Product Watch: Furniture brand Morgan launches new table tops
Morgan, the furniture brand perhaps most known for – but not limited to – its innovative hospitality seating designs, has announced the launch of multiple new table tops to its Goodwood and Rakino collections. Let’s take a look…
Known for its eco-sensitive DNA and its authentic and organic collaborations with the likes of Tim Rundle and Mehran Gharleghi, Morgan is a British furniture brand that believes the design and manufacture of truly original, high-quality furniture is the result of passion, care, design integrity, experience, craftsmanship and an unfaltering dedication to quality.
With this kind of commitment, the brand does not take product launches lightly – and to compliment its family of seating in the Goodwood and Rakino collections, it has recently unveiled new table tops to add texture to the already striking range of products.
Image credit: Morgan
Image credit: Morgan
From timber, glass and Carrara marble tops, to a unique geometric collaboration with artist Mark McClure, and now two further options – including a traditional cane detail and new technology recycled plastic tops, offered in both a neutral or colourful option, the new table tops launched by Morgan are both 100 per cent recycled and recyclable.
Image credit: Morgan
The new cane Goodwood table sits perfectly next to our cane back Kaya lounge chair, adding a delicate, natural detail to the timber frame. But that’s not all. The brand has also added two striking terrazzo top options on our Rakino nesting tables.
Morgan 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.
“New touchless tech delivers maximum hygiene for hotel bathrooms”, says Roca
Jon Bond, Head of Projects at Roca UK, explains how the bathroom brand has adapted its fleet of products to utilise touchless technology in order to offer new innovative solutions that cater to the demands from modern travellers….
In the past year, the hospitality industry has seen an increased emphasis on hygiene with unprecedented demand for non-contact products in hotels and restaurants.
Prior to the pandemic, technologies such as mobile key cards were already being used in some hotels. These additions help to enhance the guest experience, helping guests feel safer and more in control. Touchless check-in points and touchless guestroom locks all have their part to play, and touchless technology in the bathroom is now more important than ever.
With growing demand for zero-contact bathroom solutions, manufacturers have rushed to introduce new touchless products and innovations, to deliver increased levels of hygiene. From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom.
Roca’s EM1 Touchless dual-flush valve offers zero contact and maximum hygiene, reducing the need to touch the flush buttons. With a minimalist design, the EM1 valve can be simply retrofitted to upgrade an existing push button to an automatic flush plate, making it quick and easy to install with minimal effort. There is no electric connection needed and it is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) that guarantee more than 40,000 flushes.
Image caption: EM1 Touchless dual-flush valve by Roca
It is also easy to use – with just a simple wave of the hand, the EM1 recognises the required flush (full or half flush volumes) and with the sleek sensor ‘push button’, you can flush your WC in an easy and hygienic way.
Electronic Basin Mixers
Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when the hands are removed, avoiding direct contact. The lack of contact not only improves hygiene, it also prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home.
Easy installation is guaranteed. The electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any commercial bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage. The battery-operated versions are exceptionally durable with alkaline batteries which guarantee over 250,000 uses.
A further innovation means both greater safety and additional savings – the electronic device stops the water flow after a pre-set period to promote moderate use and prevent the unnecessary waste of water.
Touchless mirrors with LED lights
Mirrors with integrated touchless technology, such as the Prisma Comfort and Iridia models, allow hotel guests to activate functions such as the ambient light or demister device through movement, meaning less direct contact from hands, allowing the glass to remain clean and clear.
Electronic operating plates for toilets
The EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates offer similar touchless flushing capabilities for wall-hung and back-to-wall WC’s. With a stylish, contemporary design and easy installation, they are similarly activated by the wave of a hand.
Image caption EP1 electronic operating plate from Roca
Image caption EP 2 electronic operating plate from Roca
With a backlit surface divided into two stripes which are alternatively activated depending on the type of flush (partial or full), they also benefit from an additional ‘automatic’ option in which the toilet is instantly cleaned when the user approaches or when a specific time has passed after its use.
Roca’s Touchless solutions are suitable for a wide variety of settings within the hospitality environment, providing an extra layer of safety and reassurance within the hotel bathroom.
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.
New renders released of W Rome, months ahead of its opening
Designed by Meyer Davis with the brand’s bold interpretation of luxury in mind, W Rome will bring innovation and local storytelling to life when it opens this Autumn, marking the brand’s Italian debut…
W Hotels Worldwide is preparing to make a bold arrival in Italy this autumn with the debut of W Rome. Located on Via Liguria, next to the Spanish Steps, the historic palazzo-turned-luxury-lifestyle-hotel will offer an unapologetically Italian experience, where guests can live in the moment and anticipate the future of the Eternal City.
The time has almost arrived for us to welcome W Hotels’ debut Italian property, which, if rumours are to be believed, will in true W style make no apology for its bold and loud references to the local vernacular. For the Marriott International brand, which shelters a mind-blowing portfolio of more than 7,600 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 133 countries and territories, the opening of W Rome will be a significant moment as the destination continues to be a popular hotel development landscape.
“The debut of W Hotels in Italy is almost here and we could not be more excited to unveil our playfully luxe spirit with this highly anticipated hotel,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The opening will introduce a thriving line-up of restaurants and bars to the city that will become a must-go destination for travellers and local tastemakers alike. After more than a year of missed moments, raising a glass together on Otto Rooftop Bar is just what we all need.”
Image credit: W Hotels
Designed by Meyer Davis with the brand’s bold interpretation of luxury in mind, W Rome brings innovation and local storytelling to life. In a city marked by an immense historical heritage, the hotel décor will layer an Italian colour palette with patterns that blur distinct eras of standout design. The property exudes 1970s glamour with traditional architecture blending into colour blocking and bold graphic patterns in hues of burnt orange, dramatic red and foliage greens. An eclectic mix of colourful furniture meets stone walls representative of the building’s past, while reflective surfaces bring a contemporary feel to the interior. The 147 stylish, open-plan guestrooms and 15 suites feature luxurious design details including wooden herringbone patterned floors effortlessly blurring into modern marble surfaces contrasted with dark, rich maroon curtains. Guestrooms boast iconic views, with some overlooking the Istituto Svizzero, and many offering private balconies and terraces.
“W Lounge, the hotel’s buzzing bar destination, will bring the pulse of the city to the hotel’s doorstep.”
The Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s modern interpretation of a traditional presidential suite) provides a spectacular stay with highly coveted indoor and outdoor living, endless views across the city, and an impressive outdoor terrace spanning 140 square metres, perfect for private happenings and events.
As one of the defining characteristics of Italian culture, W Rome takes food seriously. Foodies will rejoice as Ciccio Sultano, Sicily’s sensational chef, brings his southern passion to the hotel as the Culinary Lead. His signature restaurant in Rome will be Giano Restaurant, where diners can meet over their favourite cocktails and delicious dishes. W Lounge, the hotel’s buzzing bar destination, will bring the pulse of the city to the hotel’s doorstep with live music, DJ sets and cocktail culture, while the hidden Giardino Clandestino will be an intimate alfresco setting for toasting with friends.
Image credit: W Hotels
A rare treasure in the city, Otto Rooftop Bar will boast sweeping panoramas across Rome, complete with a WET Deck (rooftop pool) where stylish locals and guests can soak up the Roman sun and mix it up over cocktails, crudo, and pizza.
FUEL meanwhile is the W brand’s high-energy, social take on wellness that allows guests to focus on mind and body. FUEL-focused activities will be led by Italian athlete Pietro Boselli, with the first FUEL x Petra Studio Gym and personal training programme. From high-intensity sessions to boxing and yoga, Boselli will offer guests and locals alike energy-soaked workouts.
Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. W Rome is no exception and is expected to add ‘super-charge energy’ to the city, while offering guests and locals alike a destination that shelters provocative design and iconic hospitality experiences. W does it again!
RPW Design: A look back on its iconic hotel design projects
In case you haven’t heard, leading hospitality design firm RPW Design became the latest casualty of the pandemic recently after its Managing Director Ariane Steinbeck announced that she had put the company into administration. With Steinbeck’s blessing, editor Hamish Kilburn reflects (past and present) on some of the hospitality design studio’s most iconic projects…
Over the course of 31 years, RPW Design earned its title as one of the leading international interior design practices within the realm of hospitality. Having created unique interiors for luxury hotels, cruise ships and private members’ clubs around the world, the studio has helped steer hospitality, from many perspectives, into several new eras of luxury and lifestyle. With an impressive portfolio of projects and awards, the firm became renowned for its technical prowess and sensual alchemy. In short, each project RPW Design undertook become memorable for its coherence and elegance.
During the pandemic, the studio helped us narrate as much as navigate the ever-evolving hotel design and hospitality scene – Ariane Steinbeck herself joined us on several virtual roundtables, including discussions on hygiene, wellness and sleep.
“While we mourn the loss of RPW Design Ltd, our team will remain a [resourceful and] reliable force in our industry.” – Ariane Steinbeck, Managing Director, RPW Design.
Over the weekend, however, Steinbeck, who in 2015 was passed the reins by Jan Wilson to become Managing Director – I still remember the fabulous Octoberfest-style event she arranged to mark her arrival – took to social media to share that the company had gone into administration. “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I must announce the closure of RPW Design Ltd after three decades of serving the hospitality industry,” she wrote. “Try as we might, we could not overcome the compounding effects of Covid-19 on our business… While we mourn the loss of RPW Design Ltd, our team will remain a [resourceful and] reliable force in our industry – some of whom have already found new ‘homes’ elsewhere.”
Our heartfelt, respectful nod (more of a bow actually) to the studio’s legacy comes as we look back to some of RPW Design’s iconic projects that added colour, texture and deep meaning to the hospitality landscape worldwide. From one of my first features I wrote as a design journalist – the unveil of London Marriott Hotel County Hall – to its most recent projects that are still in development, including working on what will be Sofia’s tallest building and the much-loved Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, here’s an edited selection of jewels that, thanks to considered interior design approaches, boldly put (and kept) RPW Design on our radar.
In 2014, RPW Design was tasked to take one of London’s most iconic riverside buildings, which first opened in 1933 opposite the Houses of Parliament, into its next chapter in hospitality. The studio steered the London Marriott Hotel County Hall through its multi-million pound renovation under the watchful eye of Elizabeth Lane, Heather McLellan andAlessandro Tessari.
Re-emerging and re-opening with crisp, new interiors – far removed from the maroon and green colour scheme that the hotel brand was once known for – while also appropriately making sensitive nods throughout to the building’s colourful past. In short, RPW Design helped the hotel take back its status as one of London’s finest hotels, while showcasing a modern and contemporary Marriott International brand.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire Design team: Elizabeth Lane, Poppy Lindley (now at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio), Richard Snow and Alessandro Tessari
Image credit: RPW Design/Four Seasons Hampshire
Last year, RPW Design unveiled the renovation of Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire’s conference and banqueting spaces. The refreshed interiors of the hotel’s meeting and event spaces seamlessly breathed fresh life into the historical Georgian property, adding a stylish sense of sophistication. In order to appeal to both the social and business clientele at the hotel, the design studio artistically designed different identities for each of the conference and banqueting rooms. To ensure the hotel remained quintessentially British, the team chose to specifically work with British manufacturers and suppliers.
Designed to suit the needs of todays’ top executives and boasting state-of-the-art facilities, the inspiration for the design concept for The Capital Suite was drawn from the nature and history of Hyde Park, which surrounds the hotel and its storied location. Accompanying the use of natural materials, every detail has been individually designed to adhere to the leitmotif. Design touches contain tasteful homages to London’s greenery such as bespoke bronze handles evocative of tree branches for the cabinetry. Artwork and accessories draw on Hyde Park’s equine traditions and the historic location of the hotel. Bespoke stitching details of the Plane, the tree that populates and represents London’s Royal Parks, are incorporated into the headboard design. The green landscape of the park even inspired textures, patterns and themes within the carpet designs and artworks.
The suite, spanning 335sqm on the first floor, is the ultimate haven for the international business and leisure traveller a like – you feel taken away from the Capital, which is somewhat ironic considering its majestic name and non-cliché British design touchpoints and references.
Earlier this year, RPW Design unveiled the new Presidential Suite of Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa, which, following an investment of more than €30M, epitomises the splendour and elegance of the recently renovated five-star St Julian’s property. Not only has RPW Design created a harmonious atmosphere but functionality was also at the forefront of the design process to form a space that is adaptable to modern travellers’ transition from daytime business meetings to leisurely evenings.
Situated on the 12th floor of the hotel, guests can enjoy unique panoramic views of Balluta Bay, which are visible from the entire 170 sqm suite. These vistas can be enjoyed on the expansive terrace, balconies and windows which run the whole length of the spacious room.
Sheraton Schiphol Airport (under construction) Design team: Elizabeth Lane, Alessandro Tessari, Richard Snow and Heather McLellan
Image credit: Sheraton/Marriott International
Image credit: Sheraton/Marriott International
The project, which is still in motion, is a full refurbishment of the guestrooms and corridors in the airport hotel. It was integral to hit the right notes as this project is an early adopter of the new branding for Sheraton. The team were inspired by aerial views of the tulip fields and surrounding Land Art Park Buitenschot, built not only for recreations but also to reduce noise from the airfield.
Sofia Marriott (under construction) Design team: Ariane Steinbeck and Heather McLellan
Sofia Marriott will become the tallest tower in Sofia, Bulgaria. Unfortunately, we are unable to share much more than that at the moment – we don’t even have images to tease you with for the time being. All that we can confirm is that the talented individuals at RPW Design will be responsible for the contemporary interior design scheme that the building will eventually shelter.
Madrid Historic Apartment (expected to complete in 2022) Design team: Ariane Steinbeck, Richard Snow and Alessandro Tessari
Image credit: RPW Design/Smallbone Kitchens
It may not be a hotel, but it does give you an idea of what the team are currently working on. The ‘piano nobile’ in a stately, Haussmannian-style building on one of Madrid’s most revered boulevards, is located steps from the Prado Museum and Retiro Park in the Salamanca neighbourhood. Built in 1919, and having had only a few owners in its history, the team at RPW Design are in the process of restoring and carefully re-shaping the “villa” into a spatial arrangement that makes sense for today’s lifestyles. The designed have put a large emphasis on the kitchen as a centrepiece as preparation of food and the joy of cooking and entertaining is paramount for this client. Assisted by Smallbone of Devizes, Steinbeck (who’s passion for cooking, I’m told, comes close to her love of design) and the former RPW Design team have come up with a solution that is adaptable to the family’s needs and unconventional in its approach.
Although this is a sad farewell to a company who has, for three decades, led with such poise, precision and passion, I can’t help but feel optimistic for Ariane Steinbeck, Heather McLellan, Alessandro Tessari, Poppy Lindley, Richard Snow and Elizabeth Lane. As we close the door on this unforgettable chapter, I urge you to keep your eyes fixed on the corridor to see which other doors creep open. Behind them will no doubt be more masterpieces from the talented individuals – perhaps sheltered under different studios – who together were RPW Design. Watch this space.
As well as Mama Shelter preparing to open its debut hotel in Rome, more than decade since launch its first property, the hotel brand known for its quirky and playful design schemes is also planning on launching hotels in Lisbon, Paris, Bahrain and Dubai – all of which are slated to open this year. Here’s what we know…
Mama Shelter, the playful and quirky design hotel group which arrived onto the scene with its first hotel in Paris in 2008, is launching five new properties this year in Rome (July), Lisbon (November), a third in Paris (November), Bahrain and Dubai (both end of 2021). In true Mama Shelter hotel style, all properties will exude the philosophy of La Dolce Vita and offer an affordable collection of lively hotels – that are more than just rooms and restaurants – around the world.
Image caption: Render of exterior of Mama Shelter Hotel Dubai
Close to the famous Avenida da Liberdade, Mama Shelter Lisbon will shelter 130 rooms with an emphasis on comfort and authenticity with style and cutting-edge design elements by Mama’s Design Studio. Highlights include an all-day restaurant with its interior patio and the brick oven pizzeria for locals to take away Mama’s famous pizzas. A stunning rooftop will be open for guests to eat and drink whilst enjoying a bird’s-eye view of Lisbon and the Tagus.
Mama Shelter Roma will house 217 designer guestrooms, each providing comfort and relaxation after a day out exploring the Eternal Rity. Offering some respite from the endless attractions of Rome, the hotel will also feature the first ever Mama Baths. In keeping with the tradition of roman baths, this space will encompass a pool, sauna and Hammam room, which can be followed by a refreshing drink at the bar and relaxing in the chill zone.
Mama Shelter will be launching its third Parisian property in the La Défense neighbourhood, this time in the heart of the city’s busy finance district, welcoming business guests and locals alike. Taking residence across 14 floors in the former Litman Tower, highlights include two all-day restaurants, a sports bar, a coffee shop and an arcade room. A trademark rooftop will be available for guests to eat and drink with a remarkable view on all Paris and its monuments.
(in video) Hotel Designs LIVE: Workspace design trends in hospitality
In the final session of Hotel Designs LIVE on May 11, 2021, we positioned the spotlight on workspace design trends and how they are impacting hotel design and hospitality. In an exclusive panel discussion, editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed leading figures in residential, workspace and hospitality design in order to confront the topic from three separate perspectives (full video below)…
To aptly round off Hotel Designs LIVE, which took place on May 11, editor Hamish Kilburn returned to the screen to introduce the final topic of the day. Having already hosted panel discussions on the same day around the new era of lifestyle, unconventional bathrooms and celebrating art outside the frame, the fourth and final discussion amplified a topic that is ever-evolving, especially following recent cultural shifts. Closely linked to the conversations around lifestyle, workspace design trends are taking bold leaps forward. Therefore, it’s little surprise that major shows this year, such as HIX Event and Workplace Design Show, will explore the topic in detail later this year.
Since you’re here, there are limited spaces for the next Hotel Designs LIVE event (taking place virtually on August 10). It’s free for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers to attend – just click here to secure your place in the audience (booking form takes less than two minutes).
Ahead of those key events, which will include yet more panel discussions moderated by Hotel Designs, and as the dust is yet to settle on exactly how hospitality will incorporate today’s workspace trends in the future, Kilburn wanted to understand early on how the new era of lifestyle is leading towards public areas opening up to shelter co-working spaces. “Now that the world has adapted to news ways of working, and consuming information, the opportunities for hotels and hospitality establishments to design flexible spaces for business and leisure has never been greater,” he said. “But how do you sensitively design co-working spaces that are both functional, aesthetically pleasing and on brand? It’s a complicated topic that has many strands. Therefore, we decided that for this panel discussion we were going to hear perspectives from three corners of the arena; a residential designer, a workplace designer and a hospitality interior designer.”
Here’s the full video of the panel discussion (on demand), produced by CUBE, which includes Product Watch pitches from Session Sponsor Shure and lighting brand Well-Lit.
That concludes our editorial series around the topics explored at Hotel Designs LIVE. We have also published the full recordings of session one, session two and session three from Hotel Designs LIVE .
You can now book your place to attend our next Hotel Designs LIVE on August 10, 2021. The topics explored will include surfaces, sleep, senses and social – speakers have been announced! 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.
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GROHE supports energy and water saving with first digitally enhanced tap
Global bathroom and kitchen fittings brand GROHE, with sustainability as one of its core pillars, has upgrades its GROHE Plus collection of basin taps, which now offer precise control of water temperature with integrated LED display, environmentally conscious water consumption thanks to sensor-activated Eco Spray and an architectural silhouette that makes a design statement at the bathroom…
With bathrooms becoming more than just practical spaces and while hospitality is catching up to the ethos of designers and architects to inherently design and specify in an eco-friendly way, the launch of the GROHE Plus tap deserves its place in the spotlight. With this unveil, GROHE now offers users the possibility to accurately control the water temperature of their basin tap using the innovations of digitally enhanced design. The digital upgrade within the existing GROHE Plus collection not only enables safe water enjoyment, but also supports users’ increasing desire for sustainable living. Using the principle of “nudging”, a concept from behavioural economics, users are made aware through a visual colour change displayed on the spout of the tap when hot water is flowing – often unnecessarily – in order to encourage users to avoid wasting energy. This design approach promotes responsible use of the valuable resource of water and saves energy at the same time.
The eco-friendly functionality of GROHE Plus is reinforced by its accessible Eco Spray setting. To switch from the standard spray to the more refined Eco Spray of just four litres per minute, which reduces water consumption without compromising on user comfort or experience, users can simply swipe their hand over the lit icon on top of the spout to activate the sensor-controlled system which will change the water flow. The GROHE Plus collection is also future-oriented in its hybrid design language, which skilfully combines round and square elements. This makes the range a real statement for every modern bathroom, both in terms of sustainability and design.
The dynamic design language of GROHE Plus is inspired by the arc, which symbolises both strength and lightness. Combining circular shapes with the crisp, clean lines of a cube, GROHE Plus creates an exciting architectural silhouette. At the same time, the design supports ergonomic comfort and invites interaction. The 90-degree swivel spout also increases user-friendliness and caters for a variety of different interactions and uses.
The combination of cubic and organic shapes not only distinguishes GROHE Plus aesthetically, but also makes the tap collection the perfect counterpart to both square and round ceramic lines such as GROHE Essence or GROHE Cube – all according to personal interior design style. To complete the harmonious overall look of the bathroom, the two-tone surface of GROHE Plus’ LED display made of chrome and high-quality acrylic glass in MoonWhite can also be found in several of GROHE’s shower collections too, such as the GROHE SmartControl thermostat and GROHE Rainshower SmartActive head showers.
In addition to the new digitally-enhanced models, the GROHE Plus collection includes a wide range of classic single- lever mixers in different sizes and with additional functions such as a pull-out spout, wall-mounted 2-hole basin mixers, taps for shower and bathtub, and a visually striking freestanding bathtub option. For even greater design freedom that meets the growing demand for personalised style in the bathroom, GROHE Plus is available in Chrome, SuperSteel and Brushed Hard Graphite finishes, the latter of which is accompanied by a black LED display.
