAVA Hotels & Resorts’ debut hotel in Paros. | Image credit: KANAVA Hotels & Resorts

    Pauline Brettell: You first opened in Santorini in 1993 with Vedema, which was the first Five Star hotel on the island. Has the vision changed over the years – is luxury in 1993 the same as luxury in 2023?

    Kalia Konstantinidou: Luxury has completely changed in the last three decades, in the sense that back in the 1990’s it was solely based on material goods and offerings, while in 2020’s, especially in the post-Covid era, the meaning of ‘high-end’ or ‘jet set’ travel is not defined by the material and lifestyle, rather by the experiential and intellectual.

    The world has changed enormously, and as such our vision has been blended with creating unique hotels that define a destination, with the need to connect, to engage with communities, to be mindful and to travel for a purpose. And as travel reminds us of all the things that we share, most notably our humanity and our planet, the new luxury that we embrace is also connected with sustainable travel and a more mindful approach to travel: fewer trips, longer trips, more meaningful trips. While the planet has been incredibly resilient for billions of years, it is uncanny how vulnerable we are on this earth that has a vastly growing population, and one that is so interconnected.

    PB: How does KANAVA Hotels & Resorts stand out from the crowd? 

    KK: The most substantial thing that makes KANAVA Hotels & Resorts unique is that we are looking into the essence of things. We strive to create a better world for tourism, one that listens to its communities better than any other industry in the world. We create projects with the essence of being sustainable, sincere, and purposeful places for us and global travellers to live in, and we insist on creating awareness for a better kind of travel!

    PB: Your choice of locations seems quite personal, what made you decide to move from Santorini to Paros?

    KK: Santorini is our first and eternal love. It will always have a special place in our heart as it is the island where our journey started and made our passion for hospitality evolve.

    After creating three unique properties in Santorini, each with their own distinctive character, yet tied with the common elements that always inspire us, we felt that we have managed to successfully leave our footprint on the island’s hospitality scene, showcasing all angles of it, it just felt natural for us to seek a new challenge for our fourth property, and we found it almost instinctively in Paros. In 2019 we launched Parīlio, while in 2020 we introduced Acron Villas, a unique collection of twenty-four villas.

    Wishing to establish our position on the island, we will be launching in May 2022, Cosme, a project that we hope will further enhance the island’s luxury hospitality scene, located right on the waterfront of Naoussa.

    Secrecy Villa Interior: KAVANA Hotels & Resorts

    Image caption: A paired back, whitewashed interior design scheme inside Mystique. | Image credit: KANAVA Hotels & Resorts

    PB: Of all the islands in all of Greece, why were you drawn to Paros?

    KK: Paros is the island where we used to spend our holidays as teenagers, but also later as a couple, and in the course of time, as a family. It is a relatively unexplored island with compelling potential, exquisite natural beauty, rich culture, and gastronomy. The younger crowds come looking for a laidback holiday among its pristine sandy beaches and lively nightlife. Surfers come for its inviting waves, while families enjoy its many sheltered bays. Visitors love the picturesque villages and bougainvillea-lined alleyways. And nature lovers come to explore the island’s wildlife and stunning geological formations.

    PB: And having decided on Paros, what specifically do you look for in a new hotel location?

    KK: Having decided on Paros, we were initially looking into a location that would feel welcoming and have a positive energy for us, so that we can multiply this energy through the filter of locale and make it into a magnet that would attract travellers from all around the world, into a mainly unknown location, making them want to explore it, and immerse in it.

    PB: Acron villas in particular seems to be embedded in the landscape – is there a theme emerging? 

    KK: For Acron Villas, we were looking into absorbing the wild landscape that embraces the project and that is strongly dominated by the Mycenean Acropolis which lies just next to it. We used a lot of local stone that comes from the cliff and followed a typical Parian architecture that is characterised by the traditional classic elements of the Cycladic architecture, like the austere landscape, the weather conditions (mainly the winds) and the need for protection from the invaders-conquerors in the old times.

    All of the projects in Paros showcase some aspect of local design, from the sunlight, to traditional village dwellings, simpler monastic spaces, or the rough-hewn rocks of the surrounding cliffs.

     PB: How is this new project, Cosme Hotel, going to differ from the other properties in Paros?

    KK: The new project, coming also in the post pandemic era, is a ‘celebration of life’, a unique hotel design that is a mix of experiences and rituals from all around the Mediterranean, anchoring in Paros and inviting travellers to appreciate the gifts of life, in a Greek summer setup that makes you feel carefree, happy, and full of positive energy.

    Located on a sublime seafront stretch, the hotel’s private beach club overlooks the translucent Aegean Sea and in line with KAVANA Hotels & Resorts’ engagement to offer our guests holistic wellness and mindful experiences, it will have a unique outdoor wellness and fitness centre, including a stargazing area. It is a project that is predominantly anthropocentric and that aims for a sense of holistic wellbeing originating from happiness and a conscious connection with both people and also place.

    Mystery Villa Bedroom: KANAVA Hotels & Resorts

    Image credit: KANAVA Hotels & Resorts

    PB: Sustainability is mentioned as part of your vision. How do you translate that into KANAVA Hotels  & Resorts across the board – and has working in Paros thrown up any particular issues when it comes to questions of sustainability in the local environment and community?

    KK: Sustainability has always been embedded as a core value of our company’s growth and development. We consider that the sole way for our company to grow is through sustainable practices, to ensure not only that the environmental impact of our hotels is minimised, but also that we contribute to the community by supporting organisations and charities with a sustainability focus. As a result, we have planned and implemented a dedicated environmental management plan (EMP) that prioritises green self-efficacy across our operations. We deem that this plan, along with our company’s commitment to protect the environment and contribute to the societal well-being, are our fundamental duties when striving to success. We were thrilled to discover that in Paros, sustainability has been in a more mature stage than in Santorini and have already started working with local and international organisations that support the local environment and community, and we are partnering in several initiatives including water and energy usage.

    PB: And finally, for visitors to Paros, what is the one ‘must-do’ thing you would recommend to see/experience?

    KK: A difficult question, as Paros is a conclave of unique experiences all of them seeking to elevate the local experience, but if I need to streamline to one, then this would be strolling in the streets of Naoussa right after sunset and heading towards one of the romantic restaurants in the little port, tasting some authentic Greek food that celebrates the Greek summer. This is an experience that certainly makes you feel in place!

    > Since you’re here, why not read our latest hotel review from Greece?

    Main image credit: KANAVA Hotels & Resorts

    guestroom in white and grey with contemprary art and blue accents at 100 shoreditch

    Sneak peek inside One Hundred Shoreditch

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Sneak peek inside One Hundred Shoreditch

    Breathing a breath of fresh (designer) air into one of London’s iconic lifestyle hotels, One Hundred Shoreditch is slated to open in February. Before then, Hotel Designs went inside for a sneak peak…

    guestroom in white and grey with contemprary art and blue accents at 100 shoreditch

    Located in prime position on Shoreditch High Street, One Hundred Shoreditch is the new hotel from Lore Group, the group behind Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam, Riggs Washington DC and Lyle Washington DC. Designed by Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss, One Hundred Shoreditch will reflect how the area has evolved during the last decade, with interiors that mirror the neighbourhood’s new, grown-up feel while retaining the buzz and vibrancy synonymous with the area in the hotel’s public spaces.

    contemporary design and decor in one hundred shoreditch guestroom in neutral tones with colour accents

    Image credit : One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel

    The 258 guestrooms and suites have been designed with calm and comfort in mind, giving guests headspace and a place to disconnect from the outside world. The rooms are finished in neutral colour schemes with original abstract art, while the suites feature a mix of bespoke furniture and curated vintage pieces, in addition to large terraces with views of Shoreditch and the London skyline.

    “We’re super excited about the opening of One Hundred Shoreditch and seeing the new spaces come to life,” said Mark Jonathan Heyburn, Hotel Manager. “The team and I can’t wait to start welcoming guests in February and showcasing the hotel to our neighbours and community”.

    One Hundred Shoreditch will also offer the largest choice of restaurants and bars within one hotel in the area, including three bars, a restaurant, a coffee shop using local roasters Ozone Coffee, and a take-out hatch ensuring that there’s something for everyone at any time of day or night. Inspired by England’s fishing villages and coastal towns, Goddard & Gibbs will be a casual, all-day restaurant specialising in British seafood with a focus on ethical sourcing and local suppliers. The Wine Bar will be an easy space to wind down or enjoy a glass with friends, and the wines on offer will represent a mix of modern, forward-thinking producers sitting alongside more celebrated regions, all complimented by sharing plates. As a playful extension of the restaurant, the Hatch will be a fun addition to the Shoreditch High Street offering an easy way to order seafood and snacks to eat on the go.

    In the basement, drinks visionary Ryan “Mr Lyan” Chetiyawardana will open Seed Library – a laid-back bar where the drinks harness a rich manifesto of heritage ingredients to create new takes on favourite serves with a cleaner, differently composed balance, sitting alongside a handpicked selection of beers and wine.

    The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch will offer panoramic views of East London, alongside a menu of Champagnes, sparkling wines, cocktails and spritzes. Pink marble accents and lush foliage come together to create a space that feels like a private garden in the heart of Shoreditch, which can be privately booked for events. The Lobby Bar will act as the hotel’s living room – a comfortable space serving a selection of drinks and cocktails alongside Neapolitan pizzas.

    One Hundred Shoreditch will also be home to five meetings and events spaces suitable for everything from private dining and receptions to meetings and weddings. The largest room, surrounded by floor to ceiling glass, offers views of the London city skyline.

    As part of the hotel’s ongoing commitment to the local community, One Hundred Shoreditch has partnered with two charities: Spitalfield Crypt Trust – an East London charity focused on helping people facing homelessness and addiction transform their lives; and Refuge – a charity providing specialist support to those experiencing domestic violence and abuse. With design solutions that reflect the context as well as the Shoreditch community more broadly, One Hundred Shoreditch is set to ensure that the emblematic building it is redesigning and repurposing remains an integral part of the neighbourhood, while at the same time taking its place on the skyline of London’s hospitality scene.

    > Since you’re here, why not read another Lore Group design story, our review of Riggs Washington D.C.?

    Main image credit: One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel

    pink couch and natural finishes in bright suite at The Standard

    What to expect from Standard International in 2022

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    What to expect from Standard International in 2022

    Standard International, the luxury/lifestyle brand that likes to do things differently, is looking ahead towards 2022 with optimism – think glitterballs in bathrooms kind of positivity. Here’s a sneak peak of the brand’s 2022 opening pipeline… 

    pink couch and natural finishes in bright suite at The Standard

    Having just opened the latest addition to the company’s growing portfolio, and its first resort in Thailand, The Standard, Hua Hin, Standard International has announced that 2022 will also see the opening of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, the brand’s highly anticipated Asia flagship. In addition to this, The Standard, Ibiza, is slated to also arrive in 2022. These three new properties will kick off a series of 10 additional landmark projects in highly coveted markets around the world, including: Singapore, Melbourne, Lisbon, Dublin, Brussels and Las Vegas.

    glitter ball in the bathroom of a standard hotel guestroom

    Image credit: Standard International

    “We are incredibly proud to announce the openings of The Standard, Hua Hin, our incredible Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, which will open next year, as well as our second property in Europe, The Standard, Ibiza,” said Standard International CEO, Amar Lalvani. “This has been a time of unprecedented crisis for the hospitality industry, and the millions of people around the world who work in the sector. Amidst such challenges, we are incredibly grateful that we continue to be able to delight our guests, serve our communities and create new opportunities for our team members by building landmark hotels around the world.”

    yellow interiors with natural surfaces in the standard hotel in hua hin

    Image credit: Standard International

    The Standard, Hua Hin, The Standard’s first hotel in Thailand, has opened with 178 guestrooms, and 21 pool villas with beachfront access, and will be a timeless destination for the Thai creative set and The Standard’s global network of loyal clientele. A beloved getaway dating back to 1911, Hua Hin emerged as a destination when the construction of the railroad that connects Bangkok with the South first arrived at the pristine little beach town. By the mid-1920s, it became the chosen holiday retreat for the nobility. With time, the sleepy fishing village has transformed into a popular seaside destination without losing its old-world charm. Today, Hua Hin is a favourite weekend escape for residents of Bangkok who have been waiting for exactly what The Standard promises to offer: a stylish and vibrant beachfront resort. One that respects Hua Hin’s understated Thai elegance, has appreciation of the history and local setting, and combines it with a global sensibility and a bit of fun.

    lighting on facade of the standard hotel hua hin

    Image credit: Standard International

    The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon will be the Asia flagship for The Standard brand. Opening in 2022, the hotel is already a landmark, housed in the King Power Mahanakhon Building, a 78-story mixed-use building that is one of the tallest in Thailand. Centrally located in the CBD between Sathorn and Silom, the hotel will reflect the dynamic energy of the Thai capital. With 155 guestrooms, penthouse, a terrace pool, fitness centre, meeting rooms and a dynamic variety of food, drink and nightlife venues, from The Parlor to the Tea Room and renowned Standard Grill, as well as Thailand’s first outpost of the acclaimed Mott 32 restaurant. The property is designed by Spanish artist-designer Jaime Hayon’s Hayon Studio, in collaboration with The Standard’s award-winning in-house design team. This breathtaking new addition to the Standard portfolio will sit proudly alongside the brand’s award-winning vibrant US and European urban flagships, The Standard, High Line and The Standard, London, and in perfect counterpoint to our waterside retreats The Standard, Maldives, The Standard, Miami, and the forthcoming The Standard, Hua Hin and The Standard, Ibiza.

    Main image credit: Standard International

    bright colours and pop art in the d-neo nathroom range by duravit

    Duravit’s White Tulip Range is a winner at German Design Award 2022

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Duravit’s White Tulip Range is a winner at German Design Award 2022

    White Tulip, created by Philippe Starck for Duravit, and the D-Neo range by designer Bertrand Lejoly, both don the winners crown for the company at the German Design Award…

    bright colours and pop art in the d-neo nathroom range by duravit

    Duravit’s White Tulip range is the first full bathroom created entirely by Philippe Starck, and with every component of the range being thoughtfully designed to mirror the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom and creating an almost sculptural, delicate character, the product range was crowned “Winner” at the German Design Award. The White Tulip taps, an integral part of the range with the attention to detail and design, was also awarded the title of “Winner”. The consistent design element of the handle that slants slightly outwards, along with its polished surface making it extremely easy to operate, all contribute to the taps particularly refined character.

    Not only did Duravit get the accolade of “Winner” for the White Tulip Range, but was also commended for its outstanding product and communication design by the panel, along with Winner and Special Mention in each of the categories Excellent Product Design, Bath and Wellness, and Excellent Communications Design.

    The De-Neo bathroom range by designer Bertrand Lejoly, was Duravit’s second innovation from 2021 to win three awards – with an accolade as “Winner” for the D-Neo taps along with a “Special Mention” for the series as a whole, and the associated communication campaign. The D-Neo is all about premium quality and sophisticated design, while maintaining an attractive entry-level price. Understated yet expressive, the taps stand out thanks to their straight-lined, geometric shape, and the characteristically narrow, vertically positioned handle which is standard throughout the entire range.

    The diversity of D-Neo is reflected in the award-winning communication campaign. Under the strapline “THIS IS NEO”, the campaign showcases D-Neo in four different styles and variants, in each case brought to life through authentic everyday moments. Whether bohemian or pop, on social media or in print, the D-Neo campaign celebrates diversity.

    Duravit received a further “Special Mention” for its News Magazine #13. Duravit is renowned for sensuous bathrooms with a quality you can feel, and The Duravit News Magazine makes sure this feeling is communicated. The magazine’s refined style helps to breathe life into the editorial content, while giving clients and customers in over 40 countries the opportunity to immerse themselves in Duravit’s latest bathrooms.

    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.

    Main Image credit: Duravit

    Render of Rosewood Riyadh

    Rosewood to open second hotel in Saudi Arabia in 2025

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Rosewood to open second hotel in Saudi Arabia in 2025

    Rosewood Hotels & Resorts accelerates its strategic global growth with the announcement of Rosewood Riyadh, a new-build luxury hotel, which will open in 2025 within a progressive mixed-use development project…

    Render of Rosewood Riyadh

    Situated adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, Rosewood Riyadh, slated to open in 2025, will be located within Diriyah Gate, a mixed-use development project poised to become the country’s leading cultural and lifestyle destination. The 250-key hotel is destined to bring a new level of luxury to the local and regional hospitality landscape and present an exceptional opportunity for both business and leisure travellers to immerse themselves in one of the Middle East’s most important cities. 

    Rosewood Riyadh is the latest expression of Rosewood’s ambitious global expansion strategy, which currently includes 25 properties in the pipeline in areas such as Mexico City, London, Madrid and Japan. The hotel will mark the brand’s second property in Saudi Arabia, joining Rosewood Jeddah, and fourth in the region, including Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Rosewood Doha opening in 2022.

    “We are thrilled to further our presence in the Middle East with an opening in Riyadh, a historic trade hub and exemplar of 21st century vision, that is now a major destination for international business and cultural exploration,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “The Diriyah Gate development is bringing the destination to an expanded international audience of discerning travellers and we’re excited to be a part of the city’s continued evolution and commitment to redeveloping heritage areas for future generations.” 

    “Rosewood will bring a level of refinement to Diriyah, mirroring the past whilst providing guests with the excitement of the future, in the same way Diriyah will lead travellers from Saudi’s historical past to the present,” said Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA. “The exclusive nature of the Rosewood experience will bring excitement to Diriyah through the development of their renowned wellness offerings, famed Explorers Club and F&B talent. Guests will be immersed in a cultural journey spanning the centuries through the joint efforts of Diriyah and the Rosewood team; we are excited to unveil more in the coming months.”

    The largest city on the Arabian Peninsula and the political and administrative centre of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a dynamic destination rich with history. Boasting myriad cultural institutions from forts and palaces to museums and marketplaces, the metropolis attracts a wide range of nearly five million visitors each year. Nestled around the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, Diriyah Gate is set to underscore Riyadh’s status as a Middle East magnet for travellers.  It also provides a perfect canvas for the Rosewood brand to express its A Sense of Place concept and celebrate its unique location. 

    In addition to Rosewood, the inspired set of heritage, hospitality, education, retail and dining experiences at Diriyah Gate will include a culinary centre, cinema, art academy and more, with all buildings showcasing their own interpretations of the destination’s iconic Najdi style. By honouring this traditional architectural typology while incorporating modern principles of New Urbanism, the development aims to revitalise the area for locals and tourists alike while protecting its history. 

    The hotel itself will occupy a standalone building boasting 250 ultra-luxury accommodations, including 202 guestrooms and suites and 48 Wadi Suites ranging from one to three bedrooms. The property will further feature four restaurants and bars; Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept; and Rosewood Explorers, the brand’s culturally inspired children’s club. Additional recreation will span a state-of-the-art fitness center and expansive meetings and events spaces including a ballroom. Visitors will enjoy exceptional access to many of the city’s key landmarks, lifestyle activities, and corporate destinations via Rosewood Riyadh’s prime positioning within the development. 

    Rosewood Riyadh adds to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ impressive global growth plan and is the eighth property opening announced by the brand in 2021, a testament to the hospitality group’s vitality and vision. Additional projects that have recently been added to the pipeline include Rosewood properties in Rome, Miyakojima, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Mexico City, and San Francisco.

    Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

    Collage from AHC in Manchester 2021

    Show review: What you missed at The AHC in Manchester

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Show review: What you missed at The AHC in Manchester

    Out with the old (venue) and in the with the new. On November 22 – 24, The Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) took shelter under a new roof, Manchester Central Convention Complex, where it welcomed more than 800 senior delegates to learn, network and party. Editor Hamish Kilburn was there to soak it all in…

    Collage from AHC in Manchester 2021

    For years, The Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) has been a major calendar event that has attracted leading investors, developers and operators from across the UK hospitality sector. In fact, the event has become so popular now, with more than 800 delegates to shelter safely that it required a venue change, from the familiar territory of Hilton Manchester Deansgate to where it is now held in the Manchester Central Convention Complex.

    At the epicentre of the new venue was the auditorium, where more than 100 industry-expert speakers took to the stage over the two-day event, including senior leaders from global hotel brands. These included: Adela Cristea, Vice President, Head of Business Development UK & Ireland, Radisson Hotel Group; Satya Anand, President, EMEA, Marriott International; Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director UK, Ireland & Israel, Hilton; Philip Lassman, Vice President Development Northern Europe (UK&I, Benelux & Nordics), Accor; Dimitris Manikis, President & MD EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Karin Sheppard, Senior Vice President & Managing Director Europe, IHG and Camil Yazbeck, Senior Vice President, Head of Development Northern Europe, Accor.

    Speakers took turns to deliver their views, strategies and visions for the future across four stages: vision, collaboration, innovation and transformation that represented the four pillars that underpinned this year’s theme ‘Change for Good.’ Amnd it was clear that there was a real sense of collective excitement and energy, and a renewed optimism for not only the recovery but also the opportunity to reset and reconsider the hospitality industry as a whole. People’s passions have seemingly been reignited. The conversation around ‘responsible recovery’ was discussed throughout the event, and seemed to spill into the discussions at the number of after parties around the city.

    The hospitality industry is emerging from the pandemic with a long list of changed priorities. Values – in contrast to value for money – are creating new challenges for the hospitality industry. Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social Governance) are becoming ever-more important priorities for customers, operators, employees and owners.

    Three inspiring leaders, Satya Anand, President EMEA, Marriott International; Dimitris Manikis, President & MD EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Karin Sheppard, SVP and MD Europe, IHG, discussed the characteristics of a ‘good brand,’ how people are increasingly conscious of ESG and that travel has become more purposeful. “ESG brings a unique opportunity to bring back young people into this sector,” said Manikis. “The future leaders of our industry — doing the right thing for humanity will bring the right people back.”

    Karin Sheppard followed this up with the strong statement: “The best we can do today, is not the best we can do tomorrow. Be humble that we are all here to learn and we don’t have all the answers but without steep ambitions nothing will ever change.”

    ESG came into sharp focus during the ‘Serviced Living — Capturing the New Demand’ session when Robert Godwin, Managing Director, Lamington Group made clear his strong feelings “with passion and intent there are ways to deliver truly sustainable buildings” and shared his company’s mission to deliver fully net zero carbon hotels in its portfolio.

    Image caption: Robert Godwin, Managing Director, Lamington Group speaking passionately about truly sustainable buildings. | Image credit: Simon Callaghan Photography

    Image caption: Robert Godwin, Managing Director, Lamington Group speaking passionately about truly sustainable buildings. | Image credit: Simon Callaghan Photography

    Lamington Group recently launched Room2 Chiswick, it’s first net zero carbon offering which is 89 per cent more energy efficient than other hotels in the UK. It’s 100 per cent electric, has a blue roof that can hold 50,000 litres of rainwater that filters down for use in the hotel and is covered with 200 tonnes of soil to grow a green roof to encourage biodiversity and insulate the building. Occupancy sensors inside the building manage heating lighting and cooling to provide energy efficiency savings.

    Labour shortages are affecting the industry in a huge way and fixing the reputation of the hospitality industry is vital if staffing shortages are to be alleviated. The industry has an unfortunate association with long hours and low pay, something which was highlighted by keynote speaker Gary Neville, who owns GG Hospitality and runs the Stock Exchange Hotel and Hotel Football: “Hospitality staff have been treated poorly for far too long and the pandemic has highlighted that for me. People come first and they need trust and flexibility, empathy and compassion.”

    Image caption: Gary Neville, owner of GG Hospitality, said that 'hospitality staff ghave been treated poorly for far too long.' Image credit: Simon Callaghan Photography

    Image caption: Gary Neville, owner of GG Hospitality, said that ‘hospitality staff ghave been treated poorly for far too long.’ Image credit: Simon Callaghan Photography

    In the ‘Power to the People’ session, Chris Mumford, Founder, Cervus Leadership Consulting, David Orr, CEO, Resident Hotels, Thomas Greenall, CEO, Bespoke Hotels and Harry Cragoe, Owner of The Galivant / Costel Hotels joined forces to address the supply of labour that has resulted in an awareness amongst hotel managers of the wellbeing of their staff.

    Harry Cragoe said his business “is all about creating happiness” and he wants happy employees because it means guests are likely to be happy. “At The Gallivant, mini-bonuses of £10 are handed out each time a staff member is name checked by guests giving end-of-stay feedback. Monthly totals can be as much as £300-£400,” he added.

    Nicholas Northam, who leads Interstate’s white-label operations at more than 120 hotels in the UK, Ireland, Continental Europe, Russia and CIS, said the labour shortage was less about the number of people available for work and more about the skills of potential employees. “We are looking at many different ways to find the talent we need,” Northam said. Among the programmes that may have previously fallen foul of a company’s behavioural sensibilities, Interstate has set up what he called “academies” in some UK prisons. Thanks to Interstate, Northam said, inmates were receiving instruction on kitchen and housekeeping roles.

    Chris Dexter, CEO of Kew Green, in a directly political appeal to the UK Government about relieving pressure in the labour market said: “Open up the visa channels.” Pay rates were rising, he said, but jobs remained unfilled because there were insufficient numbers of people available for work.

    Whilst the audience enjoyed hearing the anecdotal insights from the industry’s leading minds and the opportunity to learn from how they re-strategised following such a difficult period, cold hard numbers always win the day.

    Thomas Emanuel, Director of STR hosted ‘Decoding the Revenue Data’ in which he gave comprehensive industry analysis — including how the UK has consistently outperformed Europe as a whole, and that Q3 UK occupancy had returned to pre-Covid levels: however, London and other large cities lag behind due to decreased international travel.

    Meanwhile, in ‘Profits & Pricing’ Michel Grove, Chief Operating Officer at HotStats and Joe Stather Director, OPRE, Hotels, CBRE Hotels, asked do hotels still appeal to the investor community? Their discussion drew the conclusion that investor demands actually outstrip supply, which is supporting relatively buoyant pricing and in turn an increased number of deals is expected in 2022. They identified that profitability is weakest in London and the gateway cities, however these markets are seeing the strongest investor demand. The growing interest in alternative real estate is also being fuelled by increased investor demand.

    Looking ahead, The AHC 2022 will take place on October 3 – 4 at The Manchester Central Convention Complex.

    Main image credit: Simon Callaghan Photography

    contemporary bathroom in glass and concrete with fittings by grohe

    GROHE sponsors Water Research Prize 2021 at World Architecture Festival

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    GROHE sponsors Water Research Prize 2021 at World Architecture Festival

    Continuing to champion sustainability through technology and design, GROHE is proud to award the annual Water Research Prize to projects aimed at finding creative solutions for water in urban environments…

    contemporary bathroom in glass and concrete with fittings by grohe

    Supporting architects and designers around the world in creating healthier urban landscapes during and beyond the pandemic, GROHE is proud to be the main sponsor of the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2021, a role taken on by the brand since the inception of the festival in 2008. As a founding partner, and a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, the company represents the unique role water plays for the design discipline, and helps shape innovative architectural visions and solutions around the element of water. During the challenging times of the past few years, GROHE has continued to support the architectural community by sponsoring this year’s WAF and the Water Research Prize 2021.

    Greener, cleaner cities.
    Now more than ever, ecological concerns regarding city planning, biodiversity and sustainability, demand the overall need to create healthier, safer surroundings. That is why this year’s festival theme is focused around “Resetting the City“. As concepts for sourcing clean energy, reducing pollution, and clean water supplies are now directly impacted by the effects of the pandemic, they are becoming the centre of urban planning strategies across the globe, and have also become the focus of this year’s festival. As a highlight of this year’s festival, architects from all over the world come together to compete with one another to win “The World Building of the Year”, an award which will be unveiled by GROHE on Friday 3rd December as the festival‘s grand finale.

