Hotel lobbies: “Let there be light,” says RAK Ceramics
Hotel lobbies are the first sight that greet a guest when they arrive for their stay, so striking the right chord and creating that all important good first impression is vital here, explains Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK…
Creating a good first impression, even when floor space may be at a premium, is crucial and whatever design and embellishments are chosen also needs to be in line with the hotel’s brand values, which from lobby to guest rooms will echo throughout the building no doubt.
Surfaces offer the ideal solution in this regard, being in and of themselves already highly visible.
Proving itself to be a stunning centrepiece for any hotel design concept, Luce by RAK Ceramics simply amaze when enhanced with backlighting technology, creating a striking effect that makes the right impression not only in hotel lobbies, but bar and restaurant areas too.
Image caption: Luce features a stunning marble-effect to make areas of the hotel such as bars and lobbies really stand out.
The new Maximus Translucent extra-large format slabs are a novelty that inspire creativity, with the range including seven different graphics and colours in marble and onyx effect, that replicate the natural ability of the stones to filter the light. The translucent body of Luce is made with a very high purity of raw materials containing special and high-quality clays and minerals. When illuminated, Luce’s special body gives a soft glow and really transforms the design from a plain tile to a soft natural marble. This of course taps into trends for nature-inspired designs, creates a real feeling of luxury and plays with light in an incredibly creative way.
Image caption: When illuminated, Luce’s special body gives a soft glow and really transforms the design from a plain tile to a soft natural marble, perfect for gently lighting up public spaces within the hotel after dark.
In 6mm thick slabs measuring 120 x 260cm, Luce can be chosen in Onyx White, Onyx Harlequin, Onyx Ivory, Onyx Arco Red, Onyx Green Jade, Marble White and Bahia Azul.
Such solutions can be used by designers to enhance the guest experience, giving a good first impression and creating spaces that are beautiful with quality products.
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.
Island life: Kuda Villingili in the Maldives prepares to open
Located in the North Malé Atoll, in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili is preparing its international entrance with what we are told an impressive line-up of gourmet dining options – including a take on the famous Singaporean Hawkers street food market – an idyllic beachfront spa, and world-class facilities for those with a penchant for an adrenaline rush. As demand for hotel development in the region soars, let’s take a look…
In just a few days time, luxury travellers will be able to check in to Kuda Villingili, a much-anticipated luxury island retreat in the Maldivian archipelago. The remarkable five-star property located in the North Male Atoll, Kuda Villingili is the Maldives redefined; a unique, experience-driven concept, home to an impressive line-up of gourmet dining options, an idyllic beachfront spa, and an azure, spacious 150-metre pool, encircled by stylish sunbeds, cabanas and bars – take it from us, it’s stunning!
Conceived with nature in mind by the Maldivian architectural firm GX Associates in collaboration with the Singapore-based interior design company URBNarc, the resort boasts 95 luxury villas – 36 overwater and 59 beachside. All are inspired by the sprawling nature of the Maldives and offer panoramic views of the pristine ocean, allowing for the natural sounds of the sea to awaken the senses.
Image credit: Kuda Villingili
Image credit: Kuda Villingili
The resort’s interiors authentically reflect the natural beauty that surrounds the island. Traditional Maldivian art pieces and textiles are dotted throughout, and the expert use of natural materials enhance the harmony between water, light and wind. Inspired by the ocean and local fauna, interiors feature custom, eco-friendly furniture and fittings (including carpets manufactured from recycled plastic bottles). This mixed-use resort development also offers a variety of accommodation types to meet the needs of all – groups, couples, solo travellers and families.
Gastronomy
The diversity of cultural expression is celebrated throughout the resort’s gourmet offerings. With views of the idyllic beachfront, the resort’s signature dining establishment – The Restaurant – serves the freshest, handcrafted food for breakfast and offers three menus at dinner: Fire, Earth and Ocean. Inspired by the traditional American Steak House experience, Fire explores the art of grilling meats to perfection. Earth is an Asian-inspired concept that celebrates organic ingredients to enhance classic dishes like noodles and dim sum creations, and Ocean is a fine-dining experience championing seafood specialties, prepared with a European sensibility.
Image credit: Kuda Villingili
Relaxed, flavoursome and social, The Hawkers is an upscale three-stall street food market that sits poolside and serves up soulful, sharing style options. The open kitchen dishes up Indian-Arabic inspired flame-grilled kebabs, charcoaled tandoor, and mouth-watering shawarma, along with Thai-Japanese delicacies such as robatayaki grill and sushi, and Italian-Mediterranean favourites like savoury wood-fired pizza.
A South American take on the classic lunch beach menu is available at The Beach Club, together with daily live DJ sets and an extended list of refreshing frozen cocktails and rosé wines. The resort’s two bars, the Main Bar and the Poolside bar, both offer classic cocktails, mocktails and hand-crafted beers. And overlooking the lagoon, the resort’s cosy Cigar Lounge offers the finest international whiskies and cognacs and a wide selection of premium cigars in a warm, sophisticated and sumptuously leather-decorated ambience.
Over in the spa
Featuring oversized stone baths, organic and plant-based products by VOYA, the spa at Kuda Villingili is rooted in self-love, self-discovery and wellness. Boasting eight self-contained oceanfront spa villas, each promises a holistic journey to reclaim self-connection, self-care and balance through an array of therapeutic and mindful practices.
Image credit: Kuda Villingili
Restorative leisure pursuits include an elevated yoga pavilion, Technogym and a recreation centre with table tennis, billiards, karaoke & table games. There are two state-of-the-art tennis courts, beach volleyball and island excursions that range from surfing, scuba and stargazing to wildlife encounters, sandbank dining and big game fishing.
The hotel opens on June 6. As the Maldives continues to be on the ‘amber list’ for UK travellers, the opening has given modern travellers something to look forward to when non-restricted travel opens once more.
Industry insight: Transforming leisure spaces with innovative tile design
As public spaces begin to re-open, now more than ever business owners are looking for new ways to entice potential visitors. In addition to high-performance and functionality, aesthetics are key to designing a stylish pool or spa environment fit for purpose. We speak to CTD Architectural Tiles to learn more about the brand’s latest tile design collections…
When it comes to designing spas and leisure spaces, tiles can have a real visual impact on the overall look of the space. An integral part to any scheme, tiles allow designers, architects and specifiers to experiment – to create eye-catching designs for all to enjoy.
From marble-effect finishes to industrial inspired porcelain, CTD Architectural Tiles’ expansive collection of tiles not only looks impressive, but it also conforms to the highest technical standards to provide a solution for any leisure design brief.
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
Provide peace of mind with aesthetic anti-slip tiles
Health and safety is of utmost importance in any commercial sector, especially high-traffic leisure spaces or swimming pools, where excess surface water is likely. These spaces demand a tile solution that offers peace of mind, with anti-slip properties that meet the necessary safety regulations in order to deem the environment safe for public use. Yet, functionality doesn’t always mean compromising on aesthetics, CTD Architectural’s tile collection is specially designed to deliver on both style and performance.
Petra exudes a classic appeal and combines the beauty of natural stone with the benefits of an anti-slip ‘Class C’ porcelain surface. With three colours available, Petra allows designers to create a cohesive scheme, from swimming pool surrounds to outdoor patio flooring – the design possibilities are infinite.
For a more timeless look, business owners should opt for Milan, this beautiful tile can be specified in three soft tones: Sand, Grey or Marengo. Pairing natural beauty with the hardwearing properties of porcelain stone, these tiles are ideal for achieving a calm and tranquil ambience whilst fulfilling all of the anti-slip properties required for safe pool environments.
Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles
A forward-thinking antibacterial surface solution
As our attention turns to hygiene and the importance of safely re-opening hospitality spaces, antibacterial tiles have increased in popularity. The perfect surface option for heavy footfall areas, antibacterial tiles benefit from groundbreaking Microban® technology in the form of a specialist coating applied directly to the tile surface.
Anthology is available in five muted colours; the porcelain wall tile is suitable for application on both the wall and floor and aims to depict the natural shade variations and inherent veining of stone and marble. With its enhanced antibacterial coating and high-quality visual appeal, Anthology is the perfect tile to breathe life into spa environments and luxurious poolside areas.
Comprehensive tiles designed for swimming pools
When designing for a swimming pool there are extra considerations that need to be accounted for – stairs, overflow systems and even a skimmer need to be factored into the design scheme to help create a seamless surface throughout.
CTD Architectural Tiles’ Opera collection skilfully blends concrete and stone to create a range of industrial-looking porcelain tiles. Developed in large format, with surface finishes for both indoor and outdoor use, the stunning avant-garde slab can be specified in four colourways: Ivory, Light, Iron and Silver. An ideal choice for the leisure industry, the Opera range is supported by specialist pieces designed exclusively for swimming pool use.
As the leisure industry continues to evolve and bounce-back after a year of uncertainty, it’s clear that by creating stylish yet functional schemes, business owners can deliver unique swimming pool environments that guests will want to spend time in.
CTD Architectural Tiles is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
In Conversation With: Naomi Heaton, CEO, The Other House
Having just unveiled The Other House, a new lifestyle hospitality brand that is said to ‘revolutionise hospitality’, Naomi Heaton’s two new hotels that are planned to open in the next few years are expected to make unapologetic and bold statements on the hotel scene in London. But what else has Heaton got planned? Editor Hamish Kilburn caught up with the visionary herself to find out more…
In a place like London, where quintessentially British tradition seems (on the surface, at least) to take precedence, anything new and disruptive to what convention on the hospitality scene needs to arrive fully packed with substance if it is to survive, let alone thrive. For Naomi Heaton and her team, there was no other place in the world to set the scene of a new brand that has been brewing for what, I am told, has been seven years in the making.
Heaton, who recently joined me in a panel discussion at Hotel Designs LIVE to debate the topic of a new era of lifestyle, is now ready to share the details of her new brand, which is expected to “blur the lines” that pre-exist in hospitality, in order to instead create a cutting-edge type of new accommodation. The Other House – ‘your home for as long as you’re in town’ – will disrupt the traditional sectors of hotels, serviced apartments and private rentals, effortlessly and elegantly combining home comforts with hotel style facilities, whatever the length of stay.
“Our aim was to create a second home for our residents for as long as they were in town – quite simply to be their other house.” – Naomi Heaton, CEO, The Other House.
To understand more about how The Other House was born, and what we can expect next, I caught up with Heaton…
Hamish Kilburn: We love the new branding – can you tell us a bit more about the creative journey to finalise the name?
Naomi Heaton: We have been on an amazing journey which started many years ago when we first recognised the need for a whole new approach to hospitality. This all started to become a reality when we teamed up with our joint venture partners APG, the Dutch pension provider and acquired our first asset in South Kensington in December 2019. One of our early appointments was the award-winning branding agency Design Studio who we had enormous fun with, working out exactly who our target audience was, what their aspirations and convictions are and the kind of environment they wanted to live in.
The core plank was to provide a sense of place that was in tune with our guests needs coupled with an ability for them to access hotel style services 24/7 but only as and when they wanted. We came up with literally hundreds of possible names but the answer was very simple. Our aim was to create a second home for our residents for as long as they were in town – quite simply to be their other house. It was just a short step from there to arrive at the The Other House!
Image caption: Prime location. The Wellington property, located in Covent Garden, will shelter The Other House’s second hotel, expected to open in 2023.
HK: Covent Garden and South Kensington shelter very different vibes. Why did you choose these locations for the first two properties?
NH: As a company we have always specialised in central London generally acquiring assets which are in need of refurbishment and reorganisation. This way we can create exactly what we want as well as minimising the environmental impact. We also love the heritage architecture and the relative scarcity of such buildings. It is probably a harder task than building new but the end result is something unique with embedded history.
Central London is made up of many ‘villages’ with distinct personalities and as you say vibes. They are all convenient but different people want to be in different locations and have different requirements. Covent Garden and South Kensington are poles apart but equally attractive and exciting and we have managed to acquire beautiful properties in both locations. Our intention is now to fill in the ‘gaps’ between them in equally exciting places such as Mayfair, Sloane Square, Notting Hill and Marylebone. We are always on the lookout for opportunities but have set a high bar.
“We have approached The Other House through a residential lens rather than a conventional hotel perspective.” – Naomi Heaton, CEO, The Other House.
HK: You recently joined our panel on ‘the new era of lifestyle’ at Hotel Designs LIVE. How does The Other House open the door for a new era of lifestyle?
NH: The Other House aims to disrupt the traditional sectors of hotels, serviced apartments and private rentals, combining home comforts with hotel style facilities, whatever the length of stay – from a day to a year (or even longer).
We recognised that the needs of travellers in these sectors are merging. Our background is private rentals (the PRS). We could see they were all looking for a real sense of place and space that this sector provides combined with the services offered by traditional hotels but only as and when they want them. Technology will play an important role in delivering this but making a positive social and environmental impact and ensuring health and wellbeing will be at the core of the offer as well.
We have approached The Other House through a residential lens rather than a conventional hotel perspective. The brand will be a ‘second home’ for its guests – their other house – and they can live like a resident, for as long as they are in town. As a new hospitality concept, we are creating a new sector of Residents Clubs.
It will be a club of likeminded people who know what they want, seeking style, positive social impact and experiences to remember, without a hefty price tag. One of our principal design requirements is to provide micro apartments throughout – club flats not bedrooms – and private areas for residents to enjoy a quiet glass of whisky or relax in their favourite chair – as well as public destination areas. It is a club which is inclusive, that everyone is a member of, for as long as they are staying.
Our guests also want to be in control of their stay and limit touch points. The brand connects guests with on-demand services through an exciting bespoke tech platform and App from the moment they book and check in to when they check out and pay.
HK: How important is tech in this new era and how will The Other House properties use it meaningfully?
NH: Extremely important. In many ways the pandemic has served to accelerate the move towards technology that was happening anyway, albeit at a slower pace. Guests are increasingly seeking to be in control through technology with a seamless journey from booking, checking in to managing their stay with limited touch points and human interaction.
Our bespoke app which is in development will enable guests to manage their entire stay and experience, from booking, checking in, room entry, room cleaning, laundry, messaging, booking and paying at any of our restaurants, bars and other amenities.
The good use of technology will enable many of the mundane interactions to be kept to a minimum. This means however that the human touch has to be much more nuanced and sensitive, recognising guests are independent and discerning rather than just visitors or tourists. We are giving residents the tools and the space to organise and manage life their way.
Tech is important too in expanding the sense of community far beyond the stay itself, by creating a platform which shares common interests, news and views about what is going on at the Other House and beyond, so people can always feel like a local.
HK: Can you give us an indication on the interior design schemes for both properties?
NH: Design studio Bergman Interiors, winners of course of your eponymous The Brit List Awards 2020, have been appointed and will showcase the best in British design at both properties. Bergman is creating iconic designs cleverly combining a sense of home with stand-out exciting spaces in our club flats and in the public and private residents’ areas. There will be bold interiors, with a contemporary twist and rich colours and textures combined with carefully designed lighting. Spaces will be original but relaxing and individual.
Image caption: The property that started it all. This building, Harrington Hall, will shelter The Other House’s debut hospitality offering, and is slated to open in Spring of 2022.
HK: What will The Other House offer that isn’t already available in lifestyle hospitality?
NH: The residents’ clubs will combine the strengths of hotel offerings with the sense of place and place-making residents get from the private rented sector. It is a far more embracing offering than serviced apartments, hotels or the private rental sector as they exist today.
As well as an entirely new concept, where you can stay for as long as you want, there will be seamless technology through our bespoke app, which means guests are in control, an integral part of the new way of living we have all adopted.
The Other House takes a sustainable approach to renovating existing buildings and is committed to making a positive impact on the community, our employees and the environment. Our residents will be a part of our environmental journey so they can make a measurable personal difference. There will be a focus on health and wellbeing at all the guest touchpoints and we will be using, for example, recyclable packaging, healthy, sustainably produced food and British made furniture.
HK: Where are you in the design stage at the moment?
NH: We have had a fantastic journey with architects Falconer Chester Hall and Bergman Interiors creating exactly the right product for our guests. It has been a real period of learning as we rethink the use and look of the space to complement our offering. Works in the South Kensington property are well underway – having been completely stripped out behind the historic façade and the reconfiguration now taking place, with a planned opening late Q1 2022.
The Wellington block, an island site close to Covent Garden’s famous piazza is now fully designed architecturally and at planning stage. We have started working on the interior design concepts for all the spaces, inspired by Covent Garden’s rich and vibrant history. We intend to start work towards the end of 2021, opening in 2023. The story will of course continue with further acquisitions in central London and then internationally. Watch this space!
Adding personality in public areas with surfaces from Mosaico+
Following its pitch at Hotel Designs LIVE to encourage designers, architects and hoteliers to look beyond hygiene when specifying surfaces, Mosaico+ shares how its products can help the A&D community add personality back into public areas…
“Mosaic is, foremost, broken matter, reduced to small elements but creating seamless surfaces by incorporating the joint, to bind the components rather than divide.” The grout can play a powerful part to illuminate the pattern or to tone and extend in a seamless way depending on the effect you are looking to create. This is a powerful element that Mosaico+ aims to develop.
Having undergone a significant re-branding exercise over the last three years, the brand has moved from that of a traditional mosaic company to one creating quite unique surfaces whilst maintaining the concept of mosaic. We are developing our offer to sit more strongly in A&D.
Image credit: Mosaico+
Image credit: Mosaico+
What does Mosiaco+ do?
Mosaico+ offers a bespoke design service being able to master any image, decoration, signage or special branding to customise any area. The brand also handcrafts its products, employing artisanal techniques and cutting individual pieces to construct any given design. And then, its recent stand-alone additions are where the brand diversifies, having collaborated with key design partners to inspire individual themes and giving the portfolio greater depth. Mosaico+ is introducing different materials, collections of new designs, not necessarily perceived as mosaic, but that tell their own story and can be used in a variety of situations and combinations – hence Mosacio ‘Plus’!
The brand covers the regular areas where mosaic has always been used but are also able to crossover creating limitless opportunities to be included in different situations as original features, pieces of art and tailored versions to highlight any given aspect and interpreting many design ideas.
So either from within the team’s offer or utilising their design capabilities, the brand can achieve any style, modern, minimal, industrial; create any mood, soft, subtle and sophisticated, quirky, romantic, and enhance or accentuate any overall feeling you may be looking to affect.
It’s an exciting time to see the innovation and new way forward in progress. Mosaico+ is no longer solely a mosaic company, we are continuing to evolve our product offer to incorporate small, individual component parts as you would expect, but in different ways, new concepts that can be chosen to work within many environments, contrasting or complimenting, and able to create something that bonds with other factors within a scheme, building that design relationship.
Mosaico+ was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on May 11, 2021. The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on August 10, 2021
(in video) Hotel Designs LIVE: Bathrooms beyond practical spaces
In the second session of Hotel Designs LIVE on May 11, 2021, the editorial lens focused in on the hotel bathroom. In an exclusive panel discussion, editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed Nick Hickson, Co-Founder and Creative/Technical Director, THDP; Gabriele Chiave, Creative Director, Marcel Wanders Studio and Christos Passas, Director, Zaha Hadid Architects, to explore bathrooms beyond practical spaces (scroll down to watch full video)…
Following the opening seminar on ‘a new era of lifestyle‘, which was no doubt the session that set the tone for the rest of the day’s panel discussions, session two of Hotel Designs LIVE was sponsored by bathroom manufacturer Grohe. For this chapter of the one-day conference, editor Hamish Kilburn decided to focus the lens on an area of the hotel that has been at the centre of the wellness conversation over the last year.
Welcoming leading designers and architects to join him on the virtual sofa, the panel looked at all five senses to understand how bathroom design and wellness areas are evolving in order to cater to new demands from modern travellers. Understanding bathroom spaces in all colours, shapes and sizes, the panel started to ultimately establish trends and major talking points for wellness spaces in 2021 and beyond.
We have also published the full recording of session one from Hotel Designs LIVE. The full recordings of the other two sessions (‘Art outside the frame’ and ‘Workspace design trends’) will be available on-demand shortly.
SAVE THE DATE: Hotel Designs LIVE will return for a fourth edition on August 10, 2021. The topics explored will include surfaces, sleep, senses and social and speakers will be announced shortly. Once these have been announced, tickets for Hotel Designs LIVE will be available. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, focused Product Watch pitches or the concept of Hotel Designs LIVE, please contact Katy Phillips or call +44 (0) 1992 374050.
Since you’re here…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
Underfloor heating: Enhancing the hotel bathroom experience
With wellness being on guests’ agenda as hospitality reopens from the pandemic, Schlüter Systems, which was a Product Watch Pitch Partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, explores how designers can inject a sense of luxury with simple and effective underfloor heating in the bathroom…
It is no secret that wellness has been brought to the forefront of many people’s minds since the start of the pandemic.
Even when life returns to some sense of normality, the desire to create the right balance between work and downtime appears to be here to stay.
With the hospitality sector opening back up imminently, it’s the ideal time for hotels to ensure they can offer guests the relaxing environment they are looking for when spending much-needed time away from home.
It isn’t always easy to install additional elements into a hotel once it is finished. Often requiring extensive changes to the floor and wall areas, features such as a standalone bath or waterfall style shower need to be included at the specification stage for the most part due to the nature of the plumbing work involved.
The good news is that some features can be added as part of a renovation project – this is often far less disruptive as structural changes are not usually required. The electric underfloor heating system Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO also has uncoupling properties which ensures your tile or stone surface and grout remain crack free. It keeps assembly heights to a minimum which is useful for renovation projects, where build-up often needs to be minimised to ensure flow from room to room.
An impressive project which showcases how well this product has been used in situ is that of the Lalit Hotel. Originally a grammar school converted to a five-star hotel in 2017, the stunning building used Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO to create underfloor heating throughout the luxury guest wetrooms.
Not only does the membrane create a bonded waterproofing, uncoupling and vapour pressure equalisation layer, it also gives considerable noise reduction. The 2mm thermal barrier fleece reduces sound by up to 13dB (perceived as a 50 per cent reduction by the human ear) which was ideal for renovating the Lalit Hotel.
An inviting hotel experience has always been important, but now more than ever there is a need for extra comfort where possible. With Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO, the installation of underfloor heating to offer guests cosy warmth can be easily added at any stage. For further information about how Schlüter’s products and services can assist you, visit the website.
As well as being a Recommended Supplier, Schlüter Systems was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on May 11, 2021 The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on August 10, 2021.
Britain’s largest and most environmentally friendly ship, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) will accommodate up to 5,200 guests. Iona was named in a spectacular ceremony broadcast to a virtual audience on Sunday May 16 and the ship’s maiden voyage will be on August 7, sailing the UK coast and up to her namesake island.
The award-winning interior design and architecture studio, Jestico + Whiles, which recently took part in a panel discussion on the new era of lifestyle at Hotel Designs LIVE, has designed most of the food and beverage spaces throughout the ship and the most spectacular space of all, the soaring triple-height Grand Atrium which captures unprecedented panoramic views across the ever-changing seascape, as far as the horizon.
The Grand Atrium is the heart of Iona, a lively focal point that encapsulates the spirit of the ship, with spectacular views and natural light. This special space is designed to ‘draw the outside in’ and, accordingly, Jestico + Whiles has made the sea the hero of the space, allowing guests to connect with the seascape around them.The Grand Atrium will be, according to the occasion and time of day, either playground or sanctuary.
“The refocusing of the guest experiences on the sea is the heart of an entirely new brief.” – Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, Associate Director at Jestico + Whiles.
It a key entertainment space, designed meticulously to effortlessly accommodate a wide variety of experiences, from musical performance to thrilling aerialists.
At other times it will attract guests throughout the day for convivial repose, offering from morning coffee as the sun rises and sundowners at dusk.
An elegant, gravity defying, arcing staircase of Italian marble with a filigree, bright silver serpentine balustrade serves as the centre piece to the space, evoking the glamour of the iconic cruise ships of the early 20th century. Designed as a sculpture, its swooping form leads guests on a journey through the decks offering ever changing views.
Since you’re here, why not read our ‘suites on the high seas’ feature, which explores why hotel designers were asked to design cruise operators latest vessels?
The unifying experience of the atrium is always the view to the sea that provides an enchanting, captivating backdrop to the activity within.
“Despite the challenge of such a large space, we have worked closely with P&O Cruises to create a unique Grand Atrium that is harmonious with the separate venues, making the space both open and intimate,” said Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, Associate Director at Jestico + Whiles. The refocusing of the guest experiences on the sea is the heart of an entirely new brief. The sea becomes the focus of the triple-height space; the sinuous curves are shaped around it, framing and complementing the views to the outside.”
Image credit: P&O Cruises
Image credit: P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Senior Vice President, Paul Ludlow, added: “We’ve set out to make sure the sea is the star on Iona, and the design of the Grand Atrium tells you so much about how special she is going to be. Balancing intimate spaces with larger social areas, guests will be wowed by the three storey high glass walls and the ever-changing view they reveal. From the moment they step onto the staircase, I know guests will be swept away by the beautiful design.”
Jestico + Whiles has designed P&O Cruises first ever ‘gastro pub’ – The Keel and Cow – on Deck 8, with views over the Grand Atrium and the ocean. The Glass House on Deck 7 will include an impressive wine list and menu curated by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith, wines from around the world are served by the glass. Wine connoisseurs will be well taken care of with a new experience, Cellar Door at the Glass House will offer wine talks, tastings and wine-pairing dinners. Guests can relax with unbeatable views as they watch impromptu aerial and circus performances in the three-storey high space.
On Deck 6 at the Vistas Cafe Bar there is a unique offer from P&O Cruises Food Hero and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard. The nearby Emerald Bar will evoke the glamour of a 1920s cocktail bar.
Iona was constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. She holds 5,200 passengers and is the largest cruise ship for the British market.
Interior Design & Architecture Summit: Speakership line up finalised
Hotel Designs’ first meet-the-buyer event since the pandemic started, Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS) takes place on June 30 at Hilton London Canary Wharf – designers and architects wishing to attend, free of charge, need to email Alex King (limited spaces available). As well as a day of meaningful face-to-face meetings, we have just confirmed the speaker line-up…
There is still time for designers and architects to sign up to attend the Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS) on June 30 at Hilton Canary Wharf, London. The one-day event, which launched in 2019, is designed to dynamically bridge the gap between senior designers, architects and key-industry suppliers.
The Summit includes pre-arranged face-to-face meetings, a networking lunch. In addition, Hotel Designs has curated a captivating seminar programme that will run throughout the day, inviting leading industry figures to discuss a range of relevant and thought-provoking topics.
Here’s what to look forward to:
08:45 – 09:20 Live interview with Albin Bergland, Co-founder of Bergman Interiors and Interior Designer of the Year
Editor Hamish Kilburn will interview Albin Berglund at IDAS.
Editor of Hotel Designs Hamish Kilburn exclusively interviews Albin Berglund, co-founder of Bergman Interiors, who was crowned Interior Designer of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2020. In this live interview, Kilburn will explore what projects the studio is currently working on as well as exploring what sets this award-winning designer apart on the international hotel design scene. From the new era of wellness to sustainability’s roles in hospitality, the live interview will cover how Berglund expects design and architecture to evolve post-pandemic.
09:30 – 10:00 The Dark Art of Lighting by Paul Nulty
Paul Nulty set up Nulty in 2011 and is Founder of practice. He is an award-winning architectural lighting designer and has been involved with a wide variety of prestigious projects in a career spanning 21 years. Combining creativity with an eye for detail, his theatrical lighting background provides a unique understanding of the relationship between space and light. Nulty will inspire designers and architects, leaving them in-the-know about the latest lighting research and trends, with a session on the dark art of lighting.
Paul Nulty, Founder, Nulty
14:00 – 14:35 Trials and tribulations of working within the interior design sector by Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy, Founder and Design Director, Design Equals
Katie McCarthy, Founder and Design Director of Design Equals will present a seminar on trials and tribulations of working within the interior design sector. “The realities we are faced with behind the scenes,” said McCarthy ahead of the event. “Challenges we face and how we can overcome them, top tips, troubleshooting techniques, surrounding yourself around fellow creatives building the perfect creative army.”
How to attend IDAS – limited spaces available
If you are interested in exhibiting at the 2021 event, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098, or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.
If you are a senior designer and/or architect and would like to attend the 2020 event, email Alex King.
Weekly briefing: Portugal’s finest, London unveils & going Gaga for DESIGN POD
Editor Hamish Kilburn here, rounding off your week with a throwback to the hottest stories published over the last few days. In this edition of the Weekly Briefing, we amplify Portugal’s best design-led hotels, go Gaga for episode 4 of DESIGN POD, tease you with the latest London unveils and share the full recording of our panel discussion on ‘a new era of lifestyle’ that was filmed at Hotel Designs LIVE. Enjoy…
What a week – we’ve product news from the likes of hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Atlas Concorde and Bette as well as keeping our ears to the ground on the latest news in the hotel development arena. In addition, we dropped episode 4 of DESIGN POD which welcomes Jack Irving as our special guest. In fact, why not read this round-up while listening to that episode, to here myself and Irving discuss fashion highlights, collaboration goals with Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton and The Spice Girls and the result of his debut interior design project.
Image caption: A render of the bar sheltered inside Mondrian Shoreditch London. | Image credit: Goddard Littlefair/FRAMED Visualisation
Considering the building’s reputation for sheltering a vibrant, modern and contemporary hospitality space, the pressure was on for interior design firm Goddard Littelfair when they were asked by Accor to completely redesign the hotel for when it reopened as the Mondrian Shoreditch. But as always, following the deep design narrative that was unveiled in their latest project, The Mayfair Townhouse, the design firm has delivered and we are excited to share with you our sneak peek inside what we are calling Shoreditch’s hottest unveil of 2021.
Leaping into a new era, the hotel has launched The Spa at 45 Park Lane as part of guests’ hotel experience. And unlike other London hotels that’s spas are the size of oversized shoeboxes, the new wellness facility inside the 45-key boutique hotel is, by all accounts, expansive compared to some of its London neighbours. The 10,000 sq. ft. spa features Park Lane’s longest pool at 20 metres, as well as a personal training room and spacious state-of-the-art gym.
With 75 per cent of Brits admitting to not having a good nights’ sleep and 30 per cent of people rating their sleep as “bad”, chances are you know what a bad nights’ sleep feels like. We’ve all had one, and most of us will have had at least one nights’ bad sleep in a hotel, but why? Sleep experts from Silentnight Group Hospitality, Hannah Shore and Angela Moran, explores your ultimate sleep guide.
We have waited an agonising 18 months, but we can finally celebrate the opening of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, a masterpiece the international design studio 1508 London that has allowed what was a tired and worn down hotel to prosper in London’s Knightsbridge neighbourhood. We have been following the story since day dot.
With Portugal being on the ‘green list’ when it comes to travel from the UK – for now, at least – Hotel Designs shares some hotel gems, from Lisbon to Porto and everything in between, that you may or may not be familiar of.
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
Bette ‘revolutionises’ the shower area with the BetteAir shower tile
Following its participation at Hotel Designs LIVE as a Product Watch Pitch Partner, bathroom brand Bette has launched BetteAir, the world’s first shower tile made of glazed titanium steel. Hotel Designs takes a look…
BetteAir integrates so perfectly into the floor that it is hardly noticeable. The floor-level installation is also a revolution, as it can be glued directly to the screed like a conventional tile.
No shower surface made of glazed titanium steel has become such an integral part of the bathroom floor, as flat and perfect as BetteAir. This pure design, together with its revolutionary installation, has led German bathroom manufacturer, Bette, to call the BetteAir a shower tile.
Made of durable and easy to clean, glazed titanium-steel, Bette has reduced the height of the BetteAir shower tile to 10 mm, which roughly corresponds to the thickness of a large-format tile. The precise corners also fit perfectly into the tile grid.
Bette has also rethought the waste and enlarged it to 200 mm. All that is visible is a circular, three-millimetre gap in the middle of the brilliant surface, through which the water drains. The drainage capacity of 0.6 l/s is more than sufficient, even for opulent rain showers and the glazed waste cover is absolutely flat, so that no difference between it and the surrounding surface can be felt or seen.
Image credit: Bette
Image credit: Bette
Designer Dominik Tesseraux sums up the revolutionary development: “BetteAir has all the advantages of a tile without its disadvantages. With the BetteAir shower tile, the floor of the shower is immaculately beautiful, free of joints and thus absolutely hygienic and easy to clean.”
The BetteAir shower tile is available in eight sizes from 900 x 900 to 1400 x 1000 mm and in a choice of 31 colours. It can be equipped with almost invisible anti-slip: BetteAnti-Slip Pro or the new BetteAnti-Slip Sense for gloss colours, which offers even greater slip resistance.
As well as being a Recommended Supplier, Bette was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on May 11, 2021. The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on August 10, 2021
Miniview: Inside The Carlton Tower Jumeirah – now open!
We have waited an agonising 18 months, but we can finally celebrate the opening of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, a masterpiece the international design studio 1508 London that has allowed what was a tired and worn down hotel to prosper in London’s Knightsbridge neighbourhood. Editor Hamish Kilburn has followed the story since day dot…
For a hotel group that shelters the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, which is a internationally recognised jewel of luxury, the challenges that are associated with designing other hotels in the portfolio are some what obvious. Operating a luxury hotel in London, however, is a different task altogether that requires a sensitive and dynamic approach from concept right through until completion.
For whatever reason, despite Jumeirah being one of the world’s most reputable luxury brands globally, its portfolio in Europe and the UK is somewhat lacking. In 2015, I was invited to one of the group’s press days, which started with meetings with GMs from hotels around the globe in the contemporary atrium of the brand’s Grosvenor House Suites. Disappointingly, though, the day ended with drinks at The Carlton Tower Jumeriah. I say ‘disappointingly’ because the hotel was, unlike the brand’s reputation, tired and was in desperate need of a makeover!
Cue the arrival of 1508 London, the design studio that saved the day. Following an 18-month closure for refurbishment, the hotel has undergone the most extensive – not to mention, most timely – transformation in its history, at a cost of more than £100 million.
Every nook of the 17-storey building, that sits majestically in the Knightsbridge neighbourhood, has been redesigned, creating a new foyer and reception, 186 new guestrooms and suites (reduced from 216 to offer larger accommodations), a fresh health club and spa with London’s largest naturally lit swimming pool, a restaurant, lobby bar and lounge, ballroom and meeting rooms.
The term ‘modern classic’ springs to mind when entering the building that was originally designed by Henry End, also responsible for the interiors of the Plaza Hotel in New York. The design team have drawn on the hotel’s glamorous heritage and location to create a modern classic with a timeless, refined interior and sense of grandeur.
Respectful of the building’s original, clean modernist style, 1508 London has layered the eclectic mix of the architecture of the surrounding mansion blocks and homes, adding soft curved edges, pops of bright colour and organic inspired forms throughout. The hotel’s enviable position overlooking Cadogan Gardens, the private gardens designed in 1804, is further reflected throughout the hotel, reminding guests of their unique access to this covetable green space and tennis courts, normally only open to residents.
Heralding its arrival and marking the hotel’s position as an important modernist building in London at its opening was the commissioning of a large external sculpture by Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993), a sculptor at the beginning of her career in 1961 and now acknowledged as one of the most important English artists of her era. This sculpture has been retained and restored, a highlight of the ‘porte cochere’ entranceway that continues to the redesigned turntable glass doors. Through these doors the design echoes a classical British grand hall with the creation of a striking double-height space. Within it is suspended a bespoke fluted chandelier which incorporates an abstract interpretation of a chrysanthemum, inspired by Cadogan Gardens’ history as a botanical garden. Accessed from the lobby is ‘The Chinoiserie’, the hotel’s much-loved all-day dining area, now transformed with an elegant and light design. With the innovative Cake-o’clock concept serving patisserie all day, as well as a wide range of international favourites and an extensive beverage list, this lounge will reclaim its rightful place in Knightsbridge’s social scene. Additionally, a newly created lobby bar offers a refined experience in glamorous surrounds.
The 186 beautifully appointed guestrooms have all been renovated to the highest standard, designed to offer a sense of tranquillity with an emphasis on light and space. Almost 50% of the keys at The Carlton Tower are suites, reflecting the hotel patrons’ historical preference for increased space and longer stays.
Image credit: Jumeirah Group
87 of the rooms and suites have the fantastic benefit of a balcony, taking advantage of the stunning views across London. Combining a modernist aesthetic with minimal style, the accommodations feature textured wall panelling, furnishings in softer forms and accents in a warm colour palette influenced by British heritage hues in deep blue, green and maroon as well as floor to ceiling marble bathrooms with toiletries by Grown Alchemist. Newly created is the Royal Suite, the hotel’s most exclusive residence featuring three bedrooms with the option to privatise the entire floor for the utmost in security and discretion.
The hotel’s destination restaurant ‘Al Mare’ offers a sophisticated, welcoming dining experience imbued with all the charms of Italian cuisine, both familiar and luxurious.
Image credit: Jumeirah Group
The restaurant allows a convivial, gastronomic experience, taking guests on a journey through Italy and features a theatre kitchen, private dining room and al fresco dining. The hotel’s Executive Chef and Al Mare’s Head Chef is Italian native Marco Calenzo, who joined the hotel from Zuma where he was Executive Chef. Prior to this Marco worked for Four Seasons Hotels internationally as well as the Lanesborough in London.
Elsewhere, the hotel’s famous health club ‘The Peak Fitness Club & Spa’ is uncommonly enormous compared to other wellness scenes in other London hotels. Set across three floors, the whole areas has been completely redesigned. New treatment rooms have been created at the Talise Spa on the second floor and the swimming pool area revitalised. The pool is London’s largest in a hotel with natural daylight and its bright interior is complemented by views through its double height glass ceiling, lined with poolside cabanas for relaxation.
Image credit: Jumeirah Group
Additionally, The Peak offers studio classes, and a gym featuring bespoke ‘Technogym’ equipment on the ninth floor which overlooks The Peak’s light-filled cafe with breath-taking panoramic views across the capital. With its new design and features as well as a strictly limited membership, The Peak looks set to retake its position at the forefront of London’s luxury wellness world.
Welcome back to London, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah – you look fantastic!
On May 11 – while UK hospitality took a long stretch and awakened from its forced hibernation – designers, architects, hoteliers and developers from around the globe tuned in to watch the latest edition of Hotel Designs LIVE. The event, which first launched in June 2020 to keep the industry connected while keeping the conversation flowing, took place virtually and included four engaging panel discussions with world-renowned hospitality and design experts on the following topics:
A new era of lifestyle
Bathrooms beyond practical spaces
Art outside the frame
How workspace trends will impact hotel design
The first session of the day was designed to look beneath the surface of a topic that has sparked much debate recently in the hotel design and hospitality arenas. “Backed up by a recent roundtable, it is conclusive that lifestyle in hospitality is mutating, partly as a result of the pandemic but more accurately in order to meet ever-evolving demands of modern travellers.” explained editor Hamish Kilburn who hosted the session entitled ‘A new era of lifestyle’. “With brands merging into one, boundaries in design and architecture being stretched further than ever before and modern traveller demands now meaning that experience is key, the lane for lifestyle in hospitality worldwide has widened. But what does that new era look like, and just what are tomorrow’s modern traveller demands? That’s exactly what we are going to explore in this session.”
On the panel:
James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles
Naomi Heaton, CEO, The Other House
David Mason, Head of Hospitality, Scott Brownrigg
The conversation began with Kilburn asking the panel to explain when it become desirable for travellers to use the term lifestyle. “I think it’s all aligned with the concept around experience,” James Dilley said. “It’s when hospitality providers were looking beyond simply beds and showers… we are hunters and collectors of our experience now (we upload them onto our Instagram channels) and it [the hotel stay] becomes the thrill of discovery and memorable experiences.”
To do the topic justice, it was important to look beyond how the recent pandemic has impacted hotel design and hospitality, and instead cast back to what was happening before Covid-19. “Pre-pandemic we were looking at urban resorts and the activation of city centres,” added David Mason. “A lot of the hotels we were working with were making their guests part of the experience where you could become part of the story.”
Perhaps one of the biggest unveil of the session came from Naomi Heaton, who used the platform to unveil the new brand, The Other House, which will shelter two new hotels in London, with hints that more properties will join the portfolio at a later date. The two new hotels, one inside Harrington Hall in Kensington and the other inside the Wellington block at Covent Garden, will open with the aim to disrupt hospitality and conventional luxury/lifestyle, drawing on her experience in the private residential sector launch something totally new. “What we see is a convergence between the tradition hotel offering, the serviced apartment offering and the high-end residential,” she said when explaining the DNA of the new brand. “What we want to do is bring them all together to create a completely new category in the market. We want our guests to feel like residents so that they feel local and part of the community.”
In addition to exploring the depths of ‘experience’ in the lifestyle sector, the panel also debated thoughtful hospitality, authentic design solutions for the luxury/lifestyle sector, safety as the industry emerges from the pandemic and the demand for meaningful social interaction in what is the new era of lifestyle.
The full recordings of the other three sessions (‘Bathrooms beyond practical spaces, Art outside the frame and Workspace design trends’) will be available on-demand shortly.
SAVE THE DATE: Hotel Designs LIVE will return for a fourth edition on August 10, 2021. The topics explored will include surfaces, sleep, senses and social and speakers will be announced shortly. Once these have been announced, tickets for Hotel Designs LIVE will be available. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, focused Product Watch pitches or the concept of Hotel Designs LIVE, please contact Katy Phillips or call +44 (0) 1992 374050.
Since you’re here…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
NEWH La Pause: A panel discussion on Biophillia in design
Following Hotel Designs becoming an official media partner for NEWH, editor Hamish Kilburn was asked to moderate the UK Chapter’s next webinar in the La Pause series, which discussed biophilic design solutions. Rita Bancroft shares her highlights…
The popular La Pause webinar series developed by the UK, Paris and Milan chapters of NEWH have given us all precious moments to stop and reflect on key issues affecting the hospitality industry. As an international non-profit hospitality networking group, NEWH raises money to provide scholarships to students entering the hospitality sector. Sharing knowledge and stimulating design conversation is a vital part of this, and February’s webinar on Biophilia in Design had particular resonance as it discussed how our connections with nature are influencing hospitality design.