Inside Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia, the brand’s debut hotel in Europe
Arriving on the European hospitality scene for the first time, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts has just opened the 119-key Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia, a luxe mountain resort rich in culture, natural beauty and boundless adventure. Let’s take a look inside…
Kopaonik , which translates to “Mountain of the Sun” is a biodiversity hotspot with close to 200 sunny days annually, ensuring beautiful year-round conditions and offering endless fuelled activities. For a hotel brand that is known for its sunny destinations – think Viceroy L’Ermitage Bevery Hills and Viceroy Los Cabos – it’s therefore not such a surprise why the hotel group chose this location to make its debut in Europe.
Image credit: Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
Image credit: Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
“We’re extraordinarily proud to open our first European resort in the beautiful, culturally rich destination of Kopaonik, Serbia,” said Bill Walshe, CEO at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. “Through inspiring experiences, engaging service and genuine connections, we are bringing an elevated offering that will stand out from its competitors across Europe.”
Image credit: Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
Designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm, WATG and its interiors studio, Wimberly Interiors, the hotel reflects the local “Suvo Rudiste” contemporary mountain style and complements the beauty of its surrounding landscape. Showcasing the height of alpine living, the interiors celebrate local culture and craftsmanship with stone, glass, timber and textiles resulting in effortless elegance.
Image credit: Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls and open-air spaces offer abundant natural light and a picture frame of stunning views. The generously-appointed guestrooms and suites, including a remarkable two-bedroom penthouse, offer a peaceful retreat to unwind with the thoughtful amenities guests come to expect at a five-star resort. Each stylish accommodation boasts a private balcony with breathtaking views of the mountain or ski village.
Helmed by celebrated Executive Chef Andrew Jones, guests can enjoy elevated dining rooted in international and Serbian cuisines and inspired by the local terrain and culinary scene. Pique Ski Bar, overlooking the ski centre, offers inventive light bites and drinks, live performances, and a jaw-dropping view of Pancic’s peak. The beating heart of Viceroy Kopaonik, The Mountain Kitchen, welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring hearty yet healthy dishes that honour the region’s rich heritage.
Image credit: Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
The Library, located in the lobby, serves as a quiet haven where guests can sip artisan coffee and teas or other specialty beverages while perusing a curated selection of books. And, coming soon, an intimate Asian-inspired restaurant highlighting specialities from duck to sushi. The Spa by Viceroy, the only full-service luxury spa in Kopaonik, boasts six-treatment rooms, a beauty lab, an indoor vitality pool, and a hammam/scrub room offering holistic wellness experiences using native mountain ingredients.
As the largest ski-in, ski-out resort in Serbia, Kopaonik is known for its pristine runs beloved by novice and highly skilled skiers alike. The resort offers 55km of runs for alpine skiing, 12km for cross country, and a specially-prepared Karaman Greben central course, lit for night skiers. Additionally, Kopaonik Village offers an abundance of excursions including bars, restaurants, museums and more.
With three dining venues, a luxurious full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools and curated off-site guest experiences, Viceroy Kopaonik welcomes locals and guests alike to experience a new world of adventure and contemporary luxury.
While the brand has makes its first footprints on the European hospitality soil, elsewhere in the world, Viceroy Santa Monica is in the process of a sweeping $21 million renovation, which started in January last year that will include a complete design overhaul and Hotel Zena opened in October as a bold new cultural hub celebrating the accomplishments of women and recognising their enduring struggle for gender equality. To us, the brand is hitting all the right notes as it authentically expands into new territories. And Viceroy Kopaonik is no exception.
As specifiers and interior designers increasingly search for more exciting and unique interior solutions, colour and pattern is finding its way into commercial spaces of all types. From metallic accents to colourful features, tiles are the perfect way to make a statement across surfaces. CTD Architectural Tiles’ collection offers professionals endless colour and pattern options, enabling projects to come to life through vivid, eye-catching design…
Borgo
A brick shaped tile with a delicate faux crackle glaze, Borgo will bring colourful charm to walls in any commercial setting. Available in both matt or gloss finishes and 8 on-trend shades, from Marine blue to Pink, Borgo can transform the look of any space into a piece of art. Whether used as a splashback in a hotel bathroom or on the front of a bar, the collection is guaranteed to impress.
Image caption: Borgo by CTD Architecture Tiles
Image caption: Borgo by CTD Architecture Tiles
Trivial
Bringing a fun, modern design twist to commercial spaces, Trivial offers the opportunity to create truly original feature walls. The range comprises 8 on-trend colourways in a stunning triangular shape, in both a glazed gloss and glazed matt surface finish. Perfect for those looking to make a bold statement within interiors projects, the colours and patterns can be combined and mixed, enabling specifiers and designers to deliver unique style concepts.
Image caption: Trivial by CTD Architectural Tiles
Image caption: Trivial by CTD Architectural Tiles
Gatsby
Inspired by the unmistakable Art Déco style synonymous with the 1920s and 1930s, Gatsby combines elegant designs with a modern colour palette to create stunning wall features within residential and commercial spaces.
Featuring a metallic effect, the glazed ceramic wall tile collection is comprised of four designs, from the fan-shape of Glam to the arched pattern of Elegance. Presented in a palette of dusty pinks and navy blues as well as shimmering golds and silvers, specifiers and designers can choose from seven colourways to create powerful and distinctive looks.
Image caption: Gatsby by CTD Architectural Tiles
Part of the Saint-Gobain family, CTD Architectural Tiles specialises in the supply of high quality ceramic tile finishes and tiling solutions across all sectors in the UK commercial specification market. With clients in a variety of sectors including the leisure, retail, hospitality industries, CTD Architectural Tiles is committed to bringing customers the latest innovations in product and in service. With unparalleled expertise and technical knowledge, the team works with industry leading, innovative manufacturers to offer a complete portfolio of ceramic and porcelain tile ranges to suit the architect, interior designer, developer and specification professional.
CTD Architectural Tiles is one of our recommended suppliers and regularly feature in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Inside Graduate Hotels’ debut property in New York
Designed by Stonehill Taylor and Snøhetta, Graduate Roosevelt Island becomes the Graduate Hotels’ 29th property and marks the brand’s arrival in New York City. With an arrival experience unlike any other (literally with a 12-foot sculpture greeting guests checking in), let’s take a look inside the 18-storey, 224-key design-led hotel…
Created for travellers who seek memory-making journeys, Graduate Hotels is a hand-crafted collection of hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored towns across the country and expanding into the U.K. in summer 2021. Each property celebrates and commemorates the optimistic energy of its community, while offering an extended retreat to places that often play host to the best days of our lives. The brand’s latest hotel – and debut property in New York City – shelters 224 guestrooms inside a 18-storey building on Roosevelt Island.
Positioned at the entrance of the Cornell Tech campus, the hotel has been designed by internationally renowned design firm Snøhetta, hosptiality-focused architecture firm Stonehill Taylor and Graduate Hotels’ in-house design team. Blending together Old School charm and New Age, the design team took inspiration from the rich history of Roosevelt Island and the future of technology that the Cornell Tech campus embodies. The futuristic and functional meld to create a space that’s bright, open and always interesting.
“We’re thrilled to make our debut in New York with the first ever hotel on Roosevelt Island and proud to join the innovative Cornell Tech campus,” said Ben Weprin, founder and CEO of Graduate Hotels. “Each of our hotels are rooted in the communities they serve, and we took great care in creating a highly customised hotel experience that honours the island’s rich history and has an authentic connection to the Cornell Tech campus. Now more than ever, there is a new appreciation for exploring what’s in your own backyard and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors looking to experience New York from a fresh and unexpected vantage point.”
The arrival experience has been designed to add personality and drama into the check-in element of the hospitality journey. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a custom 12-foot statement sculpture created by Hebru Brantley that reinterprets his iconic Flyboy character and a neon Graduate sign situated above the reception desk, which is a reimagined vintage apothecary cabinet.
Image credit: Steve Freihorn
In this area of the hotel, collaboration between the firms was integral. Stonehill Taylor, which recently took part in a panel discussion about the new era of lifestyle, ensured that the design of the ceiling connected the interior space to the exterior as part of the full campus experience. The ceiling’s unique trapezoidal wedge shape points upward towards the East River and Manhattan and aligns with the exterior soffit and façade planes to convey the sense of a mass floating above the ground. Unobstructed by lighting, the ceiling is reflectively lit by a fixture along the space’s perimeter. Three-quarters of the wall are glass windows and when paired with hard floors, the acoustics of the space proved challenging. Therefore, the architecture firm employed materials that would both soften the soundscape and accommodate the ceiling’s complex, three-dimensional shape. The wall opposite the floor-to- ceiling windows features 5,000 square feet of shelving with uplighting built into it that bounces off the ceiling above and surfaces below.
Image credit: Steven Freihorn
Nods to the island’s storied history can be seen through the corridor behind the front desk, which features a gallery of black and white photographs of the Roosevelt family. The spacious lobby is lined with 5,000 linear feet of textbooks and floor-to-ceiling windows to create a bright and airy space warmed up with Persian-inspired rugs, mid-century light fixtures and pops of Cornell Big Red hues throughout. The lobby is also home to the hotel’s full-service, all-day restaurant with a statement wraparound bar anchoring the space and a variety of inviting lounge seating.
The 224 guestrooms and suites include a Presidential Suite spanning more than 1,100 square feet. Contrasting the modern architecture with warm design details, the guest rooms offer a familiar, residential experience paired with unrivalled views of the East River and Manhattan skyline.
Image credit: Steve Freihorn
Image credit: Steve Freihorn
The décor plays with technology throughout the ages as seen through lamps with a Morse code of the Cornell fight song on the base, a neon light fixture inspired by a science project from a Cornell alum, floating glass desks and integrated audiovisual devices. Local elements and nods to Roosevelt Island are also incorporated throughout the guestrooms.
Image credit: Steven Freihorn
Design highlights include benches upholstered with oil painting-like tapestry of Dutch colonial life, custom art pieces created by Matt Buchholz and Brooklyn-based artist Ashley Cunningham and a thoughtfully curated gallery wall showcasing unique pieces including portraits of prominent figures in the island’s history such as Nellie Bly and Mae West.
Los Angeles-based hospitality team and New York City natives, Med Abrous and Marc Rose of Call Mom are the exclusive food and beverage partners at Graduate Roosevelt Island, marking the duo’s homecoming and their third collaboration with Graduate Hotels, which also includes Graduate Seattle and Graduate Nashville. The hotel includes the full-service restaurant, Anything At All, on the ground level; The Panorama Room, an extraordinary indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge with unobstructed, sweeping views of the city; and, more than 3,000 square feet of onsite flexible meeting space all conceived and operated by Abrous and Rose.
Abrous and Rose have tapped a talented, female-led team including Executive Chef Ja’Toria Harper, Pastry Chef Lindsey Verardo and Beverage Director Estelle Bossy to oversee all food and beverage programs. Opening later in June, Anything At All will serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Rooted in a vegetable-forward, farm-first approach to contemporary comfort food, the light-drenched indoor-outdoor space features a sustainable synergy between the kitchen and the bar whose playful, creative frozen drinks and seasonal spritzes will take centre stage at brunch.
Situated atop the hotel, The Panorama Room, is the stunning 168-seat rooftop bar and lounge designed by James Beard Foundation Award-winning design firm, Parts and Labor Design. Opening in July 2021, the crown jewel of the property will evoke a sense of cinematic drama inspired by futurism creating a true destination for fashion-forward elegance in an intimate space all set against unobstructed city views.
The hotel’s third floor features a variety of distinct multi-use meeting and event spaces set against clear skyline views, offering the perfect venue for every occasion from weddings to off-site corporate meetings. This summer, Graduate Hotels has transformed its ballroom into a space for collaboration inspired by the iconic film BIG. Known as “The Loft” at Graduate Roosevelt Island, this pop culture moment creates an opportunity for families, local businesses and private groups to catch up on lost time in a space that sparks creative energy and taps into the power of nostalgia.
Image credit: Steven Freihorn
What makes this project that much more impressive is its sustainability initiative. The hotel furthers the campus’ ongoing commitment to sustainability through its LEED-rated architecture and the use of highly efficient materials and energy saving systems throughout the property. Graduate Roosevelt Island’s many sustainability initiatives include the LEED-certified architecture, use of recyclable materials, highly efficient heating, cooling and LED lighting systems, reduced water consumption, waste reclamation programs, healthy indoor air quality and more. The food and beverage operators are equally committed to creating environmentally conscious restaurant operations and culinary programs including: composting food scraps, recycling programs for restaurant waste, no single-use plastic products, minimising food waste and purchasing sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients and products.
Designer Yorgo Lykouria sheds light on the convergence of hospitality and workplace, how we are living in a ‘post categorisation world’ and why his award-winning circular lighting design is as at home in a hotel lobby or an office…
The concept of hoteling: booking office space and enjoying concierge-style services in a workspace dates back well into the last decade, proving just how omnipresent the influence of the hospitality is on the world of workplace. But instead of being a one-way street is there actually more of a convergence between the two sectors than was previously thought?
Designer Yorgo Lykouria certainly believes so. “We’re almost at the point of post-categorisation, a place where good design can be presented anywhere,” he argues. “Good humanistic design should be everywhere. A hotel can be just as much of a workplace as a hotel.”
He continues: “When we think of things in that way, everything from furniture to lighting is embedded within our own preconceptions about what works for a particular setting be it an office or a hotel.”
Lykouria, who is founder and creative principle of design studio Rainlight, is responsible for Ambitus, a luminaire which has recently been awarded the ‘Best of the Best’ product prize at this year’s prestigious Red Dot Awards. The design of the luminaire found favour with the judges due to its mix of state-of-the-art technology combined with daring, nature-inspired aesthetics, held in place with distinctive, thin cables. Lykouria collaborated with Austrian manufacturer Zumtobel over a ten year period to create the final design. “It was initially intended to be a flexible piece for the workplace but it has an adaptable graceful quality that means it could equally belong it in a hotel lobby.”
Image credit: Rainlight
Image credit: Rainlight
The development of Ambitus involved using pliable LEDs and a complex tooling process while the perforated, laser-cut pattern which says, Lykouria, “is like an explosion of supernovas.” The light engine: the element consisting of LEDs mounted on the circuit board plus the electrical and mechanical fixings, offers tuneable white direct and indirect lighting and the colour temperature can be adjusted to suit the ambience required. In an office environment, it’s about harmonising with workers’ Circadian rhythms, providing energising or calming light as required but actually in a hotel setting that ability to switch moods is equally applicable. “You could have a warm light in a meeting space or above tables in a restaurant or a combination of warm and cool light. Depending on the finish, Ambitus can create a range of moods from austere minimalism to adding a more decorative, ornate quality.”
“The light is able to replicate true human-centric lighting and this is a rare occurrence with just a single light fixture,” he says. Its round shape is key, a contrast to the linear form of most office lighting. “It seemed to me a paradox to design a luminaire with straight lines when all natural sources of light such as the sun and moon are spherical. Because it is a circular light, it can make a space glow, like a campfire.”
It’s this sense of gathering around, of coming together that intrigues Lykouria about hotels. “A hotel is a very important part of the urban fabric, it’s a meeting place for nomads. Hotels are places of impromptu gatherings, it’s the connection of life and community: you get that contact with local people. Everybody is a nomad.”
He talks about the idea of grand hotels such as the Ritz, the Savoy, the George V in Paris or the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, “They really stitched together the fabric of life and now we have boutique hotels which are smaller and there’s more of them but they do the same thing.”Eschewing chain hotels, he prefers places that “look like the city they are in. The worst hotels are the ones where they don’t have that sense of place.”
Moving from the hotel lobby to the guest rooms he says, “It’s also an experience in solitude, that’s actually what I love about hotel rooms. You don’t have all your stuff around. It’s quite a calming experience, it’s just you and the few things you brought with you. In that way, it’s quite cathartic, a repose from the busy way of life.”
Hotels, he says, are even more important now in the days after our freedom of movement has been so substantially curtailed for so many months “Their relevance has been enhanced, you’re choosing to go somewhere different for some days. It’s a change from everyday life, somewhere that provides that reboot, that sense of being in the now. Suddenly you’re thinking new thoughts, it’s challenging. Hotels give you that sense of a refresh.”
While some of us may be missing our places of work in a similar way, in terms of opportunities for face-to-face social interactions and frankly the change of scene, hotels transcend that idea. Lykouria adds finally, “When we’ve been living off the internet for the past year or so, I’ve really missed the ability to travel and to be in different cultures. Hotels are key to that.”
Weekly briefing: Rediscovering British hospitality & unveiling Rosewood’s plot twist
You’re just in time to catch today’s performance of the Weekly Briefing. My name’s Hamish Kilburn, and allow me to show you to your seat. This week’s cast of stories includes our latest podcast episode that explores creativity crafted, nhow taking unconventional design and art to a whole new level, our latest hotel review that took us on a trip down memory lane and all you need to know (and more) about Rosewood’s latest venture into the private members’ arena. “Talent to the stage, talent to the stage, please…”
If Hotel Designs was a theatre production – and what a show that would be – the main theme of the overall performance this week would be variety. The editorial team’s inbox has been flooded with vibrancy, colour and stories that have simply put a smile on our face. Although many of the travel industry’s audience members haven’t quite made act one, as Covid-19 continues to put pressure on hospitality globally, we have been reassured that the narrative will improve by the development that continues to happen during these turbulent times.
This week, as well as recording out next virtual roundtable that explores the future of F&B hospitality (stay tuned), I was able to publish my first hotel review in a while – I checked in to The Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire following an incredible renovation by British designer Martin Hulbert – which made me realise, thanks to a nudge from good friend and PR queen Lara Good (Grifco PR), that local performances in British hospitality aren’t all that bad after all.
Work perks aside, here are our top stories from the week… but first, why not read this article while listening to the latest episode of DESIGN POD, which welcomes the ladies from Carden Cunietti to take the mic?!
Image caption: In one of the lounges, the designer even commissioned a large gold beam to hang on the ceiling because, well, why not? | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
Socially distanced from London’s hustle and bustle, but still within 20 miles of the city, The Grove is a country estate set within 300 acres of glorious Hertfordshire countryside. Its most recent renovation, led by British designer Martin Hulbert, answers only to nature and ushers the hotel into a new era – perfect for those seeking a luxury staycation within reach of the Capital – as I learns when I become the latest Hotel Designs editor to check in…
Rosewood Hotel Group, which has been loudly expanding its global portfolio during the pandemic period with hotel development in destinations such as Rome, Amsterdam, London and most recently Mexico City, has just changed the narrative once more by announcing the opening of Carlyle & Co., a landmark private members’ club in Hong Kong designed by British designer Ilse Crawford. Here’s what we know…
In my latest column, I addresses an issue that is resulting in young designers and architects missing out on a fair opportunity to succeed. Can we do more to help students to become the next generation of A&D professionals? You tell me…
NH Hotel Group’s unconventional lifestyle hospitality brand, nhow, expands its portfolio with the launch of its seventh hotel; a contemporary hub that has been designed with a different art form on every floor, including a floor designed by London designer Jessica Thacker. Sunglasses on, folks things are about to get colourful…
With a penchant for ‘great wine and good vibes’, The June is a female-led motelier that was founded by best friends, April Brown and Sarah Sklash. Following our bow to International Women’s Day, I sat down with Brown and Sklash to learn more about how the due are using design into to evolve The June into a leading lifestyle brand…
Following four successful virtual events, Hotel Designs LIVE, which is completely free for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers, will return on August 10, 2021. In order to confront ‘zoom fatigue’ with meaningful content, we have just announced the global line-up of speakers who will appear in a series of four engaging panel discussions throughout the day…
Read more.
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nhow Brussels Bloom Hotel opens with a colourful twist
NH Hotel Group’s unconventional lifestyle hospitality brand, nhow, expands its portfolio with the launch of its seventh hotel; a contemporary hub that has been designed with a different art form on every floor, including a floor designed by London designer Jessica Thacker. Sunglasses on, folks things are about to get colourful…
nhow Brussels Bloom has opened, sheltering an immersive world of creativity and inspiration that takes art completely outside the frame. Located in the Botanique area, the cultural centre of Brussels, the hotel is a place where business, leisure travellers and artists come together to share their passion for art and find new inspiration. Sitting under the “nhow” umbrella, NH Hotel Group’s unconventional lifestyle brand, the hotels follows on from the successful opening of nhow London last year.
nhow London used it’s location as a major source of inspiration – think back to the London park-themed corridors and who can forget that rocket-launching Big Ben?! Meanwhile, nhow Brussels Bloom chose unconventional art as a concept that would help bring together people from all over the world. Introducing the The Creative Hub, which is a place within the hotel where all different types of creativity come together, just like different people come together: locals, tourists and business travellers. Anyone who appreciates unconventional creativity will feel at home in this hotel.
Image credit: NH Hotel Group
The guestrooms are decorated like an artist’s studio: upon entering, there is an explosion of colours and prints, while the sleeping area is just like a blank canvas waiting for its art to arrive. Each room has a unique painting, which steals the attention due to its neutral surroundings. The bathrooms are inspired by the photographer’s workplace, the darkroom: mysterious, dark, and with a splash of colour here and there. Creativity is added by various Polaroid photos on the wall, inviting guests to create their own nhow bathroom moments.
Each floor is inspired by a different art form. The moment you step out of the elevator, you are completely immersed in the specific art theme. Jessica Thacker, London artist, designed the seventh floor with her abstract music-inspired paintings. nhow Brussels Bloom will open its other floors to more upcoming artists in the future.
Image credit: NH Hotel Group
Image credit: NH Hotel Group
In addition to 305 hotel rooms, the hotel has 12 meeting rooms for approximately 350 people. With the largest screen in Brussels, an amazing 17 by 4 metres, it is ideal for digital and hybrid events. Guests can have breakfast in the hotel restaurant or enjoy a drink and bitesized streetfood in the bar and restaurant. The hotel restaurant is a creative experience in its own. Diezijner x With Jeej has covered the walls, pillars and the cheat day station, in which you can get all sorts of pancakes and waffles, surrounded by unique graffiti art. Jeroen van der Knaap from With Jeej explained: “I just loved taking over the breakfast restaurant while the hotel was still under renovation and to get full freedom to turn the breakfast experience for guests into a creative one.” You can go for your daily work out on the eighth floor in a fully equipped gym, with a beautiful view over the city. Guests can order an easel and a paint kit via room service to get creative during their stay.