    Inspired by nature – a win to fight global water scarcity.
    GROHE’s annual Water Research Prize is aimed at projects who are finding creative solutions for water in urban environments. This year’s award goes to Techlab laboratory and its “Aquasorbant Façade“. Inspired by the Namib desert beetle, the research team designed a façade using honeycomb-like modules which absorb and use moisture in the air to reach indoor thermal comfort. Designed with peaks and troughs on their surface the modules help retain water molecules from the air. The collected water will be stored in vertical tanks embedded in the façade on every storey. By adjusting the modules according to the optimal rainfall angle of every region, collecting water from both humidity and rainfall conditions will be possible in all climates around the world. The judging panel was delighted by this unique solution which tackles water scarcity around the globe.

    “This innovative project tackles water scarcity and I particularly loved the inspiration directly taken from nature,” said Stefan Schmied, Leader, Business Unit Projects, LIXIL EMENA.

    grohe awards water research prize 2021

    Image credit: GROHE / WAF

    The Water Research Prize has been part of World Architecture Festival since 2017, when the WAF X Manifesto was first published. The manifesto identified the most important challenges for architects within the next ten years, including water in relation to the urban environment. With this year’s festival focussing on the improvement of the quality of life in urban areas through greener, healthier infrastructures, the close connection to water is particularly striking. By sponsoring the award, GROHE has been supporting research in the field of unique architectural challenges around water for the past four years and is proud to continue doing so at this year’s festival.

    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.

    Main image credit: GROHE

    Roundtable - Franklite

    Virtual roundtable: Innovation in hotel lighting design

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Virtual roundtable: Innovation in hotel lighting design

    With the aim to identify how hotel lighting is evolving in the international hotel design arena, Hotel Designs, in association with Franklite, invites leading interior designers and lighting experts to partake in its next virtual roundtable. From savvy product design to advanced technology – and even the idea of vitamin D lighting solutions – how is lighting in hotels taking centre stage? Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…

    Roundtable - Franklite

    Lighting, especially in the parameters of hotel design, is not a tool. Instead it is an art form, which requires sensitive approach. Often an extension of the interior design scheme – and sometimes the thread that brings the whole scheme together – the lighting design in many hotels that are emerging on the scene in 2021 is breaking boundaries by adding theatre into areas of hospitality that otherwise would be look and feel cold.

    When identifying when and how lighting in hotels evolved from practical to experimental, the answer seems to be collaboration; when it became the norm on large projects for interior designers to appoint a lighting designer, not only to elevate the ambiance but also to be the vital source of knowledge when it comes to concept turning into reality.

    To understand innovation in lighting in today’s arena, myself and the team at Franklite pulled together some industry experts for our next virtual roundtable.

    Meet the panel:

    Hamish Kilburn: What are the major innovations that you have seen emerge recently?

    Michael Curry: LED technology is a huge innovation that we are dealing with. I have been with DPA now for 22 years, and I am of an age that I believe is quite fortunate; I recall older technology and understood at the time why we used those. Things were clunky, functional but not slick. I think the pre-consumption with lighting design is that it is subjective. Actually, a lot of the time, there is a right and wrong way of doing things.

    I’ll be honest, we were really sceptical of LED when it first emerged on our radar. It wasn’t until five years ago when we really started to find good products that were almost the same as halogen in terms of warmth and intelligence. In addition, there’s warm, dim and tuneable whites to consider, which allows the user to personalise the lighting scheme. As a result of this, lighting controls have become almost essential in hotels. However, now there’s a large conversation around lighting automation – not only to benefit the usability of the space but also to save energy – that is very exciting and so important not waste power.

    We are also looking at retrofit LED, in terms of decorative lighting but also to converse power while also adding quality to lighting schemes.

    decorative neon lighting in manchester YOTEL

    Image credit: YOTEL

    Sam Hall: We are actually currently working on a refurbishment in London that was originally completed 15 years ago, and one of the main comments that came back was that the lighting level was just too cold. Now, we can go back in and create far more atmosphere. What’s great about the lighting scheme inside this project is that you don’t notice it – this, to me, is a sign that the lighting has been really considered; it enhances the space and becomes the unsung hero.

    At the moment, we are putting a lot of emphasis on sustainability, which to me too often feels like a buzzword. For me, it needs to now also be about longevity.

    Ariane Steinbeck: Having a lighting designer on board at the beginning of a project is awesome, but internationally that is usually lagging behind, because people don’t understand the painstaking research that the lighting designer has done and you fall into the risk of a contractor coming in and wanting to just get on with the project, substitute things and really damage all that work in early concept stages. There needs to be a wider and greater understanding of the role of the lighting designer.

    Gary Marshall: Clients are now asking about lighting a lot more than they used to, because they are beginning to see the value of good lighting. I think three or four years ago there was more expectation on the interior designer to be able to design the lighting. Innovation comes into it because thanks to technology advancing there is a lot more choice on the market, and with the interior designer and lighting consultant working in harmony the results can be extraordinary. For me, that’s really positive because it’s understanding the value of lighting, which we have always known but I don’t think that was the case from clients. I think that there has been a real mood change.

    HK: Why has it taken this long, do you think, for clients to understand these roles?

    GM: My view is that clients are given more choice. Take a hotel corridor for example, you can create completely different effects, using lighting, with what a designer specifies.

    MC: Gary, you’re right. It’s exposure and experience. We work on a lot of residential projects as well as hotels. I have noticed in the last 10 years that the managers and head of operations are actually from the design industry and appreciate good design. Quite a lot of the operators, these days, now ask for a lighting consultant to be part of the team.

    SH: Technology has become more affordable, and picked up by consumer brands. Good lighting is now more accessible in everyday life. When that happens, it puts pressure on the industry to keep up and stay ahead.

    Image caption: Junior suite inside Belmond Cadogan Hotel, designed by GA Group. | Image credit: Belmond

    Image caption: Junior suite inside Belmond Cadogan Hotel, designed by GA Group. | Image credit: Belmond

    HK: How important is lighting when defining some of these lifestyle brands that are emerging on the international hotel design scene?

    MC: Sam mentioned ‘unsung heroes’ and I completely agree. A lot of time, the lighting product itself is out of sight but we make the interior look spectacular. In terms of branding and signage, you can make the lighting and the products look appropriate for that brand.  We as lighting consultants, tend to interfere when needed in order to ensure all areas of the lighting looks exceptional, which I think really amplifies brands’ look and feel as a quality hospitality establishment.

    AS: Lighting is such an integral part of the overall design. In my 30 year career in the industry, even ‘lower end’ brands will insist on a lighting designer, not only for looks but also for the economy that good lighting can bring to a company’s bottom line. I see a much greater integration between interior design and lighting disciplines. And I think some of the more sophisticated clients insists on doing things that are intuitive yet simple to operate. With everything, the more simple and more stripped away the experience is, the harder you have to work to ensure that it works behind the scenes.

    GM: From a brand point of view, brands across all sectors are battling to get closer to their customer. If you take away the functionality of a brand, it becomes all about emotions, values and that in itself becomes more sensory. Some would argue that there is nothing more sensory than lighting.

    HK: Are travel trends dictating the way in which you light a space?

    MC: I suppose they are. Take the Instagram moment for example, and having to change moods within spaces. We are working on a project at the moment in Moscow where this is a big draw for the client, in order to, as Gary was saying, reinforce the brand. It comes down to comfort.

    SH: I think it depends on the brand, to be honest. On a younger brand, the lighting has more presence. A few years ago we did the W in Shang-hi and the lighting is the artwork. Whereas if we were working on a hotel in a heritage building, then it becomes more subtle. Equally there are hotels that use lighting to enhance wellness and the consumer journey – so yes, lighting is absolutely changing as a result of travel trends and modern traveller demands.

    HK: Gary, I wanted to highlight one of your projects, Middle Eight, where you created an immersive, modern suite that had no windows, therefore lacking natural lighting. Talk us through how you designed these areas to become the hotel’s premium suites… 

    GM: We broke all the rules with that location. More often than not the most expensive suites are located at the top of the hotel in order to create privacy but also to utilise views. We were repositioning the hotel from a run-of-the mill hotel in London into a luxury/lifestyle hotel. We decided to take what were the meeting rooms on the first floor, which had a light-well on the ceilings in the centre of the room. We were able to punch roof lights in and we wrapped the living spaces around this interior courtyard, if you like.

    To ensure we achieved a premium lighting scheme in these premium suites, we ensured that guests could change the lighting setting through the means of very simple controls.

    HK: What would you say at the major pitfalls to avoid when creating lighting schemes?

    SH: When you are working internationally, it’s very difficult to ensure everyone has the same intent, and that’s where good communication and strong relationships come in.

    AS: For me, one manufacturer’s lighting element is not the same as another manufacturer’s lighting elements. They may look the same in image, but unless you touch the elements you really can’t tell whether it’s a quality product. Because everyone is so connected now, you can’t tell if a product element is ‘equivalent’ to another product without touching it.

    Mark Lissauer: That’s a great point. We have lots of distributers around the world, and a year and a half ago we decided to open our own office in the Middle East. Whilst all the designs are specified in the UK, our connection to our distributers were losing when it came to going to site. Now, with this investment, we are able to streamline the process.

    HK: Another area Franklite has invested in is its research and development with its own testing equipment on site. Perhaps you can tell us more about that…

    ML: Michael was saying earlier reducing from 40 watts per square metre to 20 watts per square metre. With the photometer, we can give all the circuit wattages for that. Hopefully, this enables us to prove how our USPs in products are benefiting the overall look and feel of design schemes. We have just invested in this marvellous machine that looks at flicker, the flickers that are subliminal that could be impacting the quality of guests’ wellbeing.

    HK: Let’s end by talking about Brexit. Has this resulted in designers being more aware of British manufacturers?

    SH: Unfortunately not! There is a change from the project team. We are working on a number of projects in mainland Europe where they are wanting us to specify products from mainland Europe, which is great from an eco-perspective, but it does mean that we have to be more knowledgeable when it comes down to what certain brands can do and what their strengths are – and not trying to do something that’s not natural for that area. It is causing issues, and the general speed of sampling is also very difficult.

    Equally, we have UK projects that are really championing only looking at manufacturers in the UK, which has been really refreshing to find even artisan manufacturers. That, for us, has been a game changer because it impacts every project.

    GM: The gestation period of a hotel project is so long, we are just getting to the point now where it becomes more of an issue. I envision it becoming more of an issue and I am anticipation that situation.

    RPW Design designed The Capital Suite

    Image caption: The Capital Suite inside InterContinental London Park Lane, designed by RPW Design (Ariane Steinbeck). | Image credit: Will Pryce

    HK: What else in lighting has inspired you recently?

    AS: I want to know why we can’t incorporate that healthy spectrum of vitamin D to counter the deficit of natural light we don’t get during the winter,

    I want know, especially in northern hemisphere where there is a deficit of sunlight in the winter months, why can’t we, with our sophisticated tech, launch a product that incorporates a healthy spectrum of what we need for our skin to produce vitamin D during these months.

    MC: We have heard about this. It was a little while back a bit of a buzzword and idea, but it is just how we get that design into a scheme. The whole conversation around circadian rhythm is very interesting and we should always be thinking about it.

    ML: We have just launched our L11 Tuneable White Light engine, which gives the user much more control – and we are absolutely now looking at replicating the health qualities of natural light.

    Franklite, which won Best in British Product Design at The Brit List Awards 2021,  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: Unsplash

    white bed linen and natural decor in guestroom at hilton mallorca galatzo

    Hilton plans new resort hotel for Mallorca

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Hilton plans new resort hotel for Mallorca

    Following hot on the heels of recent openings in Madrid and Barcelona, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to roll out stunning new developments in Spain with the announcement of its plans for the Hilton Mallorca Galatzo in 2022. Here’s what we know…

    white bed linen and natural decor in guestroom at hilton mallorca galatzo

    Hilton Hotels & Resorts has confirmed plans to open a new hotel under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, on Mallorca’s pristine Costa de la Calma. The news follows the signing of a management agreement with Galatzo Inversiones, S.L., with The Hilton Mallorca Galatzo set to open in summer 2022 on the Balearic Islands West Coast.

    The 208-key Hilton Mallorca Galatzo, is the latest hotel to join Hilton’s growing pipeline of properties in Spain, which has seen three hotels open this year alone, and includes 23 hotels under nine brands trading or under development in 16 destinations across the country.

    “Following recent announcements in Crete, Rijeka, Santorini and Sardinia, Hilton Mallorca Galatzo is the latest in a string of spectacular resort hotels planned in the Mediterranean,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “As one of the most popular holiday destinations for European travellers, Mallorca is an ideal location for an international brand like Hilton Hotels & Resorts and we are pleased to partner with Galatzo Inversiones, S.L. to open this hotel next year.”

    monochrome palette and soft surfaces in guestsuite at hilton mallorca galatzo hotel

    Image credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

    Set out more than 54,000 square-meters of perfectly presented gardens, the hotel will boast three swimming pools and two pool bars, ensuring guests are never far from a cool drink and a dip in the pool to complement the warm Balearic climate. The hotel’s lobby is also set to include a bar leading to an expansive outdoor terrace, and guests will be able to enjoy a variety of culinary options at the resort, including from the hotel’s two distinct dining experiences.

    “We look forward to welcoming guests to the new Hilton Mallorca Galatzo next year, following substantial refurbishments to elevate the property’s interiors and facilities,” said Carlos Martins, Chief Executive Officer of Galatzo Inversiones, S.L. “With our experience of developing resort hotels in Spain, we are excited to partner with Hilton to introduce this stunning resort to the international market.”

    With relaxation and rejuvenation in mind, Hilton Mallorca Galatzo will offer a 1,500-square-metre spa and wellness centre, complete with six treatment rooms and a variety of packages to suit all guests. With a sauna, jacuzzi, sensation showers and more, those looking to recharge themselves will have plenty of options. In addition to these wellness facilities, the hotel offers a fitness centre as well as multiple tennis courts.

    The new hotel will join 16 hotels trading under Hilton brands in Spain, including Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana and Hampton by Hilton Barcelona Fira Gran Via, both of which opened last month.

    > Since you’re here, why not check out more Mediterranean developments by Hilton and The Royal Senses Resort, Curio collection in Crete?

    Main image credit: Hilton Hotel & Resorts

    modern white bathroom showcasing the in-wash nova by roca

    Product watch: In-wash Nova is the latest smart toilet from Roca

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Product watch: In-wash Nova is the latest smart toilet from Roca

    In-wash Nova by Roca is a truly smart shower toilet that innovates in technology, functionality and design at an accessible price point. It provides a ground-breaking solution in personal hygiene and comfort for the hotel design industry…

    modern white bathroom showcasing the in-wash nova by roca

    Roca’s range of innovative smart toilets use the latest technology to ensure maximum personal hygiene with water. The latest addition to the intelligent and stylish range is the In-Wash Nova, which provides complete cleaning, care and comfort. Inspired by Roca’s iconic In-Wash Inspira, the new In-Wash Nova shares the same functionalities. It’s smart features, ease of use and attractive design brings wellbeing to the bathroom and appeals to a wide range of customers.

    Easy and intuitive

    The remote control is quick to set up, and intuitively designed so it can be easily understood and used by everyone. As a compliment to the remote control, In-Wash Nova also features a side panel to regulate the basic cleaning and drying functions in a simple and easy way.

    Total hygiene

    The integrated nozzle cleans itself before and after each use, and the water flowing through it undergoes a filtering process that treats it before being used. The tip of the nozzle is removable, allowing for manual cleaning and disinfection in an easy and hygienic way.

    LED light on wash nova toilet by roca

    Image credit: Roca

    Reliable design

    In-Wash Nova features a presence sensor that blocks the cleaning and drying functions while the seat is free, avoiding its accidental activation. For convenience, the LED light in its side panel can be programmed to stay on for eight hours, to be a guide in the middle of the night.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about Roca’s new touchless tech for hotel bathrooms?

    Roca 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: Roca

    green tiled floor and ceiling in restaurant in hotel galei kinneret

    Inspired by ancient ruins: Hotel Galei Kinneret unveils renovation

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Inspired by ancient ruins: Hotel Galei Kinneret unveils renovation

    London-based design studio Saar Zafrir Design, unveils its latest project, a complete redesign of the previously abandoned Galei Kinneret Hotel, one of Israel’s first luxury hotels…

    green tiled floor and ceiling in restaurant in hotel galei kinneret

    Initially built in 1946, the original Galei Kinneret was one of Israel’s first luxury hotels founded by entrepreneur Lotte Eisenberg, and was inspired by a trip to the magnificent Villa d’Este Hotel in Lake Como.

    When Saar Zafrir Design was appointed to fully redesign the uninhabited hotel, the design studio drew inspiration from the ancient ruins discovered onsite and reworked the charm of Eisenberg’s vision into a seamless design concept that blends the hotel into the natural landscape. The result is one of the most highly anticipated new openings on Israel’s hospitality scene.

    outdoor restaurant with natural wicker lampshades on the edge of the sea of galilee

    Image credit: Galei Kinneret / Amit Geron

    Designer Saar Zafrir has drawn on these historical references to determine the narrative of the hotel, which celebrates the property’s long-standing history. Presenting a clean, white structure, the hotel’s façade has been kept very much the same. Meanwhile, the interior of the hotel has been transformed into a calm oasis that directs guests seamlessly towards the still waters and spectacular views across the Sea of Galilee. Emanating a sophisticated and serene atmosphere, the remodelled hotel features a neutral colour palette and the use of natural materials that complement the hotel’s natural surroundings.

    “The area has been lacking in attention for some while, but with the relaunch of this iconic hotel, we believe Tiberias will once again become a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists to Israel having set a new standard of hospitality in Northern Israel.” – Designer Saar Zafrir.

    The hotel shelters 123 spectacular guestrooms and suites with outdoor jacuzzis, and each with either a view of the vast mountainous landscape or the Sea of Galilee. Guestrooms feature parquet wood flooring and off-white panelled walls, with a soothing palette of natural and organic tones. The rooms, which have been designed to connect guests with the surrounding landscape, champion the use of natural materials with ample light flooding through large windows, and bathrooms finished in pale, veined marble and gold accents.

    Further facilities include an indoor and outdoor bar, swimming pool, outdoor yoga deck, restaurant, spa, fully equipped gym, private beach and boat, and a synagogue for guest use.

    natural tones and textures in room with seaview at hotel galei kinneret

    Image credit: Galei Kinneret / Amit Geron

    Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by a minimal, open space, which is characterised by three-dimensional graphic stone cladded walls, glossy marble flooring and elegant reception desks finished with marble and wood. The foyer of the hotel was kept intentionally clean and quiet, with the intention of the space to draw guests straight through the property, as a corridor to the Sea of Galilee. The hotel lobby offers a comfortable lounge area with wood panelled walls, parquet flooring and soft linen upholstered sofas with wooden accents.

    sculptural monochromatic reception area in galei kinneret hotel

    Image credit: Galei Kinneret / Amit Geron

    Managing the hotel’s restoration from concept to completion, 90 per cent of the hotel’s fixtures and furnishings have been designed and custom made in-house by Saar Zafrir Design, to perfectly compliment the creative vision.

    “I have such fond memories growing up and spending my summers on the Kinneret that despite not generally working in Israel, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work on a project that carried so much sentimental value to me,” said Zafrir. “The area has been lacking in attention for some while, but with the relaunch of this iconic hotel, we believe Tiberias will once again become a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists to Israel having set a new standard of hospitality in Northern Israel.”

    understated entrance from hotel into restaurant at galei kinneret

    Image credit: Galei Kinneret / Amit Geron

    Through a smooth, cohesive wooden walkway, guests are led from the hotel lobby into the restaurant “Lotte”, named after Eisenberg herself. Presenting a menu honouring Lotte’s European roots merged with the flavours of Jerusalem, Michelin star awarded chef Asaf Granit (of Shabour and Balagan in Paris, Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem and The Palomar and Coal Office in London) is the mastermind behind this new culinary concept that captures the spirit of the original founder. Committed to working only with local farmers and suppliers, Lotte restaurant is a celebration of Israel’s delicious, fresh, and abundant produce grown between the Galilee Mountains and Golan Heights, with a menu offering dishes of fish, meat and fresh garden flavours. An interpretation of what Zafrir saw in the chef’s work, the space is vibrantly refined, with organic tones and the use of natural materials featuring parquet wood flooring, wood and rattan fixtures and floral upholstered accents that decorate the space. The main design features are the large archways covered in ceramic tiles in different shades of green, that climb up the walls and across the ceiling like leaves that gently disperse towards the glass wall leading out to the hotel’s private beach.

    Overlooking the hotel’s private beach is an outdoor restaurant, sun lounger-lined swimming pool and cosy outdoor bar for guests to unwind at the water’s edge. Grounding the hotel to its historic roots, works by Israeli sculptor Yuval Lufen that manifest the archaeological remains found on the site have been implanted beneath the glass-bottomed swimming pool, with the original ruins currently preserved by the Antiquities Authority in Israel. At the foot of the pool, guests are invited to enjoy a drink and shelter from the sun beneath a huge tree-like structure by artist Gilad Keinan. The inspiration for creating this aluminium tree came from Zafrir’s experience at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, resulting in an exceptional monument that combines both design with practicality – the sprawling leaves that overstretch the circular bar offer much needed shade from the blazing heat during the summer months.

    Main image credit: Galei Kinneret / Amit Geron

    Beach and pool at koh samui resort SAii Koh Samui Bophut

    S Hotels & Resorts opens new resort on Koh Samui

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    S Hotels & Resorts opens new resort on Koh Samui

    Just opened: SAii Koh Samui Bophut is an elegant low-rise, upscale resort planning to cater for those travellers wanting to stay in style, while soaking up the authentic essence of island of Koh Samui…

    Beach and pool at koh samui resort SAii Koh Samui Bophut

    S Hotels & Resorts is embarking on a new era of free-spirited hospitality on Thailand’s ‘Coconut Island’ of Koh Samui with the opening of SAii Koh Samui Bophut. The stylish low-rise sanctuary is nestled on Hanuman Bay, a secluded 300-metre long stretch of sand on Samui’s pristine northeast shore. Surrounded by lush foliage and coconut palms, with spectacular granite headlands that jut out into the sparkling sea, the elegant, eco-sensitive resort allows guests to unwind and escape the outside world.

    SAii, from the Thai word for ‘sand’ or ‘pathway’, is an upscale lifestyle concept that plans to attract a new generation of experience-seeking guests. With private pools in every suite or villa and an array of engaging guest experiences, the resort was designed with couples and families in mind.

    “SAii has captured our customers’ imaginations since it was first unveiled,” said Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts. “This fun and free-spirited lifestyle brand intuitively caters to a new generation of travellers who are curious and want to explore their destination, but on their own terms. With its spectacular seafront setting, stunning pool suites and villas, fantastic facilities, exceptional activities and deep environmental ethos, SAii Koh Samui Bophut will be an outstanding addition to our lifestyle collection.”

    Hotel suite on koh samui featuring natural materials all with sea view

    Image credit: S Hotels and Resorts

    The resort is made up of a collection of spacious, standalone Plunge Pool Suites, One Bedroom Pool Villas and Beachfront Plunge Pool Suites. All showcase garden or sea views and come fully equipped with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, separate living areas and bedrooms, spa-inspired bathrooms, premium amenities and fast connectivity and Wi-Fi. Exclusive to the SAii brand are ‘creature comfort’ pillows, as well as personalised organic bathroom amenities from the unique M.I.Y Aroma Lab. The SAii App allows visitors to personalise every aspect of their vacation, with the ability to make requests, chat with resort’s team, book excursions, order room service and more, straight from their smartphone.

    SAii Koh Samui Bophut is the fourth member of the SAii portfolio worldwide, joining SAii Lagoon Maldives, SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village. SAii Resorts will be the driving forces behind S Hotels & Resorts’ future expansion, as a forward-thinking Thai company strives to create a collection of hotels and resorts that reflect the vibrant spirit of their destination.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about the eco gem, The Tongsai, on Soh Samui?

    Main image credit: S Hotels & Resorts

    the sky bar at hotel la tour with panoramic views over milton keynes

    Hotel La Tour to open in Milton Keynes

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    1
    Hotel La Tour to open in Milton Keynes

    Dedicated to enhancing and supporting the development of the town, economically and environmentally, with its modern build emphasising sustainability from the ground-up Hotel La Tour is set to open in its doors in April 2022…

    the sky bar at hotel la tour with panoramic views over milton keynes

    With planning permission secured in 2018, Hotel La Tour is finally gearing up to opening its doors. Conveniently located in the heart of Milton Keynes Central, the impressive mirror steel clad property, designed by PHP Architects, will feature 261 guestrooms, more than 1000 square metres of flexible events space, a gym and a 14th floor restaurant and sky bar offering the highest viewpoint in the county. Hotel La Tour Milton Keynes will also boast a glass lift providing a unique visual experience of Campbell Park and beyond, as guests travel to the top floor. A 30m high, LED-lit stainless steel sun design circle, created to align with the sun on the longest day of the year, will dominate the east-facing façade whilst a large sculpture, entitled Cycloidal Form by the artist Keith McCarter, will be placed adjacent to the canopy entrance.

    floor to ceiling windows in restaurant with views over milton keynes at hotel la tour

    Image credit: Hotel La Tour

    “We are incredibly excited to open Hotel La Tour in Milton Keynes,” said Mark Stuart, Managing Director, Hotel La Tour. “Our aim is to deliver best in class, providing visitors, locals and hotel guests with a unique perspective of Milton Keynes and world-class amenities. Encapsulating the town’s aspiration to be better by design, we have worked hard to create an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable building that delivers on luxury as well as functionality. We are committed to supporting the growth of Milton Keynes’ economy and this investment demonstrates our confidence in its strength.”

    The four-star hotel’s 261 luxury guestrooms and suites will all feature floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting views over Milton Keynes Central or Campbell Park, as well as in-room technology such as Ultra HD TVs, Ultra-fast WIFI and 24-hour room service. On the fourteenth-floor is a destination skyline bar and restaurant with 360-degree panoramic vistas over Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. The elegant 180 cover all-day contemporary British restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with all dishes using seasonal, British sourced produce. The bar offering includes expertly made classic and contemporary cocktails, fine wines and champagnes, and locally sourced brews.

    The first floor of the hotel is dedicated to conferences and events with nine high-tech rooms all flooded with natural light whilst a dedicated and fully licensed wedding space includes access to a private outdoor terrace. Other facilities include a state-of-the-art gym equipped with the latest WaterRower & NOHrD branded equipment.

    Hotel La Tour is dedicated to enhancing and supporting the development of the town centre, economically and environmentally, with its modern build emphasising sustainability from the ground-up and the creation of 180 local jobs. The striking property is set to become the first building to meet the Exceptional Developments policy in the Central Milton Keynes Alliance Plan, and to achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating for sustainability.

    Main image credit: Hotel La Tour

    contemprary bathroom and freestanding bath with seaview

    2022 bathroom trends from RAK Ceramics

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    2022 bathroom trends from RAK Ceramics

    As the freedom to travel returns and guests leave home to enjoy a long-awaited hotel break, how can you ensure that expectations are realised in terms of comfort, relaxation and the pure indulgence that so many of us have craved since the start of the pandemic? Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director of RAK Ceramics, explores the 2022 bathroom trends to keep an eye out for….

    contemprary bathroom and freestanding bath with seaview

    While we’ve all been staying at home that little bit more than we may have liked, the budget that would normally have been spent on hotel breaks and travelling has been invested a little closer to home too. Research by insurance company confused.com found that Brits spent £34,000 renovating their homes, on average, during lockdown, with 94 per cent of them choosing to upgrade their bathroom.

