Hotel Designs

    NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

    Discussing biophilic design in hotel surfaces

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Discussing biophilic design in hotel surfaces

    Ahead of their panel discussion at the Surface Design Show next week, editor Hamish Kilburn and Parkside Architectural Tiles’ architectural consultancy manager Fraser Lockley discuss sustainable surfaces in hotel design… 

    Design is all around us, and we interact with it from the moment we get up in the morning, through our working day and into leisure time.

    Design is a reflection of society and impacts on how we interact in our daily lives. The way in which buildings and spaces are designed has the potential to greatly impact the wellbeing of those interacting with it, so to promote biophilic design seems a given.

    Ahead of hosting a panel discussion (February 13 at 12:30pm on the Main Stage) at the Surface Design Show next week, I caught up with one of my panelists early to understand, from a suppliers perspective, how designers’ methods for injecting biophilic design into projects is allowing new possibilities to emerge in surface design.

    Hamish Kilburn: What makes biophilic design more than just a trend?
    Fraser Lockley: The ideas and principles of biophilic design have been around for many years, it is only the term that has come to the forefront of the design world more recently. The use of natural materials was a foundation for many of the classic societies (Egyptians, Greeks etc), so biophilic design is definitely not a new trend. It’s more a return to exploring the use of natural shapes, colours, textures and patterns as well as sustainable materials and interpreting these to modern designs and how they impact on end users.

    HK: Can you explain what Parkside is looking for when it investigates new materials?
    FL: We are always looking for opportunities to bring new products to the interiors and A&D sector. Our Sequel range is a great example, using recycled glass and ceramics normally discarded in the sanitary products manufacturing process, we were able to offer a great looking tile that appealed to the aesthetic requirements of clients while embracing sustainability and a biophilic ethos.

    “While 15-20 years ago the idea of using recycled content was associated with inferior or cheaper products, now producers are more comfortable in declaring the resourcing of products to create new tiles.” Fraser Lockley, architectural consultancy manager at Parkside Tiles.

    HK: What would you say are the least sustainable materials available in the marketplace?
    FL: Sustainability can be measured in various ways, so it is not always easy to pinpoint exact materials, for example some materials may be more energy intensive to produce but then have a much longer product life than sustainably produced equivalents. In addition, products that stand the test of time in terms of look and performance could arguably be more sustainable over something very niche and on-trend for a particular timeframe. For us, it’s about achieving a balance across all of these and providing products that have a long-term design, good product life and made without over-exploiting earth’s natural resources.

    HK: How is technology unlocking the potential for designers to affordably access sustainable tiles?
    FL: Digital printing technology means that a majority of looks, finishes and styles can be replicated onto tiles, thereby protecting valuable natural resources such as marble, slate, quartz etc. It’s worth bearing in mind that tiles are generally long-lasting and hardwearing. In fact, tiles are only likely to be removed because someone wants to change them rather than through necessity. Looking around modern-day London, our tube stations are testament to some of the iconic tiles from the 1900s that are still in use today.

    HK: How many of Parkside’s tiles would you consider to be sustainable?
    FL: With the longevity that tiles provide we consider tiles to be a sustainable option for exterior and interior finishes. Many of the major manufacturers are using a percentage of recycled content within their production processes. While 15-20 years ago the idea of using recycled content was associated with inferior or cheaper products, now producers are more comfortable in declaring the resourcing of products to create new tiles.

    HK: How can designers on a budget sensitively inject biophilic design in public areas?
    FL: Designers can concentrate on one or two of the biggest elements of a project that will impact on the overall design, this could be key features or focusing on particular aspects like the lighting or flooring and sourcing one or two products that embrace the biophilic ethos. This one change may seem small but incorporating even just a single element can have an impact on how the end user interacts with public areas.

    HK: In your role, how has demand for sustainability increased in recent years?
    FL: There has been a massive increase! Architects and designers continue to incorporate sustainability within their projects and the latest generation of designers have been introduced to sustainability from the start of their careers, so we predict continued demand for new products that address these practises.

    HK: What are the consumer benefits of biophilically designed tiles?
    FL: Any biophilic design which helps end users connect with nature while inside, provides the benefits of reducing stress, supporting wellbeing, and helping with performance in an ever-hectic environment.

    Hotel Designs’ Hamish Kilburn will host the panel discussion entitled: Biophilic Materials in Surface Design. He will be joined on the sofa by Fraser Lockley (architectural consultancy manager at Parkside Architectural Tiles), Jeremy Grove (Managing Director of Sibley Grove) and Richard Holland (Director of Holland Harvey Architects).

    PRODUCT WATCH: Gessi’s sophisticated Anello faucets

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    PRODUCT WATCH: Gessi’s sophisticated Anello faucets

    Gessi describes the new faucets as: “the poetry for a form that symbolises a promise…”

    The Anello collection by Gessi speaks of harmony, love and fidelity. The design concept was, in fact, inspired by the form of a circle, a ring, that symbolises perfection, infinity, eternity.

    Not only refined design, love for details, harmony of lines and proportions: Gessi wants to enter the home, enter daily life, in a discreet way, but that also touches an emotional chord. The Anello line is mainly distinguished by the handle of the mixer that features a new circular form, a ring, a true jewel of functional use, a promise of love and union that gives wellness and happiness every day, morning and night.

    concept image of two faucets

    Image credit: Gessi

    The collection includes a variety of faucets for sinks, base and wall moun­ted. The mixer is produced in brass with treated surfaces, and presents va­rious finishes and patterns that enhance the uniqueness of the design with different hues and material or architectural effects. The new finishes in gloss brass, from warm to deep colours, and flamed brass, that has a charmingly rustic elegance, give a new alternative to the metallic surfaces that we are used to seeing in the bathroom fittings sector. Anello offers the possibility of creating innovative looks also thanks to a matte black finish, that joins the others of chrome, copper, gloss and satin metallic black.

    In addition to the different models and versions, the Collection incorporates many modular and coordinating variables. The finishes may be combined in creative matches: the ring itself is available with smooth finish or in two different variations of knurling. Combining or overlapping opaque and gloss surfaces, smooth or knurled, creates very interesting and pleasing contra­sts and original decorative effects.

    Gessi, which is a Hotel Designs’ Recommended Supplier, is a synonym of exclusivity and style in the world of design. The company’s mission is to bring a sense of private wellness to everyday life through its water sculptures: water as a means of wellbeing, the beauty of design as a pleasure to the eyes.

    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.

    Main image credit: Gessi

    Concept to Completion: Designing Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell (Part 1)

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    Concept to Completion: Designing Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell (Part 1)

    In the first article of a new series, editor Hamish Kilburn exclusively speaks to the designers at 3Stories to understand how the studio will sensitively convert an iconic neighbourhood pub into Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell… 

    It’s been almost a year since IHG announced plans to open a 151-key Hotel Indigo in the heart of London’s design district.

    Responsible for the interior design of the 151-key boutique hotel is Ben Webb and Jordan Littler who are the co-founders of 3Stories. The entire project, meanwhile, is being overseen by IHG’s Director of Interior Design, Henry Reeve, who was highly commended in the Interior Designer of the Year category at The Brit List Awards 2019. Reeve, who recently led the completion of Kimpton Fitzroy and Hotel Indigo properties in Stratford-Upon-Thames and Barcelona among other projects, is a sharp, dynamic designer who awarded 3Stories with one of the firm’s first hotel projects, Hotel Indigo Antwerp that opened in 2017.

    Almost three years later, while the studio is working on on-going projects such as a Jo&Joe hotel in Liverpool, a Bistro in Brixton and a new music venue down the road in Kings Cross, Webb and Littler are putting their hearts and souls into sensitively restoring Clerkenwell’s much-loved pub, the Hat & Feathers, into a thriving hotel hub. 

    I travelled to the duo’s Clerkenwell studio to exclusively speak to Webb about the plans of converting what is currently a building site into a statement hotel in the city’s design hub.

     

    Hamish Kilburn: When did you win the project?
    Ben Webb: August 2019

    HK: How much time went into the pitch?
    BW: We utilised the studios entire time, as we only had two weeks to come up with our concept.

    HK: Can you explain for us how 3Stories developed?
    Jordan Littler and I started our careers together 15 years ago and subsequently over that time worked for a number of different design agencies. In 2017 we both decided to join forces and essentially set up a company that specialises in hospitality design. 

    HK: How did your pitch allow you to keep an ‘open window’ of ideas throughout the project?

    BW: We kept the presentation quite broad, looking at all of the different areas in the hotel, meaning we didn’t present a finished design. This left more room for the client to use their own imagination and fill in the gaps. From a render perspective, we kept the visuals in a hand-sketch format as we felt a stunning photorealistic 3D was not required and the pitch was more about the ideas we could bring to the table. 

    “Our first design job was located opposite the hotel and we would use the Hat and Feathers pub as our local.” – Ben Webb, Co-founder, 3 Stories

    HK: What is the significance of this project, the site and why do you believe you are the best designers for the job?
    BW: My business partner and I have worked in Clerkenwell for the past 14 years and are therefore very familiar with the area. Our first design job was located opposite the hotel and we would use the Hat and Feathers pub as our local. We specialise in F&B which is a huge part of the project and therefore our knowledge in the market helped us sell the concept to the client. 

    HK: What are the biggest challenges you expect to run in to during the project?
    BW: An obvious answer, but I have to say budget. There are a lot of elements to this project especially surrounding the listed nature of the pub and therefore the budget maybe squeezed in certain places. 

    HK: Can you set the scene for our readers on what the hotel’s interiors will look like?
    BW: If you are not familiar with the Hotel Indigo brand it is all about creating the neighbourhood story. With that in mind the hotel’s interior takes lead from the areas architectural and design heritage. The bedrooms themselves (three types) are designed in relationship to Clerkenwell, giving the guest a choice when booking to stay at the hotel. We have also defined four restaurant concepts within the hotel that we are currently developing with the F&B consultants, all of which take on a different feel based on the level cuisine being served.

    HK: Do you plan on using suppliers that are local to the area?
    BW: 100 per cent yes. This project more than any, due to its location in Clerkenwell and being surrounded by so many suppliers. One of the bedroom designs is purely dedicated to the ‘supplier showcase.’

    HK: What are you most excited about with this project?
    BW: The fact that we can bring a lot of local knowledge to the design from the relationships with current suppliers down to our understanding of the F&B market in Clerkenwell. 

    The project continues…

    This is part one of Hotel Designs’ Concept to Completion series, following design firm 3 Stories and IHG throughout their journey to create Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell. If you have a question regarding the design of the project that you would like to put forward, please email our editor.

    Main image credit: 3 Stories

    Render of rooftop bar and pool in city

    Canopy by Hilton to open 20 hotels in 2020

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Canopy by Hilton to open 20 hotels in 2020

    Hilton is calling it ’20 in 20′ as its lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, is predicting to nearly triple its portfolio with 20 expected openings in the next 11 months… 

    Hotel group Hilton has just announced that its ‘upper upscale’ lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, is predicting to open 20 hotels in 2020 across seven countries.

    Render of rooftop bar and pool in city

    Canopy’s current and projected openings in 2020, which join the brand’s 12 existing hotels in China, Croatia, Iceland and the U.S., include:

    • Brazil: São Paulo-Jardins
    • China: Hangzhou-West Lake
    • France: Paris-Trocadero
    • Mexico: Cancun-La Isla (opened Jan. 28)
    • United Arab Emirates: Dubai-Al Seef1
    • United Kingdom: London-London City
    • United States: Austin-Downtown; Baltimore-Harbor Point; Charlotte-SouthPark; Dallas-Frisco Station; Grand Rapids-Downtown; Jersey City-Arts District; Kansas City-Downtown; Memphis-Downtown; Philadelphia-Center City; San Antonio-Riverwalk; Scottsdale-Old Town; Tempe-Downtown University Area; Washington, DC-Embassy Row (opened Jan. 14); and West Palm Beach-Downtown

    “We’ve received resoundingly positive feedback from guests who have loved their local adventures while staying in our 12 existing hotels,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “We are excited to create more of these authentic experiences with all that Canopy offers in 20 more vibrant neighbourhoods this year.”

    Strategically located in dynamic neighbourhoods across the globe, the concept of a Canopy hotel is a natural extension of the community in which it calls home and provides an energising atmosphere with thoughtfully local touches.

    Following extensive consumer research, Canopy by Hilton was created to provide the uncomplicated comforts, thoughtful design and thriving atmosphere that today’s travellers demanded.

    Prior to 2020, Canopy by Hilton opened properties in Atlanta-Midtown; Chengdu-City Centre; Columbus, OH-Short North; Dallas-Uptown; Ithaca-Downtown; Hangzhou-Jinsha Lake; Minneapolis-Mill District; Portland, OR-Pearl District; Reykjavik-City Centre; Washington, DC-Bethesda North; Washington, DC-The Wharf; and Zagreb-City Centre.

    Beyond this year, the brand is working with local partners to develop hotels in Bangkok, Boston, Cape Town, Chicago, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, New Orleans, Riyadh, Toronto and more.

    Main image credit: Canopy by Hilton

    Hospitality trends that we expect will evolve in 2020

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Hospitality trends that we expect will evolve in 2020

    To see continued success, hoteliers and designers need to be prepared for inevitable changes. We’ve asked STAAH to round up the trends in hospitality to help our readers stay ahead of the curve…

    This month, technology trends have been in the spotlight. And while there is a need for new innovation, at the same time consumers also demand for more meaningful decisions in the design and running of hotels.

    In order to ensure that the industry’s evolution is progressive and not destructive, here are some of the main shifts and movements expected to affect the hospitality market in 2020.