Every nhow hotel aims to be inspiring, surprising and adapts to its surroundings like a chameleon. That’s why the embodiment of the nhow brand has arrived in Brussels: Patch, the colourful eight-metre-long chameleon, who previously brightened up both London and Amsterdam with its presence. With its impressive appearance, the chameleon represents the brand values of nhow: self-discovery, change and creativity. Patch is placed on the façade of the hotel and will be lit up at night.
The nhow brand, which currently has hotels in Milan, Rotterdam, Marseille, London, Amsterdam and now Brussels, shows no sign of slowing down. The brand will welcome its second hotel in Germany in 202 and hotels in Rome, Santiago de Chile and Lima will follow in the next three years.
Product watch: Bathroom lighting collection by Chelsom
With our editorial team safely drawing to the conclusion that the bathroom is vast becoming more than just a practical element of the hotel experience, as we heard at our last Hotel Designs LIVE event, we take a closer look at Chelsom’s bathroom lighting collection to understand how designers can take their bathroom designs to the next level…
The bathroom is far from being last on a designer’s priority list and the interior design schemes being created are anything but boring these days. For a space that’s both beautiful and functional, lighting plays a starring role and Chelsom is a specialist brand when it comes to the design and manufacture of bathroom lighting for the global hospitality market.
The brand has a varied selection of bathroom lighting available as part of its latest collection, Edition 27 – of which more than 40 per cent of the collection is entirely new and all pieces are available with LED light sources to accommodate the latest developments in technology and energy efficiency.
In addition, the brand also works with clients to design beautiful custom products that create flawless lighting on every level and that meet the necessary requirements and regulations for products in the bathroom environment. One of Chelsom’s most recent projects, among others, is Riggs Washington D.C., where the brand collaborated with designer Jacu Strauss in order to ensure that each space was effortlessly lit in order to radiate the hotel’s luxe style and distinct personality.
Image credit: Luxurious bathrooms inside the hotel. | Image credit: Riggs Washington D.C.
Chelsom is one of our recommended suppliers and regularly feature in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
LISTEN NOW: Ep 5 of DESIGN POD explores creativity crafted
Episode 5 of DESIGN POD is now live! In this episode, in association with Bathroom Brands Group, editor Hamish Kilburn and co-host Harriet Forde meet Audrey Carden and Eleanora Cunietti, the founders of design studio Carden Cunietti, to discuss diversity, how to design good business decisions and explore the trends that both ladies would hate to re-emerge…
Thankfully – and although there is still work to be done – no longer does it raise eyebrows for women to move into leadership roles in the design and also architecture arenas. For Audrey Carden and Eleanora Cunietti, time has moved quickly since they first launched their much-loved Notting Hill store in London in 1996 to now, owning a thriving interior design practice – perfecting their craft by putting everything they have learned along the way into their projects.
The duo’s journey together in business started when they bumped into each other at a London antique fair while scouting for distinctive pieces for clients. The organic decision to start their business with just £20,000 (how things have changed) led to success, failures and too many stories to fit in to this episode.
Despite everything, the ladies would not change a thing – and here’s why…
Listen to the full episode here:
The next DESIGN POD episode, which will drop next month, will invite photographer Mel Yates and stylist Florence Rolfe to explore the theme of capturing design and architecture.
Rosewood Hotel Group launches ‘new breed’ of private members’ clubs
Rosewood Hotel Group, which has been loudly expanding its global portfolio during the pandemic period with hotel development in destinations such as Rome, Amsterdam, London and most recently Mexico City, has just changed the narrative once more by announcing the opening of Carlyle & Co., a landmark private members’ club in Hong Kong designed by British designer Ilse Crawford. Here’s what we know…
With the world of hospitality shaken up following more than a year of uncertainty, many would agree that now is the perfect time for a brand to evolve in order to cater for the new demands among modern travellers. Rosewood Hotel Group, which has been anything but quiet during its forced hibernation over the last year, has just unveiled a plot twist by introducing its first landmark social club onto the hospitality scene.
Cue the arrival of Carlyle & Co., which presents a new style of the private membership experience. Carlyle & Co. is expected to welcome a carefully curated community of members drawn together by personalities, passions, interests and stories, rather than status or profession, to experience exceptional dining and lifestyle moments, a rich cultural calendar and unrivalled entertainment. Grounded in what the brand has described as “the timeless spirit of its namesake, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York City”, Carlyle & Co.’s diverse and dynamic community is unlike any other, curated with unswerving integrity and meticulous focus, with each member connected by a shared attitude to living life to the fullest.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotel Group
Located above Rosewood Hong Kong, which opened in 2019, Carlyle & Co. offers a 25,000-square-foot social sanctuary with a lush outdoor terrace boasting sweeping views of Hong Kong. A selection of beautifully appointed spaces are designed for a carousel of day-to-night experiences – from the Music Room, Games Room, Barber and Tailor to the Wine Cellar, Brasserie and more – each offering the ultimate setting to connect, work, dine and celebrate. With this opening, Carlyle & Co. will launch the first chapter of the legendary Café Carlyle – which has been perfecting the quintessential supper club experience for 65 years – outside of New York. Here, members will be invited to enjoy live entertainment on the most intimate stage in town. Furthermore, a private floor with eight individually designed bedrooms are available for members and their guests who wish to stay overnight.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotel Group
Image credit: Rosewood Hotel Group
“I am thrilled to bring the irrepressible spirit, inimitable style and intangible sense of magic that I fell in love with at The Carlyle in New York to Hong Kong with the inaugural Carlyle & Co.,” said Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group and Founder of Carlyle & Co. “A progressive concept created for today, Carlyle & Co. will offer a unique experience in the private members’ club landscape while providing the community and connection that people are longing for.”
“The bedrooms themselves are named after legendary characters connected to the long history of The Carlyle, each one individually decorated for a more personal and unique overnight experience.”
Designed by British designer Ilse Crawford of Studioilse, who is arguably most known for her work on Babington House and for creating a cosy and personal hospitality experience inside Ett Hem, Carlyle & Co. establishes a distinct sense of its locale while simultaneously evoking the timeless glamour and playful whimsy of The Carlyle in New York. Murals by Jean-Philippe Delhomme and Christina Zimpel bring a whimsical spirit reminiscent of the legendary Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle. The bedrooms themselves are named after legendary characters connected to the long history of The Carlyle, each one individually decorated for a more personal and unique overnight experience.
At the soul of Carlyle & Co. is a rich and varied cultural program that is as wide-ranging in topics as its Members are diverse. From cutting-edge business insights and experimental wellness workshops, to connoisseur wine tastings and innovative panel discussions, the club’s one-of-a-kind experiences will ignite personal passions and spark debate. The Rosewood brand believes that Carlyle & Co. will inform, inspire and unite its members, empowering them to truly live life to the fullest at one single address.
Scape Design unveils sustainable landscape concept at Somerset House in London
Philip Jaffa who as Founder of Scape Design, is best known for experiential and environmentally sensitive landscape design in the international hospitality arena, has created an urban forest which is the centrepiece of the London Design Biennale at Somerset House this month…
Working in close collaboration with acclaimed artist, designer and Artistic Director of the Biennale, Es Devlin, who conceived the project, as well as with urban greening specialists, Scotscape, landscape designer Philip Jaffa has shaped an extraordinary journey of contemplation for visitors as they wander the pathways of Forest for Change leading to The Global Goals Pavilion where they will discover an interactive display of the 17 UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
The forest will comprise more than 400 juvenile trees, the majority sourced from one of the UK’s leading tree growers. They have been individually selected for their differing canopy shapes, heights and forms to achieve a layered aesthetic and to shroud the glade where the Development Goals lie at the heart of the experience. To highlight the plight of trees in urban environments due to climate change, the team chose a diverse range of 27 nursery grown species with the aim of ensuring resilience in the London environment. These include many favourite common species such as Scots Pine, Hazel and Silver Birch.
Endorsing this decision, Tony Kirkham, MBE VMH, Head of Arboretum, Gardens & Horticulture Services, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, says: “The only way to ensure future resilience of our new forest and tree plantings is to plant as much diversity of species as possible.”
Since the existing courtyard floor is an unmovable hardscape of cobbles, the trees will remain in their containers for the duration of the event and these will be covered in bark mulch mounds underplanted with forest floor species such as periwinkle, ivy and ferns. A sculptural array of logs and branches will also be spread across the ground to suggest the sights and smells of centuries-old woodlands and the stroll through the forest will be made to the accompaniment of birdsong in a soundtrack curated by pioneering musician Brian Eno.
“The invitation to wander through Forest for Change will be an opportunity for each visitor to find their way using intuition as their guide,” says Philip Jaffa. “Our disconnection from nature is at the heart of the global climate crisis, with such terrible effect on our planet, but forests have long been held as places of transformation and our hope is that the experience of our forest will contribute to inspiring change. The irony of constructing a forest in a courtyard where Enlightenment principles meant trees were forbidden when Somerset House was built has not been lost on us. The forest represents a challenge to the presumption that we are here to dominate nature, rather than as an integral part of it.”
The environmental impact of Forest for Change has been an important consideration throughout. All the trees will be donated to and replanted in London boroughs as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, creating a durable legacy for the forest after the Biennale and the cork and bark pathways will be re-used or recycled. The project will be carbon positive, planting sufficient trees after the Biennale to offset its carbon footprint three times over.
Forest for Change – The Global Goals Pavilion is being presented in partnership with Project Everyone, a not-for-profit agency dedicated to furthering awareness and engagement with the Global Goals. Lighting design is by John Cullen Lighting.
Editor checks in: What it’s actually like for young designers
In his latest column, editor Hamish Kilburn addresses an issue that is resulting in young designers and architects missing out on a fair opportunity to succeed. Can we do more to help students to become the next generation of A&D professionals, he asks…
Do you remember when you first graduated; the struggle became real, your wages weren’t just spending money and the world all of a sudden felt exponentially larger. You were given your first opportunity to either sink or swim in working life and deadlines, allocated annual leave and working lunches became the new norm.
For myself – and granted, journalism operates in a slightly different arena – it was an internship that I’d secured throughout my time at university that evolved into full-time job straight after I graduated. I was so grateful, hungry and eager to succeed as well as please. It felt like the right, and natural step forward after completing my final module as a student. I didn’t think about it too much at the time, but my fate had just been sealed by a smartly dressed stranger.
Before this, I had applied elsewhere – I remember sitting in one interview, to be a financial journalist, blagging my way through while not evening understanding what the FTSE 100 was, or why the interviewer hadn’t grilled me yet on my D at Business A-level. To the surprise of nobody, I didn’t get the job. I wasn’t untalented, just inexperienced. The only reason I can think of why the company I was interning at the time offered me a role was my personality and that I had proved to them that I was able to work well with others. I’m pretty sure the fact that they lost their editor and assistant editor of one of their leading publications on the same day, close to the time my internship was up, was also a swaying factor. Either way, I took what I could and began to climb!
“Can an industry that is fuelled by innovation afford to lose the raw talent that was so successfully incubated in that global campaign?”
Things were different in 2014. For starters, deadly virus’ that shut boarders were sci-fi plots and internships were more meaningful. Working from home was a luxury, and tea-making etiquette was essential in order to survive.
Today, while design studios globally try everything in their grasp to keep hold of their existing staff members, hundreds – if not thousands – of students are graduating from the comfort of education and being left in the wilderness. One aspiring architect recently shared with me that many workplaces he applied for requested at least one or two years’ experience first. If what he says is true, then it’s impossible for part one architecture candidates to secure themselves a job – a first opportunity – in the workplace. Take the Accor Design Awards, for example, which concluded a few weeks ago and has since become one of our most-read articles this month. Can an industry that is fuelled by innovation afford to lose the raw talent that was so successfully incubated in that global campaign? Without giving these students a chance, there is little hope.
And then, of course, for anyone who has started a new job during the pandemic will understand, if students have been fortunate enough to secure roles over the last year, the opportunity to make a good, personable impression by meeting their co-workers and building internal working relationships has been erased and replaced with social distancing restrictions that have forced the industry to work from home – no wonder why students are losing hope in the system.
Recognising the struggle that young, talented designers and architects are going through, Hotel Designs has proudly teamed up with NEWH – UK Chapter to facilitate a handful of meaningful and authentic conversations between them and individuals who are at top of the pyramid within their own studio. We are handing over the microphone for the students to lead the interview. Going beyond a PR-washing opportunity, these interviews will allow us to hear what young designers and architects want to know, as well as given them the voice to share their concerns with leading figures in hospitality and hotel design. Put simply, we are giving them the power – and the platform – to share their narrative.
Calling all design lovers in the Capital… Parkside, known for unveiling the ‘most sustainable tile on the market’, has opened two new Design Studios as it continues to develop its position in the commercial tile market…
Parkside Design Studios can now be found in Balham and Notting Hill, London, joining the tile specification company’s existing Design Studios in Chelsea, Clerkenwell and the Cotswolds as well as a hub at its Leicester headquarters.
Design Studios are home to samples for many collections and can be used by local architecture and design communities to explore over 1,500 tile designs that are available from Parkside. Run by knowledgeable and experienced studio managers and acting as hubs for the company’s growing team of consultants, the Design Studios are a key part of its approach to high quality service.
For example, the company’s Clerkenwell Design Studio regularly hosts events and workshops for the local professional community and has been involved in photography exhibitions and taken an active role in events such as Clerkenwell Design Week. All studios also provide space for consultations and to explore tile options for projects.
Mark Williams, sales design director, comments; “As a tactile surface finish, tiles are best decided upon through seeing samples. Of course, our website has a five-minute sample selector which is utilised by architects and designers on a regular basis, but sometimes there is a need to explore and discuss options for projects in more depth. Our Design Studios provide this opportunity and act as a place where our consultants can help to build a tile specification, or simply where people can come together to explore our impressive collection.
“We’re hugely excited about these two new locations as they make it easier for local architects, specifiers and interior designers to experience how Parkside can help lift tile specifications out the ordinary. As restrictions allow, we look forward to welcoming the local professional communities in to celebrate with us, and also to share ideas and knowledge on how to bring the durability and ease of tiles to workplaces, housing developments, retail, hotels, bars and restaurants and many more locations.”
The two Design Studios opened Friday April 31, 2021, with social distancing measures effective.
Mat is a textured cork wall panel from Granorte that brings a strong connection to nature. Harnessing cork’s unique and distinct natural aesthetic, Mat is a stylish way to welcome natural finishes to walls. Using a decorative cork veneer and agglomerated cork base, the 100 per cent natural wall tile is available in a range of neutral colours that deliver a premium look in commercial interiors…
Mat’s 100 per cent cork composition retains all the benefits of cork, providing a comfortable finish that feels great to touch, insulates from heat loss and absorbs noise. With a lightweight construction, the wall tile can be glued to any vertical surface. It is finished with Granorte’s Corkguard protective layer that provides a durable surface that’s easy to care for in commercial environments.
“Mat is a unique wall tile that explores cork’s textural and visual language to bring commercial interiors a natural wall finish that’s unique in every way,” says Paulo Rocha, Granorte. “Through a palette of colours that allow muted tonal contrasts with other finishes, including natural tones, Mat allows a distinct language to be created, while connecting the interior to the positive influence of nature.”
Granorte has been making cork products from the waste of wine stopper production since 1973 and the family-run company has established itself as a true innovator in cork, finding new applications for the natural and renewable material.
With a wide range of wall and floor products to furniture like the Moon Coffee Table and the NuSpa sanitaryware collection that’s robotically cut from giant blocks of agglomerated cork, Granorte remains at the forefront of cork manufacture.
Granorte 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.
Opulent touches to modern bathrooms – the Ultimate Brass Collection by Crosswater
First emerging in the 70s and 80s, interior design has since embraced opulence in the home – a trend that continues to remain popular within interiors to this day, particularly across bathrooms. As consumers look to incorporate this look, Crosswater has made it a priority to provide an unrivalled choice of brassware and accessories that will assist in adding a perfect luxe look into the bathroom…
Drawing upon inspiration from the industrial era, UNION by Crosswater brings a bold design to the 21st century, with sleek profiles that combine superior casting techniques and thermostatic valve technology for complete control of water flow.
Offering another variation of this extravagant finish, the MPRO range brings superior function and design to bathrooms. Encompassing simple lines and an on-trend Brushed Brass surface, the MPRO collection delivers luxury and character to completely transform the bathroom. The brassware can also be paired with the new GALLERY 10 and OPTIX 10 Brushed Brass shower enclosures and walk-ins for a cohesive showering solution that exudes sophistication.
A more traditional look can be attained with the Belgravia ‘Unlacquered Brass’ finish. Influenced by time-honoured design, the gorgeous golden glow of the brassware and accessories is guaranteed to make an on-trend statement across bathrooms of all styles. Pair with ornate tiling and classic influences for a contemporary twist.
From towels rails and radiators to showerheads and bath fillers, all of the Crosswater unlacquered and brushed brass finishes are sympathetically curated to ensure everlasting luxury.
Crosswater is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.
Socially distanced from London’s hustle and bustle, but still within 20 miles of the city, The Grove is a country estate set within 300 acres of glorious Hertfordshire countryside. Its most recent renovation, led by British designer Martin Hulbert, answers only to nature and ushers the hotel into a new era – perfect for those seeking a luxury staycation within reach of the Capital – as editor Hamish Kilburn learns when he becomes the latest Hotel Designs editor to check in…
The lush countryside that surrounds The Grove used to form part of my running route – whether or not I was technically trespassing, is another matter entirely (one tends to think it best to claim ignorance to such details). At the time, the landscape architecture and the vastness of the estate’s grounds provided a welcome distraction to the miles I was clocking up, but also made me feel as if I had entered a secret garden that most – with the hotel being set back and away from any public footpaths – would just run past, oblivious to the adventure that awaits on the other side.
Image caption: The long, winding driveway creates a dramatic arrival experience. | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
A few years later, I returned – without running shoes this time – to take in the recent work of designer Martin Hulbert, which incorporated all three dining spaces as well as the lobby area and 189 West Wing guestrooms. What makes this project particularly unique to others is the designer’s long-term relationship with this hotel, which he has helped evolve into many chapters. Hulbert, a modest yet proud man whose passion for the building is indisputable, admits that renovating the same project and spaces that he once unveiled created an unsettling feeling. “When I first arrived here in 2006, this was a derelict building,” he tells me as we recline into the mustard sofas to enjoy the characterful setting that he has created in The Library, a space that is now flooded with natural light, with hand-painted, bespoke fabric that cover the walls of the curved, oval space large double-glass doors that frame views that stretch out over the 300-acre estate. “There wasn’t even a golf course back then, and we worked with the landscape designer, Michael Balston, to collaborate in order to ensure that the design scheme married to the spectacular landscape.”
Image caption: The Library features a botanical experience that includes quirky details such as Picasso style cusions from The Conran Shop. | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
Incredibly, 15 years have passed since then, but Hulbert was never quite able to let go of this project. “I never stopped coming here and I continued to work on minor things during that period,” he explains. “Perhaps that’s because we made the design very personal at the time – it still is personal, but this most recent renovation, I feel, has made the hotel feel a little bit more grown up.”
Upon entering The Grove, in what used to be a space that was fit for purpose, is now an inviting lobby that feels deeply considered from all angles. A colourful table catches my eye, which I am told has been made from recycled CDs. On its own it could be out of place, but on top of it is a wild floral display that creates a sort of harmony between nature, the heritage of the building and the contemporary flavour – all the while feeling timeless. Behind the check-in desk, a wall display of various keys of different sizes and styles is more than simply art outside the frame. It’s the result of Hulbert’s inability to let go of The Grove since he first started working on the hotel. “I actually collected all of those keys myself, over the years between the first renovation and this one, long before I was asked back to redesign the interiors,” he says. “I was collecting them to eventually be hung in that very space – I would have been somewhat disappointed, therefore, if they hadn’t asked me to return!” Overall, the lobby feels like a modern space; warm, inviting and complete with indoor trees, plants and playful details such as leathered-upholstered rocking chairs – a home-from-home, if that home was designed by a visionary designer!
Image caption: The lobby features a variety of quirky pieces of furniture. | Image credit: Hotel Designs
Image caption: The table in the lobby, made from recycled CDs, is a bold statement. | Image credit: Hotel Designs
Despite the renovation taking on perhaps bolder leaps this time around, the inspiration for Hulbert’s evolved masterpiece has always been the surrounding countryside. “The landscape was always the main plot in the story, if you like, but the other side we looked at this time around was the rebellious nature that we have when confronting the interiors of a country estate,” he says. “We never wanted to create an interior scheme that was just another version of another country house.” It seems to me as if that spirit has continued right through The Grove, and Hulbert sensitively acknowledged the past but by also looking ahead to more contemporary times and styles. “The hotel has had a brilliant past in the last 15 years, and this renovation was about thinking about the next 10 years – and that was the largest part of the brief,” Hulbert explains.
Image caption: The Blue Lounge is one of three lounges that have been recently redesigned. This area includes a striking Murano chandelier that demands attention when guests pass through this area of the hotel. | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire.
I’m told that the start point of this renovation was The Glasshouse, which is the hotel’s signature F&B dining area inside the hotel that already sheltered quirky elements such as a large fish-scale mural on the wall made from discarded cutlery. Thankfully, the masterful mural has remained – and on the opposite end of the restaurant, Hulbert has added another. A stack of discarded crockery has been formed to create another art piece for the wall that creates even more decorative flair. And in order to evoke a gentle energy, Hulbert has introduced kinetic sculptures suspended from the ceiling, which move above plush velvet and rich leather seating.
Image caption: The Glasshouse, through a clever design and colour scheme, deeply connects guests with nature. | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire.
In this area, it’s clear that colour was key. The 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 tone. “Who paints part of their restaurant’s ceiling yellow?” he jokes. “I have this real need for joyfulness, especially at the moment, and I find yellow to be such an uplifting colour. It just felt right, and allowed us to to create a sense of eternal sunshine, even on London’s greyest of days.”