With each specially-selected panellist providing a unique and valuable perspective on biophilia in design, we heard from a leading boutique and lifestyle hotel brand, a renowned architect, and an educator specialising in sustainability.
Meet the panel:
Henry Reeve, Head of interior design (IHG – Kimpton and Hotel Indigo)
Johanna Wagner, sustainability facilitator, hotel asset manager and lecturer
Chaired by Hamish Kilburn, editor, Hotel Designs
The session was moderated by Hamish Kilburn, lifestyle journalist, traveller, content curator, podcast host, and editor of Hotel Designs. A strong advocate of biophilia in design, Kilburn was able to shine a spotlight on some of the panel’s projects. The panel was clear that biophilic design is not just about incorporating plants, it is about taking a holistic approach to the entire project from build and interior design to the food and beverage served.
Henry Reeve explained how IHG’s QO is a different kind of lifestyle hotel born from a commitment to the world around us. As one of the most sustainable hotels in Europe, it has a rooftop greenhouse illuminated in pink to help the plants grow in order to supply the kitchen. The ingenious solution to introduce living plants in each guest room is delightful. Each coffee plant grows in a specially-designed glass cloche that creates its own eco-system and therefore requires no water or maintenance. This practical incorporation of biophilic design is what makes it truly sustainable.
Given that our ability to connect with nature is more important than ever, Manuela Mannino explained how the pandemic has acted as an accelerator to what was already there. She talked about her holistic approach and that, in addition to incorporating plants, THDP injects a sense of place by connecting places through colour palettes and design. An example of this is IHG’s award-winning Hotel indigo in Venice where the connection between the garden and the open lobby and bar was made through plants and a cohesive colour palette.
Coming into the conversation from a slightly different angle, Johanna Wagner, was able to discuss the integral topic from the perspective of hotel asset management. As co-founder of La Belle EDuC, Wagner is helping lay the groundwork for higher education programs to achieve state-of-the-art sustainability integration in their curricula and empower students in their choice of studies. The EDuC is the first sustainability label for higher education programs focusing on teaching materials and the student learning experience. The EDuC label was developed in partnership with AFNOR, the French national organisation for standardisation and the representative member of ISO in France.
The La Pause series continues with ’Spa & Wellness’ on May 20; and a spotlight on ’Hotel Diffusi – Scattered Hotels’ on June 17. If you would like to attend, register via the website.
Image credit: Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena, an IHG Hotel
Product watch: hansgrohe Pulsify, a contemporary & accessible shower solution
Following a sharp pitch at Hotel Designs LIVE, bathroom manufacturer hansgrohe introduces its latest shower innovation, Pulsify, a contemporary shower range that aims to connect people, space and water; making it accessible to bathrooms of all shapes and sizes…
Available in Chrome, Matt Black and Matt White, the striking Pulsify range of hand and overhead showers marries modern design with unparalleled functionality.
With a unique nozzle ring formation, the sleek and slim showerheads are all equipped with hansgrohe’s innovative microfine PowderRain, Massage and IntenseRain spray modes, to deliver luxurious spa-like moments with water. The 26cm spray disc with an adjustable inclination angle of 10-30°, makes for an easier and more comfortable showering experience. Select buttons allow for e asy transitions between hand and overhead shower, whilst water and temperature controls are integrated into the ShowerTablet thermostat – this 40cm shelf also serves as practical storage space for shower essentials.
Image credit: hansgrohe
True to hansgrohe’s commitment to eco solutions, Pulsify is designed with low water consumption, thanks to its EcoSmart technology. With the single-spray hand-held shower in the “green version”, the hansgrohe shower has a maximum consumption of only six litres per minute.
An intelligent flow of water inside the thermostat also ensures enhanced safety. hansgrohe’s CoolContact technology means the shower casing does not get heated up by the warm water inside, reducing painful contact with hot surfaces.
Image credit: hansgrohe
Both the showerhead and hand-held shower feature the well-known hansgrohe QuickClean function, meaning lime and calcium deposits can be easily removed by running fingers over the spray surface after showering. The overhead shower can also be completely removed, which means the strainer can be taken out and rinsed. The overhead shower even has a draining function, which reduces the necessary yet annoying dripping after showering, leading to a drier, more hygienic shower.
hansgrohe Pulsify can be combined with complementary products for the sink and bath, especially the hansgrohe Vivenis tap ranges. If more storage space is needed, hansgrohe also offers the new AddStoris accessory line, which comprises complementary products in a modern, minimalist design.
As well as being a Recommended Supplier, hansgrohe was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on May 11, 2021. The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on August 10, 2021
Designed by Jouin Manku with the aim to shelter an elevated sense of wellbeing and luxury, The Spa at 45 Park Lane has opened and features the longest pool (20 metres) on Park Lane. Editor Hamish Kilburn has the story…
Park Lane has long been regarded London’s ultimate address for unparalleled luxury. Among the quintessentially British hotels that sit on the fridge of Hyde Park, The Dorchester, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, is arguably the most famous, with its classic English residential design stylishly seeing it through many decades. The 250-key hotel may be London’s ‘Mother’ of hospitality, but it is the younger sibling in the Dorchester Collection portfolio, which incidentally is situated just a few doors down from The Dorchester, that has raised eyebrows recently on the hotel design scene.
45 Park Lane, which opened 10 years ago, radiates a different kind of style to that of its older family member. Throughout the intimate-sized hotel, luxurious and contemporary interiors by New York based designer, Thierry Despont, provide a club-like feel offering all guests – international and locals alike – a smart, central environment from which to enjoy London.
Leaping into a new era, the hotel has launched The Spa at 45 Park Lane as part of guests’ hotel experience. And unlike other London hotels that’s spas are the size of oversized shoeboxes, the new wellness facility inside the 45-key boutique hotel is, by all accounts, expansive compared to some of its London neighbours. The 10,000 sq. ft. spa features Park Lane’s longest pool at 20 metres, as well as a personal training room and spacious state-of-the-art gym.
“The wellness space has been specifically created to bring a sense of the outside in.”
Image credit: Dorchester Collection
The wellness space is part of Mayfair Park Residences, the recently completed development delivered by ultra-prime developers Clivedale London located next door to, and serviced by, 45 Park Lane. Guests of the hotel have full use of the facilities as part of their stay experience, which include separate sauna and steam rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and private changing and shower rooms.
Designed by 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. Taking design cues from the rest of the hotel, 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.
Image credit: Dorchester Collection
With the hotel’s strong tie to the world of art that goes beyond its four walls, 45 Park Lane’s art curator Lily Ackerman has selected works by American fine art photographer Jin-Woo Prensena and British sculptor Jill Berelowitz to adorn the space.
The relaxation lounge connected to the pool allows guests to unwind before or after a work-out, spa treatment or swim. Within the lounge is an open fireplace with a menu of healthy dishes by 45 Park Lane’s Executive Chef Jamie Shears.
Tailored personal training programmes can be created for guests, with both one-to-one and family group sessions available to book in advance. The expansive gym features the latest Technogym equipment with dedicated ‘cardiovascular’ and ‘strength’ areas.
John Scanlon, General Manager of 45 Park Lane who was recently profiled in The Brit List, comments: “For almost a decade, 45 Park Lane has stood amongst the best hotels in London. As we look towards our next chapter we are thrilled to be introducing luxury wellness into the guest experience to create one of the finest spa facilities in the capital.”
Image credit: Dorchester Collection
Image credit: Dorchester Collection
Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Collection, adds: “Marking our first venture into private residences, the completion of Mayfair Park Residences is a pivotal moment in our company’s history. Our heritage focuses on the best of design in prime locations, making Clivedale London a natural partner with shared values. These new residences will benefit from the services of The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane, while the proximity of Park Lane and Hyde Park further elevate the location to one of the best real-estate sites in the world. We look forward to offering Dorchester Collection’s treasured way of life to the new residents.”
With the addition of the hotel’s new spa and wellness facilities, 45 Park Lane continues to stand as a vibrant, luxurious and welcoming ‘club-like’ hotel that is the London home of an international crowd.
Encouraging better handwashing with Intellimix from Ideal Standard
Bathroom brand Ideal Standard has launched Intellimix, a smart, cost-effective solution to support better hygiene in spaces as the commercial world reopens…
Designed to dispense both soap and water with every use, Intellimix is completely touch-free, guaranteeing improved hygiene standards in public washrooms. Ideal for offices, leisure facilities and other high-traffic environments, such as shopping centres, hotels and restaurants, and airports, the fitting significantly lowers running costs while being sustainable and reducing waste.
Despite delivering an optimum volume of soap with every wash for improved hygiene, Intellimix actually reduces the overall amount of soap and water typically used in washrooms with traditional fittings, minimising waste and generating cost savings of up to 80 per cent on soap and 85 per cent on water. Maintenance and cleaning is also hassle-free, with less frequent and faster soap replacement compared to traditional dispensers, and reduced cleaning required with all soap directed into the bowl.
The World Health Organisation recommends that washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the easiest but most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. However, according to research, 30 per cent of European office workers don’t wash their hands with soap when visiting the washroom and of those that do, 95 per cent don’t use enough soap or water. Intellimix solves this issue by delivering an optimised digital wash cycle including soap and water every time, with the in-built screen displaying clear handwashing instructions to enhance the handwashing experience.
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Image credit: Ideal Standard
Bluetooth enabled, Intellimix also offers parameter settings which can be easily controlled by facilities managers via a smartphone. From the palm of their hands, they can conveniently change a variety of settings on all taps in a building, including how much soap is dispensed, how long water should flow and how often anti-stagnation flushing should occur. Intellimix also sends notifications when soap is running low to avoid unnecessary physical checks.
The fitting is available in Chrome and Black Onyx versions, while panel mounted models will launch later in 2021. What’s more, the screen can also be set to display a company logo or any advertising image during idle times.
Bert Depiere, Vice President of Fittings at Ideal Standard, said: “Events of the past year have reinforced the importance of hygiene across the globe – which is not only impacting human behaviour, but has also permanently changed the requirements for public washroom design. It’s more critical than ever that these shared spaces, and the technology in them, are designed with the end user’s health and protection in mind.
“Intellimix has been introduced to meet these demands byimproving hygiene and making it easier than ever before to ensure that all building users are handwashing effectively. Not only that, but it also helps businesses reduce their impact on the environment, while saving vital operational costs.”
As well as the fitting, Ideal Standard has also developed Intellimix Mild Antibacterial Foam Soap, a unique formula to ensure flawless performance and optimal hygiene. Irritant-free and with a rich, thick texture, it is gentle on skin and offers a luxurious experience every time.
Ideal Standard is one of Hotel Designs’ recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
With Portugal being on the ‘green list’ when it comes to travel from the UK – for now, at least – editor Hamish Kilburn shares some hotel gems, from Lisbon to Porto and everything in between, that you may or may not be familiar of…
The floodgates into Portugal have opened (kind of). International travel is no longer a wanderlust dream and we are able to unlock hotel design wonders, in person, once more.
With few countries on the ‘green list’ considered ‘travel hotspots’, Portugal is among the few places UK travellers are allowed to visit to without having to isolate upon their return – it’s also, without question, the most popular place to visit since travel restrictions were slightly lifted.
To mark this moment as a small celebration, we thought we would share with you a handful of our favourite hotels in Portugal, from boutique boltholes in Lisbon to something new in the Algarve, and not forgetting the one-off travel experiences in other towns and cities in between.
From its postcard-perfect setting in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Douro Valley, to the elegant and innovative decor within, Six Senses Douro Valley has a lot of untamed charm. Surrounded by ancient vineyards (this area of Portugal is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world), the hotel’s contemporary personality is camouflaged by its location. From the beautiful chandeliers made of wine bottles to the unique Wine Library & Terrace; this is the place to sample some of the world’s most rare and entrancing vintages. Throughout all guestrooms, suites and villas decor is chic and modern with large windows to take in the most of the spectacular views on every side. This contemporary elegance continues throughout the hotel, which has a unique character and feel.
As you’d expect from a Six Sense property, the spa is a statement feature, which includes an expansive indoor pool and 10 treatment rooms.
Throughout the hotel, the decor is chic and modern and there is an emphasis on sustainable luxury. Innovative use of cork flooring and beautiful chandeliers made from wine bottles lend a sense of place, whilst also ‘upcycling’ in an environmentally conscious style. This attention to detail characterises what is a truly special Portuguese hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon has recently unveiled a new renovation to its guestrooms, suite, as well as unveiling a new outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor bar and terrace. Portuguese architecture studio OITOEMPONTO was appointed in 2019 to breathe new life into the guest rooms and suites at the iconic Hotel. Design duo Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec were reticent to ‘modernise’ the classic Hotel, so set about re-imagining the past for the present, to evolve the Hotel’s roots in style, aesthetics and ambience.
The room and suite redesign follows the launch of new restaurant CURA (opened September 2020), where Chef and head culinary curator Pedro Pena Bastos meticulously selects ingredients, drawing from Lisbon’s rich regional palette to create seasonal, artisanal dishes such as squid with hazelnut, bergamot, roasted seaweed butter and Ossetra caviar.
The last time I visited Pestana Palácio do Freixo was in 2014, and I bet since then nothing has changed – at least I hope that’s the case. Located just 3 km west from Porto’s city centre, the Palácio do Freixo, classified in 1910 as a National Monument, is a unique example of Baroque architecture, with about 10,000 square metres of gardens and green spaces offering breathtaking views of the River Douro.
The setting of a stunning example of an Urban Resort, it is a member of the exclusive consortium The Leading Hotels of the World and provides guests with an unparalleled experience that marries traditional values with contemporary comfort. The Pestana Palácio do Freixo is characterised by its sumptuous eighteenth century architecture. It was built by Nicolau Nasoni, one of the most important architects that helped Porto become a World Heritage Site.
The Lumiares, Lisbon is a five-star boutique bombshell, where the style is personal, not “corporate”, relaxed not “stuffy”, gives an authentic nod to Lisbon’s colour, culture and patterns.
The fully renovated hotel, which is housed in a former XVII century Palace in the heart of the city, has all the key amenities and facilities for business and leisure travellers who want to feel at home when away from home.
The Lumiares’ philosophy is to highlight the authenticity and personality of Lisbon by collaborating with local Portuguese businesses to showcase ‘the best of Portugal’. Almost every item of furniture, artwork, textiles and room accessories has been conceived, designed and manufactured in Portugal, some within 500m from the hotel, which transcends a new take on ‘living like a local’.
The starting place for design and artwork within the 47-key hotel was the location. Perched on the central edge of Bairro Alto, the hotel is situated in a Lisbon quarter home to a bohemian mish-mash of everyday residents, artists and merchants’ studios, restaurants, quirky shops, lively bars and cafes; a warren of asymmetrical buildings with mismatched facades of varying heights and hues, its narrow streets and pavements cobbled in Lisbon’s iconic square paving stones.
Douro41 Hotel & Spa, which has just been accepted into Virtuoso’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, is located on the bank of the Douro River, and as such frames unparalleled views of the natural landscape. With 61 rooms and suites, the hotel that underwent renovations between 2018 to 2019 features modern, minimalist lines, while celebrating the comfort and elegance of a true luxury property.
The location and the architectural characteristics of the building enhance the connection to the surrounding landscape and the sense of an escape from reality: built in schist and glass on a terraced hillside stretching down almost to the water’s edge, the Douro41 had, at the heart of its foundation, various environmental concerns and the desire that the hotel should be coherent with its surroundings.
The hotel’s design is simple and it’s clear that human construction is unobtrusive, merging harmoniously with the river and the mountains surrounding it – a prime example of this are the two outdoor swimming pools, both infinite, where guests almost feel part of the landscape.
W Algarve, which is expected to arrive onto the European hotel design scene this summer is the first resort commission for design studio AB Concept outside of Asia which has been working closely with Divercity Architects to introduce something new to the Portugal’s bustling Algarve.
The new lifestyle hotel shelters 134 guestrooms and 83 residences – ranging from one-bedroom apartments to a four-bedroom penthouse. Ab Concept, led by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, has taken the region’s rugged coastlines, green meadows and vineyards as inspiration for the interior design scheme, using sandy neutrals, greens and blues throughout the hotel.
“We worked closely with landscape designers Scape and interior designers AB Concept to develop a strong narrative theme and eye-catching aesthetics for the resort,” Divercity Archtiects explains on its website. “Exploring the local landscape, culture, and cuisine, we identified the arch as a common thread, evident in the Algarve’s sea caves, the arcades and archways of traditional Portuguese architecture, and the fish scales in the fishing communities along this dramatic coastline.”
The new W resort on the Algarve coast is tipped to become Portugal’s new ‘it’ destination – watch this space, Portugal!
Editor checks in: Tomorrow’s themes in hotel design and hospitality
In his latest editor’s letter, Hamish Kilburn addresses the four S words that will help us when exploring and understand tomorrow’s hotel design and hospitality landscape – and in the process, he unexpectedly comes up with the themes that will be put under the spotlight in four engaging panel discussions at Hotel Designs LIVE…
As I write this, I am on a train for the first time this year. It’s May. The sun is struggling to flex through the clouds and, to be honest with you, I would rather be working from home. My mandatory mask is fogging up my glasses, so what I am thinking and what is appearing on the screen could be two completely separate things entirely.
“If anything, we gained access into new studios and made new long-lasting relationships with brands.”
We could have waited until now to launch our podcast but I feel it would have taken an entirely different lane if we did. There was something organic and exciting about launching a new brand in the middle of a pandemic – while we were all locked up in our houses and the idea-generating process was incubated.
Since you’re here, why not read the rest of this article while listening to our latest episode of DESIGN POD, which welcomes designer Jack Irving as our special guest?
We can look at the current situations in both positive and negative ways. Yes, it has been frustrating not boarding a plane to actually review the projects we have followed for years. But it didn’t stop us. In this time, we utilised our contacts around the world and still reviewed hotels in person. If anything, we gained access into new studios and made new long-lasting relationships with brands. Our viewpoint over the industry became more meaningful and by zooming out (see what I did there) we are able to establish which topics are the most impactful.
Following now four successful Hotel Designs LIVE virtual conferences, it brings me great delight to share with you our next four topics that we will explore at Hotel Designs LIVE in August.
These themes are:
Senses
Surfaces
Sleep
Social
Senses
Following our successful session at Hotel Designs LIVE (in February) on sound’s role in hotel design and after reading a mountain of press releases recently that all reference sound, touch and even smell to evoke a deeper meaning of wellness and wellbeing, it feels fitting to position the editorial spotlight on the sensory experience for our next event. It also comes as the industry, albeit slowly, is starting to reopen and reconnect.
Sleep
For those of you who have joined us on this journey, you will know that we have already hosting a panel discussion on sleep performance at our inaugural event. But we feel as if, given the role of sleep in any hotel experience, we have only just scratched the surface of this topic. With new innovations and technology taking bold leaps as each day passes, we will explore the science behind getting the best nights’ sleep.
Surfaces
More than ever, as a direct result of the Covid-19 crisis, surfaces have come under question in the debate around hygiene. But, in our exclusive panel discussion, we will go beyond the clinical to explore interesting and vibrant surfaces that we hope will give all areas of the hotel more personality and meaning.
Social
It took a while and a few thesaurus searches before we eventually found our fourth and final panel discussion title. Following several failed brainstorm attempts, an email pinged into my inbox from our publisher Katy Phillips with the subject line ‘found it’. The email was just one word, ‘Social’. With all the noise around ‘social distancing’ and regulations against human interaction, we and many of the industry’s leaders believe that tomorrow’s hotel scene will be a celebration of human connection. While we are at the T-junction on the road out of Covid-19 lockdowns, we will invite world-renowned designers, architects, hoteliers and developers to understand challenges and considerations to bear in mind as we move to open the doors of hospitality, to be social, once more.
Like many of the decisions we make on the editorial desk at Hotel Designs, we have found that these sessions work not only as individual sessions but also as a cluster of talking points – with sessions on senses, sleep, surfaces and social – that together really challenge conventional thoughts around hospitality and will, we hope, clearly define once more the definition of international hotel design.
SAVE THE DATE: Hotel Designs LIVE will return for a fourth edition on August 10, 2021. The topics explored will include surfaces, sleep, senses and social and speakers will be announced shortly. Once these have been announced, tickets for Hotel Designs LIVE will be available. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, focused Product Watch pitches or the concept of Hotel Designs LIVE, please contact Katy Phillips or call +44 (0) 1992 374050.
Since you’re here…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
3D Wall Carve: Ancient art of carving transforms interiors in a sensory emotion
Following a dynamic pitch at Hotel Designs LIVE as a Product Watch Pitch Partner, Atlas Concorde shares how an ancient technique with modern a modern twist inspired its latest wall tile collection…
3D Wall Carve was born from the alchemy between creativity, innovation, and industrial capacity and further expands 3D Wall Design, a collection that contributed to the history of Atlas Concorde wall tiles. The collection features three-dimensional ceramic surfaces for furnishing walls with a dynamic look that combines the benefits of white body ceramic tiles with a powerful decorative impact. Walls decorated with abstract designs or sinuous patterns, sculpted and embellished by natural or artificial light, stand out in residential interiors, wellness and hospitality spaces, and retail venues.
“3D Wall Carve is the most recent stage of a journey that confirms that three-dimensional wall tiles are complete, elegant furnishings capable of infusing design and style into any type of interior space,” says Yuri Beghi, Marketing Director of Atlas Concorde. The new collection is inspired by the ancient know-how of stone carvers who are able to bring stone to life. The inspiration continued through the Italian Renaissance, visible in the pure beauty of plaster works that transferred the vitality of nature into art and architecture. Likewise, natural stone enters contemporary interior design with the evocative force of its textures perfected by time and rendered with an unprecedented three-dimensionality.
3D Wall Carve, inspired by natural stone, conveys a sensitive emotion to the eyes and touch, fully translating the detail and beauty of the artisan’s expert workmanship. The esthetic of the collection is evident in the extreme precision of the micro-reliefs that mark the surface, highlighted by the glaze finish that underscores the shape of the decorative motif with a luminous effect. The effect of natural stone comes to life in the dynamic shifting of lights and shadows on the natural shades chosen for the background: White, Ivory, and Pearl. The tiles’ surfaces are animated by carvings of different patterns: 3D Chisel is distinguished by its horizontal stripes inspired by combed concrete; 3D Leaf expresses a particular artistic character with its chiseled foliage design; 3D Whittle overlaps distinct horizontal reliefs with the softness of a dynamic ribbon motif.
“The three-dimensional texture brings out the minimalist graphics as well as lights and shadows, while the often irregular design conveys an artisanal allure even through it was created using a sophisticated hyper-industrial process.” – Designer, Piero Lissoni.
For 3D Wall Carve, Atlas Concorde once again called on the designer Piero Lissoni who developed a capsule of two patterns for the collection: 3D Sign and 3D Squares. To design these two structures, the designer drew inspiration from the relationship between technique and art, seeking to bring the authentic craftsmanship of handcrafted stone to the ceramic surface.
Image credit: Ceramiche Atlas Concorde S.p.A
Image credit: Ceramiche Atlas Concorde S.p.A
As he himself noted: “The three-dimensional texture brings out the minimalist graphics as well as lights and shadows, while the often irregular design conveys an artisanal allure even through it was created using a sophisticated hyper-industrial process.” For 3D Sign, Piero Lissoni chose the theme of abstract painting, with an irregular surface that creates an interplay of light and shadows. 3D Squares is a free interpretation of an artisanal micromosaic, with small irregular squares that create movement and character.
Produced in a 40×80 cm format, 3D Wall Carve is available in a palette of three colours: White, Ivory, and Pearl.
At a practical level, in addition to elegantly matching any floor, three-dimensional ceramic wall tiles are ideal for kitchens and in areas exposed to stains, heat, and moisture since they are easy to clean and emit no harmful substances.
3D Wall Carve is a collection dedicated to contemporary design to enrich spaces with a perception of craftsmanship and technique through a language of sensory emotions with infinite nuances.
Characteristics of the three-dimensional structures
3D CHISEL: Inspired by stones and cements with a combed effect, handmade by skilled artisans, the tile has a fine texture of irregular thin horizontal reliefs.
3D LEAF: The most artistic and decorative relief based on stylised natural elements treated as impressions of plant fossils, animated by a soft, spontaneous movement.
3D WHITTLE: The three-dimensional surface features a marked horizontal relief with thin lines that alternate with a ribbon motif to create a dynamic, harmonious rhythm. The entire surface is defined by the slight roughness typical of natural stone.
3D SIGN: Features an abstract, irregular earthy surface that exploits the interplay of light and shadows to camouflage the grid of joints between the tiles.
3D SQUARES: Has a lattice of small irregular squares that resembles a micromosaic with an artisanal appeal, and the particular arrangement of the shapes hides the joints between the tiles, giving the wall the appearance of a continuous surface.
Atlas Concorde was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on May 11, 2021. The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on August 10, 2021
“Shoreditch’s hottest unveil of 2021.” What we know about Mondrian Shoreditch
One of Shoreditch’s most bohemian and quirky hotels, the Curtain Hotel, will re-emerge from the pandemic in July under a new brand. Mondrian Shoreditch (owned by Accor and sbe) will open in July following a major overhaul by leading interior design firm Goddard Littlefair. Here’s what we know…
Considering the building’s reputation for sheltering a vibrant, modern and contemporary hospitality space, the pressure was on for interior design firm Goddard Littelfair when they were asked by Accor to completely redesign the hotel for when it reopened as the Mondrian Shoreditch. But as always, following the deep design narrative that was unveiled in their latest project, The Mayfair Townhouse, the design firm has delivered and we are excited to share with you our sneak peek inside what we are calling Shoreditch’s hottest unveil of 2021.
Image caption: Exterior image of the hotel. | Image credit: Accor/sbe
The lifestyle hotel, owned by The Reuben Brothers, will open its doors July 2021. The news comes on the heels of Accor’s acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands in Q4 2020 and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators later this summer.
“We are very proud to collaborate with Jamie Reuben and his family in bringing the iconic Mondrian brand back to London,” sbe Chief Operating Officer Chadi Farhat said. “The city has been and will continue to be a thriving hub for our lifestyle offerings, and myself and my team are excited to re-establish Mondrian as one of London’s most innovative destinations for lifestyle, hospitality, culinary and mixology experiences for locals and travellers alike.”
“Mondrian Shoreditch will be a go-to luxury lifestyle brand for culinary and culture-seekers from all over the world.” – The Reuben Brothers.
Image caption: A render of the lobby inside Mondrian Shoreditch London. | Image credit: Goddard Littlefair/FRAMED Visualisation
Image caption: A render of the bar sheltered inside Mondrian Shoreditch London. | Image credit: Goddard Littlefair/FRAMED Visualisation
Reuben Brothers added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Accor and sbe to open a European flagship Mondrian hotel which will enhance Shoreditch’s already thriving artistic contribution to our capital. Mondrian Shoreditch will be a go-to luxury lifestyle brand for culinary and culture-seekers from all over the world.”
The 120-key property – including 13 suites – will sit in the midst of Shoreditch, East London’s creative and cultural hub: an area that captivates the energy and playful DNA of the Mondrian brand. As a leading lifestyle brand, Mondrian recognises the cultural vibrancy of a place and elevates it – intertwining guest offerings with local highlights and bringing the essence of East London to the hotel and vice versa. Mondrian Shoreditch will collaborate with local personalities and brands to highlight their lifestyle approach to hospitality, via partnerships including artistic pop-ups and live performances in The Screening Room, a private room and bar. The property will also offer a premium co-working space, visionary dining and mixology concepts and boasts a rooftop pool and lounge by an award-winning team, just in time for the summer – a rarity for Londoners and always in high demand.
Mondrian Shoreditch presents a host of truly enriching and elevated experiences via its portfolio of diversely distinct luxury brands. On the lower ground, world-famous chef Dani García introduces BIBO, a Spanish kitchen serving tapas with courtyard seats and Garcia’s first outpost in London. Mondrian Shoreditch will also be host to a new all-day café and cocktail bar – Christina’s Shoreditch. Christina’s Shoreditch will only source products from local independent suppliers (farmers, growers and community bakeries), start-ups and brands with social impact. Guests will also have access to the exclusive Altitude Rooftop for breakfast. The space will otherwise be exclusively for members of The Curtain, the hotel’s private members club. Mondrian Shoreditch’s culinary venues are a testament to the hospitality hallmarks of the Mondrian brand.
“It is an honour to open our first UK based restaurant alongside our amazing partners Accor and the Reuben Brothers, and we are excited to establish the property as the heart of the Shoreditch food scene,” said García. “I have always been fascinated by the vibrant energy of London and look forward to welcoming guests to our restaurant in the Mondrian hotel which is sure to become a true icon in the district of Shoreditch.”
The Curtain Members Club
The well-known Curtain Members’ Club will re-open at the hotel. A co-working space will also be available for members on the ground floor – The Design Studio – and will provide a world-class offering with a newly scheduled and diverse range of weekly events – from panel discussions, to live music and club nights with local talent. The Design Studio will be a prime location for corporates and local creatives looking for a luxury day-office away from home-working. Members also enjoy exclusive access to Altitude Rooftop, The Lounge, Rose Bar, and the event space.
Image caption: A render of the F&B area in the hotel. | Image credit: Goddard Littlefair/FRAMED Visualisation
Goddard Littlefair led design for Mondrian’s guestrooms, public spaces and food and beverage venues. The hotel has been significantly refreshed in line with the upbeat and individual spirit of Mondrian hotels. The reception and lobby are playful and reflective with significant artwork installations for guests to discover, typical of the Mondrian design portfolio. The double height ground floor bar showcases large-scale artwork hand-painted onto concrete by Fred Coppin and the rooftop bar dressed with striped and festooned shade structures will appeal to the guest and locals alike. The new BIBO restaurant by chef Dani García was also designed by Goddard Littlefair who dovetailed the identity of Mondrian spirit with García’s culinary legacy. The guestroom refurbishment encapsulates a luxurious, theatrical aesthetic with fresh white brick walls and artwork selections that invite witty appreciation. Dakota Development, a subsidiary of sbe, led by President Joe Faust, provided technical service support for the entire development process.
Image caption: A model room inside Mondrian Shoreditch London. | Image credit: Goddard Littelfair/FRAMED Visualisation
The opening follows the company’s recent launch of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, and announcement to open Mondrian Bordeaux and Mondrian Cannes in 2022. The return of the Mondrian brand to London reflects the continued strategic expansion of the brand’s international footprint, which will include soon-to-be announced Mondrian properties in Australia, the Dominican Republic, Germany, the Maldives, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Main image credit: Goddard Littlefair/FRAMED Visualisation
In pictures: Inside Hyatt House/Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown
Tampa in Florida welcomes a new dual-branded development, which shelters Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, to its thriving hospitality scene. Editor Hamish Kilburn takes a look inside both hotels that were designed and recently unveiled by Stonehill Taylor…
In the heart of Tampa, directly across the street from its historic City Hall sits the new dual branded hospitality development that features the 230-key Hyatt Place and the 115-key Hyatt House. In addition, the complex encompasses 3,200 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 4,000 square feet of meeting space. All public space is shared by the guests of the two brands, and guestrooms are integrated throughout the new 17-story building.
Leading architecture and interior design firm, Stonehill Taylor, which recently took part in Hotel Designs‘ latest roundtable, was charged with the design of the guestrooms and public spaces. Using a complementary colour scheme of jewel tones and citrus shades, the hotel features bright, sun-kissed spaces, and high-contrast patterns that create an ambiance that is uniquely Tampa. The design pillars explore concepts of indulgence; exoticism; and majesty—believed to capture the city’s longstanding allure to travellers looking for a tropical, yet culturally diverse escape.
As soon as guests enter the lobby, they are greeted by an oversized gold textured piece depicting an abstract scene with birds and leaves. Panels line the wall behind the reception desk and feature tropical leaf-infused patterned artwork, while the reception desk is decorated in tropical leaf tiles.
Image credit: Taggart Sorenson
Adjacent to the reception area is a bar and lounge complete with a mix of citrus colours and blue tones. The bar’s backsplash features an array of bohemian tiles. The surrounding dining areas have tables with metal detailing and a range of seating from banquettes to freestanding chairs. A series of vintage Cuban movie posters grace the space.
The ground floor also includes a business centre with a gallery and pre-function space, and several meeting rooms. The art throughout this area includes a wall sculpture made with rattan circles in varied sizes and a series of embroidered vintage postcards from Florida.
Image credit: Taggart Sorenson
Image credit: Taggart Sorenson
The business centre has pendant lighting and eclectic inset floor patterns and partitions the space using screens. The adjacent gallery space, meanwhile, has plush love seats, side chairs with ottomans that double as tables and acoustical ceiling panels. The carpet in the meeting rooms depicts leaf patterns—a theme also echoed by the leaf patterned walls with wainscoting. Custom geometric pendant lighting illuminates these ballroom-like spaces.
At the elevator lobby is a custom artwork featuring cubed versions of Florida maps mounted on a linen background and framed in a shadowbox frame. The elevators further provide an artful moment with bold black-and-white tiled flooring, blackened steel door frames, as well as a back-lit ceiling concept. Guestroom corridors have carpets with hidden tropical elements, such as bees and panthers. A graphic printed map of Tampa covers the walls familiarising guests with the city’s focal points. Hidden elements also surprise in the Hyatt House guestrooms. When lit, these rooms show a violet-hued wall with tone-on-tone patterns. Furnishings are all custom and feature two-colour finishes and extra trim to elevate their aesthetic. A kitchenette with decorative tiles accentuates the layout of these rooms.
Image credit: Taggart Sorenson
In the Hyatt Place rooms, there are exuberant green tones. Similar to the Hyatt House rooms, there is a tone-on- tone wall covering, this time featuring light leaf patterns. The carpeting similarly plays with the fun colours of Tampa.
Image credit: Taggart Sorenson
On the fifth floor is the outdoor pool with tangerine and lime-coloured furnishings and neutral tiling—the pool deck is framed by a painted mural. A fitness centre, located on the fourth floor, has a playful custom mural featuring bold, brightly coloured patterns with a motivational text component that forms of a centrepiece of the room.
LISTEN NOW: Episode 4 of DESIGN POD explores fashion & design
Episode 4 of DESIGN POD is now live! In the this episode, in association with Bathroom Brands Group, editor Hamish Kilburn and co-host Harriet Forde welcome designer Jack Irving as the show’s special guest. Having created outfits for the likes of Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton, The Spice Girls and more, Irving discusses fashion highlight, collaboration goals and the result of his debut interior design project. This is what happens when fashion and design meet…
Often interior designers and architects admit that they are inspired by the energy and buzz that radiates from the fashion industry. The quick conveyer-belt of collections – blink and you will miss this season’s frocks and colours– naturally allows boundaries to be stretched and incubated creativity to explode onto the runway. And yet, it is rare (not unheard of, though) for the two industries to work in harmony.
In episode 4 of DESIGN POD, editor Hamish Kilburn and co-host Harriet Forde meet a designer who, for many reasons, is an inspiration in both arenas. Jack Irving was just 21-years-old, a student still at Saint Martins College of Art and Design, when his dream collaboration came true. The iconic ‘Mother Monster’ herself, Lady Gaga, had seen his otherworldly designs and asked him to create an outfit that she would wear on the final night of her Art Pop world tour in Paris. Rising the occasion, Irving created the Sea Urchin Showgirl inflatable dress.
Since then, Lady Gaga as well as other celebrities such as Paris Hilton, The Spice Girls have worn many of his pieces. In order not the limit himself – nor draw attention away to the visionary fashion designers – Irving does not consider himself a fashion designer. Instead, following his studies in performance design, we prefer to use the terms ‘storyteller’ and ‘fantasist’. “Whatever term used, it would be remise of anyone to not consider Jack a visionary in both worlds of fashion and design,” said Editor Hamish Kilburn who first interviewed Irving in 2019. “As impressive as his fashion portfolio is, it is Jack’s entry into interior design that inspired the title of this episode – and indeed Hotel Designs closely following his journey.”
To amplify a guestroom renovation inside W London, the hotel teamed up with Irving to create a limited-edition pillow collection. Taking inspiration straight from the catwalk and remixing it with the bold attitude of W London, the spiked pillows, available in every guestroom of the hotel, appear muted to the naked eye until they are brought to life through the click of a camera flash. Through the lens, the smart fabric transforms into an iridescent masterpiece. And it was this fashion-forward, daring and raw talent that the DESIGN POD producers wanted to capture in this episode.
Listen to the full episode here:
The next DESIGN POD episode, which will drop next month, will invite the design duo at Carden Cunietti to explore the theme of creativity crafted.
What we know about Rosewood Mexico City, opening in 2024
Expanding its footprint in Mexico, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by premier real estate development firm Grupo Sordo Madaleno to operate Rosewood Mexico City, a new hotel expected to open in 2024 in the flourishing Polanco district. Here’s what we know…
Positioned in the heart of the vibrant capital, the site that will be Rosewood Mexico City is conveniently located within walking distance of renowned luxury shopping district, Avenida Presidente Masaryk as well as esteemed cultural institutions including Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex. Rosewood Mexico City will join the global brand’s iconic collection of properties across Mexico, from Los Cabos and Riviera Maya to San Miguel de Allende.
“The luxurious enclave will encompass 133 accommodations, 35 of which will be suites.”
Designed by internationally acclaimed, Mexico City-based architecture firm Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, the hotel will occupy the grand tower of Antara’s new build expansion. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Antara is a famous mixed-use development which also comprises modern offices, luxury retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The luxurious enclave will encompass 133 accommodations, 35 of which will be suites, and four food and beverage outlets including an all-day bistro, a poolside bar and grill, a living room and a specialty dining venue. Intended for hotel guests and the local community alike, the hotel will also feature an outpost of Asaya, Rosewood’s forward-thinking wellness concept, which will comprise two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellbeing centre, eight treatment rooms and changing rooms and hydrotherapy areas. Dedicated meeting and event spaces totalling 1,270 square meters will cater to groups both large and intimate throughout the property.
“A thriving hub of art and culture, Mexico City reflects many of Rosewood’s defining pillars,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are thrilled to introduce our A Sense of Place philosophy to visitors and locals with the opening of Rosewood Mexico City, wherein the hotel will embody the distinct sensibilities of the destination all while presenting one-of-a-kind ambience and style combined with unparalleled quality and personalised service.”
“As we embark on this new project in Mexico City, we could not think of a more suited partner than Rosewood Hotels & Resorts,” said Javier Sordo Madaleno, Vice President of Grupo Sordo Madaleno. “We look forward to showcasing the incomparable offerings of Mexico’s vibrant capital through the Rosewood lens and the debut of this world-class hotel.”
Upon opening, Rosewood Mexico City will add to the global hospitality group’s unique collection of hotels and resorts in Mexico, including Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos, Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Rosewood Mandarina opening in 2023. The highly anticipated opening will mark the group’s 20th property in The Americas and joins the brand’s largest growth pipeline to date with 22 projects across the globe, including new hotels in London, Madrid and Japan.
An expert’s guide on the science of a good nights’ sleep
With 75 per cent of Brits admitting to not having a good nights’ sleep and 30 per cent of people rating their sleep as “bad”, chances are you know what a bad nights’ sleep feels like. We’ve all had one, and most of us will have had at least one nights’ bad sleep in a hotel, but why? Sleep experts from Silentnight Group Hospitality, Hannah Shore and Angela Moran, explores your ultimate sleep guide…
Many people just accept a bad nights’ sleep in a hotel room and put it down to the fact they don’t have their home comforts with them. However, with a single night of bad sleep impairing your concentration, reaction time and memory function should we really just accept this? Is there something that hotels can do to ensure that everyone gets that important good nights’ sleep?
The answer simply is yes. Although we all have different sleeping habits, ensuring our sleeping environment has a little ‘TLC’ will provide the optimum sleeping conditions for everyone.
TLC relates to the three main areas we need to consider when looking into a sleeping environment. Temperature. Light. Comfort.
Image credit: Silentnight Group
Image credit: Silentnight Group
Temperature
Overheating effects 50 per cent of people. Temperature plays a key role in falling asleep, our core body temperature needs to drop one to two degrees in order for us to fall asleep. We also need to keep cool throughout the night in order to have a restful nights’ sleep. You may think that opening a window or using air-conditioning is the best way to combat this however, these come with a downside of often being noisy and disrupting sleep further.
A simple solution to a cooler nights’ sleep is to ensure you are using the right materials both on top of, and inside your mattresses. Whilst asleep we create our own microclimate underneath the duvet, this is normally around 37 degrees and approximately 75 per cent humidity. This heat and humidity is applied directly to the mattress and can actually decrease the lifespan of a mattress by around 30 per cent. When looking at the mattress, the use of fibres such as polyester and wool create a very breathable mattress. This means air can easily circulate, keeping the sleeper cooler and drying out the mattress.
Wool also has natural thermoregulatory properties, meaning it naturally helps to control your body temperature, it is why it is used in hiking clothes etc. Unfortunately, one down side to fibres in a mattress is that they are prone to settlement issues. However, at Silentnight we have worked with our external partners and developed testing methods to ensure all the fibres we use stand up to our enhanced durability tests, proving that our mattresses will withstand the test of time. When it does come to renewing your mattress, ensure that you choose a manufacturing partner that can take away and recycle the product at end of life.
To ensure you get the full benefits of the mattress, it should be paired with a protector that compliments it (a thin cover which protects the mattress from spillages). For example having a mattress which draws heat and moisture away from the body, such as the Eco Comfort FibresTM, but then putting a thick waterproof mattress protector on top of it which doesn’t allow water to pass through it, would inhibit the benefits of the mattress. Instead you would need a protector developed specifically for use with the product like the Silentnight Anti-Allergy Mattress Protector, which allows water vapour (humidity) through but not spillages. Similarly adding a topper (an extra comfort layer often used to soften the mattress) with non-breathable materials in it would cause the same issue.