    Millennials are driving change

    Starting with sustainable travel. Hotels of the future must go green if they want to attract the millennials – now the largest set of travellers. On cue, second city travel is also on the rise – a trend where travellers seek to visit lesser known cities to avoid over-tourism. Make 2020 the year where sustainable practices are adopted and marketed to keep your business relevant.

    Another related trend driven by the millennials is culturally inclusive travel, the need to soak in the life of the local community you visit. Become the local expert and find ways to intertwine local stories into your property’s experience.

    Technology driving decision making

    The rise of millennials has also well and truly ushered in the era of online media being the key influencer in travel decision-making. Modern travellers turn to online channels to surprise and help them make travel decisions – from where to go to best accommodation options and best local experiences.

    A rising expectation of a frictionless experience with smarter hotels and personalised service.

    Thanks for technology, guests want more without doing much – they expect you to know. It is left up to hoteliers to join data points (say hello to artificial intelligence), understand their guests and deliver an experience that leaves them breathless – enough to leave you a stellar online review that will inspire the next booking.

    Some implementations of this are smart keys, cloud-based check-in, facial recognition, smart electrical controls in the room … and this is just the start. As the digital world is going ga-ga over personalisation, hotel guests are not left behind in expecting a highly customised experience from their accommodation providers.

    On the topic of transformative technology, it is hard to leave out the role virtual reality is playing in the travel industry. From pre-arrival to entertainment during stay, virtual reality is becoming a very real thing for forward-looking hoteliers.

    Hoteliers aim to drive up direct bookings

    While online travel agents and meta agents hold the lion’s share of travel bookings, the importance of direct bookingsis not lost to hoteliers. In 2020 they continue to optimise this channel through wins on their website and a booking engine that works smarter, supported by integrated social and email marketing to deliver the message.

    Hoteliers adopt homestay concept … and evolve it

    Airbnb and other homestay platforms are here to stay. Instead of fighting the trend, hoteliers are now evolving with it. So, while Airbnb expands into hotels, hotels are expected to continue extending into home-sharing. For guests, it’s a win-win as they get a homestay experience in a very regulated environment rather than a hit or miss type of scenario.

    Main image credit: Pixabay

    Sekers launches new collection of wide-width curtains

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    Sekers launches new collection of wide-width curtains

    Sekers has launched BACCHUS, a collection of wide-width curtains, ideal for the contract market…

    Hot off the heels of launching FIORA early this month, Sekers has unveiled BACCHUS, a collection of wide-width curtains that are available in a generous range of shades from vivid blues and earthy neutrals to ethereal pastels.

    Bacchus includes two fabrics, each representing a distinct route to achieving lightweight contract curtaining. With a chunky yarn and soft drape, semi-sheer Bobal embraces natural light, making a simple and elegant statement. Gamay’s subtle melange colouration, fine woven, opaque appearance and supple drape makes for optimal snoozing.

    The Bacchus collection is washable and fully FR tested with Bobal meeting FR curtain standards for the UK and US markets and with Gamay additionally meeting European and IMO FR curtain standards. With the width forming the drop and a fluid drape and subtle texture, Bacchus casts a positive glow on any interior and is an ideal choice for the designer specifying for the contract market.

    Sekers is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Sekers

    Ruby Hotels arrives in London

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    Ruby Hotels arrives in London

    The 75-Room, carnival-themed ‘Ruby Lucy’ brings the disruptor brand’s ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy to the Southbank in London…

    Following the opening of Ruby Leni, and Hotel Designs’ exclusive interview with the brand’s Head of Design Matthew Balon, Ruby Hotels has arrived to London, opening its debut hotel on the Southbank.

    The new 75-room hotel, Ruby Lucy, forms part of an ambitious expansion plan for Ruby Hotels to unveil a total of eleven new hotels – including a second London property – by 2022.

    Enjoying a prime position on the Southbank’s Lower Marsh, Ruby Lucy’s interior design is inspired by the area’s bustling fairs and markets, entertainment and theatre scene, with a carnival theme running throughout the hotel. Rich, dark tones meet bright brass accents and subtle stripes are accented with playful props including circus drums and juggling pins.

    Booth to look like a circus tent

    Image credit: Ruby Hotels

    Just like the group’s other houses, Ruby Lucy follows Ruby Hotels’ ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy: a top location, high-quality fittings, and outstanding design. All of this is offered at an affordable price by rigorously cutting out the superfluous and focusing on the essential. 

    For example, a hip communal space serves a healthy, locally-produced breakfast without the need for a kitchen or chef, and instead of overpriced minibars and room service, galley kitchens, vending machines and ironing stations supply guests with all of their needs. Likewise, a modular design sees Ruby hotels occupying mixed-use and former office buildings in the heart of the city, rather than the traditional, prestigious addresses with sky high rents typically favoured by hoteliers. 

    “This works because we accommodate luxury in a relatively condensed space, similar to luxury yachts, and we forego unnecessary services,” explains Michael Struck, Ruby Founder and CEO. “Every hotel is designed and developed individually, referencing local themes and stories. Thanks to proprietary technical innovations, we plan, build and organise ourselves differently from conventional hotels. To be precise, we plan and build in a very modular way and centralise as well as automatise processes behind the scenes wherever possible. This helps us create a luxurious and unique hotel experience at an affordable price.”

    Located just a three-minute walk from Waterloo station, Ruby Lucy rubs shoulders with some of the city’s best-loved and lesser-known cultural gems. From theatres and galleries to concert halls and independent shops, the area buzzes with artistic flair and creativity.

    Ruby Lucy houses 75 rooms, ranging in size from cosy ‘Nest’ rooms (14-15 m²) to expansive ‘Loft’ rooms (21-23 m²) and a stylish 24-hour bar. All guest rooms showcase Ruby Hotels’ sleep-scientist-approved formula for a peaceful night’s sleep, with full soundproofing, blackout curtains, high-quality linen and extra-long and wide custom mattresses.

    Image credit: Ruby Hotels

    A laid-back, contemporary design sees quirky touches such as the inclusion of a Marshall guitar amp in each room, which guests can use both with their own guitar or one borrowed from reception, and ‘Ruby Radio’, the hotel group’s own internet radio station.

    Founded in 2013, the group already operates eight Ruby Hotels, with 11 additional hotels either under construction or in the planning phase of construction. Also, with the Ruby Asia joint venture, founded in 2018, and following it’s London arrival, Ruby Hotels is expanding into new territories around the globe.

    Main image credit: Ruby Hotels

    The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach re-opens following $90 million renovation

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    The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach re-opens following $90 million renovation

    The historic Art Deco Ritz-Carlton resort unveils an elegant new design as it is poised to become one of the most coveted destinations in South Florida…

    The iconic Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has re-opened its doors following a $90 million, multi-year renovation by owners Flag Luxury Group, LLC and Lionstone Group that touched all elements of the property.

    Ideally located in the heart of South Beach, Miami, the landmark hotel was originally imagined by architect Morris Lapidus, and following its floor-to-ceiling restoration is set to deliver a rare and refined experience marked by timeless design, thoughtful programming, and the anticipatory service of the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton.

    Positioned at the intersection of Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road, the historic hotel showcases a design scheme created by Meg Sharpe, who oversaw the lobby, the Lapidus Bar, restaurant, pool, club and spa, and Cristian Rubio, from design-firm HBA, who was charged with reimagining the guestrooms and meeting spaces. Finding inspiration from the gorgeous natural surroundings, the interiors are warm and inviting, reflecting the serene natural beauty of Miami while celebrating the historic roots of the hotel.

    Upon entering The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, guests will discover the stunning new lobby that is a celebration of the original design, enhanced by elegant touches that transition the property into a modern era. Steps away, the all-new Lapidus Bar is a classic cocktail lounge honoring a bygone era of Miami with live music, vintage cocktails, and a design that invites visitors to settle in and absorb their magnificent surroundings.

    “The design of the public spaces was inspired by the history of the building itself,” said Sharpe. “By upholding the integrity of the storied past of the property, we have revealed the architectural base created by the giants of the Art Deco and Mimo styles renowned in Miami. The gentle nod to the past is imbued with modern purpose.”

    The vibrant flavors of Latin America take the lead at Fuego y Mar, the hotel’s new restaurant with Executive Chef Anthony LePape at the helm. Within this space guests also find a tech lounge, where they work in a sophisticated, convivial setting while ordering coffee and cocktails. DiLido Beach Club and its oceanfront location promise an intimate dining enclave with plush seating and views out across the turquoise water.

    A true urban oasis in the heart of South Beach, The Ritz-Carlton Spa centres around a holistic approach to wellness that celebrates mindfulness and offers a range of therapies and journeys carefully designed to promote rest and rejuvenation. Home to the only Timeless Capsule in the United States, this one of a kind elliptical space is designed to condense spa treatments and is the ideal offering for time-restricted guests.

    Each of the 376 guestrooms and suites reflect Rubio’s vision, which is the result of his extensive research into Miami and the many facets of the city that make it so special. Meticulously-designed furnishings and custom millwork blend together to create a space celebrating the city and its culture. Enhanced soundproofing additionally ensures guests a restful night’s sleep.

    “Culture has been infused into each and every guestroom and meeting space, resulting in an authentic Miami experience,” said Rubio. “A relatively new city, Miami’s unique culture has been translated into the hotel with both depth of design and whimsical details that allow guests a feeling of being in the city without having to leave their rooms.”

    The ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach spans more than 10,000-square-feet, and is supplemented by 11 separate meeting and event spaces, all of which showcase a design that is infused with the spirit of Miami’s history and rich cultural scene.

    Main image credit: Marriott International

    Duravit offers new RIBA approved CPD: Material Innovation in Bathroom Design

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    Duravit offers new RIBA approved CPD: Material Innovation in Bathroom Design

    Duravit has introduced its brand new RIBA approved CPD: Material Innovation in Bathroom Design…

    Recommended Supplier Duravit has unveiled it’s latest CPD: Material Innovation in Bathroom Design.

    The RIBA-approved CPD course incorporates an overview of the latest material innovations used within the bathroom, an understanding of the differences and advantages between materials used in bathroom product manufacture and an overview of the quality features of innovative bathroom materials.

    “We are totally committed to sharing Duravit’s knowledge from the both the design and innovation stand point,” said Martin Carroll, Managing Director of Duravit UK. “Our second CPD aims to help meet that requirement as will additional CPD’s which will be rolled out during 2020. Located in the heart of London’s architecture and design district, Duravit’s Showroom is ideally placed to host your CDP alternatively we can visit architectural and design practices to present the information in the privacy of your own offices.”

    Bookings can be made by emailing Duravit’s London showroom.

    Duravit is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Editor Checks In: Is it time to reinvent the hotel design experience?

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Editor Checks In: Is it time to reinvent the hotel design experience?

    Steering away from the days of absurd tech-flooded hotels, editor Hamish Kilburn has identified a number of factors in the industry that are acting as catalysts to pave a more meaningful hotel design landscape…

    The hotel design industry is a shrinking violet, said nobody… ever. And you can always count on the leading individuals to shake things up with a sprinkle of unconventional concepts.

    In order to keep the tide of ideas flowing, though, designers, architects and suppliers need inspiration. Cue the arrival of CES 2020 in the wild and raucous city of Las Vegas, well and truly unlike anywhere else in the universe – AKA the perfect platform for the latest innovations in technology to take flight. The CES Convention, which took place on January 7 – 10, was a playground of breakthrough technologies and next-generation innovations. From Alexa-enabled showers to rotating TVs, the show was an insight into the possibilities of hotel design, if you knew where to look.

    But what it perhaps lacked, which is often the case when futuregazing, was context on how these products will benefit the guests’ overall experience (I’m not sure we need a robot to check us in or fetch us a new toilet roll).

    Learning the lessons from the days when the hotel industry layered hotels with unnecessary and complex technology, designers are now looking for ways in which to make the hotel experience smarter – think seamless cyber security preventions, products that aid better sleep and atmospheric lighting.

    “My aim with the February features is to explore how the industry is reinventing itself through the use of materials.”

    And that leads me seamlessly to introduce next month’s features: Architecture & Construction and Surfaces. My aim with the February features is to explore how the industry is reinventing itself through the use of materials. At last year’s London Design Fair, eagle-eyed visitors would have noticed a collage of biophilic materials being introduced and explored as palpable alternative in design. Hemp, tobacco, potato waste and palm leaves were among them.

    I will be presenting ‘Biophilic Materials in Surface Design’ at the Surface Design Show next month. Joined on the Main Stage by Jeremy Gove from Sibley Grove, Richard Harvey from Holland Harvey Architects and Fraser Lockley from Parkside Tiles, together we will lift the lid on new, emerging and alternative surface materials with the aim to inspire the industry to think more consciously when designing the foundations of tomorrow’s hotels and cities.

    Stay tuned…

    Editor, Hotel Designs

    5 minutes with: Interior designer, Yuna Megre

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    5 minutes with: Interior designer, Yuna Megre

    Following the impressive VIP Suite that was unveiled Sleep & Eat 2019, interior designer Yuna Megre joins editor Hamish Kilburn for a five-minute chat on how the design concept came together…

    It was one of the most popular elements of last year’s Sleep & Eat. Not only was the VIP Suite fit for purpose – giving designers, architects and the press a place to hide from the exhibition – but it was also flawlessly designed to look and feel like a premium space.

    Named ‘Gather’ by the designers, the original oak panelled Olympia Club Room was transformed into a whimsical flora and fauna-inspired space. Drapes, upholstery and even the flooring were in a fabric depicting exotic flowers. Specially designed by MEGRE INTERIORS cascades of fabric flowers looped through the space and, in the epicentre, a large-scale light installation flickered warmly like a fire. Surrounded by orbicular seating – referencing the circular gathering places of human history and drawing a parallel to the primeval pleasure of coming together around a fire pit – the space was inviting, exciting and original.