    “If the domestic bathroom is now very much seen as a space to escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life, where does that leave the hotel bathroom, and where can designers go to for inspiration?” – Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director, RAK Ceramics.

    As we look ahead to 2022, there is hope that the travelling bug will return for many, as restrictions around the world cautiously ease. But while this may mean homeowners spend less time in their own bathrooms and more of it in your hotel, it also means that expectations of what makes for a comfortable, if not luxurious, hotel bathroom will also have been raised another bar higher. If the domestic bathroom is now very much seen as a space to escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life, where does that leave the hotel bathroom, and where can designers go to for inspiration?

    A sensible place to start would be the domestic bathroom itself. By taking a look at the trends now being seen in this market, hotel designers can ensure their own spaces are more than up to scratch. As we continue to live with the pandemic in 2022, the heightened awareness of good hygiene is likely to remain a priority for travellers. Just as we have seen in the domestic setting over the last 18 months, ease of cleaning and anti-bacterial surfaces have really come to the fore, and this is one of the key ways that hotels will be able to entice their guests back to staying with them.

    Hygiene in the bathroom

    Touchless flushing on WCs, for instance, encourages users to flush in a hygienic way, while the absence of awkward levers or buttons to press makes the hotel bathroom that little bit more accessible to all too. In terms of ease of cleaning, rimless WCs are a dream, while anti-bacterial coatings raise the stakes even further in terms of hygiene in the bathroom, acting as an invisible barrier to harmful germs and bacteria. Special glazes applied during manufacture see these off, with no need for lots of chemicals and copious amounts of cleaning products. A regular wipe down with a soft damp cloth is all that is required, reducing the need for lots of downtime for deep cleaning and maintenance reasons.

    Bathroom style trends

    From a style viewpoint too, for a long time, the focus for sanitaryware in the bathroom has been starkly white, but things are changing, with soft pastels and muted shades increasingly being seen in bathroom collections. Less clinical than an all-white bathroom, these pops of colour can be scaled up or down to meet individual tastes. Colour doesn’t need to mean bold and bright, and in this instance the trend takes a far subtler approach, with nature-inspired tones that serve to add character while creating a relaxed and tranquil vibe.

    Shower power

    Creating a spa-like feel is going to be very important to guests who want to feel pampered and to finish their hotel visit feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. This is made possible with the inclusion of a contemporary, walk-in, wet-room style shower area. Shower trays with a very low profile create a feeling of space in the bathroom as the floor area is opened out and access much easier. For baths, think painted exteriors, freestanding tubs offset from other fixtures to make a statement and baths with slim rims.

    Compact bathroom solutions

    Not every hotel bathroom will be blessed with a huge amount of space, but just like in the domestic setting, small doesn’t have to mean boring in any sense of the word, with sanitaryware and furniture designed specifically for small spaces being key here – reduced projection, slim profiles and plenty of storage are in order.

    All of these trends together help create a luxurious and practical hotel bathroom experience that will not just impress guests, but will have them booking a return visit too.

    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.

    Main image credit: RAK Ceramics

    santa in a moss green suit by leaflike

    Leaflike turns Santa green at Hilton Birmingham Metropole

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Leaflike turns Santa green at Hilton Birmingham Metropole

    Leaflike has swapped Santa’s traditional red suit for an on-trend moss-green alternative, and it’s attracting quite a lot of attention…

    santa in a moss green suit by leaflike

    Hot off the heels of its eye-catching display at The Brit List Awards 2021, as Decorative Partner, Leaflike has just unveiled yet another green-fingered installation as part of a spectacular festive display.

    Each year, Leaflike creates seasonal showstoppers and festive floral displays, and this year is no exception as its creative ‘Green Santa’ display is stealing the show at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole. Creating a festive focal point in the lobby, its also becoming the most photographed Santa in town!

    “The best thing about this Christmas scene is creating something different by design,” said Brandon Abernethie, Head of Design, Leaflike. “Watching the vision become a reality and most importantly making it a successful installation for the customer, ultimately enhancing the arrival experience for their guests and seeing the magic unfold when the public react by taking photos!”

    Made from reused wooden reels, and then covered in live planting, the tree itself is sustainable and can be recycled and repurposed once the festive season is merely a memory. All this, together with a little Christmas magic and Santa in his environmentally friendly green moss suit, makes for the perfect green Christmas photo opportunity.

    > Since you’re here, why not check out the biophilic design, created by Leaflike, inside Pan Pacific London?

    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.

    Main image credit: Leaflike

    Contemporary black tap design petit square lifestyle by RAk

    Product watch: Petit square & round taps by RAK Ceramics

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Product watch: Petit square & round taps by RAK Ceramics

    Guaranteeing that the brassware will be a centrepiece of the bathroom, these new collections from RAK Ceramics, are elegantly modern…

    Contemporary black tap design petit square lifestyle by RAk

    With options available to cover all situations, from standard and tall basin mixers, to wall-mounted and floorstanding bath mixers and a comprehensive range of shower brassware, the collection by RAK enables a cohesive look to be effortlessly achieved.

    With two styles to choose from, RAK-Petit Round has a smooth, curved shape, while RAK-Petit Square follows geometric lines. Whichever style is preferred there are a variety of finishes to select from too, all tapping into the latest trends in bathroom design. Choose from Polished Chrome, Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel, Matt Black and Black Chrome.

    > Since you’re here, why not read RAK Ceramic’s article on its latest innovative surfaces?

    RAK 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: RAK

    Suite inside LEVEN Manchester with freestanding bath in front of window with red exposed brick walls

    ‘First in’ to review LEVEN in Manchester

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    ‘First in’ to review LEVEN in Manchester

    In the heart of Manchester, LEVEN, brought to you by the innovators at Wellbrook Hospitality, has opened its glass door. Editor Hamish Kilburn was ‘first in’ to review the luxury/lifestyle brand’s debut hotel…

    Suite inside LEVEN Manchester with freestanding bath in front of window with red exposed brick walls

    For some time now, the David-and-Goliath narrative between Manchester and London has been an exciting battle to watch. London, a giant in size as well as spirit, is unequivocally the epicentre of the UK hotel design and hospitality scene. But it is not alone. Small yet mighty and effortlessly dominating the Northern hotel landscape, Manchester’s compact city centre is an incubator of vibrant innovation and pure style; home to lifestyle and fashion brands that unapologetically break the mold. It therefore confidently squares up to many major hotel design hotspots around the globe (seriously, ignore development in the city at your peril).

    Within the hive of new development that is simply bursting out at the seams is LEVEN, the new hospitality brand that has arrived with a bright and infectious personality.

    Taking on the challenge to achieve meaningful luxury/lifestyle hospitality in the heart of Manchester required individuals who were able to navigate the lifestyle sector and pinpoint valuable opportunities. Cue the arrival of Timothy Griffin, PJ Kenny and Shanthan Balakrishnan, the Founders of Wellbrook Hospitality who prior to this accumulated 20 years’ experience between them as senior leaders at Ennismore.

    “We saw an opportunity  to enter a space that is dominated by staid-legacy thinking,” said Griffin. “Challenging the status quo, thinking differently, and bringing a fresh dynamic approach are all key components of our DNA. Wellbrook Hospitality is also unusual in that we are one of the only independent operators that not only create new brands, but manage all technical, design  and pre-opening services along with operating under flexible HMA terms.”

    Meet the designer and developer behind LEVEN, Tim Griffin, who appeared recently on our podcast, DESIGN POD:

    LEVEN Manchester, the brand’s debut hotel located on the corner of the infamous Canal Street, is where the brand’s narrative begins to create a conscious, community-driven series of spaces that speak the local language.

    “It’s like LEVEN gatecrashed the party, deliberately ignored the dress code and brought its own booze.” – Hamish Kilburn, editor, Hotel Designs.

    From the outside, the property’s striking red bricks and characterful Crittal windows reflect the same style as many other building’s in Manchester: original, untouched and charmingly rustic.

    Exterior of LEVEN Manchester

    Image credit: Mariell Lind Hansen

    But inside, the 42-key hotel is equipped and designed for modern travellers, and includes contemporary co-working, co-living, on-trend retail space and a yet-to-open food and beverage experience.

    Immediately upon entry, the scene is set as a laid-back lifestyle hotel. The cosy lobby is adorned with emerald green scalloped tiles, blackened steel ceiling-height units and statement lighting, which creates a dramatic entrance. The space feels home-from-home level of intimate, with faux fur throws draped over miss-matched furniture and a gallery wall of abstract art that makes guests stop to exhale and admire with a tilted head.

    As far as ‘the brand’ goes, it’s like LEVEN gatecrashed the party, deliberately ignored the dress code and brought its own booze. And talking of dress codes, in one corner of the lobby, the retail concept allows the brand to further flex its muscles with the slogan ‘work life’ taking on a whole new meaning, which is imprinted in the various on-trend merchandise available, including jumpers, socks and drinks containers. Adjacent to this is the modest check-in area and café, which is aptly subtle, allowing for the friendly nature of the staff the opportunity to ensure guests’ experience from the start is one that is warm and memorable.

    The hotel’s 42 guestrooms and suites are spread over eight floors, and comprise of four thoughtfully designed accommodation types: ‘Life Size’ (standard guestroom), ‘Living Space’ (one-bedroom suite), ‘Living Large’ (one-bedroom duplex Penthouse suite), and ‘Living The Dream’ (two-bedroom duplex Penthouse suite).

    Suite with white bed, exposed brick and bath, inside LEVEN Manchester

    Image credit: Mariell Lind Hansen

    Although each room and suite is designed to be different, together they share the same design language with oak parquet or timber floors, bespoke furniture and quirky ‘do not disturb’ signs. As well as being a pioneering hotelier – that, nobody is questioning – Griffen is also an exceptional interior designer. Inside the hotel he took the historic roots and industrial bones of the building, and masterfully married them together with sleek interior touches and intuitive design solutions. Here, the devil is in the detail. For example, the rooms, which feel lifted and airy with plenty of natural light flooding in, feature by-folding wardrobes that open to reveal a simple yet clever mirror that slides across the piece of furniture.

    “We wanted the interior design to be consistent with the pillars of the LEVEN brand,” added Griffin. “Leven means ‘live’, so we crafted spaces that would feel not only stylish and sophisticated, but warm, relaxed and homely.”

    In the Life Size and Living Space rooms, soft greys and blues are offset by rich green velvet, leather and black marble furnishings. The duplex Penthouses – sheltered in a seamless extension on the top floors of the building – have a calming neutral colour palette throughout and upper-level bedrooms that are accessed by whimsical, wooden spiral staircases.

    “We selected calming colours throughout, paid attention to the tactility of fabrics and materials using natural woods and stones to complement the industrial fabric of the early 20th century warehouse,” added Griffin. “We played around with the idea of using graphic paint lines in the corridors, however settled on floor to ceiling wooden panels painted in a charming Farrow & Ball Card Room Green juxtaposed with an industrial mesh ceiling.

    The beds, with natural fibre mattresses from Naturalmat, feature padded leather headboard paired with black metal frames. The artwork, deliberately positioned on the left hand side of each guestroom to avoid unsightly symmetry. From black-and-white images of the city to an upside-down poem and the odd dog in between, the art curation raises questions. “It’s all been curated by Tim, and there’s no real theme with these pieces” said Kris Doyle, General Manager, LEVEN Manchester. “He just knows what he likes and can capture what works.”

    The bathrooms, meanwhile, complete with anti-steam mirrors and industrial-style grey concrete tiles, have been designed to be minimalistic wet rooms. They include quality brands, such as Hansgrohe showers (hand shower and overhead shower), Roca basins, GROHE flush plates and Duravit toilets. Creating a cohesive design tone between bathroom and bedroom – all while taking the wellness outside the bathroom – the ‘Living Space’ suites also feature deep free-standing baths from Porcelanosa.

    Entering a new territory in the luxury/lifestyle sector, LEVEN has unquestionably arrived, and in doing so it has set the tone for lifestyle hospitality to transform and adjust its settings yet again.

    So what’s next for Wellbrook Hospitality, and the LEVEN brand? “We are in advanced discussions for our second and third sites in the UK and Europe,” said Griffin. “Along with Branco Capital we are looking at New York – a favourite city of mine after living there for over a decade.”

    And with that, I bid farewell to Manchester – a city that will forever inspire me to push boundaries and ask questions – with the knowledge that when I return, whenever that may be, LEVEN will have established itself as the trend-setting, gatecrashing friend in the industry who we all want to socialise with.

    Main image credit: Heiko Prigge

    blue and white bedroom with seaview in tel aviv hotel David Kempinski

    The David Kempinski Tel Aviv to arrive in February 2022

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    The David Kempinski Tel Aviv to arrive in February 2022

    Kempinski Hotels has announced the long-anticipated opening of The David Kempinski Tel Aviv, the luxury hospitality brand’s 80th global opening and its first property in Israel. Let’s a take a look inside… 

    blue and white bedroom with seaview in tel aviv hotel David Kempinski

    In 2022, Kempinski Hotels is set to bring 125 years of five-star European hospitality to Tel Aviv. Housed in the latest skyscraper (built by Feigin Architects) to appear on the city’s Mediterranean Sea promenade, the 250-key property is set to open to guests as soon as February, following quickly on from the opening of Israel’s international borders to tourism. Centrally located across the street from the seaside boardwalk and promenade – and within walking distance to the city’s wonderful outdoor food markets and dynamic urban centre – The David Kempinski Tel Aviv stretches over 34 stories, with interior design spearheaded by Ara Design.

    seaview bedroom at the david kempinski tel aviv

    Image credit: The David Kempinski Tel Aviv

    Unique for an urban resort, each of the 250 guestrooms and suites at The David Kempinski Tel Aviv features views of the Mediterranean Sea, with sliding glass doors that allow guests to soak up the sunshine. One of the highlights of the hotel is the property’s triplex-penthouse suite, the largest of its kind in Tel Aviv, spanning more than 370 square metres, and including a 100 square metre rooftop terrace with an infinity pool melting into the coastline. Guests of the hotel’s top 14 suites will have exclusive access to the 34th floor outdoor lounge that is open during the warm spring, summer and autumn months, and boasts a private rooftop pool, relaxation area with sunbeds and cabanas, and a fully-serviced lounge restaurant and bar. At night, the 34th floor lounge will also transform to Cloud51, a buzzy nightlife experience with cocktails and tapas. Adding to the city’s legendary gastronomic scene, the hotel will feature five dining venues spread across multiple floors of the property, each with their own unique atmosphere and decor. Executive Chef Mor Cohen, a World Luxury Restaurants Award-winner specializing in gourmet Kosher cuisine, will helm the property’s F&B program, including Sereia Restaurant & Lounge, a high-end Kosher fish restaurant with an outstanding selection.

    Set in the heart of the “tayelet” (as Tel Aviv’s boardwalk is locally referred to in Hebrew), The David Kempinski Tel Aviv is steps away from the outdoor sport and water activities the city offers, from paddle boarding and surf lessons, to bike and scooter rentals and rooftop yoga curated by the hotel.

    “Our goal is to create a warm community and become a home base in Tel Aviv for families visiting Israel,” said Guy Klaiman, General Manager, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv. “The David Kempinski Tel Aviv is the new central hub along the beach, combining the finest of a beach vacation and cultural urban experience.”

    marble and wood hotel bathroom in tel aviv David Kempinski

    Image credit: The David Kempinski Tel Aviv

    In addition to the entertainment and culinary offerings, the hotel includes a full-service spa with 11 treatment rooms, a fully-equipped gym, a sauna and a relaxation area. Manicure, pedicure and hair salon appointments can be arranged in-house with the hotel’s team of seasoned professional stylists. The David Kempinski Tel Aviv tower features a state-of-the-art meeting and banquet space that can accommodate up to 500 guests, creating a new venue for destination weddings, large conferences, business meetings, and holiday celebrations.

    Main image credit: The David Kempinski Tel Aviv

    soft furniture and wooden surfaces in locke hotel buckle street

    Locke Hotels opens sixth (and final) hotel in 2021

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Locke Hotels opens sixth (and final) hotel in 2021

    Pioneering lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has opened ‘Buckle Street Studios by Locke’ in Aldgate – its 11th property, and fifth location for the brand in London. We stepped inside for a closer look…

    soft furniture and wooden surfaces in locke hotel buckle street

    Located just minutes away from the City, Tower Bridge and Brick Lane, the newly developed Buckle Street Studios sits adjacent to the first ever Locke – Leman Locke, on Leman Street – in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Spread over 13 storeys, Buckle Street Studios comprises 103 contemporary studio apartments, a concept store, co-working area, ‘Shaman’ coffee shop and meeting room. The new addition to the Locke portfolio breaks with brand convention, with a hybrid room mix that includes 87 compact apartments featuring cleverly designed kitchens and living areas, as well as 16 new hotel-style rooms – primed for short stay guests.

    “The project is another masterstroke in design by Grzywinski+Pons, and an example of how hotels as spaces are evolving to become increasingly hybrid and versatile.” – Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director, Locke.

    bedroom design at buckle street studios with grey linen and orange accent

    Image credit: Locke / Nicholas Worley

    Buckle Street Studios will be the first Locke to feature a thoughtfully curated concept store and dedicated Makers Space that will champion emerging designers and artists, most of which are local. The concept store will showcase limited edition items and collectables that blur the lines between art and commodity, including handmade items by custom sneaker designer AfroKickz, ceramicist Ally Powell and artist Dion Kitson. Meanwhile, on the mezzanine floor, guests and locals can take advantage of a contemplative co-working space, which will also host the aparthotel’s evolving cultural programme.

    Designed from the ground-up by Matthew Grzywinski of Grzywinski+Pons – the design visionary behind the first four Locke locations – the building considers the experience of both those staying within the aparthotel as well as passers-by observing the unique exterior.

    industrial hotel facade at buckle street studios

    Image credit: Locke / Nicholas Worley

    The enigmatic social spaces at Buckle Street Studios have been conceptualised to resemble an art gallery meets concept store, with museum-style vitrines encasing the concept store’s coveted curiosities. From its curved furniture and smooth arches to timber walls and neutral colour palette, the lobby has been elegantly curated as a calm, serene space where guests and locals can lounge and work for a few minutes or a few hours.

     

    Grzywinski has continued this approach in the apartments, which combine sophisticated neutral tones and moody lighting with raw concrete and plaster alongside brushed brass glitzy finishes. The distinctive building exterior is defined by a translucent glass crown enclosing the top two floors, which has been consciously designed to resemble a modernist lighthouse – an iconic beacon from which guests can explore East London.

    “Buckle Street Studios is the cherry on top of an exceptionally busy year of new openings across Europe for Locke,” said Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director, Locke. “The project is another masterstroke in design by Grzywinski+Pons, and an example of how hotels as spaces are evolving to become increasingly hybrid and versatile. The concept store and Makers Space is a particularly exciting project for us, and we hope that it will enable guests and locals to discover some of the most talented emerging creatives in the UK.”

    Sitting alongside Leman Locke, the brand’s first opening on Leman Street, Buckle Street Studios will complement the original Locke’s spacious long-stay apartments, providing a perfect base for those commuting into London, or on a weekend city break. Guests will also have access to the social spaces at Leman Locke, which includes a gym, Shaman coffee shop, co-working space and acclaimed vegan destination restaurant, Alter by chef Andy Hogben.

    > Since you’re here, why not check out Beckett Locke Dublin?

    Main image credit: Locke / Nicholas Worley

    Melia Phuket Mai Khao-One_Bedroom_Villa_with_Private_Pool_at Night_

    Meliá announces the opening of Meliá Phuket Mai Khao

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Meliá announces the opening of Meliá Phuket Mai Khao

    Continuing with its rollout of the brand across Thailand, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao opened its doors this month, inviting guests to enjoy some Meliá luxury on Mai Khao’s sandy shores…

    Melia Phuket Mai Khao-One_Bedroom_Villa_with_Private_Pool_at Night_

    Fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand, and close to the beautiful Sirinat National Park, Melia Phuket Mai Khao opened last week on Phuket’s north western coastline. The striking new property features a collection of details and designs all with the aim of creating a relaxing and restorative atmosphere, from saltwater swimming pools, private villa pools and a reflection pond with sunken seating, to water gardens and irrigation misting. Shaded by a broad spectrum of native plants, the resort’s design uses a neutral palette of colours as a complement to Mai Khao’s sandy shore, creating a bright environment where high ceilings, floor-to-roof glass panels, and decorative metal screens blend harmoniously with the surroundings and take full advantage of the natural light.

    “Thailand is an incredible destination which popularity has grown in the last years and we are proud to be collaborating with Phuket Villa Group to increase the visibility of its magnificent locations,” said Magdalena Martorell, General Manager of Meliá Phuket Mai Khao. “Phuket Mai Khao is one of the first resorts in the area and we look forward to welcoming our guests and make them experience an unforgettable service and build a lifetime of memories.”

    The resort’s design showcases a contemporary aesthetic, while maintaining elements of traditional Thai touches. The beachfront property offers sumptuous suites and luxurious wellness-inspired pool villas for both families and couples to experience this tropical setting, while enjoying all the trademark facilities of a Meliá hotel. The modern, light-filled, and spacious mediterranean inspired suites and villas each feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers, and vast outdoor terraces, enabling guests to truly take in the surrounding nature. Guests are invited to relax in private cabanas or plunge pools, whilst those staying in the portfolio of ‘Wellness Villas’ can indulge in an open-air Vitamin C shower, daily massages, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, yoga fit ball and mat, and more.

    The hotel also offers a diverse culinary landscape, and guests will be able to enjoy Mediterranean and fusion cuisine at the chic Gaia Beach Club, where they will be able to sit poolside in cabanas and sun loungers whilst sipping cocktails in comfort. Elegant all-day dining restaurant Sasa specialises in Southeast Asian cuisine with Mediterranean flair, and Elyxr Café serves light meals and snacks, freshly squeezed juices and locally brewed liquors.

    Wellness seekers will be able to take advantage of the resort’s signature YHI Spa, home to five luxurious treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments. Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s modern fitness centre is equipped with the latest fitness machines and the kids club Kidsdom, with workshops for the young guests.

    Yhi Spa decorated in natural materials and organic formsMeliaPhuketMaiKhao-

    Image credit: Melia Hotels and Resorts

    Meliá Hotels and Resorts has positioned itself to cater to every aspect of the guest’s wellbeing, with unique experiences which are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. Along with this focus on wellbeing and high end hospitality, the groups commitment to responsible tourism has led to it earning the accolade of the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020.

    > Since you’re here, why not read more about Meliá Hotels and Resorts’ plans in Indonesia?

    Main image credit: Meliá Hotels and Resorts

    miami roof terrrace with pool at the standard

    Standard Residences set to launch in Miami

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Standard Residences set to launch in Miami

    The Standard and Rosso Development have announced the launch of the brands first residential project which aims to deliver a connected living experience with flexible residences…

    miami roof terrrace with pool at the standard

    To date, The Standard’s ‘anything but Standard’ distinctive lifestyle has only been available at its hotels, but this is all set to change, with Standard International and Rosso Development announcing the launch of The Standard Residences, Midtown Miami. The property is set to be the first of its kind, as it proposes flexible residences that blend culture, community and style with the world class design, amenities and service for which The Standard is known.

    Set to break ground in 2022 with expected completion by mid-2023, the 12-story building will be located in the heart of Midtown, Miami’s most vibrant, walkable neighbourhood, centrally positioned between The Design District and Wynwood. It will feature 228 pied-à-terre-style residences ranging from studios to two bedrooms, all designed and finished with The Standard’s distinctive touch. In true “anything but Standard” fashion, the building will be the first property in the area to recognize the emerging Flexible Living movement, allowing owners to lease out their units for terms as short as one month.

    “For more than twenty years The Standard has tapped into our community’s desire for vibrant social experiences,” said Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard International. “Now we are giving our loyal guests, and fans of what we do from around the world, the opportunity to live The Standard in a way that recognizes how the next generation wants to live. There is no better place to launch The Standard Residences than Miami, which has emerged as one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and just a place we love.”

    The Standard Residences, Midtown Miami has tapped into the industry’s best talent for this debut. The building will be crafted by distinguished architects and designers, including award-winning Arquitectonica and Urban Robot. The building’s façade draws inspiration from the urban enclave’s storied past while connecting with the new energy of the neighbourhood.

    drawing of the facade for The Standard Residences, Midtown Miami

    Image credit: The Standard

    Residences will express the ethos for which The Standard is known, with meticulously designed interiors that provide that balance of style and functionality. Finishes include light wood plank tile flooring, gourmet kitchens with custom Italian cabinetry and Bosch appliances, while oversized bathrooms showcase stone vanities and double-suite rain showers.

    “We endeavoured to curate a distinctive residential experience, infused with the hospitality The Standard brand is known for,” said Giancarlo Pietri, Principal of Urban Robot Associates. “The vibe of the residences is tranquil in tone and texture— meant to evoke a sense of calm and comfort; While the public spaces nestled within are spirited and full of personality.”

    Pale wood and white surfaces in The Standard Residences, Midtown Miami

    Image credit: The Standard

    In step with other Standard properties, residents will enjoy thoughtfully designed social spaces and amenities spanning over 3000 square metres across five floors. The expansive lobby will inspire residents to connect, work and play, with lounge areas and a Café. A lushly landscaped rooftop will create an elevated outdoor experience with a resort-style sunset pool, and signature rooftop restaurant and bar reminiscent of the vibe The Standard has pioneered from LA to New York to London.

    Wellness offerings include a state-of-the-art sweat room and fitness centre, an infrared sauna, an indoor pickleball court, and yoga and stretch studios. A social floor features a karaoke bar and screening room, while co-working spaces include a private boardroom and zoom rooms. A pet spa rounds out The Standard Residences’ anything but standard amenity package. In addition, the ground floor of the property will showcase 1000 square metres of retail boutiques selected by The Standard’s in-house team.

    A dedicated Standard concierge will be available around the clock to assist owners and direct cultural and community programming. Residents will also gain access to The Standard’s “Friends with Benefits” program, which earns them preferred pricing at all The Standard hotel properties around the world.

    > Since you’re here, why not check out our review of The Standard London?

    Main image credit: The Standard

    sleek grohtherm shower thermostat control by grohe

    The new Grohtherm 500 thermostat: The easy upgrade for every bathroom project

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    The new Grohtherm 500 thermostat: The easy upgrade for every bathroom project

    With statistics showing that temperature fluctuations are one of the most frustrating factors in a shower, the dynamic in-house design team at GROHE came up with a solution. Introducing the Grohtherm 500 thermostat…

    sleek grohtherm shower thermostat control by grohe

    A thermostat is a must-have for every well-planned bathroom upgrade. A recently conducted survey into showering behaviour from leading supplier of bathroom solutions, GROHE, and German research institution Explorare, found that 37percent of respondents listed temperature fluctuations as one of the most frustrating factors when showering. With the new Grohtherm 500 thermostat acting as the intelligent heart of the shower, complaints like these can now be a thing of the past as this  latest product by GROHE provides steady temperatures, personal settings, and optimal convenience.

    shower controls for grohtherm500

    Image credit: GROHE

    Thermostats are not a new invention to the shower market – professionals have been working with them for a long time and have witnessed the evolution of the intelligent showering technology and know how it works. One of the key benefits to a thermostat upgrade is safety: thermostats are safe mixers, especially for children and the elderly, as the SafeStop button limits the water temperature and prevents scalding. Additionally, the thermostat comes with a temperature limiter which can be activated during installation, limiting the temperature to 43°C, thereby preventing children or those with additional needs or visual impairments from turning up the temperature accidentally and scalding themselves. This is a huge benefit for multi-generational households and hotels which need to cater to many different user needs and requirements.