Image caption: The bright colour scheme from inside The Glasshouse can be seen from gardens of the hotel. | Image credit: The Grove Hertfordshire.
What is somewhat unique about Hulbert’s methods is his hands-on approach when it comes to designing the furniture and other items. A bespoke cast iron coffee table in one of the lounges, for example, and various sculptures dotted around, create depth to the design narrative. So too does the art in all spaces, which has been carefully curated, over years, by Hulbert in order to inject vibrancy and sense of place into the interiors. “We as a studio make and design a lot, and make decisions as we go,” he explains. “The client trusts me and I never had to produce renderings, which I am aware is rare these days. It goes back to the spirit of our first project, I guess, when we were encouraged to be creative and think alternatively.” The result is that the project has been able to find its own rhythm, unaffected, to some extent, by various parameters and totally dictated by nature and the natural design process.
Image caption: In one of the lounges, the designer even commissioned a large gold beam to hang on the ceiling because, well, why not? | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
As well as the public areas, which for all the right reasons have had the most attention on during this recent renovation, Hulbert and his team were also appointed to renovate 189 guestrooms in the West Wing of the hotel. In these tranquil spaces, the design has been inspired by craftsmanship, such as the custom tapestries on the walls and art playing a distinct role. “Previously, there was a bit of a disconnect between the public areas and those guestrooms, so we needed to make them feel more coherently united,” says Hulbert. “I wanted them to feel more handmade so that they can be calm spaces that have look out onto the stunning views of the estate.” As a result, Hulbert has avoided the cookie-cutter approach to create personal areas of the hotel that respond to the rest of the building.
Image caption: The newly designed guestrooms are tranquil spaces that celebrate craftsmanship and the natural landscape. | Image credit: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
The elephant in the room, of course, is that The Grove has had to unveil its most recent renovation under the unfamiliar restrictions that the hospitality is facing at the moment. However, in many ways, this situation that quite frankly brought the industry to its knees over the last year only amplifies Hulbert’s design and makes his precise work that much more relevant and meaningful so that the hotel continues to stand the test of time.
Located in the heart of central London’s vibrant Marylebone area, the new luxury lifestyle hotel features 249 rooms, a signature Nobu Restaurant and Nobu Bar with an all-year-round terrace, plus a gym and wellness facilities.
The common spaces in the hotel have been beautifully conceptualised by London based architecture and interior design firm, David Collins Studio, and the rooms and suites have been designed by Make Architects.
Bathroom brand Bette provided three different bath styles for the hotel: the freestanding BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette, the BetteOcean shower bath and the double-ended BetteStarlet fitted bath, all made from its luxurious, durable and hygienic glazed titanium-steel.
The BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette baths have been used in the hotel’s suites. The luxurious freestanding baths are comfortable for two to bathe together and come in five sizes from 1500 x 80mm to 1950 x 950mm.
Also, providing a relaxing, comfortable bath that is perfect for two, the fitted BetteStarlet baths have a contemporary, oval shape, come with a central waste and in 12 sizes from 1500 x 800mm to 1850 x 850mm.
The BetteOcean bath is perfect for use as a shower bath. It features steep sides at the foot end, for more standing room when showering, and a comfortable sloping back rest at the other end, for relaxed bathing. The bath has a central waste and comes in 12 sizes from 1500 x 700mm to 1800 x 800mm.
Bette baths, shower trays and basins come with a thirty year warranty, are easy to clean and available in more than 400 colours, including gloss and matt finishes. Made from natural raw materials, they are completely recyclable and verified to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as per ISO 14025 and to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Bette is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Following to launch of its debut property in Miami and announcement of its arrival in Dubai, Marriott International’s disruptive hotel brand, Moxy, expands to Mainland China with additional openings slated for Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Xi’an in the next year. Here’s what we know…
Designed for the young and the young-at-heart, Moxy Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands – enables guests to save on space and splurge on experiences – a word that is vastly evolving global hospitality. With thoughtful, tech-enabled bedrooms, interactive gathering spaces and approachable service, Moxy boldly reinvents the traditional hotel stay and aims to surprise travellers with a playful, spirited and fun guest experience.
The new 158-key hotel is conveniently located right next to one of the most important transportation hubs in China, which brings together the high-speed rail, an international airport and local metro lines. Lidoway, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is a bustling Gen-Z destination with an array of trendy lifestyle shops, restaurants and bars. Travellers visiting the Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD can also explore popular attractions in Shanghai including The Bund, known for its famous skyline, Xintiandi for its vibrant nightlife and food scene, and Tianzifang for its arts and crafts shopping.
Image credit: Moxy Hotels
“We are thrilled to continue to grow our global portfolio and introduce the energetic Moxy brand to mainland China with the opening of Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott International. “Shanghai is a world-renowned commercial hub and tourist destination, with appeal to experientially minded travelers. Moxy will bring its Play On spirit and unconventional hotel experience to this world-class city, and expects five more Moxy Hotels to open in mainland China within the next year.”
Moxy Hotels plans to open five additional properties in mainland China in the next year, marking strong anticipated growth in a region where next-gen travelers play an essential role in the China tourism market. Following the opening of Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD, a vibrant new social scene is set to be introduced at Moxy Shanghai Xuhui, which is slated to open in the cosmopolitan city later this summer. Additional new Moxy Hotels are slated to open in Nanjing, Shenzhen and Xi’an within the next twelve months.
“The opening marks the entry of Marriott Bonvoy’s 24th brand into mainland China – a testament to our focus on bringing a diversified portfolio for different types of travelers to China,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “We currently operate more than 50 hotels in Shanghai and look forward to expanding our portfolio further across China in order to offer distinctive and personalized experiences for travelers.”
Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD’s stylish and playful design pays homage to the neighbouring Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and aims to welcome guests with the brand’s signature bold spirit by incorporating clever elements from airport terminals into the hotel lobby design, including an immersive display board that will feature flight information, route maps and aircraft seating updates in real-time.
Upon arrival, guests are instantly welcomed into an immersive stay with check-in at Bar Moxy, complete with a complimentary “Got Moxy”cocktail. The buzzing bar is also a communal hub in the lobby where guests can dine and socialize. Moxy’s 24/7 self-service grab-and-go concept gives guests access to what they want, whenever they want, with options including snacks, fresh juice, coffee, wine and beer. Guests can also re-energize at the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center decked out with a boxing bag, signature racing bike and other equipment. Additionally, the new hotel features a 24-hour ironing room, a signature Moxy amenity, for guests to iron their outfits or socialise with their crew before hitting the town.
The hotel’s tech-savvy, modern bedrooms intermix edgy details with functionality and are cleverly designed to maximise space and allow guests the flexibility to adapt the room to their needs. Guests can enjoy smart features from plush platform beds to a fun-size work surface, and peg walls instead of closets. Each guestroom is equipped with Moxy’s signature Stellar Works foldable workspace desks and chairs, as well as 55-inch flat screen TVs, bedside USB ports, electronic safety box, walk-in rain showers and furiously fast and free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay plugged-in around the clock.
Moxy’s interactive and intriguing Play On communal spaces will come alive with thoughtfully crafted happenings designed by the Moxy Crew to cater to travellers and locals who like to socialise and meet new friends. At Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD, foosball and various popular boardgames are available in the communal spaces and guests can mingle at events organised by the hotel.
“We’re thrilled to be the first Moxy hotel in mainland China in the electrified metropolitan of Shanghai, and to show this city just how invigorating and fun a hotel stay really can be,” said Aleen Wan, Captain of the Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD. “Different from anything else in this area, our spirited Crew members are excited to connect with travellers in a playful way over games and cocktails in our design-driven social areas, allowing travellers to blend work and play – all at an approachable price point.”
Speakers announced for Hotel Designs LIVE in August
Following four successful virtual events, Hotel Designs LIVE, which is completely free for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers, will return on August 10, 2021. In order to confront ‘zoom fatigue’ with meaningful content, we have just announced the global line-up of speakers who will appear in a series of four engaging panel discussions throughout the day. Editor Hamish Kilburn, who will host the event at Minotti London, reveals all…
Hotel Designs LIVE, the one-day conference which is free to attend if you qualify as a designer, architect, hoteliers or developer, will return on August 10 to serve up a series of online panel discussions with the aim to keep the industry connected and the conversation flowing during the on-going pandemic.
Editor Hamish Kilburn will host the event from the comfort of Minotti London’s Fitzrovia showroom. “For more than a year now, Hotel Designs LIVE has been meaningfully serving the international hotel design and hospitality community by simply keeping the conversation following,” Kilburn explains. “It feels very fitting, considering our previous networking collaborations the luxury Italian furniture brand and its relevant to all of our four panel discussions, to welcome Minotti London as our headline sponsor.”
There are limited spaces available. Simply click here to secure your place in the virtual audience (booking form takes less than two minutes and entry is free for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers).
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.
Meet the women who are pioneering a new wave of design-led motels
With a penchant for ‘great wine and good vibes’, The June is a female-led motelier that was founded by best friends, April Brown and Sarah Sklash. Following our bow to International Women’s Day, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with Brown and Sklash to learn more about how the due are using design into to evolve The June into a leading lifestyle brand…
What started as a side hustle turned into a full-time passion project in 2016, with April Brown and Sarah Sklash converting their first rundown roadside motel into a boutique hospitality destination. Centered on bold feminine design with a retro twist, the two properties, located in Ontario’s Prince Edward County and Sauble Beach, are both set amongst beautiful landscapes that inspire their aesthetics.
To achieve the balance of beautiful design with a plant lady personality, the best friends started by tapping into the epitome of North American motel culture: neon signs, bright coloured doors, and retro Solair chairs. Collaborating with other female-founded businesses, creatives, and makers from their local communities and beyond, The June brand look quickly came together. Everything from the custom bathroom tiles, terrazzo countertops, bespoke wallpaper, and perfect paint shades like Apricot Beige and Palladian Blue set the mood and transform the spaces from roadside motels to places of refuge.
Hamish Kilburn: Tell us a little bit about yourselves. What is your background and how did you get to where you are today? What made you decide to open The June?
April Brown: Simply put, we’re two best friends who took a risk to do something we love. My background is in PR, and Sarah’s is in government, but we both have this love of travel and boutique hospitality, and wanted more than our corporate jobs in Toronto. On New Year’s Day 2016, we finally decided to work together and develop a sort of side hustle. Originally, we wanted to create a weekend “wine camp” for adults, setting up camp at a roadside motel in the Prince Edward County countryside. It didn’t take long for us to realise that there was a bigger idea there, so we visited a dingy, roadside motel and decided to purchase it. It was exciting to take that leap, but what followed was a lot of hard work. We renovated the property entirely ourselves – except for the plumbing and electric – and learned so much along the way. The result is something that we literally built, and we’re looking forward to growing the brand.
Image credit: Lauren Miller Photography
Image credit: Lauren Miller Photography
HK: What was the inspiration behind The June? How would you describe the style of The June?
Sarah Sklash: The June is a little old school, high-spirited, eccentric, good vibes – and we like to personify that throughout the properties. To achieve all of that, we really focused on the designs, putting a lot of time and attention into every detail. The Prince Edward County property features pink doors, statement palm wallpaper and serious plant lady vibes; Sauble Beach has sun-bleached wallpaper in every room, a retro colour palette, and an idyllic 70s motel pool. Both properties have a balance of North American motel culture (neon signs, bright coloured doors, and retro Solair chairs) while also pulling inspiration from the beautiful surrounding landscapes. The results are visually stimulating, but also feel like you are in a very cool friend’s house. In addition to the design, we like to throw in other nice touches, like a free glass of rosé at check-in.
Image credit: Lauren Miller Photography
Image credit: Lauren Miller Photography
HK: The June is a big supporter of Female-led businesses, after all you have created one yourself. Tell us about the creatives and makers you have collaborated with for the two properties.
AB: Wherever we can, we love to partner with like-minded, female-founded and owned businesses in our communities and beyond. The June wasn’t built by us alone; we leaned on a lot of family and friends to help make The June the success it is today, so we really believe in that sense of community. We have a long list of collaborators, having worked with partners on everything from our branding to our custom wallpapers.
Here are some examples of the incredible women we work with:
Jackie Treitz, The Paper Bakery, who helped us create and design The June brand
Candice Kaye who designed our perfectly sun bleached wallpaper in the guest rooms in Sauble Beach
Melissa Condotta of Sunday’s Company, who created our signature scent and in-room apothecary products (body oil, soap and linen spray).
HK: How does The June stand out from other hotels and motels in the industry?
SS: We believe a good amount of our success is because we’re so hands on and everything is from our points of view. We believe ourselves to be the target audience, so there’s an authenticity in everything we do, and luckily it resonates with our guests. Our approach is also very casual, informal, and friendly, which is exactly what people want when they’re looking to escape and unwind.
HK: Earlier this year you launched your e-commerce business. Tell us more about The June Shop and the collections available…
AB: Since we opened our pink doors in Prince Edward County four years ago, our followers have been messaging us and asking where some of our most iconic items are from, and how they can create The June aesthetic at home. We finally decided to reveal our sources and created a destination where our community can shop The June look and find inspiration. Also, with the pandemic and everyone stuck at home for the past year, we wanted to create an opportunity for our guests to bring The June’s iconic vacation vibes home.
Image credit: Kassandra Melnyk Photography
The Shop features our Core Collection, a small curated selection of our most asked for items and iconic decor accessories that make The June uniquely feminine, like our pink neon signs, bold wallpapers and signature body oil. It’s dedicated to highlighting bold and visionary female founders, who each took a chance on themselves and pursued their dreams to build creatively fulfilling lives on their own terms.
HK: You opened your Sauble Beach property during the Covid-19 pandemic. How do you think this has impacted the business – and have there been any other challenges you’ve had to overcome?
SS: We learned a lot from launching the Prince Edward County property and in the four years since, so we went into the Sauble Beach project with some key learnings and a strong sense of our brand. In terms of opening Sauble Beach, it was actually very satisfying; it was challenging and rewarding at the same time. The project was so much bigger than PEC, including a swimming pool, 24 rooms, and an indoor/outdoor restaurant. When the pandemic hit we of course were concerned, but we stayed flexible and open to learning. We accommodated staff schedules, implemented new policies, relied on government subsidies, and overall made the best of it as much as we could. Being a small business you have to stay proactive and reactive. We did and it worked.
HK: So what’s next for The June?
SS: Right now, we’re looking forward to opening our doors again once Covid restrictions in Canada lift. As for the future, we’re hoping to grow the brand and bring The June to more communities, continue working with inspiring brand partners, and beyond. We’re proud of what we created, and want to deliver as much good vibes and good wine to all as we possibly can.
Designing Hotel Indigo Warsaw inside an antique tenement house
Hotel Indigo Warsaw is sheltered under a spectacular architectural shell. We spoke to the team at Kulczyński Architekt Workshop to understand the challenges and triumphs of designing the city’s latest boutique hotel…
In the Warsaw City Centre, in the tenement house at Smolna 40 Street, there is Hotel Indigo Wasaw – a boutique hotel that HD has followed from concept to completion – which is now visited by guests from all of the world.
They are being enchanted not only by a perfect location but also by the building itself – its elements have been carefully restored and also improved by skilfully adding modern architectural solutions, which together appear uniquely attractive. Bogdan Kulczyński, from Kulczyński Architekt Workshop, was responsible for the revitalisation of the tenement house.
Image credit: Piotr Krajewski – Fotografia Architektury / Architectural Photography
Image credit: Piotr Krajewski – Fotografia Architektury / Architectural Photography
The history of the tenement house goes as far as the beginning of the 20th century when count Ksawery Branicki, owner of properties adjacent to Branicki Palace (at Nowy Świat 18/20 Street), decided to divide them into six parcels and build buildings on them, facing Smolna Street. Branicki entrusted a project of five tenement houses (the sixth parcel went to another owner) to Bronisław Brochwicz-Rogoyski. In the corner house, at the number 40, came into existence a summer residence of Branicki family – the construction was finished in 1903. More than 40 years later, during the Second World War, the tenement house was bombarded and plundered. In October 1945 Bolesław Bierut decided that the house was going to become a state property. The building was reconstructed again according to remaining plans and photographs. For a short time it was a main office of the First Secretary of Polish United Workers’ Party.
Up until the 1970s, when the building was regained by Branicki family, it was the headquarters of the Polish Socialist Youth Union. At the end of the 1980s, the tenement house was listed as a vintage building. In 2014 the building was bought by an investor who envisioned creating an elegant, boutique hotel in this place. The renovation project was entrusted to Bogdan Kulczyński who is an architect and has a lot of experience in this type of projects. Three years later Hotel Indigo opened its doors for guests.
Image credit: Hotel Indigo
In search of tracks
Eclectic and heavily adorned elevation of tenement house at Smolna 40 Street, which was supposed to inform about status of Branicki family, was in a poor state. The original roof also did not survive – the highest floor was destroyed by bombs and fire. “One can say that the tenement house was scalped and the roof, which was reconstructed in the middle of the last century, did not match at all with the whole building,” said architect Bogdan Kulczyński. “We knew that initially it must have looked differently. A conservator agreed to some little adjustments to the roof but did not agree to add an entire floor.”
The architect and his team were forced to look in libraries and other historical sources for some hints how the original construction looked like. “At first we found a layout on which the roof was present, next we saw a movie, which was recorded from a plane but unfortunately after Warsaw Uprising,” says Bogdan Kulczyński. “Luckily, the walls, with traces of fire, were still standing – and based on them, we managed to reproduce a real height of the roof. This gave us an opportunity to acquire an immediate approval of the conservator to bring back a historical character of this building.” In order to point out that the roof is new and restored, it has been completed with lucarnes made of glass. They are not the only one modern aspect of the front of the building, but also introduce more light into hotel rooms. A modern, completely glazed annexe was built at the back of the tenement house. Connecting an original style with modern materials and elements is one of hallmarks of Kulczyński Architekt Workshop.
Adjustment to modern functionality
At first, the building was suitable for habitation but after the war it transformed into an office and with the passing of time its condition continuously deteriorated. – Patio was dreadful, one could here make movies about the end of the world – mentions the architect. In the revitalisation project every wall, ceiling and staircase were preserved. Interior patio, which today serves as a hotel lobby, is finished with a glass roof on the last floor and there is also a restaurant on high floor. In the underground part of the building there are conference rooms, technical infrastructure and kitchen. 2KUL Interior Design Workshop provided the refreshed hotel with interior design. “From an apartment building it transformed into a hotel, so its function is the same, the only difference is the time period for which people stay in,” Bogdan Kulczyński sums up. Hotel Indigo is an outstanding example of how an idea by an architect living and working almost one hundred and twenty years ago can be effectively merged with modern elements and functions.
Weekly briefing: Locke’s new home, ‘rugspiration’ & a Four Seasons journey
Roll up, roll up, read all about it – Hamish Kilburn here with your weekly briefing. In this week’s round-up we share some of our top stories from the week, including our feature on Tara Bernerd’s journey through Four Seasons, our exclusive on Modieus’ new rug collection and the latest on Omni Hotel & Resorts’ hotel development in Texas…
For the first time in a long time, the team at Hotel Designs were let out of their homes this week in order to explore hospitality, in person, once more. The moment of euphoria was short-lived, though, after I confidently walked into Carlton Tower Jumeirah – a hotel that has recently completed a full renovation – only to find that it was not opening until July – and we were in fact (unknowingly I would like to add) trespassing. Awkward encounter with security aside, it make me realise that despite many hotels having now opened their doors, it will be a while until we can freely walk into a hotel lobby without having to show proof of reservation. What is reassuring is to see hotel developments that shelter designs that will enhance public areas, connect locals and travellers alike and ultimately share the beauty of interaction – something we will all need after this unpredictable storm passes.
With that in mind, let’s think positively when rounding off another week with our top and most-read stories from over the last few days.
Following what can only be regarded as dominating the home-meets-hotel market in lockdown with several openings of design-led properties in London, pioneering hospitality brand Locke, which joined Hotel Designs LIVE in October last year to explore adding personality in public areas, has opened its first hotel outside of the UK. Zanzibar Locke overlooks Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin…
Makers’ Mark is a collection by Modieus of unique rug designs inspired by the process of making art. The brand’s latest body of work began with the design team experimenting with a series of traditional artistic techniques – dedicating time to painting, creating collages and drawing. The team then took their original artist work and digitally manipulated the images to achieve an immersive and interactive art experience…
From one iconic brand to another, to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, we take a look back at Tara Bernerd‘s design journey with the hotel group – from London to New York – in order to understand how the designer and her team created such interesting design narratives…
SB Architects iscelebrating theofficial groundbreaking of the new Omni PGA Frisco Resort, mixed-use development in Frisco, Texas, which will include a 501-key hotel.Scheduled for completion in 2023, the design for the destination golf course, 501-key Omni PGA Frisco Resort and premier golf and retail experience, will usher in a new era for the sport. Let’s take a look as to what we can expect…
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!
indexPRO: A new platform launched to simplify FF&E specifying for designers
Launching ‘the future of interior design efficiency’, indexPRO has launched to allow designers to collaborate in real-time on their FF&E specification, with reliable product details from renowned, design-led, International brands held on the technologically advanced cloud-based platform. Editor Hamish Kilburn checks it out…
The implementation of interior design projects often looks effortless, the grand opening eagerly presented to the awaiting press whose educated eye absorbs the perfection of the interior. Behind the scenes the extensive team of interior designers, owners, operators and procurement companies collectively breathe a sigh of relief, while their eyes are keenly fixed towards the next project. The implementation of design projects is complex. Beset on all sides with challenges, changes and sometimes even a pinch of chaos! And it is this commonly recognised complexity that led to Murad Saleh and Gail Thompson to launch indexPRO – more, we are told, than a simple FF&E scheduling tool, the cloud-based platform enables interior designers, brands, operators and procurement companies to actively collaborate within the platform on a project by project basis.
Introducing a dynamic new way of working
Whether designers are running a multi-location design firm or an individual design consultancy, indexPRO facilitates the flow of information, with all parties kept up to date with the latest details of the project: Manufacturers discontinue an item or change product specification? Procurement companies alter their supply chain? Designers tweak the design specification? With indexPRO all changes are visible to everyone on the team, in real-time.