    Hamish Kilburn: Sum up your Sleep & Eat 2019 experience in one sentence?
    Yuna Megre: Meaningful, inspiring, humbling experience, and there was an overwhelming appreciation of our ‘Gather’ concept.

    HK: What was the brief?
    YM: The brief was to create a VIP lounge that would reflect this year’s theme of the event of Social Flexibility. We went beyond that brief and created an experience rather than just a space, attacking all senses and immersing guests into a powerful atmosphere.

    Image caption: Yuna Megre inside the VIP Suite at Sleep & Eat 2019

    HK: Can you explain your choice of materials?
    YM:     Straight away we knew we would keep to a mono-material / look as much as possible to create an atmosphere of immersion and to make shapes disappear, taking a back seat to colour and pattern. Originally we were aiming to cover all surfaces with fabric, and developed such fabric with Sahco, that could withstand all the application we would need. However, in development, we came to the conclusion that for fire safety, for ease of cleaning, for ease of application – we will produce glue backed vinyl with the same print to use on floors and some furniture. We further pushed the boundaries by creating fabric flowers and leaves that matched those drawn on the print and strategically placing them as if they burst out from the two dimensional world into the three-dimensional one. Everything but the print we wanted to disappear as much as possible and to create some spacial illusions – which we achieved through the use of mirrored furniture and surfaces. We also view the scent and music that we created for this project as the materials we used. Because for a concept to be experiential and immersive it must work with all human senses. 

    “It is no longer enough to design spaces. We have to design experiences, environments, emotions.” – Yuna Megre, Founder and Head of Design at MEGRE INTERIORS.

    HK: How does your design challenge conventional ideas of a public space?
    It goes beyond space – that I feel is the biggest challenge to the convention. The way that our world is evolving, the way we consume our surrounding is evolving. It is no longer enough to design spaces. We have to design experiences, environments, emotions. There has never been such a cross-disciplinary overlap as today between interior design, event and experience design, art, digital design. And we are only at the beginning of this new paradigm. Our concept explores this new reality, a new approach to public spaces. It looks at space as an environment of interaction which has to create an emotion, a memory, rather than just serve a function.

    HK: Can you explain your use of layers within the design?
    YM: As we used a mono-material approach, we layered the project through senses rather than conventional visual layering. We addressed all six senses – the visual, the sound, the smell, the touch and with it ergonomics, the taste, and our last but most important one – emotion. We unravelled the concept of gather through them all. This is layering in the new era of design, not just visual layering. 

    HK: What were the main challenges throughout this project?
    YM:     Many people believed it could not be done. Throughout the journey multiple people were telling us to simplify it, to make it less complex. But we achieved what we set out to do, at 60 per cent of original cost estimations, on time, with everything as we envisioned. It is our teams approach to everything we do. There is always a solution, always to get things done. If you cannot see it, you are not looking hard enough. GATHER was such an overwhelming success because of this unwavering dedication to the concept and the support of all-out partners and contractors.

    Main image credit: Megre Interiors 

    CASE STUDY: Creating signage for stadium hospitality spaces

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    CASE STUDY: Creating signage for stadium hospitality spaces

    Recommended Supplier Signbox manufactured bespoke signage for 12 restaurants and premium hospitality spaces at Tottenham Hotspur stadium…

    Working closely with F3 Architects, which was responsible for designing the premium interiors of the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Signbox manufactured and installed brand signage for each of the 12 individual restaurants and hospitality spaces across the new stadium.

    This including a commission to design, manufacture and install extensive glass manifestations for the Tottenham Experience, the Club’s new store.

    The bespoke hospitality signage manufactured by Signbox were fabricated using a range of materials such as brass, copper, Corten steel, acrylic, LED neon and aluminium to create an elaborate suite of signage across the stadium’s premium interiors.

    Installed across nine floors on both the East and West sides of the stadium, the Signbox’s installers covered on average 10km and 12 flights of stairs a day, working 24|7 to a tight deadline. Almost every single sign type was unique and as such had to be coded and marked on the plans with its individual location ID.

    Collaboration was the key to success

    Following on from the success of the previous Spurs project at their training campus (a stone’s throw from the new stadium) ‘The Lodge’ player accommodation, F3 Architects invited Signbox to become involved with the stadium works and to support them in the delivery of the bespoke hospitality, player and media signage across the new stadium for their client Tottenham Hotspur.

    Collaboration with the client and BASE Contracts who were responsible for the delivery of the build was the key to success. With F3 Architects, we went through a highly detailed design process for each of the spaces and developed every element of the fixings, specification and location ensuring this was coordinated with the surroundings and making sure the placement for each sign was considered exactly.

    Click here to read to find out more about the signs manufactured and installed by Signbox at Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the greatest and most innovative stadium in the world.

    If you want to create that critical first impression that speaks volumes about your hotel brand and delivers a guest experience they’ll remember for all the right reasons, talk to Signbox about our award-winning hotel and hospitality signage solutions.

    Signbox is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Shama expands Bangkok presence in 2020

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    Shama expands Bangkok presence in 2020

    The serviced apartments brand will be present in four prime Bangkok neighbourhoods by late 2020…

    Already a fast expanding Asia-Pacific serviced apartments brand with two properties in two prime locations in Bangkok, Shama Serviced Apartments by ONYX Hospitality Group is doubling its neighbourhood presence in the Thai capital by adding Phrom Phong and Yen Akat to its portfolio in 2020.

    The two new properties – Shama Sukhumvit 39 Bangkok and Shama Yen Akat Bangkok – will complement the existing Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok in Ploenchit and Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok.

     Douglas Martell, President & CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group, said: “We are excited to welcome the new decade with the expansion of Shama to four prime locations across the Thai capital – Ploenchit, Asoke, Phrom Phong and Yen Akat. This follows an exciting 2019 where we opened our second Shama property in Hangzhou, relaunched Shama Lakeview Asoke and Amari Pattaya following extensive refurbishments and signed our first hotel in Japan with Amari Niseko. As we enhance our presence across the Asia-Pacific region, we are equally committed to expanding our reach within Thailand where we are headquartered.”

    Developed by Walton Asset Limited and managed by ONYX Hospitality Group, Shama Sukhumvit 39 Bangkok in Phrom Phong is scheduled to open in February 2020 as an extended stay residence with 52 apartments in five different one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts. The property features a pool and terrace, gym and kid’s playroom.

    Situated in the heart of what has affectionately been referred to as Bangkok’s largest Japanese neighbourhood, Shama Sukhumvit 39 Bangkok is a short stroll from the EM District comprising the Emporium and Emquartier shopping malls, Samitivej Hospital, numerous international schools and Soi Thonglor, best known for fine cuisine, buzzy bars and hip coffee shops.

    Shama Yen Akat Bangkok, developed by SP Plus Property Company Ltd and managed by ONYX Hospitality Group, is scheduled to open in September 2020 with 136 units, welcoming both short stay as well as extended stay guests. The property will offer a restaurant, gym and a rooftop pool terrace with barbeque pit.

    The hotel brand was named the “Best Serviced Apartment Operator of Asia” for the 7th time at the AHF Asia Hotel Awards 2019. It was also named the “Best Serviced Apartment Operator” at the Hong Kong Business High Flyers Awards 2018.

    Shama is a leading and award-winning provider of premium serviced apartments, with a portfolio of 11 properties in China, Hong Kong and Thailand. Upcoming Shama openings are anticipated in Johor, Malaysia and additional locations within mainland China.

    Based in Bangkok, ONYX Hospitality Group has a growing regional portfolio of 50 operating properties across three core brands in eight markets. The Group has a robust development pipeline of 25 new properties in markets such as China, Malaysia and Laos, and has set a target of having 99 hotels open by 2024 as part of its journey towards being the best medium-sized hospitality player in the region.

    Main image credit: ONYX Hospitality Group

    Leading suppliers to attend Hotel Summit 2020

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    Leading suppliers to attend Hotel Summit 2020

    Hotel Summit, the original meet-the-buyers event for hotel operators and suppliers that was recognised last year at the IndyAwards, returns this year on April 27 – 28 at Five Lakes Resort, Colchester…

    With more than 20 years’ experience serving the hotel industry with relevant and engaging meet-the-buyer events, Hotel Summit has announced the suppliers (so far) that will be attending this year’s Summit.

    Portable Floor Makers, Airwave, Birchall Tea, Victoria + Albert, ADI Trading, Cole & Son, Sico, LUQEL, James Alexander Bespoke Furniture, Ruark Audio, Matrix Fitness, Meiko, HCI, Good Energy, Falcon Contract Flooring, Schluter and NT Security are all among the suppliers that will showcasing their latest products and services.

     

    The Summit, which this year celebrates its 22nd year anniversary, is specifically organised by Forum Events for senior professionals who are directly responsible for purchasing and procurement within their organisation, and those who provide the latest and greatest products and services within the sector. ‘ The event was amazing,” commented The Beaumont Hotel after last year’s event. “I met some really great people and it’s always good to network and discover hidden secrets of the industries, and you only find them through events such as this.”

    Already confirmed delegates attending Hotel Summit 2020 include Sloane Square Hotel, Marriott Hotels, Laura Ashley Hotels and Nadler Hotels among many others.

    How to register 

    If you are a supplier to the hospitality industry looking to meet top hotel professionals, contact Jennie Lane at j.lane@forumevents.co.uk– or click here to book your place.

    If you are a hotelier and would like to attend the Summit for free, please contact Kerry Naumburger at k.naumburger@forumevents.co.uk – or click here to book your place.

    *Please contact Kerry Naumburger for complete delegates list.

    Image of bathroom from the ceiling

    INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Bathroom solutions for accessible spaces

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    INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Bathroom solutions for accessible spaces

    Bathroom supplier Kaldewei reminds us on some of the affordable and timeless solutions for all guests around simple bathroom renovations… 

    The hotel bathroom should be a place that feels comfortable as well as practical. In recent years, the hotel industry has demanded bathrooms to be fit for purpose for guests of all ages.

    Image of bathroom from the ceiling

    For some individuals checking in, old age restricts their freedom of movement and poses trip hazards when negotiating their way into and out of the bath or shower.

    It’s high time for a bathroom upgrade to meet the needs of advancing age. Kaldewei advises ideal solutions for a flexible bathroom – meeting the needs of both now and in the future, as well as looking stylish – without over-stretching the often limited budget in retirement.

    Everyone eventually faces the challenges of advancing age, where daily life and mobility in our own home becomes increasingly difficult. This is when we need an interior that is optimised for the needs in later life, enabling us for as long as possible to live autonomous lives without assistance. The bathroom is one place in the home where privacy is paramount and it should therefore be designed to ensure independence in taking care of personal hygiene needs, regardless of age. How do we eliminate trip hazards? What can we do if getting in or out of the bath is no longer safe? How can we maximise space for more room to manoeuvre?

    Kaldewei offers practical and affordable solutions that help upgrade the bathroom to a flexible bathroom which meets the needs of now and the future as well as having the feel-good factor, as seen in the below ‘before and after’ images.

    XXL-size floor-level showers in place of a bath

    Developers increasingly opt for a floor-level shower to replace the bath and for good reason, because floor-flush showers create a seamless transition to the floor, improving comfort, safety and visual appeal. This fusion makes the room appear bigger and provides ease of access with no edges to trip over. As a manufacturer of double steel enamel bathroom products, Kaldewei has a portfolio of more than 100,000 solutions for floor-level shower areas. Upgrades benefit particularly from large-size shower surfaces, as they can be easily and inexpensively installed in place of a bath. The position of the waste outlet eliminates the need for complicated shifting of the bathroom waste pipe. Enamelled XXL shower surfaces from Kaldewei start at around £509 for the Kaldewei Cayonoplan shower surface in size 90cm x 140cm. Shower surfaces can optionally be finished with a slip-resistant coating such as Kaldewei Secure Plus for additional safety at no extra cost for many models.

    Smart washbasin design for greater freedom of movement

    The Kaldewei steel enamel washbasins are the perfect match for a floor-level enamelled shower surface. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs, including several wheelchair-accessible wall-hung models. A countertop washbasin with wall-hung bathroom furniture is ideal where extra utility space is essential. Kaldewei offers countertop washbasins in four different designs.

    Main image credit: Kaldewei

    Hyatt expected to open up to 200 hotels in the Americas region by 2022

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    Hyatt expected to open up to 200 hotels in the Americas region by 2022

    Hyatt’s Americas full service and select service brand portfolios expected to grow by 33 percent by 2022…

    Hyatt Hotels plans to grow its Americas brand portfolio with the expected opening of more than 50 full service and select service hotels in 2020 and the addition of more than 140 additional hotels to its pipeline of hotels expected to open by 2022.

    This growth is set to fuel Hyatt’s regional brand presence by 33 per cent of its current Americas portfolio. Newly executed deals for properties – under management and franchise agreements – will join 585 Hyatt hotels that are currently open and operating in the Americas.

    The Americas region continues to be a top priority for Hyatt and prospective developers due to business demand in several strong regional markets like California, Texas, New York, Canada and Mexico.

    “Hyatt remains focused on thoughtfully growing our full service and select service portfolio of brands in the Americas region – and growing and running our core hotel business: the development, management and franchising of full service and select service hotels, while being best-in-class,” said Pete Sears, Americas group president, Hyatt. “Hyatt’s Americas growth through 2022 further signals incredible strength in our brand among owners, customers, and guests across the largest region within Hyatt’s global portfolio.”