    Now that the bathroom is increasingly turning into an oasis of wellbeing, consumers are also looking for solutions that enhance comfort. Thermostatic technology is an ideal solution. Even when multiple water sources are running simultaneously, the thermostat allows users to be in control of the temperature as it balances temperature peaks and prevents cold or hot temperature fluctuations whilst showering. This is one of the major benefits thermostats can offer especially as they continue to be such a pain point for consumers.

    What many consumers do not know is that a shower equipped with a thermostat can also save water. The GROHE Grohtherm thermostats all come with the EcoButton, which is an easy-to-use and effective feature that works to reduce consumption. The EcoButton reduces the water flow, saving up to 50 per cent of water without a noticeable difference for users. Additionally, the thermostat cartridge makes it easy to find the desired temperature. Even if a user likes to turn the water off and on while showering, there is no need to find the right lever position again. With the water temperature remaining at a constant level, the Grohtherm offers water and energy saving in everyday life, which can offer cost savings over the product’s lifecycle.

    The GROHE product portfolio remains as diverse as the customers’ projects are individual, as the brand believes that the key in product development is to provide retailers and installers with the right solutions for all customers. The GROHE product portfolio is designed to meet different requirements regarding both functionality but also budget. While the Grohtherm 500 is the perfect entry-level product in the GROHE thermostat range, the portfolio also includes the sophisticated Grohtherm 1000 Performance which has two additional key features. Integrated with the CoolTouch technology, the thermostat’s body never exceeds the shower temperature, keeping the thermostat exterior cool to touch – again a particularly important feature for multi-generational households or family homes with young children. As water conservation is also playing an increasingly important role for customers in bathroom planning, the Grohtherm 1000 series also features an AquaDimmer with an EcoButton for controlling the hand shower in the bathtub.

    The Grohtherm 500, developed with the well known GROHE brand quality, is the perfect alternative to single-lever mixers, and allows users to try out the benefits of features such as the EcoButton, the SafeStop and the SafeStop Plus features.

    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.

    Main image credit: GROHE

    Hamish Kilburn, Tina Norden, Balkaran Bassan and Vince Stroop on stage at HIX

    HIX panel discussion: Designing hospitality for the ‘WFHotel’ generation

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    HIX panel discussion: Designing hospitality for the ‘WFHotel’ generation

    One of the stand-out moments from HIX 2021 was undoubtedly the installations that were displayed in the Hotel Tomorrow gallery. Designed collaboratively by Conran and Partner, Areen Design and stroop design, the aim was to reflect the coming together of co-working spaces and hotels. Editor Hamish Kilburn, who spent six months following the designers, moderated the panel discussion on the HIX Talks stage that explored every corner of the concept in detail. Pauline Brettell writes…

    Hamish Kilburn, Tina Norden, Balkaran Bassan and Vince Stroop on stage at HIX

    HIX 2021 has been two years in the making – like the entire hospitality industry, the event was subjected to Covid-19 cancellations and delays – but finally, last week saw the experiential trade show in the spotlight at London’s Business Design Centre. True to its manifesto and guiding principles, HIX presented us with not only new products and practical design solutions to marvel over, but it also opened discussion and debate around issues of direction, design and, of course, sustainability.

    The spaces in which this spirit of debate and conversation were most visible, were the two installations, along with the discussions that were taken to the HIX Talks stage as a result.

    The first of these immersive settings was the WFHotel installation, which presented designers with the challenge of re-looking at the hotel as a “new productive, fluid and well workplace”, and all that that means. It was a collaborative installation by the design studios of Areen Design, Conran & Partners, and stroop design. The three hand-selected studios worked together to present us with emerging possibilities. The designers representing the studios,  Balkaran Bassan, Tina Norden and Vince Stoop joined forces with editor Hamish Kilburn on the HIX Talks stage to explain the process and discuss the thoughts and ideas that resulted in the set, and just how the conversation developed into one that hopefully initiated debate and discussion rather than coming up with a formulaic answer or response. “The access we had into these studios was unprecedented,” said Kilburn. “It allowed us to follow the process from concept through to completion, to understand how each area of the installation evolved and mutate over time. “For me, though, the most inspiring element of this project was how it changed from being a competition between three studios to a purposeful collaboration, which really helped enforce this year’s theme of HIX: ‘all together now’.”

    Although the project was a collaborate effort, each designer was able to create their own section within the overall installation. While there is clearly a need to overlap and integrate, the installations and the conversation that followed could be broadly divided into community and function, comfort and cocooning and wellness and nature. “It was inspiring to see how each design studio approached the brief differently,” Kilburn explained. “Conran and Partners injected the energy of community when they decided to launch workshops on their pod on the hour so that the space would transform in time. Meanwhlile, Areen Design created an art installation-style safe cocoon nest that brought down the heart rate. stroop design, very much inspired by its own situation of launching recently with no physical base, was inspired by nature – and unveiled its co-working pod as a walk-in-the-park experience. Outside these three areas, the studios worked together to help set the scene, using visuals and sound as tools for transformation from one area of the show to another.”

    Discussing the question of community and function, Conran & Partners developed an interactive and community based focus to the design question. As explained by Tina Norden, while hotels have clearly always had to design for people, this concept took it a step further, encouraging the people using the space to define it and refine it, according to function and needs. Rather than over designing a space, the circular workspace was stripped back to allow for flexibility – flexibility of space and design being a key them throughout the discussion – to allow the people using the space to use it according to their needs in that moment.

    The theme of wellness was explored by stroop design. Identifying the ‘work from wherever’ fluidity that has emerged out of the pandemic, and combining it with the importance of nature, especially in the urban built environment, was the focus. Stroop spoke about the need to maximise the ‘pockets of nature’ presented to us, along with the importance of nature in our wellbeing and therefore the importance of integrating that into the workplace and in so doing, ensuring a work, wellness balance.

    Becoming a lot more introspective, and really championing the ‘circle of life’ motif that ran through all three installations, Areen Design created a soft and fluid quiet space, a space to cocoon. It was a place for thought, which provided an important counterbalance to the busy communality of the other spaces. Heightened by soft surfaces and lack of colour interference, this space gave a heightened sense of calm, and was a design devoid of unnecessary distraction.

    “Not long after being presented with the brief and exploring initial ideas, the conversation soon developed from one of competition into one of collaboration – and this ethos was a positive note that sounded throughout the discussion.”

    Having identified the differences, it was soon clear in discussion that the overall installation was all about collaboration and commonality. It was a process that, as mentioned by Kilburn, started out as a competition; a call to arms for three design studios to compete and establish who could come up with the best workplace solution. However, not long after being presented with the brief and exploring initial ideas, the conversation soon developed from one of competition into one of teamwork – and this ethos was a positive note that sounded throughout the discussion.

    There was, as already mentioned, a clear theme or key word which emerged out of this discussion; flexibility. The need for flexible spaces and flexible design, to accommodate flexible purpose and mood. Coming out of the pandemic, lines and boundaries have been blurred as our personal spaces have had to be more multi-functional. We are now projecting those experiences onto what we want from public and hospitality spaces, specifically when it comes to design requirements around our co-working space. All three designers discussed at length the need for the need for that concept of flexibility to be applied to the design process as much as to the design itself. People have had to find the ‘space’ at home for work, play and wellness, and now expect hotels to deliver the same. A successful co-working space is about more than providing a socket to charge your phone, people are demanding a place that allows them to be creative, to work, to be responsive.

    Tina Norden, Balkaran Bassan and Vince Stroop on stage at HIX

    Image caption: Balkaran Bassan, Tina Norden and Vince Stroop were on the HIX Talks stage last week, explaining how their WFHotel concepts developed. Image credit: HIX

    Another key theme of this discussion was that, along with the spirit of partnership, there developed an understanding of what we have in common rather than differences, so while on the surface the studios offered three very different design solutions, there was, as discussed by Tina Norden, Conran and Partners, “the red thread that ran through the designs”. The points the installations had in common were as important as their differences, and in fact ideally, aspects of all were required for a successful WFHotel space. The singularity of purpose, that red thread, strengthened the individual designs as they all presented us with different aspects of that flexible new space.

    All three designs brought something different into the mix and highlighted the different elements that are required when we are looking critically at hotel design for tomorrow, a tomorrow which is rapidly becoming today. As with a lot of subjects, the questions around co-working spaces and design requirements where already happening before society got locked down, but Covid-19 and the ensuing shifts in society have accelerated this discussion. The WFHotels installation can therefore be seen as a starting point, and possibly even a challenge to start thinking more critically. As Bassan, succinctly put it, these installations should be seen as “conceptual thought bubbles,” that float into other conversations rather than a prescriptive solution.

    The entire installation was described by stroop design as a “palette cleanser” from the main exhibition hall – it was a place to decompress after the hard sell of the main event where people where visually vying for space. In this space it was palpably quieter, and a lot calmer. There was a sense of community and common purpose, yet within that there remained space for so many different threads to be followed and discussions to be had.

    If it was about creating an experience, then the circle of life swathed in fabric by Areen Design certainly did that, and as you walked into and quietly took time to explore the folds of fabric, you were confronted with the words of Haruki Murakami; “you won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm is all about”

    The storm isn’t over, and the world is certainly not the same, but the conversation about what that means for the industry is certainly taking place as we try and work out exactly what the storm is all about. Hopefully, we are able to take back the narrative, and ensure that with some conscious and considered design we can somehow  charge the conversation with an increased positivity and energy.

    And the suppliers…

    The designers have expressed their sincere gratitude to the companies that and people who helped them throughout this process (and in some instances at very last minute) to achieve each their visual goals. Below is a nod to those brands; the often forgotten or at the very least, under-amplified, manufacturers that are vital part of the puzzle.

    Conran and Partners: Alt Collective, Table Place Chairs, Matter of Stuff, Foresso, Fredericia, Carl Hansen & Son, Double Decker, Tomoko Kakita, Muuto
    Areen Design: Alt Collective, Table Place Chairs, The Romo Group, Villa Nova, Latham Timber
    stroop design: Technogym London, Elite Wallcovering by Article, Leaflike, Gubi, Ligne Roset, Astro Lighting, Romo Fabrics, Solid Surfaces, The Alt Collective, The Sunbeam Group

    Main image credit: HIX

    Exterior of Amada Colossos Resort

    Amada Colossos Resort – large in size, made personal by design

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Amada Colossos Resort – large in size, made personal by design

    To understand whether or not a hotel on a ‘colossos’ scale can still create a boutique look and feel, editor Hamish Kilburn travelled to the Greek island of Rhodes – known as the Island of Sun – to check in to the 699-key Amada Colossos Resort…

    Exterior of Amada Colossos Resort

    The most eastern Greek island – just 12 miles from Turkey, which can be seen vividly from the Old Town – Rhodes has become famous among tourists for its medieval city, which is twice the size of Dubrovnik; fascinating architecture; stone-paved alleys and beautiful, untouched natural landscape.

    In recent years, due to its easy accessibility from the UK and wider Europe, the island has become somewhat of a tourism hotspot. In 2018, it was reported by Statista that Rhodes had 49,451 hotel rooms, the second largest reported figure among the Greek islands that year.

    Among them is the beachfront Amada Colossos Resort, where, on the eastern coast, early risers during the small hours of the morning can capture the moment the Mediterranean Sea meets a bubble-gum pink sky as the sun starts to emerge on the edge of the horizon – a much welcome change of scenery from the craggy, grey autumn I left behind in England.

    Since 1980, when the hotel first emerged as a 408-key hotel, it has evolved into several new chapters thanks to a series of renovations. Nothing, though, was quite as impressive or dramatic as than the €50m reconstruction and redevelopment project in 2017, which was implemented by architecture studio F. & K. KYDONIATIS & PARTNERS and completed in 2018.

    Exterior image of Amada Colossos Resort

    Image credit: Amada Colossos Resort

    Aris Soulounias, Colossos SA CEO, a veteran and experienced hotelier, had the vision to create a resort that would offer, through a spectrum of locally inspired and meticulously selected details, a ‘modern philosophy of luxurious seafront holiday’; an irresistible combination of five-star living and authentic Greek hospitality.

    Landscaped to blend into its natural setting, the hotel now shelters no less than 699 guestrooms (varying from 17 styles), all decorated in natural materials with a contemporary twist. To cater for the number of guests, the hotel features 16 bars and restaurants that are dotted throughout the resort, a 140-metre outdoor pool and even its own water park. The challenge, therefore, for the wide team at F. & K. KYDONIATIS & PARTNERS was to maintain a cohesive design narrative throughout – and this required a sensitive yet personal approach.

    Inside one of the 32 sea-view suites, guests enter to a sense of calm, which, in one of the 12 Sea-View Executive Suites, is enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling balcony doors that frame an enchanted vista of endless sea, which is complimented by the colour scheme that includes punches of turquoise and blue.

    Guestroom with handmade headboard inside Amada Colossos Resort - Sea View Executive Suite_2

    Image credit: Amada Colossos Resort

    Clever use of cove lighting aptly elevates the space, while also blurring any potential hard boundaries. Blended together with natural materials, such as a handcrafted wooden headboard from Bali and walls that have been painted with a modern lime wash effect to create a natural tone and texture, the suite feels earthy yet spacious, complete with a contemporary walk-in wardrobe, framed with LED strip lighting, a large living area, a luxurious bedroom and a balcony that stretches the entire width of the suite.

    The bathroom, meanwhile, complete with Ideal Standard taps and shower fittings, is beyond simply a practical space. A large window, with panel-controlled blinds, allows natural light and a cohesive design style to flood into the space, as well as opening up yet another opportunity for guests to soak in the unmatched view of the sea below. “The first question was how to bring water into the building,” architect Konstantinos Kydoniatis tells Hotel Designs. “We opened up the bathrooms to give a feeling of more space and tried to orientate everything towards the sea. When visitors arrive, they will understand that they have come very close to the sea. That you can see the sea from many parts of the resort. That you can touch it.”

    Bathroom inside Amada Colossos Resort Sea View Family Room (With sliding doors)

    Image credit: Amada Colossos Resort

    It would be easy with a hotel as large as Amada Colossos Resort for its design language to be muted or overshadowed by its size. However, like many answers in design, the solution came in the form of art. Throughout the hotel, guests will notice abstract sculptures and art pieces that reflect the property’s sense of location. Taking the art narrative deeper, I am told that in fact all the art sheltered within the building had been commissioned by Ms. Roula Soulounia, who was instrumental in the interior design process and the selection of the artworks adorning Elite Collections Suites and Villas as well as resort’s premises.

    Sustainability fit to scale

    Don’t let the hotel’s size fool you Despite its scale, the Amada Colossos’ commitment to sustainability is refreshing. Going much further than simply banning plastic straws – although the hotel has taken the liberty to introduce 450,000 pasta straws – decisions such as installing energy-efficient windowpanes, heat-recovery chillers to reduce energy costs of air conditioning units, prove that the hotel is, from its foundations, a non-greenwashing, sustainable core.

    In addition, the outside walls have been fitted with an external thermal insulation composite system and all interior walls have been painted with European Eco-Label paints. The hotel also used 40,000 metres of energy-saving LED tape around the premises (just another 295 metres and it would have completed a marathon). Around the resort, a total of 14,000 low-energy LED bulbs have been fitted, and by introducing reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technology, not only is the tap water in rooms and common areas drinkable, but guests save 450g of CO2 emissions (equivalent to six km of driving) by consuming their three-litre daily water quota.

    Outside, the landscaping has been done with local Mediterranean plants, minimising irrigation needs.

    Sunrise image of pool at Amada Colossus in Rhodes

    Image credit: Amada Colossos Resort

    As an added touch, screens in the lifts reference these sustainable milestones, which ensure the message around conscious hospitality is being heard loud and clearly, without it feeling too forced.

    The real power of F&B 

    And now we come to the real answer on how a large hotel can indeed still shelter an apt boutique look and feel. The power of F&B has long been explored in the arena of hospitality, but nowhere can it set different scenes than in a large resort, and often it is the make or break moment of whether a hotel will cater for modern demand travellers. In charge of the main restaurant as well as three á-la-carte restaurants (Greek, Italian and Asian) is Executive Chef Konstantinos Vasileious, who along with his committed team ensure that the hotel’s extensive menus hit the notes, which they do precisely in every dish.

    The three á-la-carte restaurants are positioned next to each other, but could not be more different in their design. The Greek restaurant appropriately feels more like a Greek house than a hospitality establishment, with authentic artwork and ceilings made from used crates. The Italian restaurant, meanwhile, features a beautiful tiled floor and orb-like lighting with matt black and wooden furniture to reflect a contemporary image. Lastly, the Asian restaurant has been designed with a sharp eye to feature Asian-inspired lighting that plays on different textures.

    Asian-inspired F&B outlet in hotel in Rhodes

    Image credit: Amada Colossos Resort

    If trends are to be believed, with travellers expected to journey deeper and for longer in the future, hotels such as Amada Colossos Resort have the ability, flexibility and space to offer something for almost everyone. As I check out – turning over my shoulder to capture the postcard-perfect view one last time – I feel confident to conclude that the owners and management team behind this hotel work tirelessly and effectively, through design as well as service, to ensure that each guest’s experience is unique, comfortable and memorable – you don’t get much more boutique than that.

    Main image credit: Amada Colossos Resort

    natural tones and textures of curtains with dragon fly trim from samuel and sons

    Samuel and Sons’ new collections continue the tradition of crafted trimmings

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Samuel and Sons’ new collections continue the tradition of crafted trimmings

    Samuel & Sons has long been a coveted source for the finest quality trimmings. The brand’s new designs, Metamorphosis and Illuminée, continue the tradition inspired by craft… 

    natural tones and textures of curtains with dragon fly trim from samuel and sons

    Family-owned for more than 75 years, Samuel & Sons is built on quality of craftsmanship and dedication to design. The brand has long been a source for tassels, borders, braids, gimp, fringes and more – for both residential and contract interiors.

    The dedicated hospitality division caters for any scale contract interior design project. The list of prestigious hotel groups that shelter the brand’s designs includes Four Seasons, St. Regis, Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas and Macau, and MGM. With its wealth of experience, Samuel & Sons Hospitality Division has become an essential resource for today’s hospitality and contract design professionals. bathroom.

    The new Metamorphosis collection, designed by Lori Weitzner for Samuel & Sons, is an impassioned celebration of the smallest of creatures and how they live in our natural world. Whimsical, colourful and multi-dimensional, they have been the artist’s muse for centuries, and are now proving to be the inspiration for a refreshing and stylishly nuanced collection of passementerie.

    Adding an instant layer of texture and delight, the collection includes delicate, stylised dragonflies, beaded, embroidered glitter-like insects and honeycomb motifs, which add a touch of whimsy and sophistication. These are combined with more abstract interpretations that evoke sea spray or the pleat within an ethereal and graceful butterfly’s wings. Silky finishes, finely woven yarns, metallic beads, embroidered knots and faux suede appliqué and glass beads all bring each detail to life.

    natural linen curtain with edging detail in Illuminee by samuel and sons

    Image credit: Samuel and Sons

    Organically inspired botanical border Illuminée, features undulating palms of leaves, which are illuminated through a vivid ombre of colours. This new addition to the collection, combines the delicate leaf patterning with a palette of earthy tones, and enables Illuminée to bring the outdoors in and infuse interiors with elements of nature. The Illuminée Border processes lyricism and great movement created by its pattern of interwoven palms of curved leaves, which are in turn brought to life with a radiate spectrum of multiple colours, whereas the 3.5” version of the Illuminée Border’s pattern is non-directional and the border itself completely reversible, making this an extremely versatile pattern and doubling the number of colour variations. On the face, the leaves are illustrated in full colour cascading over a neutral ground.

    The palette is inspired by luminous colours found in nature from the aqua of the sea and sand, autumn burnished shades of olive, gold and terracotta, the iridescence of magical creatures’ wings with celadon, aqua, teal and topaz, sunset hues of blues, teals, and vivid carnelian red to the darkest navy and transitions to the golden glow of starlight.

    > Since you’re here, why not read more about Samuel and Sons?

    Samuel and Sons 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: Samuel and Sons

    rounded couch in contemporary london apartment for living rooms collection

    Living Rooms adds Marylebone Lane to its collection

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Living Rooms adds Marylebone Lane to its collection

    The latest addition to Living Rooms is situated in the chic neighbourhood of Marylebone. The seven new design-led apartments have been created with urban travellers in mind, as Pauline Brettell discovers when taking a closer look inside…

    rounded couch in contemporary london apartment for living rooms collection

    Living Rooms has become a leader in creative alternatives to the traditional hotel with its unique collection of design led residences. Since our last comfortable visit to one of the brand’s apartments, things have changed. And by ‘things’ we mean design schemes.

    The latest addition to the family is a collection of seven contemporary apartments, located at 74-78 Marylebone Lane, all offering a charming haven just moments from the boutiques of Marylebone High Street, and minutes from the hustle and bustle of London’s West End.

    curved couch in contemporary london marylebone apartment

    Image credit: Living Rooms

    Its seven apartments are all boutique in feeling with a contemporary aesthetic, and have been designed in collaboration with Tom Bartlett of Waldo Works. The apartments consist of three one-bedroom apartments, three two-bedroom apartments, and one three-bedroom apartment with an outdoor terrace. All have the additional Living Rooms features, which include a dedicated concierge service, high-speed broadband to ensure a seamless working from home option, and of course, pets are welcome.

    “I think the future of travel is people will travel less – taking our time and staying in one place longer,” said Tracy Lowy, Founder of Living Rooms. “Throughout the pandemic our apartment business remained strong and we noticed more and more guests wanting privacy and space. Now that we have emerged from lockdown and international travel has become easier, we are noticing many business travel enquiries filter through from the Americas and Europe. Many British families are also choosing to stay with us because our apartments are spacious and offer concierge facilities that make planning each stay comfortable and easy for our guests.”

    In terms of design, Bartlett developed an interior scheme in a warm palette of cashmere, wine, raspberry and teal. Furniture shapes across the bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms are soft and curved, leaving the interiors feeling modern, but characterful and residential – and most furnishings are British made, having been manufactured in the UK. Laura Bartlett Studio have also curated a collection of artworks for Marylebone Lane with an emphasis on mid-century work on paper; drawings, dry point, lithographs and etchings with feature pieces from contemporary Danish artist, Rune Elmegaard.

    For city hoppers keen to explore the local culture, Living Rooms redefines the traditional boutique experience, offering the unique and authentic, no matter the length of the stay. Each property is as much about the local community, as it is about feeling at home. It is all about enabling guests to live like a Londoner in fashionable surroundings, combining the whatever-you-need spoiling of a hotel, with everything needed to make a home-away-from-home. Over the years, Living Rooms’ core business has stemmed from the worlds of fashion, film, art and design, and the brand also hosts regular fashion trunk shows and pop-ups across all properties; recent collaborators have included Catheryn Collins with I Pezzi Dipinti and Jane Pickering Sweethearts of the Rodeo.

    white interior with colourful cushions and wooden dining table in london marylebone

    Image credit: Living Rooms

    Aparthotels, residences and extended stay hotels, by virtue of offering self-contained accommodation, are all in line to take a greater share of leisure travel. According to Expedia Group, recent reports state that travellers are opting for non-hotel accommodation and rentals, and are staying longer. The Living Rooms growing portfolio is testimony to this trend. The spacious apartments, ideal for families, business travellers, Londoners as well as international leisure travellers, are meant for living in – a place where guests can relax, entertain, cocoon, play and make themselves completely at home in the luxury of their own space and privacy.

    Main image credit: Living Rooms

    clear blue caribbean water at beach resort rosewood le guanhani st barth's

    Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth relaunches

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth relaunches

    This quintessential island resort has relaunched under the Rosewood flag following a four year redesign. We stepped onto the island to see what happens when French elegance meets Caribbean exuberance…

    clear blue caribbean water at beach resort rosewood le guanhani st barth's

    Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth, one of the island’s most highly anticipated havens of laidback luxury, has relaunched, joining Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ iconic Caribbean collection. Seen as the ultimate expression of French joie de vivre, infused with the lively and vibrant character of the Caribbean, the resort has been an icon of hospitality since it originally opened in 1986, remaining one of the world’s most discerning island escapes up until its closure in 2017. Having since undergone a comprehensive reimagination that preserves its unique spirit, while infusing contemporary amenities and design details, as well as Rosewood’s illustrious style of service and guiding A Sense of Place philosophy, the property is poised to reaffirm itself as the destination of choice for new and legacy guests alike.

    caribbean style architecture in yellow and white at le guanahan rosewood st barthi

    Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

    Now, as it reopens with new amenities and experiences ranging from the innovative culinary concept Beach House St. Barth, to the immersive and educational children’s club Rosewood Explorers, to the locally inspired Sense, A Rosewood Spa, the property embarks on its next chapter, encouraging a refreshed appetite among guests to explore all St. Barth has to offer.

    “It’s an honour to officially unveil Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth, a beacon of refined yet relaxed beach living that undoubtedly ushers in a new era of luxury to the island,” said Martein van Wagenberg, Managing Director of Rosewood Le Guanahani. “Years in the making, the refreshed resort reflects the very best in design, service and setting, which together create an idyllic environment that is both aspirational and familiar. We’re thrilled to welcome guests at long last to experience the indescribable energy and allure of the property and the island at large.”

    aerial picture of caribbean beach lagoon at le guanahani rosewood st barth

    Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

    The island of St. Barth has long been considered one of the most coveted vacation destinations among the world’s most chic and affluent travellers. Influenced by its deeply layered history, St Barth’s predominantly French culture informs every detail of the island experience, from the local language, to its world-class restaurants and shops, to the sophisticated yet vibrant energy that runs through it all. Named in tribute to the island’s culture – “guanahani” means “welcome” in the destination’s native Arawak language – the Rosewood Le Guanahani has been a mainstay of local hospitality since it opened almost 40 years ago.

    Drawing inspiration from its pristine setting, rich with French flair and the festive spirit of the Caribbean, the architecture and design of Rosewood Le Guanahani was taken on by David M Schwartz Architects and Luis Pons Design Lab. From the accommodations to the dining areas to the spa, each space has been carefully conceived to immerse guests in the local culture and style while simultaneously making them feel as if they are at home. The abundant natural beauty of the island is highlighted through smart design details that subtly direct attention to the surrounding environment, and indigenous crafts and artisanship are incorporated at every turn. Vibrant design hues of turquoise, inspired by the island’s waters; yellow, reflecting the tropical sun; and, lavender as a nod to the South of France, add pops of colour and character throughout the property. The palette is complemented by refined and modern interiors filled with natural sunlight along with exclusive furnishings designed by Luis Pons. Guestrooms, for example, feature pieces reminiscent of the vintage luggage chests used by explorers on their journeys.

    In keeping with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy, wherein the local sensibilities of the destination inspire the resort’s many offerings, Rosewood Le Guanahani’s 66 expertly appointed accommodations reflect the unique history, heritage and style of the French Caribbean. Designed as residential, freestanding spaces showcasing colourful exteriors with either ocean or garden views, the 29 guestrooms, 27 suites and ten signature suites provide the utmost in privacy to facilitate total relaxation.