Designers can select from either an extensive selection of pre-approved international brands or add in their own product selection. Projects can be categorised by area, such as lobby, gym or suite and team members can be customised for each area giving users complete control and reassurance of privacy. Once specified within the indexPRO platform, designers can invite project partners to participate within the project.
The consequential productivity boost for time-challenged designers using indexPRO is astounding. With access to the extensive product database, and the networks who manage them, they can effortlessly realise their design vision, reducing the time spent on specification, whether for a luxury villa or an extensive 500-room hotel, by around 80 per cent – making more time available for creativity and ingenuity whilst reducing the potential for error.
A timely evolution in the design process
The launch of indexPro comes at a time when organisations and professionals across the world have been accelerating their digital transformation, a time when it has become critical to facilitate the easy collaboration of remote teams. Historically, following the successful approval of the design concept, architects or interior designers would utilise their Computer Aided Design skills to produce drawings which can be implemented by the build team. However, the ensuing FF&E schedule, where all the products such as fabrics, washbasins, coffee tables and lamps are detailed, has sadly been neglected in any technological advancement, with designers often resorting to an Excel, Word or even Powerpoint file.
The IndexPRO platform allows the user to easily prepare the FF&E schedule, within its intuitive cloud-based structure. By utilising a Big Data Architecture Pattern, the platform can effectively handle the vast quantity of data available on each product, which can include photos and specification text, whilst Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning creates a smart, intuitive environment for designers to work.
“Our team of engineers have designed a robust, future-proof infrastructure which can operate in a dependable and efficient way, facilitating easy collaboration,” says Saleh. “As a skilled procurement professional, we’ve received over the years specifications in many different formats. Providing an up to date platform for collaboration on the FF&E schedule is something which we feel is well overdue.”
“Although exciting, fun and even considered the delicious icing on the cake, the FF&E specification schedule has a dark side; a blend of human error, unnecessary repetitive tasks and lengthy time-frames turns this job of joy into a pressure cooker of panic,” adds co-founder Gail Thomson. “Testing indexPRO on our own design projects has allowed us to develop the platform into one we know really works.”
The launch of indexPRO is the first phase of an extensive development programme. Both Thomson and Saleh are clearly passionate about the online collaboration of project partners in order to streamline the design and implementation process. Their vision? To drive the future of interior design efficiency.
Home-meets-hotel brand Locke opens first hotel outside the UK
Following what can only be regarded as dominating the home-meets-hotel market in lockdown with several openings of design-led properties in London, pioneering hospitality brand Locke, which joined Hotel Designs LIVE in October last year to explore adding personality in public areas, has opened its first hotel outside of the UK. Zanzibar Locke overlooks Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin…
Zanzibar Locke, the latest property from home-meets-hotel brand Locke, is strategically positioned in Dublin’s city centre. Overlooking Ha’penny Bridge, Zanzibar Locke is the brand’s sixth property and first outside of the UK, featuring 160 studio apartments, an original food and beverage offering, gym, and a locally-led cultural programme.
Image credit: Locke
Locke leads the way in a hybrid travel concept that combines the space and comfort of home with the experience and thoughtful design of a boutique hotel. Each of Zanzibar Locke’s studio apartments come equipped with fully fitted kitchens and living space. Generously-sized rooms create a sense of freedom unique to the Irish market, where guests can enjoy the option of a short stay in a City Studio (average 25sqm) or retreat to a larger premium River Suite (average 40sqm) for a long term stay.
“We are very excited to finally be welcoming leisure travellers into our first property outside of the UK,” said Stephen McCall, CEO of edyn. “It has been a great experience familiarising ourselves with the local Dublin market – and early indications show that our unique aparthotel concept is something new and exciting that the city needs at this pivotal moment. With a second opening in Dublin later this year, we are delighted to be able to welcome all guests in time for summer.”
Image credit: Locke
Image credit: Locke
The aparthotel will house new food destination BARAZA, operated by Dublin foodie favourites NolaClan (House Dublin, 9 Below and Xico). Located on the mezzanine floor, BARAZA will serve coffee and light bites in the morning, before transitioning into a lively restaurant serving seasonal small plates and craft cocktails.
Situated on Ormond Quay, with views overlooking the River Liffey, Zanzibar Locke draws on its rich architectural heritage to inform its design. Formerly site of the infamous noughties’ hotspot Zanzibar Nightclub – which inspired the property’s name – the Georgian building has been sensitively restored and developed by Dublin-based interior design studio O’Donnell O’Neill Design and C+W O’Brien Architects. Working with local contractors, joiners and artists, O’Donnell O’Neill retained the original character of the building, while combining the stylish design, contemporary fittings and custom furniture synonymous with Locke.
From its interiors to music playlists, the brand has worked extensively with Irish partners and suppliers to create Zanzibar Locke, including O’Donnell O’Neill Design, sustainable fashion brand GROWN, and DJ and founder of creative collective Gxrl Code, Mona Lxsa. In doing so, the brand aims to build a unique, inclusive environment that is deeply embedded in the social fabric of its neighbourhood.
Image credit: Locke
“Locke’s forward-thinking aparthotel concept has shown resilience throughout the pandemic,” added Osgur Ó Ciardha, Country General Manager. “In an exceptionally challenging year for Irish hospitality, we were able to remain open throughout the national lockdown to house essential stays largely enabled by the self-contained apartments. We are looking forward to welcoming back leisure travellers.”
Alan Clancy, Founder, NolaClan, commented: “We’re excited to partner with Locke on its food and drink offering in Dublin, and bring our new restaurant and bar concept, BARAZA, to Zanzibar Locke. Our ambition is to create an all-day dining experience in a vibrant, beautiful environment that locals and travelers alike can enjoy.”
As the world continues to navigate travel over the coming months, Locke’s self-contained studio apartments provide safe, clean, and flexible accommodation for business and leisure travellers, as well as short-term residents. Zanzibar Locke’s opening to leisure travellers follows an extended soft launch period where the property housed guests for essential stays and those in need of an interim home during lockdown, which was possible due to the self-contained design of the apartments. As a result, Zanzibar Locke experienced an average of 27 days length of stay, with an average occupancy of 40 per cent occupancy – considerably outperforming the Dublin industry average of 10 per cent.
Product watch: New Kaldewei washbasins bring sensuality to the bathroom
Bathroom brand Kaldewei is expanding its washbasin range to include elegant shapes and colours. The washbasins are endlessly multifaceted, with fine accents or eye-catching effects; but at the heart of each model is the sustainable and hygienic material steel enamel…
The latest washbasins to be launched from Kaldewei are versatile, aesthetically striking and have been designed with sustainability and hygiene in mind. Such as the Cayono product family, which Kaldewei has completed with three new washbasin variants; plus both the Ming and Mien washbowls. As recently photographed by Bryan Adams making a statement “Natural Union” focussing on hand hygiene in these current times of pandemic.
Image caption: The new Ming washbasin bowl features a flawlessly glazed surface. Its shape reflects both the traditional and the modern. | Image credit: Kaldewei
Cayono washbasins – three versions for a perfect match in the bathroom
Kaldewei has added a third product group to the popular Cayono series joining the bathtubs and shower surfaces. Whether as a trendsetting washbowl, classic countertop or under counter solution – the three versions maintain the clear consistent lines of Kaldewei’s design elements to its washbasins. The Cayono washbasins have a generous interior depth and combine pure aesthetics with intelligent functionality. An overflow placed to the back of the washbasin ensures a consistently harmonious look and the generously proportioned interior of the basin makes cleaning particularly easy.
Thanks to their uniquely natural design, the washbasins made of sustainable steel enamel can be used in a number of ways – from guest bathroom, private spa through to the office and hotel sector. When combined with the bathtubs and shower surfaces of the Cayono series, a perfect match is created with a uniform design language. Creating unique moments of well-being at particularly attractive price point.
Image credit: Kaldewei
Washbowl duo Ming and Miena as photographed by Bryan Adams
Further product highlights are the Asian-inspired Ming washbowls and the fine lines of the Miena. Whether for a classically simple bathroom or a uniquely individual location – the delicate elegance of the new Ming washbowl with its convex curved silhouette leaves room for visions that turn the bathroom into a sensual retreat. The models are available in lava black matt, black, alpine white glossy and alpine white matt. The legendary musician and excellent photographer Bryan Adams photographed as part of the 2021 campaign “Natural Union”. Continuing to raise awareness of the need to maintain good hygiene in turbulent times.
Trend setting colour options bring life to the bathroom
Miena skilfully brings accents to the bathroom with a new palette of strong blue and purple tones. The restrained design allows interior designers to play with colour; to turn a bathroom into a room with an individual character. The sheen and glow of the steel enamel makes the coloured washbowls similar to a bold piece of jewellery, but by contrast they are easy to clean and cannot be damaged by continuous use. The trendsetting colour editions of Miena bring life into the bathroom. Available in a “Soft Touch” Mint, “Sweet Love” Pink, “Deep Dream” Petrol, “Navyblue” matt and in the new colours of the Coordinated Colours Collection.
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.
AXOR One is “a bathroom collection so elegant, elemental & pure”
Award-winning design duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have been creating artful and experimental works across design and interior objects for 25 years from their East London studio. Following the launch of AXOR One, UK bathrooms are among the first to get their hands on the latest collection, which effortlessly simplifies bathroom design…
Barber and Osgerby’s first pieces of bathroom design debuted in 2015 with the boundary breaking AXOR One panel, which reimagined the shower control with the addition of push buttons. Now, the forward-thinking AXOR One collection has been broadened with an additional 31 Barber and Osgerby-designed pieces, which embody the same minimalist, clean, sculptural aesthetic while offering enhanced functionality and intuitive control.
One-hole, two-hole and three-hole taps, wall-mounted taps, a floor-standing bath filler with hand-held shower, and the AXOR One thermostatic module for bath or shower were each carefully considered by Barber and Osgerby, who reinvented several elements to create a boundary breaking brassware collection. Developed in partnership with AXOR engineers based in Germany’s Black Forest, the AXOR One’s unique Select technology introduces a streamlined mode of interaction with the brassware; water is started and stopped with an easy press down of an all-in-one single lever, while temperature is controlled with a clockwise turn. Taps have a CoolStart function, automatically set at cold for energy saving and easy, instant tooth-brushing.
“We wanted to solve the problem of the tap being left on – the traditional twist motion means they’re not always completely closed, so we updated it,’ says Jay Osgerby. ‘The AXOR One tap is much easier to use and conserve water.”
Each piece of the collection showcases Barber and Osgerby’s elegant silhouettes, soft curves and balanced proportions. The rounded tap spouts are gently tapered, while the showerhead features an abstract floral pattern which is at once beautiful and overtly functional. ‘The circular flower on the showerhead focuses and concentrates the water so you can get more power into it, creating five individual waterjets which blend together as they reach the body’ explains Ed Barber. ‘The graphic patterns add another layer of beauty when the water flows’ agrees Jay Osgerby. Both the hand held and overhead shower feature Barber and Osgerby’s optimised flower-shape which reduces water usage, and create both the fine micro droplets of AXOR’s PowderRain and classic Rain spray types.
The range is available in AXOR’s extensive FinishPlus palette of 15 finishes, which range from vibrant Polished Gold Optic to the subtler Brushed Nickel and Polished Bronze, as well as a Matt Black shade exclusive to the range and a first for the company. ‘It’s amazing how much the character of the products change with the different finishes!’ highlights Ed Barber.
“Barber and Osgerby’s additions to AXOR One flawlessly combine their striking design language with truly innovative technologies never before seen in the bathroom,” says Graeme Borchard, MD at UK Bathrooms. ‘AXOR’s Select technology means that water can now be precisely controlled with ease, saving effort, reducing water and energy wastage and sleekly presented with Barber and Osgerby’s signature design flair. Welcome to a new era of bathroom brassware.”
Next up from Barber and Osgerby is the AXOR One accessories, which is due to launch later this year. Elevating objects such as soap dispensers and mirrors into key features of the bathroom, the pieces are designed to integrate with any exiting AXOR fittings as well as the AXOR One range. “They’re very, very pure and elemental, and work really well,” hints Ed Barber.
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.
First look: Modieus launches Makers’ Mark rug collection
Makers’ Mark is a collection by Modieus of unique rug designs inspired by the process of making art. The brand’s latest body of work began with the design team experimenting with a series of traditional artistic techniques – dedicating time to painting, creating collages and drawing. The team then took their original artist work and digitally manipulated the images to achieve an immersive and interactive art experience…
New from Modieus, the Makers Mark Collection is defined by the lines, dots, marks, patterns and textures they create in artwork. It can be loose and gestural, controlled or neat. It can apply to any material used on any surface: paint on canvas, ink/pencil on paper, scratched mark on plaster, digital paint tool on a screen, a tattooed mark on skin can be a form of mark making.
The end result is nine encapsulating art stories. From colour blurs to graffiti and stylised monochromatic graphic effects, this unique collection of rug designs belongs in an art gallery. The collection launches on Modieus Instagram account on June 16th. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at what to expect.
Established in 2015, founder, Xander Okhuizen has assembled an expert team to deliver unrivalled commercial flooring solutions. Backed by an extensive global network, Modieus provide exceptional, contemporary flooring throughout Australasia, the Middle East, the Far East and Europe.
Spontaneous mark
Image credit: Modieus
Colour Blur
Image credit: Modieus
Grid and Blocky Arrangements
Image credit: Modieus
Feel the Mark
Image credit: Modieus
Colour Sharp Movements
Image credit: Modieus
Graffiti Combined with Systems
Image credit: Modieus
Collage Colour
Image credit: Modieus
Collage Black & White
Image credit: Modieus
Digital Distort
Image credit: Modieus
Modieus is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The IXMO shower series by KEUCO is the go to for sanitary experts and lovers of excellent design. It offers an extensive range of functions; which have been efficiently combined and tailored to enable specifiers, designers and consumers alike to create a stylish shower area with the minimum number of visible components…
IXMO’s technical construction created a milestone in the development of sanitary fittings, the designs pioneered by KEUCO, are offered as round or square fittings; each providing IXMO’s unique combination of functions. For example, a three-way diverter valve, a hose connection and a bracket for the hand shower, have been combined into one.
When fitting an IXMO shower it is the ability to freely position the individual elements that allows for much greater design choice. A clever mounting rail enables an easy and precise alignment of the components; whether you want to position the valves horizontally or vertically, they will always align with the help of the mounting rail. The IXMO thermostat fitting incorporates the perfect example of KEUCO innovation; if the waterways have been crossed during installation the cartridges can simply be switched over inside the valve instead of the costly ordeal of accessing the pipework!
Another intelligent feature of IXMO is the depth-compensator which ensures fast and safe installation. The depth compensator makes it possible to install IXMO showers into walls with depths between 80-110mm allowing for building methods both new and old.
One of the key details when designing a showering space is the ability to visualise the area and how all the elements will work together. With IXMO it is possible to combine up to three separate water outlets; so for example the main shower head, a hand shower with shower rail or wall bracket, waterfall shower and a spa hose can all be combined.
This can be easily demonstrated via the brilliant IXMO on-line planner, a system which enables designers and consumers to create a personalised showering solution. The results can be saved in pdf format providing both a detailed specification with illustrations and an installation guide showing component placement and pipework routings.
The star of the IXMO series is the IXMO solo thermostat. Created for single function showering it easily surpasses conventional thermostat solutions as they require two wall mounted elements to adjust the water flow and temperature and a third element for the hose connection. However, the IXMO solo thermostat compresses the shut-off valve, thermostat and hose connection into one single element.
The IXMO_solo Thermostat and IXMO_solo Single lever mixer created for single function showering cleverly combines shut off, flow and temperature control and hose outlet into one single fitting allowing for ease of use and speed of installation.
IXMO shower fittings have an elegant minimalistic design, they are available in six different finishes including; chrome-plated, aluminium and PVD stainless steel, brushed bronze, brushed nickel and brushed black chrome. IXMO shower accessories also provide innovation; an integrated yet movable soap dish; a height adjustable shower rail with an easily adjustable bracket that can be turned by 180° so it is ideal for both right and left-handed persons and can be moved with just a single hand.
KEUCO is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Four Seasons through the eyes of designer Tara Bernerd
From one iconic brand to another, to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, we take a look back at Tara Bernerd‘s design journey with the hotel group – from London to New York – in order to understand how the designer and her team created such interesting design narratives…
Long-time design collaborators for Four Seasons, designer Tara Bernerd and her team have created a plethora of typologies for the brand, from urban hotels, including the interior design for the hotel’s guestrooms of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and also the Empire Suite in Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, to resorts such as the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale. Bernerd is currently working as the lead creative for the 148-bedroom property as well as 50 condo rooms and private residences, opening later this year.
Throughout all three hotels, the studio’s aim to embody the aesthetics of the Four Seasons brand whilst simultaneously creating meaning and connection through a distinct sense of place. By balancing the studio’s refined design principles with Four Seasons signature style, Bernerd and her team create something entirely new for each region.
Speaking about the design of each Four Seasons project, the designer says: “It’s very much a part of our philosophy to make every property unique, with its own story to tell. As we create custom projects for each hotel, we try and refrain from bracketing ourselves into a particular style. However, there is a common aspiration found behind all our work through the themes of colour, topography and geography. Fusing these touchpoints, we create individual experiences in each location.”
Last month, the hotel welcomed back guests to experience its newly renovated, re-modelled Superior and Deluxe Rooms and Junior Conservatories in partnership with British designer Tara Bernerd & Partners.
Designed to bring a freshness to the hotel, the studio’s holistic approach and their use of bespoke design, lighter colours and materials, were specifically chosen to create a more spacious feel for guests on entry. Each room displays Bernerd’s signature handsome style of approachable luxury with a timeless elegance and the Hotel’s prestigious location situated between three of London’s Royal Parks was an immediate source of inspiration for Belgravia-based Tara Bernerd & Partners, with hints of green incorporated into the classic colour palette to add a modern edge.
As with each of the projects Bernerd and her team undertake, the location and geography in which the hotel is set was a key source of inspiration. This thread runs throughout the furniture and finishes, indeed extending to the art. Greeting the guest in the entryway to the deluxe room are two prints created from old tailors’ suit patterns, a nod to the sartorial history of Savile Row which resides in close proximity to the hotel. A triptych over the headboard depicts deconstructed photographs and sketches of London from the turn of the century. Found in old picture books in a Notting Hill antique shop, these pieces are particularly special.
The art in the superior rooms take inspiration from the iconic views over Hyde Park. Three abstract pieces hang above the bed, one of which loosely explains the layout of the park, with another having been painted by a Four Seasons employee. Not only does the piece fit perfectly within the room’s palette, but the hotel’s connection to the artist creates a meaningful story behind each piece.
Having recently reopened, this Tribeca based Four Seasons presents its reimagined Empire Suite by British interior designer Tara Bernerd. In the updated design, Tara and her team focused on optimising the layouts and furniture placement within the suite to take advantage of the unparalleled views across the city, while simultaneously providing larger spaces for entertaining and more intimate, homely cocoons. Providing essential versatility, the home office/study was redesigned to make the most of the natural light and give guests the option of using the space as a second bedroom. The Principal Bedroom was designed to provide the ultimate sleep sanctuary with soft silks and hand painted de Gournay wall panels to add a touch of drama.
Featuring a living room, dining room, media room, study, walk-in closet, two bathrooms, master bedroom and a full catering kitchen, the Empire Suite offers the ultimate sanctuary and comes complete with a $25,000-per-night Empire Suite Experience that includes helicopter airport transfers, limousine transfers, daily breakfast for two, a personal spa retreat and more.
Opening later this year, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale sets a new standard in contemporary living, set in a prime location on Fort Lauderdale’s desirable North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Complete with unparalleled views across the Atlantic Ocean to one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Tara Bernerd and her team have taken inspiration from the natural beauty and quality of light in Fort Lauderdale – the pale silver sands, blue seas and stunning Floridan sunsets. Known for its yachting heritage, the studio have sought to encapsulate the elegance of a previous design era of Chris Craft yachts and Capri pants to create an approachable luxury with a timeless quality.
Main render credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts/ Tara Bernerd & Partners
Construction begins for Omni Hotel & Resorts’ new resort in Frisco, Texas
SB Architects iscelebrating theofficial groundbreaking of the new Omni PGA Frisco Resort, mixed-use development in Frisco, Texas, which will include a 501-key hotel.Scheduled for completion in 2023, the design for the destination golf course, 501-key Omni PGA Frisco Resort and premier golf and retail experience, will usher in a new era for the sport. Let’s take a look as to what we can expect…
Construction has official started to create Omni PGA Frisco Resort, setting the tone for the future of modern American golf with Texas modernist architecture. “We are thrilled to play a role in the repositioning and modernising of golf in America,” says SB Architects senior vice president and principal, Bruce Wright. “The design goal was tocreate a destinationthat could service the elite–level golfers of the world, as well as make the sport fun and approachable for families, beginners and all levels of abilities. By coupling a hospitality–driven design, inspired by Texas Modernism,with state–of–the-art golf courses and technology, we’ve created an inviting and accessible resort that will introduce the sport to a whole new generation of golfers and serve as an exciting benchmark for future development.”
Image credit: SB Architects
After PGA of America’s 56 years in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the move to Frisco, Texas signals an exciting change. Frisco, one of the fastest growing cities in America, is the ideal place for this golf lover’s paradise. Named the “2018 Best Place to Live in America,” Frisco will be transformed with this development, bringing new vitality and economic growth to the local community. The inspiring architecture of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort complements the vision for this bold, state-of-the-art development, set to bring in a new chapter for the future of golf in America.
Inspired by Texas Modernism, the architecture is timeless, contemporary but signature to the area, to reflect the future-thinking approach of the development. Arranged in a campus-style format, SB Architects, in collaboration with Robert Glazier Architects, has developed an amenity-driven site-plan that focuses on maximising views and capturing the ‘look and feel’ of a destination golf resort.