Top the bed off with a duvet that completes the feel of the room and you have the perfect temperature controlled sleeping environment without the use of noisy air-condition units.
Image credit: Silentnight Group
Image credit: Silentnight Group
Light
Light is another important factor to consider when you are falling asleep. At night we should be exposed to dark rich orange/red light, this signals our bodies to start making melatonin, a hormone which helps us sleep. In a morning, as the sun rises, we should be exposed to bright blue light which suppresses the production of melatonin making us wide awake and ready for the day ahead. As we move into summer and the sun rises earlier, this light will prompt you to wake earlier, sometimes earlier than needed leaving you feeling tired and unrested.
Black out blinds or curtains are the best way to control the light within a hotel room. They ensure that no matter how light it is outside it is still dark enough in the room to get a good nights’ sleep. Cutting down on the tech within the hotel room is also a good way of ensuring a good nights’ sleep. A lot of technology has screens or stand-by lights which emit blue light. Exposing ourselves to blue light in an evening can suppress the melatonin production meaning we do not feel tired and struggle falling asleep.
Comfort
Comfort is a very subjective thing. We all need to be comfortable to fall asleep but what I may find comfortable you may not. So how do we make sure that a hotel room caters for each individuals comfort? The answer is to define comfort objectively. If we wake up in the morning with aches and pains chances are it is because the mattress has not supported you correctly throughout the night, therefore, creating an uncomfortable nights’ sleep. A movement as basic as standing puts four times as much pressure through the spine compared to lying down. If we add in bad posture, carrying heavy bags or sporting activities, it becomes clear why we need good posture during sleep. Throughout the night we have no control over our posture, therefore the mattress should be able to support our spine and keep it in the neutral position in order for it to recover from the daily stresses. This will ensure we wake up pain free. However, a higher spring count does not always mean better support. With around 45 per cent of your body weight around your hips, a zoned mattress is a more important factor to consider than overall spring count. All Silentnight mattresses are zoned for this reason.
Twisting and turning throughout the night is another reason we can wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed. The main reason we have restless sleep is due to pressure building up in our tissues, reducing blood flow and then we get the urge to move which can disrupt our sleep. Using foam as a filling will help reduce the pressure build up. All foams are great at pressure relieving however, some foams can restrict movement as you sink into them. The Serta Performance Gel mattress, by Silentnight Group Hospitality, alleviates pressure without restricting movement for a more refreshing nights’ sleep.
Another positive to foam is that it is very durable. Durable products are key for hospitality simply due to the nature of the industry. A common misconception in the hospitality industry is that a single sided mattress is not as good as a double sided one. However, if you use the correct, durable, high quality fillings and rotate your mattress as per the guidelines, a single sided mattress can last as long as its double sided equivalent. Foam is however viewed as being non-ecofriendly however, foam can be recycled into carpet underlay or used in energy production. Choosing the right manufacturing partner that will take your product away at end of life will ensure your old mattresses are dealt with in the most sustainable way.
Another big issue in hotels is space. A hotel room is used as a multipurpose room, people need to work from there, relax and sleep. Often the bed is reduced in size to ensure there is space for this. However, if two adults are sharing a standard double bed (135x190cm), that gives each person less room than a child’s cot to sleep in. With partner disturbance been a key factor in why people don’t sleep, the bigger the bed the better! However, if a room is small and you cannot fit a bigger bed in then look for edge support and parallel designed springs. These will guarantee you make the most of the sleep space by providing the same support on the edge of the mattress as you would find in the middle.
I think we can agree that creating a hotel room which enhances sleep will only help to increase the reputation of the hotel and also generate positive reviews from customers. At the heart of the sleeping environment is the bed which needs more thought than people first assume. After all, TripAdvisor reviews are commonly all about sleep and the sleeping environment! Having a bed that is suitable for all sleepers ensures that no matter which guest walks through the door next, they are guaranteed a good nights’ sleep.
Silentnight Group is one of Hotel Designs’ recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
Weekly briefing: A lesson in lifestyle, wellness trends and a new disruptive brand
Editor Hamish Kilburn here with your fast-tracked round-up of this week’s hotel design headlines. In this edition of the weekly briefing, we’re sharing our latest roundtable, exploring a new brand that is said to ‘revolutionise hospitality’ and we have just opened nominations for The Brit List Awards 2021…
In the same week Hotel Designs broadcasted its fourth edition of Hotel Designs LIVE to a sea of designers, architects, hoteliers and developers from across the globe, a handful of important headlines dropped into the inbox of the editorial desk and soon become published articles in our Industry News section of the website.
Just in case you missed this week’s most-read news stories and features, here is your weekly briefing…
Image caption: A suite inside Ace Brooklyn, designed by Stonehill Taylor
As we enter what is no doubt going to be considered as ‘a new era of lifestyle’, Hotel Designs, in association with flooring brand Milliken, welcomes world-leading designers from around the globe to explore how the lane for lifestyle in hotel design and hospitality is widening.
With the aim to understand more about the future of this growing sector hospitality, we gathered a handful of the industry’s finest to explore how we can indeed raise the floor in lifestyle.
Image credit: Tierra Chiloé Spa & Wellness Resort: Chile
In her second article with Hotel Designs – the first looking at public areas post-pandemic – Emma Cook explores how the cultural shift that we have experienced over the last year will impact modern traveller demands in hotel spas and wellness areas.
Naomi Heaton, CEO of The Portfolio Club, dropped the name of the company’s new lifestyle brand and residents’ clubs during a panel discussion at Hotel Designs LIVE. The Other House will launch in the Spring of 2022 with a stunning property in South Kensington. Then, in 2023, London’s famed Covent Garden neighbourhood will welcome the brand’s next hotel.
The free nomination/application process for The Brit List Awards 2021 is now officially open, as Hotel Designs’ nationwide search to identify the true leaders operating in the hotel design and hospitality arena in Britain begins. The awards, which has become a major campaign to support diversity and raw talent that stretches across the British design, architecture and hospitality landscape, is expected to be bigger than ever before – climaxing with a live awards ceremony that will take place on November 3 at Proud Embankment, London.
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
The new ‘HygieneFlush’ flushing system from Duravit provides ‘perfect flushing performance’ and maximum antibacterial protection. Twice the hygiene, HygieneFlush flushing system plus HygieneGlaze antibacterial ceramic glaze are ideal for a post-pandemic hospitality world…
With its maximum antibacterial protection and perfect performance Duravit’s new ‘HygieneFlush’ flushing system is set to revolutionise the toilet market. By combining the new flushing system with Duravit’s antibacterial ceramic glaze, HygieneGlaze, it delivers double protection in any washroom or bathroom.
The unique feature that makes the HygieneFlush so effective is the extremely powerful force of the flush which flows simultaneously from two carefully positioned openings.Independent tests show that this new flushing technique cleans the entire inner surface of the toilet most effectively.Keeping water usage to a minimum – only 4.5 l is used per flush – the flow is perfectly attuned to create a vortex and it is this that guarantees the ideal flushing action every time.
This new technology ingeniously combines the concept of a rotational flush with Duravit’s Rimless flushing technology whilst deploying two parallel flushing actions.In addition to this the openings have been repositioned ensuring that the area at the front of the toilet is cleaned flawlessly every time, whilst avoiding unwanted splashes.
Cleanliness and excellent sanitation is further guaranteed as all new HygieneFlush toilets come with Duravit’s HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze as standard. HygieneGlaze eliminates bacterial growth; six hours after use, 90 per cent of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are eliminated, with 99.9 per cent eliminated after 24 hours.
The antibacterial glaze is baked into the inner bowl of the toilet during firing; this makes it particularly effective in areas that are highly susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria. The combined action of these unique Duravit features – HygieneFlush and HygieneGlaze – provides maximum protection in terms of hygiene and cleanliness in the bathroom.
The ME by Starck wall hung WC range is available with the HygieneFlush flushing technology and the highly effective antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze there is also a SensoWash® shower-toilet option available with HygieneGlaze available as standard.
Duravit is one of Hotel Designs’ recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
Virtual roundtable: Raising the floor in lifestyle
As we enter what is no doubt going to be considered as ‘a new era of lifestyle’, Hotel Designs, in association with flooring brand Milliken, welcomes world-leading designers from around the globe to explore how the lane for lifestyle in hotel design and hospitality is widening. Editor Hamish Kilburn chairs the discussion…
As hospitality plans to emerge from its forced hibernation, Covid-19 is not the only factor that is evolving the hotel design and hospitality landscape. Long before the pandemic was declared, hotel groups globally were launching new ‘lifestyle’ brands that would, we were told, be designed for the modern traveller – the emphasis on ‘experience’ was greater and with this the public areas were given the starring role in the overall hotel production.
But recently, following the cultural shift of the Covid-19 crisis – with public areas coming under scrutiny, specifically in lifestyle hotels, as to whether or not they can shelter social distancing – where we go next in the hotel design chapter of ‘lifestyle hotels’ is somewhat unclear.
With the aim to understand more about the future of this growing sector hospitality, we gathered a handful of the industry’s finest to explore how we can indeed raise the floor in lifestyle.
Kate Collier, Marketing Communications Manager, Milliken
Geraldine Dohogne, Founder, Beyond Design
Sara Duffy, Principal, Stonehill Taylor. | Image credit: Blaine Davis
Damien Perrot, Global Senior Vice President Design, Accor
Inge Moore, Founder, Muza Lab
John Paul Pederson, Senior Associate and Senior Designer, Wimberly Interiors
Rajiv Parekh, Founding Partner, reD Studio
HK: What was happening in the lifestyle hospitality arena pre-pandemic?
Damien Perrot: Lifestyle before Covid-19 started in the year 2,000 when lots of new businesses appeared. We can see in the hospitality sector new brands that addressed the evolution of society and how people lived. Since then, a variety of brands have been created which, I must say, are in line with the evolution of technology.
More recently, For Accor, for example, development increased by 22 properties from 2017 to 2020. There is a big demand for lifestyle hospitality!
Igne Moore: The lines between three-star to five-star hospitality have become blurred. I see that as a positive, because now design is just so important. Social media has really made design accessible, and dare I say it ‘fashionable’.
Image caption: An open-air public area experience at Seaside Finolhu in the Maldives, conceived by Muza Lab. | Image credit: Seaside Finolhu/Brechenmacher & Baumann
Image caption: A suite inside Seaside Finolhu, designed by Inge Moore, Muza Lab. | Image credit: Seaside Finolhu/Brechenmacher & Baumann
John Paul Pederson: We have clients who ask us where is the Instagram moment is in the design scheme. As we all sit here in our homes, that’s how we are currently connecting to the rest of the world. It would be wrong to ignore social media and its influence when designing lifestyle hotels.
IM: That’s the challenge, to make something stand out without making it feel curated. So many of these words and terms – timeless, effortless, of place – are used by all the other brands.
“I completely believe that this lifestyle hospitality that was emerging pre-pandemic will return after Covid in a stronger capacity.” – Geraldine Dohogne, Founder, Beyond Design.
Sara Duffy: One thing that’s really interesting is that pre-Covid we were seeing the micro room becoming popular. And with Covid that completely changed, because the micro room concept is that you are spending very little time in your room and instead experiencing the public areas. That quickly reversed as Covid-19 entered the world. That was interesting. We never had more work than in 2020. The younger traveller can’t afford to check in to The Ritz, for example, but they do not want their experienced compromised. What’s interesting to me is understanding what luxury means to them, which could be beautiful design, a great interaction with the receptionist.
Image caption: A suite inside Hyatt Regency Houston, designed by Stonehill Taylor
“The modern consumer wants to be able to use technology to curate their own experience.” – Rajiv Parekh, Founding Partner, reD Architects
Rajiv Parekh: The spaces that are designed centric are definitely getting more attention and the consumer is certainly now wanting a different experience. The modern consumer wants to be able to use technology to curate their own experience, especially when demands are becoming more specific.
Geraldine Dohogne: Things in the UK are starting to opening up and what I’m noticing is that we want to partake in these hospitality experiences together. I completely believe that this lifestyle hospitality that was emerging pre-pandemic will return after Covid in a stronger capacity.
DP: Even throughout the Covid-19 period, the most successful hospitality brands are the lifestyle hotels, because despite hygiene being more of a focus than ever among consumers’, people just don’t want to be alone.
Image caption: A render of Mama Shelter in Rome by Accor
HK: Branding has become savvier than simply slapping a logo across a hotel entrance… How are lifestyle hotels cleverly portraying their brand identity?
GD: As you were saying, branding is an identity and not a logo. It goes more into feeling and the senses. Design has to be linked to scent, atmosphere and the people that bring it all together. We can have the most beautiful building with a powerful brand but if the staff don’t follow then it can all crumble.
John Paul Pederson: In so many ways, brands are becoming ‘anti brands’. With the projects we have worked on, it is becoming less about the brand and more about the service. From Four Seasons to Mandarin Oriental and Moxy Hotels, all of them have brand standards but what we are seeing is that the ‘brand’ is becoming less important – and it is more about the unique, crafted experiences the hotel is able to offer. Therefore, it’s the unique, little touches that we find end up identifying the brand.
Image caption: Hotel 50 Bowery, designed by Wimberly Interiors
HK: Just how involved do you get to decisions outside of what would be considered ‘design’?
JPP: For us, it’s tricky and depends on the project. We have worked on projects where it is down to the fork, the napkin and the staff’s uniform. For other projects, we are less involved. What we really strive to do as a studio is set the tone at the beginning. When you do this as a designer, it’s then not just about interior design.
SD: We also try to help come up with these experiences. We will set up these strong concepts but also really help the client carry them through in other areas. One project that is a great example of this is the Marriott Renaissance Chelsea here in New York. The hotel had a ‘secret garden’ concept, so we actually incorporated bunnies in the design detail throughout the hotel, either engraved at the bottom of the reception desk or hidden somewhere in the rooms. Those are the projects we all love because then we are engaged in the project from the beginning and can carry it through in the interior design decisions.
Image caption: The Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, designed by Stonehill Taylor
Image caption: The Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, designed by Stonehill Taylor
HK: Where is the line between luxury and lifestyle?
GD: I do wonder whether lifestyle is not the new luxury, because I believe that the ‘lifestyle/luxury’ consumer checking is younger in 2021 than he/she was 10 years ago. Modern travellers have experienced the world and what they have not seen in person they have seen on social media. Previously, luxury was defined by the price of a room. Now I would qualify luxury as lifestyle and an experience.
SD: I recently stayed in a small hotel in Charlottesville in West Virginia with my family. It was beautiful and not typical ‘luxury’ but everything had been touched. The people were fabulous and the way you moved through the hotel was an experience. Most importantly, we felt it had been paid attention to. It’s that design and service working together which is so important.
“I also want the hotel to have the ability to phase out of Covid.” – Sara Duffy, Principal, Stonehill Taylor.
HK: Sara, you mentioned micro rooms earlier, and how public areas were impacted as a direct result of the pandemic. What do designers need to think about in order to sensitively design zoned areas and create boundaries in public areas?
SD: I think it’s incredibly difficult because I don’t want to design a lobby with two seats in it, and I also want the hotel to have the ability to phase out of Covid. The key right now is flexibility, and the ability to make these various socially distant solutions work for brands now. We have also tried to create intimate spaces within these wider areas, which is I think the new challenge we are facing this year.
IM: If nothing else, we have learned that you want to be part of a group. You want to be there but also be safe. Furniture layout has become more important than ever before.
“In terms of design, do not change the way in which we design a hotel. I am sure that designing a lifestyle ‘Covid-friendly’ hotel will not work!” – Damien Perrot, Global Senior Vice President Design, Accor.
DP: You will never go to a restaurant to stare at four plastic walls – you would rather stay at home. Let’s just design the hotel and the public areas. Covid-19 is terrible but the best thing to do is something that is protocol-based that feels operational because that, fundamentally, can be lifted easily. In terms of design, do not change the way in which we design a hotel. I am sure that designing a lifestyle ‘covid-friendly’ hotel will not work!
With that said, I would say that designing boundaries and using flooring and lighting to do this is something that we should certainly be looking at. On top of that, creating a specific atmosphere in a space that has no walls is a challenge and what the team at Milliken is doing could really help to support the way we are designing these spaces in the lifestyle sector.
Image credit: Milliken
“The approach from Milliken around branding is wellbeing.” – Karen Burt, EMEA Strategic Accounts Director, Milliken.
HK: And actually, regardless of Covid-19, it is a clever way to channel the guest through their journeys using these methods. Karen and Kate, can you talk us through this technology that the Milliken brand shelters?
Karen Burt: Obviously, we would like to be part of that Instagram moment that you were discussing and I think the approach from Milliken around branding is wellbeing. We have taken the ideas from bioiphilic design and nature but also, in terms of our custom capabilities, we can produce custom design on a very small scale which is a result of the patterning techniques that we have. We have been seeing a real uptake in creative flooring – take the 25hours brand for example. We are able to support those hotels having a very bold design in some spaces together with a very tonal scheme in other areas of the hotel.
Image credit: Milliken
Kate Collier: In terms of wellness, the acoustics comes to play as well. We personally feel as we fit really nicely into this new era of lifestyle because of the flexibility and the global nature of our brand. In the US, we are now seeing our hospitality team introducing more modular design in public areas. We’re also able to be more creative in our ‘vision lab’ so that designers can use our tools to establish the right look for the right project.
HK: Many would argue that technology will have a new role post-pandemic. Will the ‘human touch’ be lost in lifestyle hospitality?
DP: There is a lot to say, but I just want to share one example. For me, technology has a role in lifestyle hospitality when technology helps to remove all the transactional aspects and helps to enhance the human contact. Technology can allow hospitality to be much more human.
SD: I also think we’re going to see the opposite. In New York, like the UK, outdoor dining is allowed and I can’t stand having to view the menu on my phone. I miss that human connection of someone handing me a menu! The backlash of all this is that people are going to want to have that connection once more. I admit that ‘checking in’ and ‘checking out’ is not necessary, but it’s a mistake not to have someone welcome guests in and out of the hotel.
IM: If you remove the conventional ‘check in’ desks, it gives us designers more space to design these lifestyle experiences.
RP: I think technology is a huge asset. Technology can remove a lot of the clerical tasks. I regularly check into some hotels where the staff know me and recognise my face from previous visits. Someone will always be there with a personal welcome. A project I am working on called Kings Mansion in Goe will have the lobby areas as a welcoming space, not be fussy in its design where service will set the tone for guests’ experience in the hotel. That to me is the blurring of lifestyle and luxury.
Image caption: A render of Kings Mansion in Goa, which is being designed by rED Architects
“We live in a global world. I think taking the best of two difficult cultures and mixing things together has a particular place in the lifestyle sector.” – Inge Moore, Founder, Muza Lab
HK: Will the lifestyle hotels of tomorrow shelter a fusion of cultures instead of a heavy sense of place that we see in traditional hotels in the luxury sector?
IM: We live in a global world. I think taking the best of two difficult cultures and mixing things together has a particular place in the lifestyle sector. We want to design spaces that complement the cultures and experiences.
DP: The mix in lifestyle is key. When this first started to appear in lifestyle hospitality, it was met with feelings of rejection. But soon it became apparent that this was a new style that worked well with what hospitality brands were trying to achieve in their look and feel.
JPP: We try to look at these things as a ‘collection’, which we are always adding to. If you were in your home you would not want it to feel purely Moroccan or Peruvian. Instead, you want there to be memories and special moments. That’s really important and I couldn’t agree more with Inge about hospitality design today being a global perspective.
HK: What pitfalls should designers avoid when creating lifestyle hospitality experiences?
DP: There are no rules in lifestyle – everything can work. It’s actually more about how you mix things together and how you create that tension. By opening possibilities, you will surprise everyone.
IM: You cannot be all things to all people. That’s how design is often diluted, but I think it’s important to appreciate that people can actually adapt to spaces.
GD: It’s maybe not giving too much, but not to overwhelm the consumer with too much information. We’ve all checked in to hotels where there are so many different colours, textures, trends all going on at once. It’s too much. Stay in your lane as a designer and remember who the target audience is you are coherently designing for.
Image caption: Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô, designed by Geraldine Dohogne
HK: What would you say are the most common demands from modern travellers in 2021?
IM: To feel and be part of a group. I also feel, largely because of the newly found flexibility around work, people will travel slower, which will allow you to go deeper into the culture you are visiting.
GD: I also think sustainability will be an important point – as has become already. But it will be deeper in its meaning and bringing old spaces back to life in a sustainable way.
RP: In India, people are also looking for better quality, locally sourced food. When your target audience is a global traveler, its critical you cater to these aspects. The 2021 and 2022 consumer will be looking for authentic hospitality housed in well-designed spaces. Gone are the days of the cookie-cutter approach in the lifestyle sector. I also believe that the emphasis will be on smaller curated experiences.
JPP: To travel! For us, more and more what we are finding is that guests are looking for special experiences. In the next five years, I believe there will be a lot of emphasis on new tourism destinations.
This virtual roundtable was held ahead of Hotel Designs LIVE (May 11, 2021), which also focused the editorial lens towards lifestyle. The full recording of the session entitled ‘A new era of lifestyle’ will be available on demand shortly..
In her second article with Hotel Designs – the first looking at public areas post-pandemic – Emma Cook explores how the cultural shift that we have experienced over the last year will impact modern traveller demands in hotel spas and wellness areas…
As well as hotel spas being a relaxing experience for guests, let’s not forget that they are also a healthy source of revenue for the hotel industry. The title of ‘Hotel & Spa’ sits higher and mightier than ‘Hotel’ with visitors feeling like they’re getting a deeper VIP experience. Gyms appear to be a norm in non-budget hotels so charging more for this service doesn’t allow for competitive industry pricing. Spas, however, have a slightly more executive feel and therefore hotels with this facility are able to bring in more revenue. However, in a more health-aware society, the ‘VIP-feel’ isn’t the only reason people choose hotels with spas over those without. The ability to wind down, in an ever-increasingly busy world, is unparalleled and pre-Covid, this would have been high up on the list of requirements from a lot of travellers.
The romans built public baths with the initial use of treating wounds but soon came to realise that these areas could be utilised so that people could enjoy them socially. In the 21st Century, spas have become more of a place to escape society rather than indulge in it.
Image credit: The Gainsborough Hotel & Spa
More and more, we are looking to escape need technology – social media, emails and other commitments – to unwind and forget about everyday life, and a spa break away offers the perfect place to do this. What will become of this social distraction after a dynamic and emotional year of no contact? Will it extinguish in a post-pandemic world where people’s enjoyment in civilisation is renewed or will it prosper as the realisation of the importance of self-love is increased?
Image credit: 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa
“It seems as though lockdown has provided a lifetime of stress that we just need to ‘sweat out’.”
How many of us, over the last year, have said we need a serious spa day? It seems as though lockdown has provided a lifetime of stress that we just need to ‘sweat out’. Lockdown has certainly taken its toll on our personal versions of ‘pampering’ too; with many of what were interactive experiences moving to online, the need for pampering has been somewhat missing, until now.
Image credit: Anantara Kihavah
‘SPA’ is an abbreviation for ‘Sanus Per Aquam’ which translates to ‘health through water’. Water is such a staple part of the spa experience: bathing, steam, mud, ice, etc., and should be an important part of the design too. Our bodies are made up of 70 per cent water, so it makes sense that we are most relaxed when returning to this natural state. The sounds of trickling water and waves is something that many people use to relax, and this is often incorporated into the experience of spas. Water is an incredibly immersive experience. When you submerge underwater, your vision, hearing and movement are all impacted. The muffled sound of the tides that flow past, the tunnel of light filtering in from a nearby window and the ripples of water that escape from your movements. There is no where you can escape the outside world more than you can in water. Incidentally, many design and architecture studios, such as Zaha Hadid Architects, use the flow of water as a source of inspiration for many of their boundary-breaking projects – especially in areas, such as Dubai, where sense of place is not easy to define in a design language.
Image credit: ME Dubai, designed by Zaha Hadid Design
Image credit: ME Dubai, designed by Zaha Hadid Design
During this hospitality coma – I’m referencing the sting of the pandemic – a number of us have found comfort in other activities such as running, cycling and yoga. This has become apparent since the first lockdown, where it soon became impossible to get hold of any home-gym/cycling equipment from brands so many took fitness into their own hands.
It doesn’t take much scrolling on social media to see someone hiking up a mountain for sunset, jumping off a cliff and plunging into deep water or surfing some big waves. It seems that even before lockdown, we were discovering the wellbeing benefits of taking new challenges, having new experiences and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. When normality reigns again, I wonder whether people will begin to choose more adventurous breaks away (perhaps travel further and expect unexpected and non-curated moments on their journey) or will spas regain their high demand as people go back to seeking comfort from relaxing over getting outdoors and moving.
“Trending now are the lifestyle orientated concepts such as yoga retreats and alpine wellness breaks, which successfully address the healthy blend of comfort and experience.”
Wellness is a term derived from wellbeing and fitness, so generating a good balance between relaxing and being active would seem the key to being a hotel which provides a high wellbeing experience. The two can work together cohesively. Trending now are the lifestyle orientated concepts such as yoga retreats and alpine wellness breaks, which successfully address the healthy blend of comfort and experience. These breaks also have sustainable connotations, whether they are sustainable or not is another question, but younger people in-particular recognise this which is even more enticing.
Hotels with gardens will have an upper hand at combining wellbeing and fitness – nothing says wellness like a yoga session in a beautifully landscaped garden. There are lots of things in life that can determine our mood, and the environment we are in is one of them. Hence, design playing such a crucial role in the future of wellness. Nature is proven to boost our mood, potentially by its extreme contentedness despite being witness to everyone else’s daily troubles.
Image credit: The Spa at South Lodge Spa
No matter who we are, we look up to nature in utter awe. The outdoors can be just as much of a relaxing experience as an indoor spa can be. And since the pandemic was declared, we have seen more people enjoying the outdoors even to the point where many have moved out of the city and to the countryside.
It will most likely remain the case that hotels with spa and pool facilities will prosper again when normality returns. Keeping in mind that there is a new trend in the market for sustainable and active retreats also, those without the spa facilities can cater in these ways in order to tend to the much desired ‘wellness break’. In short, wellness facilities, no matter what form (spas, pools or adventure), are likely to be very popular post-lockdown.
Main image credit: Tierra Chiloé Spa & Wellness Resort: Chile
The Other House: The new luxury/lifestyle brand ‘revolutionising hospitality’
Naomi Heaton, CEO of The Portfolio Club, dropped the name of the company’s new lifestyle brand and residents’ clubs during a panel discussion at Hotel Designs LIVE. The Other House will launch in the Spring of 2022 with a stunning property in South Kensington. Then, in 2023, London’s famed Covent Garden neighbourhood will welcome the brand’s next hotel. Editor Hamish Kilburn has more…
During a panel discussion at Hotel Designs LIVE, aptly themed ‘the new era of lifestyle’, Naomi Heaton revealed the name of her new residents’ club brand. To an engaged virtual audience, the developer announced that The Other House will launch in Spring of 2022 and will “blur the lines to create a cutting-edge type of new accommodation.”
Heaton, who is arguably most known for the acquisition of Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington, explained that the brand will disrupt the traditional sectors of hotels, serviced apartments and private rentals, effortlessly and elegantly combining home comforts with hotel style facilities, whatever the length of stay.
The brand, which refers to itself on the website as ‘your home for as long as you’re in town’, positions itself as a ‘second home’ for its guests – their other house. It will provide a unique experience for the discerning traveller who knows what they want, seeking style and experiences to remember, without a hefty price tag.
“The Other House caters to consumers looking for flexibility, style and greater personalisation and who embrace responsibility and slow travel,” explained Heaton in a press release. “Our mission is to create spaces that enhance the overall guest experience and completely reinvent how people stay, providing a renewed sense of space, place, ownership and engagement. The concept paves the way for a new era of smart travellers.”
Each Club will offer around 200 ‘club flats’ with a beautifully designed living area, sleeping area and kitchen. There will be boldly stunning private spaces, bars and spa with fitness studios for residents and private members. A whimsical destination bar and a bistro-style kitchen with a constantly changing seasonal menu will welcome the public.
Moving away from large scale banqueting and conference facilities, each residents’ club will offer amenities that augment the club flats and guest experience such as private dining rooms, bookable meeting rooms and screening rooms.
The brand connects guests with on-demand services and limits touch points through the club’s bespoke tech platform and app. Features include automatic check in, keyless room entry, remote room controls, fingertip access to services, as well as booking and ordering at any of its restaurants, bars and other amenities.
Rolling out in prime central London neighbourhoods initially before expanding globally, The Other House highlights the best in British design, utilising green technology, with sustainability and positive social and environmental impact at its core.
Heaton added: “Now, more than ever, we need to embrace the travel revolution we see ahead of us – we look forward to opening our doors in 2022 and welcoming this new chapter of hospitality.”
The new brand is yet to release interior design renders of the projects, but rest assured that Hotel Designs will be ready and waiting as soon as we know more. For now, welcome to your other house, London and travellers alike.
Product watch: CYO, new dynamic bathroom fittings series from Dornbracht
CYO from Dornbracht reinterprets the archetypal C-shaped bathroom spout. It becomes the central design element and provides the extravagant contour and sculptural quality…
Dornbracht is introducing CYO as its new bathroom fittings series. CYO combines the brand’s origins and future, its clearly recognisable design claim with the current zeitgeist. Inspired by a design from the company’s archive from 1969, the fitting becomes a sign of this time – with a design language that seems familiar and yet appears new and forward-looking.
With CYO, Dornbracht reinterprets the archetypal C-shaped spout and finds the perfect combination of form and function. The striking basic shape of the circle defines the extravagant contour and sculptural quality of CYO. It defines the spout and handles and thus characterises the design right down to the water jet, which follows the shape of the spout.
The design concept is distinguished by extraordinary details. Bi-structural finishes combine glossy and matt surfaces. They skilfully emphasise the lines and – as a particularly subtle form of contrast – lend the design additional sophistication.
An innovative handle concept, which is operated by a rotating outer ring with finely tuned click-stop, reflects the high precision and quality of workmanship with its special function. Interchangeable handle inserts in a wide range of finishes and styles that can be combined individually and are easily replaced, offer unique options for individualisation. With six exclusive special surfaces made of precious natural stones and extravagant structures, and the extra service offer that goes beyond this, Dornbracht is expanding the possibilities of individual and particularly creative design concepts with CYO.
The many possibilities for individualisation and the adaptability of the design can be seen in the architectures of the CYO bathrooms “Metropolitan” and “Oasis”. Here, the bathroom becomes a living space, opening up to the inside and outside. Formally, the architectures adopt the circle and the curves of the design language. The desire for something authentic, genuine and natural is reflected in the use of materials, the touch and the feel of the bathrooms. At times, the CYO design blends in with confidence and at other times it determines the ambience.
The basic shape of the circle defines the complete product range of washbasin, bath and shower. Combined with the matching accessories, a harmonious overall picture of the bathroom applications is created.
Balanced proportions and uncompromising precision make up the progressive and unique character that gives CYO a strong personality. The design follows the defined Dornbracht design principles, which are the basis of every design and constitute the lasting quality of the products.
Image credit: Dornbracht
Stefan Gesing, CEO of Dornbracht AG & Co. KG. said: “With CYO, Dornbracht is once again demonstrating its high level of design expertise and its understanding of creative, individual architectural concepts, thus underpinning the brand’s claim to leadership, which is also expressed in our new claim: ‘Leading Designs for Architecture’”.
As you know, we love an exclusive at Hotel Designs. Joel Butler, Co-founder of HIX Event and our monthly columnist, explains all the exclusive details around HIX Works that will launch in November 2021…
When it comes to our relationship with work, the ‘how, where and when? (and indeed for many of us, the ‘why?’)’ have been irreversibly redefined. The HIX Event will jump into these questions, mind wide-open, exploring how hotels can be our workplace solutions and destinations.
Following her recent involvement in Hotel Designs LIVE, Tina Norden of Conran and Partners, one of our four ‘HIX Works’ participating studios, muses that we’ve all had to design our own multi-use offices within our homes and have therefore become become designers by default, ‘Are we all now workplace experts, at least in our own little bubbles?’. And as we venture back to our ‘proper’ offices, Norden reflects on the ideals of a homely aesthetic, ‘having worked from home for so long, do we still want our office to be more like home?’
The HIX Team can directly relate to these questions. The event itself was conceived in a hotel lobby, we sold our first stand in an East End hotel bar (we lost the floor plan that evening but that’s another story), and our pre-pandemic honeymoon days were spent working in either Citizen M or the Hoxton, starting the day with carrot juice and finishing with beer, if we felt that we deserved it. A year later, the Waldorf Hilton and Herman Miller have partnered to create a luxury work package within the iconic Edwardian hotel destination, complete with ergonomic furniture design, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a record player. As people now bravely step out of their living rooms, sheds and kitchens to re-negotiate the way that they work there will likely be many more hospitality workplace options to fulfil our varying needs and desires.
HIX will continue to focus on this topic as our conceptual deep-dive culminates in our ‘WFHotel’ session at HIX in November, hosted by Hotel Designs. We’ll explore four concepts, each presented by a leading hospitality or workplace design studio. These four big ideas will manifest as a series of seamlessly connected installations called HIX Works. To compliment this disruptive thinking, our exhibitors allow these design visions to become practical reality, with our edit of furniture, lighting, fabrics and technologies.
So for now, please do get back to work and we’ll announce the HIX Works studio line-up over the coming weeks, sharing our findings along the way. Whatever those findings might be, it’s clear that this work and hospitality opportunity will provoke consideration, creativity and opportunity amongst hotel operators and designers alike.
Head over to the website if you want to know more information about what other experiences will be sheltered at HIX Event.
Bathroom brand Kaldewei receives the iF Design Award 2021
The judging panel appreciated the filigree design of the MING washbowl by Kaldewei, made of elegant steel enamel…
The MING washbowl made from Kaldewei steel enamel impresses with its filigree silhouette and a flawless glazed surface. Kaldewei has been awarded the renowned iF Design Award 2021 for the trend-setting and high-quality design of this new model.
The premium manufacturer Kaldewei won over the iF Design Award judging panel at the iF Design Awards recently with its unmistakable product profile; uniquely combining tradition and modernity with absolute quality in sustainable steel enamel.
The traditional contours of this exquisite MING bowl from Kaldewei are inspired by Chinese Ming vases. The washbowl is made from durable steel enamel; with its elegant lines, large interior depth and a delicate, filigree edge it is 100 per cent recyclable and offers a sustainable option.
Whether located a classic bathroom or in a more creative setting – the elegant MING with its convex curved silhouette creates a image that helps turn the bathroom into a sensual retreat. An easy-to-clean finish, the Kaldewei Pearl Effect, is standard on all MING bowls, it is also available in lava black matt, black, alpine white glossy and alpine white matt.
Kaldewei is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The Brit List Awards 2021: Nominations now open (and free)!
FREE TO APPLY: Hotel Designs’The Brit List Awards is back, and bigger than ever, as the nationwide search to find Britain’s best designers, architects, hoteliers and brands introduces two new individual awards to this year’s campaign…
The free nomination/application process for The Brit List Awards 2021 is now officially open, as Hotel Designs’ nationwide search to identify the true leaders operating in the hotel design and hospitality arena in Britain begins. The awards, which has become a major campaign to support diversity and raw talent that stretches across the British design, architecture and hospitality landscape, is expected to be bigger than ever before – climaxing with a live awards ceremony that will take place on November 3 at Proud Embankment, London.
FREE TO ENTER: Simply click here to apply/nominate for The Brit List Awards 2020.
Image caption: Interior Designer of the Year, Goddard Litterfair’s Jo Littlefair with editor Hamish Kilburn at The Brit List Awards 2020
Image caption: The Brit List 2019 finalists Charlie Rosier and Fabienne O’Neill from Cuckooz
Image caption: Team at Dexter Moren Associates celebrating John Harding being profiled in The Brit List 2019
To remain Britain’s most meaningful design and hospitality awards ceremony, this year’s campaign will debut two new awards, The Rising Star Award and the International Award, which editor Hamish Kilburn says will elevate and diversify this year’s awards. “It’s been a challenging year for everyone operating in the industry we love to serve, and I am delighted that these two new awards position our editorial lens on young talented individuals who are fiercely climbing the ranks as well as making a nod to international superstars who are pivoting the international hotel design into a new era,” Kilburn, who will host the awards ceremony on November 3 in London, said. “And yes, following our successful virtual awards ceremony in 2020, we are doing everything we can in order to make sure our awards ceremony, which will be sheltered inside Proud Galleries in London, is the biggest and best yet.”
This year’s individual categories are:
Interior Designer of the Year
Architect of the Year
Hotelier of the Year
Best in Tech
The Eco Award
Best in British Product Design
The Rising Star Award
International Award
Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry
In addition to the individual awards up for grabs, the top 25 entries in the interior design, architecture and hospitality categories will be profiled in the prestigious The Brit List, Hotel Designs’ annual publication that references the top 75 most influential individuals in British design, architecture and hospitality.
“We have made the decision to postpone all of our other networking events this year until 2022 in order to pour all of our attention into The Brit List Awards Ceremony which will welcome this year’s shortlisted finalists – AKA, the best in British product design, architecture and hospitality – under one roof for a party unlike any other,” said Katy Phillips, Publisher at Hotel Designs. “As a brand, Hotel Designs has confronted the challenges of Covid-19 by being a safe space that incubates new discussions – whether that’s publishing thought-provoking articles, hosting conversations like no other in our Hotel Designs LIVE events, amplifying innovative people on our podcast platform DESIGN POD or by championing the pioneers who are taking our industry forward via The Brit List Awards.”
For the third consecutive year, Crosswater, which is sheltered under the parent company Bathroom Brands Group, has been confirmed as the Headline Partner for The Brit List Awards. In addition, Hamilton Litestat and Duravit return as Event Partners while Schlüter Systems returns as Showcase Partner. Also returning to this year’s awards, the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) will once again be an Industry Partner for the awards ceremony and its upcoming President, Lindsey Rendall, will join this year’s judging panel alongside Lester Bennet, who is the institute’s current president. In addition, NEWH has also been confirmed an Industry Partner for the event.
If you would like to discuss various sponsorship packages available, please contact Katy Phillips via email, or call 01992 374050. Tickets to the live awards ceremony at Proud Embankment, London on November 3 will be available to secure shortly.
Product watch: New comfort height & rimless WCs from Roca
Bathroom manufacturer Roca has added three new WCs to its extensive portfolio, offering even more choice of design options and functionality…
A new addition to the popular Debba range is the Rimless Comfort Height WC available as both back-to-wall and close-coupled back-to-wall, with a 4.5/3litre flush and soft-close seat and cover.
Due to the complementary design of both WCs, they can be easily paired with other products in the collection, as well as several others to provide a full bathroom specification. The Debba collection has a wide range of solutions that, combined with its soft, square design, fit seamlessly into any bathroom space.
Also new to the Roca portfolio, is The Gap Rimless Comfort Height close-coupled back-to-wall WC, with a 4.5/3litre flush and soft close seat and cover. The Gap collection delivers both a compact and functional style. Its wide range, including the new Rimless Comfort Height WC enables full optimisation of any bathroom space, while its sleek, modern and stylish lines make it an ideal solution for any contemporary bathroom design.
Image credit: Roca
Image credit: Roca
The rimless aspect of the WCs adds another level of hygiene, simplifying and easing the cleaning process altogether. With no rim, the smoother inner walls eliminate areas for bacteria to thrive and therefore prevent a build-up of dirt. When flushed, the improved design not only prevents splashing, but also distributes the water around the entire bowl, reaching higher and cleaning the entire surface, acceding EU standards.
The added benefit of comfort height helps to future-proof the bathroom, ensuring those with mobility issues can use the WCs comfortably.
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.
Weekly briefing: Hotel openings, Australian arrival & tile trends
Editor Hamish Kilburn here dropping in to serve you your weekly briefing, which today includes news from Kimpton Hotels, YOTEL and Four Seasons as well as a detailed look at the hottest hotel openings anticipated for May and more…
While this week’s news has been hot on our agenda, I have to say (teaser alert) the editorial desk this week have been busy planning ahead as we are days away from not only going live in the latest edition of Hotel Designs LIVE but also opening this year’s entries for The Brit List Awards – roll on Monday morning.
When we have managed to sneak away from the boardroom, we have covered some sensational hotel design and hotel development stories that we would hate for you to miss. So, just in case you have been as busy as – or simply just haven’t found time to scroll through our industry news section of the website – here are the hottest stories that we have published this week.
As part of IHG’s boutique luxury brand’s rapid global growth, Kimpton Hotels will finally arrive down under this autumn. That’s right, Pro-invest and IHG have announced that they will reopen Primus Sydney as Australia’s first Kimpton Hotel in October 2021.
As we prepared to write the fifth article in our year-long editorial series, VIP arrivals, we are reminded of what makes a hotel incredible. And as such, in this chapter of our series, we searched for hotels opening that ooze personality, style, character and that will shelter unconventional yet extremely meaningful ways to connect locals and travellers alike with local culture.
Opening with the fierce aim to tease travellers to explore once more, here are some of the most interesting hotel openings that the editorial team at Hotel Designs have identified are set to take place this month.
Following its arrival in Spain in 2020, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has announced that it is working with private equity investment company Emin Capital to open a 110-key hotel in Mallorca.
Originally opened in 1929, the existing hotel will undergo extensive renovations before it is unveiled as a Four Seasons experience in 2023.All of the 110 rooms and suites will offer balconies with sea and forest views, allowing guests to soak in their beautiful surroundings. The renovations will be overseen by architects Estudio Lamela and SCT Estudio de Arquitectura, with interior designs by Gilles & Boissier.