    In addition to a refreshed sense of style and inspired enhancements, each guestroom, suite and signature suite features its own private outdoor space ranging from covered verandas, open-air sun decks and dedicated dining alcoves. Twenty further offer all new private swimming pools, creating an entirely private oasis. New developments also include a selection of the resort’s signature suites. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, these special suites are ideal for families and groups of friends, special occasions or simply a more elevated stay. Highlights are the Marechal Suite, situated at the heart of the resort and overlooking the Anse Marechal and Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoons; the Bougainvillea Suite, offering plentiful outdoor gathering spaces including a wet bar, private outdoor pool and covered terrace, all nestled in an enchanting garden oasis; and the Lagoon Suite, with direct access to the beach just yards away.

    white wooden caribbean verandah with rocking chair at rosewood st barths

    Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

    Serving as the social hub of the resort and heart of Rosewood Le Guanahani’s new culinary concept is Beach House St. Barth, a brand new facility that invites travellers on an immersive, multi-sensory journey that draws inspiration from the island’s French and Caribbean influences. Helmed by Executive Chef Riccardo Schievano and Beverage Manager Bob Louison, Beach House and its accompanying Bar Mélangé showcase local and regional traditions in food and beverage to foster a deepened connection with the destination’s distinctive heritage. Occupying a newly built, open-air enclave, Beach House delivers an array of unique dining experiences, each of which offers breathtaking views of the neighbouring Grand Cul-de-Sac and Marechal lagoons to further connect travellers with the enviable island locale. Taking inspiration from the way in which one would dine when visiting the private home of a friend or family member, Beach House is comprised of separate spaces that welcome guests for the different mealtimes, dependent on the time of day. Ranging from an ocean facing restaurant to a sophisticated cocktail lounge, each area emanates the new luxury resort’s French-Caribbean spirit through thoughtful design details, such as hand-painted wall coverings, woven panels, sheer draperies, mahogany wood and marbled stone. Guests are also offered a range of private dining options, from a carefully curated picnic lunch to a family-style supper on the beach.

    In keeping with the rest of the resort, the unique identity of St. Barth informs the holistic experience on offer at Rosewood Le Guanahani’s new Sense, A Rosewood Spa which is the largest dedicated wellness facility on the island. Located between the beach and the hillside, the new Sense Spa further incorporates the island ethos and, natural surroundings in its design for a uniquely immersive journey from start to finish. Its treatments and therapies has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the island’s rich bounties and highlight the property’s overall commitment to living in harmony with its environment.  The Sense Spa allows guests nurture the mind, body and soul and thereby achieve an elevated level of wellness from every angle.

    A full-service resort, Rosewood Le Guanahani offers an unparalleled selection of guest activities, amenities and services rooted in the signature spirit of the destination. Guests may spend the day swimming or sunbathing at the resort’s main pool or fully serviced beach, which comes complete with food and beverage offerings from the Beach House. Complimentary non-motorized watersports on property include kayaking, paddle-boarding and snorkelling, while land lovers can enjoy a nature hike across the resort’s gorgeous grounds. For beyond-the-resort island exploration, the property’s dedicated Clefs d’Or Concierge is on offer to provide expert assistance in planning meaningful and immersive adventures. Younger guests are invited to embark on their own adventures at Rosewood Explorers, the resort’s forward-thinking children’s club concept that combines entertainment with education for an impactful experience. Housed in an indoor-outdoor space set directly adjacent to the beach, and featuring a custom mosaic mural by local artist Veronique Vandernoot, the program offers a variety of locally inspired activities that aim to cultivate children’s creativity, cultural appreciation and social responsibility through adventure. Highlights include cooking and gardening classes, arts and crafts sessions and lessons on the local wildlife.

    The ultimate setting for unforgettable events and meetings, Rosewood Le Guanahani offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for both small and large groups to come together. Set against coconut groves and ocean waves, the property’s two beaches present the perfect place for a one-of-a-kind celebration. With a dedicated events team available to facilitate tailor-made experiences, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

    Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manage a portfolio of 27 luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 16 countries, with 25 new properties under development. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities.

    Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts /Jacob Termanson

    Ocean Drive Madrid hotel with pool and roof terrace in the heart of madrid

    OD Hotels set to open its first hotel in Madrid

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    OD Hotels set to open its first hotel in Madrid

    Ocean Drive Madrid, a new design led boutique hotel under the OD Hotels brand, will be opening right in the heart of Spains capital city in February 2022, allowing guests to truly connect to the location. Pauline Brettell steps off the Plaza, and into the lobby to have a closer look…

    Ocean Drive Madrid hotel with pool and roof terrace in the heart of madrid

    Ocean Drive Madrid, like its sister hotels under the OD Hotels brand in Ibiza, Mallorca, and Barcelona, strives to truly connect its guests to the location they are staying in. Situated in Plaza de Isabel II, in front of the Opera Palace, and only a few steps from the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, means guests are in the heart of the action in Spain’s capital city, and just a short walk from the well-known neighbourhoods of La Latina, Huertas, Los Austrias, Malasaña or Chueca.

    mediterranean colours with blue accents in hotel lobby at Ocean Drive Madrid

    Image credit: OD Hotels

    Contemporary design, elegant architecture and a Mediterranean colour palette are present throughout the hotel’s 72 guestrooms. This style continues in the airy and bright reception area, the lobby bar, and the lively restaurant with its garden terrace, where natural materials and design-focused furniture bring the social space, for both guests and locals, to life. Each OD Hotel has its own OD Sky Bar, and Madrid is no exception, with a swimming pool and terrace where guests can sip cocktails and admire the city views.

    roof terrace with pool at ocean drive madrid

    Image credit: OD Hotels

    The hotel’s sensitive design has been created by the architectural studio of Victor Rahola and interior designer Mayte Matutes. This design is also complemented by the most advanced and sustainable technology drawing on bioclimatic measures to achieve the maximum reduction in energy demand. As a result of this combination of design and technology, the hotel was recognised in the Re-Think 2019 awards as the best project in sustainability and hotel rehabilitation in Spain.

    Guests will love retreating from the city to the contemporary bedrooms, which feature full-height windows, Bower & Wilkins speakers, design classics like the Eames LCW chair, a desk, and some have their own balconies. A selection of rooms also have unique features like a record player with vinyl records, a photo printer, and a beer tap. Those choosing a corner Deluxe room, will also delight in the in-suite Taschen library for design and culture-inspired reading.

    A knowledgeable concierge team will ensure the best experience in the city, connecting guests with the top places to eat, drink, shop and discover. The city is also brought into the hotel with OD’s own events, which are popular with locals and guests alike, and make it a vibrant place to be all year round. Choices like Burger Meets Gin, is a regular afterwork event with delicious burgers, premium Gin & Tonics and music from DJs or live performances; Hello Sundays! with its vinyl market and workshops; or Painting & Wine, which sees painting courses with local artists accompanied by a glass of wine. Ocean Drive Madrid will also offer spaces for co-working for guests and locals.

    Drawing on their experience of hosting their own events, Ocean Drive Madrid is well equipped to arrange a wide range of private events, from large corporate launches to intimate dinners. The combination of multipurpose spaces, personalised service, technology and an ethos of always saying ‘Yes’ makes for a very successful private event.

    Ocean Drive Madrid is part of the OD Hotels group, which owns six hotels in the most significant and attractive areas in the Mediterranean – Ibiza (Ocean Drive Ibiza, Ocean Drive Talamanca and Can Jaume by Ocean Drive), Mallorca (Ocean Drive Port Portals) and Barcelona (Ocean Drive Barcelona); Madrid (Ocean Drive Madrid), and an international opening is planned soon for the French Côte d’Azur (Saint Tropez).

    Main image credit: OD Hotels

    couches and cushions at the gucci suite at the london savoy hotel

    Inside The Royal Suite by Gucci at Savoy London

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Inside The Royal Suite by Gucci at Savoy London

    With The House of Gucci making cinematic waves this week – “Father, son and House of Gucci” – we thought we would take a look at another fashion-meets-design story that is being showcased artfully in the newly designed Royal Suite at London’s Savoy Hotel. Pauline Brettell and editor Hamish Kilburn take a look inside…

    couches and cushions at the gucci suite at the london savoy hotel

    The Savoy Hotel and Gucci have a shared history, which, although it might not have started on an equal footing, has become intertwined over the decades – and has in recent weeks has turned a new chapter. The iconic address on The Strand, which stands today as London’s first ever luxury hotel has collaborated with the fashion house. The collision of the two iconic brands in the hotel’s Royal Suite is as much a statement as it is a meeting between design and fashion. And, it goes without saying, the suite’s new decor is a fitting tribute to the centenary year of the Gucci fashion house – much more than simply a PR stunt in order to promote the upcoming House of Gucci film.

    The narrative here began when Guccio Gucci, Founder of Gucci, started his working life as a young man as a porter at the Savoy. His time spent there exposed him to the tastes and demands of the luxury traveller in the early 20th century, and as such was the start of his story, providing him with the impetus and inspiration he needed to start his own luxury leather good production on his return home to Italy.

    antique four poster bed in the royal suite by gucci at the savoy hotel

    Image credit: London Savoy

    This shared history and inspiration is now being celebrated with the unveiling of The Royal Suite by Gucci – both brands are unsurpassed for the quality and attention to detail that is apparent throughout the design and decoration of the suite. In addition, the attention to detail has been extended to include curated experiences for guests and customers.

    “I’m so delighted that The Savoy is partnering with Gucci in such a creative way in the fashion house’s centenary year,” said Franck Arnold, Managing Director at The Savoy, who was recently profiled in The Brit List 2021 as one of the UK’s most influential hoteliers. “It’s wonderful to bring alive our shared history to contemporary audiences, and we’re excited to unveil a transformed Royal Suite, as well as providing guests with charming experiences and exceptional service that befit two brands with such global renown.”

    The starting point for this particular collaboration was first seen earlier this year in April, when Gucci chose to reveal its new Aria Collection at a private screening at the Savoy. The collection was seen to include nods to the hotel and its role in shaping the fashion brand.

    The next step in this partnership has seen the Royal Suite at The Savoy being transformed to reflect the world of Gucci, sensitively using furniture and decorative items from the Gucci Décor Collection. The collaboration was then taken a step further with the addition of carefully curated art and antiquities from Christies to complement both the Savoy experience and the Gucci aesthetic. Both the furniture and decoration from the Gucci collection, and the art and antiques from Christies, are available for guests to purchase, making the suite a personalised and possibly one of the most luxurious, shopping experiences.

    As we celebrate a moment in both brands’ history, we can’t help feel reminded of the power of reinvention within the luxury hospitality industry. And, arguably, there is no finer example of a hotel that has continued to transform with the aim to meet new demands from modern travellers while also staying robustly true and respectful to a storied history that can never be rewritten. The world waits in anticipation for the pages of this hotel’s endless narrative to turn once more.

    Main image credit: London Savoy

    rooftop bar in manhatten at the hard rock hotel

    Hard Rock Hotel New York prepares to take centre stage

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Hard Rock Hotel New York prepares to take centre stage

    The highly anticipated Hard Rock New York is going up in the heart of Midtown Manhatten, and is on track to debut in April 2022 – we thought we would take a closer look at what is set to be this iconic brand’s new flagship…

    rooftop bar in manhatten at the hard rock hotel

    Gracing the iconic skyline of 159 West 48th Street, just steps from Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Centre, Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue shopping, Hard Rock Hotel New York is nearing completion. With its official debut set for April 2022, the ‘entertainment destination’ aims to honour the legacy of Music Row as the iconic brand’s new flagship hotel.

    hard rock hotel new york lobby with blue and yellow chairs

    Image credit: Hard Rock Hotels

    “This is a monumental moment for Hard Rock International and a true milestone in our journey to elevate our lifestyle hotels portfolio,” said Dale Hipsh, Senior Vice President of Hotels, Hard Rock International. “New York City is the culture capital of the world, and as a brand, we have been eagerly anticipating the right opportunity to bring our entertainment-infused hospitality experience to this market. Hard Rock Hotel New York creates the perfect home base for exploring the city’s most exciting attractions, but what’s more, are the curated experiences for guests and locals that only we can offer through one-of-a-kind partnerships and collaborations with legendary artists, performers and musicians.”

    The hotel will feature 446 exquisitely designed guestrooms and specialty suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the city’s vibrant energy. Sitting on the 34th floor is the jewel of the hotel, the Rock Star Suite, a bi-level glass-enclosed penthouse with expansive city views, original contemporary artwork, bespoke music memorabilia, and one of the largest terraces for entertaining in New York City.

    To spearhead the property’s interior design, Hard Rock Hotels enlisted the services of award-winning design firm Jeffrey Beers International to bring a music-infused vision to life, accented by legendary memorabilia honouring musicians from and inspired by New York City. Notable displays will include a classic leather motorcycle jacket owned and worn by Joey Ramone; a pair of silver patent leather boots worn by Lady Gaga; a record player with built-in microphone and cutting lathe for making direct-to-disc recordings from Les Paul; and handwritten lyrics for John Lennon’s 1972 ode to his adopted home, ‘New York City’.

    hard rock hotel new york lobby contemporary design with blue accents and music memorabilia

    Image credit: Hard Rock Hotels

    Uniquely situated between the Theatre District and Radio City Music Hall, Hard Rock Hotel New York will offer a backstage pass to the city’s historic Music Row. Paying homage to the mecca of recording studios and music stores that once lined 48th Street, the hotel will have live music across all public spaces with a dynamic and engaging approach to entertainment programming. The RT60 Rooftop bar will deliver masterfully crafted cocktails and shareable bites, all in an effortlessly stylish scene with a chance to soak in the city from above. This will be a true entertainment destination with world-renowned DJs along with emerging local talent.

    From day to night, the brand’s signature Sessions Restaurant & Bar will represent the soundtrack of New York. Located on the main level and accessible by a grand staircase from the street, this light-filled three-story atrium and open-air terrace will offer live, unplugged musical performances that embody the vitality and ingenuity of the city. The hotel’s show-stopping feature will be The Venue on Music Row, a flexible entertainment space with capacity for up to 400 guests. The Venue will play host to A-list performances as well as fashion shows, after-parties, and gala dinners for some of the city’s most sought-after moments.

    Beyond the public spaces, Hard Rock Hotel New York plans to weave the kinetic force of music into its health and wellness offerings. The hotel will feature the brand’s signature Rock Om programme, fusing the practice of yoga with the rhythm of a custom DJ-curated soundtrack for on-demand in-room sessions. Building on the existing offering, Hard Rock Hotel New York will introduce a series of transformative experiences including rooftop moonlight yoga sessions. In true Hard Rock style, the hotel will offer an array of signature brand experiences and amenities exclusive to Hard Rock Hotels. Amenities include the Sound of Your Stay, which allows guests to listen to Tracks curated playlists by artists and musicians, Crosley record players available upon request with Wax, or play a Fender guitar with Picks in the privacy of their room. Roxity programming will bring to life family attractions and entertainment while the Unleashed pet programme will welcome four-legged friends. Guests are also invited to exchange the traditional city map for Soundtracks, interactive area guides which are curated by Hard Rock and musical artists to showcase the best of each destination.

    The announcement of Hard Rock Hotel New York comes as Hard Rock International commemorates 50 years as one of the world’s most recognisable brands for entertainment, hospitality, gaming, and leisure, and this new flagship hotel promises to continue the tradition of providing guests with show stopping entertainment venues and immersive experiences.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about Hard Rock Hotel Madrid?

    Main image credit: Hard Rock Hotels 

    the-hythe-lobby

    The Luxury Collection makes debut in Rocky Mountains

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    The Luxury Collection makes debut in Rocky Mountains

    The Luxury Collection Heralds a new beacon of sophistication and vibrancy in the Rocky Mountains with the Debut of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail…

    the-hythe-lobby

    The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail. Owned by DiamondRock Hospitality Company, the brand-new luxury resort concept in the heart of the Rocky Mountains debuts after undergoing a $40 million transformation, including an entirely revamped arrival and lobby experience, reinvigorated outdoor spaces and four brand-new culinary concepts. The resort marks Marriott International’s only Luxury Collection alpine resort in North America.

    “With over 5,200 acres of world-renowned terrain, Vail, Colorado has become one of the most popular mountain resort communities in North America,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Luxury Collection. “The addition of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vail to this legendary destination is an extension of the unique experiences available in the region. We are proud to announce the opening of the resort as the only Luxury Collection alpine resort in this iconic destination.”

    Boasting 344 rooms, inclusive of 22 suites and 16 spacious residences, guests are situated just steps from the base of Vail Mountain where they can explore a plethora of outdoor experiences designed for every season or take in the charming and bustling cobblestone streets of Lionshead Village, which offers countless shops and art galleries. The Hythe serves as a gateway to Vail’s most exciting and desirable experiences, whether guests are looking to partake in exclusive alpine excursions or rejuvenate at the on-site recovery-focused spa. Inspired by the legendary founders of Vail Ski Resort, Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton, The Hythe reimagines the revelry, camaraderie, and hospitality of après ski, infusing the ‘good-time-was-had-by-all’ spirit into all aspects of the guest experience, no matter the time of day or season.

    Helmed by Wilson Ishihara Design, the interiors of The Hythe are inspired by the origins of Vail, those who built it in the 1960s, and the beautiful surrounding nature that drove people to the destination. A pioneering spirit, hospitality, and a mutual love of skiing can be felt in each elevated design element. Adorned with elegant custom furniture and art pieces, entering the lobby brings guests into a majestic and serene Rocky Mountain design scheme. Punctuated with glamorous 60’s touches and historic ski references, the space brings guests a sense of unparalleled authenticity. Visitors will be pulled in by thoughtful, clean design details such as local Colorado calacatta marble quarried from the Rocky Mountain, carved wood feature art inspired by the local shepherding tradition of Arborglyphs, marble flooring textured to evoke snow fall on the landscape, carved black stone walls, and Douglas fir siding wood panels inspired by an alpine chalet.

    The Hythe’s namesake, ‘haven’, is fully realised in the resort’s 344 guestrooms, which offer elegant and opulent spaces, creating a true respite. With a focus on design elements that invite relaxation and recovery from a day spent on-mountain, picture windows boast the same views of Vail Mountain that inspired the passion of Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton many years ago. Wood, stone, leather, and faux fur bring a welcoming sanctuary to lay one’s head or simply spend the whole day.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about W Dubai, which has been signed?

    Main image credit: The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail

    Minimal white shower with wood accents and GROHE Tempesta 100 shower rail set - C2C Certified

    Live from HIX: Grohe launches its cradle to cradle products

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: Grohe launches its cradle to cradle products

    Marking the first industry exhibition for GROHE since the onset of the pandemic, HIX is also the first event where the brands newly accredited Cradle to Cradle Certified products are on show. We headed over to stand 7 to learn more…

    Minimal white shower with wood accents and GROHE Tempesta 100 shower rail set - C2C Certified

    Shortlisted at The Brit List Awards 2021 in The Eco Award category, the Cradle to Cradle (C2C ) concept by GROHE is a design process that can drastically reduce the use of new resources, as a product is designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life-phase for the creation of new products. To coincide with the showcasing of their C2C products, GROHE is also launching the next module in its series of RIBA approved CPDs: Circularity in the bathroom and kitchen with Cradle-to-Cradle certification. Amongst the first sanitary ware brands globally to achieve C2C certification, GROHE has developed this informative and inspirational session to guide design professionals on how to achieve greener projects that offer C2C credentials. Hoteliers and other professionals can visit the Grohe stand at the show to be amongst the first to register for the new CPD session, hosted by GROHE’s team of experts.

    “We are really excited to be a part of the very first HIX design show, a much anticipated event that is long overdue for the industry as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Ebru Bircan, Leader, Marketing Activation UK, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK. “Our stand and the innovations we are presenting focus on two very integral aspects of the current hospitality design landscape: wellness and sustainability. We want to continue to work with more and more hotel brands to provide sustainable solutions that offer tangible results in the reduction of water, energy, materials and waste. We’re also continuing to create this immersive narrative within the hotel bathroom around wellness and health through water. We see these two key design considerations to be integral to shaping the future of hotel design.”

    GROHE is inviting guests to immerse themselves in the serene ambience of its spa-inspired room set, as part of a new premium spa and wellness-focused concept currently in development. The space will be created with re-envisioned designs of its popular Allure brassware range.

    white ceramic handbasin and minimalist chrome mixer by grohe

    Image credit: GROHE

    Alongside showcasing its latest innovations designed to support sustainable and premium hotel projects, GROHE is also sponsoring the Meaningful Value keynote speech, presented by leading hospitality consultant, Horwath HTL’s James Chappell. The staged discussion will look at how brands and hoteliers can create hotel experiences that matter in the modern, post-Covid age.

    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.

    Main image credit: GROHE

    Hypnos Chillington Sept 2021__17A9891

    Live from HIX: Hypnos unveils new mattress in Hospitality Origins Collection

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: Hypnos unveils new mattress in Hospitality Origins Collection

    First unveiled at the Independent Hotel Show, the stylish and sustainable Hospitality Origins Collection by Hypnos has been turning heads at HIX Event. Editor Hamish Kilburn heads over to stand 28 to learn more about the brand’s second new product, the Woolsleepers Pillow Top mattress…

    Hypnos Chillington Sept 2021__17A9891

    Hypnos Contract Beds is at HIX Event launching the second new product from its sustainable and stylish Hospitality Origins Collection. Introducing the Woolsleepers Pillow Top mattress.

    This latest addition offers supreme comfort with integrity, thanks to its luxurious and comfortable built-in pillow top layer. In addition, the no-turn mattress features natural, ethically sourced materials of the highest quality, meaning hotel guests will enjoy a luxurious night’s sleep on an honest bed. 

    Designed with the hotel’s housekeeper in mind too, the Woolsleepers Pillow Top mattress requires no turning, minimising housekeeping and offering a practical, time saving solution for hoteliers without compromising on comfort and ethics. The mattress also features 1,000 ReActivePro pocket springs for a luxurious feel while evenly distributing weight across the expanse of the bed, providing optimum support for hotel guests. 

    Each Woolsleepers Pillow Top mattress is made using up to 660g of 100 per cent British Wool that’s fully traceable to its origin from Red Tractor Assured farms. This super-fibre is naturally antibacterial, breathable and responds to natural fluctuations in body temperature by wicking away moisture, making it a perfect material for beds.

    The new collection embodies sustainable style at its greatest and each mattress can also be paired with Hypnos’ range of chic headboards, bed bases and a wide choice of fabrics, from neutral shades through to deep, rich hues.

    “Every one of our mattresses and beds in our Hospitality Origins Collection is made using only the finest natural materials, meaning they’re 100 per cent biodegradable and recyclable at the end of their life.” – Carolyn Mitchell, Sales and Marketing Director at Hypnos Contract Beds.

    “Hypnos is no stranger to pushing boundaries and as such we are constantly innovating our design and bed creation processes and our latest product offering is a testament to this approach,” explained Carolyn Mitchell, Sales and Marketing Director at Hypnos Contract Beds. “As a brand that prides ourselves on crafting sustainable sleep solutions, we are delighted to be able to offer environmentally-conscious hoteliers a robust, hygienic and supremely comfortable bed that’s been made using sustainable fillings with our new Woolsleepers Pillow Top mattress.

    “With sustainability and the environment increasingly in the spotlight, and consumers placing more emphasis on the provenance of where things come from or how they’re designed, we’ve made it our mission to not just give eco-conscious guests a great night’s sleep on a sustainable mattress, but to also support hoteliers in delivering their eco-conscious commitments too. After all, every one of our mattresses and beds in our Hospitality Origins Collection is made using only the finest natural materials, meaning they’re 100 per cent biodegradable and recyclable at the end of their life. It’s the perfect bed for hoteliers who are trying to be greener and take greater control over their environmental footprint.”

    Extending Hypnos’ existing Origins story to the hospitality sector, the brand-new collection, consisting of three luxurious, durable mattresses, represents a new era of sustainable sleep solutions for hoteliers, that offers eco-conscious guests the ultimate in comfort with integrity.

    Indeed, Hypnos has been on a decade-long sustainability journey, achieving many pioneering firsts, from becoming the world’s first bed company to be carbon neutral to the development of sugar cane packaging.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about Cult Hotels and Hypnos’ recent collaboration in pursuit for sustainable luxury?

    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.

    Main image credit: Hypnos

    the organic shapes and natural matrials of the criaterra tile collection by parkside

    Live from HIX: Up close to Parkside’s new zero waste tile

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: Up close to Parkside’s new zero waste tile

    Made from 100 per cent natural materials, Criaterra tiles are a new addition to the Parkside portfolio. We thought we  would get up close and personal on stand 52A and find out a little more about the design and production process… 

    the organic shapes and natural matrials of the criaterra tile collection by parkside

    Earlier this year, Parkside unveiled the Criaterra tiles, a new collection of 100 per cent natural, ‘zero waste’ wall tiles. And we have waited until now to get our hands on them. Fortunately for us, and those visiting the Business Design Centre this week, the team at Parkside have them on display on their stand.

    Made from stone powders, clays and plant fibres cast in three-dimensional patterns that fuse geometric and organic forms, and available in colours derived from natural pigments, Criaterra is a unique decorative wall tile that challenges the conventions of production and design. Being 100 percent biodegradable, as strong as concrete and with six times the thermal resistance, Criaterra takes a bold step towards product circularity. The practicality of the tile, and its environmental credentials, along with its unique forms and natural palette, make it an exciting addition to the Parkside tile portfolio.

    “We’re hugely excited to welcome Criaterra into our portfolio as it makes inroads in tackling the environmental challenges we face as an industry,” commented Brian Linnington, managing director, Parkside. “The tile’s ability to deliver performance as well as 100 percent product circularity is hugely impressive, but it is also incredibly beautiful to look at. Already gracing commercial interiors in EMEA, we’re looking forward to seeing how UK projects make use of the unique geo-organic forms and thoughtful natural palette.”

    It’s not just about the material, but also how the tiles are made, and Criaterra have been developed with a 90 percent energy saving in production against ceramics, and using up to 70 percent upcycled quarry waste material, the tiles use Advanced Earth Technology, the result of an intensive five-year scientific R&D project. This innovative technology re-engineers the way tiles are manufactured and introduces a fully regenerative product, as well as replacing conventional high temperature firing with a low temperature process that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

    natural materials and colours along with organic shapes of the criaterra tiles

    Image credit: Parkside / Criaterra Studio

    Criaterra is available in eight geometric shapes which can be organised into limitless combinations in Quad or arranged through the irregular hexagon and concave form of Hex to reference the shape’s common occurrence in the natural world. A nine-strong palette of clay like tones, from pale Dolomit through to Onyx and Ruby, give a strong ‘from earth’ feel, making Criaterra well-suited to commercial interiors heavily influenced by natural materials. The square, rectangular and rhombus flat shapes of Quad also ground the tile well in more ordered contemporary schemes.

    contemporary work surface and chairs with wood surfaces and criaterra tiles

    Image credit: Parkside / Gidon Levin

    Suitable for internal decorative wall use only and designed to work best without grout, Criaterra is a natural alternative to mass produced ceramic tiles.

    Parkside, which won Best in British Product Design at The Brit List Awards 2020, is one of our recommended suppliers and regularly feature 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: Parkside / Criaterra Studio

    contemporary Roca bathroom fittings in white by roca

    Live from HIX: Roca showcases new smart products

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: Roca showcases new smart products

    It’s all about smart design and sustainability on stand 4 with Roca – from the fabrication of the stand itself, to the brand’s latest products and projects on display…

    Roca, known for design led bathroom products which combine innovation and product knowledge with a respect for the environment, have kept sustainability as its guiding ethos.

    contemporary Roca bathroom fittings in white by roca

    This is reflected not only through the products on display at HIX, but also in the fabrication of their stand, which has been designed with sustainability at the heart. Materials used include recycled copper, acrylic and plastics. Parts of the stand will also be repurposed for future events, to ensure its longevity.