To help create a human scale for the architecture, SB Architects created a direct connection to the outdoors, drew natural light and ventilation into each space and used grading, trees and the landscape to break down the scale and reflect an intimate ambience with all the perks of a larger, resort hotel. The landscape and use of local materials are indispensable within the design. The built environment is broken down into a series of courtyards, and an infrastructure of trails and networks respectfully lead guests through the development. A promenade connects the entire development; linking Omni’s resort lobby, all-day dining restaurant and spa and fitness facility; creating a pedestrian-orientated, walkable environment.
Elegant architectural forms and natural materials are utilised to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The use of stone, both horizontally and vertically, large overhangs, wood detailing and ironwork all work together to create a modern contemporary feel that is layered, textured and accessible. Every location feels cohesive with a distinct, iconic architectural element to distinguish. With golf as the focus of the design, the rooms at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort are positioned to prioritise views of the championship courses. In addition to the 501 guestrooms, golf foursomes, families and groups who are looking for a more personal, residential feel can stay in one of the resort’s private four-bedroom golf villas located along the promenade, with private putting facilities.
Render credit: SB Architects
The signature development will feature two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by Beau Welling and Gil Hanse; a lighted 10-hole short course and nearly two-acre putting green and practice areas, totalling 46 holes; a clubhouse; coaching centre; a 501-key Omni Resort with seven 4-bedroom golf villas and 127,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; a technologically advanced retail village; parks and open space along with several miles of trails.
The new addition to the GlassLine series of designer shower screens from Unidrain can perfectly be described as minimalism meets industrial. The leading Danish design company and creators of the original linear drain are infamous for their sleek designs and the unique ability to highlight ‘invisibility’…
One of the most dramatic options and currently a key trend in bathroom interior design is to use black for fixtures and fittings. Unidrain are delighted to introduce a new version of their impressive GlassLine shower screen; defined with a distinctive black frame; this industrial, New York loft style design complements the Reframe Accessories collection and the black variant of the HighLine Colour drain perfectly.
The GlassLine shower screen is 10mm of clear tempered glass which is secured discreetly and securely without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings or joins.
Image credit: Unidrain
The screen is mounted in a shower base situated under the bathroom flooring, designed to be used in conjunction with the ShowerLine drain unit it comes complete with a groove-in-the-floor-flange.
The screen lowered into this before being attached to the wall, this not only ensures the screens stability but that the interior of the shower area is water tight. The black frame sits against the tiles, hiding any edges and creating a clean smooth finish.
Enclosed in black powder-coated metal, the interior panel of each quality glass screen is treated with Cleantech nano-treatment, this increases the screens hygiene standards as water runs of the glass with ease and it is extremely easy to clean and maintain a clear finish.
Available in three sizes: 800mm, 900mm and 1000mm and a height of 2104mm the shower screen can be mounted to the left or right and fits tile thicknesses up to 15mm for wall tiles and 20mm for floor tiles.
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.
Weekly briefing: Sleep masterclass, award winners & art outside the frame
Allow me, Hamish Kilburn, to walk you through this week’s top design and hospitality stories. The weekly briefing was designed with busy on-the-go designers, architects, hoteliers and developers in mind – so kick back, relax and scroll down to read a snapshot of this week’s happenings…
With the latest ‘check’ against Portugal now being moved off the ‘green list’ it’s becoming more and more likely for the industry to lose yet another season due to new variants of Covid-19.
However, that hasn’t stopped or hindered plans for brands to re-open showing solidarity and strength – as can be seen in our latest VIP arrivals story, which takes a closer look at this month’s hottest hotel openings. It also hasn’t affected young designers’ creativity, as seen in this year’s shortlisted entries for the Accor Design Awards, which concluded this week.
To round off yet another week, while the sun is still shining the UK – good news for staycation businesses – here are what we believe are this week’s top stories…
Our most-read story of the week comes from Accor’s spectacular, global campaign to find the world’s most talented design students. First launched in in 2016, the Accor Design Awards aim to rethink the future of hospitality in collaboration with design students the world over. Their creativity blended with Accor’s know-how, provide unique solutions and new concepts for the hospitality industry. I had the privilege of sitting on this year’s judging panel – and what an experience it was… Finally, we can now announce the winners.
A few weeks ago, restricted by green, amber and red lists – it’s as if we are at a junction and the traffic lights are broken – we on the editorial desk at Hotel Designs unveiled the best design hotels to visit in Portugal. But, as you know, we are a global platform and have over the last few months been publishing our VIP Arrivals series, which takes a closer look at the latest hotels opening on the hotel design scene.
For the June edition, things are hotting us as the summer season approaches. Although (for the time being, at least) many desirable destinations remain untouchable, we thrown down the metaphorical towels on the sun loungers for you at the new hotels we have recently added to our own travel bucket list. Here’s our editor’s pick of the must-visit hotels opening in June.
Now that the free nominations/applications process is open for The Brit List Awards 2021, it’s time to meet this year’s judges. The 2021 panel consists of respected travel journalists and international experts in the design, architecture and hotel development arenas. The judges will gather to select the winners ahead of the awards ceremony on November 3 at PROUD Embankment, London.
In a recent article exclusively published on Hotel Designs, Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight Group, shared an ‘experts guide on the science of a good nights’ sleep’. In this article, she explored the optimum environment to enhance the best sleep performance, which included looking at temperature, lighting and comfort – or ‘TLC’ as she puts it.
Following this insightful piece, it felt natural for us to extend an invitation out to a cluster of designers and hospitality experts to explore with the professionals at Silentnight Group, the science of sleep.
Following two engaging panel discussions looking at a new era of lifestyle and bathrooms beyond practical spaces, the third debate virtually sheltered under Hotel Designs LIVE was around challenging conventional portrayal of art in hotel design. Sponsored by Elegant Clutter, which prides itself on offering a professionally different approach to art consultancy, this chapter of the event addressed new demands from public areas and clever ways to inject branding and sense of place in hospitality establishments.
Ever since checking in to M Social Singapore, designed by the one and only Philippe Starck, a few years ago, I was convinced that this brand would thrive in the concrete neighbourhood of Manhattan. With the opening of a 480-key hotel located at 226 West 52 Street –literally in the heard of Times Square to you and I – it’s about time (and it’s better late than never).
“We felt that there was a gap in the market for accommodation which offers high quality service, attention to detail and professionalism synonymous with the hotel experience – but also offering an authentic local experience which guests love about Airbnb-like residences,” Alex Tredez, lead designer of The Lost Poet, explains to me as we start to discuss one of West London’s most anticipated hotel openings this year.
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!
Rocco Forte Hotels, the prestigious family-run hotel group, led by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, Olga Polizzi, has unveiled the newly restored Villa Igiea in Sicily…
Recently included in our VIP Arrivals series, Villa Igia, the historical Art Nouveau palazzo overlooking the Gulf of Palermo, originally designed by Ernesto Basile commissioned by the influential Florio family, returns to its former splendour as a jewel of the Mediterranean.
Villa Igiea’s location, nestled between land and sea, makes it a perfect base to discover the extensive cultural heritage of Palermo, which provides visitors with enchanting sights and unique experiences. Built in 1900, the historic palazzo has been meticulously renovated by Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairperson & Design Director of Rocco Forte Hotels, in collaboration with renowned architects Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of Nicholas Haslam Studios.
Over the last two years, the intricate restoration process has enhanced the hotel’s charm and renovated the building’s Belle Époque feel. Villa Igiea’s allure has been reinstated, combining the architectural grandeur of the past with contemporary comfort of the 21st century in the design and style of Rocco Forte Hotels.
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
“Villa Igiea is an iconic building which, like its original owner Franca Florio, is a grand lady of charm and elegance and a symbol of hospitality,” said Sir Rocco Forte, CEO and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels. “It has been the focal point of the city of Palermo for over 100 years hosting artists, emperors and the Hollywood elite, enraptured by the wonders of Sicily. I am so proud to be part of the history of this remarkable hotel and to have had the chance to restore it to its original splendour.”
Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels Fulvio Pierangelini will oversee the Florio Restaurant, the Igiea Terrazza Bar and the Alicetta Pool Bar, serving delicious Sicilian flavours with unmistakable expertise. Each restaurant will portray the culinary history of Sicily – “a simple, but not simplistic cuisine, which is sincere and unrestrained; respect for little everyday gestures which perfect the island’s thousand- year-old culinary art, realising au gout du jour marvels; this cuisine embodies family, generosity and femininity” chef Pierangelini comments.
The Florio Restaurant welcomes guests into an elegant and refined, yet joyful atmosphere, typical of seaside Grand Hotels. The muted colours of the interior design, and the large floor-to-ceiling windows which reveal wondrous views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, recall the golden age. Seasonal produce, harvested locally and from the Verdura Resort vegetable garden, along with fresh fish and crustaceans, pasta, fried delicacies and arancini are just some of the ingredients of this natural, authentic cuisine.
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
Suspended between the botanic gardens and the Mediterranean Sea, the Igiea Terrazza Bar, is reminiscent of Edwardian high society and boasts marvellous frescoes by Palermo artist Eugenio (Geno) Morici. A wide selection of Florio liquors and drinks from the “Spirit of Igiea” cocktail list designed by the maestro Salvatore Calabrese, is inspired by Sicilian fragrances and illustrious guests who have honoured hotel the with their presence. Open from lunchtime, the bar serves a range of snacks and main dishes as well as the “Leggero by Fulvio Pierangelini” menu with its many healthy, flavourful delights.
Housed in a pavilion reminiscent of Palazzo Butera, the Alicetta Pool Bar offers a tasty menu of the day with Sicilian specialities as well as raw fish dishes, sashimi, seafood, fresh fish and crustaceans ready to be grilled. Local steamed and grilled vegetables and rich mixed salads will complete the menu, with pizza and filled focaccias baked in the outdoor oven. The tempting sweet trolley offers a selection of fresh fruit and home-made ice-creams.
For the opening of Villa Igiea, the Concierge team has created a series of itineraries, which guarantee unforgettable memories, and allow guests to get to know Palermo, the city of a thousand faces. With its eight UNESCO heritage sites and the intense colours and scents of the local markets, this Mediterranean gem offers endless inspiration for discovering the city’s historical, architectonic and landscape delights. You can choose from the “Jewish Palermo”, “The Leopard Tour”, “Local market tour with cooking lesson”, decide to take the “Florio trail” or explore the island’s coastal roads on a Porsche cabriolet in complete freedom and much more.
Virtual hotel design masterclass: The science of sleep
In late May, 2021, Hotel Designs invited a handful of designers and hotel experts to speak at a virtual roundtable on sleep performance, in association with Silentnight Group. Editor Hamish Kilburn, who moderated the session that naturally turned into a masterclass, writes…
In a recent article exclusively published on Hotel Designs, Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight Group, shared an ‘experts guide on the science of a good nights’ sleep’. In this article, she explored the optimum environment to enhance the best sleep performance, which included looking at temperature, lighting and comfort – or ‘TLC’ as she puts it.
Following this insightful piece, it felt natural for us to extend an invitation out to a cluster of designers and hospitality experts to explore with the professionals at Silentnight Group, the science of sleep.
Key panelists
Ariane Steinbeck, Managing Director, RPW Design
Emma King, Head of Design (EMEA), IHG
Jeremy Grove, Managing Director, Sibley Grove
Daniel Englender, Managing Director, Benjamin West
Hannah Shore, Sleep expert at Silentnight Group
Joanna Knight, Founder, Joanna Knight Interiors
Hamish Kilburn, editor, Hotel Designs
Frank Esmeijer, Director of Hotel Openings and Transitions Process, YOTEL
Also on the panel:
Angela Moran, Product Strategy Director, Silentnight Group
David Lawrenson, Sales Director, Silentnight Group
Hamish Kilburn: Angela, could you just kick us off please with a bit more context on Silentnight Group and what the brand is currently working on from a product perspective…
Angela Moran: Where do I start? Silentnight Group is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. We’re the leading consumer brand in the UK and the largest bed manufacturer in the UK. We mainly operate out of our site in Barnoldswick in England and we also have a partnership with Comfy Bedding – and we can do a whole sleep package with them including air filtration systems within the bedroom.
Sustainability is one of our pillars at the brand, and one of my deep passions in my role. We are really pleased that we make all of our products in the UK and 70 per cent of our raw materials are also come from the UK and many are within two hours of our HQ.
In terms of product design, our key principles are:
Comfort – looking at how we can offer the best nights’ sleep
Cleanliness – everything from antiviral treatments
Durability – we want our products to stand the test of time without a decrease in comfort
Sustainability – we do a lot of work in this area. One area we are really focused on is recycling. We have a 97 per cent recycle rate.
In all the research that goes in during product development, we are always balancing those four areas.
Image credit: Silentnight Group
Image credit: Silentnight Group
HK: Jeremy, given your expertise in this area around sustainability – assembly to dissemble mind-set on all your projects – how difficult has it been in the past with beds at the end of their life cycle?
Jeremy Grove: We think about that in relation to every product and beds were a problem. Over the last two or three years we have started to find solutions. I think it’s something like 13 million mattresses go to landfill every year. Currently, it’s very limited to what’s out there, but I do see that changing.
Joanna Knight: I think it’s very important. We are working on a large project at the moment where we are changing out 614 beds and mattresses and we are very keen not to send the old products to landfill – and we are working with Silentnight Group on how we best do this.
Emma King: Hygiene and materiality are both so important right now. And by that I mean the whole sleep experience, what is happening when it comes to recycling duvets etc. From a brand point of view, the first thing to be removed when Covid-19 hit was the soft furnishings and cushions because everyone, it seems, wants a clean, white bed right now. I believe the consumer will want to be more informed, from now on, about where materials have come from and what they are sleeping on.
HK: Does what bed and mattress you specify change depending on where the project is geographically?
Ariane Steinbeck: To a certain extent, yes. Interestingly, we find that the Asian market prefers to specify a firmer mattress. I remember travelling in mainland China not so long ago and wherever we stayed in a non-internationally branded hotel the mattress was rock solid!
Frank Esmeijer: At YOTEL, we call our rooms ‘cabins’ and we believe they are very unique. The bed in each of our cabins takes a leading role. Our model is very different, and our bed has to have the functionality to fold up.
Image credit: YOTEL
HK: So often when we future gaze to what the hospitality and hotel design landscape might look like in the future, the bed is often depicted as something out of a sci-fi movie. And yet we today are grounding the conversation around materials and sustainable methods. Where do you then draw the line between what’s a gimmick and what’s meaningful?
AS: I try to stick to the science and when I am travelling, I would like things to be simple and clean. If we are working with someone independently and we have more of a voice on what gets specified, all the information available is very helpful as decisions are easier to make when they are informed. Personally, I want to know whether or not sleeping on material that is ‘natural’ is better for you…
HS: We always have this argument over natural vs synthetic. Every material that goes into a mattress has its pros and its cons. Natural materials, for example, have really great thermal regulatory properties and are extremely breathable. However, the downsides to natural materials include that they might settle a bit more and generally be less durable. On the other side, synthetic material is probably more durable but does not offer as good breathability. So, as you can hear, it all just completely depends what the end consumer wants.
“The reason why polyester is such a valuable material is that it is arriving as someone else’s’ waste and is approved by the Global Recycled Standards (GRS).” – Angela Moran, Product Strategy Director, Silentnight Group.
Image credit: Silentnight Group
AS: Has it been proven that there is off-gassing by using non-natural materials?
AM: I recently had a call with leaders from the bed industry and we are looking at how to move the industry forward for the societal good. In terms of foam, I have completely changed my view. I initially thought that it may be durable but it is an oil-based product. However, I have now realised, due to the work that Hannah has done, that the mattress is a sustainable option because it just lasts so long. And, at end of life, synthetics are very easy to recycle over the natural materials that, while they are compostable, there is no infrastructure in place to recycle so they are unfortunately going into landfill. The reason why polyester is such a valuable material is that it is arriving as someone else’s’ waste and is approved by the Global Recycled Standards (GRS). In five years, I believe that every mattress material will be able to be recycled, at scale!
“We were finding that many mattresses were passing durability tests in the lab and yet failing in real life scenarios.” – Hannah Shore, Sleep Expert, Silentnight Group.
HK: How do Silentnight test their latest products?
HS: Let me introduce you to Robbie, he is our climate machine who was created as a result of a widespread research collaborations between ourselves, universities and institutions. He heats up to about 75 per cent humidity. We did a bit of research under the duvet, creating our own microclimate. Using Robbie, we can apply heat and moisture in different ways. We can manipulate the settings to match realistic climates in the bedroom. We were finding that many mattresses were passing durability tests in the lab and yet failing in real life scenarios. If you add heat and moisture, as you would have in a real setting, then the fibres were collapsing more. As a result, that can decrease the lifespan of a mattress by up to 30 per cent. So, although we test everything in the lab, we also use Robbie as an in-depth testing method. Another way we can use Robbie is to measure how quickly that heat and moisture goes through the different layers of the mattress. The key finding we found was that the heat and moisture management was in the top five centimeters of the mattress.
Daniel Englender: When it comes to sleep performance, I think everyone has been interested in the science over the last few years especially. What I am interested in understanding more about is the on-going maintenance of the mattress, as in how much they need to be turned etc?
AM: Our learning has been that in a hotel environment it has be easy care and there are a few things to consider. A lot of mattresses these days can come single-sided, so that you don’t have to think or worry about ‘turning’ the mattress continually – and again, that’s where foam really rates highly.
On the other side, the piece of kit that Hannah referred to has allowed us to completely reinvent our fibre specifications. Some of the innovation in the polyester front has been, instead of just horizontally laying fibres, we can now vertically lap them so that they mimic foam more. It ensures that fibres are more long-lasting. From all of this, my conclusion would be that single-sided mattresses are best suited for hotels because you can put more on the top.
Image credit: RPW Design/Marriott International
DE: What’s the magic formula for a zip and link bed to feel like a regular mattress?
David Lawrenson (Sales Director, Silentnight Group): It’s interesting because the zip on a zip-and-link product is a hugely contentious topic in the hospitality industry. Depending on where you have the zip, it can cause the materials to separate and if it is too high up then it becomes uncomfortable for the user. We are working on new technology and products that offer a solution.
“Interestingly for us to fall asleep, our core temperature needs to drop 1 degrees. A lot of people think that wrapping up warm and cosy is the answer, but science has exposed that to the be a myth.” – Hannah Shore, Sleep Expert, Silentnight Group.
HK: Hannah, in a recent article we published from you, you said that 75 per cent of Brits admit to not having good nights’ sleep. 30 per cent of those asked rated their sleep as ‘bad’ Why is this stat so high?
HS: We live in a 24-hour world at the moment where we don’t shut off with our phones and a zoom call never too far away. These scenarios emit a blue light, which is not conducive for sleeping. It depresses melatonin, which is fundamental for us to fall asleep. Something that I do mention in the article is ‘TLC’, and by that I mean temperature, lighting and comfort. Interestingly for us to fall asleep, our core temperature needs to drop 1 degrees. A lot of people think that wrapping up warm and cosy is the answer, but science has exposed that to the be a myth. Lighting is fundamental, and comfort is a big factor. There are lots of people who are not sleeping on the right mattress. From a hotel perspective, all you have to do is go onto the TripAdviser website to see the amount of comments that reference bad nights’ sleep.
HK: What are your clients’ thoughts, and concerns, when it comes to specifying the bed?
JK: Most of our clients are focused on providing a good sleep experience and it is beneficial to get repeat business. We are led by brand standards, when working for brands such as Radisson Blu and Hyatt, and these standards are generally very high.
HK: When it comes to lighting when talking about sleep performance, there is a lot a talk on circadian rhythm. Are there affordable products out there that offer a quality solution?
JK: I think the price will come down as products become wider developed. To be honest, it [circadian rhythm technology] is not something a lot of the brands who we work with are looking at the moment, but I think it is a very interesting concept. In 20 years alone, there have been a lot of innovations that started being only accessible for luxury brands with deeper pockets that has filtered down into other sectors of the market. So much technology has become widespread now.
Image credit: Silentnight Group
AS: What is the single most element for good sleep, is it the mattress or is the pillow?
HS: You need to get a good combination of both. Both the mattress and the pillow contribute to your spinal alignment. Comfort is subjective – what one person finds comfortable, another will not. So, when we measure comfort, we try where possible lead with objective science. An important factor I look at is spinal alignment. Your mattress provides a lot of support, but if you sleep with the wrong pillow, this can affect your alignment in your neck and down your mid spine.
And that brings me on to talk about Zoning. Working with our partners, we were able to test for optimum spinal alignment. We looked at soft, medium and firm and there were differences. What is more important when looking at a large group of people of all different shapes and sizes to cater to is the zoned part of the mattress. If the centre-third of the mattress is slightly firmer it supports our hips and our lower back. That part of the body needs that little extra element of support. So, a well-zoned mattress with the right pillow is key for sleep performance.
FE: I think there could be an opportunity there. We all remember the days of pillow menus. Ultimately, how do you. There are levels of comfort that you can customise, such as lighting and sound – and as a guest you can optimise your experience. But there are some elements in a room, like a mattress, you cannot customise.
EK: I think we need to bring the pillow menu back. If we are specifying an average mattress (depending on brand), then we can make the pillow the individual differentiator that I had not necessarily thought of.
JK: Does the base and having a sprung base have any baring?
AM: Yes, because it affects the softness. Whatever you are specifying you should always try it on the base that is also being specified.
HK: How do you create a cosy and calm setting in bedrooms that are awkwardly sized?
JG: We’ve never been a company that really disrupts the conventional bed. It’s an element within the room that is generally based on comfort rather than appearance, depending on the hotel. In awkward spaces, it’s about trying to sprit back to the bare minimum so that you can have a bed that doubles up to be a bedside table. It’s about making these spaces easy to navigate. For mid-level brands, it’s about getting the basics right such as full black-out curtains. These are the annoying details that end up on trip advisor if not thoughtfully implemented.
FE: Space has become a premium these days and I think it’s important to draw out the important elements of the design and try to inject them in first. We are constantly trying to figure out new ways to utilise the space without compromising on comfort and experience.
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.