Scotland’s very first YOTEL, centrally located in Edinburgh’s bustling Queen Street, combines contemporary modern interiors with the classic design of the city’s famous ‘Old Town’ architecture. Its playful ‘cabin’ style rooms feature bathrooms using a bespoke solution and innovative solid surface material Surfex® exclusively from Roca.
The hotel has 276 compact cabin rooms, inspired by the feeling first class travel provides in terms of luxury and comfort. Each room is equipped with YOTEL’s signature features including luxury bedding, relaxing mood lighting and Smart TVs. This helps to enhance the smart experience YOTEL is renowned for and evokes contemporary style and convenience. The rooms are designed to have a modern feel, and its minimalist white interior highlights the brand’s close attention to detail.
There we go again, dropping the ‘t’ word into your morning scroll of design-led stories. But while we’ve got your attention, here’s Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK, to cut through the noise and talk us through the latest tile trends that will transform the hotel interior design scheme of any project.
In just a few days time, on May 17, The Grove, which is a quintessentially British countryside retreat in Hertfordshire, will reopen its doors with a perfectly timed unveil of its most recent renovation to transform what was a tired interior design scheme into a light, bright and playful modern hotel experience. The complete redesign, which was masterminded by interior design studio Martin Hulbert Design, incorporates all three dining spaces – The Glasshouse, The Stables and The Lounges – as well as the lobby area and all 189 West Wing guestrooms.
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
Four Seasons to expand portfolio in Spain with project in Mallorca
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts is to expand its portfolio in Spain with a seaside resort on the Mediterranean, which is said to focus on sustainable development and preserving natural environment. Here’s what we know…
Following its arrival in Spain in 2020, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has announced that it is working with private equity investment company Emin Capital to open a 110-key hotel in Mallorca.
Originally opened in 1929, the existing hotel will undergo extensive renovations before it is unveiled as a Four Seasons experience in 2023. The property is located on a 3,000 acre plot of the Formentor Peninsula, offering access to a pristine beach, as well as a functioning vineyard a short five minute drive away.
“We are very excited to continue this momentum and expand our presence in this important market with a resort in Mallorca, offering guests a unique Four Seasons experience in a top European destination,” explained John Davison, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “It is a privilege to work alongside Emin Capital to create a new vision for this exceptional property and we look forward to a successful partnership for many years to come.”
Formentor is a landmark of Mallorca in a key and unique setting in the Mediterranean,” added Jordi Badia, Chairman and CEO of Emin Capital. “For Emin Capital, the goal of our investment was to protect both, and to reinvigorate the resort with a great luxury brand such as Four Seasons. We are committed to implementing sustainable and green initiatives in our revitalisation of this property, while maintaining an exceptional design, facilities and renowned service.”
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, can be accessed via ferry or a short flight from Barcelona, with additional direct flights from many European cities. Mallorca’s natural beauty and easy accessibility long established the island as a top tourist destination for European and international travellers. Mallorca’s turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and lush greenery make the picturesque island one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
All of the 110 rooms and suites will offer balconies with sea and forest views, allowing guests to soak in their beautiful surroundings. The renovations will be overseen by architects Estudio Lamela and SCT Estudio de Arquitectura, with interior designs by Gilles & Boissier.
At the vineyard a short five-minute drive from the resort, guests can enjoy exclusive programming, including farm-to-table activities. The resort will also include an indoor restaurant, beachfront restaurant and café, and a poolside bar and grill. Additional onsite activities will include tennis courts and beautiful spa facilities. The project has been designed to respect and protect its natural surroundings through various environmental initiatives, such as the restoration of native vegetation and planting, reduced water consumption, rainwater harvesting and the use of grey water for landscape irrigation, heat recovery systems, solar power through use of solar panels, and food waste management systems. Other initiatives include the use of electric vehicles and low energy consumption through a very considered design approach.
Four Seasons’ new project in Mallorca will become the second Four Seasons offering in Spain following the recent opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid in September of 2020.
Heathfield & Co welcomes spring and ‘invigorate interiors’
With days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, the newly arrived spring season brings with it new inspiration and the opportunity to reset and refresh. With their spring curation, Heathfield & Co embraces a sense of optimism and new beginnings…
In a delicate palette of natural blues, earthy greens and off whites, Heathfield’s Spring favourites invigorate interior spaces to create a lighter, brighter aesthetic.
Image credit: Heathfield & Co
Image credit: Heathfield & Co
With a softly fluted form, Heathfield’s classic Elenor table lamp (above left) captures the essence of Spring. Its subtle crackled glaze reflects the delicate veins running through petals and leaves. In the same delicate crackle finish, the Camellia table lamp (above right) is a petite rounded base, representing the beauty of the fine details found in nature.
Image credit: Heathfield & Co
Image credit: Heathfield & Co
A delicate colour gradient transitions Heathfield’s Laurel table lamp (above left) from a deep moss green at the base to a light spring white at the top. The hexagonal honeycomb structure on the surface features strong lines and deep ridges, mirroring the complex prism shapes seen on the surface of the Laurel leaf. Taking inspiration directly from spring flowering snowdrops, the Nivalis wall light (above right) features glass shades reflecting the classic bell shaped flower and pointed petals. In a beautiful white dappled finish, each glass shade is unique and complemented with considered metalwork in the form of a snowdrop stem.
Image credit: Heathfield & Co
Light fabrics, textured surfaces and neutral tones reflect the blossoming outdoors, transitioning interiors in a seasonal update that provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Organic shapes paired with muted and soft details from Heathfield’s collection create a textural and tonal style; adding paired back simplicity to any interior scheme.
Heathfield & Co is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
From brand debuts to a boutique bombshells and local gems, here’s your ultimate guide on the hottest hotel openings to expect in May 2021. Editor Hamish Kilburn explores…
While unrestricted travel the way we knew it may be somewhat of a hazy dream at the moment, it has not stopped brands and hotels from around the world bookmarking the summer of 2021 as their cue to re-emerge onto the international hospitality stage.
As we prepared to write the fifth article in our year-long editorial series, VIP arrivals, we are reminded of what makes a hotel incredible. And as such, in this chapter of our series, we searched for hotels that are opening that ooze personality, style, character and that will shelter unconventional yet extremely meaningful ways to connect locals and travellers alike with local culture.
Opening with the fierce aim to tease travellers to explore once more, here are some of the most interesting hotel openings that the editorial team at Hotel Designs have identified are set to take place this month.
If this hotel isn’t already on your radar, it should be! The 72-key boutique gem is situated in stunning Sicily – and is sheltered under the Rocco Forte umbrella. Villa Igiea was acquired by the brand back in 2019, a beginning of a new era for this opulent coastal resort. Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design Olga Polizzi has collaborated Paolo Moschino of Nicholas Haslam Studios to carefully restore this Grade I-listed landmark, preserving its unique heritage features whilst reimagining and updating neglected areas. Polizzi and Moschino have sought to blend period features with a contemporary flair to exquisite effect. Furnished with classic antiques and sumptuous fabrics in serene shades, each of the 72 rooms and 28 suites is fresh, light, and inherently Sicilian. Locally crafted elements pay homage to the villa’s extraordinary setting and the walls are covered with artwork evoking Sicily’s beauty and heritage.
Carefully renovated and rebuilt under the direction of the Tengbom architectural firm, the 70-key Villa Dagmar is located in a well-preserved Art Nouveau property, next to the newly renovated Östermalmshallen (Food Market). The property has been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel with the modern feeling of an international villa – a city home for personal meetings, with excellent service, exceptional food and drink experiences, and relaxation. The hotel’s interior, which was inspired by European travels, was designed by Anna Cappelen, design architect Per Öberg and interior designer Helena Belfrage. Villa Dagmar is an eclectic home filled with carefully selected details, Scandinavian design elements, international furniture classics as well as exclusively designed furniture by Per Öberg. The interior provides an inspiring experience and conveys the feeling of visiting someone’s unique city villa and a place one longs to return to.
Designed by Faulknerbrowns Architects,INNSiDE Newcastle will take architectural inspiration from iconic local landmarks such as the Tyne’s bridges, whilst the hotel’s interior will showcase a light, minimal and versatile space, featuring modern and comfortable furnishings. The 161-room hotel will be located in the heart of the city on the historical Quayside, offering breath-taking views across the River Tyne and an eclectic home-from-home feel for guests to explore Newcastle’s city centre.
Each stay will be enriched with music, art and literature curated by the hotel’s local experts. The Open Living Lounge will act as the beating heart of the hotel, with the open plan lobby offering the ideal transitional space to allow guests skip seamlessly from work to play. The Open Living Lounge will serve food throughout the day with local DJs providing the perfect soundtrack for guests and visitors to relax and unwind over a post-work cocktail.
In just a few days time, on May 17, The Grove, which is a quintessentially British countryside retreat in Hertfordshire, will reopen its doors with a perfectly timed unveil of its most recent renovation to transform what was a tired interior design scheme into a light, bright and playful modern hotel experience. The complete redesign, which was masterminded by interior design studio Martin Hulbert Design, incorporates all three dining spaces – The Glasshouse, The Stables and The Lounges – as well as the lobby area and all 189 West Wing guestrooms.
Located in the Romanian capital of Bucharest the hotel is set on the site of a former palace and bank built at the end of La Belle Époque, reflecting the era’s dynamic, optimistic and creative edge. This energy and rich heritage is pulled through in its 217 rooms and suites, which will begin welcoming guests in early summer 2021.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, the six one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that are sheltered under the iconic 11 Cadogan Gardens brand have been designed by luxury residential and hospitality design studio, Atellior to become sanctuaries for guests to make their home in this most quintessentially English neighbourhood of central London.
As part of IHG’s boutique luxury brand’s rapid global growth, Kimpton Hotels will finally arrive down under this autumn. That’s right, Pro-invest and IHG have announced that they will reopen Primus Sydney as Australia’s first Kimpton Hotel in October 2021…
IHG Hotels & Resorts, which currently has 60 hotels operating under six brands in Australasia, with another 35 in the pipeline, has announced that it will open Austrailia’s first Kimpton Hotel this October as the hotel group and Pro-invest Group beginning planning to convert and reposition Sydney’s Primus Hotel as Kimpton Sydney.
So far, the only image we have of the hotel is one that shows the existing building as it is today. Come October, this tired property will revamped and ready to welcome modern travellers.
Image credit: IHG
As the industry pioneer that first introduced the boutique concept in the US in 1981, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is renowned for its signature heartfelt service and creating guest experiences that foster genuine human connections. Today, its playful brand philosophy is celebrated worldwide, delivered through thoughtful perks and amenities, inventive meetings and events, distinctive, design-forward interiors, and lifestyle elements including the nightly Social Hour.
As a heritage-listed 1930s Art Deco revival of inter-war period architecture, and a history as the former Sydney Water Board Building, the Primus Sydney property almost sings with Kimpton personality. Its bold design, iconic red columns and boutique luxury personality will embody the brand perfectly and, once it has completed the revamp of its lobby, guest rooms and F&B, it will be undoubtedly a brand-defining flagship product for the region.
Kimpton Sydney will open this October with 172 unique design led rooms and suites, a rooftop swimming pool, conference and event spaces that are bathed in natural daylight, as well as a range of innovative culinary experiences that are built on Kimpton’s legacy of locally loved restaurants – including a lobby bar, rooftop restaurant and a café.
The brand’s lifestyle programming – part of Kimpton’s DNA – will be delivered through various complimentary experiences that can include: a morning kickstart coffee and tea, yoga lessons, bike rentals, and Kimpton’s iconic Social Hour – where the brand’s vision to enable human connections comes to life as guests mingle with locals over complimentary wines in the evening. Furry, four-legged friends are also welcome, with Kimpton’s pet-friendly approach and dialled-up pet offerings (“If it fits in the elevator, come on in!”)
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to finally bring the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand to Australia,” said Leanne Harwood, IHG’s Managing Director – Australasia, Japan & Pacific. “We are very mindful of how special the Kimpton brand is, and that’s why it’s been so important to us that we only bring it to market with the right owner and when we have the perfect property to bring it to life. The Primus Sydney property oozes Kimpton character, as soon as we saw it, we knew it had to wear the Kimpton badge, and we are so glad Pro-invest agrees and has put its full weight behind the brand.”
“We are so proud to have such a great long-term partnership with Pro-invest that already includes 13 open or pipeline hotels across three IHG brands, and we look forward to continuing that growth together.”
Jan Smits, Co-CEO at Pro-invest, added: “Such a uniquely beautiful and historic hotel called for a brand that would bring the guest experience to life, and as each Kimpton hotel is a hotel-of-one, individually designed to blend the surrounding environment with local culture, offering guests an authentic and playful experience, we knew it was the right choice.”
IHG and Pro-invest have a long partnership that started with Pro-invest opening Australia’s first Holiday Inn Express in Sydney’s Macquarie Park in 2016. Since then, the portfolio has grown to include seven Holiday Inn Express branded hotels and, together, they are expanding the partnership to include new brands, with 6 hotels in the pipeline under the voco, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Express and now Kimpton brands.
Kimpton sits apart from the stereotypical CBD luxury hotel mould, and the trendy midtown precinct location of the Sydney hotel is the perfect fit for Kimpton’s guest profile – with the State Theatre and Capitol Theatre both a stone’s throw away, along with the heritage-listed QVB retail precinct, performing arts centres and International Convention Centre.
The Kimpton brand has been growing rapidly around the world over recent years, with 73 Kimpton Hotels now open globally and 32 in the pipeline. Australia is the newest market for the brand, continuing the recent growth trajectory with hotels opening around the world.
In pictures: The Grove shelters masterful revamp from Martin Hulbert Design
Guests checking in to The Grove in Hertfordshire, England, can expect a ‘transformed and elevated experience’, following a recent renovation to public areas and guestrooms which was led by award-winning design studio Martin Hulbert Design…
In just a few days time, on May 17, The Grove, which is a quintessentially British countryside retreat in Hertfordshire, will reopen its doors with a perfectly timed unveil of its most recent renovation to transform what was a tired interior design scheme into a light, bright and playful modern hotel experience. The complete redesign, which was masterminded by interior design studio Martin Hulbert Design, incorporates all three dining spaces – The Glasshouse, The Stables and The Lounges – as well as the lobby area and all 189 West Wing guestrooms.
Image caption: The Grove is set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. | Image credit: The Grove, Hertfordshire
Image caption: The 215-key luxury hotel has been redesigned by Martin Hulbert Design. | Image credit: The Grove, Hertfordshire
The refurbishment represents a significant investment for The Grove over the past two years and has been completed during the UK lockdown period. Guests can expect a transformed and elevated experience at The Grove, which will re-emerge from the pandemic as a new hotel in late Spring, rather than a reopening of the property that closed in December 2020.
London-based designers Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson have worked with The Grove since the hotel’s launch in 2003 in addition to completing a wide variety of residential and hotel projects around the world, including The Grove’s central London sister property The Athenaeum as well as Chewton Glen, Barnsley House and the Dorchester Spa. Martin Hulbert’s work has been published worldwide, consistently earning the studio a spot on House & Garden’s coveted top 100 interior designers. Hulbert and Grierson were charged with updating the property while retaining its signature warmth, character and luxurious modern touches. Whilst the new interiors reflect the evolution of the brand, many of the original furnishings still feature in the designs, albeit with a re-imagined look. This regenerative approach was taken not only to retain some of the hotel’s original character, but also to champion sustainability – a theme which is evident across the property.
The Glasshouse, The Glasshouse Bar & Lobby
The Grove’s signature restaurant, The Glasshouse, has been entirely reimagined with the ultimate vision of bringing the outside in. The striking glasshouse exterior, which overlooks a manicured courtyard and the lush grounds beyond, provides abundant natural light. This complements an interior colour palette of warm, ochre yellow and rich earthy tones to create a sense of eternal sunshine, whatever the weather.
Plush velvets and rich leathers provide a welcoming setting in which guests can enjoy The Glasshouse’s theatrical gourmet dining experience, with seating arranged around the restaurant’s open kitchen and live cooking stations. Bespoke, kinetic sculptures are suspended from the ceiling to create a gentle energy, while light and airy voile drapes provide a sense of intimacy.
Image caption: The Glasshouse overlooks a manicured courtyard and the lush grounds beyond. | Image credit: The Grove, Hertfordshire.
The theme continues at the neighbouring Glasshouse Bar, which features a brand-new mirrored bar area. The ambient space has been seamlessly incorporated into the hotel’s lobby area through the use of glass walls. This brings warmth to the newly-refreshed lobby and provides an immediate welcome for guests as they check in.
The Lounges and The Stables
Also part of the total design overhaul are The Grove’s much-loved Lounges, a series of characterful drawing rooms at the heart of 18th Century Mansion. Here, Hulbert’s team was tasked with creating three unique but cohesive spaces in which guests can relax with a cocktail or enjoy stunning views of the gardens over a traditional afternoon tea.
The first of the three rooms has been brought up to date with jewel-like teal blue hues, contrasting with the light, minimalist interiors of the lobby and providing a warm and inviting feel. Rich, textured fabrics including tweed and velvet have been used for upholstery, drapery and soft furnishings, while handmade Irish linen and eclectic artwork by emerging artists adorns the walls.
Image credit: The Gove, Hertfordshire
Image credit: The Gove, Hertfordshire
The second of the three Lounges, known as the Newspaper Room, enjoys a neutral yet opulent colour palette, where gold combines with gentle creams, browns and blues to create a soothing, sumptuous environment. A brand new mirrored and marble cocktail bar has been installed within an original feature alcove and in a nod to traditional Georgian interior styles, the walls have been decorated in a hand-finished painterly striped fabric.
The Library completes the trio of rooms and invites the verdant garden surrounds of The Grove inside, with a scheme of tonal greens and earthy hues. A hand-painted, bespoke fabric covers the walls of the curved, oval space, complemented with dark panelling and contemporary artwork.
The Grove’s Stables restaurant, currently the setting for Alpine-style pop-up restaurant ‘Jimmy’s Lodge at The Grove’, has also received a complete refresh, with warm tan leather seating and equine artwork as a nod to the late George Stubbs.
West Wing Guestrooms
Perhaps one of the largest projects for the hotel since its opening, all 189 of The Grove’s West Wing bedrooms have been completely remastered. Hulbert has employed a bright and airy scheme of neutral tones in tandem with seasonal green and rich sepia, inspired by the endless English countryside outdoors. Bespoke, handwoven wall hangings sourced from Italy frame king size beds while velvet soft furnishings offer luxurious comfort and the ideal setting in which to unwind after a day spent exploring the grounds.
The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
The hotel, which is nestled within 300 acres of verdant Hertfordshire countryside, has met the new era of hospitality with a contemporary vision that now shelters a home-from-home for travellers and locals alike who desire a rural escape. With many nods to the hotel’s heritage, which dates back to the 1500s, the hotel’s interiors reflect British style with a few twists.
Case study: Designing the bathrooms inside Scotland’s debut YOTEL
Scotland’s very first YOTEL, centrally located in Edinburgh’s bustling Queen Street, combines contemporary modern interiors with the classic design of the city’s famous ‘Old Town’ architecture. Its playful ‘cabin’ style rooms feature bathrooms using a bespoke solution and innovative solid surface material Surfex® exclusively from Roca…
YOTEL Edinburgh is the brand’s first city centre opening in Europe. Its premium location is perfectly placed, allowing guests to experience all of the city’s historic charms and top attractions within walking distance of the hotel. The sleek and modern interior is testament to the ethos of the brand; creating an innovative, smart hotel for tech-savvy travellers.
The hotel has 276 compact cabin rooms, inspired by the feeling first class travel provides in terms of luxury and comfort. Each room is equipped with YOTEL’s signature features including luxury bedding, relaxing mood lighting and Smart TVs. This helps to enhance the smart experience YOTEL is renowned for and evokes contemporary style and convenience. The rooms are designed to have a modern feel, and its minimalist white interior highlights the brand’s close attention to detail.
Image credit: YOTEL
Image credit: YOTEL
“The main purpose of the cabin rooms at YOTEL is to provide guests with functionality, practicality and above all, high quality, “Stuart Douglas, YOTEL Edinburgh General Manager said during the launch phase. “The uncompromising design of the rooms and bathrooms ensures guests have the essential elements of luxury hotels but redesigned into a compact, smart space.”
Working closely alongside YOTEL at the design stage of the project, Roca created a bathroom solution that closely aligned with the brand standards. This included the Gap wall-hung WC and a bespoke vanity unit, in addition to bespoke washroom countertops for the public areas of the hotel.
Manufactured in Poland, the bespoke units were made using Roca’s innovative Surfex®, a malleable solid surface material formulated from a combination of minerals and resins. The unique properties of Surfex allow it to be poured into a production mould, enabling complex designs with no joints or seams. The materials properties also permit ‘on-site’ changes to the finished product, catering to different guestroom sizes and configurations. At YOTEL Edinburgh the advantages of Surfex were harnessed to create a wash basin bowl with an integrated unit that maximises countertop space, providing ample storage space for toiletries and grooming products.
Image credit: YOTEL
The addition of The Gap wall-hung WC further complemented the design aesthetic. Created by renowned industrial designer Antonio Bullo, The Gap features modern and stylish lines whilst delivering both a compact and functional bathroom solution.
“We worked in close partnership with the YOTEL team to deliver a bespoke solution that fitted their requirements and those of their guests,” comments Jon Bond, Head of UK Projects at Roca. “The end result is a bathroom that seamlessly integrates the modern feel of the cabin rooms, with the contemporary ethos of the YOTEL brand.”
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.
There we go again, dropping the ‘t’ word into your morning scroll of interior design. While we’ve got your attention, though, if you were interested to find out what the latest tile trends for hotels, we asked Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK, to take a look for us…
Practical, versatile and stylish flooring solutions don’t get much better than porcelain tiles. Strong and durable, this is a material that is suited to all area, from hotel lobby to guest bathrooms. Practical matters first and the key ingredient for such surfaces is durability.
Ease of maintenance and cleaning is another essential element, while an element of slip resistance is also important when specifying flooring. This is what makes tiling, and porcelain tiles in particular, such a popular choice for all sorts of surface applications.
The manufacturing process of porcelain, which uses a finer and denser clay combined with high temperature and high pressure, results in a material that is far stronger than other types of ceramic, which is what makes this a material that is highly suited for flooring. Bathrooms benefit in particular from the properties of porcelain, which because of its density is extremely resistant to humidity and water.
Another major reason for the popularity of porcelain for hotels is the sheer versatility of the material. Colour and style choice is almost endless and finishes are also variable, giving designers a huge amount of creative freedom and enabling the material to be chosen for almost any application. Tiles can be printed or embossed in numerous ways and solid floor tiles can be mixed-and-matched in patterns and colours in any number of ways. They can be chosen to match or contrast with wall tiling and splashbacks for a cohesive look and can be chosen to replicate the look of many hardwoods and natural stones for the ultimate luxe look.
Image caption: Solid, durable and extremely versatile, RAK Ceramics Curton are stone-look porcelain tiles that make a highly attractive visual impact. | Image credit: RAK Ceramics
Tiles with a subtle or a bold marble-effect pattern work well when teamed with materials such as wood, bringing nature indoors and creating a calming, timeless and high-end look that works well across all areas, from public to more private. Porcelain also offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce pops of colour to the setting, with vibrant colourways offering a brilliant way to catch the eye and turn a specific area into a focal point.
Installation of the tiles themselves is also straightforward, with mega slabs from RAK Ceramics minimising grout lines and creating a luxe look. Such slabs offer endless design possibilities in commercial situations such as bars and restaurant areas, creating a seamless finish.
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 caption: The Fashion Stone collection makes a powerful statement with its sheer simplicity. Packed full of sass and contemporary style, this is the ideal tile choice for creating a minimalist look and feel. | Image credit: RAK Ceramics
Extraordinary hotel design – your weekly briefing has landed
Editor Hamish Kilburn here in the driving seat once again, coming in fast with your weekly briefing. As we round-off the month, and creep closer towards a ‘normal’ hospitality scene, we’re closing April with our favourite and most-read hotel design stories of this week, including news from the likes of Mama Shelter, Lore Group, Studio MK27 and more…
As the sun sets on what has been a rather optimistic April – and before we wrap up warm and head to our local beer garden to celebrate this newly found freedom that is outdoor hospitality – we’re serving you this week’s top stories. From exclusive product launches to engaging features, here are our most-read articles from over the last few days.
We started this week with the aim to simply inspire creative thinking by sharing what we believe are the world’s most insane hotels that we will shortly be able to check back in to. From hospitality on the tracks to a UFO-inspired suite and urban jungles in many varieties, we found hotels around the world that will tantalise those travel senses. And to our delight, the story quickly became our most-read article of this week – here’s why…
Lyle Washington DC is now open – a brand new independent property from Lore Group, the international hospitality company behind Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington DC, which was recently reviewed by Hotel Designs…
Architect Marcio Kogan is the founder of Studio MK27, leading a team of 30 talented individuals who he encourages to ‘rethink architecture’ and ‘place value on formal simplicity elaborated with extreme care and attention to details and finishings’. With the its breadth of experience in hospitality design, the studio was asked to design a new resort in the Maldives. The brief was to design a shelter for a radical living experience; a temporary home in the exuberant infinite blues, wild life and open skies. “The volumetric answers are extremely delicate, respectful to its surroundings, trying to provide shadows and coziness,” it is explained on the firm’s website.” The aim was to ‘capture and amplify the landscape’s strength.” Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Founding Partner of Considerate Group, caught up with Kogan…
Hot off the heels of launching the Bespoke collection, bathroom brand Burlington is preparing the sophisticated and rather elegant arrival of the Riviera collection. Ahead of its official launch this summer, Hotel Designs takes an exclusive sneak peek…
This May, Hotel Designs is serving up a plethora of stories that will be dedicated to landscape architecture and pools & spas; two pillars of international hotel design that emerge from the Covid-19 crisis with new roles in hospitality…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
Kaldewei completes the Cayono product family with new washbasins
Cayono washbasins now join bathtubs and shower surfaces that are also in the collection by Kaldewei. What’s more, everything in the range is made from sustainable Kaldewei steel enamel, particularly easy to care for and 100 per cent recyclable…
As if from one piece: Premium bathroom manufacturer Kaldewei does not do things by halves. Kaldewei completes their highly popular Cayono product family with high-quality washbasins – including a trendsetting washbowl, countertop and under counter solution.
The perfectly coordinated design of the bathtub, shower surface and washbasin brings effective harmony to the bathroom and the resulting visual calm underlines the current demand for serenity and relaxation.
Economical bathroom design solution for both the private and corporate sector
With the completion of the Cayono model family, Kaldewei now offers a complete solution for the private sector as well as offices, commercial residential construction and hotels; the under counter washbasin with a mirrored overflow is predestined for use in hotel bathrooms. Cayono is the ideal economical design solution for every bathroom and for anyone looking to combine quality, price and aesthetics in the bathroom.
Spa trio made from sustainable steel enamel
With the introduction of the three new Cayono washbowls, countertop and under counter washbasins, the next bathroom upgrade is bound to be a success: Developed for the layout and design of modern bathrooms, the models stand out with their fine lines and softly curved contours, combining puristic aesthetics with intelligent functionality.
The generous interior depth of the individual washbasins creates a comfortable spaciousness experience for every user. When combined with the comfortable Cayono Duo bathtub with central waste, the floor-level Cayonoplan shower surface the new spacious Cayono washbasin ensures a perfect match.
Kaldewei is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Villeroy & Boch’s Finion introduces a touch of tech to the bathroom
Spanning bathroom furniture, ceramics and accessories, Villeroy & Boch’s award-winning Finion range introduces technology to the bathroom in a subtle, user-friendly way – perfect for the new era of hospitality, says UK Bathrooms…
The bathroom has pivoted from being a purely functional wash space to a room of relaxation and soothing spa-style luxury. How the room is designed has also evolved, with its focus moving from cleanliness and efficiency to the overall bathing experience – how the room makes you feel, and its ambiance. Today’s bathroom is a private sanctuary, a unique space in the house to retreat to, wind-down in and a place to indulge in some alone guilt-free solitude.
In a world of constant multi-tasking, endless scrolling and too much screen time, the bathroom has generally remained the one room in the house where you can escape technology. While of course withdrawing from overstimulating notifications does wonders for wellbeing and mental health, when used in the right way technology can have a positive effect and play into creating a restful, restorative atmosphere.
Spanning bathroom furniture, ceramics and accessories, Villeroy & Boch’s award winning Finion range introduces technology to the bathroom in a subtle, user-friendly way. The gentle Emotion lighting – as its name suggests – taps in to the need for calming and easily controlled soft illumination throughout the space with the option to add LEDs to all Finion pieces, while the collection also sensitively incorporates music and charging points to the bathroom, all activated through a single remote control.
“The Finion collection from Villeroy & Boch cleverly integrates technology into the bathroom so that it is unobtrusive and invisible,” explains Graeme Borchard, MD at UK Bathrooms. “While boasting numerous technological innovations, the collection places a peaceful and holistic experience at its core, focusing on setting the scene for serenity before anything else.”
Image credit: UK Bathrooms/Villeroy & Boch
The furniture
Customisation defines the Finion furniture collection. Select from 13 stylish finishes for the front and sides of vanity units – from real wood veneers, Glossy White and Matt Black Lacquer to sunny Gold and rich red Peony – and experiment with different shades for the internal shelf module to create an expressive display unique to your home. Like all Finion elements, vanity units, tall cabinets and shelf boxes can be further customised with the addition of LED lighting which illuminates shelving to make it an atmospheric feature within the space.
The bath
Cast in Villeroy & Boch’s unique, quartz-based Quaryl material which is incredibly durable, impact resistant and easy to clean, the freestanding Finion bath shows off slimline edges and a seamless contemporary curve which can be custom coloured with any RAL tone to perfectly match – or contrast – any furniture combination, tile tone or wall shade. Add Emotion lighting around the base of the bath to make it seems as if it’s floating on a ring of light, the most modern oasis.
The mirror
The Finion mirror may look like a classic, but it’s hiding a whole host of clever features. With a border of Emotion lighting illuminating it from every angle – which can be changed from warm white to cool white at the touch of a button to suit your mood – there are also options for a smart anti-fogging function, plus a premium integrated sound system to set the tone for the whole space.
The charging station
Power up while you zone out with the most discreet way to charge your phone – simply place it on the side cabinet or in the shelf unit to wirelessly charge the battery and stream your music without worry. Design-led, practical and intuitive, the Finion range is the bathroom’s most high-tech way to switch off.
UK Bathrooms and Villeroy & Boch are both Recommended Suppliers. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
First look: Burlington’s upcoming launch of the Riviera collection
Hot off the heels of launching the Bespoke collection, bathroom brand Burlington is preparing the sophisticated and rather elegant arrival of the Riviera collection. Ahead of its official launch this summer, Hotel Designs takes an exclusive sneak peek…
Following hefty demand from modern travellers for the bathroom to become more than a practical space, Burlington has introduced the Riviera collection, which is anything but conventional. Embodying the freedom of design and fashionable nature of 1920s Europe – similar to that of Art Deco range of basins in the brand’s Bespoke collection – the collection moves the traditional bathroom into an era of modernity, mixing form and function with elegance and glitz.
Image credit: Burlington
“Riviera represents a new era in traditional bathrooms, offering a complete collection of stunning furniture, brassware and ceramics; strengthening Burlington’s market leadership,” said Stephen Ewer, CEO of Bathroom Brands Group. “We are incredibly excited to be launching Riviera and inspiring broader design of traditional bathrooms in modern spaces.”
Created in collaboration with renowned designer, Steven Booth of Christian Booth design, the Riviera collection encompasses the 1920s era, taking inspiration from the Art Deco architecture aligning the coast of the French Riviera and the lavish décor and decadent features seen in homes during the decade known in France as ‘les années folles’ (the crazy years). Mirroring elements of traditional styling, whilst remaining truly reminiscent of the glorious bathrooms fitted in the famous architectural residences of the ‘roaring twenties’.
Image credit: Burlington
Image credit: Burlington
The Riviera collection works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes with iconic features such as clean balanced lines and the refined details that Burlington is known for. The collection includes elegant furniture solutions available in White, Blue and Pink, a full range of WCs and basins that seamlessly add classical beauty to any interior, with showering and bath brassware available in a Gold Finish or Chrome.
Burlington’s Riviera collection will no-doubt drive the leaders in traditional bathrooms into a new and exciting era of modernity, bringing harmony and style to any bathroom.
Burlington 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.
Since you’re here…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
High technology meets the elegance of touchless design. The iconic and renowned Rettangolo, Inciso, Rilievo, Goccia, Anello & Ingranaggio and the sparkling Gessi 316 challenge themselves once again, “dressing up” with a touch of high-tech…
Along with the refinement of the materials used, the sophisticated textures and the harmony of the shapes, “no touch” is integrated to create Sensor Taps. The shape of the iconic collections intertwines with the elegance of the gesture, thanks to a touch-less sensor that is able to adapt to the needs and rituals and make them even more pleasant.
Water becomes magic through technology, with an increasingly green and waste-conscious approach. Thanks to the no-touch system, the beauty of the shape is pure and fingerprint-free. Functionality, comfort, and hygiene are the main features of this line, which is able to satisfy the new market needs, also thanks to its technological side. Careful to the customer’s needs, Sensor Taps can be powered either by a battery or by electricity.
Imag
The technological side is also matched with a practical one: the no-touch sensor not only reduces water waste but also improves hygiene, especially in public areas. The soft and sinuous shapes of Goccia are contrasted with a more industrial and worked style typical of Inciso or with a more geometric and architectural style such as Rilievo. Thus, creations by Gessi bring the refined elegance of sophisticated Italian design into a public space.
The avant-garde of Sensor Taps is highlighted, as an example, inside one of the most prestigious buildings in the world: the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. A majestic, prestigious and timeless place where architect Michael Vincent Uy, thanks to technology and attention to details, has been able to paint the public environment with shades of intimacy and privacy.
Image credit: Gessi
Pure lines and the elegance of Gessi 316 steel perfectly match the style of one of the most renowned theatres in the world, thanks also to the sophisticated Trame finishing.
The leading Gessi collections embrace innovation and timeless design, where Sensor Taps wants to be the perfect solution to different needs and tastes, in order to launch not only a new collection but a new product philosophy, a revolutionary concept of luxury and craftsmanship, characterised by hi-tech technology.
Gessi is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
In Conversation With: Architect Marcio Kogan, founder of Studio MK27
To understand more about one particular new hotel in the Maldives, Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Founding Partner of Considerate Group, caught up with architect Marcio Kogan, the founder of Studio MK27…
Architect Marcio Kogan is the founder of Studio MK27, leading a team of 30 talented individuals who he encourages to ‘rethink architecture’ and ‘place value on formal simplicity elaborated with extreme care and attention to details and finishings’.
With the its breadth of experience in hospitality design, the studio was asked to design a new resort in the Maldives. The brief was to design a shelter for a radical living experience; a temporary home in the exuberant infinite blues, wild life and open skies. “The volumetric answers are extremely delicate, respectful to its surroundings, trying to provide shadows and coziness,” it is explained on the firm’s website.” The aim was to ‘capture and amplify the landscape’s strength.”
Responding to the brief, Kogan decided that the architectural lines of the property must never break the horizon. “They speak low and elegantly,” he explains. “All buildings are visually permeable, melted, dematerialised, putting life and men in the centre of the experience.
And it is this experience that Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Founding Partner of Considerate Group, learned about when meeting the dynamic architect himself to understand more about what sets this hotel aside from other Maldivian hospitality gems.
Xenia zu Hohenlohe: What was your first thought when you were asked to design ‘yet another resort’ in the Maldives?
Marcio Kogan: In our office, we treat each new project as a precious gem, no matter the size. Of course, it needs to be of interest to us, but the main thing is, that the client is nice and we develop a good relationship with empathy.
I have never been to the Maldives before and when we began with the project, My colleague and I visited the islands with our client. We stayed in various resorts there so we had to travel with the sea plane everyday, which was not that much fun.
“My first idea for the project was inspired by a place where I used to go as a child.” – Marcio Kogan, Founder, Studio MK27.
XH: How did your Brazilian up-bringing – the connection you have to nature and your local tropical vegetation – influenced you when approaching the Patina project?
MK: When we visited the Maldives, it felt strange: I slept in rooms that could have also been in New York or in London or in Paris, very cosmopolitan but completely lacking the feeling of being in the tropics. That, however, is something that you always have in Brazil – you create something modern, contemporary, but always with the notion that you are at the beach. All Brazilians used to spend their childhood-vacation at the beach and my first idea for the project was inspired by a place where I used to go as a child. There, buildings are separated from the beach by a bit of woodland, giving the impression of a virgin island. This is the feeling that I wanted to bring to the Maldives.
Image credit: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
“The space is meant to be a joyful experience for the senses.” – Marcio Kogan, Founder, Studio MK27.
XH: Could you describe the main characteristics of biophilic design and what is your fascination with it? And how important is this to guests or how will it make their experience at Patina a different one because of it?
MK: For this hotel we re-created the relationship between humans and nature that has existed for thousand of years. In our architecture, there is no difference between the exterior and the interior. It is like a see-through curtain that dissolves the borders between indoors and outdoors. We also brought nature into the rooms through a commissioned artwork by a Brazilian photographer. The space is meant to be a joyful experience for the senses brought to life by natural materials such as wood, stone and organic fabrics and special light pendants that we designed.
XH: How is the design in keeping with the local vernacular?
MK: It has a lot to do with the hidden architecture. When we first went to Maldives, we not only visited various hotels, but also a local house, which you normally don’t see, as they are rather small and hidden in the middle of the islands. The houses are very simple, coral walls holding a thatched roof, mostly build in the centre of the islands. The houses are very simple, coral walls holding a thatched roof, mostly build in the centre of the islands surrounded by local nature. So for us, it was important to integrate this simplicity and the connection to nature into the project in a sophisticated way.
Image credit: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
XH: What does the term ‘hidden architecture’ mean to you?
MK: One of our main goals of our project was to hide it. Everything must be very timid – nature is more important than architecture – like the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer – our master- used to say: ”Architecture is not important, it is our family, our friends, life, the nature – that’s what counts.” The fantastic nature with the most beautiful sky and the impressive sea are the focus and it became our mission not to destroy any of the amazing surroundings.
XH: To what extent did you consider the subject of sleep quality in your design?
MK: First of all, it is very important to know, that all the interiors are customised in order to provide this special experience for the guests – including the bed, which is always the key element of the room. The bed forms the centre of the room, it has the best views and needs to be as comfortable as possible. At Patina, the headboard is soft, almost like a huge cushion that embraces you and the mattress base was designed as if it is almost floating.
In order to create the best possible interior, we set up a mock-up villa in Singapore with all details for the complete experience. It was a very detailed process with more than 200 items on the snagging list to be changed. Something that we never did before, but which proofed extremely important for the overall process.
“To be an architect, you need to know what is going on around you – you can’t be isolated.” – Marcio Kogan, Founder, Studio MK27.
XH: What travels inspired you in this project?
MK: Before the pandemic, I used to travel to Japan every Christmas season. This is not directly connected to the Maldives, but it’s one of the inspirations in my life. Another important place for me is Italy, which is another place that is inside my heart. There, I work with Italian brands and I also teach at Politecnico di Milano.
Everything in our life influences our work to some extent. To be an architect, you need to know what is going on around you – you can’t be isolated. You are a kind of sponge, that soaks up the influences around you, which I like very much. Once I was with a very important Brazilian architect, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, and he said to one of his students: “If you just read architecture magazines, if you only visit websites about architecture, you will never be a good architect. You need to know about everything else, too”.\
XH: The Maldives has a number of new luxury resorts, what makes this Patina stand out?
MK: When I visited the Maldives before starting our project, I had a very strange feeling. I was completely alone there, and it seemed that everyone else was on honeymoon. Therefore, the first idea that came to my mind was to create a village: a place where you have restaurants, shops, a space for children and art installations. A place to see and to be seen, a place where people come together, an experience for the whole family.
“Understandably, in Brazil and the Maldives, this combination of indoor and outdoor is easier to put in place.” – Marcio Kogan, Founder, Studio MK27.
XH: Looking forward, what role can architecture play in bringing nature back into our lives, making people understand that we are part of it and not separate and where can key interactions lie in colder countries where outdoor living is not as easy as in the Maldives or Brazil?
MK: All our projects are having an integrating nature. Sometimes you don’t know where the interior stops and exterior architecture begins. Understandably, in Brazil and the Maldives, this combination of indoor and outdoor is easier to put in place. However, we had a project in Canada, in the mountains, and nobody imagined that we could create something similar there, but we did. We built some sort of glass box with amazing views and inner patios. Ok – it’s easier in Brazil where you can open everything up, but it worked.
Even in our rooms in the Maldives, you can open all the windows and if you are in a sea villa, it feels as if you are floating in the ocean.
In pictures: Lyle Washington DC, the second U.S. hotel from Lore Group
Lyle Washington DC is now open – a brand new independent property from Lore Group, the international hospitality company behind Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington DC, which was recently reviewed by Hotel Designs…
Sheltering 196 rooms, Lyle Washington DC is a brand-new independent hotel from Lore Group, which sits in the U.S. capital’s vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood.
Image credit: Lore Group
The second U.S. property from the international hospitality company behind renowned hotels Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington, D.C, Lyle is located on New Hampshire Avenue in an early 1940s Art Deco building constructed originally to house apartments.
Image credit: Lore Group
Image credit: Lore Group
In redesigning the interiors of the property, Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss wished to create a world of calm, a place where you can feel in complete comfort in understated style. The luxury is in the details, the soft Art Deco references in celebration of the building’s original features, a dedication to craftsmanship and natural materials. He created a place where you can say goodbye to the noise of the outside world, a completely relaxed hotel to call your own.