    The hospitality industry has seen an increased emphasis on hygiene with unprecedented demand for non-contact products in hotels and restaurants. Roca’s selection of products on display at HIX highlight the brand’s touchless solutions, such as the EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates which offer touchless flushing capabilities for wall-hung and back-to-wall WC’s. With a stylish, contemporary design and easy installation, they are simply activated by the wave of a hand, providing an extra layer of safety and reassurance within the hotel or restaurant bathroom.

    Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the L70 and Loft collections, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when the hands are removed, avoiding direct contact. The lack of contact not only improves hygiene, it also prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread bacteria and to reduce the use of water in hospitality settings.

    A modern hotel bathroom not only stands out for its state-of-the-art technology, it also offers functionality, comfort and a stylish design aesthetic. The ground-breaking new In-Wash In-Tank toilet meets all three requirements and provides state-of-the-art technology, without compromising on its main function: bringing a total hygiene experience to the WC.

    While coloured ceramics may remain a controversial subject, Roca’s luxurious bathroom collections are the ideal solution to create a harmonious and memorable space. Discover Roca’s Beyond, Inspira and Ruy Ohtake basins, available in unique colours and finishes, and designed with organic lines and a timeless aesthetic in mind. The result: beautifully sculpted exclusive basins, to transform any hotel bathroom into an elegantly completed space.

    Roca also continues to innovate with its brassware portfolio thanks to the introduction of two new finishes to its stunning Insignia and Naia ranges. Complete with Everlux finish, the two new additions are now available in stylish rose gold and brushed titanium black. Also on display on Roca’s stand at HIX is the Carelia, Pals and Cala brassware collection in chrome. All these ranges offer unique and stylish design options.

    “We’re delighted to be exhibiting at the much anticipated HIX event,” commented David Bromell, Head of Marketing, Roca. “We’ll be showcasing some of our latest products, including our innovative In-Wash In-Tank Smart WC, which combines the personal hygiene functions of In-Wash, with the unique integrated cistern of our In-Tank technology. These innovations sit alongside collections which embrace the latest possibilities in materials and colours, to support the design process through significant customisation options, and include our award-winning basin collection designed by Ruy Ohtake.”

    While Roca’s Cratos shower trays manufactured in Senceramic® give us all the benefits of an extra-slim design, it also invites the user to enjoy different natural textures which are warm to the touch. The material Senceramic® is made of a unique mixture of high quality vitreous china and enamel, creating a textured finish in the production process. Not only are these shower trays beautiful to look at, but the textured surface also provides strong anti-slip properties.

    Roca’s innovative Smart Shower is another product being showcased on their stand that combines design with technology and sustainability. It uses smart technology to provide a unique showering experience, with easy to use, customisable settings, the Smart Shower is a beneficial addition to any bathroom design.

    Roca 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: Roca

    AXOR One tap in gold

    Live from HIX: hansgrohe & AXOR unveil ‘groundbreaking’ bathroom design innovations

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: hansgrohe & AXOR unveil ‘groundbreaking’ bathroom design innovations

    Hotel Interiors Experience (HIX) has united Europe’s foremost designers, consultants, architects and emerging talent across the hospitality sector at London’s Business Design Centre. Among the exhibitors this year is hansgrohe, which is unveiling its latest bathroom design products. Editor Hamish Kilburn nipped over to stand 17 to find out more…

    AXOR One tap in gold

    At this year’s show, bathroom manufacture Hansgrohe, comprising brands AXOR and hansgrohe, will be showcasing ‘groundbreaking’ innovations in bathroom design. With working water displays and its latest products on show, visitors are invited to stand 17. As one of the founding sponsors of HIX 2021, Hansgrohe will be sponsoring the talk, ‘Quietness with Attitude’, in partnership with Hotel Designs at 11- 12pm on Friday 19 November.

    HIX is also the platform from which Hansgrohe is presenting its latest ranges, including Pulsify, RainDrain, Finoris, Vivenis, AddStoris and AXOR One. This is the first time some of these products will be available for viewing at an event in the UK.

    AXOR One

    Image credit: Hansgrohe/AXOR

    “Designing for wellness has never been more important,” Jay Phillips, Managing Director at Hansgrohe UK told Hotel Designs. “The mental and physical health impact of the last 18 months has opened up important conversations around personal and corporate wellbeing, so much so that designers and architects need to work increasingly harder to create spaces that calm, rejuvenate and cocoon its users. Whether through applying biophilic principles, using clever lighting and layouts, or simply harnessing the restorative power of water when it comes to bathroom planning, good design has the power to transform the guest experience. Hansgrohe, with its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, is delighted to be sponsoring this event where such an important topic is top of the agenda.”

    Hansgrohe is one of Hotel Designs’ recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Hansgrohe

    Trip lighting from LEDS C4

    Live from HIX: LEDS C4 presents ‘best choice’ of new products

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: LEDS C4 presents ‘best choice’ of new products

    LEDS C4 is presenting its ‘best choice’ of new products at Hotel Interiors Experience (HIX). Editor Hamish Kilburn heads over to stand U36 to learn more about the Tubs, Trip and Noway collections…

    Trip lighting from LEDS C4

    LEDS C4 is at Hotel Interiors Experience (HIX) this week in London. The lighting company over on stand U36 at this year’s event – and has also lent a few items to Hotel Designs on stand U54. LEDS C4 is an official sponsor of this year’s edition, supporting the organisation with an interesting series of discussions involving famous names such as Tom Dixon. For this London event, the brand will highlight some of the best sellers from its Decorative Collection catalogue – and here’s what caught our eye…

    Tubs

    The design by Nahtrang Design is a set of geometric lines that make versatility its main strength, with almost endless composition possibilities. Its linear forms combine to create visual poetry in the form of latticework. The Tubs collection has four families: pendant, table, wall and floor. Each piece is a living element that can be infinitely extended; they can also be built in smaller versions that adapt to more limited spaces.

    Recently, the collection was extended with a new felt fitting, providing spaces with a greater decorative element and improved acoustic quality.

    Trip

    LEDS C4 has opted for the Trip collection at the HIX event: a family of wall lights that decorates and illuminates. This soft, diffuse and asymmetric light point adapts easily to any space: “When the piece and the light effect it produces are designed in full harmony, the possible applications of the luminaire are endless”, explains LEDS C4.

    Trip is intended to decorate with its mere presence. To do so, it’s available in two sizes (300 and 460 mm), in metallic gold and black, and there is the option of combining two or three luminaires. It’s made from steel and aluminium.

    The glass version, TRIP GLASS, connects the design of the piece with light effects, and transparency is the key to its design. It comes in three diffuser colours: Amber, Fumé and Opal. Measuring 270mm, it uses E14 bulbs with IP20 protection.

    Noway

    LEDS C4 will also present the Noway collection, which is now available this year with a new pendant version. Not only does Noway boast a character based on simplicity and purity, but it also provides visual comfort through high-quality indirect lighting.

    Noway, which is a design by Francesco Vilaró, is a luminaire with notable dematerialisation, fully ceding relevance to the light through a surprising effect of weightlessness and lightness that helps it offer high visual comfort with minimal material. This collection offers different options, from purer versions to other more complex choices, playing with a double shade (the colours of which can be combined) and with light effects to provide more visual presence. It’s available in black and gold finishes, with or without a floor counterweight.

    LEDS C4, which will also display its Tubs lighting products on Hotel Designs’ stand on U54, is one of our recommended suppliers and regularly feature 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: LEDS C4

    contemporary seating design with arte wall coverings

    Live from HIX: Arte unveils L’Invite collection of wallcoverings

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Live from HIX: Arte unveils L’Invite collection of wallcoverings

    Inspired by the world of French Haute Couture and fashion, L’invite is the latest collection from Arte. From Greek scenes to French Toile de Jouy, these elegant new additions to the brand’s portfolio, on display on stand 58 caught our attention. Pauline Brettell went over to have a closer look…

    contemporary seating design with arte wall coverings

    L’invite is the latest collection from Arte, and is an elegant wallcoverings collection consisting of six designs full of geometric patterns, Greek scenes and elegant plains. Neoclassical in style, L’Invite offers a modern colour palette of soft pastels, as well as deeper blues, greens, and earthy tones across clever imitations of natural textiles and textures, including rattan, lace, woven paper and French Toile de Jouy.

    Washable, lightfast, and durable, this collection of non-woven designs is perfect for both residential and commercial use, and areas with high traffic. The range of designs offer a surprising trompe de l’oeil effect; each with a layered and textural finish, giving the impression of touches of lace, natural fibres, and rattan, as well as woven jacquard patterns – all of which add a play of colour and subtle nuances of light and shade.

    The Designs:

    Le Sommet – This playful zigzag pattern takes you to unprecedented heights, breathing innovation thanks to the geometric motifs inspired from around the globe. The zigzag motif draws the eyes, giving a feeling of height and elegance with a palette that includes more muted natural shades through to bold blues and deep red.

    Le Papier Tissé – Le Papier Tissé is inspired by the subtle patterns within woven paper. The fine structure of the paper strips presents the layers of natural fibres, with each linear detail giving a subtle play of slight colour nuances and delicate textural interest. Available in a soft colour palette of natural hues including lavender, pistachio, honey and eggshell.

    Le Rotin – This tone-on-tone pattern is a natural imitation of rattan, barely distinguishable from the real thing, and evoking a contemporary hand-woven aesthetic with a nod to nostalgia. Through the imperfect variegation of fibres, is a nuanced shadow play of light and dark, with the coloured background enhancing this effect.

    Le Mythe – This unusual wallpaper takes you back to the rich past of the Greeks with stately temples and mysterious myths. The monochrome design is inspired by French Toile de Jouy, a fabric known for detailed, romantic designs and replicated here as a wallpaper, evoking the printed fabric finish on the wall.

    bedroom in neutral tones and natural textures with walpaper Le Mythe by Arte

    Image credit: Arte

    Le Prestige – Le Prestige exudes luxury with its layered patterned design that takes its inspiration from lace and jacquard woven textiles, while at the same time being durable and hardwearing. The perfect balance of delicacy and strength. It plays with small, geometric shapes in combination with relief inks.

    Cream sheepskin carpet and neutral tones with wooden surfaces with Arte Le Prestige wallcovering

    Image credit: Arte

    L’Extase – Closed, geometric shapes capture the eye in this mobile pattern with detailed and intricate patterns that offer a nod to fine lace, creating an instant feeling of luxury.

    > Since you’re here, why not check out more designs from Arte?

    Arte is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

    Main image credit: Arte 

    aerial view of twin island resort in the maldives

    Conrad Maldives Rangali Island to unveil grand relaunch

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Conrad Maldives Rangali Island to unveil grand relaunch

    Following an expansive multi-million dollar renovation, the iconic Maldives twin-island resort, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, continues to deliver authentic barefoot luxury with reimagined spacious water villas, reinvigorated culinary venues and innovative guest experiences…

    aerial view of twin island resort in the maldives

    Following on from ongoing redesigns, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s extensive multi-year makeover continues, as the award-winning project turns the page to write its next chapter in its expansive multi-million dollar refurbishment. With plans to debut its grand relaunch in February 2022, the brand continues to elevate its signature hospitality with thoughtful experiences and refreshed interiors.

    over water villa in the maldives with white parasol and outdoor furniture at conrad maldives rangali

    Image credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts

    The unveiling of the revitalised space will resonate with the aspirations of a new era of luxury travellers, while providing the perfect setting for loyal guests to craft new memories. Proudly the first international resort brand to arrive in the Maldives and soon to complete 25 years in time for the grand relaunch in 2022, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was, and continues to be, a pioneer amongst Maldives’ 150 resorts. Renowned for delivering authentic barefoot luxury and leading the way as the ‘Island of Firsts’, the twin-island property is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa, first underwater bedroom set within the two-level residence The Muraka, and first twin island resort experience in the Maldives, amongst others.

    “We are delighted to announce the next chapter of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and look forward to taking guests through the evolution of this special resort with the launch of newly designed water villas, refreshed restaurants, new experiences, brand new Teens Club and various other exciting additions,” said Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “As the ‘Island of Firsts’ we pride ourselves on remaining innovative and offering a level of personalised service unique to our resort. The extensive renovations which began in 2019 demonstrates our commitment to investing in our guest experience which continues to build on our legacy.”

    wooden deck and white parasols overlooking the pool and the sea at conrad maldives

    Image credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts

    Marking the final chapter in this extensive multi-year renovation, 2022 will see significant enhancements across the resort, including the refreshment of 50 of the Overwater Villas. Dedicated to couples and honeymooners, the water villas in Rangali Island will be transformed into luxurious havens of comfort and style. All villas will be fully revitalised to include stylish new interiors, combining integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces with an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean and direct access to a private sun deck. From spacious Sunrise and Sunset Water Villas measuring 86 square metres, to the ultimate overwater haven Two Bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion with Pool measuring 451 square metres, this adult only island caters to the evolving needs of every traveller.

    Attention has also been paid to elevating the dining experiences of the guests, with makeovers for three of the bars and restaurants. The renovation of the popular all-day dining buffet restaurant featuring live cooking stations, gives the concept of a culinary world tour a fresh perspective from breakfast through to creative evening cocktails. Guests can choose to dine indoor amidst the interactive show kitchens and powder sand floor, or experience the outdoor dining under the swaying palm trees and gentle breeze from this beachfront restaurant.

    The Rangali Bar remains the chilled-out social hub of the resort, and its recently completed renovation showcases contemporary interiors, warm furniture tones and a communal sand-floored bar overlooking the lagoon, and is the perfect place to get together over lunch, dinner or cocktails. The Vilu Restaurant, another long-time favourite for loyal guests with its open-air design and location on the edge of the lagoon, will also be refurbished to offer guests a newly enhanced space.

    Key to this stage of the refurbishment, are the expanded and refreshed facilities for guests across all generations. The introduction of a brand new Teens Club on Rangali-Finolhu Island, the livelier family centric island, will offer engaging experiences for energetic adolescents and is set to be an added attraction to families traveling with this age group. There are also plans to enhance the existing kids club, Majaa Explorer’s Hub, that will welcome young travellers with a brand new space located next to the new teens club. Both occupying an expansive complex offering exciting new activities.

     Divers and ocean lovers of all ages will enjoy an refurbished Dive Centre, relocated on the water’s edge to enhance guest experience and giving guests easier access to diving lessons and excursions. There will also be a brand new and fully equipped gym available at the adults only Rangali island. A great addition to complement the gym on the main island, offering couples and honeymooners their private work out space. A revamped Overwater Spa, on site to invigorate the body, mind and soul, has been designed to cater to all demands, from soulful meditation to absolute therapeutic pampering.

    “Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the key resorts in our luxury portfolio across Asia Pacific and a shining example of how we bring to life truly inspired experiences across Conrad Hotels & Resorts,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, global brand head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and vice president, Luxury & Lifestyle, Hilton, Asia-Pacific. “The amount of investment, time and effort put into enhancing every part of the guest experience alone signifies a commitment by the team to deliver even more authentic and purposeful hospitality to travellers from all around the world. We look forward with anticipation to the completion of the refurbishment and I am confident the resort will be top of mind for luxury travellers seeking to embark on a meaningful journey to create new travel memories in one of the most iconic destinations in the world when it unveils in 2022.”

    Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s next chapter brings elevated guests experiences through the enhanced brand new spaces, along with the refurbished existing facilities. Inspired itineraries offer unique experiences to guests like swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, turtle safari, sunset dolphin cruises and coral planting in the house reef with the marine biologist. These extensive renovations, thoughtful experiences and upgraded culinary offering will bring Conrad Maldives Rangali Island to the top of its game, ensuring it continues to offer authentic barefoot luxury across its twin islands that guests have long enjoyed since the resort landed in the shores of the Maldives.

    Main image credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts / Yashrib Ahmed

    Parkside Tiles Outdoor Collection

    Product watch: A total outdoor tile solution from Parkside

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Product watch: A total outdoor tile solution from Parkside

    The Outdoor Collection from Parkside provides a total tile solution for commercial and residential projects…

    Following the launch of its 100 per cent natural, ‘zero waste’ wall tile, Parkside has unveiled the Outdoor Collection, which helps designers, specifiers and developers to fully realise the potential of outside space.

    Parkside Tiles Outdoor Collection

    Whether a natural extension of internal bar and restaurant areas, or a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor living in housing, the Outdoor Collection provides porcelain tiles and supporting ancillaries designed to cope with the rigours of all-round external use.

    The collection features porcelain tiles that are ideally suited to outdoor use. Not only more durable than their ceramic counterparts, porcelain tiles are also UV and weather resistant. Delivering stability in sub-zero and high temperatures, they are the only tile option for prolonged external use on terraces, balconies and outside living spaces.

    Stocked in the UK for fast delivery, Vista is a versatile UV-resistant porcelain tile available in a range of sizes, effects and specifications all made to cope with outdoor use. Available in Vista20 (20mm) or Vista40 (40mm) thickness, these vitrified porcelain floor slabs provide a PTV 36+ surface that can be used for outdoor spaces in commercial and residential settings. Selected designs are available in 10mm thickness to create a link between indoors and outdoors.

    In stone, wood, concrete, marble, terrazzo and slate effects, Vista can work to transform outside space. Whether a traditional stone effect or the modern look of terrazzo, Vista provides a finish that is hard-wearing frost, mould and stain resistant.

    Dawson is a modern concrete effect UV-resistant porcelain tile, available in five sizes to suit a range of outdoor floor requirements, including formats up to 1200mm x 2400mm that are ideal for large commercial premises. In Smoke and Tarmac colour options, Dawson features a minimum 20 per cent recycled content.

    The outdoor-ready tile features a textured finish for 36+ PTV for assured performance in residential and commercial environments. Hard-wearing, frost, stain and mould resistant, Dawson is also available in 10mm specification to create a floor that flows indoors to outdoors – perfect for natural extension of living space in homes. In commercial projects, Dawson can be used to extend design principles to outdoor front of house.

    The Outdoor Collection includes a full range of supporting ancillaries. A range of steel pedestals ensure installations can conform to regulations for external wall systems and balconies above 18m. Available in flat head adjustable height and slope corrector adjustable height types, they facilitate quick and easy installation providing excellent support and are lockable to prevent movement from vibration or shocks. Plastic pedestals are also available.

    Alongside, specialist adhesives, corrosion-resistant lightweight aluminium profiles and Easy Joint brush-in grout in a range of colours, the Outdoor Collection provides projects with a tile system that provides an attractive and durable finish capable of maintaining appearance throughout years of external use.

    Parkside, which won Best in British Product Design at The Brit List Awards 2020, is one of our recommended suppliers and regularly feature 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: Parkside

    Warner Bros. Hotel - Hotel Designs

    World’s first Warner Bros. hotel opens on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    World’s first Warner Bros. hotel opens on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

    The world’s first WB hotel is situated on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, steps away from the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Theme Park. The 257-key hotel invites guests on a ‘journey through the world of Warner Bros.’ most iconic films and television series…

    Warner Bros. Hotel - Hotel Designs

    Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences in collaboration with Warner Bros., home to one of the most well-known and successful collections of brands and characters in the world, has announced The WB Abu Dhabi, located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, the first ever Warner Bros. themed hotel, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially opened its doors to guests. The hotel allows guests to see their favourite stories and characters brought to life through unique hospitality experiences that only the rich history and storied legacy of Warner Bros. could offer. 

    “This is yet another great moment for us, with The WB Abu Dhabi hotel opening on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination for leisure, entertainment and business,” said HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral. “We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with both Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Hilton, bringing world firsts and global hospitality offerings and experiences to Abu Dhabi.”

    Featuring more than 400 curated images and film and TV props, guests at the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel will be treated to a journey of discovery through film and television, enjoying Warner Bros.’ rich history and library of timeless productions at every touchpoint from arrival to check-out. While dining in one of five restaurants on the property, you can listen as the piano from “Westworld,” the hit HBO science fiction TV show, plays a familiar tune. Visitors can stroll through the lobby or admire 360-degree city and sea views alongside their favorite props and costumes from Warner Bros. films and TV shows.  Kids and families can ring up one of their favourite Looney Tunes characters for a room service treat brought to them by the Wascally Wabbit, Bugs Bunny himself.

    “Our dream has come true with the grand opening to the first ever Warner Bros. branded hotel. Our incredible partners at Miral and Hilton, have helped us make this vision a reality for our fans around the world,” explained Pam Lifford, President of WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. “We always strive to be fan focused and have developed an exceptional hospitality experience for them to further connect with the iconic Warner Bros. brands, franchises, and characters they know and love. Guests visiting Warner Bros. World right next door will have the ultimate encore to their park experience by relaxing and treating themselves to a stay at The WB Abu Dhabi.”

    Lobby area inside Warner Bros Hotel in Abu DhabiJochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Hilton, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, added: “With the opening of The WB Abu Dhabi hotel as part of Curio Collection by Hilton, we continue our successful partnership with Miral on Yas Island.  This is the second of three hotels we are opening together, following on from the opening of Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island earlier this year, with DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences soon to come.  This property is a perfect representation of what Curio Collection by Hilton is all about, unique locations and experiences that carry their own distinct identity as a concept underpinned by the same upscale Hilton service.”

    Guests of The WB Abu Dhabi hotel begin their story as they pull up to the hotel and are greeted by digital screens that span the height of the building, playing over 35 different pieces of original content created for the hotel. Before entering the hotel, visitors won’t want to miss the iconic “Friends” fountain, or snaping a pic with the all-new Batmobile from the upcoming highly anticipated film, The Batman. Guests will then enter the lobby and be drawn to the hotel’s uniquely designed lobby columns. A spectacular Living Archive (spiral staircase) also resides in the lobby and will house an evolving collection of items dedicated to the vast depth and history of WB’s role in entertainment. It will showcase original films and a number of Warner Bros. props such as Cowboy boots from the 1956 film Giant, worn by James Dean, Michael Keaton’s cowl from 1989 film, Batman, original drawing from The Great Gatsby and so much more. As guests continue their journey, the storytelling experience is further enriched with guest room corridors displaying a curated gallery of artwork.

    Furnishing with nods to Warner Bros. legacy of rich story telling make up each of the hotel’s 257 rooms. Three themes have inspired the guestroom artwork. The first theme, “From Script to Screen,” highlights standout moments from Warner Bros.’ movies and shows and documents the journey from the written page to the final shot. The second theme, “Artist Confidential,” celebrates a variety of talent in front of and behind the camera in some of Warner Bros.’ favourite productions. The third theme, “The Vault” features rarely seen images from Warner Bros.’ most memorable archives.

    Accompanying the hotel’s unique design is a broad range of world class food and beverage offerings featuring five dining options catering to both adults and children. Craft Services, located in the lobby lounge, offers a relaxing coffee break after a busy day, while Sidekicks is the perfect family friendly place for socialising and interacting while enjoying a flavorful international menu. For those lounging by the pool, The Matinee provides a casual dining option for guest of all ages, complete with a dive-in pool theatre and Mediterranean menu. Additionally, guests looking to indulge in an elegant dining experience, can visit The Director’s Club offering a sophisticated meatery where charcoal ovens, perfectly aged cuts, and a menu selection of dishes inspired to reflect the movie scene setting and supporting the whole cast, serve the mature palate, or enjoy an experience at The Overlook, a fabulous lounge with a relaxing infinity pool and beautiful 360-degree city, theme park and sea views.

    The hotel is home to a host of leisure amenities for guests to enjoy, whether that’s lounging by the family pool area, working out in the fitness centre, relaxing in the spa, exploring the artwork and props or shopping in the Warner Bros. store, the Prop Shop. For younger guests, the Kid’s Club will offer a vibrant and playful space designed to bring Warner Bros.’ characters to life. Some of WB’s world-renowned characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and others will participate in entertaining activities throughout the hotel providing guest memories that will last a lifetime. The hotel also caters for business meetings and events with a large 394 square-metre multi-function ballroom and expansive meeting room facilities perfect for events.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about W Hotels arrival on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi?

    Main image credit: Hilton Hotels

    dubai skyline with new marriott w hotel

    Marriott signs agreement to open W Dubai

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Marriott signs agreement to open W Dubai

    Marriott has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC to bring the W Hotels brand to Dubai’s sought-after Jumeriah Beach coastline. Set to become an ‘iconic addition’ to the Dubai skyline, the 318-key W Dubai will combine the culture of the W brand with the boundless energy of the city. Here’s what we know…

    dubai skyline with new marriott w hotel

    Marriott International, Inc. has just announced it has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC, to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach coastline. Slated to open in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is set to become an urban escape that will bring the eclectic design, unconventional luxury, and innovative programming that travellers have come to expect from the W Hotels brand.

    “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trend-setting W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With its unexpected design and iconic, socially driven Whatever/Whenever® service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.”

    Located close to Dubai’s thriving leisure destinations, such as Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is well-situated to offer guests a vibrant and playful escape. The 31-storey hotel is expected to feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite). The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw inspiration from a Middle Eastern gathering place and will be a dynamic and lively space, where guests can mix and mingle over crafted cocktails and light bites. Anticipated plans include a new sunset destination experience by the pool overlooking the stunning Mina Seyahi bay, as well as a signature outlet on the 31st floor, with unsurpassed views of Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah Island.

    FUEL, the W brand’s high-energy, social take on wellness that allows guests to focus on mind and body, will be at the heart of the BAR-B spa, which is expected to feature three treatment rooms and a beauty bar. The FIT Fitness Centre will see UK brand 1Rebel, the ultimate sport-luxe fitness experience, make its debut in the UAE, with a 2500-square-metre, dual-storey studio in the hotel.

    “We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with wasl Group to open W Dubai – Mina Seyahi in such an important leisure destination in Dubai,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This new hotel underscores our commitment to growing our luxury portfolio in the Middle East, while signifying the demand for the W Hotels brand in the region.”

    Marriott International currently operates six properties and residences under the W Hotels brand across the Middle East. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is anticipated to be the brand’s second property in Dubai.

    Since you are here why don’t you read about W Hotel in Changsha

     

    Main image credit: Marriott International

    tropical villa with infinity pool at gran melia lombok

    Melia Hotels set to expand in Indonesia

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Melia Hotels set to expand in Indonesia

    Already one of the hotel group’s most sought after destinations, the opening of Gran Meliá Lombok in 2024 will mark the second Gran Meliá property in Indonesia. Here’s what we know about the hotel that is expected to shelter ‘pure luxury’…

    tropical villa with infinity pool at gran melia lombok

    Meliá Hotels International is planning to bring a touch of Spanish luxury to Indonesia with the opening of Gran Meliá Lombok in 2024.  Meliá Lombok will be located at the beautiful Torok Bay in the south of the island, surrounded by green hills and a beach with crystal clear waters, the perfect destination to disconnect and relax. The hotel will boast 22 luxury beachside villas and another 105 villas on the mountainside, all with private infinity pools and stunning ocean views. Careful attention will be paid to the architectural design, utilising natural elements that represent the essence of the destination. The hotel will blend seamlessly with its natural environment, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surroundings. An abundance of large windows will maximise natural light to promote the indoor/outdoor lifestyle, while elegant furniture and warm tones will convey a sense of pure luxury.

    Luxury tropical villa featuring natural materials and textures on lombok

    Image credit: Melia Hotels

    Lombok is an island to the east of Bali with a pristine natural environment which has become increasingly popular as a travel destination over the past decade. Its immense rice fields, rugged landscape and the famous Mount Rinjani volcano all form part of the natural attractions of the island, which is surrounded by endless beaches, and turquoise waters ideal for surfers. The entire hotel has been designed as an authentic sanctuary for wellbeing. From the beachside YHI Spa offering relaxing rituals and treatments, to the well equipped fitness centre, Gran Meliá Lombok provides guests with everything they need to maintain their wellness routine. The hotel will also offer a kids club to keep children entertained and an extensive programme of activities designed for the whole family.