(in video) Hotel Designs LIVE: Art outside the frame
In the second session of Hotel Designs LIVE on May 11, 2021, we looked at art outside the frame. In an exclusive panel discussion, editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed Harry Pass, Creative Director, Elegant Clutter; Rob Wagemans, Founder, Concrete; Federico Toresi, Global Vice President Design – Luxury & Premium Brands, Accor and photographer Mel Yates to explore unconventional ways to portray art and branding in the hotel design process…
Following two engaging panel discussions looking at a new era of lifestyle and bathrooms beyond practical spaces, the third debate virtually sheltered under Hotel Designs LIVE was around challenging conventional portrayal of art in hotel design. Sponsored by Elegant Clutter, which prides itself on offering a professionally different approach to art consultancy, this chapter of the event addressed new demands from public areas and clever ways to inject branding and sense of place in hospitality establishments.
Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed a mix of designers, architects, art experts and even a leading photographer to capture the topic through a slightly different lens,to join him on the virtual sofa. Taking what was learned in the early conversations, the panel looked holistically at art’s role in hotel design.
Here’s the full video of the panel discussion (on demand), produced by CUBE, which includes Product Watch pitch from Elegant Clutter.
We have also published the full recordings of session one and session two from Hotel Designs LIVE . The full recording of the final session on 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!
During the Accor Design Awards – a global campaign – design students pushed conventional boundaries to redefine the services and guest experience that will ultimately shape the hospitality landscape of tomorrow. Editor Hamish Kilburn, who was on this year’s judging panel, has more about this year’s winners…
First launched in in 2016, the Accor Design Awards aim to rethink the future of hospitality in collaboration with design students the world over. Their creativity blended with Accor’s know-how, provide unique solutions and new concepts for the hospitality industry.
For the fifth edition, candidates’ brief was to “redefine the services and guest experiences that will shape the hospitality of tomorrow”. Respected visionary designer Beth Campbell, founder and CEO of Campbell House, presided over this edition, while the international jury of experts had the task to select the top three projects across many submissions from design schools around the globe. After establishing a shortlist of 10 projects, the jury gathered online on May 25 to select top three projects and from them an overall winner. Finally, on June 1, the winners were announced in an online award ceremony.
“I’m very impressed by the level of this edition contest,” said Damien Perrot, Global Senior Vice President at Accor, who recently took part in our roundtable that explored lifestyle hospitality in 2021 and beyond. “I would like to congratulate the winners but also to thank the 150 students who participated to this contest and who are the students we would like to work with in the future. The future is definitively today because when we work on projects, we always think of what could be the world in the next 10 years.”
Manon Figuier, Victoire Datchary, Mathéo Maurel, Harold Loquillard from L’Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique, whose project NOMADish provided an innovative solution that hit the three key goals: overall guest experience, element of surprise and delight, and consideration for social, economic, and environmental responsibility, won the first prize. They also won the Public Choice Award, voted for by the general public via our bespoke online award voting platform.
Overall winner: NOMADish
They will spend a five-day experience between Barcelona and Basel offered by Roca and Laufen, the campaign’s official sponsors, to discover the brands centre of innovation, see Art Basel and spend a wonderful time in these two beautiful cities.
The second prize was awarded to Ashley Ulm from Berlin International University for her Relove Hotel project, a sustainable and deeply locally conscious concept that goes beyond a biophilic design scheme. Ulm will enjoy a three-day stay in Basel offered by sponsors Roca and Laufen brands.
The Waterwalk project was awarded the third prize. The concept of the world’s first ‘floating and flying cruise’ inspired the judges to look outside the conventional perimeter in order to unlock something quite spectacular. As a prize, Fanny Jalet, Nolwenn Arhuis, Julie David and Lucie Vallée from L’Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique will spend three days in Barcelona with Roca teams.
Third prize: Waterwalk
Last but not least, this year’s entries were of such a high standard, that the judges insisted on awarding an extra Special jury prize to the Cocoon project. The hotel presented to the judges catered to the rising demand of bleisure travel. Forget the typical corporate shell, though. This hotel suite concept – made from biopolymer and local wood – would become a one-off travel experience in Africa. Yasmine Bennani, Solène Percie Du Serf, Nicolas Alibert and Alexandre Albert-Picquet from L’Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique were offered a Jo&Joe experience in Paris, and Hotel Designs will catch up with the team shortly to learn more about how the project would come to life.
In addition to the prize winners, the shortlisted finalists included hospitality concepts in space, suspended on the side of a mountain and even on the bottom of a cliff, which used the natural tides as a way to naturally and effortless change the guests’ setting. Innovative sustainability solutions were evident in all projects, as was the sensory experience.
Supported by Hotel Designs, the Accor Design Awards will return next year.
Bathroom manufacturer Bette is calling on creative minds to design ‘the walk-in shower bathroom of the future’ featuring BetteAir, the world’s first glazed titanium-steel shower tile. Architects, designers, bathroom planners and students have the chance to give free rein to their creativity and win a personal feature on Bette’s social media channels, as well as a free BetteAir shower tile…
With BetteAir, Bette completes the evolution of the shower tray into part of the bathroom floor and opens up unprecedented possibilities in bathroom design. Like a conventional tile, it can be glued directly onto the screed, making the shower area an integral part of the bathroom floor and seeming to merge with it. With a choice of 31 colours, there are virtually no limits to creativity – whether colourful, contrasting or barely seen..
To participate in the competition, submit a design for the “walk-in shower bathroom of the future” as a PDF, JPG or PNG. Real bathroom projects are also welcome. The deadline for entries is June 28, 2021. A jury, including Dominik Tesseraux (Tesseraux & Partner, Potsdam), the designer of BetteAir, will select the most exciting, unique and creative design concepts from the entries. The winner will be decided by a community vote on Bette’s social media channels from July 5, 2021. In addition, direct voting is possible on the website, where the CAD downloads and entry conditions can also be found.
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
“It’s about time,” editor Hamish Kilburn reacts to Millennium Hotels & Resorts opening of M Social New York, which marks the brand’s understated yet very dynamic arrival in the United States…
“Ever since checking in to M Social Singapore, designed by the one and only Philippe Starck, a few years ago, I was convinced that this brand would thrive in the concrete neighbourhood of Manhattan,” says editor Hamish Kilburn. “With the opening of a 480-key hotel located at 226 West 52 Street –literally in the heard of Times Square to you and I – it’s about time (and it’s better late than never).”
Image credit: M Social
The hotel’s distinctive, contemporary rooms are designed for all types of travellers to rest and re-energise in style with guest’s practical needs in mind. We’re told that each room has unparalleled Times Square, river or city views and each comes equipped with modern workspaces and ergonomic chairs, Serta mattresses and streaming-capable 4K smart TVs.
Image credit: M Social
A hub for explorers, M Social features spaces that are designed to be accessible, comfortable and practical, including outdoor venues with some of the best views of the city. M Social New York is home to the vibrant bar and lounge, Beast & Butterflies, a private oasis perched above Times Square boasting unobstructed views of the city and the perfect vantage point for the iconic Times Square Ball Drop. Guests of Beast & Butterflies can indulge whilst eying New York City’s sparkle on a 7500 square foot wrap around terrace adjacent to an indoor glass perch. Beast & Butterflies is designed to be a vibrant space with a highly curated cocktail menu and light bites.
The hotel is adorned with an eclectic art collection and pairs its unique architecture with contemporary, avant-garde designs that illustrate a story based on New York City’s main characteristics. The lobby showcases a digital art installation which combines architecture, contemporary art and technology to create an unexpected and dynamic experience. 32 digital screens continuously display a curated library of digital art, transforming the space into an immersive living narrative that incorporates elegant display pieces throughout the area. Specialised art consultants also helped inject their own quirks throughout the hotel with installations such as the 600 sq ft lobby art wall, designed to enhance the aesthetic and spatial designs of the Times Square property.
The M Social brand was launched in Singapore in 2016. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is exploring ways to grow the brand in more cities, to capture diverse stories and build up a community that shares itself with authenticity, an open mind and giving heart. M Social New York will be the third location for the brand with other outposts in Singapore and Auckland.
INCISO by Gessi – an “American design in an intersection of history & dynamism”
Thanks to the professionalism and inventiveness of two complementary realities, INCISO by David Rockwell has been created, marking Gessi’s first exclusive collaboration with an American designer…
INCISO is the result of a meaningful collaboration between bathroom brand Gessi and architectural visionary David Rockwell. It was was born from a deep curiosity for the world and a continuous search for perfection. A unique collection that reveals on one side the genuine emotion of ancient Italian craftsmanship and on the other the most innovative technologies used for working brass.
INCISO was a tough but exciting challenge for Gessi, a great opportunity to capture and then communicate, through an object, the American soul with an Italian touch thanks to a new aesthetic language in the contemporary bathroom.
Image credit: Gessi
“INCISO’ is not only the name of the new collection, but also its main feature, an engraving hidden in the spout that confers a strong personality to this piece of art, giving Inciso an elegant and refined profile. The collection embodies strength, integrity and quality, with the aim of conveying the emotion and authenticity of ancient manufacturing in perfect harmony with the technological processing of materials.
Image credit: Gessi
An all-American asset with an Italian soul, for a contemporary furnishing where revolution, history and dynamism are dominant. The distinctive and decisive style of the collection is inherent in the Gessi design as well as in the American industrial chic flair. A new aesthetic code characterised by modern shapes and meticulous details, where the ancient soul is enlightened by a contemporary light, in details and finishes.
Thanks to the various finishes and surface treatments available, such as brushed black, brushed brass, gold, bronze and finox, each space will be customised and made unique, truly special. David Rockwell has instilled to Inciso his typical modern charm, characterised by fine and elegant “industrial” details. Meanwhile, Gessi has given shape and life to an explosion of styles and finishes, once again successfully surprising and making a difference.
In Conversation With: Alex Tredez on designing The Lost Poet
In an exclusive interview, editor Hamish Kilburn meets Alex Tredez, the lead designer of The Lost Poet, a new boutique hotel that shelters oodles of quirky and local personality. Ahead of it opening as a ‘modern interpretation of a traditional guest house’ on London’s Portobello Road, we took a sneak peek inside…
“We felt that there was a gap in the market for accommodation which offers high quality service, attention to detail and professionalism synonymous with the hotel experience – but also offering an authentic local experience which guests love about Airbnb-like residences,” Alex Tredez, lead designer of The Lost Poet, explains to me as we start to discuss one of West London’s most anticipated hotel openings this year.
Deeply rooted in its surrounding area, The Lost Poet, a hotel that is expected to open its doors this month following much anticipation, comes from the team at Cubic Studios – a local property design studio, born and bred in Notting Hill. The townhouse, located at Number 6, Portobello Road in London’s quaint Notting Hill neighbourhood, is a poetic love letter to the area, celebrating its creativity and dynamism through four individually designed bedrooms. The design harnesses the colour and playful curiosity of Portobello Road and takes inspiration from the market, mixing the old with the new. I was lucky enough to see beyond the colourful sketches to get a sneak peek and interview with the project’s lead designer.
Image caption: An illustration of the exterior of the hotel
Hamish Kilburn: How will the hotel’s design challenge conventional London hospitality?
Alex Tredez: The Lost Poet is a modern interpretation of a traditional guest house. As far as we know, there is nothing quite like it.
We felt that there was a gap in the market for accommodation which offers high quality service, attention to detail and professionalism synonymous with the hotel experience – but also offering an authentic local experience which guests love about Airbnb-like residences.
It’s a concept that we thought is perfect for a city stay as it gives the traveller the best of both worlds. The guest house is an experience / destination on its own but it’s also very much rooted in the local area. The idea was to create accommodation for those who want to explore and experience the neighbourhood but also want a comfortable and characterful space to retreat to and relax in. Notting Hill is such a lively area with so much to offer we’d like to think we can encourage guests to explore it and enjoy.
The small scale of the property and technology used through-out give the guests maximum privacy and flexibility. For example, the online check-in feature allows the guests to submit necessary information ahead of their stay, keyless access enables them to open the accommodation simply using their mobile phone. No matter what time the guests arrive at the property they are able to just walk in straight into the room. The receptionist and online support are there to answer any queries and provide assistance. The guests are free to have as little or as much face to face contact with the guest house staff as they choose.
We believe it is The Lost Poet’s unique mix of qualities is what will challenge the conventional hospitality.
HK: With so much history in that area of London, how did you narrow down the interior design scheme?
AT: Embracing the rich history and character of the area was a huge part of the brief and a challenge we very much enjoyed. We felt it was important for this rich mix of culture and history to translate into the interiors. Our other objective was for the scheme to feel coherent and polished and have the same attention to detail that we strive to achieve on our residential projects. Having worked in Notting Hill for many years, this project is close to our hearts.
The iconic pastel terraces of Portobello and nearby roads definitely inspired us. For this we drew from the classic proportions and timeless elegance of Georgian buildings in Notting Hill. Their construction uses a limited palette of materials such as yellow brick, stucco and stone and is what gives these streets coherence and harmony. However, instead of using a complex multi coloured palette throughout the property we decided to use different palette for each room. Our objective was to convey the vibrancy and playfulness of the area in The Lost Poet as a whole but have each bedroom feel more tranquil creating for the guests a welcome break from the surrounding bustle.
Using the colour as the tool adding individuality to the rooms also allowed us to use same architectural features and a similar overall design approach in each room so that they all feel like they belong in the same property but also have individual character.
“We opted for mid tone and dark wood to add warmth and really tie the antique and retro furniture together.” – Alex Tredez, lead designer, The Lost Poet.
Image credit: The Lost Poet
Image credit: The Lost Poet
For eclectic and layered interior we used a mix of elegant classical inspired detailing and proportions, luxury traditional materials, modern forms as well as contemporary patterns. We opted for mid tone and dark wood to add warmth and really tie the antique and retro furniture together. Reclaimed and natural materials add comfort and create domestic/ informal feel. Asymmetrical balance adds playfulness, visual interest and relaxed vibe.
HK: How do you predict the pandemic will change the way modern travellers explore?
AT: The pandemic has made many people really think about the way we travel and why we travel. We suspect it will change the way we explore. For starters, customers will put extra value on smart solutions such as online check-in and keyless access which can add the feeling of safety as well as flexibility. Travellers are looking for a more personal connection which values quality over quantity. Bespoke and meaningful experiences will be even more valued and by a wider portion of the market – the discerning traveller will make conscious choices, people having to really research and plan, less impulse decisions. Travellers may be willing to stay in one place for longer. For us this means longer stays, taking things at a slower pace which in turn means more time to explore the area. Guests are more conscious about sustainability, and we expect to see an increase in eco and wellness tourism.
I also think that we may see an increase in last minute bookings – still considered plans but confirmed shorter lead times than what the industry standard was in 2019.
Image credit: The Lost Poet
Image credit: The Lost Poet
HK: What’s the scene like on Portobello Road?
At the moment? We are happy to see many restaurants and bars are and have been adapting well. We are seeing increased number of al-fresco dining and dining options. Some businesses have been burned though the pandemic and have since blossomed (just one example is Buns from Home).
In general? We love that there are so many small businesses and restaurants on the street. You can wine and dine here for a week and not have to go to the same place twice. You can find everything from Moroccan sweets, through to Michelin starred restaurants as well as highly specialised vendors (vintage glasses, unique blends of tea, bespoke perfume etc).
HK: Now more than ever design and service must answer each other. How is this the case inside The Lost Poet?
AT: The Lost Poet thrives on its attention to detail. Since the inception of the design phase of the project to the thought put into the guest experience, the devil has been in the detail. The Lost Poet is Cubic’s love letter to Notting Hill, it’s part of the community, in the coolest neighbourhood in London. We want our guests to experience that, to feel and love the quirkiness and the friendly embrace of Portobello. The design of the rooms is intended to feel like home, we want our guests to be able to come ‘home’ to The Lost Poet and the end of their day. The service will be reflected in that. We only have a few rooms so which allows us to provide a much more personal experience and adapt to ever-changing guest needs. Everything from toiletries to our seasonal breakfast offering has been carefully considered.
“We know how we arrived at the name but feel that just like with poetry sometimes it is best to leave these things open to interpretation.” – Alex Tredez, lead designer, The Lost Poet.
AT:We have put a lot of thought into making sure they are very special, each bathroom is as unique to the room (different finish on the sanitaryware, different wallpapers, different layouts). We have closely considered how guests would get ready and added seating where possible and wall lighting to help elevate this experience, creating a beautiful space where you can still enjoy your daily rituals. We wanted to create that ‘wow’ moment and the special feel you’d expect from a luxury spa with loads of added character to match the feel of the property.
HK: Who is ‘the lost poet’?
AT: Notting Hill is said to have had an artistic association since the end of 19 century, we feel it’s still very prominent. You can feel it in the area and we love it and think it is one of the things that makes it so special. We know how we arrived at the name but feel that just like with poetry sometimes it is best to leave these things open to interpretation…
Now that the free nominations/applications process is open for The Brit List Awards 2021, it’s time to meet this year’s judges. The 2021 panel consists of respected travel journalists and international experts in the design, architecture and hotel development arenas. The judges will gather to select the winners ahead of the awards ceremony on November 3 at PROUD Embankment, London…
Right on cue – and continuing tradition – the next step after nominations and applications have opened for The Brit List Awards is for us to announce this year’s judging panel.
This year, as well as continuing our firm relationship with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) by welcoming both the President and the Past-President as judges, we have also included an award-winning travel journalist and a cluster of respected hospitality and hotel design experts to join this year’s panel.
(Free to apply/nominate) To nominate/apply for The Brit List Awards 2021, click here.
Without further a due, the judges for The Brit List Awards 2021 are:
Lindsey Rendall is the soon-to-be President of the BIID. After graduating Lindsey Rendall worked for Designers Guild, the internationally renowned home furnishing brand before continuing her design career with Cameron Broom, based in south London. During her five years with the company, Rendall became principal designer and designed a wide range of projects including more than 90 domestic properties, five offices, three commissions for The Hurlingham Club and the complete renovation of 28 Portland Place, a beautiful historic building dating from 1775.
Rendall enthusiasm, attention to detail and ability to identify with her clients has ensured repeat business and many recommendations and referrals. In 2010 Lindsey was granted full membership of the British Institute of Interior Design. Lindsey joined forces with Helen to set up Interior Design practice Rendall & Wright in 2006. This dynamic duo, bring together design expertise and seamless project management, providing a personal and professional service.
As a registered interior design with more than 30 years’ experience, Lester Bennett will be the Past President of the BIID during the judging process of The Brit List Awards 2021. Joining the panel for a second year, Bennett has covered many areas of design from running his own practice to being Design Director for the residential development company Westcity. He has built up a stunning portfolio of high profile residential developments both in the UK and overseas.
Viewing this year’s entries from a different perspective over the likes of design and architecture professionals, Lisa Grainger is an award-winning travel journalist who has worked for The Times – from the arts and news desks to The Times Magazine and LUXX – since 1995. Grainger, who has become a well-known figure on the luxury travel scene and an influential voice which is amplified regularly in her authentic reviews, is a regular contributor to panels on conservation and luxury travel.
Frank M. Pfaller, the Founder and President of Hoteliers Guild joins the panel with his ‘no two people are alike’ attitude. Impressed by the accessibility of The Brit List Awards 2021, Pfaller believes that while every property must meticulously reach and maintain highest standards of quality and personalised guest services, none should have to bear the dull stamp of conformity. HoteliersGuild was created with this mentality, and has become a private and independent society of active luxury hoteliers with the aim to connect the best of the hospitality community in a place that encourages the exchange of ideas and personal friendships.
Dereck and Beverly Joubert are world-renowned wildlife filmmakers and are the founders of Great Plains, an authentic, unique and iconic leading tourism conservation organisation. The pair will capture this year’s entries through their unique lens to capture, hopefully, the hotel projects that push boundaries in architecture, design and hospitality. Great Plains consists of 16 prestigious owned and partner safari properties in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe – and offers exceptional safari experiences built around bespoke, caring, meaningful and considerate values.
Ngahuia Damerell, on the Board of Directors for the NEWH Paris Chapter, will join the panel to assist in the judging for the Rising Star Award, following Accor’s commitment to support young talent with the Accor Design Awards.
Damerell earned a bachelor’s degree in textile design with a focus on interior textiles from Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand. Her professional journey has taken her to Sydney, London, New York and now, Paris, where she works as the Global Senior Design Project Manager for Accor’s Luxury & Premium brands, including Raffles, Sofitel, Pullman and Movenpick.
Completing this year’s panel, Hamish Kilburn, editor of Hotel Designs, will return for a fourth consecutive year to act as head judge for The Brit List Awards.
In his role on the leading online publication, Kilburn sensitively narrates the industry’s development. As well as travelling the globe, to far-flung destinations, in order to review some of the world’s most impressive hotels, he has also interviewed the masterminds behind their creations. “The Brit List Awards has become a valuable tool for the industry to understand who the real leaders and visionaries are among us,” he said. “In our meaningful search, we are looking for people and brands going beyond what is conventional – and in the four years I have held this position, the industry has never disappointed in showing us projects that are, quite simply, incredible.”
Most recently, Kilburn become the host of DESIGN POD, a new podcast for the A&D community and was also part of the team who masterminded Hotel Designs LIVE, a series of virtual online conferences for designers, architects and hoteliers in order to keep the industry connected and the conversation flowing. As a result, he has gained a detailed understanding as to what it takes to be at the forefront of the industry’s development and evolution.
You can now purchase your tickets to attend thelive awards ceremony, which takes place on November 3 at PROUD Embankment (designers, architects, hoteliers & click here. Suppliers, click here).
If you would like to discuss various sponsorship packages available, please contact Katy Phillips via email, or call 01992 374050.
“An exciting combination of contemporary and classic pieces,” the Chawton Collection by Vaughan launched in March and is largely based on early 20th century design. The collection was a big attraction at London Design Week…
Featuring some familiar favourites, such as the Menerbes Table Lamp – available in two striking new colourways – and the addition of a number of new furniture pieces, mirrors and lights, the Chawton Collection continues Vaughan’s foray into the world of luxury design and decoration.
Located in the heart of Hampshire – only a stone’s throw away from Vaughan’s factory – Chawton is known for its ancient woodlands and chalky hills. Famous for being home to Jane Austen in the later years of her life, the village serves as a perfect metaphor for Vaughan’s new collection: showcasing the abundance of the natural world and honouring the products’ historical context too.