“With Lyle, we wanted to take the best of “home” and make it even better,” said Abe Liao, Lore Group’s Regional General Manager for the D.C area and a native Washingtonian. “It’s our priority for our guests to feel as content and comfortable during their time at Lyle, as they might when staying in a friend’s beautiful apartment. Whether staying in one of our guest rooms, hosting a meeting, dining in Lyle’s, or catching up with friends for coffee – if we’re doing our job right, Lyle should feel like it was designed just for you.”
Image credit: Lore Group
In the rooms and penthouse suite, Strauss created spaces that are comfortable and calming in neutral tones featuring natural materials including Burl wood Art Deco headboards, rattan seating and Berber carpets. The mattresses and linens were chosen for ultimate comfort while artworks and the majority of furnishings are bespoke and designed by Strauss and his team. The rooms feel inviting and residential, as do the bright bathrooms with their handmade tiles and D.S & Durga amenities. Additionally, 56 of the 196 bedrooms feature kitchenettes which are convenient for long stay visitors to the capital.
Lyle offers a multitude of meetings and event spaces suitable for everything from private dining to intimate weddings. The Private Dining Room is a playful surprise, with rich tones of red on the walls, ceiling and floor and a custom black and white dining table making it the ideal space to celebrate a special occasion. The Parlor, on the first floor, is filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and art to create a less formal space that can be transformed for many uses ranging from meetings to private dining for larger parties. The lower ground area is home to several meeting, event and break out spaces. The palette applied creates rooms that feel much more residential than traditional meeting and event offerings resulting in a combination of spaces that feel more like a beautiful apartment. The lower ground area also houses Lyle’s gym.
Mama Shelter will arrive in Rome this summer, bringing the brand’s playful and energetic spirit – not to mention colourful design – to the Eternal City, while at the same time launching the its first ever spa…
Scheduled to open in July 2021, Mama Romawill be located in the elegant Prati district, on the right bank of the Tiber river – where the 217-key hotel will welcome guests (local and travellers alike) to experience its eccentric, fun and accessible approach to hospitality.
Mama Roma will be a vibrant urban refuge, a gastronomic address for those looking for authentic flavours and a space for business, relaxation and fun, where different lifestyles and environments influence one another. At Mama Roma, the brand will be launching its first ever spa, home to an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and minimalistic fitness centre. Attentive and extremely friendly service will also characterise the first Italian hotel of the brand.
Image credit: Mama Roma
Image credit: Mama Roma
“Rome is the ultimate magical city. Its history, miraculously and entirely preserved, seduces us at each corner of the street,” said Serge Trigano, Founder of Mama Shelter. “And at the same time, the Romans have manners and a certain elegance which give it all its charm and its modernity. Since the beginning of Mama’s adventure, we dreamed of settling here and this will become a reality in the near future. Mama Roma will be located next to the Vatican and only three metro stops from the historical city centre. All aspects of our identity will be found in this Mama: the restaurants, the rooftop, the designed bedrooms, the colourful lobby and in addition: a spa and its indoor swimming pool. We have added a library to offer our customers a sample of the most magical Italian literature and art.”
The bold and cutting-edge design will be enjoyed by Mama Roma’s guests from upon entry into the hotel and the common areas, where mosaic floors and column capitals depicted on the walls meet the ceilings adorned with artwork by graphic designer and artist Beniloys, as well as contemporary geometric shapes throughout.
Generous and exquisite recipes of the typical Roman cuisine make up the varied menu of the Mama Roma restaurants, including delicious wood oven pizzas and Mama’s international signature dishes. The dining outlets – with their giant communal tables – invite conviviality and sharing, and will also be open to external guests through a separate access.
Mama Roma will offer a magnificent rooftop, open from morning to late at night, for guests to relax, with an aperitif or simply share new memorable moments overlooking glorious views of the Eternal City and the St. Peter’s dome. The rooftop will be equipped with a solarium, and will offer an island bar with homemade cocktails, a beer corner and a hot kiosk for snacks, light meals and drinks.
Spread over six floors, Mama Roma’s 217 rooms have been conceived by the group’s in-house design team, Mama Design Studio. All rooms boast a King Size bed, five-star Bedding, a 55” smart TV that can be controlled from a mobile phone and featuring a large selection of complimentary movies (including adult only), free Wi-Fi and organic bath products in collaboration with Absolution, the award winning French organic cosmetic brand. Mama Shelter’s signature masks of cartoon characters such as Spiderman and Darth Vader will hang on bedside lampshades bringing the brand’s playful character to the guestrooms.
Two Ateliers – meeting spaces with a maximum capacity of 50 people – will be illuminated by natural light and equipped with the most advanced technology in terms of video conferencing, LED screens and BOSE speakers, as well as a minibar and coffee machine. In addition, the “Breakroom” will feature a giant table-football and an outdoor space to play ping pong and bocce – a ball game loosely related to British bowls and French pétanque, with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire.
Luxury residential and hospitality design studio, Atellior, has completed the interior redesign of an imposing property in Kensington and Chelsea, creating six new apartments that will be serviced by 11 Cadogan Gardens hotel. Let’s take a look inside, shall we?
Located just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, the six one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that are sheltered under the iconic 11 Cadogan Gardens brand are designed as sanctuaries for guests to make their home in this most quintessentially English neighbourhood of central London.
Image credit: Bruno Rondinelli
Image credit: Bruno Rondinelli
The aesthetic is elegant and contemporary, combining residential style elements, such as contemporary lighting by Chelsom, luxuriantly thick bedroom carpets from West End Carpets and pale Havwoods timber flooring in the living areas, with marble topped tables, over-size bed headboards from Circus 25 and an exquisite selection of textured wallcoverings by Arte in the bedrooms depicting a leaf pattern – a connection with the gardens outside and a reference to the Royal Borough’s long association with things horticultural.
Image credit: Bruno Rondinelli
The colour palette is intentionally quiet, bringing together pale greens, warm greys and white, the bathrooms are clad in white and grey tiles and kitchens have white composite stone tops. Breaking away from this neutral envelope, modern abstract artwork brings pops of vibrant blue and green in a nod to nature and the guest cloakrooms with their Calacatta Viola splashbacks and darkly painted walls are a moody contrast to the rest of the apartments.
Image credit: Bruno Rondinelli
Image credit: Bruno Rondinelli
“It was a privilege to work with Cadogan Estates on this very special project and give the late 19th Century property new purpose as The Apartments by 11 Cadogan Gardens,” says Una Barac, Executive Director of Atellior. “The apartments happen to be opening at a time when social distancing means that they are likely to be in great demand but I am sure that their timeless design will ensure their continuing popularity well into the future.”
Each apartment is differently configured; some enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, others especially generous bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs, while the top floor apartment is opened to the rafters, creating a cosy pied-à-terre for two. All the lounges feature a restored fireplace and one apartment has a restored original ceiling.
The apartments now stand elegantly in a neighbourhood that has become synonymous with luxury and quintessentially British hospitality standards. The narrative continues…
By the end of 2023, The Student Hotel (TSH), which already leads modern lifestyle hospitality trends in destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and many more, will amplify its industry-leading and hybrid hospitality concept in the capital city of Rome, marking the group’s fifth hotel in Italy…
Designed to bring communities together – just in time for the world to reunite – The Student Hotel (TSH) has announced that it will open a new hotel in what is fast-becoming the hotel development hub of Europe, Rome.
With the acquisition of the historical Ex Dogana site in the area of San Lorenzo, Rome, TSH Group’s investment in the Italian market now totals more than €450m. The new hotel, which will be designed Engeko, with architecture from Fantoni, will be located in one of the most authentic districts of Rome and is the perfect fit for TSH’s spirit of life-long learning and experimentation: the neighbourhood hosts one of the largest universities and student communities in Europe, and is home to a diversity of artists and artisans.
“We are very excited to have signed this deal and cannot wait to open our doors in what is perhaps the most famous city in the world, Rome,” explained Charlie MacGregor, CEO and founder, The Student Hotel. “We started our adventure in Italy with our first hotel in Florence in 2018 and last October we successfully opened TSH Bologna despite difficult COVID times. Needless to say, with three more hotels in the pipeline, we love Italy! We look forward to bring our philosophy of community to Rome and to make a positive impact to the neighbourhood of San Lorenzo.”
Bringing an investment of close to €90m to the city of Rome, TSH San Lorenzo involves the development of 21,000 sqm of hybrid facilities. This includes 444 rooms for students, hotel guests and young professionals, as well as spaces for co-working, meetings and events where guests from all walks of life can meet and connect. Moreover, the project envisages plenty of green areas and areas dedicated to sports, events and recreational activities which will be fully open and accessible to the public.
“This investment shows our confidence on the strong positive outlook of the Italian market and of such an important city as Rome, despite the difficult moment we are currently living in”, says Edoardo Volpi, Head of Investments Italy, The Student Hotel. “Our aim is to bring our positive contribution to the already undergoing urban and cultural regeneration process and become an integral part of the community.”
At the signing at the Notary participated Andrea Tota, Head of Real Estate Development Italy, The Student Hotel: “We hope to inspire positive regeneration for San Lorenzo, elevating this high-potential area of Rome to its full potential.”
Meanwhile, the hotel group’s pipeline of new properties includes Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona Provencal, Paris La Villette, Toulouse, Lisbon Carcavelos, Porto, Rome, Turin, and a further Florence location. Opening in the coming years, the pipeline represents circa. 6,000 additional rooms.
We’re jumpstarting your Monday with positive energy as we remind you (and ourselves) why we fell love with incredible hotels and one-off travel experiences the first place. We’re doing this by teasing your travel senses with these extraordinary examples of architecture, design and hospitality. Edited by Hamish Kilburn…
Whether it’s been the best hotels that self-isolate in style or tapping in to our contacts to find local journalists to review the latest gems, for more than a year now, we have been serving our readers with thought-provoking pieces on incredible hotels around the world while the hotel design and hospitality industry navigate through the difficult and uncertain situation presented in the likes of the pandemic – we have all adapted to international travel restrictions, and all been affected in some way by the spread of Covid-19.
At Hotel Designs, to keep the industry on its toes, we have launched new online events and used this time to gather the thoughts of industry experts to do our best to futuregaze into the unknown. But while all these articles and conversations are important, the main lesson we have learned during a year of social distancing is to embrace what we love about the industry we narrate. Therefore, today we are starting the week with the aim to inspire creative thinking by sharing what we believe are the world’s most insane hotels that we will shortly be able to check in to.
With a distinct lack of right angles and by completely removing the fourth wall in all suites (or sanctuaries), Jade Mountain is at one with nature. The hotel, which was designed by co-owner Nick Troubetzkoy, is a timeless tropical paradise that’s clever architecture answers to modern demands for sustainable travel without compromising luxury. Each sanctuary features its own infinity pool that is part of an innovative water-saving system.
The living areas of the rooms are finished with more than 20 different species of tropical hardwood flooring and trims harvested in an environmentally sustainable way. The hotel’s technicians actually visited the rain forest of Guyana and personally chose which trees to be used. A multitude of hardwoods have been used including Purpleheart, Greenheart, Locust, Kabukali, Snakewood, Bloodwood, Etikburabali, Futukbali, Taurino, Mora and Cabbage Wood. In addition to locally made fine-tropical wood furniture, an eclectic collection of furniture has been placed in the sanctuaries giving each one of them their own individualistic ambiance.
The jewel of Scotland’s hospitality crown is located in the stunning Orchil Hills, just 50 minutes drive from Edinburgh. The hotel, which is known as ‘the glorious playground’ shelters a fascinating modern yet sensitive design narrative which includes characters from studios such as Goddard Littlefair, Ennismore, Timorous Beasties and David Collins Studio.
With its infamous doors scheduled to open again on April 26, the hotel, which has been welcoming travellers since 1924, will rise from the pandemic as one of the leading and most prestigious brands in international hospitality. Conor O’Leary, joint Managing Director of Gleneagles, said in a roundtable hosted by Hotel Designs last year: “One of the core aspects for me with sustainability is to think local. I think there will be huge shift in supporting and buying local, which is one of the pillars of sustainability. There has to be an element of trust, and I predict that consumers will want to know more about where things have come from.”
We can safely say that with its unique façade that is made of nearly 70 stacked typical houses from the area, there is nothing quite like Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam on the international hotel design scene. As well as the architecture being (well) just incredible, each room inside the hotel is inspired by the rich and storied hospitality of the colour city of Amsterdam.
Considered by travel influencers as a number-one travel bucket list destination, Giraffe Manor epitomises the idea of bringing the outdoors in. The exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection is set in 12 acres of private land with 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi – the hotel is sheltered in one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.
One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
Combining ecological values, comfort and modern design, treehotel in Sweden offers an unparalleled hospitality experience. With accommodation that is camouflaged into the forrest (the Mirrorcube cabin) to one that is designed to look like a birds nest – and even one that replicates a UFO, the hospitality experience allows guests to self-isolate from the outside world in style and comfort.
Located steps from London’s bustling Oxford Street, The Mandrake is a different world from the one outside. The award-winning hotel is emerging from its hospitality hibernation ready to welcome guests back into its evergreen heart.
Every aspect of The Mandrake has been curated and designed by Tala and Rami Fustok to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience – from the three-storey-high surrounding walls of jasmine and passionflower that form the living heart of the hotel to the hotel’s priceless and eclectic art collection that includes works from the likes of Salvador Dali, Francesco Clemente and Jonas Burgert.
As one of the world’s highest hotels, and sheltering 82 canyon view rooms, 33 private pool villas, including one of Oman’s most luxurious three bedroom pool villa, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort has been designed with the stunning landscape of the fabled Green Mountain in mind – think elevated luxury in every sense of the phrase.
The hotel, which was designed by Geraldine Dohogne, is described as the “ultimate refinement in a part of Vietnam still largely undiscovered.” Sheltering 71 spacious standalone villas are tucked away in 98 hectares of lush vegetation, along a pristine white beach with majestic coral reefs. As such, Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô is the perfect embodiment of the Zannier Hotels philosophy, and yet totally different to every other Zannier-branded hotel.
Inspiration for each of the three villa types – Paddy Field, Hill Pool and Beach Pool – is rooted in the Vietnamese tradition of architecture as an art form. A modern reinterpretation of the traditional abodes typically found in Vietnam’s tribal cultures, the villas have been ecologically built using age-old techniques to authentically replicate different architectural styles, whilst offering a more contemporary way of living. The pared-down interiors feature natural colours and textures, with a collection of Vietnamese paintings and silk prints gracing the walls. Soft furnishings incorporate traditional materials such as raw silk, woven rattan and hessian, whilst the elegant furniture is cleverly handcrafted from reclaimed wood and bamboo.
Unparalleled luxury meets eco-friendly design. Nestled within lush tropical rainforest on an unspoiled island with some of the best beaches in Thailand is Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood is a tropical paradise. From the sprawling Six Bedroom Sunset Ocean View Pool Reserve perched atop cliffs or find yourself right on the sandy shores in one of our Beach Pool Retreats.
With one of the natural beauty and authentic charm of island life, Mauritius has become a major luxury travel hotspot – it has one of the largest concentration of five-star hotels of any island in the Indian Ocean, according to Conde Nast Traveller.
Since the island’s secret got out, the luxury hotels in the area have faced the challenge to effortlessly and sensitively stand out from the crowd. As one of the original hotels luxury brands to arrive on the island, the property’s unmatched location and heritage has been garnished with One & Only’s esteemed reputation for barefoot tropical luxury. The hotel first opened in 197, and was taken over and rebranded in 2002 by One&Only).
Smack-bang in the middle of Copenhagen is a bohemian-chic traveller’s dream. Manon Les Suites takes the Guldsmeden Hotels concept, to shelter luxurious simplicity and an unpretentious atmosphere, to a new level.
Reviewed by Hotel Designs where it was concluded as being ‘Zimbabwe’s answer to luxury,” Matetsi Victoria Falls sits blended into its location on the bank of the Zambezi river, in the heart of the African bush. Designed by young local interior designer Kerry van Leenhoff, the hotel was conceived to sensitively reflect its unique sense of place and culture. “It was really important for us to work with skilled craftsmen and women from our culture,” van Leenhoff said. “We have such a diverse culture with about 16 different tribes and languages. We mainly focused around the Tonga tribes as we were by the river.” The result is that from the far side of the river, you can’t actually see where the hotel starts and ends, which suggests even further that the whole property has been created with nature in mind.”
Described on its website as ‘more personal than the luxury hotel’, Ett Hem Stockholm is the orignal home-from-home, designed by the one and only British designer Ilse Crawford. A former private residence built in 1910, the building now shelters 12 authentic rooms.
The success in intricately transforming the house into a hotel, whilst still retaining the individuality and personality of the original, is a testament to the tenaciousness Crawford who was involved in the project since the start.
Ett Hem is not the usual hotel. Ett hem is a place where guests are treated as friends of the family, a place that allows guests to become part of it and feel at home.
Elevated above the Sabie River, looking down on Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati is often referred to as ‘the train on the Bridge’. It is formed of 24 glass-walled rooms that are sheltered within original carriages that balance on former train tracks. The boutique (in every sense of the word) hotel offers unparalleled views that stretch over the national park and wellness nods such as a plunge pool in order to enhance its luxurious feel.
Nestled on the underdeveloped and raw Datca Peninsula, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas both meet, D Maris Bay is a hidden gem that is camouflaged by jagged mountains. The hotel, which is a European favourite jewel among modern travellers, is sheltered in a large, stone-coloured 1970s building – planning permissions restrict the hotel from making structural changes. The interior design reflects exotic elements of the East and modernity of the West through its minimalistic style. Its light and airy ambiance, radiates a touch of grandeur with marble surfaces and modern Turkish artworks adorning the walls
The second COMO property is Bhutan is located in the far western end of the lush Punakha Valley. From its picturesque base overlooking a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu river, Uma Punakha is ideally located for those who wish to explore the remote Himalayan Kingdom. In true COMO style, the hotel’s design is scaled back and shelters a harmony of traditional style with contemporary details.
The creative brainchild of interior designer André Fu, The Upper House, Hong Kong recently made it on to Hotel Designs’ agenda after it was announced that the hotel was to open the André Fu Suite – the ultimate compliment for any interior designer working in the hospitality arena. The property itself is described as ‘the hotel that floats above the city’ and conjures a sense of tranquility with the warmth of a private residence. Overlooking Hong Kong’s bright lights from above Admiralty’s Pacific Place, the House shelters 117 rooms that incorporate the design aesthetic based around the ‘Upward Journey’ , resulting in timeless serenity that flows through the different areas of the hotel.
Iniala Beach House offers one of the most prestige luxury villas in Thailand. Comprising of three beachfront villas and a spectacular penthouse, the hotel was built on the site of Mark Weingard’s former holiday home in Phang Nga after he was struck with the idea to create an exceptional concept that combined the imagination, inspiration and innovation of renowned designers.
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture.
Standing proudly as the first resort in the world to obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)’s highest accolade, the Platinum certification, the brand’s innovative and conscious traits, which don’t compromise on luxury but instead enhance it, are in the DNA of its success.
As well as solar panel installation and the use of coconut oil biofuel for its powerstation, the resort uses Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC), for example, harnesses the cold of the ocean depths to provide low-energy, highly efficient cooling for all the buildings, which reduces energy demands by almost 70 per cent.
Main image credits: Zannier Hotels/Anantara Hotels/The Brando
Weekly briefing: Hygiene in hospitality & debut hotel openings
Howdy! Editor Hamish Kilburn here to round off your week with my top headline picks, including debut hotel openings from JW Marriott, W Hotels, Hyatt Hotels as well as the latest episode of DESIGN POD. Get comfy and start scrolling…
So it seems this week’s theme on the pages of Hotel Designs is hotel development, which gives me a rather warm and cosy feeling on the editorial desk as the stories published this week reflect light at the end of the tunnel as we emerge once more from yet another forced hibernation. Specifically, the emphasis seems to be on new hotels sheltered under lifestyle brands that are polishing their worktops to be ready for when the international travel floodgates open and a new era of modern travellers land with new expectations for one-off experiences that are so far removed from being locked up and forced to adhere to social distancing measures.
And with this new hospitality era that we are on the cusk of entering comes a new perspective, which is what we want to celebrate and amplify across our online platform. With that in mind, here are our top stories from the last few days.
In the third episode of DESIGN POD, editor Hamish Kilburn and co-host Harriet Forde welcome technology guru Jason Bradburyas their special guests to discuss tech’s role in design and architecture. In association with Bathroom Brands Group, the episode explored where Bradbury saw technology being injected in tomorrow’s hotel experience, delved into the new possibilities of CAD software, questioning the current conventional process of design and architecture in residential and hospitality and explained the concept of ‘the democratisation of everything’ when discussing the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
For many hotel projects, the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in unavoidable delays. Not for the W Rome, which we first heard about in 2017 and is impressively on track to open as the W Hotels brand’s debut property in Italy in Q3 this year.
To cut through the noise and with the aim to identify meaningful solutions, Hotel Designs’ next virtual roundtable, in association with Geberit, tackles the hygiene debate to ultimately understand tomorrow’s perception of clean.
When you consider art for bars or art for restaurants, the first thing that springs to many people’s mind is the interior spaces, but with the demand for outdoor spaces following the pandemic set to rise what are the possibilities of outdoor art? Elegant Clutter’s in house art consultancy Art Story discuss how art can still tell a story when the party moves outside.
If you have ever wondered where architects source those dramatic sculptural fireplaces, look no further; Focus is the design manufacturer for these outstanding statement centrepieces. Just look at The Southern Ocean Lodge as a case study behind how architectural fireplaces can completely transform an interior design space.
Marriott International has signed an agreement to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Madrid, offering discerning guests a new destination to rediscover a balance in mind, body and spirit, in the heart of the city. Located in the central Plaza de Canalejas, JW Marriott Madrid will be developed by Millenium Hotels Real Estate as part of their lease agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Belagua and is expected to open in 2022.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. to manage Rosewood Miyakojima on Mikayo Island in the Okinawan archipelago, opening in 2024…
Rosewood Hotels is just the gift that keeps on giving us new destinations to look forward to visiting once international travel bans have lifted. Following announcements of new hotels arriving in Rome, Sardinia, Amsterdam,Madrid and its second hotel in London, the luxury hotel group has just announced that it will take on the management of Rosewood Miyakojima on Mikayo Island in the Okinawan archipelago, which will open in 2024.
The 55-villa, ultra-luxury resort represents the first Rosewood property in Japan, in a destination acclaimed for its exquisite beaches with several of the country’s most scenic locations.
Miyako Island and nearby isles offer miles of soft, white sand with endless vistas of turquoise-blue sea. Aquatic adventures range from snorkeling at Yabiji, the largest coral reef expanse in Japan, to diving through underwater caverns teeming with marine life and outstanding deep-sea fishing.
Approached through verdant sugar cane fields, Rosewood Miyakojima will occupy a secluded peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, dramatic rock formations and stunning ocean vistas. Arriving visitors will feel the sand beneath their feet within a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport and 30-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport which receives direct flights from Hong Kong and major cities in Japan.
The resort’s 55 villa accommodations will feature private pools, landscaped gardens and unobstructed sea views. Conceived by Netherlands-based Studio Piet Boon, the architecture and interiors are seamlessly designed to immerse guests in the natural surroundings and express harmony with the island through the extensive use of local materials. Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc. is providing local architectural expertise and support in realizing the design vision.
Four restaurants and bars will include relaxed beachfront concepts showcasing fresh seafood, prized island-raised beef, locally distilled spirits and craft beer. With a stunning seascape as a backdrop, the resort’s indoor and outdoor event venues will host unforgettable destination weddings and private celebrations.
On-site recreation will include a standalone Rosewood Explorer’s Club, Rosewood’s program for younger guests designed to inspire creativity and imagination, encourage adventure, discovery and social responsibility through unique experiences attuned to the destination. Asaya, Rosewood’s pioneering integrated wellness concept, will offer treatment rooms set amid private gardens, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy facilities and a menu of programs and services influenced by local healing traditions.
Beyond the resort, guests will discover an abundance of vividly picturesque sites, from the majestic natural stone arch of nearby Sunayama beach to the perfectly poised lighthouse at Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (a nationally designated “Place of Scenic Beauty”) and the seven-kilometer stretch of Yonaha Maehama, regularly ranked as Japan’s best beach and renowned for its cinematic sunsets. Even a brief sojourn will reveal distinctive customs, culture, dialects, cuisine and crafts as well as the beguiling ways of the Okinawan uchinanchu (“sea people”) who inhabit the island.
“We are tremendously excited that our first presence in Japan will be in this exquisite location, where Rosewood’s signature A Sense of Place concept will be expressed amidst such a spectacular setting and rich culture,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are honored to have Mitsubishi Estate as our partner and very grateful for the trust they have placed in us to offer this exceptional experience.”
“Rosewood’s sensitivity to its locales and its dedication to the highest levels of hospitality excellence, whichare perfectly in line with our philosophy of urban developments, inspired us to appoint them to manage this very special resort,” said Atsushi Nakajima, senior executive officer, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. “We are fully confident that Rosewood Miyakojima will become one of the world’s most coveted vacation destinations when it opens its doors.”
For many hotel projects, the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in unavoidable delays. Not for the W Rome, which we first heard about in 2017 and is impressively on track to open as the W Hotels brand’s debut property in Italy in Q3 this year. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
2021 is proving to be a significant year for the W Hotels brand, with debuts in Japan and Portugal, while its sister brand Moxy has recently opened Moxy South Beach in Miami and is expecting to arrive in Lisbon in the coming weeks. With the lifestyle brands getting geared up to be ready to welcome the influx of modern travellers once the floodgates of international travel opens once more, one of the most highly anticipated openings from W Hotels this year will land in Rome.
W Rome, which is slated to open in Q3 of this year – the same predicted opening date that was predicted back in 2017 when plans for the 162-key hotel were released – is ideally situated near the famous Spanish steps and fashionable boutiques of Via Condotti. Spanning two adjacent 19th century properties on Via Liguria, the hotel will offer dynamic guestrooms and suites and one of the very few rooftop bars that will boast unmatched views across the city.
Foodies rejoice, the hotel will see unrivalled culinary offerings spearheaded by Michelin-starred chef Ciccio Sultano.
The hotel brand is being incredibly tight-lipped about this particular opening, with only one rendering that has been released. Although there’s little information regarding the hotel and its interior design details, rest assured that we will be the first to publish more when we are able to.
Meanwhile, Rome is proving to be a popular hotel development hotspot, with other brands such as Rosewood Hotels and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts also announcing debut property openings.
What’s in the spotlight this May on Hotel Designs?
This May, Hotel Designs is serving up a plethora of stories that will be dedicated to landscape architecture and pools & spas; two pillars of international hotel design that emerge from the Covid-19 crisis with new roles in hospitality…
Throughout May, Hotel Designs will be putting both landscape architecture and pools & spas under its editorial spotlight in order to continue to define the point on international hotel design.
Landscape architecture
With news changing daily, little is set in stone when it comes to the post-pandemic world. However, what we on the editorial desk are safe to assume is that hospitality brands will further utilise outdoor space in order to continue to open up a relationship with nature. With UK hospitality getting back on its feet – and with the rest of the world following closely behind – we will take a look at how hotels have adapted their outdoor spaces to be suitable for the new demands among modern travellers.
Pools & spas
As concluded in a number of Hotel Designs LIVE events – and following on the conversations from our bathrooms feature in March – wellness in 2021 and beyond will have a heavier purpose on the international hotel design and hospitality scene. With this in mind, we will research some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking pools and spas in order to establish what to expect in this new era of wellness.
If you are a supplier and would like to find out more about how you could feature in Hotel Designs, or know of a product that we should be talking about, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Sopwell House/Bill Bensley/RPS Group
Product watch: TwistFlush – more cleanliness, less water consumption
The TwistFlush by Villeroy & Boch is an innovative toilet flush with vortex power, resulting in a more hygienic bathroom solution that uses less water consumption…
The new TwistFlush toilet flush delivers extra clean and hygienic flushing results while being exceptionally water efficient. The secret: the patent-pending TwistFlush technology uses the physical force of a controlled water vortex, which flushes almost all of the inside of the toilet bowl while carrying waste away. In turn TwistFlush uses the flush water much more efficiently and saves precious water every time the flush is activated.
Economical yet powerful
A sustainable lifestyle includes the conscious use of resources. A TwistFlush toilet that saves precious water every time it is used plays an important role in this. The toilet only needs 4.5 litres for a large flush and a mere three litres for a small one. And as the flush is so powerful, one flush is usually sufficient. This way, a four-person family can save up to 19,700* litres of water a year. Moreover, the patent-pending flushing technology far exceeds standard requirements: the controlled water vortex generates a very strong pull in a conic bowl. It reaches almost all of the inside of the toilet bowl while well and truly carrying waste away.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
Practically brushless and easy to clean
Annoying toilet brushes are a thing of the past: TwistFlush thoroughly flushes the entire inner pan, and the smartly designed bowl with its steep and super smooth walls makes it difficult for dirt to stick.
One more hygienic advantage: thanks to the sophisticated rimless shape, a TwistFlush toilet is quick and easy to clean. CeramicPlus and AntiBac make it even cleaner while reducing bacterial growth by 99.9 per cent.
Prevents spray and aerosols
The controlled vortex power deploys the flushing water exactly where it is needed. This prevents spray and significantly reduces the formation of aerosols. Another advantage: TwistFlush is significantly quieter than a standard flush.
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.
MINIVIEW: The Midland Hotel in Manchester’s £14m transformation
The iconic Midland Hotel in Manchester recently unveiled a new look following a £14 million renovation. With hospitality starting to open up again in the UK, editor Hamish Kilburn took a cheeky peek inside…
For years, with its raw and industrial charm, Manchester has attracted interest in the hotel development arena, which has resulted in new hotels such as The King Street Townhouse, Hotel Gotham and Hotel Brooklyn emerging on the city’s thriving hospitality landscape.
Most recently, though, it was a renovation of an icon that caught my attention – The Midland Hotel will emerge from the pandemic with a new look and energy about her as she rises once more to be one of the leading hospitality establishments in the area.
The £14m refurbishment, which was pieced together by interior design firm Sundara Design, features a complete transformation of all guestrooms and public areas.
Image credit: The Midland Hotel
The most striking change, however, is to the hotel’s main foyer, which now features a brand new, split-level bar built on a raised platform in the heart of the hotel’s lobby, providing a spectacular space for both guests and locals to enjoy.
Image credit: The Midland Hotel
In addition to the public areas, the hotel’s 312 guestrooms have been sensitively renovated. Featuring a restful, neutral colour palette adorned with luxurious soft padded armchairs, plump cushions and glowing lamps; the new rooms will offer guests ultimate comfort and style.
“The acquisition of The Midland hotel back in November 2018 marked the start of an extremely exciting chapter for Leonardo Hotels in the UK,” commented Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland. “The £14m investment allows us to make our own mark on this iconic Manchester property, whilst maintaining the hotel’s renowned grandeur. We’re very happy with how the refurbishment is progressing and look forward to welcoming guests, old and new to experience the stylish new surrounding of The Midland from June onwards.”
The refurbishment follows the full rebrand of the award-winning on-site spa which transitioned into Rena Spa at The Midland in November last year. The new spa offers a wonderful selection of specialist treatments, all using renowned French beauty brand, Caudalie, and Rena Spa at The Midland is particularly proud to offer a range of Wellness by Germaine De Cappuccini treatments specially designed for those who have or are recovering from cancer.
Today: Ideal Standard kicks off Together World Tour in Milan
Ideal Standard has announced a unique series of events, the Together World Tour, blending an innovative digital format with the attraction of a physical event – and it starts TODAY!
What do Milan, Berlin, London, Paris, Dubai and Shanghai have in common? These cities are renowned cultural capitals of the world, and also the locations for Ideal Standard’s innovative event designed for the international Architecture & Design community. The Together World Tour will address a global audience through an innovative fusion of digital content and physical interactions across these key locations.
Unveiling exclusive world-premiere product launches, the event will dive into the design culture of each of these iconic cities, and offer attendees a series of “unforgettable moments”. The tour aims to combine the best of digital and in-person events. Its ambition is to inspire and entertain.
“The Together World Tour begins in Milan, the capital of design and home of the Global Design Centre of Ideal Standard. This city for so long has been the source of our inspiration. The event will be an energetic story bringing to life the fashion and lifestyle inherent to Milan” says Ideal Standard’s Chief Design Officer, Roberto Palomba.
The tour will give architects and designers, the retail community and design lovers from across the world a front row seat to the launch of stunning new collections.
Torsten Türling, Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Standard, explains why he believes this approach is the future for the brand and for the industry: “The pandemic has changed the rules for traditional physical events. Rather than simply offer an online showroom, we have invented a new way to connect with our customer base all around the world, digital and personal, a dynamic experience enabling us to explore the values of our brand and resulting in what we believe will be a journey of unforgettable moments of inspiration and delight.”
The first event of the Together World Tour will be held on April 21st, 2021. It begins in Milan and will then continue throughout 2021 and into 2022 visiting 6 cities in total. It will be packed with a mixture of live and streamed content, simultaneously translated into several languages. The interactive experience encourages participants to engage with the live event, click to discover new collections, or zoom in on a location to unlock exclusive content.
Participants will also be given the opportunity to individually connect with the company’s Chief Design Officer and other key personnel.
Virtual roundtable: Tomorrow’s perception of clean
To cut through the noise and with the aim to identify meaningful solutions, Hotel Designs’ next virtual roundtable, in association with Geberit, tackles the hygiene debate to ultimately understand tomorrow’s perception of clean…
Hamish Kilburn: I really feel for suppliers and manufacturers during this time, during the Covid-19 crisis, because it is so difficult to predict what consumers will demand moving forward and therefore designing products that are suitable for tomorrow’s guests who are checking in is such a challenge. But I want to know, is hygiene becoming a selling point in itself and is this driving innovation at Geberit HQ?
Lynne Clapham-Carter: Hygiene has always been a driver in bathroom manufacturing and Geberit has always been at the forefront of innovative tech – both in terms of hygiene and water-saving solutions – for the last 150 years.
What I am finding is that technology has been in place for a while and now people are beginning to discover this, which is driving demand. Hygiene and touch-free tech has long been standard for many commercial spaces. Now, as a company, we are seeing this being pushed into the residential space.
Image credit: Geberit
HK: Hygiene has been the fundamental topic in every conversation recently – but our industry is, by its very nature, already setting high standards when it comes to clean and safe spaces. How will hospitality reassure the post-corona consumer without making it feel sterile?
James Dilley: It’s partly perception. I think, pre-pandemic, we were seeing a lot of the non-touch tech evolving in any case. The way check-in areas have changed in recent years is a prime example of this. In theory, and I don’t believe hygiene was the driver for this, we can go through a hotel experience without having to touch anyone or anything. The counterpoint of that is in the luxury market, where there has been a strong demand for real human contact. People will pay more for a human to deliver that service and they [luxury hotels] will have the challenge to deliver that in a post-pandemic world.
HK: When it comes to lifestyle and luxury, does the perception differ?
Hannah Willock: Everyone is so well travelled now that, I believe, it spans across both – you want the hotel to feel like a home-away-from-home. We’ve had a lot of conversations recently about injecting technology in a meaningful way so that the hospitality experience is accessible to everyone.
“Bathrooms are semi-blessed for appearing to be cleaner than clean.” – David Mason, Head of Hospitality, Scott Brownrigg.
HK: Now more than ever there is that bridge between design and service. Are you then, as designers, more involved in conversations regarding service at an earlier stage of the design project?
David Mason: As designers, we have always been part of that process considering that we are creating experiences. So, I think we are always working with those touchpoints in mind. Bathrooms are semi-blessed for appearing to be cleaner than clean – not like, for example, soft furnishings or fabrics. If we are going to go back to this very tech-driven approach to design to move people around the space, we have to then remember to include more touchpoints to make up for the human element and interaction being lost.
“You don’t therefore want to make it feel clinical.” – Fiona Thompson, Principal, Richmond International.
Image credit: Geberit
Image credit: Geberit
HK: What are the pitfalls to avoid when looking at tomorrow’s perception of clean?
Fiona Thompson: When you are in a hotel there is an assumption that there is a level of clean. And I know that the big hotel group are collaborating to maximize this, but from a human level there is already a strong assumption that hotels – in general – are clean spaces and that, especially in the bathroom, that there is a level of cleanliness. You don’t therefore want to make it feel clinical. It’s now about creating that balance.
HK: Tamara, you are working on a very exciting development in London. Do the conversations differ between hospitality and residential?
Tamara Ayorech Okello: I think we are all striving for an enhancement to what we already have. A lot of our purchasers, post-covid especially, are putting more emphasis into the bathroom being a space of tranquility. In residential, it’s about having loyal and trustworthy suppliers who can ensure that the spaces look amazing but also out-perform others on the market. In terms of client engagement, the most common thing we are seeing being demanded in the bathroom is quality fixtures and fittings. That is not going to change, it’s only going to progress – and it’s something people are more inclined to invest in.
“At first, we see these high-tech products emerge in suites but when demand surges the cost of these items will come down and they will become almost as standardized part of the bathroom design.” – Richard Snow, Senior Designer, RPW Design.
Image credit: Geberit
HK: One of the takeaways from a recent Hotel Designs LIVE event we hosted was that wellness would be injected in all areas of the hotel moving forward. That suggests to me, as you were saying Tamara, that clients and consumers alike will put more emphasis on the bathroom. How are these spaces becoming more than just practical spaces?
Richard Snow: New technology, such as the shower toilet, is starting to become an interesting conversation. At first, we see these high-tech products emerge in suites but when demand surges the cost of these items will come down and they will become almost as standardised part of the bathroom design. We’ve had rooms in the past where we have designed them as a spa room and I think it depends of budget, quality and style. It’s exciting that more products are becoming available that make these rooms more of an experience. For me, it will be interesting to see how that technology from the five-star level drips down into more accessibly priced hotel experiences.
HK: Do you think that spa experience will become standardised?
FT: I’m not sure if ‘spa experience’ is the right phrase, but health and wellness is such a large factor at the moment for all sectors in the hospitality arena. Covid-19 has changed such a lot that I believe the bedroom and bathroom will just become such an intimate space which allows for the wellness experience to be elevated.
HK: In recent times, lifestyle brands have not been afraid to target themselves to a particular, often narrow, demographic. In lifestyle specifically, what are the hygiene demands from modern travellers?
JD: The W Edinburgh is highly tech based and without touch, however, when it opens, the guest will have a choice. The challenge for this hotel is that there are no barriers between the city and the hotel – it is an extension of the neighbourhood and there is no perception of security or threshold for that matter. And actually, the most public of spaces in the hotel are right at the top of building in order to utilise the view across the city. The challenge will be how to control and manage people from outside. There are a lot of challenges but hotels’ currency is hygiene and sanitation. Now I am just seeing that businesses are just packaging the messaging in different ways.
LCC: A few years back, Geberit published a white paper that looked at the five senses in order to create a safe haven within a bathroom or guest suite to actually look at it in a holistic way. From our side, it was about understanding the challenges and how they get assaulted and creating a space where you feel space without it feeling clinical. As a manufacturer, our job is to address the acoustics, the smells and touches (all those tactile things) and how they impact in product.
“When we eventually do come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, social contact will be mayhem in such a beautiful way.” – James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles.
HK: What would you say are the main demands you are hearing from designers and architects at the moment?
LCC: Swapping things from touch to touchless. That would be the biggest enquiry at the moment, and that goes for both residential and hospitality.
FT: Particularly in public spaces.
RS: There is a different perception in public and private areas. I think there is an element of guests wanting to be in control in their own private spaces.
JD: I am a great believer in that for every action there is a reaction. And for me, there has been a lack of social contact recently. When we eventually do come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, social contact will be mayhem in such a beautiful way. I also think this will be the same with hygiene and sanitation. We have been closeted and constricted for two years and I think consumers will demand for sharing plates.
DM: With the vaccine as well, we are getting a positive approach that we will come out of this and it is helping us move forward.
JD: The irony is that by making the hospitality experience touch-free is to use your mobile phones, and mobile phones have got to be the most unsanitary objects in our lives. The fact that we are using them to combat germs just does not make any sense.
HK: Will shower toilets become more popular in the west?
FT: I think it is happening. In more and more of the properties we are working on it has become an option. I think that’s partly because it is an added facility and sometimes it is a space saving answer to the brief to remove the bidet. There is more of a challenge to introduce these in public areas.
RS: When you are in Japan, they are everywhere but certainly here it will take time for the shower toilet to be embraced.
TAO: In residential, I can see the shower toilet being embraced but I am not sure how that would jump into the hospitality public areas.
LCC: One of the things I find interesting in this conversation around shower toilets is that our society has become a lot more multi-cultural now and participially in the hotel industry people are travelling and in Japan, as an example, more than 50 per cent of people have shower toilets in their homes. So, when they come to a hotel and are paying large sums of money for a night they will expect the same, at least, if not better than what they have in their hotel. Hotels are using refurbishments as an opportunity to install these products.
HW: In our projects in the Asia/Pacific region, we are speaking with suppliers to ensure that the shower toilets we specify are simple and easy to use. Also, in addition to the obvious features of these products, clients also buy into the other benefits such as the anti-bacteria cleaning features.
FT: if you can simplify the controls, then people will use it.
Image credit: Geberit
HK: Can we do better than sensors when it comes to touchless tech?
HW: We are seeing a lot of app-based technology especially when it comes to showering. In a residential setting that is becoming really popular but in a hotel that throws in a lot of challenges, it is possible and if the conversations are had at the very start of the project it can be integrated into projects successfully . I think we will begin to see more and more adoption and integration of this in hospitality over time. What is key is ensuring the success is that if it’s used its user friendly for all guests across the board.