    Image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    Notably, Hyatt’s newest brands – Alila, Destination Hotels, Joie de Vivre, and Thompson Hotels – are experiencing strong growth with new openings and executed managed and franchised deals, including the following:

    • The 225-room Thompson Washington D.C., which marked the Thompson Hotels brand’s introduction to the nation’s capital on January 8, 2020;
    • A 130-room Alila hotel in Encinitas, Calif., which will mark the Alila brand’s first new-build hotel in the Americas in early 2021;
    • The 80-room Quirk Hotel Charlottesville, A Destination Hotel (Va.), which will mark the second Quirk Hotel in Virginia, joining Quirk Hotel Richmond in March 2020; and
    • A 161-room Joie de Vivre hotel and 226-room hotel within the Destination Hotels brand, located in Oceanside, Calif., in late 2020.

    The growth of the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House select service brands, remains a strategic priority with more than 100 expected to open across North and South America through 2022.

    New openings and executed managed and franchise deals in the Americas, per brand, include:

    Alila

    The Alila brand features luxury hotels in unique locations, distinguished by innovative eco-design and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Alila means “surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing character of Alila hotels and the impression guests feel when they stay as a guest.

    • A hotel within the Alila brand, located in Encinitas, California, will shelter 130 guestrooms, and is expected to open in early 2021

    Andaz

    Global in scale while local in perspective, the Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels weaves the sights, sounds, and tastes of each property’s surroundings for a distinctively local experience. Every Andaz hotel is a unique expression of the culture that surrounds it, and enables guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity.

    • Andaz Palm Springs (California), 150 guestrooms, Late 2020
    • Andaz Toronto – Yorkville, 160 guestrooms, 2021
    • Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay, 184 guestrooms, 2021

    Destination Hotels

    The Destination Hotels brand is a collection of more than 40 upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America. Serving as both the explorer and the guide, Destination hotels ensure a sense of genuine belonging and the chance to encounter life-enhancing discoveries.

    • Quirk Hotel Charlottesville, A Destination Hotel (Va.), 80 guestrooms, March 2020
    • Wyndhurst Manor & Club, A Destination Hotel (Lenox, Mass.), 46 guestrooms, May 2020
    • The Shay, A Destination Hotel (Culver City, Calif.), 148 guestrooms, Late Summer 2020
    • A hotel within the Destination Hotels brand, located in Oceanside, Calif., 226 guestrooms, Late 2020

    Grand Hyatt

    Grand Hyatt hotels celebrate the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Drawing inspiration from each destination, Grand Hyatt hotels provide superior service and signature experiences within a backdrop of dramatic architecture, world-class restaurants, luxury spas, and spectacular meeting and event spaces.

    • Grand Hyatt Nashville (Tenn.), 591 guestrooms, Fall 2020
    • Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman, 351 guestrooms, 2022

    Hyatt Centric

    Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations around the world and is Hyatt’s fastest growing lifestyle brand. Hyatt Centric hotels help fuel guest discovery, located in the heart of the action with passionately engaged team members always on-hand to serve up insider knowledge and provide local expertise.

    • Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria (Va.), 124 guestrooms, January 22, 2020
    • Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland (Ore.), 220 guestrooms, February 2020
    • Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis, 145 guestrooms, Spring 2020
    • Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York, 163 guestrooms, March 2020
    • Hyatt Centric San Salvador (El Salvador), 138 guestrooms, April 2020
    • Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale (Fla.), 238 guestrooms, May 2020
    • Hyatt Centric City Center Philadelphia, 332 guestrooms, June 2020
    • Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis (Tenn.), 227 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Centric Downtown Austin (Texas), 200 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville (Tenn.), 252 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento (Calif.), 172 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Centric Koreatown Los Angeles, 310 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Centric SouthPark Charlotte (N.C.), 175 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta, 218 guestrooms, 2022
    • Hyatt Centric Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada), 364 guestrooms, 2022
    • A hotel within the Hyatt Centric brand, located in downtown Los Angeles, 138 guestrooms, 2022

    Hyatt House

    Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests as extended stay residents. Apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas remind guests of the conveniences of home

    United States: More than 40 executed contracts for Hyatt House hotels in key markets, including Scottsdale, Ariz.; Los Angeles; Sacramento, Calif.; Denver; Lewes, Del.; Tampa, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Atlanta; Chicago; Louisville, Ky.; Kansas City, Mo.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Harlem, N.Y.; Allentown, Penn.; Columbus, Ohio; Portland, Ore.; Nashville, Tenn.; Houston; and Dallas.

    Canada: Six executed contracts for Hyatt House hotels in Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Ottawa, Hamilton and Mississauga, Ontario.

    Hyatt Place

    Hyatt Place hotels offer a modern, comfortable and seamless experience, combining style and innovation to create a casual hotel environment for today’s multi-tasking traveler. From the lobby to the guest rooms to in-hotel dining, every touchpoint is designed with the high value business traveler in mind.

    United States: More than 65 executed contracts for Hyatt Place hotels in key markets, including Fairbanks, Ala.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Bakersfield, Paso Robles and Sonoma, Calif.; Titusville, Fla.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Des Moines, Iowa; Wichita, Kan.; Bossier City, La.; Boston; Reno, Nev.; Fort Lee and Newark, N.J.; Albany, N.Y.; Winston Salem, N.C.; Philadelphia; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and McAllen, Texas; Harrisonburg and Virginia Beach, Va.; and Vancouver, Wash.

    Canada: Fourteen executed contracts for Hyatt Place hotels in Kelowna and Prince George and Richmond, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Moncton, New Brunswick; Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Ontario; and Montreal, Quebec.

    Latin America: One executed contract for Hyatt Place San Jose Cariari located in Heredia, Costa Rica.

    Hyatt Regency

    Hyatt Regency hotels are intuitively designed to make travel free from stress and filled with success. Conveniently located in urban and resort locations in more than 30 countries, Hyatt Regency hotels offer seamless experiences for any occasion, from energizing vacations to personalized, high-touch meetings.

    • Hyatt Regency Frisco (Texas), 301 guestrooms, Spring 2020
    • Hyatt Regency Insurgentes Mexico City, 250 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada), 703 guestrooms, 2022
    • Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City (Utah), 700 guestrooms, 2022

    Joie de Vivre

    Since its founding in San Francisco in 1987, the Joie de Vivre boutique lifestyle brand has made curating playful travel through local connections and eclectic experiences its signature. Each Joie de Vivre hotel is an original concept designed to reflect its neighbourhood.

    • The Ambassador Chicago, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, 285 guestrooms, February 2020
    • El Capitan, a Joie de Vivre Hotel (Merced, Calif.), 114 guestrooms, Summer 2020
    • A hotel within the Joie de Vivre brand, located in Oceanside, Calif., 161 guestrooms, Late 2020

    Miraval

    Miraval is a luxury leader in wellness resorts and spas for individuals looking to create a life in balance through alignment of the body, mind and spirit. Opened in 1995, Miraval Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., pioneered the destination wellness spa resort category with its comprehensive program of activities, experiences and personal treatments.

    • Miraval Berkshires (N.Y.), 102 guestrooms, May 2020

    ​Park Hyatt

    Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, global travelers with a refined home-away-from-home. Guests of Park Hyatt hotels receive quietly confident and personalized service in an enriching environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with understated luxury.

    • Park Hyatt Toronto* (Ontario, Canada), 219 guestrooms, October 2020
      • *Reopening after property redesign
    • Park Hyatt Los Angeles at Oceanwide Plaza, 184 guestrooms, 2021
    • Park Hyatt Los Cabos (Mexico), 163 guestrooms, 2021
    • Park Hyatt Mexico City (Mexico), 155 guestrooms, 2021

    Thompson Hotels

    Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an award-winning lifestyle brand that delivers a new take on modern luxury and tailored stays for guests with connections to world-class culinary offerings, arts and entertainment, and groundbreaking design. Each location offers a stunning, carefully layered and dynamic urban or resort setting that molds into the surrounding community.

    • Thompson Washington D.C., 225 guestrooms, January 8, 2020
    • Thompson San Antonio, 162 guestrooms, Late Summer 2020
    • Thompson Dallas, 219 guestrooms, Fall 2020
    • Thompson Hollywood (Calif.), 190 guestrooms, 2021
    • Thompson Austin, 200 guestrooms, 2021
    • Thompson Denver, 220 guestrooms, 2021
    • Thompson Savannah (Ga.), 193 guestrooms, 2021
    • Thompson New York – Central Park*, 2021
      • *Rebrand from Parker New York
    • Thompson South Beach (Miami), 150 guestrooms, 2022

    The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

    The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a portfolio of independent, premium hotel properties, ranging from historic urban gems to contemporary trend-setters and boutique properties to resorts. Each hotel is one-of-a-kind and offers story-worthy and extraordinary experiences for our guests.

    • Mar Monte* (Santa Barbara, Calif.), 200 guestrooms, Spring 2020
      • *Rebrand from Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara
    • A hotel within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, located in Kansas City, Mo., 144 guestrooms, Summer 2020
    • A hotel within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, located in Hollywood, Calif., 64 guestrooms, 2021
    • Hotel La Compañia (Panama City, Panama), 88 guestrooms, 2021

    Main image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    Hamilton Litestat announced as Headline Partner for MEET UP networking events

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    Hamilton Litestat announced as Headline Partner for MEET UP networking events

    Recommended Supplier Hamilton Litestat has been announced as Headline Partner for MEET UP London and MEET UP North….

    Electrical Solutions and wiring provider Hamilton Litestat will once again support Hotel Designs as Headline Partner at two of its key industry networking events in 2020.

    MEET UP London, which will take place on May 13, and MEET UP North that takes place in Manchester on July 6.

    Having previously supported Hotel Designs with its annual The Brit List Awards event, Hamilton aims to further increase its business and product awareness amongst the site’s loyal audience.

    “We’ve found a supportive partner in Hotel Designs and The Brit List Awards was a great way for us to strike up meaningful conversations within the industry.” – Gavin Williams, Head of Marketing for Hamilton

    “A key part of the Hamilton business is engaging with those within the design, architecture and hotel industries, and the Hotel Designs MEET UP events are an ideal way to get face-to-face time with important players,” said Gavin Williams, Head of Marketing for Hamilton. “We’ve found a supportive partner in Hotel Designs and The Brit List Awards was a great way for us to strike up meaningful conversations within the industry. We’re hoping that we can take that one step further with the MEET UP networking events.

    Until January 31 (this Friday), EARLY RELEASE tickets to both Meet Up London and Meet Up North are available to purchase for designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and those who supply to the hospitality industry. The regional events, which last year bridged the gap between more than 400 design and hospitality professionals, are regarded as two of the industry’s most established networking events. “We are fully committed to host our networking events in locations and venues that are at the heart of the hotel design community,” said editor Hamish Kilburn. “We hope that Meet Up London and Meet Up North, which include relevant themes and talks at both, help to build seamless relationships as well as inspire the industry to further push boundaries in design and hospitality.”

    To book tickets to MEET UP London:

    EARLY RELEASE SUPPLIER TICKETS*: £99 + VAT (expires on January 31)  | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
    EARLY RELEASE BUYER TICKETS**: £10 + VAT (expires on January 31) | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.

    To book tickets to MEET UP North:

    EARLY RELEASE SUPPLIER TICKETS*: £99 + VAT (expires on January 31) | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
    EARLY RELEASE BUYER TICKETS**: £10 + VAT (expires on January 31) | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.

    If you would like to discuss various sponsorship packages available, or if you have any enquires regarding tickets, please contact Katy Phillips via email, or call 01992 374050.

    Early Release offer strictly ends January 31, 2020.

    * Those eligible to purchase Supplier Tickets must be industry suppliers.
    ** Those eligible to purchase buyer tickets must prove that they are an interior designer, architect, hotelier or developer.

     

    Four Seasons to open six new hotels in 2020

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    Four Seasons to open six new hotels in 2020

    Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its global portfolio with strategic openings of new hotels, resorts and branded private residences…

    Luxury hotel giant Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has lifted the lid on its 2020 hotel development strategy, which includes the opening of six new hotels in tourism and business hotspots in Europe, Asia and America.

    Planned openings for 2020 follow an exciting year as Four Seasons celebrated a significant number of new openings around the world in 2019, including its first entry into Greece with the rebirth of the legendary Brudzizki-designed Astir Palace Hotel in Athens, and the company’s return to Montreal with a stunning and sleek new hotel in the heart of the city’s Golden Mile, featuring the opening of the restaurant MARCUS with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

    Additional openings included a new hotel in the Garden City of Bengaluru, its second in India; the return of the brand to Philadelphia (located within the Comcast Centre, the city’s tallest building) as well as a second hotel in Boston at One Dalton Street; a third address in Mexico, this time on the pristine beaches of the East Cape of Los Cabos; the company’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat in the fully refurbished Lodge at Koele on the Hawaiian Island of Lanai; and the completion of its full suite of historic chalet offerings in the French Alpine community of Megève.

    “An unwavering commitment to service and quality, a strong operating model and alignment with hotel owners who share our vision places Four Seasons in an enviable market position as we continue to grow our portfolio and strengthen our global development pipeline,” says John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “As we begin a new decade, we continue to elevate the experience for our guests and enhance our product offering, affirming our passionate dedication to excellence and the industry-leading innovation that has defined our brand for nearly 60 years.”

    Working in concert with its partners, each new development authentically reflects the character of the destination, envisioning new ways for travellers as well as local residents to experience the world of Four Seasons. Recent innovations have included the company’s first standalone Private Residences, fully serviced by Four Seasons, in London at Twenty Grosvenor Square, a technology-led development with Comcast in Philadelphia, the Athenian riviera conversion of the iconic Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, and the company’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat in Hawaii.