Lucy Vaughan, chairman and co-founder of Vaughan Designs, comments on the collection: “It is with great excitement that we release the Chawton Collection. Like our previous pieces, each of these has been a real labor of love. From the tapered legs seen on the Colbury Table, to the chalk white finish on the Broughton Bobbin Chair, and the decoration on the Marchwood Lantern, no attention to detail has been spared. The result is a satisfying union whereby products are rooted in antiques but then given a contemporary feel.”
Vaughan is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
From re-imagined landmarks to Portobello boltholes and new hospitality hotspots, here’s your ultimate guide on the hottest, must-visit hotels that are opening in June 2021, just in time for the summer season to start. Editor Hamish Kilburn continues our VIP Arrivals series as international travel and hospitality open up once more…
A few weeks ago, restricted by green, amber and red lists – it’s as if we are at a junction and the traffic lights are broken – we on the editorial desk at Hotel Designs unveiled the best design hotels to visit in Portugal. But, as you know, we are a global platform and have over the last few months been publishing our VIP Arrivals series, which takes a closer look at the latest hotels opening on the hotel design scene.
For the June edition, things are hotting us as the summer season approaches. Although (for the time being, at least) many desirable destinations remain untouchable, we thrown down the metaphorical towels on the sun loungers for you at the new hotels we have recently added to our own travel bucket list. Here’s our editor’s pick of the must-visit hotels opening in June.
The visionary herself, Kelly Wearstler, is preparing to unveil her latest masterpiece. With city lights and vintage brick as backdrop, Proper re-imagines and updates a landmark in the heart of the Fashion District into a 148-key destination hotel. Here, the creative vision of Kelly Wearstler seamlessly blends past and present with compelling design, vintage influence and local art. Essentials include two restaurants led by James Beard Award-winning L.A. chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (Lucques, AOC, Tavern); an intimate lounge, and a city-view rooftop pool and lounge-bar-restaurant. Especially Proper are two singular, one-of-a-kind suites fashioned from the basketball court and indoor pool of the building’s sporting club past.
Located in Norway’s striking Bergen, a World Heritage City with picturesque outdoor life, Moxy Bergen’s prime waterfront location offers unbeatable views overlooking Norway’s famed fjords. Moxy is an energetic alternative to the typical hotel experience in Bergen, proving that choosing affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing style and comfort. The hotel’s playful design is inspired by its destination; the exterior is coated with rails in a pattern mimicking the surrounding waves, and inside there is a focus on natural elements with wooden furniture and installations. Fun hunters can soak up local scenery throughout their stay with each of the hotel’s 199 guestrooms providing Instagram-worthy fjord or mountain views. Down in the lobby guests will find quirky creations by local artists, including a Norwegian folklore figure from the forests of Norway. The Now Lounge has pulled the hotel’s harbour setting inside with anchor ball lamps and rope decorations, telling the story of local life. Moxy Bergen also holds leading sustainability certificates, a perfect match for the eco-conscious traveller.
Recently published on Hotel Designs as one of the most highly anticipated hotels opening in June, Kuda Villingili is a Maldivian jewel. Conceived with nature in mind by the Maldivian architectural firm GX Associates in collaboration with the Singapore-based interior design company URBNarc, Kuda Villingili 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.
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.
Deeply rooted in its surrounding area, The Lost Poet comes from the team at Cubic Studios – a local property design studio, born and bred in Notting Hill. The townhouse, located at Number 6, Portobello Road in London’s quaint Notting Hill neighbourhood, is a poetic love letter to the area, celebrating its creativity and dynamism through four individually designed bedrooms. The design harnesses the colour and playful curiosity of Portobello Road and takes inspiration from the market, mixing the old with the new. Guests will find modern art, bold wallpapers and bespoke furniture sitting in juxtaposition with antique trinkets and reclaimed wood panelling created from old school science labs.
Accessible to guests arriving at any time of day or night, the concept offers the independence of rental property with the design, housekeeping and concierge elements synonymous with a luxury boutique hotel.
Epoque Collection, a new luxury boutique hotel management company, is opening the brand’s first meticulously selected five-star property, the beautiful and breathtaking OMMA Santorini. After a soft opening in 2019, the much-anticipated stunning and secluded hilltop hotel with no surrounding properties in sight, is set to officially open in June. From the outside architecture to the interior design, OMMA Santorini offers a journey of discovery through all the senses. With just 25 intimate rooms and suites and five villas, organised amphitheatrically around the element of water, OMMA Santorini provides an intimate hideaway for couples and families alike. Each of the five beautiful villas is blessed with a private swimming pool and sprawling sea views overlooking the Aegean Sea. The contemporary and timeless style throughout the hotel balances crisp white walls and clean-cut spaces against charcoal sun loungers and furniture to create a design that oozes luxury and elegance. Cycladic white buildings surround the extraordinary double infinity pool which is set across two levels and is amongst the largest pools in Santorini. For that reason, it makes our top picks of hotels opening in June.
Just like its sibling hotel, Le Cou Cou in Meribel, Hotel Lou Pinet is a piece of art, if you like, painstakingly designed to celebrate something different on the hospitality scene in Europe. And although it’s not new – the hotel first opened in 2019 – its style is as fresh today as it was then. Taking design cues from the rich Mediteranian gardens, the hotel, which re-emerges in June from its forced closure, is a peaceful abode away from hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez. While its design remains timeless – and flawless, if we do say so ourselves – Lou Pinet has introduced a new offerings and treatments in the spa, as service and design work in harmony in what is a modern treasure. Lou Pinet is an intimate hideaway echoing the vintage Saint-Tropez spirit of the 60’s and 70’ where loved-up couples will dance the night away in the magical gardens, as the live music transports them to this vintage era.
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!
Weekly briefing: Maldives opening, bathroom trends & IDAS line-up
Editor Hamish Kilburn here – right on cue – to round off your week with a low-down of the most-read hotel design stories from the past few days. This week’s edition of the Weekly Briefing includes our sneak peek inside the Maldives’ latest design-led hotel about to open, a video panel discussion on bathroom trends and our in conversation with the wonderful Noami Heaton, CEO of The Other House…
Where do we start? The challenge this week, now that UK hospitality is on the mend, following a rather bleak coma, has been sifting through press releases to select the most interesting and impactful stories for the international hotel design scene. In addition, of course, we have published a handful of our own crafted features and interviews that we believe answer questions regarding new challenges for the future of hotel design landscape.
So, before the weekend – a long weekend if you are based in the UK – can official start, here are our top stories from the week.
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!
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, Hotel Designs 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.
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? We caught up with the visionary herself to find out more.
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.
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.
Image credit: The Cottonmill Spat at Sopwell House
Following on from the virtual roundtable: ‘Raising the floor in lifestyle’ and our Hotel Designs LIVE session entitled: ‘A new era of lifestyle’, it’s safe to say that we are putting a lot of emphasis on understanding lifestyle hospitality in 2021 and beyond. To continue the theme, we asked Beverley Bayes, Creative Director at Sparcstudio, to look at the role that spa and wellness has to play in the new chapter of hotel design.
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!
Nominations now open for Independent Hotel Show Awards 2021
The Independent Hotel Show Awards, which celebrate the hoteliers driving innovation and excellence in the boutique hotel sector, have opened for entries…
If you have recently considered entering The Brit List Awards 2021 as a hotelier, why not double your chances by also applying for the Independent Hotel Show Awards?
Launched in 2012, the Independent Hotel Awards have become respected accolades, shining a light on the industry’s brightest and best hotel professionals.
The Independent Hotelier Award recognises an excellent independent hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences.
The GM of the Future Award, in partnership with The Master Innholders, recognises a rising star in the hotel industry, someone who consistently goes the extra mile and has a commitment to inspiring others.
Chairman of The Master Innholders and Managing Director of The Goring, David Morgan-Hewitt FIH MI, said: “Throughout the history of The Master Innholders, we have made the development and career growth of future leaders a key priority to our organisation, proving opportunities such as the Innholders Scholarship, Aspiring Leaders Diploma and most recently Master Innholders Developing Additional Skills (MIDAS) programme. Now more than ever, it is vital to attract, develop, retain and recognise the next generation of hotel professionals, which is why we launched the GM of the Future Award in 2019.
“We have been engaged supporters of the Independent Hotel Show since its inception and I am delighted we have been able to continue to strengthen our partnership further and present the only industry accolade focused on promoting the aspiring hotel general managers of the future.”
The Independent Hotel Show will also be partnering with The Good Hotel Guide to host the Cesar Awards – 10 of which are awarded each year to hotels demonstrating consistent excellence – and celebrating the winner of The Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice Award at the event.
Richard Fraiman, CEO, The Good Hotel Guide, commented: “This year, we are looking forward to partnering with the Independent Hotel Show to celebrate the Good Hotel Guide’s 10 best hotels, the winners of our coveted Cesar Awards. These are named after Cesar Ritz and have been going for 36 years.”
Shortlisted hoteliers will be decided by a panel of industry experts, before the winner is determined by a combination of expert judging panel and public vote.
Elena Attanasio, Event Director for the Independent Hotel Show, added: “We can’t wait to welcome our independent hotelier community back to Olympia London and to celebrate the outstanding professionals operating in the industry.
“This year more than ever it’s important to recognise brilliance in the sector and shine a light on the individuals providing an outstanding service to their guests in the face of significant challenges.”
Paula Ellis, Group General Manager of luxury boutique hotels Twr y Felin, Penrhiw Priory and Roch Castle, and winner of the 2019 Independent Hotelier Award, said of the accolade: “Winning the Independent Hotelier Award meant that I could use it as platform to highlight that Welsh and Female GMs can achieve success and be recognised.”
If you believe someone deserves to be awarded for their contribution to the industry, their creativity or future leader potential, please look at the nominating procedure and nominate by 18 June. Self-nominations are accepted.
The winners will be announced in the awards ceremony at 5pm on the first day of the Independent Hotel Show when it returns on Monday 4 October.
The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 4 and 5 October 2021 at Olympia London. For more information about the show or awards, please visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk.
Bi-colour trend: Kaldewei uses stylish contrasts for Classic Duo Oval free-standing bathtubs
The Classic Duo Oval demonstrates Kaldewei’s flair for trend setting, the free-standing bathtubs in the series are now available in a variety of modern bi-colour options…
The Classic Duo Oval is also available in an extensive range of single colours from their Coordinated Colours Collection, immersing the luxurious steel enamel in tones of warm grey, soft beige and elegant black.
Bi-colour bathtubs are the new must-have statement piece for the modern bathroom and the most sought after are the free-standing models. The visual impact is powerful drawing the eye instantly and creating a focal point for the bathroom.
The Classic Duo Oval series, from Kaldewei is the perfect bath for the bi-colour trend, with its simple oval shape, two identical backrests and a central waste it guarantees a pleasant and comfortable bathing experience. The elegant panelling that surrounds the bathtub enables free-standing placement in the bathroom, whilst highlighting the superior design standards of the steel enamel bathtub.
The pure and simple elegance that characterises the Classic Duo Oval can now be incorporated into a unique interior design with Kaldewei’s colour combination options. The variety of strong enamel colours create a harmonious overall picture or an exciting contrast to the bath panelling, which is available in alpine white, alpine white matt, black gloss and lava black matt. The carefully considered and well- thought-out range of colours enables a multitude of combinations and sets new standards in terms of colour harmony and value.
In addition to the Centro Duo Oval, the free-standing Conoduo and Ellipso Duo Oval models are also available with coloured panelling.
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.
Recolour is a cork floor from Granorte that embraces the natural material’s aesthetic and adds colour to bring a fresh look. “The result is an authentic blend of materials and colours that will help to give contemporary spaces texture in their design schemes,” explains editor Hamish Kilburn…
Having followed the innovative products that have been developed under the Granorte brand for a while now, with each product launch – whether its the natural-looking Decodalle or the Japanese-inspired Tatami – I am completely blown away by the teams ability to produce meaningful products that lend themselves nicely to designers who think consciously when specifying. The launch of Recolour floor tiles from the brand is no exception!
Available in an extraordinary 28 colours, all possessing cork’s unique aesthetic, Recolour floor tiles add a natural look that’s out of the ordinary to commercial interiors. Each Recolour tile features bevels for defined edges that give a modern design floor feel and with cork’s unmistakable look and colours that can contribute to any commercial interior scheme, the floor offers designers something entirely different from their choice of flooring.
“Recolour brings cork’s unique aesthetic but appreciates that not every interior needs, or wants, a natural cork colour,” said Paulo Rocha, Product and R&D Manager at the brand. “With shades ranging from pearl and cream through to terracotta, forest and saffron, it’s a collection that lets designers embrace the natural and renewable credentials of cork, but still adhere to design practices that look to zone spaces through colour.”
The collection is available in two specifications – 4mm glue-down (Recolour Fix) and 10.5mm click installation – both finished with Wearplus® an easy-clean super-matt finish that is durable but that also highlights the natural status of the material. Providing a highly wear-resistant surface,
Recolour uses a 3mm cork veneer, HDF core with Uniclic® for fast and easy fitting and a 1.5mm cork insulating layer with Microban® built in. Purists will prefer the all-cork construction of the standard Recolour Fix that delivers the unmistakable decorative veneer and high-density agglomerated cork core. Recolour Fix is supplied in 900 x 150mm tiles and Recolour in 1164 x 300mm format.
Granorte has been making cork products since 1972, when it was established to provide a use for the waste cork of wine stopper production. The family-owned Portuguese company uses the latest in production technology and focuses on R&D to deliver a unique range of products made from cork. From walls and floors to furniture and sanitary ware, the company is cork’s true innovator.
Granorte 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.
Parkside has launched four new wall and floor tile collections with built-in antibacterial protection, proving preconceptions wrong that you can in fact inject hygiene qualities without sacrificing style when it comes to surfaces…
Years of research have resulted in wall and floor tile collections with antibacterial protection. Inspired by nature, the collection’s built-in technology uses tin oxide and titanium oxide to create a finish that is antibacterial and anti-viral.
Now available in Beat, Sylkin, Larkham and Tyne, the technology is proven to eliminate 99.7 per cent of common bacteria. Unlike similar products, where the antibacterial properties fade with time, Parkside’s protection is permanent and lasts for the lifetime of the tile. In fact, the technology is enhanced by solar and artificial light, yet still performs under dark conditions.
Making businesses and public spaces safer and more hygienic around the clock, the tiles also require less use of cleaning chemicals or detergents, while bad odours are also eliminated. Available in a range of looks, including authentic Tyne brick in red and white, and delivering 36+ PTV and the collection answers the need for floors, walls and surfaces that are durable and easy to keep safe in hospitality, leisure and other commercial projects.
Brian Linnington, managing director, Parkside, commented: “This new technology has been years in development and represents a significant step in hygienic porcelain wall and floor tiles. Not only antibacterial but anti-viral as well, the collection can help businesses with a more sanitary tile surface that is easier to keep clean.”
Parkside recommends the use of an epoxy or antimicrobial grout. Epoxide-resin-based grouts are impermeable so provide a degree of inherent protection, while remaining easy to clean thanks to a smooth surface. Containing Microban®, antimicrobial grout continually destroys and inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew.
The role of wellness in the new era of ‘lifestyle hospitality’
Following on from the virtual roundtable: ‘Raising the floor in lifestyle’ and our Hotel Designs LIVE session entitled: ‘A new era of lifestyle’, it’s safe to say that we are putting a lot of emphasis on understanding lifestyle hospitality in 2021 and beyond. To continue the theme, we asked Beverley Bayes, Creative Director at Sparcstudio, to look at the role that spa and wellness has to play in the new chapter of hotel design…
Long before the pandemic emerged in 2020, global hotel groups began to reveal plans for experience led design. There was a raft of 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.
Spas and wellness play a key role to play in the new lifestyle hotel offer we look at how spa design will evolve to fulfil this. Traditionally a hotel spa largely comprised of a series of 3m x 4m treatment rooms located off a darkened corridor (often in a basement) where guests would enjoy a largely solitary treatment experience before being led to ‘deep relax room’, again a darkened often solitary hushed experience.
Image credit: Center Parcs Aqua Sana Longford Forest Ireland.
Reflecting the elevated status of the modern spa, a spa can now command a key position in a hotel (with great views) as well as larger area within the overall hotel footprint. Must-haves now tend to include a rooftop pool/or ground floor location linking to a spa garden and a series of natural experiences. The pandemic has made these options even more important as many guests demand space, privacy and access to nature.
Social spaces and shared treatment experiences have also become a key element of a spa offer, perhaps more akin to the social experience that was a key part of a traditional Roman bathing experience. We have seen this emerge from the pandemic and lockdown, as those not wanting total privacy, expect to visit the spa with their friends and family, to enjoy social time in a relaxed wellness environment.
As a result, we are now designing more spas with treatment suites, which can be a flexible space that opens onto a small thermal private suite and relaxation spaces for small groups.
Spaces for the finishing touches like manicure/pedicure/makeup serve as great spaces for parties and intimate group. Most recently we designed the Ridgeview Beauty Bar at South Lodge Spa, dispensing premium award-winning English sparking alongside express spa treatments in a social space. Much like private dining rooms in restaurants, we often design these spaces with part glazed timber/glazed screens so that there is still the social connection between users and avoid reverting back to the corridor of doors syndrome.
“Hospitality matters”
Spa hospitality which includes the whole selection of food and beverage offered within the spa is evolving massively as hoteliers recognise the opportunity that a spa restaurant can add to the hotel’s existing food and beverage offering overall. Guests want the option of dining casually in the spa in their robes, but also like to have the option to eat before or afterwards, in a smart casual, yet modern environment. This is a huge opportunity for hotels and one that we expect to grow in the coming two – three years.
Image credit: Champneys Spa Mottram Hall
A spa can support a number of food and beverage offers, such as Champneys Mottram Hall, which has the relaxed spa café lounge and Rafaella’s Restaurant with healthy and nutritious options during lunch and dinner.
Spa F&B design is a great opportunity to create a very different look and feel to the other F&B areas within a hotel. It’s possible to create a relaxed casual, barefoot luxury vibe overlooking a pool or linking onto a spa garden or terrace. This is also where wellness can inform the menu with healthy, nutritious, vegetarian and plant-based options.
Image credit: The Cottonmill Club Spat at Sopwell House
Going one step further, wellness hospitality can create a farm to fork concept, drawing on local suppliers and seasonal ingredients where possible. At South Lodge Botanica, the spa restaurant draws on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients. Although not exclusively vegetarian, the menu features a plethora of plant-based plates influenced by Mediterranean dishes. The Watershed serves a selection of drinks and light bites for those relaxing by the natural swimming pond throughout the day, during the summer months.
Thermal suites
Across the UK (and Europe) there has been a resurgence in thermal experiences, which in addition to providing huge health benefits, they are also great spaces for social spa-ing. Sparcstudio always design these as unique environments bespoke to the particular spa and we aim to connect the thermal cabin spaces with nature by bringing the outside in thanks to floor to ceiling glass walls looking across nature. Some excellent examples of this include the Spa at South Lodge and The Cottonmill Club at Sopwell House.
Image caption: Modern sauna inside Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio
We have noticed a definite trend towards spas enhancing the thermal suite offer with small group experiences. These can include a Russian Banya, an ‘Aufguss Sauna Meister experience’ where the ‘Sauna Meister’ uses towels to agitate the air and lessen the intensity of the heat, essence-infused air or group Hammam with billowing clouds of bubbles adding to the sense of theatre.
We anticipate that group treatment experiences will become more common such as those experienced at the Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland where spa users can visit a series of heat experiences and apply mineral salt, or lava scrubs to themselves and their partners.
Lifestyle hospitality
Lifestyle hospitality is also seeping into all areas of our lives as we re-evaluate them post-Covid,;- there is a blurring of the lines between leisure, work and fitness – workspaces such as Fora & The Ministry offer yoga studios and fitness spaces and no doubt fitness clubs will also begin to provide informal work meeting spaces . The Global Wellness Summit identified that the trend for wellness and meetings to become blurred will continued beyond the pandemic. Expect to see hotel teams entering the spa for meetings or combining yoga, mindfulness and breathwork in the studio or on the terrace with their weekly meetings.
Fitness experiences, group exercise, group cycle/trail walk in the grounds or surrounding countryside are set to expand too – linking to the return to nature mentioned earlier.
Image credit: Champneys Mottram Hall
Spa and wellness experiences are also permeating into all areas of the hotel – in room fitness, yoga decks in garden, biophilic design in the rooms. Kimpton Blythswood Square has just launched a collaboration with CBD brand La Rue Verte, leading horticulturalists Benholm and award-winning DJ Brian D’Souza, on a multi-sensory experience combines the biophilic principles, plants in the bedroom with CBD rituals, meditation and sound therapy.
Creating a ‘luxury’ lifestyle-led experience – this is not about the opulence of the materials, or price of treatments, but new luxury is all about personal service, and the unique crafted individual touches that spa is able to offer (hoteliers have so much to bring to spas in that they innately understand this).
As spa designers we need to have a deep understanding of the complexities of the spa operation to enable spa staff to provide this – unglamorous but operationally essential things like towel dispense and disposal needs to be carefully considered – routes in and out and storage points where they are needed for dirty and clean towels – (I am sure like me you might have experienced a huge rattling trolley being wheeled through a guest space and ruining an experience, because this hasn’t been addressed!).
Similarly wading through pools of surface water or seeing staff squeegeeing away stagnant pool water, because there are inadequate falls in wet/thermal zone, and the inexperienced designer might not appreciate the amount of water emanating from a steam room, this certainly doesn’t add to the luxury spa experience!
And then there’s the Instagram moment. The ‘wow’ factor. Lifestyle is the new luxury and wellness is at the centre of almost every hotel and hospitality conversation. Hoteliers wanting to ensure their offering is at the cutting edge of this, need to seamlessly blend wellness into their lifestyle offering so that the wellness journey begins before the guests arrive. It should be so effortless that the guest barely notices the attention to detail that has gone on behind the scenes, but immerse themselves into the wellness lifestyle from reception, to room and beyond.
Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
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.
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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!
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