DM: I worked on the Eccleston Square hotel, which stored guests’ information so that the temperate of the room and service requirements could be replicated when the guest returned. That was 10-12 years ago so the technology is there but it is about streamlining the process. It is at the end of day a balance.
I think it’s also a generational thing. What works for one demographic won’t necessarily workfor others. We need the choice, tech is advancing all the time, who knows what it will look like in five years’ time.
RS: I think technology will slowly drip in in order for the change not to be so dramatic and sudden. Given what happened a decade ago, when tech flooded a lot of hospitality experiences, designers are very aware to make gradual steps forward that are considered in order to enhance the overall guest experience.
LCC: There is the perception that technology and wellness do not fit well together but in actually fact the opposite can be true. There are a lot of things about technology that can help wellness. In the early days, we used motion sensing in touchless tech but now it is proximity sensors which are far more accurate. There are features in flush plates where as you walk towards them an orientation light glows. This is opposed to having all the lights on if you wake up in the middle of the night.
JD: What we are saying is that tech is filling the void of what good service used to be. If you checked into a good hotel 20 years ago, the General Manager or the concierge would recognise you and to an extent recognise your demands and preferences. They would have this knowledge – it’s trivia but it recognises care and consideration. Somehow those symbols of luxury are being replaced with technology and I find it quite a hallow gesture compared to the human touch that we used to have. That’s why I believe the human touch will never be replaced in the premium hotels.
HK: For me, tomorrow’s bathrooms will play on the five senses – can we inject sound/smell/touch into the bathroom experience without being gimmicky?
FT: As long as it isn’t cliché. Great lighting is a given but some of these experiential showers deter from a great experience. Anything that addresses the senses has to be thoughtful and meaningful.
Geberit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Hotel Designs announces partnership with HoteliersGuild
With the aim to strengthen both brand’s relationships within the international hotel design and hospitality industry, while continuing to serve their readers with quality content, Hotel Designs and HoteliersGuild have entered into a media partnership that will include editorial and event collaboration…
With the aim to share engaging and relevant content beyond its already existing loyal readers, Hotel Designs has formed a media partnership with HoteliersGuild, the private society for discerning luxury hoteliers.
“There are so many different strands to this partnership, which is what makes it so exciting,” explained Katy Phillips, publisher, Hotel Designs. “What’s more, with hospitality starting to awake from the the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that by working with HoteliersGuild it allows us to form even stronger relationships with leading hoteliers and developers globally in order to continue to create conversations on Hotel Designs like no other.”
The partnership, which will include event and editorial collaborations, has been designed to enhance both brand’s authentic identities, while strengthening editorial integrity. “One of Hotel Designs’ key pillars as a brand is meaningful collaborations,” added Hamish Kilburn, editor, Hotel Designs. “Therefore, it was only when speaking to the editorial team at HoteliersGuild when the alliance was truly formed. Since our rebranding in 2018, Hotel Designs has evolved with the industry it serves. Partnerships like these are integral, especially during times like these when togetherness is a key theme.”
As a partner, and with the continued aim to establish an international voice, Hotel Designs has invited Frank M. Pfaller, Founder President of HoteliersGuild, to become a judge for The Brit List Awards 2021.
With nominations and applications opening on May 10, 2021, this year’s awards campaign will include eight awards, including the Rising Star of the Year award, which will make its debut with the purpose to support and celebrate young professionals who are exceptional.
Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry
In addition to the individual awards, the top 25 entries in the interior designer, architect and hotelier category will be profiled in the annual publication, The Brit List, which will be released at the awards ceremony on November 3, 2021 at Proud Galleries London.
With technology’s role being questioned partially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in meaningful hotel design, hospitality and general living, in episode three of DESIGN POD, Jason Bradbury, the former presenter of the The Gadget Show who once reviewed a hotel for Hotel Designs 30 years in the future, was invited to explore technology’s role in design and architecture.
Listen to the full episode here:
“In the future, AI is going to move to exceptionally complex issues such as reinventing physics.” – Jason Bradbury.
In association with Bathroom Brands Group, the episode explored where Bradbury saw technology being injected in tomorrow’s hotel experience, delved into the new possibilities of CAD software, questioning the current conventional process of design and architecture in residential and hospitality and explained the concept of ‘the democratisation of everything’ when discussing the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “We are already living in an Artificial Intelligence era,” Bradbury explains, “It’s evolving trading, architecture challenges, predicting weather patters. In the future, AI is going to move to exceptionally complex issues such as reinventing physics and providing technologies that we haven’t even dreamt of.”
The next DESIGN POD episode, which will drop next month, will invite designer and artist Jack Irving to discuss fashion in design.
JW Marriott Madrid, which will shelter 139 rooms, is expected to open a ‘fresh perspective on luxury hospitality’ in the Spanish capital in 2022. Here’s what we know…
Marriott International has signed an agreement to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Madrid, offering discerning guests a new destination to rediscover a balance in mind, body and spirit, in the heart of the city. Located in the central Plaza de Canalejas, JW Marriott Madrid will be developed by Millenium Hotels Real Estate as part of their lease agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Belagua and is expected to open in 2022.
“Having recently opened our 100th JW Marriott hotel worldwide, we are excited to debut the JW Marriott brand in Madrid,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Design Hotels & Europe, Middle East and Africa Brand portfolio, Marriott International. “This incredible city is home to iconic architecture, an enviable culinary scene as well as stunning parks and botanical gardens, and the new JW Marriott Madrid is located in the heart of it all. JW Marriott encourages guests to be mindful and present, and we believe the brand is particularly suited to today’s luxury traveller who seeks enriching, rejuvenating escapes paired with rich culture and exceptional service.”
The hotel’s design will be led by local architects Arvo Arquitectura de Juan, with interiors by the Madrid team at Rockwell Group. Design plans are expected to offer a sense of balance and warmth, inspired by the principles of mindfulness, using natural elements, interesting textures and tactile spaces. The restored property is expected to offer 139 guestrooms which will include two floors of suites, all featuring outdoor terraces. Plans for public spaces include a lobby bar, a distinctive restaurant and wellbeing spaces.
“We are delighted with the acquisition of this spectacular, historical asset and to announce that it will become part of the iconic JW Marriott brand and the first JW Marriott hotel in Spain,” said Javier Illán, President of Millenium Hotels Real Estate. “This property will perfectly demonstrate Millenium Hotels’ investment focus to acquire incredible properties to become the very best luxury hotels in prime areas of major cities, operated by the finest brands. In this case, the hotel is in an extraordinary location in Plaza de Canalejas, one of the most exclusive areas of Madrid, with an even brighter future ahead as one of the capital’s leisure, cultural, and culinary centres.”
JW Marriott Madrid’s central location will offer guests the ideal base from which to explore the city’s key cultural attractions including three museums, the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Next to the hotel, a luxury shopping experience can be enjoyed at Galeria Canalejas which offers more than 40 boutiques. The hotel is just 20 minutes by car from Madrid-Barajas International Airport.
Marriott International currently operates 93 hotels in Spain across its portfolio. JW Marriott Madrid will join Marriott Bonvoy’s growing portfolio of over 7,600 hotels globally.
Product Watch: D-Neo by Duravit set to ‘revolutionise’ entry level bathroom design
Bathroom brand Duravit has launched the D-Neo, a complete bathroom range that is expected to challenge conventional bathroom design forever. Editor Hamish Kilburn takes a look…
We have gone past the point now where bathrooms are seen purely as practical spaces, a topic that will be explored deeply in the upcoming Hotel Designs LIVE (designers, architects, hoteliers and developers attend for free). And since we came to this realisation on the editorial desk at Hotel Designs, we have been noticing more and more brands pushing the limit and challenging conventional approaches and instead inventing innovative bathroom solutions suitable for the modern traveller.
Cue the launch of D-Neo by Duravit. The new range ensures premium quality and sophisticated design at an attractive entry-level price. The outstanding quality of this complete bathroom collection is reflected in its lifetime guarantee, which Duravit offers on all the ceramic elements in the range for selected countries.
The range has been created to outlast short-lived trends and is the perfect accompaniment to the daily life of any lifestyle, in all its facets. D-Neo is the first bathroom range by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly and is testament to his extraordinary instinct for interior design.
The components hold their own in rooms of any size and layout. Their sleek forms create the space into which individual style can unfold, with design elements that represent much more than mere functionality.
The versatility of D-Neo is demonstrated by the wide range of washbasins: from furniture and built-in variants to handrinse basins and above-counter basins. The striking, all-round rim on each of the washbasins generates a high recognition value. The asymmetric solutions combined with matching vanity units are eye-catching and practical with added storage space. The above-counter basins are available in oval or round variants, which underline D-Neo’s versatility on the design front.
All the toilets come with the Duravit Rimless® technology and can be ordered with the antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze, achieving perfect flushing results with just 4.5 litres of water. The D-Neo series also offers a matching bidet.
Image caption: The interplay between the new Oak Terra furniture finish (35) and the generously sized oval above-counter basin (600 x 400 mm) lends the washing area an air of contemporary solidity. The combination of a wall-mounted D-Neo toilet and the A.1 actuator plate by Duravit underlines the coherent character of the range. | Image credit: Duravit
A further highlight in this price segment is the free-standing DuraSolid® bathtub with its velvety look and feel and a style reminiscent of the oval above-counter basins. At just 1600 mm in length, it also perfectly showcases smaller bathrooms. Built-in bathtubs made from sanitary acrylic with one sloping backrest are available in five sizes ranging from 1500 x 750 to 1800 x 800 mm. The 1800 x 800 mm version can also be ordered with two backrests.
The built-in bathtubs also come in a whirl version for that extra-special feel-good factor. Six flat water-air nozzles arranged in the side walls create a beneficial massage effect.
Image caption: A bathroom experience in its purest form: with its velvety look and feel, the freestanding DuraSolid® bathtub (1600 x 750 mm) is an eye-catching choice for bathrooms of any size. | Image credit: Duravit
Available in widths of 410 to 1400 mm and numerous design options, the D-Neo furniture perfectly complements any bathroom. Three new wood-look décors complete the selection of D-Neo furniture finishes bringing the total to 13. A harmonious overall picture is produced when combined with the ergonomic handle in a diamond-black finish; this mirrors the curve of the console panels and washbasins.The indirect light provided by the matching circular mirrors from the Light + Mirror range creates a pleasant ambience. The mirrors and mirror cabinets are available as a rectangular option with LED edging lighting at the top, guaranteeing ideal illumination of the washing area.
Understated yet expressive – the taps stand out thanks to their straight-lined, geometric shape. The characteristically narrow, vertically positioned handle is standard throughout the entire range.
Washbasin mixers with the FreshStart feature are also available for the first time: cold water flows in the central position. Hot water is only added when the user deliberately moves the handle to the left, limiting the energy-intensive production of hot water to situations where it is actually needed.
Thanks to the selection of D-Neo ceramic elements, the high-quality furniture, wide range of bathtub options, and matching faucet range, it’s possible to customise any bathroom in top quality and for an attractive price.
Duravit is one of Hotel Designs’ recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
Hyatt Ziva Resort to debut in Riviera Cancun in 2021
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun will be the latest resort to join the award-winning Hyatt Ziva portfolio, which is designed for travellers seeking an effortless, all-inclusive experience…
Situated between Playa del Carmen and the world-famous Cancun Hotel Zone, the 438-key Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun plans to provide travellers with the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy time away from their busy lives, and experience the most unique aspects of Riviera Cancun – and is expected to open later this year.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Hyatt Ziva brand to new guests and World of Hyatt members as we expand our brand footprint in the Americas through the addition of this new all-inclusive resort,” said Frank Lavey, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, Hyatt. “The Hyatt Ziva portfolio offers guests a vibrant and energising, multi-generational stay with service from the heart and wellbeing inspired programming to create an effortless experience for every guest.”
“Our portfolio of Hyatt all-inclusive resorts is the standard bearer and leader in the all-inclusive category across Mexico and throughout the Caribbean,” added Fernando Mulet, executive vice president and chief development officer, Playa Hotels and Resorts. “Today’s announcement further solidifies Playa’s commitment to revolutionising the all-inclusive sector by working with legendary hospitality brands that consumers trust and delivering an experience that is second-to-none.”
With a focus on travel experiences for all ages, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun will offer a variety of amenities including several globally inspired and locally authentic restaurants; multiple swimming pools; the Zen Spa inspired by pre-Hispanic Mayan culture with 12 indoor and eight outdoor treatment rooms designed to reflect the stunning, natural scenery; a fitness centre with state-of-the-art amenities; and ocean views of the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon of Bahia Petempich. Additionally, the property will offer more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, ideal for weddings, anniversary celebrations and a variety of gatherings.
The Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun debut will bring the total number of Hyatt Ziva resorts to six across Mexico and the Caribbean. Considered an expert in this space, Playa Hotels & Resorts will operate the resort, delivering a new level of sophistication and service to the destination’s all-inclusive market.
Product watch: Form follows function in bathroom design with RAK-Des
Bringing spa-inspired luxury to the domestic bathroom design, RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a collection that ensures this most private of areas is as comfortable and relaxing as any of our living spaces, while never compensating on practicality…
With clean, minimal lines for a sleek and streamlined finish that emulates the hotel feel, one of the many highlights of RAK-Des is the versatile range of bowls and freestanding washbasins, ensuring a solution for every bathroom. Freestanding, wall-hung and countertop basins all feature beautifully ergonomic shapes crafted from quality ceramic.
The washbasins can be combined with RAK-Joy vanities and RAK-Precious countertops for perfect harmony in the bathroom. RAK-Precious provides a luxurious alternative to the functional ceramic white, with surfaces that emulate the natural properties of materials such as stone, marble and cement, bringing the trend for industrial styling into the bathroom in a functional way.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
With hidden fixations, the RAK-Des WC can be wall-hung or installed back-to-wall and features the latest in flushing technology for the ultimate in bathroom hygiene. RAK Ceramics WCs set new standards of hygiene and water efficiency, with uniquely engineered water flushing systems that effectively remove waste, helping to keep bathrooms fresh and hygienic. Using just four litres for the full flush and 2.5 litres for the half flush, water usage is reduced by a third and with no rims to harbour germs, cleaning is quick, easy and more hygienic.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
All in all, RAK-Des provides a complete sanitaryware solution for the modern bathroom that successfully combines form with function and gives designers creative freedom in this more personal of spaces.
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.
If you could have a floor with a unique aesthetic that was natural, recycled, readily renewable and suitable for commercial use, why wouldn’t you choose it?
Following our close look at the brand’s Wabi collection, that celebrates imperfections in life, we’re taking a peek at Granorte’s Tradition cork tile, which is a floor suitable for commercial use with impeccable environmental credentials available in a wide range of unique looks. From the classic mid-century cork tile look of Standard to the colour and pattern rich Canyon and Twist, Tradition showcases the variety of natural cork.
Paulo Rocha, product manager, Granorte, says: “Cork is a traditional material but it is also an extremely relevant one for today’s commercial interiors. From a renewable natural resource and 100 per cent post-industrial recycled, the cork we use possesses excellent environmental credentials. In Tradition it’s presented in one of its purest forms – a cork veneer on a high-density cork base – and the collection’s 36 options show just how versatile this natural form is as a design option.”
Granorte uses waste cork from wine stopper manufacturers to make its cork products. Based in Portugal, the company has been finding alternative uses for this material since 1973 and manufactures an extraordinary range of products from the natural material.
Each Tradition tile comes in a 600 x 300mm format for glue-down installation. Recommended for moderate commercial use, the floor is provided unfinished, so the appropriate lacquer can be applied. Comfortable and with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, cork has properties that are beneficial in creating a supportive environment for users.
Granorte is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package.
Fameed Khalique: “I have no formal training in design”
From luxury leathers to experimental luxury surfaces, Fameed Khalique’s career path is anything but conventional. To understand more about Khalique’s journey in surface design, Editor Hamish Kilburn catches up with him from his London-based studio…
He was described by the Financial Times as “the go-to supplier of exotic and experimental surfaces for walls, floors, ceilings and furniture.” Fameed Khalique, since launching his own brand in 2008 has proven to the world that there are limitless possibilities in luxury surfaces and interior design.
The world-renowned designer, who is arguably most respected for his ‘eye’ and ability to curate exceptional techniques to crete unexpected results, started his journey in design with a five-year stint working with luxury leather merchant Alma Leathers. Striking out on his own, Khalique’s solo business began with just one leather collection, growing exponentially to the point where his showroom in Chelsea’s Furniture & Arts Building now contains the world’s largest selection of luxury surface material samples under one roof, and his client list includes the cream of interior design companies both in the UK and internationally.
Image caption: Custom green semi-aniline leather with a smooth finish by Fameed Khalique used at The Hoxton Rome to create statement headboards. | Image credit: Fameed Khalique
I caught up with the designer in his London-based studio to find out more about the man behind the surfaces…
Hamish Kilburn: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your what you describe as an ‘extremely traditional’ background?
Fameed Khalique: As a child I always wanted to be a pilot for British Airways (which I couldn’t do because I was short-sighted) and subsequently I’ve had quite the eclectic career – producing fashion shows, sales, marketing, PR, logistics and publishing. I never really felt that I had found a home as far as my work life went. But that started to change when I became the Sales Director at Alma Leather and had my first foray into the interior design industry. This is not only where my interest in design and interiors developed but I was also able to broaden my skill set by observing and understanding how architects and interiors designers think and work.
“We now have what I believe is quite possibly the world’s largest collection of surfaces materials under one roof anywhere.”
I then went onto launch Fameed Khalique back in 2008 with the aim of selling leather and, as time went on, that expanded into other surface finishes. We now have what I believe is quite possibly the world’s largest collection of surfaces materials under one roof anywhere. What I do now is really about two things: identifying and developing materials I know our clients will love and finding solutions to the challenges that designers face every day. That can cover many things; be it a bespoke finish that seemed impossible to find or creating/finding a material to suit a time or a particular budget constraint. A lament I often hear in the industry is: “I never see anything new” and what we do in our showroom is challenge that through our extensive collections of surfaces and techniques that are all curated to ensure there’s something for every project and budget from hospitality and commercial to marine, aviation and residential sectors.
Image caption: Richloom collection specified in a hotel project. | Image credit: Fameed Khalique
HK: What are the different luxury surfaces one will find when visiting your showroom?
FK: The showroom is often described as a treasure trove of surfaces; people are always surprised by the many different finishes and techniques that you can find here. You will find thousands of different surface finish options here – everything a hospitality designer specifies day in and out like fabrics, leathers and wallcoverings through to the more exotic such as semi-precious stones, exquisite hand embroideries and jacquard woven copper textiles. In between there are woven leathers, wood veneer, ceramic and marble tiles, resins, acrylics and so much more. And if there’s something else specific that a designer is after, we will work out a way to create or innovate a particular technique or a material to rise to the challenge. Yes, we work with the world’s leading design studios at a premium end of the market, but not every project is a super prime residence or yacht. I think a lot of people don’t realise that almost half of our business comes from hospitality and therefore we look for new techniques to deliver materials in ways that offer value for money or are more durable. We are always finding cost-effective solutions to budget challenges. And I very much see our role as being to help the designer deliver their vision without compromising on their design or quality.
HK: How have you utilised your experience in fashion and PR in design and the luxury surfaces sector?
FK: Once I knew that being a pilot was out of the equation, I chose to study PR and events. I originally wanted to work in fashion, which is something I’ve had an appreciation of for as long as I can remember. This still inspires me to this day and it can be seen in our collections, particularly our leather and embroidery collections which really allow me to experiment with the level of detailing seen in couture fashion. I’ve always had an eye for detail and something that I love is taking the finishes that I see in fashion or accessories such as a crochet detail on a dress, or the woven technique used on a bag and translating them into our surface collections. This passion has also led me to develop a collection of lifestyle accessorises where we develop our amazing techniques to create a truly unique collection of woven and laser cut leather scarves and luxury cushions for the home. It felt like a natural progression and allows us to reach a different type of customer and make our materials available to a far wider audience.
Dutch Walltextile in bathroom. | Image credit: Fameed Khalique
Image caption: Ella Canta InterContinental Park Lane, designed by David Collins Studio with leathers and mosaic flooring Fameed Khalique. | Image credit: Kensington Laverne
HK: You are renowned in the industry for your ‘eye’ and ability to curate exceptional techniques. What inspires you? What is your favourite or most iconic product?
FK: My inspiration can come from anywhere really. I do love travelling and being able to meet the artisans that we work with, being inspired by their work and vision and seeing how we can translate that into something new. With the pandemic that obviously hasn’t happened over the past year! However, it has opened up a new opportunity for me which has been to cycle around the city I have lived in for more than 35 years and discover it in a way I haven’t been able to before. The architectural details and something as simple as the magnolia trees in bloom are magical. I also love Art Deco and Hollywood Regency – who doesn’t? The opulence and decadent details are something I try to translate into some of our product offering, but with a contemporary twist. I love discovering new techniques and finishes, which a lot of the time are influenced by the challenges our clients face. As they say necessity is the mother of all invention! I have no formal training in design and have in the past suffered from imposter syndrome but, what I have come to understand, is that having a deep passion and understanding for the products that we create, has given me the confidence to continue to grow the company. I really do get very excited about every new product we discover or develop so it’s hard to pick a favourite – it would be like picking between your children!
Embroidery, leather and semi-precious stones are three categories that I really enjoy, mainly because there are so many different techniques and applications to experiment with. I’m particularly proud of the water moulded leather panelling we have recently created; it’s a contemporary twist on fibrous plaster ceilings and is completely unique. It has a wonderful matt finish and looks incredible in contemporary as well as more traditional interiors. I’m also in love with black resin which is hand inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone shell in a foliage pattern – it truly is breathtakingly beautiful and catches my eye every time I’m in the showroom. Equally I am loving the simple life with a new collection of contract velvet that has a great colour palette and is super durable – it’s been specified left, right and centre by hotel designers.
HK: What are major pitfalls designers should avoid when specifying luxury surfaces?
FK: First and foremost, I would say don’t be scared of using them and secondly don’t immediately rule them out on the basis of cost or durability without finding out more information. For example, we are now digitally printing glass to look just like our semi-precious stones or we are weaving faux leather to look just like the real thing. Whichever supplier you are working with should offer you the appropriate product information to let you make an informed decision. But that also works both ways – it’s equally as important the supplier is advised of how you are intending on using a finish so they can advise accordingly. A good example is when I see something like a soft lambskin leather specified for hotel bar stools which is not fit for purpose. By asking the right questions on both sides, we can find the appropriate and cost-effective solution. Lastly luxury bespoke surfaces need time to be developed and this has to be allowed for. I also find that if we are brought into the design process early on, not only are we able to provide exactly what the designer wants but we can ensure it will meet any budget and performance criteria from the outset.
Image caption: Richloom collection featured in a hotel suite. | Image credit: Fameed Khalique
HK: What are some of the recent projects you’ve been working on?
FK: I really love the fact that we work on all types of projects from hotels to cruise ships to private homes and yachts. Over the past few years we’ve worked on many a hotel in London (and further afield) including the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Ned, Grosvenor House, IHG, Soho House and Hoxton Hotels. No day is ever the same! Recently, I’ve loved working with Fabled Studio on the Baccarat Bar in Harrods. The interior is lavish and absolutely stunning (as one would expect from Harrods and Baccarat). We’ve also worked with David Collins Studio on the Nobu Hotel which I can’t wait to see. I have really felt for the hospitality sector over the past year and I’m really looking forward to it reopening so I can return for a cocktail or two or even an overnight stay!. As far as upcoming openings or launches go, we have also been working on the new Peninsula Hotel at Hyde Park for a couple of years now, which I’m very excited about. It’s been a real challenge getting the vision of designer Peter Marino right and working to meet the super high design standards of the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Group. But it has paid off as we are supplying the wallcoverings and fabrics for the guest rooms, suites and public areas. We’ve also worked on the Nomad Hotel in Covent Garden, the Hoxton in Rome and P&O’s new cruise ship, the Iona amongst many others.
FK: We are seeing a general focus on hand made and more natural materials. People want to understand the provenance, they want to see the craft, the hand of the artisan in a material, but they also want innovation and modernity. It is the collision of these two ideas that is producing new and interesting materials. Our collection of wood veneer wallcoverings, which we developed as an alternative to straw marquetry for a hospitality project is proving to be extremely popular, as well as our 3D-engineered wooden tiles, woven leathers and raffia collections as clients are searching for noble materials and more textural detailing for use in their interiors. Clearly there is a big movement towards understanding the sustainable credentials of materials and within the cruise sector, clients are demanding IMO inherent materials. We now have an ever-growing repertoire of sustainable materials and, over the past year, we have introduced a comprehensive collection of IMO finishes.
Inside out – are your outdoor spaces ready for the post-pandemic world?
When you consider art for bars or art for restaurants, the first thing that springs to many people’s mind is the interior spaces, but with the demand for outdoor spaces following the pandemic set to rise what are the possibilities of outdoor art? Elegant Clutter’s in house art consultancy Art Story discuss how art can still tell a story when the party moves outside…
Until recently the outdoor spaces in the UK have been reserved for smokers and the sparse days of good British weather. As experts in art for bars and restaurants, Elegant Clutter have been occasionally asked to install mirrors into the outdoor spaces to aid the inside outside feel but largely the outdoor spaces have not been an art playground, until now. With lockdown easing and outdoor hospitality spaces being the first to open. Art Story suggest that there is now a wonderful opportunity to capture the imagination of guests and tell the hotel’s story through clever and impactful art choices. These previously neglected spaces are long overdue a makeover and we are excited to see how these spaces transform over the coming years.
Image caption: Hard Rock Hotel Budapest, Liquid Music mural installation
Image caption: Hard Rock Hotel Budapest, Liquid Music mural installation
In Hard Rock Hotel Budapest, the Art Story team installed their largest artwork ever. ‘Liquid Music’ is 20m high, unashamedly loud, and runs the height of the internal atrium of the hotel. It was so large that it had to be expertly installed by abseil. Designed by in house digital artist Tegan, the statement artwork was inspired by Budapest’s local street art scene where whole building facades are painted with murals. Street artists offer an abundance of inspiration when is comes to considering art outside. They demonstrate the limitless possibilities of eye-catching artwork that durable enough to withstand the great British weather. ‘Liquid Music’ flows through the decades of popular music, from the 1950s on the 7th floor down through to the experimental digital music of today.
Working with experienced and prominent artists on site adds massive value to a project and often gains valuable press coverage. Art Story boasts a global network of artist collaborators that can be commissioned to freehand an original design on site. Martina Nehrling’s colourful mural Emily’s Bees was installed in Kingston New York as part of the O+ festival and instantly caught the attention of the passing crowds. Similarly, Katy Binks is a confident mural artist and has completely many notable public murals including Box park in Shoreditch which featured a bold hand-painted monochrome design. As most outdoor spaces are visible to the public it is a terrific way of boosting kerb side appeal and getting people excited about frequenting their new and improved terraces and beer gardens. To this effect, the Art Story team also installed a giant suspending sculpture of stars that flowed down towards the street in a colour gradient into Hard Rock Hotel Budapest. A real head-turner and a beacon to drive people to find the fun filled hotel.
Image caption: Hard Rock Hotel Budapest, Stars
Having artists work on site isn’t always an option and for those on a tighter budget, pre-approved artwork can be printed on weatherproof vinyl and expertly installed onto external walls to give the same visual impact in a lot less time. Using this method opens a whole host of opportunities to tell the story of the venue or create a striking focal point. This also allows the hotel to benefit from artists whose original work might be too delicate to be installed outdoors. An added benefit to vinyl is that it can also be installed on glass so if wall space is non-existent, the windows and glass doors can offer a great opportunity to make a visual impact.
Image caption: Ettienne Bing Bang sculpture
The obvious solution to art outdoors is sculpture. Art Story have collaborated with some incredible sculptors like Etienne Krahenbuhl in The Circle in Zurich. The Bing Bang sculpture was installed inside for that project but has been installed outside previously to profound effect. The team are also proud to represent Michael Speller who is well known in the gallery artworld for his distinctive figurative work and public sculptures. They also champion the work of steel artist Rick Kirby who has worked on countless public commissions. The beauty of working in steel allows Rick to create large scale installation pieces at a fraction of the cost of more traditional bronze. Steel can also be polished to a high shine or left unfinished to create a sculpture that will change over time. Art Story is actively growing their portfolio and specialise in sourcing the right talent for every project and working collaboratively to ensure the entire process is as stress free as possible.
Image caption: Rick Kirby Brave New World
Spring is in nearly in full bloom, after a year inside we predict there will be a greater desire to be outside even when indoor meetings are possible. As an industry we now need to consider these spaces not just from a functional standpoint but how can art help add value to the guest experience. Biophilic design often talks about bringing the outdoors inside to amplify a sense of nature within the walls of hospitality but now is it time that we also consider bringing the inside out?
Elegant Clutter is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Black Friday package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
Weekly briefing: EDITION soars & Tom Dixon strikes again
Ahoy there! Hamish Kilburn here with your weekly briefing – if you only read one of our editorial pieces this week, make it this one as its jam-packed full of our most-read news stories and features that we have published over the last few days…
This week’s round-up comes after the UK reaches an important milestone on the nation’s roadmap out of the pandemic: hospitality (outdoors) is allowed to open while non-essential shops have dusted off their shelves to finally be able to welcome their adoring customers once more. This significant moment for the UK is not without its concern for other nations as elsewhere in Europe the Covid-19 crisis continues to wreak havock for destinations that depend heavily on a tourism footfall. And it is in these times when Hotel Designs’ intel becomes socially distanced companion for designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers who wish to establish new projects and developments that are emerging on the international hotel design landscape.
So, without further a due, here are this week’s editor’s picks, which includes news from Tom Dixon, EDITION Hotels and even a carpet collection that was inspired by the tranquility craved during the Covid-19 pandemic – genius!
The acclaimed British designer, Tom Dixon, has been appointed by Pan Pacific to to create a destination bar in Devonshire House, with the aim to design a ‘home from home’ in the city of London. “We have recently spent a lot of time designing spaces all over the world so it’s a great pleasure to find ourselves with a project on our doorstep commissioned by our friends at Pan Pacific London, who are showing their commitment to London and to Bar Culture just when most of the sector is frozen,” explained Dixon. “We look forward to creating an exciting new location in the middle of the city at breakneck speed. We’ll see you all for a cocktail in Autumn 2021!”
The entire team at Hotel Designs and Forum Events have been working tireless throughout the Covid-19 pandmeic, reacting to the latest government guidelines, in order to organise premium networking events that are safe and effective for designers, hoteliers, architects, developers and key-industry suppliers. In this time, we have launched new events, such as Hotel Designs LIVE, in order to keep the conversation flowing, while amended dates and concepts around our much-loved networking events. Here’s the latest amendments to our in-house event calendar – think of it as the ultimate ‘save the date’.
EDITION Hotels has announced its further international expansion by the end of 2022, with the expected openings of eight new properties across three continents. The new openings include sites in Rome, Madrid, Dubai, Reykjavik, Tampa, Doha, Mexico’s Riviera Maya at Kanai and EDITION’s second property in Tokyo. With 11 hotels worldwide currently, these planned unveilings underscore the brand’s strong growth and will bring the portfolio to a total of 19 properties globally.
We have always been impressed with the relevance of TSAR Carpets’ collections, but this is something else… The carpet brand launched a collection during that oozes tranquility and harmony for designers during the Covid-19 crisis. Grab a coffee and let’s take a look.
Time is running out for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers to secure their complimentary tickets to attend Hotel Designs LIVE on May 11, the one-day virtual conference designed to keep the conversation flowing and the industry connected throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
To kickstart ‘public spaces’ being placed under the editorial spotlight this month, Emma Cook takes the reigns to explore how the pandemic will evolve hotel lobbies, hotel arrival and the hospitality experience in general once more.
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
Product watch: Parkside Tiles and the great outdoors
Parkside Architecture Tiles has updated its outdoor tile portfolio, expanding its popular Vista20 line. Let’s take a cheeky look…
Providing tiles suitable for external use, Parkside’s outdoor tiles portfolio has been updated to include even more options for specifiers and designers looking to bring the indoors out.
With brand-new granite, travertine, concrete, marble and terrazzo effects, as well as expanded wood and slate looks, Vista20 provides a wide choice of 20mm thick, vitrified porcelain slabs for the authentic look of natural materials without the maintenance. Hard wearing, frost, mould and stain resistant, the Vista20 collection comes with a high slip-resistance of PTV 36+ barefoot, making the tiles suitable for year-round use. With selected designs available as 10mm options, Vista20 allows a seamless flow from indoors out.
All stone and marble designs in the Vista40 collection are available in indoor (10mm) and outdoor (40mm) versions. The 40mm outdoor versions feature a 30mm Serafoam layer, for a lightweight 600 x 600mm PTV 36+ barefoot tile that eliminates the need for a concrete base layer, making installation simpler and possible in almost all conditions. Both Vista20 and Vista40 are stocked in the UK for fast despatch.
The outdoor tile portfolio also includes Dawson, available in a range of sizes up to an impressive 1200 x 2400mm. In four colours, Dawson is a contemporary concrete effect 20mm tile that’s also available in 10mm for indoor use, bringing an elegant transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The textured finish adds authenticity with the Smoke and Tarmac colours featuring 20 per cent – 40 per cent recycled content.
Parkside also offers a full range of supporting outdoor installation accessories including pedestals, trims and outdoor-ready easy brush-in grout. Some of the collection’s 20mm thick tiles can also be installed with Parkside’s exclusive QuiKer system, an ideal solution for pub and restaurant terraces. This steel backing plate provides a higher impact resistance and can be installed directly onto pedestals.
The outdoor tile portfolio is also home to steel pedestals, for external wall systems as well as balconies on high-rise buildings. Parkside’s flat head pedestals are available in flat head adjustable heights (eight options) and slope corrector with adjustable heights (six options), and are compliant with A2-s1, d0 rated or Class A1 under BS EN 13501-1.
The outdoor tile portfolio is reviewed in a new brochure that’s now available from the trusted tile specification company.
EDITION Hotels has announced that it will open eight new properties by 2022, these include new hotels in Reykjavik, Tokyo, Rome, Dubai, Tampa, Riviera Maya and Doya…
EDITION Hotels has announced its further international expansion by the end of 2022, with the expected openings of eight new properties across three continents. The new openings include sites in Rome, Madrid, Dubai, Reykjavik, Tampa, Doha, Mexico’s Riviera Maya at Kanai and EDITION’s second property in Tokyo. With 11 hotels worldwide currently, these planned unveilings underscore the brand’s strong growth and will bring the portfolio to a total of 19 properties globally.
The hotel brand, which has redefined the concept of luxury through offering an unexpected collection of one-of-a-kind hotels, was conceived by hotel visionary and cultural icon Ian Schrager and Marriott International. The commitment to uncompromising quality, true originality and impeccable modern service continue to challenge traditional perceptions of luxury and entrench EDITION’s position as an industry leader. Every EDITION hotel is unique, reflecting the social and cultural milieu of the time and place of its creation. Each new property is individually developed in collaboration with one of the world’s most eminent designers chosen specifically for that location, and introduces original food and beverage concepts from internationally renowned chefs. The end result offers the best of dining and entertainment, modern luxury services and amenities “all under one roof.”
“I’ve always been committed to being involved in special projects on a global scale that reach new heights,” said Schrager. “I’m thrilled to work together with Marriott, and the opportunity to see these hotels come to life across the world is a dream come true.”
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect in the EDITION pipeline…
The Reykjavik EDITION is anticipated to launch in summer 2021 in one of the world’s most sustainable capitals. Located in the historical, scenic heart of downtown Reykjavik by Old Harbor port, the hotel is just steps away from Laugavegur Street, the city’s vibrant shopping district, and the Harpa Concert and Conference Center. The hotel is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the wonders of the region, with the renowned Blue Lagoon within driving distance and the Northern Lights visible in the city during the winter solstice.
Ian Schrager Company has collaborated with architects T.arch and designers Roman & Williams to introduce EDITION Hotels to Iceland. Poised to offer 253 guestrooms and suites, The Reykjavik EDITION will house a rooftop, nightlife, spacious meeting and event spaces (502 sqm/5,402 sqft) and a spa. In addition, the hotel is expected to offer guests and locals a diverse culinary offering with a signature restaurant, destination bar and a café.
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza – launching late 2021
Image caption: Rendering of the entrance of Ginza Maya EDITION. | Image credit: Edition Hotels
Following the successful launch of the first Japanese EDITION hotel with The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon in late 2020, the opening of the The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza will further strengthen the brand’s position as one of the most exciting lifestyle pioneers in Asia. Slated to open in late 2021, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza will be situated just off Chuo Street, one of the largest upscale entertainment and shopping destinations in the city.
The newly constructed property will include 86 guestrooms and suites, three incredible food and beverage destinations including rooftop bar, together with meeting studio and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
The Rome EDITION – launching late 2021
Image caption: A rendering showing the biophilic entrance of Rome EDITION. | Image credit: EDITION Hotels
Expected to open late in 2021, EDITION Hotels’ first Italian property will feature 95 guest rooms and suites, including a Penthouse suite with a private 130 sqm (1,399 sqft) terrace. The Rome EDITION will offer uniquely designed food and beverage outlets, including a signature restaurant with outdoor dining space that will make locals and visitors fall in love with its cuisine and all that comes with it; a Punch Room Bar with exceptionally crafted cocktails; and a Rooftop Terrace where guests can have the choice of a seasonal bite, a drink overlooking the city, a private gathering with friends, or all of the above. In addition to customisable indoor and outdoor event spaces, the hotel will also be home to a rooftop swimming pool, a very spacious hi-tech gym, and two treatment rooms including a couple-massage experience.
With its central location a few steps from Via Veneto and Bernini’s Tritone Fountain in Piazza Barberini, The Rome EDITION is within a short walk of all the best that the city has to offer, such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Borghese Gardens and Gallery, and many other wonders that make Rome a must-see destination. At the corner of modern luxury and history, the hotel is housed within a historical striking building designed by Cesare Pascoletti in collaboration with architect Marcello Piacentini, one of Italy’s most famed architects of Rationalism in the early 20th century.
The Dubai EDITION – launching late 2021
The anticipated opening of the The Dubai EDITION in late 2021 will mark a significant expansion for the brand into the Middle East’s most popular travel destination. Situated in downtown Dubai, the hotel will be located in one of the city’s most popular locations, opposite the world-famous Dubai Mall.
Designed with LW Design Group LLC, the hotel will feature 275 guestrooms and suites. The property will also be home to multiple food and beverage outlets, pool, spa and fitness center, in addition to dynamic events spaces boasting meeting rooms and a flexible ballroom.
The Madrid EDITION – launching early 2022
Image caption: Rendering of the entrance to Madrid EDITION. | Image credit: EDITION Hotels
The Madrid EDITION will showcase 200 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, some with terraces, and five unique food and beverage outlets including a signature restaurant, cocktail bar, Sky Bar and rooftop terrace, together with an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa. Flexible studios with over 350sqm (3,767 sqft) of dedicated space will host creative meetings and events for large or small groups.
Set in a tranquil square surrounded by historic buildings, The Madrid EDITION is near Puerta de Sol in the heart of the Spanish capital, one of the city’s most famous sites, and within walking distance to The Golden Triangle of Art – three of the most important art museums in Madrid.
Slated to open in early 2022, the hotel will reflect the people and the culture of the city and will become a stunning microcosm of one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings, innovative design, and luxury service. The Madrid EDITION will be the second EDITION Hotel in Spain, following the successful opening of The Barcelona EDITION in 2018.
The Tampa EDITION – launching early 2022
Image caption: Render of entrance for The Tampa EDITION. | Image credit: EDITION Hotels
Planned to open in early 2022, The Tampa EDITION will become the fifth US property from EDITION Hotels. Situated within the new 56-acre Water Street Tampa neighbourhood, the hotel will be home to 172 guestrooms and suites and six food and beverage outlets, including a signature restaurant, rooftop bar and terrace. The property will also feature a 204sqm (2,195 sqft) Penthouse Suite, expansive spa, fitness center and over 550sqm (5,920 sqft) of flexible meeting and events space. Bringing some of the world’s best talents together into one project, design is care of the acclaimed New York-based architecture practice Morris Adjmi in collaboration with Florida-based firm Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates; with interiors designed by the renowned Roman & Williams. The hotel is situated within immediate proximity to the best that Tampa has to offer in terms of cultural institutions, entertainment, recreational, dining and shopping options.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai – launching mid 2022
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is expected to open in mid 2022. With 180 guestrooms and suites, the hotel will be situated within the luxurious Kanai development, and home to six food and beverage outlets including a signature restaurant, pool bar and beach club, destination spa and an expansive 206sqm (2,217 sqft) Penthouse Suite. In addition to multiple meeting spaces, the hotel will also house an extensive outdoor deck for large scale events and parties.
Located on a pristine beachfront site, EDITION Hotels’ first property in Mexico will find its home in the blissful stretch of Caribbean coastline. Riviera Maya is known for its mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, tropical beaches, ecological reserves and the world’s second largest coral reef.
The Doha EDITION – launching late 2022
The Doha EDITION is anticipated to open in late 2022 in Doha’s central business district, West Bay, which edges the Persian Gulf. The hotel will have 200 guest rooms including 29 suites, two restaurants, three bars and a nightclub and nearly 929 sqm (10,000 sqft) of event space. The hotel tower will punctuate the already eclectic Doha skyline and will house 167 EDITION branded residences.
In addition to these new properties, EDITION Hotels expects to announce further expansion later in 2022.
Main image caption: Render of lobby inside The Dubai EDITION | Image credit: EDITION Hotels
Time is running out for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers to secure their complimentary tickets to attend Hotel Designs LIVE on May 11, the one-day virtual conference designed to keep the conversation flowing and the industry connected throughout the Covid-19 crisis…
In less than one month, the team at Hotel Designs will host the fourth Hotel Designs LIVE event, which will virtually take place on May 11, 2021. The event, which was recently shortlisted shortlisted in the ‘Best Webinar Series’ category at the Digital Event Awards, will welcome world-renowned designers, architects and hospitality professionals to take part in four targeted panel discussions. And the best part? If you qualify as a designer, architect, hotelier or developer, then attending the event is completely free.