    Soon, having just opened its collection of traditional chalets at the foot of the Mont d’Arbois slopes with Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, the company that also introduced the first private jet will debut its first resort with an onsite winery in Napa Valley.

    Planned Openings in 2020

    The six new openings that are anticipated for 2020 include the return of Four Seasons to Bangkok with the glorious new Jean-Michel Gathy-designed landmark along the Chao Phraya River, debuting with nearly 300 stunning guest rooms and over 350 beautifully appointed Private Residences. Also opening in the Asia-Pacific region early in the year is a third address in Japan, in the Otemachi area of Tokyo facing the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

    In Europe, Four Seasons will debut in Spain for the first time with a new hotel in central Madrid, an assembly of several historic buildings now fully restored and reimagined, and highlighted by a rooftop restaurant by three Michelin-starred Spanish celebrity chef Dani García.

    Long established as the premier luxury hospitality brand in California with seven existing locations, Four Seasons continues to expand its presence in the northern part of the state with the spring opening of its second hotel in San Francisco, a soaring building in the Embarcadero district. Also scheduled for 2020 is the highly anticipated opening of Four Seasons resort in Napa Valley, including a unique collection of Private Residences as well as Four Seasons first on-property winery in partnership with acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.

    Also in the United States, a recently announced hotel in New Orleans is expected to open in late 2020 in the city’s historic World Trade Center.

    In addition to announcing new properties in San Francisco and New Orleans, Four Seasons also unveiled plans for new hotels in Okinawa, Japan; Nashville and Minneapolis, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; and a second resort in Cabo del Sol, Mexico. The company also previously announced new Four Seasons projects in Dalian, China; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Caye Chapel, Belize.

    “Four Seasons residential portfolio is expected to double, with more than 90 per cent of all development projects including a residential component.”

    Building upon Four Seasons 35-year history in branded residential following the opening of its first Private Residence in 1985, the company continues to strategically enhance its portfolio of exclusive Private Residences in markets around the world.

    In the next five years, Four Seasons residential portfolio is expected to double, with more than 90 per cent of all development projects including a residential component. The company’s global portfolio is on track to exceed 7,000 homes, affirming Four Seasons as the world leader in luxury property management services. In 2020, Four Seasons anticipates to open 9 new Private Residences including three standalone private residences in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Marrakech.

    Main image credit: Four Seasons

    Location special: Factors behind rapid hotel growth in West Africa

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    Location special: Factors behind rapid hotel growth in West Africa

    In an interview, Philippe Doizelet, Managing Partner of Hotels at Horwath HTL in conjunction with the Forum de l’Investissement Hôtelier Africain (FIHA), identifies four fundamental factors that are fuelling an increasing flow of investment into the hospitality sector in West Africa. Bench Events reports… 

    Air connectivity, better economic growth, currency and demographics are the four factors recently identified as being the catalysts for hotel development in West Africa.

    Today, Africa is seen as one of the most promising regions for hotel developers. Aside from small chains and independents, four global hotel groups dominate signings and openings on the continent.

    Over the last four rolling quarters, as of September 2019, Accor, Hilton, Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group have opened 2,800 rooms and signed deals for 6,600 rooms. Across Africa, hotel development remains important in most advanced economies, such as Morocco and South Africa; and projects are multiplying in East Africa, especially in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In West Africa, Nigeria is back on the development scene thanks to emerging regional destinations beyond Abuja and Lagos. Francophone Africa is also moving fast. The Ministry of Tourism of Ivory Coast has launched an ambitious national plan for tourism development, Sublime Cote d’Ivoire, and already announced more than US$1bn investment in the sector. Senegal is the other regional star, with local programmes such as Diamnadio, Lac Rose near Dakar and Pointe Sarene. Other countries showing active hotel development include Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Niger, and Togo.

    Now, in an interview, Philippe Doizelet, Managing Partner, Hotels, Horwath HTL, West Africa’s leading hospitality consultant, in conjunction with the Forum de l’Investissement Hôtelier Africain (FIHA), the premier hotel investment conference in Francophone Africa, has identified four fundamental factors which are fuelling an increasing flow of investment into the hospitality sector in West Africa. They are, in alphabetical order: Air connectivity, Better economic growth, Currency and Demographics.

    “According to the UNWTO, international tourist arrivals in Africa grew by seven per cent in 2018, one of the fastest growth rates in the world together with East Asia and the Pacific.”

    In the past few years, additional flight connections have transformed travel to and from West Africa, which, in the words of Philippe Doizelet, Managing Partner, Hotels, Horwath HTL, has been a game changer. He said: “It used to be that the main hubs for flying between West African countries were Paris and Casablanca. However, thanks to the rapid growth of Ethiopian Airlines and other carriers, such as Emirates, Kenya Airways and Turkish, the situation has changed; and new routes are offered to travellers. For example, it is now possible to fly direct from New York to Abidjan, where the African Development Bank is located, and to Lomé, where the Central Bank of West African States (BOAD) is situated… and with increased travel comes increased commerce and demand for accommodation.”

    According to the UNWTO, international tourist arrivals in Africa grew by seven per cent in 2018, one of the fastest growth rates in the world together with East Asia and the Pacific. The flight data analyst, ForwardKeys, recently confirmed that trend continuing. In 2019, African aviation experienced 7.5 per cent growth and it is the stand-out growth market for Q1 2020. As at January 1, international outbound bookings were ahead 12.5 per cent, 10.0 per cent to other African countries and ahead 13.5 per cent to the rest of the world. As a destination, Africa is also set to do well, as bookings from other continents are currently ahead by 12.9 per cent.

    The second factor is the superior economic growth of many West African countries, which are expanding substantially faster than many of the world’s most advanced economies. According to World Bank data for 2018, several, such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Senegal are growing at six per cent per annum or better, more than double the world average, three per cent. That is a potent attraction to international investors. However, that’s not all; as prosperity grows domestically, so too does the local financial services industry. It then looks to invest client monies; and a good proportion of that capital gravitates towards real estate projects and, in turn, new domestic infrastructure. As those projects come to fruition, more prosperity is generated and so a virtuous cycle is stimulated, which acts as a catalyst for further economic development.

    Currency is the third factor. Later this year, the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro, is planned to be dropped and 15 countries in West Africa (ECOWAS) will adopt the Eco, a new, free-floating, common currency, designed to reduce the cost of doing business between them and so increase trade. However, whilst there is great enthusiasm for the Eco, it is somewhat qualified because the economies of participating countries are at different stages of development and governments may find it difficult to adhere to agreed guidelines for managing their economies.

    The fourth factor is demographics. The population is young and the fastest growing of any major world region. According to Doizelet, it is also characterised by a hunger to learn and confidence about the future. “People are seeing their standards of living improve and they are keen to seize opportunities. We are seeing that mindset reflected throughout the hospitality industry; it’s incredibly refreshing and it’s attracting business.” He explained.

    “Africa is not the easiest place to do business, but it is an incredibly exciting place because the opportunities substantially outweigh the threats.” – Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events.

    However, the picture is not all rosy. Horwath HTL also identifies four factors which threaten economic progress; they are security issues, political agenda, governance and increasing public debt. Although Africa today experiences much less conflict than it did three or four decades ago, when most African countries experienced war, some parts of the Sahel are still subject to security threats. On the political front, although democracy is continuing to spread, it is not yet the general rule everywhere, especially when come the times of major elections. Third is governance. Doizelet adds: “When people are poor and the state is weak, there will be corruption, but I’m not convinced that it is much worse than in other parts of the world.” The fourth concern is rising public debt, much of which has been incurred as long-term loans from the Chinese to build infrastructure. That said, the debt to GDP ratio of many West African states is still less than many highly developed nations.

    Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events, which organises FIHA, concluded: “Africa is not the easiest place to do business, but it is an incredibly exciting place because the opportunities substantially outweigh the threats. Every time we organise a hotel investment forum, I see more hotel openings being announced and I meet new players keen to enter the market. The FIHA delegates are literally constructing the future of Africa in front of our eyes and anyone who attends the conference has the opportunity to join in.”

    FIHA takes place at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, March 23-25.

    Main image credit: Hotel Bab Rimal, Foum Zguid, Morocco

    Light, bright room features soft finishes and warm wood tones

    Sheraton brand “reinvents experience and design” with new guestrooms

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    Sheraton brand “reinvents experience and design” with new guestrooms

    Sheraton Phoenix Downtown has completed a renovation of 1,000+ guestrooms, which feature the brands reinvented experience and design… 

    Evoking a timeless comfort that welcomes guests into a light and bright room, the new guestrooms inside Sheraton Phoenix Downtown feature soft finishes and warm wood tones.

    Light, bright room features soft finishes and warm wood tones

    The well-lit rooms are accented with black and metallic accents. A platform bed and crisp white bedding centres the space of curated furniture that feels reminiscent and as welcoming as a friend’s guestroom.

    A houndstooth chair gives a pop of classic Sheraton pattern while the new 65-inch televisions are mounted to a noise cancelling, woven fabric paneling that make for statement wall. A height adjustable table makes a quick transformation to a standing desk through integrated height controls and a bench running beneath the tv provides additional sitting. The bathroom features a walk-in shower or bath surrounded by neutral porcelain walls while a light wood tone vanity and backlit mirror with modern polished chrome fixtures and black finishes complement the guestroom design.

    Rooted in its community-forward ethos, Sheraton’s design approach embraces community-fluid spaces that feel warm and inviting from a statement bar serving coffee creations in the morning and spirited sips in the evening to restaurant concepts that satisfy both purpose and cravings. In addition to fresh guestrooms, Sheraton is also redefining what the hotel lobby is by making it downtown’s best-positioned co-working space, with everything from Community Tables with lockers and charging tabletops, to uniquely designed studios for groups of varying sizes.

    Once unveiled in the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, the luxury hotel will have completely revamped the guestrooms, food and beverage, programming, and a lobby which will be home to the property’s Club lounge.

    Main image credit: Sheraton

    Authentic restaurant inside 18th century palace. Large pillars separate tables and rustic fabric hanging down from the ceiling adds charm and character

    Palacio Solecio opens as Malaga’s first luxury boutique hotel

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    Palacio Solecio opens as Malaga’s first luxury boutique hotel

    An inspiring transformation of an aristocratic palace, Palacio Solecio has opened as a 68-key luxury boutique hotel in 18th century building…

    In the heart of old town Malaga sits Palacio Solecio, an 18th century architectural gem that now shelters the destination’s first luxury boutique hotel.

    Authentic restaurant inside 18th century palace. Large pillars separate tables and rustic fabric hanging down from the ceiling adds charm and character

    The palace, which was derelict for 80 years before restoration began, has been lovingly and sensitively redesigned by Antonio Obrador in order to retain its authenticity. The building, which became a masterpiece of architecture for its time, has been transformed, whilst maintaining the essence of its architecture and decorative details, creating a hotel where old meets new.

    “The idea was to be authentic, but not folksy.” – Pablo Carrington, founder of Marugal Hotels.

    The hotel is operated by Marugal Hotels, which specialises in the management of independent, one-off hotels. “Palacio Solecio is one of the finest examples of 18th century domestic architecture in Málaga, so our restoration has been incredibly sensitive,” said Pablo Carrington, founder of Marugal Hotels. “We’ve been able to incorporate the wonderfully decorative original architectural elements – pilasters, garlands, Tuscan columns topped by vases, the original staircase – into the design of the hotel. For the interiors, we’ve been led by old photos of the palace. The idea was to be authentic, but not folksy.”

    Exterior of the palace

    Image credit: Palacio Solecio

    Current rules dictate that the footprint of Listed buildings in Spain must remain the same – so details such as the inner courtyard are exactly as they would have been when the palace was new. Original features – the old grills over the windows, elements of the main staircase (including the decorative arch and columns)– have been meticulously restored. The façade has been re-painted and returned to its original appearance.

    Reading light on blue and cream textured wallcovering

    Image credit: Palacio Solecio

    In a deft and subtle acknowledgment of Andalucía’s history, the decorative details are rich with Moorish influence. Painted leatherworks – Cordobanes – which became popular in Andalucía in the 16th and 17th century adorn the walls, bringing their striking patterns and deep colour palettes to the interior. Fabrics have been reproduced from old photos of the palace interiors, such as the typical espiga fabric with its herringbone design, used in the guestrooms. Even the smallest detail – door handles, the bedside tables – are subtly redolent with local character to brilliant effect.

    Image of the guestroom, which features blue and cream fabrics on bed, headbaord and led lighting in the ceiling

    Image credit: Palacio Solecio

    The guestrooms meld quiet sophistication and comfort with the authentic charm of the building, with parquet floors, and stunning lighting. The interiors are both rustic and modern, a combination of neutral colours with splashes of bold prints and local Andalusian artwork.

    Following the initial opening, in 2021, the hotel is expected to add a further 49 rooms as well as a rooftop bar and pool.

    Main image credit: Palacio Solecio

    In Conversation With: Hotelier of the Year 2019, Thomas Kochs

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    In Conversation With: Hotelier of the Year 2019, Thomas Kochs

    The Managing Director of Corinthia London, Thomas Kochs, has confidently evolved – and arguably led – the luxury hospitality scene in London for decades. Editor Hamish Kilburn joins the man of the moment who was recently crowned Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2019…

    London’s luxury market stands and operates alone on the global hospitality map. Although ‘competition’ is a rare word spoken among hotel operators in the city, there is no denying that the luxury hotels in the capital are all vying for the title of being the best and most interesting hotel in London.

    One man who knows more than most hoteliers about the luxury hospitality scene is Thomas Kochs, the Managing Director of Corinthia London. In the last decade alone, the German-born hotelier has managed properties such as The Berkeley, The Connaught Hotel, Claridge’s and Hotel Café Royal. More than likely, it was this impressive portfolio that qualified him as the man for the job to take the helm of Corinthia’s flagship property in 2017.