    In keeping with the Gran Meliá brand, the hotel will feature world class dining options that combine the best local ingredients and techniques to offer guests authentic Indonesian dining experiences. The spacious lounge with scenic ocean views will provide the perfect setting for couples planning an exotic destination wedding.

    Gran Meliá Lombok will become the second Gran Meliá brand hotel in Indonesia after Gran Meliá Jakarta, a flagship urban oasis situated in the Golden Triangle of the central business district of Kuningan, in Jakarta. The hotel boasts an iconic architecture inspired by Spanish heritage with renovated contemporary decoration, offering the finest dining experience, such as the awarded gastronomic offerings of Chef Tomoaki at Yoshi Izakaya Japanese restaurant.

    Main image credit: Melia Hotels

    abstract painting in pinks and greens above hotel bed

    The benefit of art in hotel design

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    The benefit of art in hotel design

    Following our spotlight on art last month, Hotel Designs has invited Frances Bildner from Frances Bildner Expressive Arts to explore the benefits of art in hotel design, from framed pieces in the lobby to colourful in-between spaces within the hotel journey… 

    abstract painting in pinks and greens above hotel bed

    During the last year whilst we have been more isolated, the power of art was more important than ever. The whole world needed to have a positive impact to help them through it. Unfortunately, during this period, many people suffered with feelings of isolation, and mental illness increased. Art has the power to change the way people think, and how they feel, especially during these stressful times. It can challenge, educate, and provoke change. Having an inspiring painting on your wall can brighten up your day. It can make work feel more manageable, and it can make home feel more joyful. It is a great pity that hospitals do not use more art for their patients to enjoy. It would facilitate wellbeing and add some colour to their white drab walls.

    Companies are now investing in art more than ever. They understand the positive impact on management, employees and visitors. Interior Designers, Hotels and Property developers, all use art to help sell their homes, buildings and businesses. There is also an increased and growing awareness about the return of Art as an investment.

    ‘Art hotels’ have sprung up internationally, offering rooms with customised art, adding to the guest experience by creating an interior that is both individual, and filled with character and charm. This is a far cry from the generic rooms of the past. Some hotels offer artists exhibitions, while others use interior designers to start the process of collection and curation.

    Fife Arms in Scotland, owned by the founders of renowned gallery Hauser and Wirth, use the gallery to acquire and curate the art which is key to their guest experience. The Artist Residence in Bristol is known for its bold, eclectic design, and a key element to this, is the successful pairing of contemporary art with historical character.

    A hotel that is well known for its championing of the arts, is Beaverbrook. The estate houses a wealth of historical art treasures, which is curated by Beaverbrook’s creative director, Sir Frank Lowe. He has been responsible for the inspirational collection of works created by a whole host of artists from diverse generations and genres. These include work by contemporary stained glass artist Brian Clarke, as well as names like Gerhard Richter and Jean Cocteau.

    Designed by Brian Clarke, the Coach House is a work of art in itself, with its vibrant and uplifting flower themed stained-glass panels and skylights, as well as ceramic tiles and mosaics made by Clarke to reflect the power and beauty of nature, the hills and woods that you can see for miles around. In his design of the spa, Clarke has created a total work of art: mouth-blown stained glass, Venetian glass mosaic, drifts of handmade ceramic cornflowers and poppies, tile work, and his paintings and prints all appear throughout, conspiring to produce a unified effect through light and colour, together with integral elements including the ceramic reception desk and spa fireplace.

    “When they asked me to create an artistic environment for the spa at Beaverbrook the idea appealed to me greatly because I consciously seek through my art in buildings to uplift the soul – and the spa historically, since Roman times and before, has sought to do the same,” said Brian Clarke. “I derive considerable pleasure from thinking that the combination of the environment and the treatments that people receive there take away the weight of contemporary life which is often so grim.”

    Installed above the doorway of the entrance to the Italian gardens, is a rare, original, stained-glass panel entitled “Engel” (1958) by Jean Cocteau, renowned poet, playwright, visual artist and avant-garde filmmaker, while hanging in the lobby is a tapestry by artist, Gerhard Richter. The work, entitled Abdu, is one of a group of four enormous tapestries created by the artist in 2009. It is based on one of his previous works and fuses the ancient Arab art of carpet weaving with high tech sophistication.

    Restaurants such as Le Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence, have a long history of art adorning their walls. Artists who could not afford meals would give a painting in lieu of payment. From Miro, Braque and Chagall in the fifties, the collection also includes work by Picasso and Calder. Both the restaurant and the art have been frequented and enjoyed by creative spirits over the years. The art collection has continued to grow over time, with the latest work being a ceramic work by Irish artist Sean Scully for the swimming pool area.

    Whether buying art for investment or for enhancing the environment, who can argue that a bright colourful and vital piece of art can substantially increase the joy in ones life. And we all need that!

    Frances Bildner Expressive Arts, which is the result of many years in the business of providing fine art for public and private spaces, 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: Unsplash/Shop_Slo

    four seasons new orleans in iconic city tower building

    Now open: Four Seasons arrives in New Orleans

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Now open: Four Seasons arrives in New Orleans

    Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has opened its doors, inside one of the city’s most iconic  buildings, and has been designed to celebrate New Orlean’s spirit of ‘survival’ and ‘rebirth’. Melania Guarda Ceccoli explores…

    four seasons new orleans in iconic city tower building

    Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans finally welcomes its guests to the iconic 34-storey tower, originally built in 1968 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the city’s founding. Designed by legendary modernist architect Edward Durell Stone, the building was originally the World Trade Centre and the International Trade Mart. Now recognised on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic tower has been painstakingly restored and upgraded to become a five-star hotel, celebrating the city’s spirit of survival and rebirth.

    “New Orleans has been a priority market for us for many years, and we have been waiting for the right opportunity to make our debut in this dynamic city,” says John Davison, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are in a solid position to enter the market with our exceptional partners at Carpenter & Company, in the best location in the city, and by offering an unmatched level of service that only Four Seasons can deliver. The new Hotel and Private Residences will be a genuinely standout property in the city and our global portfolio.”

    The New Orleans experience begins at Chandelier Bar, located off the hotel’s lobby and onto a garden patio. The bar sits beneath a 15,000-piece light and glass installation, and provides a glamourous welcome, with live music offered year-round, showcasing local talent. The impressive chandelier, designed by Preciosa, is made up from a glittering 15,000 glass trimmings of round, pendeloque and almond-shaped crystals. This statement chandelier which defines the lobby space, is four metres in height, and features Bohemian crystals from Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic.

    huge crystal chandelier in hotel lobby four seasons new orleans

    Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

    Complementing the world-class design throughout the Hotel is a carefully-curated art collection featuring local artists, and those inspired by the city. The collection exhibited at the Chandelier Bar and throughout the lobby level, has been curated by Kate Chertavian Fine Art, and includes Louisiana based artist George Dunbar’s clay and gold leaf panels, and New York-based artist Leonardo Drew’s relief works on paper. Immediately, visitors are confronted with a visual conversation between local and international artists, as both artists use earth tones and metallic details with an evident influence from the natural world. Leonardo Drew’s paper pulp prints are rich with abstraction, texture, and relief, while George Dunbar achieves a similar effect in his beautiful clay and gold leaf panels.

    The well-known local artist Dawn Dedeaux’s Water Markers New Orleans: A City Below the Sea, leans against the wall in the elevator lobby. These acrylic sculptures are based on the devastating post-Katrina floods of 2005 and represent an actual floodwater level declared by New Orleans homeowners, sharing this recent history visually and elegantly.

    hotel lobby in blue and brown with art pieces in new orleans four seasons

    Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

    The celebration of New Orleans extends further into Miss River, a “love letter to Louisiana” presented by acclaimed New Orleans Chef Alon Shaya on the lobby level. The ingredient-driven menu offers fresh takes on New Orleans classics with bold and familiar flavours, along with impeccable preparation. Also opening this autumn, award-winning chef, Donald Link, is honouring his Louisiana heritage in his newest concept, Chemin a la Mer. Exemplifying its meaning, pathway to the sea, the enticing menu of steaks and seafood is a perfect combination of local fare executed with French techniques, set against panoramic views of the Mississippi. Not to be missed is the excellent oyster bar, a New Orleans tradition taken in exciting new directions under Chef Link’s expert eye.

    With a total of 341 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites designed by Bill Rooney Studio, the hotel is able to offer accommodation options suited to each guest’s purpose in the city. Rooms have a light, and airy feel, with a palette of clean whites and pale greys, accentuated with white-washed oak furnishings, textured fabrics and wall treatments and, above every bed, a striking tri-panel plaster relief depicting South’s signature scent, the magnolia.

    This autumn, the hotel will open its crescent-shaped rooftop swimming pool surrounded by inviting lounge chairs, four private cabanas and of course, incomparable Mississippi River views. There will also be a fitness centre conceived by Harley Pasternak, and The Spa, where Spa Director Toni Sullivan’s team of highly trained therapists will customise treatments to get guests looking and feeling good.

    In addition to Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, the landmark 34-storey World Trade Centre is home to 92 fully serviced Four Seasons Private Residences. Residents enjoy access to all Hotel facilities, including the spa, fitness centre, rooftop pool deck, indoor/outdoor event spaces, Chandelier Bar, along with the signature restaurants by Chefs Alon and Donald.

    Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

    blue and white bedroom with wooded surfaces at lost property hotel in london

    First look: Lost Property in London’s Square Mile

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    First look: Lost Property in London’s Square Mile

    A brand-new Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, set to open its doors in spring 2022 in the City of London, reveals the very first photographs of its new design-led rooms and elegant interiors…

    blue and white bedroom with wooded surfaces at lost property hotel in london

    Lost Property St. Paul’s London, Curio Collection by Hilton, will be the first hotel under the brand in the Square Mile when it welcomes its first guests next year, following a dramatic renovation. The hotel joins almost 50 Curio Collection hotels trading or under development across Europe, and has been developed by leading property and real estate group Dominvs Group.

    Situated in the middle of London’s financial heart and the new cultural hub of Culture Mile, the 145-key hotel will offer guests a bar, restaurant and café, and is located on the doorstep of St Paul’s Cathedral on Ludgate Hill, which is set to make it a favourite of tourists and business travellers alike.

    “St Paul’s Cathedral is internationally recognised as one of London’s most treasured landmarks, and Lost Property St. Paul’s London, Curio Collection by Hilton will provide the perfect base from which to explore the capital,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, EMEA, Hilton. “Dominvs Group have been exceptional partners, and we’re pleased to be growing our central London portfolio with this elegant addition.”

    strand station london artwork on the wall at Hiltons lost property hotel

    Image credit: Curio Collection by Hilton

    The guestrooms have been designed by Rani Ahluwalia, Creative Director of Key Interior and Designs, in partnership with Ica – Hospitality, Architecture & Interiors. The lavish, sophisticated designs are spread over the hotel’s six floors and 7,660m2 floor space. Drawing on the full design breadth afforded by the Curio Collection whilst extending it in new ways, the bedrooms are modern, design-conscious, and elegant. They blend classic features with high-quality furniture and a clean, crisp finish, giving the hotel a unique personality and character, which is  emphasised with bespoke artwork inspired by London’s lost stories in history.

    “I’m delighted to finally reveal the inside of this beautiful new hotel,” said Rani Ahluwalia, Creative Director of Key Interiors and Designs. “Over the last two years, we sought to create a hotel with its own personality; an elegant, modern space combined with a sophisticated and comfortable finish. Curio Collection by Hilton is renowned for its stunning bespoke and appealing interiors, and we have found the balance that complements the historical traditional exterior of the building.”

    The hotel is accentuated with deco and mid-century design, with shots of bold colour, sculptural pieces, and tactile materials that will offer a stylish sanctuary in the heart of the City of London. The interior’s neutral walls are elegantly contrasted with the furniture’s deep blues and warm timbers, with the fittings and trim finished in a lavish English brass. The colour palette and style is carried across into the bathrooms as well as through the hotel’s communal areas, including the restaurants and lobby.

    While the interiors have been completely transformed, Dominvs Group has ensured the sensitive refurbishment of the building retains the external Grade II-listed grey stone façade, preserving the beautiful, traditional architectural heritage of the area. Only 100 metres from St Paul’s Cathedral, the hotel’s rooms facing north and east will have unrivalled views of the famous London landmark.

    Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 100 hotels and resorts, each hand-picked for its distinct character, appealing to travellers seeking one-of-a-kind discoveries and an independent hotel experience.

    > Since you are here why not read more about the Royal Senses Curio Collection in Crete?

    Main image credit: Curio Collection by Hilton

    hotel lounge with eclectic lighting and natural finishes

    Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts opens its first hotel in Hungary

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts opens its first hotel in Hungary

    Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Crowne Plaza Budapest. Located in the heart of the Hungarian capital, the hotel is in a prime position for both locals, and those travelling to Budapest for business, leisure or a combination of the two…

    hotel lounge with eclectic lighting and natural finishes

    Designed to meet the needs of the modern business traveller, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts intrinsically understands the work/life balance, and this is brought to life across the brand, through a modern, distinct and purposeful design, featuring multi-functional zones, great food and drinks, and a warm and engaging approach to guest service. Crowne Plaza Budapest continues this tradition through both its design and its location.

    Historically two separate cities, Buda and Pest, that joined in the 19th century, there are two unique characteristics that can been seen when exploring the city. Whether it’s the historic architecture and rolling hills of the west (Buda) or the business hub and trendy bars of the east (Pest) – there is something for everyone. Crowne Plaza Budapest is situated in the Pest (east) side of the city, alongside the iconic Nyugati train station, known for its design and construction by the renowned Eiffel Company. As the main travel hub for much of the international train travel coming in and out of the Hungarian capital, the building itself has recently undergone an extensive restoration project to return the late-19th Century structure to its former glory.  Adjacent to the hotel is the newly built Westend shopping centre, accessible directly through the hotel. Guests can visit the shopping centre’s three-hectares of roof garden on the top of the building, as well as all the stores and services available within.

    contemporary hotel lobby design at crowne plaza budapest

    Image credit: Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts

    All 230 guestrooms and suites at the hotel have a distinctive modern design and layout to help encourage productivity, restoration, and to inspire guests. Guests will enjoy a noticeable sense of space with a layout that includes a desk area for work, a sofa for relaxation and a comfortable bed with high-quality bedding to promote a good night’s sleep – keeping that work/life balance high on the agenda.

    hotel bedroom design with work space and desk

    Image credit: Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts

    Guests can also take full advantage of the hotel’s Plaza Workspace, a flexible space offering visitors and guests the opportunity to collaborate, meet colleagues, or work solo. The combination of flexible working and relaxation spaces, with food and drink options, enable guests to move seamlessly between work and downtime. Crowne Plaza Budapest also has an additional 13 meeting rooms and event spaces available to hire, and a Club Lounge with exclusive views from the private terrace overlooking the skyline of both Buda and Pest.

    Roof terrace overlooking the Budapest skyline

    Image credit: Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts

    The onsite restaurant focusses on locally sourced, sustainable and healthy produce, helping guests refuel during their stay. Whether it’s the speciality coffee sourced from Hungarian-born coffee connoisseur Laszlo Banyai living in Costa Rica, or something sweet prepared by the award-winning Hungarian chain of confectionaries, Hiszteria, everything about the Axis Café and Lounge is aimed at introducing both international visitors and locals to the growing success of Hungarian gastronomy. In early 2022, the hotel will open a new rooftop restaurant called Cult, with a large terrace and panoramic views of the city.

    “During 2020, we had time to reflect on the things that we take for granted and what has been missed through the lack of travel: the importance of human connection,” says Maurice Janssen, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Budapest. “There has been a distinctive shift in people’s mindset when it comes to business travel. No longer do hotel guests need to feel isolated in their rooms or confined to a business centre to feel productive, and no longer do locals need to be hesitant to walk into a hotel lobby to have a coffee and do some emails for fear of being asked for their room number – the spaces within our hotel are open to all, and we are very much looking forward to hosting our future guests and locals alike.”

    Also in Europe, the brand recently opened its Crowne Plaza Nice – Grand Arenas, located on the stunning French Riviera as it continues to grow around the world with 409 Crowne Plaza hotels now open and a further 101 in the pipeline.

    > Since you are here, why not read more about what’s happening in Budapest?

    Main image credit: Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts

    art deco design at the beaumont hotel lobby

    The Beaumont unveils first phase of extensive renovation

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    The Beaumont unveils first phase of extensive renovation

    The team at ReardonSmith Architects pave the way to the next chapter at The Beaumont, reviving the art deco legacy of this Mayfair grande dame. Pauline Brettell takes a look, beyond the lobby, to soak in some of the sensitively restored glamour inside this London jewel…

    art deco design at the beaumont hotel lobby

    The much-garlanded Beaumont hotel in London’s Mayfair has re-opened its doors, revealing a gentle evolution in several public and guest spaces, the first phase in a programme of works that will culminate in a significant guestroom and public area extension to the property, due for completion in early 2023. ReardonSmith Architects, the original architects on the hotel which opened in 2014, is leading the project team, working in collaboration with New York-based designer, Thierry Despont.

    “The reconfiguration and redesign work to date is an exciting first phase in the plan that we have agreed with our client, Beaumont Hotel Property Ltd, to ‘revive the legend’ of The Beaumont hotel,” said James Twomey, Director of ReardonSmith Architects. “It is a sensitive continuum of the hotel’s spirit and all changes, both front and back-of-house, have been made to support the staff in a hotel that is recognised for its outstanding service.”

    art deco hotel lobby with wood panelling at the beaumont hotel

    Image credit: The Beaumont / ZACandZAC

    The lobby, which spans the entire front façade of the hotel, has been sensitively enhanced and given new purpose, leading in one direction to the new Magritte Bar and in the other to the concierge and reception desks. Here, a timber panelled portal has been introduced to frame the lift lobby and a grand hall which will eventually offer seamless entry into the new extension. Throughout the lobby, existing internal finishes have been revived, including the distinctive chequerboard marble floor and cherrywood panelling, while new fabrics soften the area.

    art deco inspired le magritte bar at the Beaumont Hotel, London

    Image credit: The Beaumont / ZACandZAC

    As befits a hotel loved for its transatlantic Art Deco legacy, the brand-new Le Magritte Bar is inspired by the American bars that took 1920s London and Paris by storm. The architects repurposed and extended what had been a guest-only lounge into the 30-seater public bar, framing a fully glazed entrance with imposing backlit alabaster columns. Within, the space is entirely clad in European fiddleback cherrywood and a leather-topped ebony bar takes pride of place behind which hangs the Magritte artwork that gives the bar its name. The ambience is inviting and glamorous. To the side, a glazed door has been introduced to allow staff to service the new outdoor terrace.

    At the heart of the ground floor, the former bar has undergone a complete transformation to create Gatsby’s Room. Extended, reproportioned and redesigned, it is an entirely new offering from The Beaumont – an intimate lounge for light dining through the day, afternoon teas to the sound of a grand piano, evening aperitifs and post-dinner drinks.

    The Colony Grill has kept its clubby Twenties New York atmosphere. A new sommelier station has been introduced and elsewhere some of the finishes have been replaced or revived. New murals and artworks are a striking addition.

    In addition, the hotel’s spa now benefits from an enlarged gym accommodating state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as a fourth treatment room and a relocated and redesigned male changing room, while, on the first floor, two guestrooms have been converted into a Mayfair Suite and a third room upgraded to a Superior Room which may be linked to the suite.

    Situated in the heart of Mayfair and the West End, The Beaumont embodies the spirit of the grand hotels of the 1920s, yet remains on an intimate scale, with just 50 guestrooms and 22 suites and studios, including Sir Antony Gormley’s ROOM, an inhabitable work of public art. Since opening in 2014, this privately owned and independently run five-star hotel has established an enviable reputation for its thoughtful, friendly service and beautifully appointed accommodation, winning many accolades, including the 2020 Condé Nast Traveller Gold List editors’ favourite hotels in the world.

    The journey continues…

    Main image credit: The Beaumont / ZACandZAC

    luxury bedroom in shades of grey with orange accent

    Cult Hotels and Hypnos collaborate in pursuit of sustainable luxury

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Cult Hotels and Hypnos collaborate in pursuit of sustainable luxury

    Cult Hotels’ ambition to bring its game-changing new concept to the market includes providing guests with an exceptional sleep experience with Hypnos Contract Beds…

    luxury bedroom in shades of grey with orange accent

    Cult Hotels is the brainchild of Julian Dunkerton, Co-Founder of fashion giant Superdry and the highly successful Cotswold’s hotel and restaurant portfolio, The Lucky Onion. Dunkerton said it was his ‘ambition’ to bring a ‘game-changing’ new concept to the market, which included providing his guests with an exceptional sleep experience by working closely with Hypnos Contract Beds.

    The George in Cheltenham is the first hotel within the design led Cult Hotels collection. Located across five Grade II listed Regency townhouses, the 46-key hotel has undergone a total refurbishment. You’ll still find sweeping staircases, ornate coving, and elegant panelling, but they’re now paired with bold colours, mismatched textures, and industrial design.

    statement wallpaper in moody hues in a cult hotel guestroom

    Image credit: No.131/The Lucky Onion

    As someone who sees life as a world of opportunity, Dunkerton is clear that Cult Hotels, named after his first fashion brand, fills a gaping hole in the market. Centrally located with easy access to great restaurants, Cult Hotels aims to provide its guests with wonderful rooms at affordable price points. The quality of the refurbishment is impressive, and all their rooms feature top of the range Hypnos beds, epic showers, and super-fast WiFi. A moody palette of deep blues and greys, brightly tiled bathrooms and a selection of Penguin paperback classics at each bedside all add to the boutique vibe.

    “We’ve focussed on the raw ingredients and cut out the fluff,” explained Dunkerton. “What we are offering is a truly amazing stay. Brilliant as boltholes for business travellers and anything-but-ordinary bases for weekend escapes.”

    The Lucky Onion was founded in 2006, on the ethos of great design, high quality food and drink and exceptional service. “Cult Hotels and The Lucky Onion family are all about delivering an exceptional experience to their guests and we are delighted to be a part of their story,” said Carolyn Mitchell, sales and marketing director, Hypnos Contract Beds. “You can count on a fabulous night’s sleep in any one of their properties, as each room is furnished with a Hypnos Lansdowne Cashmere mattress for the ultimate in comfort and luxury.”

    No. 131 is The Lucky Onion’s flagship hotel and restaurant, providing the perfect balance of sophistication and fun. A trio of beautiful Georgian townhouses set in the heart of Cheltenham, it is classic on the outside and contemporary British on the inside. The 36 guestrooms are all styled with bold, statement prints, period bathrooms and sumptuous Hypnos beds for a touch of old-fashioned luxury.

    luxury hotel bedroom in shades of grey with bold patterned cushions

    Image credit: Cult Hotels

    Uniquely combining the luxury of a hotel with the independence of a bed and breakfast, No.38 The Park is a home away from home. The 13 individually designed guestrooms feature home comforts with luxury ensuite bathrooms. A peaceful setting for couples and families alike. The Wheatsheaf is an idyllic ivy-clad British Inn located at the heart of the beautiful sleepy Cotswold village of Northleach, providing the perfect countryside retreat. The 14 guestrooms are classically decorated with an industrial twist, again each with an enormous emperor size Hypnos bed, deep freestanding bathtub and beautiful period bathroom making them the ideal escape from the daily grind.

    As well as its determination to deliver unrivalled comfort and hospitality, The Lucky Onion and Hypnos also share a commitment to sustainability. Dunkerton said: “Sustainability is important to me as a human being,” pointing towards the purchase of electricity from the right company as being a simple and easy way of making a huge difference to the environment. “I’m proud to say we were an early adopter of renewable energy. We use Ecotricity – what they do is spectacular. We all have an obligation to start this journey.”

    The same ethos is applied when selecting bed suppliers to partner with. Hypnos Contract Beds was the obvious choice, it is an industry-leader when it comes to matters of sustainability and the environment, priding itself on producing beds which are 100 per cent recyclable and never need go to landfill as a result.

    “We’re sustainable in every part of our business and we aim to help set the sustainability standards for the bed industry,” said Richard Naylor, Sustainable Development Director, Hypnos Beds. “We make the most comfortable beds in the world, and that comfort is delivered with the utmost integrity.”

    As a pioneer of sustainable bed making, Hypnos was the first carbon neutral bedmaker in the world. As a family owned business and Royal Warrant Holder, Hypnos is committed to making beds in a way that can be enjoyed by generations to come. Each bed is handmade in England, using over 100 years of knowledge and passion in design and craftsmanship to build the most comfortable, stylish, and sustainable beds. In 2020, Hypnos was delighted to be presented The Queens Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

    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.

    Main image credit: Cult hotels

    Rooftop render of hotel in Covent Garden

    Berlin comes to London: AMANO to open new hotel in 2022

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Berlin comes to London: AMANO to open new hotel in 2022

    The German boutique lifestyle hotel brand, The AMANO Group, announced it will open its debut hotel in London in 2022. Hotel AMANO Covent Garden promises to bring the cool and vibrant energy of Berlin to the heart of London. Here’s what else we know…

    Rooftop render of hotel in Covent Garden

    Located on Covent Garden’s Drury Lane, a luxury hotel will emerge next year marking the first international destination from Berlin-based hotel brand, The AMANO Group, which currently has eight hotels in Berlin, one in Munich, and one in Düsseldorf.

    Render of exterior of AMANO Covent GardenAMANO hotels offer sophisticated urban living in a central location at a fair price, and are carefully integrated into the cultural life of a city. Extrovert by nature and unafraid to be different, the hotels are renowned for their distinctive design and immersive drinks and dining experiences.

    Formerly a 1980s office building known as Drury House, this 141-room property is the first of multiple AMANO hotels set to open in London. Hotel AMANO Covent Garden will offer a new destination for Londoners to socialise in, as well as visitors coming to the city. Here you’ll find a basement bar, restaurant, sky bar and rooftop terrace with impressive city views and DJs spinning music on weekends.

    Throughout the property, we are being told to expect dark moody tones and unique design features, which have been imagined by London-based design studio, Woods Bagot, the lead architect and interior designer behind the new opening.

    Render of luxury lobby in AMANO's first hotel in the UK

    Image credit: The AMANO Group

    “As a Berlin-based company, opening our first international property in London was always a natural step for us,” said Ariel Schiff, Co-founder of The AMANO Group. “Like Berlin, London is a dynamic city known for its thriving nightlife and multicultural community. We felt the spirit of the AMANO brand would blend in well here. We’re excited to offer guests a unique hotel and leisure experience, bringing a taste of Berlin to London.”

    With a wealth of tourist hotspots on its doorstep, like the recently renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Hotel AMANO Covent Garden will make a great base for solo and business travellers, couples, and families wanting to explore the capital. Guests can choose from three room categories (cosy, comfy and roomy) to suit a range of budgets.

    Watch this space.

    Main image credit: The AMANO Group

    Soho House Rome bedroom

    Soho House arrives in Rome with timeless style

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Soho House arrives in Rome with timeless style

    Soho House opens for the first time in Italy, in Rome, in the San Lorenzo district, with spaces for members to eat, drink and meet. The 69-key house shelters all the Soho House comforts, including guestrooms, long-stay apartments, a swimming pool, rooftop bar, a Soho Health Club and a screening room. Melania Guarda Ceccoli explores…

    Soho House Rome bedroom

    The time has come, as part of the brand’s aggressive growth plans, Soho House has arrived in Italy, with the opening of Soho House Rome. Located in the San Lorezo district of the city, the new house is now the epicentre of a new hospitality scene in Rome that is fast, helping making it one of the hottest hotel development spots in Europe.