Simply click here to secure your complimentary ticket(s) to Hotel Designs LIVE* (booking form takes less than two minutes to complete).
In addition to the live interviews and panel discussions with handpicked industry experts – and to ensure that the event is bridging the gap between hospitality suppliers and designers, architects, hoteliers and developers – the conference also included structured ‘Product Watch’ pitches around each session, allowing suppliers the opportunity to pitch their products and services in a ‘live’ environment to the hospitality buyers that are tuned in.
The agenda for the day and confirmed speakers
If you are a designer, architect, hotelier or developer and would like to secure your complimentary seats in the audience, click here. If you are a supplier to the hotel design industry and would like to promote your latest product or services to the Hotel Designs LIVE audience, please contact Katy Phillips via email or call +44 (0)1992 374050.
“A Designer’s ‘Retreat’ – the carpet collection inspired by Covid-19
We have always been impressed with the relevance of TSAR Carpets’ collections, but this is something else… The carpet brand launched a collection during that oozes tranquility and harmony for designers during the Covid-19 crisis. Grab a coffee and let’s take a look…
In Autumn 2020, months after governments around the world closed their boarders and populations were instructed to work from home, TSAR Carpets innovatively launched the Retreat collection, which translates ink-on-paper artworks and biophilic water motifs into new Axminster carpet designs.
TSAR’s Melbourne-based Head Designer, Ross Cleland, channeled his creative exploration during Covid-19 lockdown into a series of soothing and biophilic floor covering designs. Centered around the concept of “The Future of Hospitality,” TSAR’s Retreat Axminster carpets use natural bodies of water as inspiration to add visual movement and flow underfoot.
By using interchangeable colours, each design can take on a new meaning and purpose, as the fluid designs are responsive to a building’s architecture and add a bespoke element to an interior context.
Image credit: TSAR Carpets
Image credit: TSAR Carpets
Available since October 2020, the collection is sold exclusively at TSAR’s studios in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Shanghai.
TSAR Carpets, which is an Industry Support Partner Hotel Designs, is a Melbourne-based design brand with more than 30 years of expertise in the manufacturing of luxury custom carpets and rugs. A family-owned business founded by David and Kerrie Sharpley, it is now a global company recognised for its passion for textiles and its profound knowledge of the handtufted technique. TSAR delivers bespoke floor coverings for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial environments worldwide.
Industry insight: Is this the end of WiFi in hotels?
A recent Which? survey found that over 14GB of data on average is going unused each month. Could your hotel be missing the opportunity to utilise this data network rather than invest in new WiFi Equipment? Following an impressive pitch at Hotel Designs LIVE, Gary Yeames-Smith, Director of Yeames Hospitality believes so…
The race to bring faster and bigger WiFi to Hotels has been ongoing for the last 20 years as more and more devices come online through business use as well as everyday lives. What started as a need for business laptops, was quickly followed by mobile phones, tablets and now smart watches from both business and leisure Guests.
Hoteliers have been charged with installing the infrastructure to support WiFi at the beginning and continue to do so. Why? Because they had to. Given the choice between a Hotel with or without WiFi the Guest would always opt for the former even if it cost more to stay per night. Since then every hotel now offers WiFi and the Guest pays for that though higher room rates.
But this was the need 10 years ago, when internet demand was exploding and the only way to provide it was through a wired or wireless connection because mobile data was slow and patchy at best but also very expensive to the end user.
Fast forward to 2021 when 4G coverage is mainstream and 5G is being rolled out already to major cities. The cost of mobile data is at an all time low, yet a lot of the data also goes unused. With more speed and capacity available on mobiles that though conventional Broadband networks, isn’t it time your hotel thought of a different way?
Yeames Hospitality provides a Ofcom-regulated Mobile Coverage Solution that will increase signals on all four UK networks throughout the hotel and provide you the opportunity to give your guests amazing mobile coverage but also cut the cord on high cost leased lines in the future.
Image credit: Adobe Stock/Yeames Hospitality
The company, which offers a number of tech-driven solutions, can work with your hotel for fast and effective deployment on build or part of your refurbishment plans.
Yeames Hospitality was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on February 23, 2021. Read more about the virtual event here. The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on May 11 2021.
A green urban jungle: DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti Opens
In the heart of the Eternal City, DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti has opened sheltering a nod to biophilic design that spills into all areas of the hotel…
The sits in a strategic position in one of the most dynamic and eclectic neighbourhoods, Rione Monti, which spans from Termini Station to Piazza Vittorio. The hotel’s guestrooms, suites and facilities are spread across seven floors and includes a bar and cafeteria with an entrance from the lively Piazza Esquilino, a restaurant serving reinterpreted traditional cuisine, and a rooftop bar and panoramic terrace, as well as three modular meeting rooms and a modern fitness room.
Image credit: Janos Grapov
The hotel, which is operated by HNH Hospitality and developed by Reale Immobili, welcomes guests into rooms bathed in natural light with a contemporary design inspired by the colours of Rome. Pairing contemporary comfort and vintage Italian charm, natural outdoor elements are brought inside.
Image credit: Janos Grapov
The earthy wood and stone materials, combined with different plant forms, are enriched from the natural daylight that the hotel offers, providing instant character and warmth. Starting from its design, the hotel has been committed to reducing its environmental and social impact, as seen by the choice of materials used and energy sources.
Image credit: Janos Grapov
“We are proud to announce this new opening,” says Luca Boccato, CEO of HNH Hospitality, “a positive sign of confidence for the hotel industry in such a difficult moment due to the ongoing pandemic, but also a truly innovative project in terms of layout and style, which we have followed since the beginning. We strongly believe it will be an excellent addition to our portfolio, also for the destination.” Boccato continues: “Landing in Rome with such an innovative project makes us very proud. It confirms the quality of our organization model and logic of multibrand development, which has allowed us to build expertise over time. Working with partners such as Reale Immobili, Hilton and THDP is extremely gratifying and recognition of our role in the national market, despite the difficult context.”
“The mission of Reale Immobili is to enhance the value of Reale Group’s real estate assets,” says Alberto Ramella, general director of Reale Immobili. “We are proud to have reached this objective with such an important Italian hotel operator as HNH Hospitality and with the Hilton brand. This operation allows us to strengthen our position in the hotel sector and to diversify our offer in Rome, where we already have other structures. It also allows us to give the city – one of the top destinations for international tourists – an elegant hotel, entirely renovated, which will broaden accommodation offering in our capital, also in anticipation of returning to normality.”
“We are thrilled to partner with HNH Hospitality to open DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti,” comments David Kelly, senior vice president, continental Europe, Hilton. “The hotel has undergone an impressive refurbishment and is the perfect property to introduce DoubleTree by Hilton to Rome – joining five other Hilton brands with a presence in the city. We know that there is considerable pent-up demand for travel, and Rome is consistently a top destination for international travelers. This hotel is well-positioned to capture that demand as international travel resumes.”
Nick Hickson, Director and co-founder of THDP will join editor Hamish Kilburn on a panel discussion at Hotel Designs LIVE. The event, which is free to attend if you are a designer, architect, hotelier or developer, takes place on May 11. Click here to register (booking form takes less than two minutes).
Tom Dixon joins design team for Pan Pacific London
The acclaimed British designer, Tom Dixon, has been appointed by Pan Pacific to to create a destination bar in Devonshire House, with the aim to design a ‘home from home’ in the city of London…
Set to launch in Autumn 2021, this appointment will further cement Pan Pacific London’s commitment to combining world-class design with hospitality to encourage a new generation of guests to make the City of London their home away from home.
“We look forward to creating an exciting new location in the middle of the city at breakneck speed.” – Tom Dixon.
“We have recently spent a lot of time designing spaces all over the world so it’s a great pleasure to find ourselves with a project on our doorstep commissioned by our friends at Pan Pacific London, who are showing their commitment to London and to Bar Culture just when most of the sector is frozen,” explained Dixon. “We look forward to creating an exciting new location in the middle of the city at breakneck speed. We’ll see you all for a cocktail in Autumn 2021!”
Anne Golden, General Manager at Pan Pacific London added: “We are thrilled to have Tom Dixon and his talented design team on board. Tom’s design aesthetic will be perfectly placed in Devonshire House and will complement the existing architecture and heritage of this beautiful building. I am confident that they will create a space that is unique and exciting, allowing the bar to become one of the finest destinations in the city and a compelling addition to the already vibrant cocktail bar scene in East London.”
Image caption: A render of a new wellness experience that will be sheltered inside Pan Pacific London
Image caption: Establishing render of Pan Pacific London’s exterior
The hotel, which was referenced on Hotel Designs during an interview with Mark Kelly, Partner at PLP Architecture, is being described as an ‘architectural marvel’ – the project’s vision is 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.
Fronted by PLP Architecture and with design by Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel is unmatched in scale and quality by any existing hotels in the area. It will open in 2021 featuring 237 guestrooms and one-bedroom suites; two restaurants and bars; a wellbeing floor with treatment rooms, relaxation pods, a well-equipped gym and fitness area, Café and 18.5m indoor infinity pool; public plaza; two floors of meeting rooms and event spaces as well as the largest ballroom in the square mile; and more.
Hotel Designs updates in-house events calendar for 2021 & 2022
In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, Hotel Designs has made a few amendments to its in-house event calendar for 2021 and 2022. Editor Hamish Kilburn explains everything you need to know…
The entire team at Hotel Designs and Forum Events have been working tireless throughout the Covid-19 pandmeic, reacting to the latest government guidelines, in order to organise premium networking events that are safe and effective for designers, hoteliers, architects, developers and key-industry suppliers. In this time, we have launched new events, such as Hotel Designs LIVE, in order to keep the conversation flowing, while amended dates and concepts around our much-loved networking events.
Now that the UK government has given us a clearer indication on when social distancing measures will ease, here are the latest updates regarding all of our events.
The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on May 11, and will look at topics such as lifestyle, bathrooms, art and workspace.
In addition to the live seminar sessions – and to ensure that the event is bridging the gap between hospitality suppliers and designers, architects, hoteliers and developers – the conference also included structured ‘PRODUCT WATCH’ pitches around each session, allowing suppliers the opportunity to pitch their products and services in a ‘live’ environment to the hospitality buyers that are tuned in.
What’s more, designers, architects, hoteliers and developers attend free of charge – click here to secure your complimentary ticket(s).
The inaugural Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place online on June 23, 2020, defined the point on international hotel design’s most relevant topics with the help of some of design, architecture and hospitality’s leading figures as well as identifying the latest product innovations on the market.
Following this event, Hotel Designs LIVE will return on August 10, 2021 and December 7, 2021 to explore more relevant topics with with world-renowned designers, architects, hoteliers and developers (topics and sessions for future events will be available shortly).
The next Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS) will take place on June 30, 2021 at Hilton Canary Wharf
IDAS is Hotel Designs’ premium meet-the-buyer event for designers, architects and suppliers.
If you are a senior designer and/or architect and would like to attend the 2021 event, please contact Alex King on 01992 374082, or email a.king@forumevents.co.uk. If you are a supplier and are interested in attending the 2021 event, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098, or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.
To help the industry enter the new era of retail and hospitality, Forum Events has launched a new meet-the-buyers hybrid event for senior professionals who are directly responsible for the interior design and fit-out of retail stores, leisure and hospitality establishments and those who provide products and services to these industries.
The Retail & Hospitality Design Forum, which takes place from September 6 – 7 at Radisson Red, London Heathrow (virtual attendance options are also available), will be a highly focused event that will consist of one-to-one, pre-arranged business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities over the two days.
If you are a supplier to the industry looking to meet top retail and hospitality professionals, email Courtney Saggers – or click here to request more information. If you are a hotelier and would like to attend the Summit for free, please email Victoria Petch – or click here to book your place.
Hotel Summit | September 27 – 28 | Radisson Red, London Heathrow
For more than two decades, the Hotel Summit has been bringing together senior hospitality professionals with key-industry suppliers. The meet-the-buyer event include:
Pre-arranged, one-to-one meetings between hospitality professionals and suppliers
Exceptional speakership programmes
Gala dinner
If you are interested in exhibiting at the 2021 event, please contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374098 or email j.lane@forumevents.co.uk. If you are a hotel operator, general manager or procurement manager and would like to attend the event free of charge, please contact Victoria Petch of 01992 374099 or email k.naumburger@forumevents.co.uk.
Following last year’s virtual awards ceremony, The Brit List Awards is back for another year to identify the leading interiors designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers operating in Britain.
This year’s categories are:
Interior Designer of the Year
Architect of the Year
Hotelier of the Year
Best in Tech
The Eco Award
Best in British Product Design
Rising Star of the Year (NEW CATEGORY)
Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry
Applications and nominations (free to apply/nominate) will open on May 10, 2021 and will close in August. More information on the event can be found here.
Sheltered safely inside Minotti London’s premium and spacious Fitzrovia showroom, MEET UP London will welcome designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers. With the aim to support young talent as we emerge from unprecedented and challenging times, the theme MEET UP London will be ’30 Under 30′ where we will unveil the leaders and visionaries of tomorrow’s hotel design and hospitality scene. Applications/nominations will open shortly.
MEET UP North | May 5, 2022 | Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester
MEET UP North, which is Hotel Designs’ leading networking evening in the north, will take place at Stock Exchange Hotel in the heart of Manchester on May 5, 2022.
Designers, architects, hoteliers and developers, click here to attend (booking form takes less than 2 minutes to fill out). Suppliers, click here to attend (booking form takes less than two minutes to fill out).
Considering the vast amount of hotel projects currently on the boards in the north – many of which are slated to complete and open this year – the theme of MEET UP North will be Manchester ‘Inspiring Creativity’. The city, which has hosted the concept since its launch in 2018, will once again welcome leading designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers for the industry’s leading networking event in the north.
If you would like to discuss or be part of any other our hospitality and hotel design events, please do not hesitate to email Hamish Kilburn and/or Katy Phillips.
Since you’re here…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
“For hotel interiors, the Covid-19 pandemic will leave a lasting impression on design, as specifiers look to surfaces and flooring to create a comfortable, safe space for guests,” says Sarah Thorpe, Amtico’s hotel specialist…
When you walk into a hotel, your eyes are quickly drawn to the different design elements; a contemporary piece of art, ornate chandeliers, or even an impressive staircase. But it’s what is under your feet that plays an important role in hospitality interiors.
Flooring has a multitude of roles to fulfil in a hotel, from guiding guests to the reception and creating the base element for the interior design, to providing a relaxing and comfortable environment in the bedrooms. As hospitality venues re-open and we begin to travel again, hotels will want to make their guests feel as relaxed and content as possible when they stay. We’re already seeing interior design evolve from simply creating extravagant aesthetics, to also actively contributing to positive wellbeing and an improved experience.
While the flooring design enhances the overall aesthetics and mood, resilience is the fundamental quality to ensure the surface can stand up to heavy footfall. It also needs to simultaneously resist scratches, stains or scuffs from heels and suitcases. For these reasons, one of the most popular types of commercial flooring is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). Indeed, this is one of the most versatile, durable and hardwearing products available and it offers complete design freedom – presenting a commercially attractive alternative to other flooring materials, especially natural wood, stone, sheet vinyl and laminates.
Image caption: Black Walnut in Small Parquet | Image credit: Amtico
LVT is also acoustically superior and offers sound reduction benefits, which helps create a peaceful and quiet atmosphere so that guests can relax. Indeed, the acoustics of an environment can have just as much an impact on a guest’s stay than the hardness of a mattress. At Amtico, we understand the need to reduce noise without compromising design aesthetics; we developed Amtico Acoustic, an enhanced 1mm PVC foam backing layer that works across standard planks and tiles in our Signature, Form and Spacia collections; it enhances the LVT to reduce sound transmission by up to 19dB. This layer also helps to provide enhanced comfort for guests by reducing sound transmission to rooms below, while minimising noise from passing footsteps in a hotel corridor.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected how we view the cleanliness of the environments around us. Even when restrictions are lifted and hotels re-open to the public, concerns about infection will remain indefinitely and there will be an even greater need to reassure guests of their safety. Certainly, the concept of promoting positive wellbeing has extended beyond peaceful and calming aesthetics, and LVT safety flooring complements this on a practical level.
The control of bacteria is increasingly important, as is reducing the risk of slips and falls. Our safety flooring LVT products – from the Signature 36+ and Spacia 36+ collections – encompass antimicrobial technology, in addition to near invisible particles that increase friction levels between feet and the surface. As a result, it can offer exceptional levels of slip resistance and prevent the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and fungus while adhering to specific design scheme requirements.
Of course, safety flooring and interior design are not always considered together, with many product specifications focused solely on one element or the other. Part of the design limitations in recent years have been linked to the proliferation of sheet vinyl safety flooring, which is often one-dimensional and lacks natural details. In hotel bars and restaurants, there is growing demand for safety floors with more design variety and a higher quality finish. To offer specifiers greater design scope, our Signature 36+ and Spacia 36+ collections are available in 37 Woods, 12 Stones and three Abstract designs across 11 plank and tile sizes, plus the classic Parquet laying pattern.
The design of a space makes it possible to evoke an emotional response in an individual, which can range from a sense of excitement seeing the room for the first time, through to making them feel relaxed and comfortable in the restaurant. While comfortable upholstered furniture and ambient lighting are naturally considered the first factors to evoke such a response, flooring is also integral to this, as it can convey to occupants how an area should be used. However, the right choice of floor product – provided with a generous commercial warranty – goes a long way in terms of meeting the practical needs of the hotel and its guests, while ensuring durability, long-lasting performance and, importantly, comfort.
Amtico is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Black Friday Deal. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
To kickstart ‘public spaces’ being placed under the editorial spotlight this month, Emma Cook takes the reigns to explore how the pandemic will evolve hotel lobbies, hotel arrival and the hospitality experience in general once more…
Hotels: the home away from home. Except, now, we want to be anywhere but our homes! Endless lockdowns have left people craving to escape the confinement of their house, and where are modern travellers desperate to escape to? Hotels is where!
Since the late 1980s, unique experience in hotels has taken over, and the desire to have an authentic experience has changed the way in which hotels are designed. Travellers becoming more savvy – and just general interest in culture – has seen hotels use the local vernaculars as concept for their design: both physical and experience. Brand standards are slowly being taken over by distinctive boutique hotels which encapsulate the local identity – creating a more immersive experience.
Image credit: Unsplash/Chesley Mccarty
Image credit: Unsplash/Thanos Pal
The experience of a hotel is arguably more influential than the design when creating repeat business; although, the two go hand-in-hand. When you enter a space, you don’t remember the colours of the flooring or the warmth of the lighting, instead you remember if you felt excited, uncomfortable or inspired. One can appreciate a great looking hotel on Pinterest, for example, but when they walk into that same hotel in real life, the feeling they get may be completely different. Design becomes experience when the senses are stimulated. Touch, sound, and human interaction are all part of the design experience and can completely change the way someone feels in the space. However, in the face of Covid-19, how will the lack of touch and interaction impact the hotel experience?
More often than not, designers and hoteliers are aiming to achieve a sense of the hotel’s brand and ethos when guests enter the building. If the public spaces are particularly open plan and airy, the space will feel sociable and will have a ‘buzz’ about it. On the contrary, if a hotel has more corridors, soft music, and a luxurious feel, you could hazard a guess that it will probably be an older demographic with more middle-class desires. This initial representation comes in the service too; a long marble check-in desk compared to a person carrying a tablet, both give off a very different ambience. Once hotels can open to the public again, it’ll be interesting to see which types of hotels people are more drawn to. The open plan and social hotel may now be stark and empty whereas the more private hotel may feel too much like being back in lockdown.
Image caption: Stylish interior design scheme inside W Osaka, conceived by Amsterdam-based studio concrete
In the last decade, the amount of human contact we get has reduced massively. Thanks to technology, everything can now be done and ordered at the touch of a button. Since Covid-19, the importance of human connection has become very apparent, and we may see a reversion to more face-to-face service by choice of the guest. There is a strong argument between the convenient hygiene of self-check-in stations vs. the sought-after human interaction of desk staff. The flexibility of allowing the guest to do what makes them feel more comfortable will make for a successful hotel check-in experience.
Hotel public spaces host a wealth of activities: arriving, waiting, working, meeting friends, eating, and departing. Factoring flexibility into the design can give space to these activities and allow them to cohesively work in one room to fulfil the needs and wants of guests. Larger, more flexible spaces also allow for more people in one room, whilst maintaining a safe distance. This retains the social aspect that guests will crave yet continues to keep them safe. Creating lots of small breakout spaces will make potentially longer waiting times feel more pleasant but also creates places for people to grab a coffee or work. Savvy designers may be able to manipulate human traffic within the spaces by creating subtle boundaries. A simple change in lighting or furniture can define spaces and flooring materials can create ‘pathways’ for guests to subconsciously follow. Gone will be the days of ‘one way’ signs and ‘2m apart’.
Image caption: A hotel concept in Kyiv, conceived by ADP Architecture with the aim to create a deeper connection with the local vernacular.
Hygiene will be at the forefront of hospitality design. After being cooped up in the safety of their own homes, people need to feel comfortable in knowing that the place they are staying is clean. However, being surrounded by service people cleaning 24/7 wont exactly create a warm and inviting environment. Minimalism tends to give off a sterile aesthetic which can lead people into thinking the surfaces are cleaner than they look – this comes with both materiality and form. Brass and other copper alloys have antimicrobial properties and materials like these, that not only look amazing but also help tackle some of the bacterial issues, can be used at touch points like handles and railings. If people feel safe in an environment, they will feel more comfortable engaging with others in the same room, increasing sociability and the overall experience.
Ventilation is key and hotels with open spaces are bound to do well in the future. Whether it’s a courtyard, outdoor eatery or a guestroom balcony, people want to know that the air around them is fresh and clean. Greenery in indoor spaces is an easy way to make a room feel fresher and cleaner, even if it’s not, and planting can also be a way of dividing spaces and creating clear pathways. Architectural science may see a big movement into breathable technology. Long gone will be air conditioning; façades that can breathe and act like skin will become the new way of ventilating and cooling/heating a building.
Image caption: An open-air public area experience at Seaside Finolhu in the Maldives, conceived by Muza Lab. | Image credit: Seaside Finolhu/Brechenmacher & Baumann
More than ever, people are aware of their own personal wellbeing and the idea of routine will be extremely important for a lot of people now. Hotels can take inspiration from Japanese architecture which implements ritualistic elements into design which has been proven as an architectural way to increase mental wellbeing. Simply adding a few wash basins to the entrance of a hotel lobby can incorporate ritualistic elements to the design and let guests know that the hotel is a clean space. The sinks don’t need to look unsightly either, the Address Hotel, Dubai Marina, has beautiful sinks which are a feature of the entrance.
After a year of lockdowns and restriction, people have become very adapted to working from home and communicating through virtual means. Those who once travelled for business may not need to anymore yet flexibility in where people can work from may increase numbers of remote workers. Meeting rooms may become dormant as working from the bedside is the new norm and an increase in communal workspaces will be required. The flexibility to choose where to work from will be high on the priority list for remote workers and they will be looking to enjoy working from a poolside, quiet café, or lounge seating area. Although hotels should not want to become the new workplace, in fear of jeopardising leisure travellers’ experience. Will a new generation of workplace hotels be born, as a result, to keep definitive boundaries between work and play?
It will be a challenge for both designers and hoteliers to allow guests to feel comfortable in public spaces again, without removing the human interaction that people crave and need more than ever right now. New priorities of guests will have inevitably changed since Covid-19 but the experience they desire will remain the same. Hotel public spaces need to offer the same amount of uniqueness as they already do but need to also respond to the heightened concerns of visitors.
World-renowned hospitality design firm concrete Amsterdam was appointed to design the interiors of W Hotels’ first property in Japan. The hotel has just opened and Hotel Designs managed to get a sneaky peek inside…
The wait is over. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, has lifted the curtains on Japan’s first-ever W hotel. Making its debut along vibrant Midosuji Boulevard, W Osaka will redefine the local hotel scene with the brand’s spirited spin on luxury as the perfect addition to this electric city.
“Osaka’s mix of culture and bold, high-energy lifestyle makes it the ideal setting for the debut of W Hotels in Japan,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “We are excited to once again be partnering with Sekisui House to welcome W Osaka to the luxury hospitality landscape here, and know international travellers and locals alike will be drawn to the hotel and its playground of possibilities.”
Image credit: W Hotels
The hotel asserts its presence in the city’s busy urban streetscape with a black monolith façade designed by Osaka-born, world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. The hotel’s intriguing design concept is expressed as a minimalist exterior concealing colourfully exuberant interiors, a nod to the Edo period when excessive displays of wealth were prohibited, and merchants were said to have dressed modestly in public. However, in private, flamboyance and opulence were free to be expressed, and W Osaka typifies this transformation. The interior design was conceptualised by concrete, the Amsterdam-based design studio behind the extraordinarily chic W London and W Verbier and who will join the Hotel Designs LIVE speaker line-up in May. The design narrative shines a spotlight on the contrast between Japanese minimalism and the limitless excesses of urban life, illuminated by Osaka’s bright neon lights at night.
Upon arrival at W Osaka, guests enter an illuminated tunnel inspired by the Japanese art forms of cutting and folding paper, origami and kirigami, with images of nature and seasons reflected on its walls. On the third floor, the hotel’s social hub LIVING ROOM (W’s signature take on the lobby) greets guests with vivid colors and a show-stopping design featuring an original interpretation of whimsical Kawaii Kokeshi wooden dolls which celebrate the diversity of W Osaka’s international guests.
Bright spaces, clean lines and bold colour schemes are inspired by Osaka’s blazing streetscapes and reflected in the hotel’s 337 guestrooms and suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of the skyline, while spacious bathrooms with rain showers and luxe amenities invite guests to retreat and recharge. For an unexpected touch, a surprise is locked away behind the closets: a unique “pixorama” of Osaka, a graphic filled with the city’s famous landmarks, designed by pixel art group eBoy. To represent Japan’s famous pink cherry blossoms and Osaka’s azure oceanside, colour themes and neon light accents shine either pink or blue on each alternate floor.
Situated atop the hotel’s 27th floor, the Extreme WOW Penthouse Suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) is 200 square meters with a 4.5-meter-high ceiling and five sequenced rooms divided by oak portals that merge traditional Japanese home design with the W spirit. The “Garden Room” marks the entrance to the suite, with its zen-inspired garden providing a refuge from the bustling city life below.
Image credit: W Hotels
The bedroom features dreamy artwork by Sigrid Calon, a Dutch textile artist whose works have been exhibited around the world, including at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in New York. In the bathroom, the large, 1.9-meter-diameter chrome tub is a reimagined champagne bucket, and invites guests for a surreal soak. The suite features an open kitchen and a built-in DJ booth – the first of its kind in a hotel room in Japan – that’s perfect for entertaining and soundtracking any stay.
W Osaka’s two bars and four restaurants tempt guests with unique, unexpected offerings and an unforgettably gourmet experience. Global flavors merge with iconic Japanese cuisine to tantalise the tastebuds in unexpected ways.
On the fourth floor of W Osaka, FIT offers the latest in fitness equipment, as well as a yoga room with a view. WET is the hotel’s indoor pool space with an LED ceiling to illuminate and amplify the fun. For guests who live by the brand’s ‘Detox.Retox.Repeat’ philosophy, AWAY SPA awaits to restore and revive, with five private treatment rooms.
Image credit: W Hotels
The new hotel has a total of four event and meeting spaces, including the GREAT ROOM, a 390-square-meter ballroom, with high ceilings, deep oak pillars, and champagne-gold metallic details. With WED YOUR WAY, guests can customise the wedding of their dreams on an entire private floor at W Osaka.
“The energy and eclecticism of Japan, particularly Osaka, make it the perfect backdrop for a W hotel,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “From unforgettable dining experiences and live music sets to the thoughtful design rooted in the history and culture of the city, W Osaka is a destination within a destination where international jetsetters and local tastemakers meet and make magic.”
“Individuality with a splash of colour,” says UK Bathrooms about hansgrohe’s FinishPlus range
“hansgrohe’s FinishPlus range of modern tones for taps, mixers and showers means brassware can now make a statement in the bathrooms while seamlessly blending various styles,” says Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms…
The bathroom of today is taking on many of the traits of other rooms in the house, becoming a space dependant on style and comfort as well as practicality and purpose – a lifestyle area providing sanctuary, solace and a chance for self-care. Design plays a key role in the room’s new function, and the way the bathroom looks now has the power to evoke moods and impact mental wellbeing, be it comfort and calmness in darkest black, energetic and eager in zingy sunshine shades or powerful and present in slick monochrome.
As the bathroom adapts to its creative design credentials, the objects found within it have also evolved, and customisation and personalisation have never been more important. While decorative options for surfaces, ceramics and bathroom furniture have become never ending, brassware choices generally remained limited – until now.
Image caption: hansgrohe white shower and taps
Gone are the days of chrome dominating the bathroom. hansgrohe’s FinishPlus range introduces five forward-thinking finishes, reimagining tones that were once unusual in the bathroom and making them easy to apply across the space. The innovative finish collection coats an array of showers, taps, accessories and (soon to be launched) drains, in bold, unconventional shades and textures which are incredibly durable and scratch resistant, demonstrating hansgrohe’s dedication to unparalleled quality and its view that the movement of water is not only as part of the daily routine, but something to be enhanced, modernised and made more beautiful.
“hansgrohe’s FinishPlus challenges preconceptions of the role brassware plays in bathroom design, and elevates taps, mixers and showers to become key features within the space,” says Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms. “The spectrum of finishes offered in the collection have a transformative power over the entire bathroom, offering endless opportunities for individualism and self-expression.”
Hansgrohe’s FinishPlus offers five finishes in bold and contemporary tones which coat some of the brand’s leading designs, such as the angular Metropol and smooth Talis E basin mixers and bath fillers. The finishes are also applied to practical elements such as valves, rails and pipes to create an all-encompassing, seamless aesthetic, with fittings large and small crafted with the same precision engineering the German brand has been perfecting for 120 years.
Matt Black
Welcoming both black tones and texture into the bathroom, the FinishPlus Matt Black surface brings a sense of moodiness and edgy style, its light absorbing matt quality highlighting the shape and silhouette of that which it covers, creating a sculptural feel. Introduce Matt Black into an on-trend all-black bathroom to create an immersive, soothing retreat.
Image caption: hansgrohe matt black shower taps and bath. | Image credit: hansgrohe/UK Bathrooms
Brushed Black Chrome
Dark with a muted shine, shadowy FinishPlus Brushed Chrome is at once dramatic and understated. Team with bright whites to highlight its slick-yet-subtle sophistication and moody impact, add to monochrome schemes to highlight its discreet shine, or juxtapose it against a coloured or patterned background to showcase the brassware’s shapely outline.
Matt White
While white is a staple for bathroom ceramics and surfaces, FinishPlus brings the bright shade to brassware, where it at once makes a bold statement and delicately blends with the room’s surroundings. Camouflage white-coated taps, mixers and showers against a pale backdrop for an ultra-fresh feel and to extend the visual impact of basins and baths, or style it as a statement point of difference against other colours, where the matt surface will create a sleek, contemporary feel.
Polished Gold Optic
One for the extravagant bathrooms, a touch of gleaming Polished Gold Optic will transform a piece of brassware into an elegant, Midas-inspired art object. Go all out with coordinating taps, mixers and showers, or have one statement item as the pièce de résistance to bring glamour and luxury to the space.
Brushed Bronze
Hovering between soft gold and copper, Brushed bronze is a gentle take on the metallic, channelling a calming, neutral feel with its soft sheen and muted colour. Pair the shade with natural materials and hues to create a bathroom that’s serene with a design-led edge.
Image caption: hansgrohe polished gold optic shower and taps in the FinishPlus range. | Image credit: hansgrohe/UK Bathrooms
Stay tuned this year for the launch of the FinishPlus Accessories range, which will complement the existing brassware tones and offer ever greater freedom of expression within bathroom design.
UK Bathrooms is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package and hansgrohe is a Recommended Supplier. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
SLS Dubai is the seventh SLS hotel – the first SLS property in the Middle East – with 11 additional properties to open internationally over the next five years…
Accor has announced the expansion of the international SLS Hotels & Residences brand to the Middle East with the opening of SLS Dubai. Developed in partnership with World of Wonders Real Estate – the new property is one of Dubai’s tallest buildings. The highly anticipated opening is a testament to the SLS brand’s longstanding reputation and experience in creating and delivering extraordinary, unforgettable and timeless experiences.
This news comes on the heels of Accor’s latest phase of expansion following its acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators.
Using the SLS Hotels & Residences’ global perspective gained from its expanding network of hospitality properties, SLS Dubai presents a host of truly enriching and elevated experiences via its portfolio of diversely distinct luxury brands. From Fi’lia, the entirely female-run restaurant that celebrates food & identity, to Carna by the award-winning Italian butcher Dario Cecchini’s contemporary steakhouse, SLS Dubai’s culinary venues are a testament to the hospitality hallmarks of the SLS brand.
Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe states: “We are happy to announce the official opening of SLS Dubai. We are excited to deliver culinary concepts like Fi’lia, our Italian concept, which will at this specific location focus on empowering the incredible leadership team of women, from our chefs to mixologists to managers. We truly believe that the property will be a highly sought-after destination for global travellers and locals alike.”
Located in the Downtown district, SLS Dubai offers incomparable 360-degree views over the city, with unobstructed views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, along with a clear overhead of the calming Dubai Creek. The impressive 75-storey tower makes SLS Dubai one of the tallest hotels and residences in the region. Developed in collaboration with international architecture firm Aedas, SLS Dubai features 254 expertly designed hotel rooms by acclaimed designer Paul Bishop, 371 residential units, 321 hotel apartments and in true SLS fashion, contemporary art, sleek accents & exceptional fittings that are unique characteristics of the brand’s DNA. Bishop, along with his team at Bishop Design, are responsible for the design of the hotel in its entirety, including all of the F&B venues, public spaces as well as the rooms.
Dakota Development, a subsidiary of sbe, provided technical service support for the entire development process including partnering with Bishop Design on SLS’s public spaces and food and beverage venues.
Hotel guests will enter through the ground atrium, take an express elevator to the opulent Sky Lobby on the 71st floor, giving them panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand marble bar highlight S Bar, a lounge area where the menu is playfully divided between healthy, angelic options and sinful, decadent ones. Take your pick.
On the 75th floor, sits Privilege, a lounge and nightlife venue, featuring the region’s highest two infinity pools offering coveted and unobstructed views of Dubai. Privilege is also home to the iconic SLS brand duck, placing it at the top of Dubai’s most Instagram-worthy destinations.
A modern yet sophisticated coffee brand, called EllaMia, greets guest on the ground floor. Promising a sensory and sensual experience, 12 Chairs is a caviar bar that showcases the very best of caviar exclusively reserved for only a few select guests.
SLS Dubai also includes sbe’s signature Ciel Spa, the epitome of luxury with treatment rooms, plunge pools, a hair and nail salon, a fully equipped gym and two outdoor terraces.
Ultimately, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences is a locale that celebrates what it means to be part of a global community – one where likeminded individuals seek connection, inspiration, wellness, art and lively conversations – essentially, the pulse of the SLS experience. Residents of Dubai and travellers of the world, it’s time to let the magic begin.
Chelsom has achieved a design milestone by being awarded the Red Dot Award in the ‘Product Design’ category, for its brand new LED reading light, LED EYE…
It is considered to be the most prestigious product design competition in the world, The Red Dot Awards is judged by a panel of leading design experts from a variety of industries. Thousands of products from more than 60 countries were submitted with each product being evaluated on design quality and innovation in a judging process lasting several days. Well, lighting brand Chelsom was announced a winner at this year’s awards ceremony in the ‘product design’ category for its LED EYE. The award recognises Chelsom’s hard work and continued commitment in creating design-led original products.
On notifying Chelsom of their award, Founder and CEO of Red Dot, Professor Dr. Peter Zec, commented: “Never before in the more than 60-year history of our design competition have so many companies and design studios faced the professional judgment of our international jury as this year. Products from around 60 countries reached us, and their design quality and degree of innovation were evaluated in a process lasting several days. The fact that you claimed your place in a strong field of participants speaks for the excellent quality of your product.”
Chelsom designs and manufactures decorative lighting for the global hotel and marine industries and their in-house designs have enabled them to win prestigious projects all over the world. Chelsom has an exceptionally strong client base including major operators such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages.
When designing the LED EYE collection, Will and Robert Chelsom wanted to yet again disrupt the guestroom head board LED Reading Light design status quo by fusing totally original aesthetics and raw functionality. Will Chelsom, Managing Director, says: “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. 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.”
The labour of love for the father and son team saw this design process completed within an 18-month period, a process that required infallible design, engineering and technological precision making the award win even more of an achievement. Will added: “We are of course truly honoured to receive this seal of quality for outstanding product design. We pride ourselves on our original designs and would like to thank everyone at the Red Dot Awards for their recognition.”
Chelsom, which is a Recommended Supplier, was a Product Watch Pitch partner at Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on February 23, 2021. Read more about the virtual event here. The next Hotel Designs LIVE will take place on May 11 2021.
Catapulting the Balearic Island into a different league, Six Senses Ibiza will offera way of life that embraces music, culture, art, spirituality, fashion, wellness and sustainability. Hotel Designs gets an early check-in before it officially opens in July…
Following the opening of the brand’s latest hotel in Botanique in Brazil, Six Senses has unveiled images of its highly anticipated hotel in Ibiza. Said to be one the Mediterranean’s most anticipated openings this year, as outlined in our 2021 Hotel Openings Series, Six Senses Ibiza is located on the peaceful northern tip of the island, the village-like resort will capture the authentic essence of the Balearic island both in look and feel. It will be set over 20-acres, with unrivalled sea views and will benefit from direct access to one of the most beautiful bays in Ibiza, Cala Xarraca. Live layers of programming and experiences will constantly evolve to celebrate music, art, sustainable fashion, spirituality, pioneering wellness, culinary exploration and culture, all synonymous with the island.
Image credit: Six Senses
Six Senses Ibiza will be the first sustainable BREEAM certified resort and residential community in the Balearics. The resort will offer 116 guest accommodations, villas, suites and beachfront caves and a number of Village Residences with intimate terraces, lush gardens and pools – perfect for those looking for a permanent hideaway in the Mediterranean.
“Our vision is to capture the authentic Ibiza experience of community, spirituality and celebration,” Jonathan Leitersdorf, the architect and developer, explains. In the hot season (May to October), the community celebrates. From lazy days soaking poolside, enjoying the natural beauty of the bay or meeting an extended family of islanders, to gathering at night on long tables to explore new culinary delights, festive pop-up events and full moon dinners.
In the cool season (November to April), the community shares deep spiritual experiences. Six Senses Ibiza is gearing up to feature a series of immersive teaser weekends and longer-stay retreats, initially yoga, cleanse and fitness.
Surrounded by beautiful unspoiled coves and groves, Six Senses Ibiza is symbolic of the light, beauty and natural rhythms of the seasons that draw people back again. The tactile Finca-style aesthetic has a modern and sophisticated design and finish, and the architecture is built and inspired by locally sourced materials. The Farm at Six Senses Ibiza is a 400-year-old olive press and agricultural estate, where guests will take part in growing the abundance of organic produce that will also supply the resort’s restaurants, café and bars.
“This vision captures an authentic Ibiza experience that really resonates with me on a personal level,” says Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses. “It is aligned with our set of beliefs, particularly around emotional hospitality. Sustainability is a huge part of our company ethos. And when you find a magical place such as Cala Xarraca, it’s something that you work really hard to both showcase and respect. In the case of Six Senses Ibiza, this is what shines so brightly.”
Image credit: Six Senses Ibiza
Image credit: Six Senses
Six Senses Ibiza will be the first European outpost for celebrity chef Eyal Shani, founding father of new Israeli cuisine. His sublime menus will follow the Eat With Six Senses guiding principles of organic, seasonal, nutritious and delicious, gathering guests at the exquisite long tables of the Farmers’ Market. Other signature venues including The Orchard, The Piazza, Farmacy Bar and Live Cave will be complemented by grow-your-own veg, chef’s table and cooking lessons at the Farm.
The Six Senses Spa houses single and couple’s treatment rooms, a steam room, hammam and state-of-the-art fitness area, café and juice bar. The Rose Bar offers night owls a chance to roll back the years through a range of healing and preventative longevity programmes combining diagnostics, biohacking, nutrition and beauty treatments. Outdoors there is an impressive yoga deck and boxing ring on the roof. There will also be immersive retreats at the resort which will be facilitated by Friends of Six Senses, Visiting Practitioners and partners.
Six Senses Ibiza will add an enticing new setting to the vibrant Ibiza music scene. Directly on the shorefront, the Beach Caves music venue is the heart of the resort. Hosting live shows, events, emerging artist sessions, and an expansive vinyl collection, the Beach Caves features avant-garde technology from McIntosh and Sonus faber through a partnership with McIntosh Group. There is also a Cave Royale guestroom with a secret door leading to the Recording Studio for when creativity strikes in the middle of the night.
The hotel celebrates sustainable fashion at the Agora, a new retail concept – part entertainment, part education and part shopping experience. Curated by the renowned fashion editors Daniela Agnelli and Tiffanie Darke, it seeks to tell a story in a series of chapters: Reduce, Recycle, Rent and Restore. Highlights of the store will be a “live magazine” experience, a “Cinderella Room” for dress up nights, and an Intention Tree for customers to remember the change.