    Roof terrace that has modern furniture, a large chess board and the view of the London Eye

    Image credit: Corinthia London’s Whitehall Penthouse

    Since its opening in 2011, in a building that dates back 1885, the 300-key property has proven, time and time again, that Mayfair is not the only neighbourhood for premium hotels in London. Sitting undisturbed on the bank of the River Thames; a hop, skip and a jump away from London landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Corinthia London faces, and in some suites frames, the iconic London Eye and the contemporary and eclectic South Bank.

    Having just clinched the prestigious title of Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2019, Kochs is rightfully considered one of the best in his field. With an acute eye for detail, and a calm, collected yet dynamic approach to leadership, the hotelier has seen – perhaps even led – the evolutions of many hospitality trends driven by consumer behaviour and demands. “Design has evolved,” says Kochs. “10 – 15 years ago, hotels had more opportunities to impress through design. However, a good design formula alone is no longer enough in today’s market. There are some design-driven brands where the customer only checks in because of the design and aesthetic, but we don’t consider ourselves one of them.”

    Spacious and luxury hotel lobby. Grand piano in the centre, and a large chandelier in the background

    Image cpation/credit: Corinthia London’s luxurious lobby | Jack Hardy

    Last year, Corinthia London was the backdrop of a BBC docuseries entitled: A Hotel for the Super Rich & Famous. The two-part series, which echoed a similar format of another series that featured Kochs when he was General Manager of Claridge’s, gave consumers a window into the inner workings of a luxury hotel.

    As well as following the day-in-the-life of housekeepers, florists and the concierge, the cameras were also given access to creative meetings with the hotel’s Futurists-in-Residence, The Future Laboratory. The trend forecasters, who began their partnership with the hotel in 2018, believes the future of luxury is about intelligent encounters – think cool cultural exchanges, and the kind of exemplary food for the mind, body and soul that stimulates thinking. “These are dear friends of ours,” Kochs explains. “The Future Laboratory were trying to make the point that that consumers are too busy with themselves, to the point that only severe disruption would make them talk to each other.” One option suggested was to deliberately shut down one of the lifts. “That’s all well and good,” Kochs adds, “but that just doesn’t work in hotels. The aim of the partnership was to position ourselves as a forward-thinking hotel that also respects our history and brand values.”

    Another common theme explored in the TV series was how decisions were made, and often changed. “Why would you stick to something that your mind is warning is not the right decision?” Kochs rhetorically questions. “I know it can sometimes be exhausting and an inconvenience to people around you, but it’s important to get it right and sometimes you just have to trust your gut.”

    Quick-fire round

    HK: Congratulations on your win at The Brit List Awards 2019. How does it feel, being Hotelier of the Year?
    TK: It’s amazing, I have never been a hotelier of the year before.

    HK: Why is Britain a hospitality hotspot?
    TK: Because creativity, design and hospitality is deeply rooted in British culture.

    HK: Where’s next on your travel bucket list?
    TK: Japan.

    HK: What’s the one item you cannot travel without?
    TK: My Bottega Veneta holdall travels everywhere with me.

    HK: What is the one hospitality trend you hope will not return?
    TK: The idea that the most expensive is the most desirable. That was vulgar.

    HK: What is the last item that will show up on your bank statement?
    TK: Organic dog food, hand-cooked in Devon, for my new puppy.

    HK: What is the most important element to get right in hospitality?
    TK: The team is essential. The team here really do inspire me every day.

    HK: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
    TK: A GP in the countryside.

    HK: If you were not living in London, where would you be?
    TK: Somewhere with a beach, potentially Los Angeles.

    HK: Who inspired you when you were early on in your career?
    TK: It was more the feeling of quality hospitality that inspired me.

    HK: What’s your favourite part of the hotel?
    TK: I really like the Northall Bar. I like the high ceilings and the historic elements, but also there is space to breathe.

    As a someone who has been at the top of the luxury hotel triangle in London since 2001, Kochs understands that the roles of a hotelier are changing, and evolving fast. “The structure of having your strategy, the next five-year plan and the budgets has remained the same, explains Kochs. But now, more than ever, you need to be really close to your team; understand your employees and what they are working on. You also need to spend time with the guests, and really consider the sense of location when doing so. The minute you lose interest in any of these components, you’re fighting a losing battle. That brings me nicely onto relevance. The hotel has to understand how to remain an exciting place. It is a beating heart; a live operation. It’s not something that we can put into storage and sell later. Instead, it’s happening now.”

    modern, contemporary guestroom with green cushions and bed throw.

    Image caption/credit: Corinthia London’s Duluxe King guestroom | Jack Hardy

    It’s an interesting time for Corinthia Hotels. Following its announcement to debut in Dubai, which CEO Simon Naudi explained the ins and outs of in an exclusive interview last year. While the brand expands sensitively, the London hub remains the mothership of the group, where the DNA of its award-winning style and service was born and refined. “I do certainly feel the responsibility,” adds Kochs. “We are in one of the most exciting cities in the world, which is all too easy to forget because we have access to it every day. We are lucky and blessed that we identify trends before others. This, I believe, comes with experience. It’s crucial to stay alert and awake to consumer trends and shifts in demands so that we capture them both verbally and intellectually, which we can then communicate seamlessly through the hotel experience.

    Render of luxe, light and airy suite.

    Image caption/credit: Render of Corinthia Dubai | Corinthia Hotels

    Considering its widely known reputation, it’s easy to forget that the hotel group currently only has one hotel on UK soil. “We have the advantage of being small,” says Kochs. “Look at what is going on around us. Everything is getting bigger. Travel to Vietnam, for example. You enter Saigon and the streets are a bit dusty, and souk is steaming on the side of the road. But then you are confronted with Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada; the same brands and products you would find on Bond Street.

    “The hotel industry is not too dissimilar. The Corinthia brand is small, and we are quick in our decision making. There isn’t a corporate paralysation and we are not overly governed by brand guidelines. A large brand would argue that the opposite is their advantage, which can also be true.”

    Dark spa with fire on the left and luxe sauna on the right.

    Image caption/credit: The Spa inside Corinthia London | Jack Hardy

    What I believe is most telling of Kochs’ style as a hotelier is the fact that, throughout our interview, he had a subtle, non-invasive watch on everyone else in the room. The self-proclaimed perfectionist continues to stand as a leading example for the brand that is slowly by surely expanding its luxury offering in far-flung destinations around the world.  Personally, I believe that Kochs’ attention to detail is what sets him apart – like how, during this interview, he paused politely to ask for the lighting to be lowered as the last of the London light filtered into the late afternoon. Despite his impressive background in hospitality, Kochs remains humble, warm and a worthy Hotelier of the Year.

    Main image credit: Corinthia London

    Bill Bensley launches ‘Sensible Sustainability Solutions’ White Paper

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    Bill Bensley launches ‘Sensible Sustainability Solutions’ White Paper

    Why? Because thinking about sustainability is the right thing to do…

    Last year, Hotel Designs put sustainability and designing conscious spaces at the root of many of its editorial and feature concepts, including speaking on the topic at the Indepdnenet Hotel Hotel London where editor Hamish Kilburn unveiled new research on consumer demands for hotels to be more eco-friendly.

    Following this, designer and architect Bill Bensley has unapologetically published White Paper research entitled: “Sensible Sustainability Solutions”, which is aimed towards the for the global hotel industry and incorporates more than three decades of experience from designing more than 200 hotels around the world.

    “Let’s all lose the greenwash and do something real.” – Bill Bensley

    Deeply passionate about conservation, sustainability and philanthropy and a man who seriously walks his talk, Bill wants to shout his message from the treetops for all to hear.  “I am done with designing lavish hotels just to put heads on beds.  Every hospitality project that we have on the drawing boards right now has a purpose and a candle to light.  Those of us in hospitality – be it designers, owners or operators – have the power of reaching thousands of people through our hotels and spreading this message of purpose.  We should shoulder more responsibility concerning issues such as education, clean accessible water, alternative energy, energy consumption, food waste, wildlife protection and conservation,” he said.  “Let’s all lose the greenwash and do something real.”

    The concise Sensible Sustainable Solutions White Paper outlines 20 suggestions for hotel designers, owners and operators on designing better hotels to help fight climate change and make the world a better place, covering three core pillars:

    • Build with a purpose – hotels with a strong sense of local community, educating guests and employees, creating new experiences and championing environmental issues – all of this can increase profits.
    • Think locally and sustainably – including everything from branded amenities, water bottling plants, sourcing locally and farming/landscaping in a way that is sensitive to both the community and environment.
    • Build sensibly – the keys to building smart in terms of building materials and energy conservation through architecture, as well as aspects such as upcycling and using solar panels to harvest the sun. An amazing statistic: in ONE HOUR the sun provides more power than the entire world needs in one YEAR!  Think about that!

    Bensley explains: “By issuing my standards to all hotel companies, I am sharing an unbranded, open-source archive of lessons which we have learnt about hotel design, purposes, and sustainability. Everything here is, I believe, low hanging fruit for the hospitality industry. It is my dream to have a positive impact on our planet’s future by harvesting that fruit. In the next five years, more than 15,000 new hotels will be built. For each of those, every hotel operations company will have a set of standards that they issue to architects like me, explaining how they want their hotel to stand apart from the rest. Very few, surprisingly few, of these standards specify concrete statements or changes regarding sustainability.

    “It is my hope that “Sensible Sustainability Solutions” will give hoteliers ideas to create, hand-in-hand with hotel operators, eco-friendly hotels – not just greenwashed – using ideas which align with owners’ rigorous standards. We promise it can be done, as we use these on every project! I have long believed that hotel design should take advantage of that human attention by way of teaching, providing experiences, and setting examples of sustainability.  Through these ideas, we can save money, improve communities and better our environment. We really must understand, NOW, in the 11th hour of life on earth that our world requires some serious rethinking. We are in the midst of the world’s sixth extinction, and it is our responsibility to do whatever we can to save our planet.

    “There is a fundamental illusion in the world today, that we are separate from nature, when the reality is, we are nature.  This fundamental misunderstanding is what is wreaking havoc on the world’s environment; our society points to us as the superior life form on the plant. Why should anyone protect nature if they don’t think they are part of it?  In focusing on our economy we have forgotten our age old wisdom that cross-culturally, from Eskimos to Aboriginals, says in a nutshell – if you disrespect the balance of nature, a price will be paid!”.

    How? By Employing common sense

    By way of this White Paper on all that Bensley has learnt in more than 30 years of designing and building hotels, he is sharing ideas, suggestions and lessons in building and running hotels sustainably, as well as using hotels as tools for change, both in terms of the environment but also for the communities they can support.

    Throughout the paper the designer cites examples of hotels he has designed that showcase these principles, including Four Seasons Tented Camp and Four Seasons Koh Samui in Thailand, Capella Ubud in Bali, the Siam Bangkok, Rosewood Luang Prabang, JW Marriott Phu Quoc in Vietnam and his co-owned Shinta Mani and Bensley Collection Hotels in Cambodia.

    Main image credit: Bensley/Shinta Mani Siem Reap

    VIP ARRIVALS: Top hotels to open in February 2020

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    VIP ARRIVALS: Top hotels to open in February 2020

    With the aim to cut through the noise in a contemporary tone, Hotel Designs has the scoop on which statement and game-changing hotels are expected to open in February, 2020…

    The hotel industry never ceases to amaze with its ability to break through hard barriers to take design, architecture and creativity to new heights and levels.

    Following Hotel Designs’ two-part series published last month, where it shared the major hotel openings of 2020, the editorial team have narrowed down the search even further to identify the hotels that will arrive onto the international hotel design scene this month. From architectural firsts in Dubai to long-awaited heritage hotels in London – and the start of a family of hotels in Manchester – the industry, in all corners of the globe, is about to display a spectacular performance of how far design and architecture briefs can be stretched.

    Here’s February’s top picks…

    Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester

    Image credit: Bespoke Hotels/Hotel Brooklyn Manchester

    As Hotel Designs prepares its troops for its annual northern networking event to take place in the city that is fast-becoming a hotel developer’s dream, Hotel Brooklyn is ready and waiting in the wings to unveil its contemporary design.

    Designed by Squid Inc – the team behind the renowned Hotel Gotham – the long-awaited Hotel Brooklyn will shelter 189 rooms that are inspired by the New York Borough and chosen for its resonating similarities to Manchester, in terms of its buzzing industrial growth, as well as its strength of identity and culture.

    If Hotel Gotham, its older sibling that opened in 2015, is anything to judge by, then we expect a playful hotel that is not afraid to bend, even break, the rules of hospitality for its guests.

    ME Dubai

    Image credit: ME Dubai/Zaha Hadid Architects

    Following the opening of The Morpheus last year, and Hotel Designs’ interview with one of the lead architects behind the project, Zaha Hadid Architects is preparing to celebrate yet another groundbreaking moment in architecture.

    The London-based firm’s latest project, the Opus, is days away from entering onto the international hotel design landscape with arrival of ME Dubai. The 93-key hotel will feature dramatic, signature furniture in the lobby, lounges and reception area, which were either designed or personally selected by the late Zaha Hadid.

    Zedwell, London

    Image credit: Zedwell London

    Opening it’s doors February 2020, the first Zedwell will be housed in one of central London’s most iconic venues; The London Trocadero. Holding in excess of a staggering 700 guestrooms, the flagship Zedwell will be one of the largest hotel openings in the capital within the last decade.

    As well as large in size, the hotel is also clever and ahead of its time for many reasons, such as installing high-tech soundproofing, filtered air to enhance the overall guest experience.