    The entire 10-storey building was designed by the Soho House Design in-house team, including the travertine-clad façade on the ground floor and plastered for the upper floors. There are balconies on each floor, with ribbed details and crenellated ceilings. Crittall exterior windows at each level give the building an industrial look, taking inspiration from the Fondazione Pastifico Cerere building near San Lorenzo, connecting Soho House to the local area that hosts it. Italian craftsmanship was used throughout the House, including locally made chandeliers and glassware.

    Inspired by an Italian market, the reception area hosts a long counter with a marble shelf that wraps around the corner that passes from the reception to the bar in Store X. The floor is in striped grit, and the travertine of the facade covers the internal wall creating a light and airy lounge space. The space is furnished with a mix of Italian-made furniture and vintage elements.

    The ninth floor is the central space of the club, with a bar, the House Kitchen and the Drawing Room. Guests can access a long lounge bar overlooking the outdoor park, with a terrazzo floor and metal bars give the space an industrial look.

    House Kitchen is a space where you can order food and drinks all day, with an open kitchen equipped with sofas, chairs and tables everywhere and Crittall doors that open onto the balcony. The spaces are completed by ceramic lamps made in Italy and elements in Italian leather, exposed ceilings, terrazzo floors covered with mustard yellow bespoke carpets and industrial metal shelves that protrude above locally sourced marble counters.

    The Drawing Room, which runs along the other side of the building, is a lounge with green walls, light herringbone flooring, and a briar-fronted bar. The space also features a travertine fireplace and vintage furniture, including armchairs and marble tables.

    The first floor of the building is dedicated to an exhibition space that can be used by members for events and is also available for private hire, which can be used as a single large room or divided into two rooms, each with its bar.

    Soho House The Club Rome

    Image credit: Soho House/Giulia Venanzi

    The rooftop bar, restaurant and swimming pool is located on the 10th floor, and offers a 360-degree view of the Eternal City. The red-tiled pool is surrounded by patterned sun loungers, crenellated umbrellas, and a stone floor in the traditional Italian Palladian motif.

    The bar and restaurant occupy the other three sides of the top floor, with sofas running along one side. A large mural is painted all over the walls with motifs of vines, trees and planters to give the space a garden feel. Inside is a terracotta bar with a glazed tile facade, furniture covered in burgundy and Italian green. The environment is completed by festooned lighting and a pizza oven. Glass railings flank the edge of the top floor, providing uninterrupted views. A canopy roof equipped with heating elements covers the dining space.

    On floors seven and eight, the Soho Health Club, a new fitness, health and wellness area of the Soho House, brings together the world’s best experts in health and beauty with class-based workouts, equipment and state-of-the-art skin and beauty treatments, including infrared saunas and cryogenic chambers. The treatment rooms and the sauna feature wooden floors and corrugated walnut cladding. On the seventh floor, the gym has two-tone walls, a base inspired by Roman geometric patterns, exposed ceilings and a balcony that allows members and their guests to train outdoors.

    Also on this floor is the 42-seat projection room with velvet armchairs and footrest pouffes. The space will allow the screening of the best news in the world of cinema and new releases of independent and arthouse cinema.

    The house shelters 49 rooms and 20 apartments. The rooms have Italian grit floors, plastered walls, the headboards of the beds are made of wood in the shape of a wave and feature Hypnos mattresses. The hand-painted ceramic bedside lamps with a carved top and craquelé enamel finish are a unique collaboration with Soho Home and the Italian designer Bitossi who produced lights in the 1970s and recreated them specifically for the Maison. The bathrooms feature a geometric pattern in green marble with a tadelek finish. Doors, cabinets and furniture all have ribbed detail.

    The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and studios are located on the third and fourth floors and are available for short and long term stays. The apartments have wooden floors with plastered walls and bathrooms with Italian ceramic tiles. The kitchen and living area are furnished with furniture from Italian vintage markets and bespoke pieces that reflect details of classic Italian furniture.

    There is also a fifth-floor suite with vintage wood floor, upholstered headboard in red velvet, briar bed made by local Italian artisans and a freestanding bathtub located by the window overlooking Rome. There is also a lounge with a large dining table, a bar area and a DJ console.

    Art Soho House Rome

    Image credit: Soho House/Giulia Venanzi

    The art collection has a curatorial focus on the theme of Saints and Sinners. Local and international artists have been invited to create a work that addresses this concept. The idea has been interpreted in many creative ways: from football ultra-fans to Mary Magdalene, from Popes to Emperor Nero, art investigates the concepts of good and evil and the spaces in between. The works hosted by Soho House Roma include pieces by critical Italian artists such as Gianni Politi, Nico Vascellari, Silvia Gambrone, Claudio Verna, Elisa Montessori, Monica Bonvicini and Thomas Braida.

    Rome continues to be a major hotspot for hotel development, with brands such as W Hotels Mama Shelter, The Student Hotel and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts all recently sharing news about recently opened or anticipated hotels in the Eternal City.

    Main image credit: Soho House/Giulia Venanzi

    colourful parasols and canopies at hyatt island resort

    Unveiled: The latest brands to join the Red Sea development

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Unveiled: The latest brands to join the Red Sea development

    With the highly anticipated Red Sea Project getting underway, we thought we would take a look at the nine leading hotel brands who are now on board and set to join the Red Sea party…

    colourful parasols and canopies at hyatt island resort

    The Red Sea Development Company, the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, has announced the signing of nine hotel management agreements with international hotel brands to operate resorts in the first phase of development at The Red Sea Project. With the first phase of development on track for completion by the end of 2023, and with a total of 16 hotels set to offer 3,000 hotel rooms across five islands and two inland sites, we thought we would take a look at some of the latest developments.

    The list of the hotels who have signed up reads like a who’s who of the international hotel world, and includes: EDITION Hotels and St Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International; Fairmont Hotel & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and SLS Hotels & Residences, all part of global hospitality group Accor; Grand Hyatt, part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts and Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts; and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, a global luxury hospitality company.

    Each brand at The Red Sea Project has embraced the vision of the project and have agreed to work together to collaborate in making the destination a success. The partners have welcomed the industry-pioneering sustainability standards of TRSDC and the broader commitment towards regenerative tourism development.

    High on this list is Marriott International , who have plans to develop two of its flagship brands as part of the project, with both St Regis and EDITIONS set to enhance their footprint across the Kingdom.

    “We are excited to be working with The Red Sea Development Company to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and EDITION to one of Saudi Arabia’s most-anticipated projects,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “These milestone signings illustrate Marriott International’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom and highlight increased demand for lifestyle and luxury accommodations and experiences.”

    crystal clear water at island resort of st regis in the red sea

    Image credit: Marriott Hotels

    The St. Regis Red Sea Resort marks the brand’s introduction in Saudi Arabia, and the continued growth of its portfolio in the Middle East. Situated on a private island, the resort is expected to feature 90 villas, two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa, in addition to a Children’s Club. Expected to open in 2023, the exclusive resort will offer the brand’s visionary spirit, avant-garde style and bespoke service.

    contemporary architectural design of timber clad EDITION red sea hotel

    Image credit: Marriott International

    The proposed EDITION Hotel will be located on the Red Sea Project’s main island of Shaura. The Red Sea EDITION is slated to open in 2023 with 240 guestrooms, including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. The property is set to reflect the best of its location’s cultural and social milieu and of the time. The hotel plans to offer two signature restaurants, a destination bar, beach bar, fitness centre, a swimming pool, and spa.

    “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Marriott International to The Red Sea Development Company family,” commented John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company. “Securing globally esteemed and recognized brands such as St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and EDITION operating our luxury resorts is a significant and positive step forward for our flagship destination. We are very much looking forward to working hand in hand with Marriott International to deliver unique and immersive guest experiences underpinned by a commitment to enhancing the environment and uplifting local communities as we endeavour to stay true to our regenerative promise.”

    The Red Sea Project, one of the first ‘giga’ projects announced by Saudi Arabia’s government, is an ambitious regenerative landmark project, covering 28,000 square kilometres on the west coast of the country. The destination is expected to offer a new type of barefoot luxury experience and is being developed with the highest standards of sustainability. With an archipelago of more than 90 untouched natural islands, as well as dormant volcanoes, desert, mountains and cultural sites, the project is expected to deliver new levels of service excellence, using technology to enable a seamless personalized experience that aims to position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

    Main image credit: Grand Hyatt

    Contemporary bathroom design and fittings in the londoner hotel

    Case study: Designing the bathrooms inside The Londoner

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Case study: Designing the bathrooms inside The Londoner

    Synonymous with luxury, Edwardian Hotels’ The Londoner, which takes urban hospitality in Leicester Square to new lavish heights, specified AXOR brassware throughout the ‘super boutique’ hotel – from its guestrooms and suites to its destination spa (and all wellness areas in-between)…

    Contemporary bathroom design and fittings in the londoner hotel

    London’s first super boutique hotel in Leicester Square, The Londoner is a collection of spaces, tastes and experiences brought to life across 16 storeys. Part of Edwardian Hotels London, The Londoner has been curated to reflect the drama and elegance of West End life. Synonymous with luxury, The Londoner specified AXOR brassware throughout the entirety of the hotel. From its rooms and suites, to the Retreat Spa and hotel restrooms, AXOR provided all basin and bath mixers, showers and handsets, kitchen taps and brassware accessories to this iconic building.

    Mirroring the industrial metalwork on the outside of the building, AXOR’s Brushed Black Chrome finish was selected for all products. Chosen for its sleek silhouette and premium feel, the AXOR Citterio stands pride of place in every room. In standard rooms, AXOR Citterio E 3-hole wall-mounted basin mixers have been selected, whilst suites boast AXOR Citterio M. Citterio E Shower sets complete with overhead and 120 3jet hand showers, and the Citterio E bath spout can be found in both. Public restrooms feature the Citterio E single lever basin mixers for its hand washbasins, and where there are in room kitchens, AXOR Uno mixers have been selected.

    Paying attention to the smallest of details, the iconic Brushed Black Chrome finish has also been applied to all Universal Accessories. From shower door handles and rail grab bars, to towel hooks and toilet paper holders, Londoner bathrooms have a truly unified, luxury aesthetic.

    “AXOR was the natural choice for this hotel,” says Rob Steul, The Londoner’s head architect and Creative Director of Edward Group London. “The Londoner is all about understated luxury, we wanted guests to feel they were experiencing the best. AXOR delivers that in both its product design and function. The showering experience is like no other.”

    brushed steel and marble surfaces in a contemporary hotel bathroom

    Image credit: The Londoner Hotel

    With environmental sustainability at the core of The Londoner’s design, the hotel boasts an ‘Excellent’ rating from BREEAM, exceeding the requirements for sustainable energy and water use. Playing a key part in this is AXOR’s innovative technology which reduces water consumption without compromising on performance. Thanks to its AirPower and EcoSmart technologies water is aerated, reducing consumption by up to 60 per cent from traditional mixers, without compromising on performance. As water is full of air, droplets are plump, cocooning the body as they fall to give an unparalleled showering experience.

    hansgrohe is one of our recommended suppliers and regularly feature 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: hansgrohe

    Orange couch and indoor plants at Beckett Locke hotel

    Lifestyle brand Locke opens second hotel in Dublin

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Lifestyle brand Locke opens second hotel in Dublin

    Set to become a new hub for culture and entertainment in the city Beckett Locke brings its home-meets-hotel concept to the centre of Dublin’s thriving docklands area…

    Orange couch and indoor plants at Beckett Locke hotel

    As a brand that isn’t prepared to waste time procrastinating, Locke is seriously catching up to – dare we say ‘taking over from’ – the conventional lifestyle brands that have for decades dominated the international hotel design scene. Following the launch of Zanzibar Locke, which was hotel brand’s first property to emerge outside of the UK, the stylish brand has now opened its second hotel in Dublin.

    Tucked behind the 3Arena, Beckett Locke is a 241-studio aparthotel, which aims to inspire and connect travellers through mindful design, activated social spaces, a locally led cultural programme and disruptive food and drink concepts that celebrate the character and social fabric of its locality.

    Set around a naturally lit atrium, Beckett Locke features a neighbourhood co-working space, artisan coffee shop, restaurant and intimate cocktail bar in addition to meeting and event space for up to 100 people. Beckett Locke’s beautifully designed apartments (which range from 23sqm to 53sqm) each feature fully-fitted kitchens, as well as living and dining space, making them suitable for short, medium, and long stays.

    “We are thrilled to open Beckett Locke, our second home in Dublin, and the third international property in the Locke family,” said Stephen Mccall, CEO of Locke’s parent company edyn. “Dublin has always been an important city for us, and we’re excited to bring Locke’s distinctive and vibrant personality to the rapidly expanding Docklands area. The Locke experience ranges from cultural programming to creative partnerships and our ambition is to establish Beckett Locke as a creative hub for guests and locals alike.”

    Designed by the London studio of globally renowned design firm AvroKO in collaboration with local firm C+W O’Brien Architects, the interiors of Beckett Locke take their cue from Dublin’s maritime history and the Docklands’ deep industrial heritage. The layout of the social spaces are inspired by a traditional Docklands market hall, and include a co-working area, meeting rooms, cocktail bar, coffee shop and restaurant, all set around a central glass atrium. The assimilation of local narratives flows into the apartments, which feature black steel, exposed concrete and rust-coloured soft furnishings, which evoke the intrepid colourways and history of the Docklands. Unique to Beckett Locke, each studio apartment has been designed in-house by edyn Development Studio.

    glass walls and wooden table provide contrasting surfaces at Beckette locke hotel

    Image credit: Beckett Locke

    The hotel also houses three new food and drink concepts by Alan Clancy’s native restaurant group, NolaClan. North 7th Coffee will fuel the co-working space from the early morning and throughout the day, serving artisan coffee, delicate pastries, and hearty sandwiches. Meanwhile, The Belis restaurant will offer a contemporary Irish take on classic dishes using freshly sourced ingredients. Nestled in a decadent theatre-like setting, complete with rich red velvets and draped chain canopy, Sam’s Corner will shake up handcrafted cocktails inspired by Beckett Locke’s namesake, playwright Samuel Beckett.

    Beckett Locke will also host an evolving cultural activation programme where locals and guests can participate in talks, events and workshops hosted by local businesses and creatives. This will be complemented by an evolving cultural activation series, which will invite local creatives, brands, and businesses to host talks, workshops and events.

    Locke’s hybrid ‘home-meets-hotel’ concept has proven popular among guests seeking flexible accommodation for a night, to a month or longer. Each apartment provides the space and comfort of home, which includes fully fitted kitchens, adaptable living areas where guests can dine or work, and ample storage, all with industry-leading design and guest experience at its core. This is combined with the social attributes of a lifestyle hotel, including buzzy co-working spaces, original food and drink concepts and a team of local house hosts.

    Main image credit: Beckett Locke

    Trendline buy Schlüter Systems

    Product watch: On trend profiles from Schlüter Systems

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Product watch: On trend profiles from Schlüter Systems

    Although the word ‘trendy’ can sometimes be synonymous with ‘a passing fad’, it is often popular and innovative design trends that lead the market within the hospitality industry, so can be worth paying attention to when designing a bathroom. In this exclusive editorial, we take a look at bathroom profiles from Schlüter Systems…

    Trendline buy Schlüter Systems

    Influenced by modern interior design trends, Schlüter-TRENDLINE is a range of textured coatings for wall profiles offering a variety of different colour and finish options to give you full creative control. Below are just a few bathroom trends that have become increasingly popular in recent times, and ways in which various TRENDLINE profiles can be incorporated to make the look work for any project.

    Industrial

    One trend that appears to now be commonplace in homes and hotels alike is the industrial look – think exposed brickwork, metal materials and high ceilings. This style works great within a bathroom or wetroom due to the multitude of sanitaryware options available. With the help of TRENDLINE finishes in rustic brown or dark graphite colours, the profiles can easily tie the look together whilst avoiding an overly fussy environment.

    TRENDLINE by Schlüter Systems

    Image credit:

    Black and white

    A perfect fit for an area which often relies on clean lines and all-white sanitaryware, minimalism within a hotel bathroom can present a tranquil and welcoming environment whilst making the most of the space available. Match white tiles to TRENDLINE matt brilliant white profiles to create a seamless finish or contrast them with TRENDLINE matt graphite black for more contemporary take on the classic trend.

    A white room with tactile walls

    Image credit: Schlüter Systems

    Wood effect

    Taking inspiration from nature and the outdoors, a wood effect look creates a calming haven which is ideal for hotels, particularly when wellness is of high importance. Airy spaces can be accentuated with greenery and earthy colours and the theme is especially impactful when paired with plenty of natural light. To coordinate with this, TRENDLINE in rustic brown, ivory or bronze can add a beautiful finish whilst blending well with wood-effect tiles.

    Wooden patio

    > Since you’re here, why not read more about Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD?

    Schlüter Systems 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: Schlüter Systems

    ARTIS collection of coloured basins from Villeroy & Boch

    Villeroy & Boch introduces new colours in Artis collection

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
    By:
    0
    Villeroy & Boch introduces new colours in Artis collection

    Designed by German-Danish designer Gesa Hansen, the Artis collection by Villeroy & Boch – now in new colours – has the right tone for any bathroom…

    Villeroy & Boch has introduced new splashes of colour in the Artis collection – Indian Summer, Sage Green, Rust and Bordeaux – reflecting personality, while creating an atmosphere that challenges the conventional idea that colour is risky in the bathroom.

    ARTIS collection of coloured basins from Villeroy & Boch

    “For me, colour is the soul of a product,” said designer Gesa Hansen. “Colour can awaken so many emotions and change practically everything: the mood, dimensions or definition of a room.” She has created a holistic colour concept with inspiring hues for anyone who wants to immerse their bathroom in a special shade. In addition to the new colours, the existing tones of Ocean, Fog and Powder still have a role to play. The palette has been joined by classic white and the neutral shades of Coal Black and French Linen. The two-tone concept remains for the nine colours: while the exterior adds colour to the bathroom, the interior surprises with glossy White Alpin. The precise wrap-around edge makes the contrast even more vivid while emphasising the delicate look of the surface-mounted washbasins made from high-quality TitanCeram.

    Artis surface-mounted washbasins are available in four shapes – round, oval, square, rectangular – and can be combined with furniture from the Finion and Legato collections. Villeroy & Boch will soon be able to reveal the colours and surfaces that harmonise best when it releases its colour wheel based on colour theory. The perfect complement: a bath with a colour-coordinated panel from the Colour on Demand concept. This way, Artis not only adds individual splashes of colour, but also lays the foundation for well-composed colour compositions. By the way, guest bathrooms are also a perfect playground for colour. This is where Artis leaves a lasting impression with visitors and turns this frequently underestimated room into a home’s calling card.

    > Since you’re here, why not read about the Finion collection by Villeroy & Boch?

    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.

    Main image credit: Villeroy & Boch

    contemporary hotel bedroom design with natural wood surfaces at Hyatt House Johannesburg

    Hyatt House debuts in Africa

     847 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Hyatt House debuts in Africa

    Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton celebrated its opening this month, marking the debut of the Hyatt House brand in Africa, expanding the brand’s footprint globally…

    contemporary hotel bedroom design with natural wood surfaces at Hyatt House Johannesburg

    Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests as extended stay residents who are looking for the conveniences of home, while enjoying the comfort of a luxury hotel stay. Modern, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas provide guests a stylish and comfortable environment, making it easier for guests to maintain their work and personal routines while traveling.

    Earlier this month, Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton celebrated its opening, marking the debut of the Hyatt House brand in Africa, while expanding the brand’s footprint globally. Owned by an affiliate of Millat Properties, Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton is conveniently located in the leafy suburb of Sandton, only moments away from Johannesburg’s upmarket Sandton City Shopping Centre & Nelson Mandela Square, with its vibrant, premium dining and social scene. In line with the brand ethos, the property provides guests the service and convenience of hotel living with the casual comforts of home.

    “Hyatt House Sandton is everything the name represents – a welcoming and warm environment that encourages guests to live like residents,” said Hotel Manager Atef Soliman. “We want each and every guest who comes through our doors to feel that they can let their real-life routines roll on, even when they’re on the road. Whether guests are visiting for a short trip or an extended stay, we know Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton is the perfect place to offer a personalised hotel experience that will make everyone feel right at home.”

    kitchen with wood and stainless steel surfaces in hyatt house suite

    Image credit: Hyatt House

    The hotel comprises of 62 guestrooms, which includes 43 residentially inspired studios, as well as 19 suites which have been designed with separate comfortable living rooms. All the  guestrooms are fully equipped with kitchens, working spaces, spacious bedrooms and stylish bathrooms.

    Hyatt House Sandton is also home to a fitness centre, outdoor pool and a tree house where guests can continue to enjoy their stay whilst exploring what Johannesburg has to offer. From the arts, historic sites, prestigious shopping complexes and an eclectic ensemble of shops, boutiques and restaurants, Sandton, Johannesburg is popular with locals and tourists alike. After a day of exploring the nearby Johannesburg Botanical Gardens guests can unwind at the hotel’s Medley restaurant and enjoy the contemporary bistro serving trendy and healthy cuisine, have a thoughtfully crafted cocktail at the H Bar, Pool or relax at the unique Tree House.

    kitchen and bedroom suite combining wood and marble finishes in natural tones

    Image credit: Hyatt House

    “Opening a hotel in the current global economic climate is not for the faint-hearted, but I am resolute that in times of adversity there is great opportunity.” says Hamza Farooqui, Chief Executive Officer of Millat Group. “In South Africa’s case when it comes to business and leisure tourism – in a what we hope will be a post-pandemic environment – this property will become an important symbol of renewed local and regional economic growth. Our investment is a manifestation of the group’s central operating philosophy of strong belief and optimism in the bright future of the African continent.  We are particularly proud of the property itself. Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton offers modern and spacious rooms and apartments allowing guests feel right at home in one of South Africa’s most important economic centres.”

    The Hyatt House brand is aimed at extended stay residents and currently has a footprint over 100 locations across the world, where they offer their trademark residential style design in conjunction with the comfort and convenience of a hotel stay.

    > Since you are here, why not read about the new Hyatt Centric in Denver

    Main image credit: Hyatt House

    palm trees and swimming pool at quinta do largo

    Diving into the spirit of the Algarve at Quinta do Lago

     730 565 Pauline Brettell
    By:
    0
    Diving into the spirit of the Algarve at Quinta do Lago

    It’s all about the weather and wellness – sustainability and sunshine – in this corner of Portugal. Pauline Brettell checks in to The Magnolia Hotel to explore all that is on offer at the Quinta do Lago resort, where the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa Park combines seamlessly with contemporary design…

    palm trees and swimming pool at quinta do largo

    The Ria Formosa Natural Park in Portugal forms part of the protected coastal lagoon, which provides the context and backdrop to the Quinta do Lago, resort, and has been key to informing its commitment to sustainability and the environment, on all levels, throughout the resort – from critically assessing its landscaping and golf course management, to developing a culture of farm-to-table that has permeated all of the resort restaurants. The resort makes it clear that luxury can be sustained by sourcing locally, and integrating the local landscape rather than superimposing a resort onto it, and this is key to the ethos of luxury behind Quinta do Largo.

    In the heart of the resort is The Magnolia Hotel – a stylish, family friendly boutique hotel designed by London-based Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, and modelled on the iconic motel designs reminiscent of Palm Springs. Driving through the entrance punctuated by the retro swimmer diving through the air, lit up in equally retro neon, the mood is set.

    “The pool at its centre looks like it has been lifted straight out of one of David Hockney’s Pool series of paintings.”

    There are bright sorbet colours as guests walk in nods to Hockney on the walls, and an abundance of palm trees that all contribute to the feeling of laid-back motel living with a note of luxury. The pool at its centre looks like it has been lifted straight out of one of David Hockney’s Pool series of paintings with its tiled reflections of the surrounding palm trees, and forms the focal point of the hotel, inviting you to dive straight into your holiday. Quality and comfort are the backbone to the vibrant and relaxed décor of this design, which is made up of a combination of 74 comfortable guestrooms, and a further seven vintage style cabins. The focus throughout is on laid back comfort, teamed with quality, along with a focus on wellness that runs throughout the resort. This wellness focus has been integrated on every level of design, from the bicycles at your disposal, to the Sleep Hub in your bedroom – I must confess to getting a little addicted to the sounds of waves crashing on my bedside table!

    While The Magnolia Hotel is all about creating a relaxed family zone, the Reserva is a low-rise, cutting edge development made up of 26 luxury apartments. Designed by Portuguese architect João Cabrita, each unit has its own swimming pool, with panoramic sea views framed in a modernist composition of glass and natural stone. The Reserva complex remains true to the original plan of the resort with its low density design that is ecologically driven by its location on the edge of such striking natural scenery.

    With wellness being the cornerstone to the entire resort, its state-of-the-art, multi-sports complex, The Campus, is an integral part of the experience, on both a design and a facilities level. The Campus is not simply about getting a bit of exercise in on your holiday, it is also about the lifestyle attached to that. The facilities are geared towards professionalism and performance, and are perfect for everyone, from high energy kids on holiday, right through to professional athletes needing to train in recovery, and pretty much everything in-between. For me, it was simply about a wonderful outdoor yoga session in the late summer sunshine, followed by a few laps in the comfortably heated pool.

    state of the art sports centre

    Image credit: Quinta do Lago

    You can’t, of course, escape the golf course culture as you head down to the Algarve, as it is key to the hotel industry there. Importantly, Quinta do Lago has spent time looking critically at how their state of the art courses are impacting on the local landscape, and where possible, making improvements to minimise their impact. I am no golfer, so it was all about admiring the landscaping and negotiating the buggy for me, but if I was tempted to pick up a club or two, this would be the place to do it! The credentials and awards speak for themselves, as the South course on Quinta features regularly in Top 100 golf courses of Europe lists, and has also been awarded best golf course in Portugal on more than one occasion!

    One thing is certain (and this is a subject I feel a little more qualified to offer an opinion on than golf), guests won’t be going hungry during their stay here! The resort is home to a wealth – 13 in total if I am sticking to the facts – of restaurants. Each one a signature aesthetic and ambience, created by different design teams appropriate to the concept. Again, design is considered in every nook, from craft-led crockery to locally sourced finishes.

    japanese restaurant with jellyfish sculpture

    Image credit: Laura Caroco

    No where is the resort’s ethos of sustainability clearer than in the F&B experiences, as it is clear that all the chefs and their teams are passionate about sourcing and using local produce. On your way to your morning tee off you go right past the Quinta farm where chefs and gardeners collaborate to grow and develop fresh seasonal produce for all the restaurants.

    We ended our stay at Quinta do Lago with an intricately crafted tasting menu at the Michelin-recommended Casa Velha. The attention to detail and the passion that head chef Alipio Branco puts into both the produce and the presentation, epitomises the ethos of the resort. The menu is inspired by the surrounding Ria Formosa as are the plates and bowls on which they are served, all sourced from local artisans and craft people, who, like all the designers and architects of this resort, take their inspiration from the dunes and the waterways of the estuary.

    wooden boardwalk crossing natural lagoon at Quinto do Lago beach

    Image credit: Quinto do Lago

    “Sometimes when you look at a property you have an instant view of what you are going to do,” explains Andre Jordan, the man behind the idea that was to become Quinta do Lago, “I had to drive along trails and through pine woods until I came to a high point overlooking it, with the ocean on the horizon. Within 10 minutes I had the concept for the whole project in my mind. I wanted to create a high quality resort that reflected local character and style.” It is this idea of remaining a part of, while safeguarding, the local landscape that does in fact set Quinta do Lago apart. With the Ria Formosa running through it, and the strong sense of community as its foundation, Quinta do Lago has established itself as a leader in the world of low impact, luxury real estate, incorporating considered design at every turn.

    Main image credit: Quinta do Lago