Arts and culture are central to the Six Senses experience. As they wander through the resort’s galleries, guests will enjoy displays by Magnum photographers, curated by Elaine Groenestein to reflect Ibiza’s core themes. Along with photography events and workshops, a larger selection of fine prints is available through the Magnum Gallery. There is also a beautiful library for guests to relax and unwind in and expand the mind.
Product watch: A look the latest wallcovering collections from Arte
Arte, founded in 1981, is known for creating sophisticated, luxury wallcoverings, showcasing a clear love of design and exploration of innovative materials and techniques. Hotel Designs takes a close look at the brand’s latest collections…
Every year, an in-house team of experienced designers at Arte work on developing new collections, striving for perfection and trendsetting design whilst simultaneously surprising the design industry with what’s possible to achieve with wallcoverings.
Arte is constantly researching and developing new production techniques, with the production and design team sometimes spending over a year perfecting the techniques used in manufacturing a collection before it’s released to the market. With the world of wallcoverings becoming increasingly more exciting, Arte continues to inspire and challenge, setting the bar for innovative design. Arte’s wallcoverings can be found adorning the walls of both residential homes, as well as commercial interiors in over 80 countries worldwide.
This season sees Arte launch a number of diverse new collections utilising varied techniques from heat embossed textiles to large scale prints and even wall tiles made from shell. These include the beautiful ‘Manovo’, collection inspired by and named after the largest national park in Central Africa, incorporating an eclectic mix of botanical prints, geometric shapes and animal patterns, the fashionable ‘Les Tricots’, inspired by haute couture with five designs offered in an explosive colour palette of blue, green and red as well as earthier tones, the refined and elegant ‘Cameo’, designed to celebrate the beauty of imperfections and perfect for bringing the outdoors in, as well as the maximalist ‘Decors & Panoramiques’, with its lively eye-catching large scale murals and bold patterns which achieve a dreamy world of painterly scenes.
Image caption: The Manovo Collection was inspired by and named after the largest national park in Central Africa. | Image credit: Arte
Arte’s new collections feature a wide range of influences and styles to suit both traditional and classic, as well as modern and contemporary interiors. The inspiration and colours of the designs in ‘Les Tricots’ explore the power of fashion in design, inspired by the recent revival of haute couture and thanks to the combination of unique printing methods and the use of velvety soft yarns, creates the illusion of rich fabrics and opulent textiles adorning the walls. The vibrant ‘Chintz’ design is a particular favourite and a real showstopper, which will work well for statement walls as well as for an all over-scheme for lovers of maximalism.
Image caption: The Les Tricots collection was inspired by haute couture. | Image credit: Arte
Image caption: Les Tricots explores the power of fashion. | Image credit: Arte
Taking inspiration from natural materials and textures, ‘Cameo’ is an elegant and paired-back collection of non-woven wallcoverings offered in a selection of neutral, nudes and earthy tones, making it easily suited to any interior space, with a lustrous, minimalist feel. Within the collection, Arte have eight designs, inspired by the textures that we see all around us from wood, stone, raffia and sisal, with all designs finished in glossy relief inks in which asymmetry, varying shapes and structures provide an unexpected harmony and this appreciation of the ‘imperfect’ we see in nature. The demand for sleek and modern minimalist interiors has grown with the Japandi trend currently on the rise, and an increasing appreciation for craft, natural materials and textures, as well as the idea of ‘clean design’, making this collection a perfect ode to the beauty seen in nature.
Manovo, one of the newest additions, honours Central Africa with influences taken from the savanna woodlands and grassy lands, resulting in woven jacquard designs celebrating textures and details seen in the natural landscape, to the more distinctive patterns seen in traditional African carpets and fabrics, allowing for graphic and geometric detail. With a palette of bold blues, graphic greens and earthy warm yellows, this collection will create a warm and inviting interior, perfect for relaxing spaces.
For those ready to embrace maximalism head on, ‘Decors and Panoramiques’ will be the perfect choice with its offering of lively eye-catching patterns and dreamy painterly scenes. 11 designs in total, with scenic hand painted panels, complemented beautifully by lavish and vibrant prints will allow for layers of bold colour, pattern, print and texture in an interior scheme; it’s perfectly suited for adding drama and interest in larger commercial spaces as well as residential interiors.
Image caption: Decors and Panoramiques is an eye-catching, lively wallcoverings collection. | Image credit: Arte
Arte have always offered a wide range of designs across their collections ensuring there is a design for every aesthetic and the SS21 offering is no different. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a wallcovering, each collection offers endless design and colour options that will be easy to incorporate into any room and any scheme, either as the textural base or the main talking point.
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.
“It makes a statement” – UK Bathrooms reviews Imperial’s Black Sapphire Collection
UK Bathrooms explore comfort and style qualities in the Black Sapphire Collection of dark sanitaryware by Imperial Bathrooms…
Creating a unique environment is key to success for hoteliers, whatever the hotel category, whatever the size of hotel; hotels today need to stand out in the crowd. And one place they can do this is the hotel bathroom by not only offering the best in comfort and ease of use, but by making sure the space is beautifully stylish, functional, durable and different.
Merging comfort and style the Black Sapphire Collection of dark sanitaryware by Imperial Bathrooms ups the ante, finally bringing ceramics over to the dark side.
The hotel bathroom of 2021 has emerged as a space for wellbeing and retreating to for a moment of calm; time spent in the bathroom of today is prized by hotel guests, an opportunity for peace, privacy, self-care and time out from frenetic lives. Bathroom design has become more expressive, experimental and exciting.
Enter the vogue for black bathrooms, with dark, cave-like spaces creating sanctuaries where the stresses of outside cease to exist. While surfaces, furniture, fixtures and accessories have all been doused in black tones of late, sanitaryware remained traditionally white and bright – until now. Imperial Bathrooms’ new Black Sapphire Collection has put an end to interrupting dark schemes with chunks of dazzling paleness, with the extensive offering, encompassing basins, toilets, bidets and accessories in a myriad of styles, enabling bathrooms to wholly embrace the darkness, as well as adding an unexpected edge to monochrome designs and broader palettes.
“Black and monochrome rooms soothe the eye and allow an overworked mind a moment of calm,” explains Graeme Borchard, MD at UK Bathrooms. “The Black Sapphire Collection from Imperial Bathrooms means that bathrooms can now fully commit to a black palette, and offers wider and bolder options for those hoteliers wanting to create statement spaces.”
The range incorporates four sanitaryware families, the first truly comprehensive collection of black bathroom ceramics.
Etoile Black Sapphire
Bedecked in the pigment-rich Black Sapphire finish, the round edges, intricate design and striking silhouettes of the Etoile collection take on an alluring, opulent feel. Each piece is crafted in Britain, repeatedly fired and smoothed to ensure a flawless, glossy finish. Team with high shine tiles in a matching tone and polished metals for maximum effect.
Image caption: Radcliffe large pedestal basin by Imperial Bathrooms
Image caption: Drift Hardwick basin stand by Imperial Bathrooms
Astoria Deco Black Sapphire
The Astoria Deco range takes on an edgy, moody personality with a glossy Black Sapphire coat. The sculptural quality of its Art Deco angles, defined lines and shapely elegance make a dynamic statement – bring together multiple pieces for high impact and unforgettable wow factor.
Drift Black Sapphire
Combining the playfully curved lines of the Drift range with a blackened coat creates a tongue-in-cheek effect, the modern finish and shapes merging with hints of the traditional. Place the subtly decorative ceramics against a white, coloured or patterned backdrop of to make the most of the collection’s design details.
Radcliffe Black Sapphire
With slick lines and an even sharper attitude, the refined Radcliffe range is a nod to classic British bathroom design, made even more stately and statuesque in a shadowy glass-like finish. Style with traditional brassware, lighting and mirrors to complete the powerful, sophisticated aesthetic.
The Hub – a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo
Clarion Hotel – The Hub, is an environmentally friendly and inspiring boutique hotel located in the heart of Oslo. This new and spectacular hotel offers exciting food with local roots, excellent business facilities and 810 rooms that goes above convention…
Designed by architects Lund + Slaatto and interior designer Anders Björkén, Clarion Hotel -The Hub shelters an elegant, boutique style. For Björkén, Unidrain was the obvious choice for the bathrooms. “Unidrain drains are elegant and work extremely well in a hotel environment” he says.
Anders is behind the interior design of the historic Grand Hotel in Stockholm and Hotel Vesterbro in Copenhagen. “We use almost exclusively Unidrain’s drains in our projects, in addition to their beautiful and minimalist design, they are easy to install,” he said.
The Hub wants its guests to experience something akin to a “love affair” through classical décor, balanced design, and ground-breaking, innovative interiors solutions without losing any feeling of warmth, intimacy and elegance, which Björkén achieved in the design of the hotel rooms.
On the 11th floor, you will find a fantastic suite overlooking the Oslo Fjord; as with all the rooms every detail has been thought through and nothing has been left to chance.
Unidrain, are very proud to have supplied HighLine Custom drains to The Hub; in the main bathroom and specifically crafted for this space, the classic Unidrain grating has been replaced by marble tiling creating an exact match to the rest of the bathroom floor, here the line drain blends into the flooring and is almost invisible to the eye.
In the second bathroom, the drain becomes a feature; the design in this space focusses on colour and incorporates a delicate black HighLine Colour line drain, which is installed so it fits right up against the wall.
Architecture, interior and design
The hotel wanted their guests to experience a carefully crafted balance between early design classics and ground breaking contemporary elements; the aim was to incorporate the stylish vibe of the 1950s in a modern boutique hotel.
Anemone Wille Våge designed the interiors of the restaurants and common areas; she took her inspiration from the old Hotel Viking, designed by Knut Knutsen for the 1952 Winter Olympics. Delving into the history of the original building she used elements from this, to create a timeless, yet modern design. The design team incorporated elements from the building as it was in 1952, including styling the lobby’s ceiling in exactly the same pink tone as the building’s façade, the bronze columns were inspired by the original window sills, in fact every element of the furniture and interior decorations were handpicked from high-quality manufacturers and specially designed for this project to create its unique look.
Image credit: Unidrain
Image credit: Unidrain
The green hotel in the heart of the city – Growhub
With an added environmental twist; The Clarion Hotel is testing a brand-new way to grow food in the city, in a sustainable and economical way. At the very top of Clarion Hotel The Hub, there is a large rooftop garden, known as the Growhub; this provides zero-travelled ingredients for locals, guests and conference attendees alike. From its unique take on interior design, stylish bathrooms and carbon neutral food sourcing The Hub is the perfect place to create an Oslo experience.
Unidrain is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
hansgrohe has described the Finoris washbasin as a bathroom item that is ‘for every activity required’. The revolutionary all-rounder features more flexibility and functionality than other basins, as Hotel Designs discovers when reviewing the product…
Did you know the average person spends 400 days of their lifetime using their bathroom? That’s more than 30 minutes a day, and in that time, the dream of a bathroom wellness retreat doesn’t often become a reality. Following customer engagement research, leading bathroom manufacturer, hansgrohe, understands the everyday life of a family bathroom is usually very different: routines vary greatly from relaxation and personal hygiene to soaking laundry and endless cleaning. Modern day life demands a tap that is functional in all these situations and for this purpose, hansgrohe launches Finoris; a basin mixer range which combines minimalistic design and maximum flexibility.
With its innovative “Flex” variant, the new range offers enough freedom of movement to simplify everyday chores. Quickly washing your hair directly in the basin is no longer a problem with the functional pull-out head, using microdroplets instead of the standard water delivery, to reduce splashing. And with the added benefit of easy rinsing afterwards, it reduces any mess outside of the basin. Everyday receptables, such as buckets and tall vases, can also filled in no time at all. In a deeper basin, an infant can be quietly coaxed into having a quick bath. Finoris is designed to be a practical, yet beautiful, addition to everyday family life.
Whether it’s a gentle PowderRain spray or a smooth laminar spray, the tap adapts to the respective application with a flick of the wrist and the push of a button. Both spray modes use no more than five liters of water per minute, ensuring water consumption is kept at a minimum.
Slender design with high functionality
Visually, the hansgrohe Finoris tap impresses with a slim, geometric look. The subtly integrated pull-out showerhead with an action radius of 500 millimetres glides smoothly back into its original position after each use thanks to its magnetic retraction support. Its minimalist design is also available without a pull-out showerhead.
Even the standard model is designed for an extensive range of applications, as it can be ordered in three different heights. This means hansgrohe Finoris can be combined with a wide variety of basin models. Someone planning a wall-integrated shower can install the concealed solution from Finoris. Around the bath, there is option of the hansgrohe sBox, which neatly conceals the pull-out showerhead hose for a clean, clutter-free look.
When it comes to surfaces, the new range offers a variety of options throughout the entire series: Chrome, Matt Black, or Matt White. The complete range naturally includes matching exposed and concealed fittings for the bath and shower. For convenience in the bathroom, hansgrohe Finoris can be combined with hansgrohe Rainfinity shower solutions and the matching Addstoris accessory range.
hansgroheis 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.
Luxury shower goals: Crosswater launches new 10mm walk-in solutions
Meeting new modern traveller luxury shower demands, the OPTIX 10 and GALLERY 10 ranges by Crosswater provide a superior quality and versatile design, resulting in a serene bathroom experience…
Weeks before Hotel Designs LIVE invites expert designers to discuss ‘bathrooms beyond practical spaces’, Crosswater has unveiled OPTIX 10 and GALLERY 10, which is the brand’s latest collections of 10mm enclosure and walk-in shower solutions.
Showering has become more than just a daily routine – it has become a ritual, with homeowners and hotel guests alike now recognising the positive effects that can come from a relaxing showering experience. Subsequently, the bathroom industry has started to design products that promote wellness within the bathing space, as well as innovation.
Crosswater is already recognised for their holistic approach to showering, with the brand providing a choice of trend-led brassware, including shower valves that will deliver the perfect flow of water, and a variety of indulgent 6mm and 8mm shower enclosures which were strengthened in 2020. Crosswater is looking to continue this success in the 10mm shower enclosure and walk-in shower solutions category with the new additions of OPTIX 10 and GALLERY 10.
Image caption: GALLERY 10 matt black glass corner shower. | Image credit: Crosswater
“OPTIX 10 and GALLERY 10 are the newest addition to Crosswater’s Home of Showering programme and enable the brand to offer luxury and every level of specification,” said Stephen Ewer, CEO of Bathroom Brands Group (Crosswater, Burlington, Clearwater, Britton). “Crosswater have been working intensely to bring this offer to market whilst ensuring expected levels of design, quality and value for both our retail partners and consumers.”
A luxury solution for all generations, OPTIX 10 and GALLERY 10 are extremely versatile, offering numerous possibilities to align with the needs of the consumer such as Crosswater Clear which enables easy cleaning, slimline wall profiles to create a beautiful interior scheme and availability in a variety of finishes that have been specifically designed to match the colour of Crosswater’s bestselling MPRO brassware range.
Featuring premium 10mm toughened glass, the innovative design of the new 10mm ranges are built to last, with a lifetime guarantee available to add additional peace of mind. The impressive construction which includes durable PVD coating and high-quality components, allows for a seamless transition when opening and closing the shower door, providing the ultimate showering experience.
“Crosswater’s introduction of 10mm enclosures and walk-in solutions is a significant step on our journey to enhance our cohesive design and colour offering across all categories, creating increased sales opportunities for our customers,” added David Button, Crosswater Retail Sales Director UK & Ireland.
As modern travellers continue to prioritise wellness and self-care, Crosswater are meeting the demand for holistic shower solutions with an impressive and extensive range of luxury shower enclosures for all generations.
Crosswater is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Hyatt, which recently opened its 1,000 hotel worldwide, has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle. The 255-key hotel, which becomes the first hotel under the Hyatt Regency brand to arrive in Switzerland, is located directly at Zurich’s brand-new hub the ‘Circle’, boasting an innovative mix of retail shops, offices, health facilities as well as restaurants, all situated on more than 180,000 square metres and alongside an almost 80,000 square metre park with greenery and running paths. Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle will be joined by the planned opening of a Hyatt Place branded hotel at the Circle hub. The Circle Convention Centre which will be managed by Hyatt as well is expected to host its first events in late spring.
Directly at Zurich Airport and with direct access to The Circle Convention Center, one of the largest conference venues in Switzerland, Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle is situated at one of the most well-connected locations.
Image credit: Hyatt Regency
“Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle has been designed to meet the needs of travellers who seek flexible and energising experiences, and will offer intuitive and seamless experiences to business and leisure travellers alike,” said Benno Geruschkat, general manager of Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle. “The Hyatt Regency brand fosters the connections that matter most, and we are excited to offer our guests the perfect place to work, engage and relax.”
The 255 guestrooms sheltered inside include 16 suites, one Ambassador suite and one Presidential suite with a terrace overlooking the park.
Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle features a range of culinary experiences that meet various dietary needs and preferences. Guests can discover Middle Eastern flavours in a contemporary setting with an open kitchen at Restaurant Babel. Bar Iris is a social hub at the hotel with views overlooking the main square and offers Swiss inspired dishes and signature drinks. The 24/7 take-away, Zum Mitnäh, offers refreshments and an extensive selection of gourmet sandwiches and healthy snack options, as well as freshly brewed coffee.
Image
Suitable for large events and meetings, as well as galas, fairs and product launches, Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle will have direct access to The Circle Convention Centre, which is set to open in late spring 2021 and will be home to more than 2,800 square metres of event space divided over three levels. The Circle Convention Center will offer pre-function spaces and 18 meetings rooms, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.
At Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle guests can relax between meetings or after a busy day at the complimentary 24/7 fully equipped fitness centre. To reenergise after a busy day, guests can also explore the relaxation area with sauna.
Wilton Carpets explore textile design’s long and chequered relationship with tartan…
Textile historians date tartan as far back as 8th Century BC in central Europe with the earliest documented tartan find in Britain dating from 4th Century AD. We have a very long relationship with this textile, interwoven with our social and military history.
Rather than waning, tartan continues to offer great inspiration for interior and textile design; from golf clubs, country house hotels to mansion blocks and in private homes. Wilton Carpets is about to launch a new collection of tartans, celebrating its rich history and reimagining it in fresh, cool takes on this enduring design motif.
“Within the boundaries of Tartan we wanted to show the full spectrum of the aesthetic,” explains Damian Roscoe, Design Director, Wilton Carpets. “From subtle, sophisticated tone on tine patterns suitable for guestrooms to more avant-garde expressive designs that would look amazing in larger spaces. The purity of Tartan is it’s beauty but this doesn’t stop you introducing other elements and themes to create something even more beautiful.”
Woven in Wiltshire, in quality axminster carpet, this new collection will be launched in April offering a great range of tartan inspiration. As these carpets are woven to order, the Design Studio at Wilton are able to offer a semi-bespoke service meaning the designs can be recoloured to suit specific colour schemes.
Wilton is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
Hilton London Metropole to ‘radically’ transform guest experience
Hospitality design firm Perkins&Will have been appointed to completely refurbish Hilton London Metropole, which is the largest Hilton outside of the USA…
As part of a multimillion-pound renovation, Hilton London Metropole has briefed design firm Perkins&Will to ‘radically transform the guest experience’.
The renovation, which due to be completed by summer 2021, is expected to provide guests with a completely new and upgraded stay – no element of the hotel will be left unchanged.
The 1,096 guestrooms and suites have undergone a striking transformation, designed with a contemporary and bold aesthetic that sensitively reflects different London boroughs. The venue’s four restaurants and bars will be relaunched with exciting new drinking and dining concepts, including an all-day British brasserie, serving locally sourced ingredients, and a new suitably relaxed market-style dining outlet, that celebrates London’s street food scene. The refurbishment will also see the opening of a state-of-the-art 200sqm (2,153sqf) fitness studio.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Extensive renovations are being made to the hotel’s 35 event spaces and meeting rooms, including two dedicated hybrid meeting rooms and three ballrooms, which total over 4,600sqm (49,500sqf) in size, from the 1,062 Square Metres (11,431sqf) Richmond Suite to the Kensington Suite, with its open private foyer and space for up to 1,350 guests. Hilton London Metropole also operates Hilton EventReady with CleanStay, which ensures the hotel delivers event experiences that are clean, flexible, safe and socially responsible.
“Our ambitious multimillion pound renovation will maintain Hilton London Metropole as Europe’s leading conference and events hotel,” said Remco Norden, Area General Manager. “The refurbishment will radically transform every element of the hotel, from our restaurants and bars to our bedrooms, suites and meeting and event spaces. It will elevate the guest experience and continue to make us the venue of choice for business and leisure travellers and corporate and private events of any scale.
“The refurbishment celebrates London and our hotel’s wonderful history. Despite the challenges the industry has faced in 2020, our hotel has an incredibly bright future and this renovation is our opportunity to invest in it.”
The hotel has embraced the latest in technology to ensure a seamless stay, from upgraded Wi-Fi to the introduction of Digital Key, which allows Hilton Honours members to check in and choose their room using their smartphone via the Hilton Honours app.
The design project celebrates the best of the capital, with the new design weaving the city’s storied history into the hotel. Guests will experience engaging touchpoints from London’s rich heritage, its vibrant art, culture, music and diverse food scene throughout.
The new, elevated aesthetic will take guests on an immersive experience through the capital. The architecture, design, restaurants and bars showcase purposeful acknowledgements to East, Central and West London’s heritage as the hotel tells the story of this ancient city with nods to iconic areas including Borough Market, Covent Garden and towns on the Thames.
Sustainability is at the heart of Hilton London Metropole and its refurbishment. From the team members’ uniforms, made from sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic, to the green kitchens serving locally grown produce, the hotel has collaborated with a wide range of businesses and manufacturers to create an ethical and environmentally conscious space.
Guests staying in the Suites or Executive Rooms will enjoy complimentary breakfast and access to the exclusive and contemporary Executive Lounge, which has a dedicated arrivals area and check in facilities. The lounge serves a carefully curated food and drink offering throughout the day alongside monthly tasting and live cooking experiences. When booking their future stays, guests can also feel confident that their health and wellbeing have been taken care of thanks to Hilton CleanStay, an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection delivered in Hilton properties worldwide.
The hotel’s radical developments will retain Hilton London Metropole’s position as the perfect choice for the business traveller, from its central location in the heart of the city to its impeccable transport links, seven different bedroom options and four suite categories to choose from, a seamless check in process, a wide choice of food and drink dining experiences and an impressive on-site fitness studio.
Since you’re here, why not watch our recent Hotel Designs LIVE panel discussion, featuring Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at Perkins&Will?
Fairfield By Marriott to open 6 hotels in Japan by August 2021
“These new openings underscore Marriott International’s focus on growing our presence in Japan to serve travellers here,” says Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International…
Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the planned openings of six new Fairfield properties in Japan.
The openings continue the momentum of the innovative “Michi-no-eki” project, bringing six more Fairfield by Marriott hotels to key locations near roadside rest stations called “Michi-no-Eki”, across four prefectures in Japan. The new hotels are situated close to national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing guests easy access to many undiscovered destinations.
“We are excited to continue the Fairfield by Marriott brand expansion in Japan this year, with the opening of six more hotels in collaboration with Sekisui House,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “These new openings underscore Marriott International’s focus on growing our presence in Japan to serve travellers here. As we see the growing demand for self-drive travel, the new hotels will deliver on the brand’s principles of friendly service and warm hospitality in undiscovered destinations across Japan.”
Each one of the new hotels takes inspiration from its natural surroundings, delivering the beauty of simplicity for guests who appreciate a calming and reliable experience. Each of the hotels’ public areas serves as a flexible social space to share and connect with other travellers or simply to relax. Guests can expect a harmonious balance of functionality, comfort and enriching décor in natural materials and carefully selected amenities.
Image caption: FairField by Marriott Michinoeki Mie Odai. | Image credit: Marriott International
The hotels that are opening are:
Fairfield by Marriott Mie Odai (72 rooms, opened March 9, 2021)
Guests can immerse in the nature of Odai with activities including swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Miya River that runs through Odai, or spend the day fishing for ayu sweetfish in the river. For those who prefer the mountain, the hotel is near some of the most famous hiking trails in Japan, namely Osugidani and Mount Somon trails. The area is also known for its breathtaking sceneries including Nanatsugama Falls, which is selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Great Waterfalls”. Fairfield by Marriott Mie Odai welcomes guests with comfortable spaces and warm hospitality that will recharge their senses, making this an ideal base for relaxing and discovering the area.
Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro (50 rooms, opened March 12, 2021) Located 28 kilometres from Nara, Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro allows guests to enjoy the local charms of Kyoto’s only village. At Michi-no-Eki Ocha no Kyoto Minamiyamashiro Village, guests can savour the delicious flavors of the local fresh produce including the Uji tea and log-grown shiitake mushrooms. They can take a stroll to enjoy the invigorating views of tea fields stretching out to the horizons, discover the historical temples and shrines, or admire the natural features along the Kizu River. The peaceful village can transport visitors away from the stress of urban living.
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko (91 rooms, expected opening March 22, 2021) Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko is located in Nikko, a town built around the Nikko Toshogu shrine, attracting visitors and worshippers. Culture seekers can indulge in some of Japan’s best and most famous monuments, including Toshogu, Futarasan-jinja Shinto shrine and Rinno-ji Buddhist temple, which are all UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Nikko is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, including Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji and the great Mount Nantai. Travelers can marvel at the beautiful scenery of the area that changes with the seasons, and discover the traditional crafts of the Tochigi region, such as Nikko-bori woodcarving, Nikko-geta sandals and Kanuma-kumiko wood latticework.
Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto (90 rooms, expected opening April 14, 2021) Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto is located adjacent to Michi-no-Eki Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa, a roadside station that looks out to Hashigui-iwa Rocks, one of the famous natural wonders in Japan. Facing the Pacific Ocean on the southernmost point of Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, Kushimoto is known for its splendid natural beauty. This popular area offers a range of activities, including swimming, scuba diving and walking along the ancient trails on the Ohechi route of the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo. Thanks to the Kuroshio current, the area also has an abundance of delicious seafood, including Kenken Katsuo (bonito), Japanese spiny lobster and Pacific bluefin tuna, which was successfully farmed for the first time in the world in this region.
Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami (90 rooms, expected opening June 9, 2021) Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami stands next to Michi-no-Eki Susami, which looks out onto the Pacific Ocean. The destination is known for its famous local cuisine and seasonal delights such as Mehari-zushi, and Kenken Katsuo (bonito) that is in season from spring to early summer. Another attraction of the area is Esuzaki, an island joined by land to the mainland, the ancient paths of Nagaizaka on the Ohechi route of the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo.
Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Takayama Shokawa (64 rooms, expected opening summer 2021) Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Takayama Shokawa is surrounded by rich natural beauty including the clear mountain streams and the famous ancient Shokawa Sakura – two cherry blossom trees that have stood on the shore of Lake Miboro for the last 500 years. The magnificent surrounding mountains provide the perfect backdrop for guests to unwind and relax at the hot spring, Ouka no Yu, next to the hotel. One should not miss the local exquisite produce, including Hida Beef, now famous nation-wide, and hand-kneaded soba noodles made from millstone-ground buckwheat grown in the hills around Hida.
“Fairfield by Marriott offers travellers access to remote destinations in Japan whilst ensuring that guests can count on The Fairfield Promise – from the hotel’s level of service to accommodations, if a guest is ever not satisfied with their stay, Fairfield will make it right,” said Masahiro Taguchi, Project Director of Fairfield by Marriott’s Michi-no-Eki portfolio. “We look forward to welcoming more travellers to discover the wonderful secrets of rural Japan, including its beautiful landscapes, local produce and cuisines, traditional crafts and historic destinations.”
Should hotels do a better job of reflecting their communities?
To conclude our editorial series with ADP Architecture, Studio Director Amrit Naru looks at how a hotels and their design can sensitively reflect a locations local culture…
Ask someone to name a place they’re looking forward to visiting once lockdown eases, and there’s a wide range of answers you might hear. They might mention a local pub or café. They might be looking forward to getting back to the gym, seeing a sports team play, or popping in to see a friend. They’re unlikely to mention a hotel.
And there’s a perfectly good reason for that: hotels aren’t typically designed for their local community. They’re arguably designed for everyone but the local community: tourists, business travellers, visitors for one reason or another. In contrast with the back-and-forth of a transport hub, we look at hotels as a one-directional interface between a specific locale and the wider world, where the wider world touches down for a few days before returning home. The only transport hub that seems to bear comparison here is a docking station for UFOs.
This kind of view fits the traditional way of looking at hotels – but of course, it neglects the wide range of purposes that hotels can actually serve. Very few hotels are simply places to stay: they can include bars, restaurants, conference centres, spas, and plenty more. It’s easy to look at these facilities simply as added value for guests, but they’re just as likely to be used by locals.
Explore these opportunities further, and you open up a whole new way of thinking about what a hotel can be. Far from a semi-private site with clearly defined boundaries – like a house or an office building – it becomes permeable, integrated with its community, with spaces which are as much defined by their surroundings and local flavour as by the people who travel to them. This kind of approach can reverse the (un)popular image of a hotel, making it the beating heart of a neighbourhood that benefits everyone.
Take, for example, a recent ADP project on a former industrial site in Scotland. When several plants closed in the 70s and 80s, hundreds of local workers lost their jobs, and the area lost key places that had given it purpose. It’s the sort of post-industrial community that’s been crying out for regeneration of the genuinely beneficial kind, providing spaces that benefit and support an existing community rather than driving them out. So when we were appointed to design a new hotel there, we saw an opportunity to create real value for local residents and businesses.
Image caption: Exterior visualisation of ADP’s new hotel in a post-industrial community. | Image credit: ADP Architecture
Our public consultations confirmed this: many locals voiced their worries that a hotel of the traditional sort could detract from the area, and that a radically different approach was needed. We took these concerns on board, asking consultees what sorts of facilities would be useful to them, and designing a scheme which is as much a community hub as a hotel. The proposals include a range of spaces open to the community, such as a gym, restaurant and bar. Public realm was also key to our designs, and we explored various ways to bring local residents onto the grounds, giving the landscape an open, accessible feel that interacts sensitively with the riverbank bordering the site.
The very flexibility of this approach means that it can work for any community, in any location. We’re currently delivering a hotel for Radisson in Kyiv, Ukraine, which includes a hybrid lounge/coffee/restaurant space with an open design – reflecting a wider openness to the surrounding neighbourhood. By breaking down the boundaries between types of spaces – and using the ground floor of a hotel as a fuzzy threshold – it’s possible to encourage the kind of unplanned interactions and sharing of spaces on which communities thrive.
Of course, embedding a hotel in its locale isn’t just down to the architects and engineers who design it. Marketing teams have to strike a careful balance between promoting the hotel’s brand and responding to the spirit of a place, the unique “vibe” that defines a district. The most effective way to do this is to make flexibility central to your brand: Hotel Indigo, an IHG brand that I’ve worked with in the past, does this particularly well by using the sights and sounds of their urban locations to inform every detail of the hotel’s design, from public spaces to private rooms. IHG is certainly not the only client I’ve worked with to take this approach, with companies such as Radisson and Hilton offering similar “lifestyle” brands.
The risk here is that a design can simply mimic its environment, becoming a pastiche rather than a reflection. Again, engagement with the community is key. It’s impossible to tap into what makes a city like Newcastle or Marrakech, Sydney or New York special without taking cues from the people who call those cities home – especially when clichés about “the typical New Yorker” are so widespread. Our redevelopment of Oxford Castle – including a Malmaison hotel converted from a Victorian prison – is a classic example of this, reflecting a part of the city’s culture and history which has very little connection to the more famous university, and integrating hospitality with bars, restaurants, shops and a visitors’ centre.
Getting this right means paying attention to the details, and taking a holistic approach. Employees aren’t just brand ambassadors: they’re community ambassadors too, trained in the kind of local knowledge that adds serious value for guests looking for hidden gems nearby. A local hiring policy takes this a step further, ensuring that your staff have a genuine connection to the hotel’s surroundings while creating jobs that support the area’s economy. Bookable spaces for businesses and a local supply chain complete the picture – transforming an out-of-place visitor from out of town into a place in its own right, with the town’s blood running through its veins.
“Staying local” has taken on a whole new meaning in the last year, and it’s sure to be a phrase that resonates with us for many years to come. By bringing hotels into a deeper, richer conversation with their surroundings, we can help give a much needed boost to communities which have suffered through lockdown. It’s also a surefire way to protect our industry from relying too greatly on travel – making it stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped to deal with an uncertain future.
ADP Architecture is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
Image caption: Interior visualisation of ADP’s new hotel in Kyiv. | Image credit: ADP Architecture
The new 117-key hotel in Madrid is the result of the total renovation of the old TRYP Cibeles Hotel, which is situated in one of the liveliest districts in the capital, with an abundance of local art and culture that connects with the essence of the INNSIDE by Meliá brand…
At number 34 on the Gran Via in Madrid, just a few metres from Malasaña, one of the most unconventional and dynamic districts in Madrid, the youngest of the Meliá Hotels International brands is preparing to arrive in the Spanish capital at the beginning of spring. Meliá Hotels International, which is Spain’s largest hotel group, has announced the opening of INNSiDE by Meliá Madrid Gran Via.
The property in which the hotel be sheltered by is a historic building dating back to the 1920s, designed by Antonio Palacios Ramilo and renowned for its innovative nature. The building was inaugurated in 1923 as the Alfonso XIII hotel, and was always known as the Hotel Avenida. In recent years it was renamed the TR YP Cibeles hotel, and it will now be changing its name to Gran Via due to the fact that its façade is now part of the history of Madrid and one of its most popular streets.
INNSiDE By Meliá Madrid Gran Via will house 117 guestrooms, all of which will be designed to meet the needs of modern travellers and providing all of the brand’s key attributes, such as sustainable sheets, bathrobes and amenities with a low environmental impact, no single-use plastics, and strict compliance with the new Stay Safe with Meliá health and safety programme.
Image credit: INNSiDE by Meliá
In order to connect with the city itself, the hotel will also have different spaces with work by urban artists thanks to a partnership with the Madrid Street Art Project, an independent organisation which supports art and local urban artists by exhibiting their work to a larger audience, in addition to taking part in the Pinta Malasaña festival, a breakthrough event in the world of art and culture in Madrid.
In addition to a spectacular rooftop area, the hotel will have an open living lounge on its seventh floor, which will be a space for work or play in the order that every visitor decides. This space will host the reception, artistic spaces, the bar, restaurant and DJ area.
INNSiDE By Meliá Madrid Gran Via aims to become a fashion and dining icon for both locals and tourists in Madrid thanks to the Abica group and “A Ollo”, a dining space with a Galician flair and international influences, as well as an incredible rooftop bar, “Le Tavernier”, an oasis in which to enjoy cocktails and the sky over the centre of Madrid.
INNSiDE by Meliá Madrid Gran Via opens after a major renovation and rebranding, reinforcing the commitment of Meliá Hotels International to its youngest brand. The brand is expected to be the fastest-growing brand in the company’s portfolio over the coming years, prioritising sustainability and respect for the environment.
Image credit: INNSiDE by Meliá
Image credit: INNSiDE by Meliá
Meliá Hotels International has also used the hotel renovation to implement its new Stay Safe with Meliá health and safety programme certified by Bureau Veritas, which has been very well received during the pandemic and reinforced the trust of customers in the group’s hotels.
2021 is expected to be an exciting and important year for the INNSiDE by Meliá brand, as it plans to open new hotels in Amsterdam, Liverpool, Newcastle and Luxembourg, adding to the brand’s current portfolio of 33 hotels open in Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the United States, Vietnam, China and Peru.
The industry is gearing up for a summer of hospitality, is the feeling the editorial desk at Hotel Designs has as it selects the most exciting hotel openings expected in April 2021. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…
Blink and you will miss it! With vaccine updates, hotel re-opening strategies being across social media and conversations moving towards re-engaging with the post-corona consumer, all signs on the editorial desk lead to a summer of hospitality – whether that be abroad or enjoyed domestically.
This prediction follows a flood of press releases, together referencing hope, optimism and prosperity for international hotel design and hospitality. Regardless on whether we will be allowed to travel ahead of the summer boom, hotels are being developed in preparation for the travel demand that is shortly inevitable as we reach the one-year anniversary since many nations closed their boarders in order to fight against the spread of Covid-19.
We have been sharing our VIP arrivals now for four months, but it seems as if many brands have waited until now when it comes to unveiling new arrivals. Following an in-depth look at the landscape, here are our VIP arrivals for April.
Spread across four exquisite Maltese townhouses and their ancient vaults, dating back to the 1600s, Iniala Harbour House & Residences has 22 uniquely designed rooms and suites, and will be the latest opening from philanthropist Mark Weingard. The hotel, which overlooks the famous Grand Harbour, will set new standards for eye-catching urban design.
Iniala Harbour House & Residences, which is slated to open its doors in April, mixes tradition with more contemporary touches offering an eclectic mix of design concepts that subtly reflect Valletta’s unique heritage and charm. Created by three world-class design studios – Autoban from Turkey, A-Cero from Spain, and Malta’s DAAA HAUS – the hotel’s historical details will be beautifully preserved, with each townhouse having a distinctive identity. Using three different designers offers a true variation of interiors for all guests’ tastes.
Set to elevate the desirable island of Mykonos to new heights, Kalesma is a 25-suite and two-villa luxury hotel, which is expected to open in late April. ‘Kalesma’, meaning ‘inviting’ in Greek, is perfectly suited to the ethos of this boutique, privately-owned property. The whitewashed collection of houses have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village, tumbling down a slope to Ornos Bay, just a short walk from the beach. The look and feel of a traditional village is deliberate, as Kalesma is all about making guests feel at home and encouraging a neighbourhood vibe, enhanced by laid-back weekly supper clubs. Inspired by Cycladic architecture, combining tradition with contemporary elements, Kalesma is a design aficionados dream – offering sleek and minimalist interiors using locally-sourced materials, evident at every turn.
Ca’ di Dio, which is expected to open in April, is located in a unparalleled position, at the entrance to the Arsenale area, known as the Contemporary Art District of Venice, a place linked to the prestigious Biennale. The fascinating history of the building dates back to 1272, and the project has been curated by the studio of the internationally renowned architect Patricia Urquiola, with the aim of creating an original and distinctive concept: a Venetian “house”, linked to the history of the city.
Although contemporary in style, which is unusual for Venice, when strolling through the common areas, guests will be able to admire the bright travertine and perfectly preserved frescoes. The hotel features many places for guests to relax whilst staying in Venice; an ‘altana’ – covered roof-terrace, common in medieval Venice, which is the perfect place from which to admire the sights of the city, two internal courtyards, which will be home to one restaurant serving light and quick snacks throughout the day, and a spacious reading room. There will be a second, outdoor restaurant overlooking the lagoon, towards the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Following the most ambitious and extensive renovation to take place in its 110-year history – it took three years for Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz and the French designer duo Gilles & Boissier to complete their collaborated masterpiece – Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is ready to serve its guests. The 153-key luxury hotel is expected to appeal to both local and international guests, while preserving the striking Belle Époque character of the original building in keeping with the original spirit conceived by Cesar Ritz.
In addition to the Spanish arrival, Mandarin Oriental will also be opening properties in Luzern, Switzerland and on the Bosphorus in Istanbul in 2021.
W Hotels is about to land in the Algarve, which marks the brand’s debut in Portugal. Located just outside of Albufeira and perched on the iconic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel is a combination of urban glam meets beach life in a region famous for its beautiful, secluded coves, year-round sunshine and enticing cuisine. Guests can expect pulsating beats, vibrant flavours, and bright contemporary design.
The hotel will shelter 134 guestrooms and suites plus 83 residences, all ocean facing and boasting spacious balconies. Atlantic colours and asymmetrical forms that mimic the nearby cliffs define the design; it is the Algarve reinterpreted by W.
Facilities will include a state-of-the-art fitness centre ‘FIT’ and an ‘Away’ Spa with seven treatment rooms, plus outdoor pools. To refuel and replenish there will be an authentic Portuguese Algarve-inspired dining restaurant, plus a classic and modern Italian restaurant.
Taking the luxury up an additional notch are the ‘Extreme WOW Suites’ with a rooftop terrace where luscious gardens surround an elevated lounge seating spot, DJ booth, dining and bar area, and an infinity pool from which guests can soak up the incredible sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean. The bedroom design is inspired by the beautiful Benagil cave and the picturesque Algarve fishing villages.
On April 1, 2021, Berkeley Park Hotel will rise as the newest member of the MGallery Hotel Collection, and the first MGallery property in Florida. A highly anticipated four-star boutique hotel, the 80-key property sits along one of Miami Beach’s most coveted sectors known by locals as the Collins Park “Arts Corridor” for its direct access to world-renowned art institutions, and just steps from white sand beaches. With a timeless Mediterranean façade from 1936, the hotel pays homage to the city’s architectural roots with all the modern amenities that discerning travellers expect.
“We are thrilled to continue expanding our North American portfolio with the addition of the Berkeley Park Hotel – MGallery,” said Heather McCrory, CEO, Accor North & Central America. “With its ideal location, striking architecture, and vibrant spirit, the hotel is a tremendous addition to Accor’s Miami portfolio, which also includes Faena Hotel Miami Beach, SLS South Beach, SLS Brickell, SLS LUX Brickell, Hyde Midtown Miami, Mondrian South Beach, Novotel Miami Brickell, and Pullman Miami Airport.”
Main image credit: Iniala Harbour House & Residences
*Some dates as listed above may be subject to change due to travel restrictions following Covid-19 and national lockdown developments.
Since you’re here…
More than 40,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on Hotel Designs. Our mission is to define the point on international hotel design, and we are doing that by serving relevant news stories and engaging features. To keep up to date on the hottest stories that are emerging, you can sign up to the newsletter, which is completely free of charge. As well as receiving a weekly round-up of the top stories, you will also access our bi-monthly HD Edit –staying ahead of the curve has never been so easy!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
To keep up to date with all the latest news and features, sign up to receive our weekly newsletter and bi-monthly HD Edit.