    Artist Residence, Bristol

    Image credit: Artist Residence

    The founder of Artist Residence, Justin Sailsbury, is known today as a true pioneer in sustainability and meaningful design who spends hours on end browsing ebay and other search engines for vintage-gem furniture and casegoods to layer into his hotels.

    Following the success of the London property, the brand is expanding – and so too is his message to other independent hoteliers in the industry. Entering into tier two cities around the UK, allows the brand to stay in its unique lane of offering a residential, friendly and quirky hotel and hub. The bustling city of Bristol is the next location on the list, with the opening of Artist Residence Bristol moments away.

    Arctic Bath in Lapland, Sweden

    Image credit: Arctic Bath Sweeden

    Situated under the northern lights in winter, and the midnight sun during the summer months, Arctic Bath is a unique hotel and spa experience that welcomes guests to immerse themselves in the elements while leaving a minimal environmental footprint behind.

    The idea of a floating sauna first came to Harads resident Per-Anders Eriksson during the opening of Treehotel in 2010. At first, the vision was a glass cube on a raft. Bertil Hagström, who designed Treehotel’s The Bird’s Nest, took over the idea and in 2013 he and Johan Kauppi designed Arctic Bath’s floating, circular building.

    The Guardsman, London

    Image credit: The Guardsman Hotel/Tonik Associates

    The Guardsman is a purpose-built luxury London boutique hotel that is expected to offer the atmosphere, discretion and personal service usually associated with a private members’ club.

    Presenting guests with what is being described as “a true home away from home experience”, the 53-key hotel, which sits on Buckingham Gate, London, has been designed by Dexter Moren Associates and multi-disciplinary design practice Tonik Associates.

    Hotel Designs is currently researching and writing the next article in this series, which will identify the top hotels that are opening in March, 2020. If you are working on a hotel project, or know of a hotel, that would qualify, please email the editorial team. 

    Main image credit: ME Dubai/Zaha Hadid Architects

    Hypnos sows the seed for conservation

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    Hypnos sows the seed for conservation

    British bed manufacturer and Royal Warrant holder, Hypnos Beds, has donated and planted 200 tree saplings to Castlefield Wood…

    In partnership with Queens Award-winning Chiltern Rangers, a Buckinghamshire based social enterprise committed to protecting the Chilterns landscape with the community, Hypnos Beds has donated and planted 200 tree saplings to Castlefield Wood. 

    As part of its decade-long commitment to supporting the environment and boosting sustainability within the industry, Hypnos’ recent donation to the Chiltern Rangers is a part of its carbon offsetting programme, to support carbon neutrality. To date, the bedmaker has gifted over 1,500 trees since November 2014, and there are plans to donate even more in the future.

    Throughout the course of the day’s (January 13) event, volunteers from Hypnos, Chiltern Rangers, and local school children from Castlefield School, were tasked with raking, cutting back trees and litter picking. The aim of the day was to improve the woodland edge, creating a greater habitat for wildlife. Much of Castlefield wood was destroyed in storms during 1990, but with a programme of replanting and regeneration, it is a much needed Local Wildlife Site.

    “As one of the region’s most environmentally-conscious manufacturers, we understand the necessity to protect our local environment,” said James Keen, managing director of Hypnos Beds. “Since becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral bedmaker nine years ago, we’ve been committed to providing the very best in sustainability to our customers.”

    John Shaw, managing director of Chiltern Rangers, said: “Protecting and enhancing the Chilterns environment and landscape with the help of our local communities are our priorities. This includes ensuring sites like Castlefield Wood are home for all types of wonderful wildlife for many years to come.

    “We’re incredibly delighted by Hypnos’ donation, and the relationship and commitment shows great promise for the future. As an organisation that focuses on sustainable environmental programmes, we knew that Hypnos Beds’ core values align implicitly with our own.”

    By donating and helping to plant the trees, Hypnos is hoping to encourage other manufacturers to invest in the physical landscapes surrounding them and take an interest in the importance and upkeep of local biodiversity as part of their community.

    Andrew Kann, headteacher at Castlefield Primary School, was delighted by the event and believes the children will learn a lot from the experience, and commented: “As a school in the local area, the children are going to benefit from playing a part in the planting of the saplings and returning to watch them grow into trees, as well as what wildlife might create long-term homes of the woodland area as a result. We feel it is vital that children grow up understanding nature and the importance of green issues, and this generous tree donation will help us to ensure they are being taught about the importance of sustainability for the future of our environment.”

    Main image credit: Hypnos Beds

    CASE STUDY: Furnishing London Marriott Hotel Kensington

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    CASE STUDY: Furnishing London Marriott Hotel Kensington

    Recommended Supplier Curtis has recently supplied headboards, TV units, wardrobes, desks, vanity shelves and mirrors in London Marriott Hotel Kensington…

    In line with the design brief to create a stylish and modern ‘bleisure’ hotel, Curtis was specified to create bespoke furniture for London Marriott Hotel Kensington.

    The company supplied furniture in xylocleaf MFC, hand-selected pressed European walnut, including upholstery, and polished stainless steel.

    Due to the complexity of the room design for this stunning hotel refurbishment, the client needed to find a supplier whom they could trust to work closely in partnership with the main contractor.

    Having worked with the furniture company before, the client chose Curtis to supply the hotel because it is a quality UK-based supplier with large manufacturing capability, it prides itself on having a meticulous project management process, tried and tested since 1998 and its solid partnership approach with a strong customer service record.

    “The effect of all these different co-ordinating materials is of a luxurious design with consideration given to every detail.”

    Each room needed to be supplied over four separate visits to allow other contractors, such as decorators and electricians, in to complete their work in the correct sequence.  Curtis, already known to the client for our eagerness to be flexible and provide great customer service, worked in close partnership with the main contractor to ensure our timings fitted into the schedule perfectly.

    “The initial stages had tight lead times and Curtis pulled out all the stops to ensure we could get moving as quickly as possible,” explained David Elliott from County Contractors. “We were impressed with how smoothly everything went, and with the quality of finish and fitting of the furniture.”

    Curtis manufactured, supplied and installed bespoke furniture, including:

    • Upholstered headboards
    • Gladstone oak MFC TCMF trays with black powder coated legs
    • Statement hand-selected pressed walnut features on TV units, sideboards and wall panels
    • Xylocleaf MFC bedsides
    • Fenix NTM desks, with solid ash legs and mirror panelling
    • Upholstered luggage benches
    • Co-ordinating wardrobe areas with Gladstone oak drawers with leather handles, xylocleaf minibar units and black powder coated hanging rails
    • Metal-framed mirrors with integrated glass vanity shelf.

    In the suites, slotted privacy walls and swivel TV units in hand-pressed walnut add to the impressive combination of beauty and function.

    The effect of all these different co-ordinating materials is of a luxurious design with consideration given to every detail and how it will impact on the guests’ experience.  Thoughtful design doesn’t come better than this.

    Curits is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Radisson opens in the heart of Times Square, New York

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    Radisson opens in the heart of Times Square, New York

    Marking the brand’s third opening in New York City, Radisson has opened a 320-key hotel in the heart of the tourist hotspot…

    Following the news that the brand will debut in Iceland in the coming years, Radisson Hotels has announced the opening of Radisson Hotel New York Times Square at a unique landscaped entrance that offers a park-like setting and a sleek and elegant interior design scheme.

     

    The newly constructed hotel in the center of New York City’s most thriving tourist district exemplifies Radisson’s growth in key gateway cities.

    “The opening of this new hotel in the heart of New York City is a true testament to Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to growth in key international gateway markets,” said Aly El-Bassuni, chief operating officer, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “With New York City being one of the top leisure and business destinations in the world, we’re excited to greet travelers from across the globe with this newest addition to the Radisson family.”

    Located in Midtown West, the hotel offers 320 guest rooms, with 70 rooms that offer stunning views of the Empire State Building. Each room features free Wi-Fi, room service and a mini fridge, creating a perfect sanctuary to unwind after a high-energy day of shopping or seeing the latest hit show on Broadway. Throughout their visit, guests have access to an onsite fitness centre and business centre, luggage storage and complimentary tea and coffee. For those traveling on business, a 12-person New York style boardroom is available with a coordinator to assist with all the important details, including catering. The hotel also has a seasonal rooftop cocktail bar featuring sweeping views of the Empire State Building, the Hudson Yards development including The Edge observation deck and the Hudson River.

    Main image credit: Radisson Hotels

    MINIVIEW: The Spa at South Lodge

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    MINIVIEW: The Spa at South Lodge

    Following a thread of rave consumer reviews, Hotel Designs travels to the scenic countryside of West Sussex to take a dip inside the nature-inspired spa at South Lodge…

    Opened in the Spring 2019 to become a contemporary wellness extension for the luxury hotel, The Spa at South Lodge was designed sensitively by Sparcstudio in partnership with architecture studio Felce and Guy.

    Situated within the grounds of the hotel, The Spa at South Lodge follows the natural contours of the land and provides a haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by wildlife, nature and peace, and perched above the rolling hills of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. the 44,000 sq. ft. spa champions the estate’s landscape.

    The natural theme continues throughout the Spa’s interior, with a colour palette of beige, white, pale blues and greens across the walls, floors and soft furnishings. Natural light floods into the wide, open spaces and carefully placed lighting guides guests down the stairs and through to the workout areas, 14 nature-themed treatment rooms and changing rooms. Luxurious brushed-brass hardware and plush chairs give the expansive changing areas a personable touch, complemented with the very best in grooming equipment, including premium brands such as Dyson Supersonic hairdryers and Paul Mitchell hair straighteners.

    Image credit: South Lodge Hotel

    Relaxation is at its best in The Spa’s treatment rooms encourage deep relaxation, with heat, light and sound mood pods. A variety of thermal experiences include a private mud room and infused sauna, as well as marble-lined salt steam and jasmine herbal steam rooms.

    Outside, lounge chairs lead the way to a vitality hydrotherapy pool and beyond, the spa boasts a serene heated wild swimming pool, with an attractive wooden bathing platform inviting guests to take a revitalising dip. In colder months, the 22m x 10m indoor infinity swimming pool is the place to swim against the dramatic Sussex landscape.

    New-York style gym area with punch bag and weights area

    Image credit: South Lodge Hotel

    A New York loft-style fitness gym slots right into the West Sussex countryside, where beaten-leather punch bags, retro-inspired boxing gloves and state-of-the-art Technogym equipment compliment all kinds of fitness programmes. An adjoining terrace provides space for alfresco training and first-class fitness instructors are on hand to ensure workout goals are met.

    Outdoor hydrotherapy pool on wooden decking

    Image credit: South Lodge Hotel

    The hotel’s spa has been meaningfully designed to combine the best of luxe interiors with the natural, untouched geology of the surrey countryside. What really sets it aside from others, though, is its answer to the rise and evolving demands of modern travellers in regards to wellness and wellbeing. For that reason, The Spa at South Lodge is a timeless gem, perfectly placed in England’s pleasant land.

    Main image credit: South Lodge Hotel 

    Feature: A well-designed accessible hotel bathroom can look and feel elegant

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    Feature: A well-designed accessible hotel bathroom can look and feel elegant

    UKBathrooms investigates the leading bathroom manufacturers who are creating stylish and accessible hotel bathroom products…

    The UK hotel business is thriving, and whilst that’s great news – and despite awareness generated by the Blue Badge Access and Style Awards – there is still a lack of genuinely accessible hotel rooms, particularly outside of capital cities.

    Despite the demand hoteliers remain wary of creating accessible guestrooms, for fear of putting off non-disabled customers and because of concerns over installation costs. However, they be missing out on significant business opportunities each year. Guests with accessibility needs would certainly travel more, for work or for pleasure, if more accessible rooms were available, businesses are missing out on a huge opportunity to attract a range of potential clients, meeting the needs of all without lessening the experience of existing customers.

    “There is absolutely no reason why a well-designed, accessible hotel bathroom cannot look and feel like a luxury upgrade.” – UK Bathrooms

    According to UK Bathrooms, one of the leading online store for premium designer bathrooms, there is absolutely no reason why a well-designed, accessible hotel bathroom cannot look and feel like a luxury upgrade. A beautiful, stylish space can be created that appeals to all guests, creatively designed and appealing to everyone, regardless of ability.

    With more than 13.9 million disabled people in the UK and a total spending power of £249 billion a year its certainly worth businesses considering investment in this area.

    An accessible hotel bathroom can be characterised by certain improvements to comfort along with a number of design options. Intelligent planning of taps, fittings and furnishings is required to create an accessible space.  The bathroom should be large enough for the guest to move around in if they are a wheelchair user and the layout of the room should allow for a clear turning circle of 1500 mm, its also important that the bathroom door opens outwards into the bedroom.

    Toilet flush controls should be positioned towards the front of any cistern and on the side that is most easily accessed. Handles should also be easy to grip, and the toilet seat should ideally sit about 400mm from the floor.  A level access shower is often the best option and a shower seat is recommended. Again, easy to grip and accessible controls should be made available.

    At UK Bathrooms, accessible bathrooms mean you do not have to compromise on design and comfort. Luxurious, elegant bathrooms can be created using the best in designer bathroom products available. A perfect example of this is the O. Novo Vita collection by Villeroy & Boch.  Its many attractive details blend harmoniously with the bathroom design taking every consideration of comfort, practicality, hygiene and appearance into account. The extended wall mounted toilet from this collection gives a greater degree of accessibility to the toilet space and is easier to reach.

    An alternative WC to consider would be the VitrA V care Comfort Intelligent Rimless model. It combines the convenience and ease of a wall mounted WC with the comfort and cleanliness of the bidet. Fitted with an automatic seat and lid that senses approach, its heated seat can be warmed and ready for the ultimate in bathroom luxury and your guest experience.

    When it comes to wet room panels, then Matki offer a superb choice, in a variety of sizes, the shower panels offer full flexibility when planning an accessible hotel bathroom yet retaining a stylish elegance.  This Matki Wet Room Shower Panel can be supplied with a shower seat option.  There is also a vast array of walk in shower trays to complete the accessible bathroom and with their ultra-flat design hoteliers can create more room for guests to move around and still retain a luxury feel. Additional features such as a rain shower head will provide the ultimate spa experience.

    Don’t forget discreet handles near washbasins, toilet, bidets and showers these can blend harmoniously with the bathroom interior.

    Your hotel accessible bathroom will look and feel luxurious to all guests, it will provide a high level of comfort and style ensuring that your business maximises all revenue opportunities.

    UK Bathrooms is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Villeroy & Boch

    FIRST LOOK: Inside the renovation of Oatlands Park Hotel

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    FIRST LOOK: Inside the renovation of Oatlands Park Hotel

    Following a multi-million pound renovation, Oatlands Park Hotel has given Hotel Designs a sneak peek inside the new contemporary hotel in Surrey… 

    A venue steeped in History, Oatlands Park Hotel has been the home to previous Kings and Queens of England. Following more than ten million pounds of investment to date towards extensive and careful renovations over the last four years, the hotel is nearing its completion.

    The transformation of the hotel includes a brand-new glass ceiling guest foyer, a new restaurant and bar, The Mulberry and Bar 1509, alongside the grand total of 144 guestrooms, 120 of which have been completely updated and modernised. There’s also been dramatic developments in the hotel’s multiple meeting rooms and conferences spaces as well as significant improvements and new crafted landscaping to the grounds.

    The design of the hotel’s lobby and lobby bar was led by interior designer Përparim Rama from 4M Group, while Penny Patterson from Make It So Design set the design language for the new guestrooms, other feature areas and meeting spaces.

    Originally the site of a Tudor Palace commissioned by Henry VIII in 1538, Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge is described as ‘the jewel in Surrey’s crown’. The multistage refurbishment project started back in 2016 with the aim of retaining historic features alongside a fresh contemporary style, to ensure the hotel is kept at the very forefront of the marketplace, meeting the high expectations of both its corporate and leisure clientele who come from all over the world to stay here.

    Lavish dining area with high ceilings

    Image credit: Oatlands Park Hotel

    The recently developed hotel lobby and welcome foyers have meant the project has come to near completion. The design of these areas within the hotel has been highly enriched by the elegance of natural marble and oak timber flooring. Reflecting the history of the hotel, the lobby has been refurbished with marmorino walls, recreating the Italianate style of the original building of the 19th century. A hand-crafted brass and glass chandelier looks down from a privileged position as a classic symbol of the luxurious past in this historic venue. The idea is that this sets a goal of creating a comfortable space welcoming guests to the hotel lobby, lobby bar and grounds, encouraging customers to walk around and interact.

    Horse like lamps facing each other in white coriddor

    Image credit: Oatlands Park Hotel

    Throughout the whole project, the historic hotel façade will remain intact and retains its character of the grade II listed building and grounds. The Oatlands Park Hotel’s magnificent grounds, trees and gardens are included in the “Register of Gardens and Park of Special Historic Interest”. The team at the hotel has been working closely with Emma Adams, a local heritage planning expert and SSA Architects to ensure that they keep the existing historical spirit of the hotel, while anchoring the establishment firmly in the 21st century.

    Following the latest phase of renovations, there are additional plans for a luxury spa, further conference rooms as well as 33 guestrooms currently going through planning permission stages.

    Main image credit: Oatlands Park Hotel

    Sekers unveils new velvet collection

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    Sekers unveils new velvet collection

    Following its appearance at Sleep & Eat 2019, Sekers has announced the launch of FIORA, a lush polyester velvet collection suitable for contract upholstery and accessories…

    With a subtle printed texture and soft lustre providing a modern edge, Fiora by Sekers is available in a spectrum of 25 colours including rich, saturated hues and pastel highlights.

    Incorporating FibreGuard, an advanced finish that helps protect the fabric against spills and stains without having to resort to specialist cleaning, Fiora resists the toughest of stains, including red wine and ballpoint pen.

    With a Martindale abrasion performance of 100,000 rubs and supplied with crib five fire retardant backing, Fiora is perfect for the most demanding upholstery application. Meeting all relevant UK, American and IMO standards for upholstery, Fiora is the ideal choice for the designer specifying for the hospitality, leisure and marine markets.

    Sekers is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Sekers

    Industry insight: What is driving the digital bathroom trend?

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    Industry insight: What is driving the digital bathroom trend?

    As Hotel Designs continues to put technology under the spotlight, Nick Brown, hospitality channel manger for GROHE UK, explains why digital modern bathrooms are going to be trending for a while… 

    In recent years, the hotel guest experience has undergone a mass transformation.

    As seen in Hotel Designs’ Year in Review of the most significant products to launch in 2019, digital technology is now commonplace throughout a hotel from app-based digital check-ins to slick entertainment systems providing music, TV and concierge support at the touch of a button.  The hotel bathroom is the natural next step in the evolution of the smart hotel, offering convenience, comfort and relaxation for the customer. Digital or smart fittings in the bathroom are now being specified to help increase functionality and usability in the bathroom, and in many cases, enhance the luxury atmosphere that so many visitors are now seeking from their travel experiences.

    As far as interiors go, it is usually the crème de la crème of hotel designs that spark the trends for residential interiors. However, with digitalisation, the roles have been reversed to some extent. The integration of digital and smart concepts in the home is much more readily available now than they were even a few years ago, and with increased understanding as to their benefits and how to use them, the uptake from the mass market has become more profound. As most consumers are now much more in touch with tech and the digital world, hotels can really benefit from integrating smart features and there is even a growing expectation from savvy travellers for these elements to be included as standard.

    “In particular, there has been a growing desire amongst hoteliers for infra-red basin mixers in guestrooms.” – Nick Brown, hospitality channel manager, GROHE UK.

    The rise of lifestyle hotel brands over the past few years has certainly helped spur on the desire for digital. Designers of these spaces are instilling character and innovations such as smart technology into both guest rooms and communal areas to create an enhanced, unique atmosphere. These experiential hotels are generating enormous appeal particularly with millennial guests and are consequently being shared in abundance on social media platforms. The hotel bathroom already has its own corner of the social media sphere, with the most luxurious and aspirational designs reaching hundreds of thousands of users around the world. Like bespoke design and idyllic aesthetics, digital products offer this same element of aspiration and can really help create a unique hotel experience, a trend which is trailblasing travel experiences for younger generations.

    From the perspective of hoteliers and facility management teams, the trend for digital products in the bathroom stems from growing pressure on hotels to reduce their footprint and integrate fittings that will generate more efficient consumption of water and energy, as well as being mindful of how much single-use plastic waste they are generating. In particular, there has been a growing desire amongst hoteliers for infra-red basin mixers in guestrooms which can be monitored via an app as well as set to run for a limited amount of time, helping to reduce on water consumption and costs whilst preventing against water damage from the tap being accidentally left on.

    Many of the leading global hotel groups are beginning to implement their own sustainability targets and initiatives and are therefore turning to suppliers for smart solutions that can help them to reduce consumption without comprising performance as well as use app connectivity to monitor and manage their usage. Hotel conglomerates such as Hilton have subscribed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, which encourages the implementation of 17 targets to be in place by 2030. GROHE and its parent company LIXIL can work hand in hand with hotels supporting these initiatives as it too has pledged its support to the programme.

    The challenge for meeting this new trend for digital is that bathroom interior fittings must still be beautiful and elegant, as well as functional and innovative. Each aspect is valued of equal importance and is key to creating an aspirational bathroom setting that will create a lasting memory in the minds of the guests, both for its looks and the experience it offers. Of course, sustainability will remain a dominating factor too as digitalisation continues to transform hotel bathrooms. Guests are becoming more and more conscious of the footprint they leave when travelling and will welcome encouragement from their hotel to help them be more eco-conscious during their stay. In 2020, basin mixers with LED temperature displays will emerge on the market, acting as a subtle but impactful reminder that guests can make small changes such as turning the temperature of their water down by just a few degrees to help reduce their energy consumption. Infra-red operated eco-modes will also be available on basin mixers which will see hotels actively offering guests more conscious choices when it comes to managing their carbon footprint and water usage.

    GROHE is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: GROHE UK

    Apurva Kempinski Bali unveils new design-led villas

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    Apurva Kempinski Bali unveils new design-led villas

    Newly launched villa collection, designed by Trivium Design Group, marks the competition of The Apurva Kempinski Bali…

    Nestled in tropical gardens on the clifftops of Nusa Dua, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has completed its design renovation, which results in the launch of 43 new villas. 

    Named after the mighty kingdoms that once ruled over Indonesia, the one-, two- and three-bedroom pool villas designed by Trivium Design Group evoke the tropical characteristics of southern Bali, offering discerning visitors complete privacy, spacious indoor-outdoor living and a delectable flavour of Balinese life.

    “We have made tremendous efforts to showcase Indonesian heritage in the eyes of the world by incorporating the best local craftsmanship, philosophy and materials into the interior design,” said Rudy Dodo, founder of Jakarta-based Trivium Design Group, which is responsible for interiors throughout the resort.”

    Image credit: Kempinski Hotels

    Hidden away among tropical gardens, each of the two-storey villas affords complete privacy. Self-contained plunge pools and outdoor terraces are surrounded by lush foliage and clever architectural features created by architect Budiman Hendropurnomo, who founded the Indonesia office of Denton Corker Marshal.

    “The debut of our new villa collection means The Apurva Kempinski Bali is ready to welcome families or groups of any size, for any occasion; from intimate family escapes and show-stopping weddings, to board-level meetings and incentives,” said General Manager Vincent Guironnet. “The completion of the villas marks the final stage in our development, just in time for our grand opening. With 475 rooms, suites and villas, six dining outlets, an outstanding spa and a collection of versatile meetings and events spaces, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is one of the most dynamic, dramatic and breath-taking resorts on the Island of the Gods.”

    All of the villas offer private plunge pools and spacious outdoor terraces, while the larger options also feature kitchens and rooftop dining areas. Wood and stone-clad interiors are meticulously finished with rattan bamboo furniture, woven Sumba textiles and handmade woodcarvings from Bali and Java, giving guests a flavour of Bali’s rich history of design and creativity.

    Main image credit: Kempinski Hotels

    UNILIN’s new designs add comfort with nature in surfaces

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    UNILIN’s new designs add comfort with nature in surfaces

    UNILIN division panels has unveiled four new decors in its Evola range that work together to bring comforting, calm of nature into commercial surfaces and interiors…

    With the growing pressures of a fast-paced world, the need for comforting nature-inspired interiors has surged in popularity, and recently identified in Hotel Designs’ trend forecast for 2020 and beyond.

    It is predicted to be a continued key emphasis for designers over the coming months. The light schemes that dominated last year’s trends are eclipsed with the dark and black tones of nature’s varied palettes.

    “Using our advanced technology and manufacturing processes, we’ve been able to create an astounding range of calm, nature-inspired ranges that are predicted to be popular for 2020.” – Sofie Coulier, UNILIN division panels.

    “Our Evola range, like the fashion, styles and interiors that inspire the range, continues to evolve to satisfy the demands of designers looking to create new frontiers in interiors,” explains Sofie Coulier from UNILIN division panels. “Using our advanced technology and manufacturing processes, we’ve been able to create an astounding range of calm, nature-inspired ranges that are predicted to be popular for 2020.”

    Sustaining and refreshing interiors could be attributed to the very practices that UNILIN source their materials. Scratch and stain-resistant, safe from fading and easy to wipe down. All Evola melamine-faced chipboard are made from 100 per cent circular wood, including a minimum 85 per cent recycled content.

    Free A4 samples of all Evola decors can be ordered on request from the UNILIN division panels’ website.

    UNILIN is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: UNILIN

    Case study: Specifying the surfaces at Juno Rooms

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    Case study: Specifying the surfaces at Juno Rooms

    A range of striking porcelain and handmade ceramic tiles from Parkside have been used as surfaces at Juno Rooms, a lively entertainment venue in the heart of London’s financial district…

    Known locally as a thriving hub and flexible event space, Juno Rooms is Urban Pubs and Bars’ debut property in the City of London.

    Driving the venue’s transformation through the universal appeal of natural influences in pattern, colour and texture, leading hospitality concept specialist Harrison has created a unique interior for the multi-functional space that sees use from morning till late night. The all-encompassing design appeals to a more discerning and demanding city worker guest but also attracts a wide variety of clientele.

    Surface specialists Parkside supplied approximately 250m2 of tiles for the project with the main floors in the bar area and toilets using the award-winning Kaste01. This concrete-effect porcelain tile offers high slip resistance and was used in standard large format at the bar surround and in rest rooms, as well as waterjet cut into a multi-tonal geometric design in the seated dining area.

    Found on the walls of the impressive front bar, Harrison commissioned a handmade bespoke ceramic tile in a geometric pattern of colour-matched green tones. The walls of the toilets feature a specially sourced botanical pattern ceramic tile joined by colour-matched green ceramic wall tiles in a gloss finish.

    At the entrance of Juno Rooms, Harrison tasked Parkside to source frost-proof hexagonal tiles, again in a unique green colourway.  For the steps of the entrance, Parkside provided another frost-proof tile, this time with high slip resistance, supplying it alongside a contrasting technical step edge for safety.

    Ceri Shannon, designer at Harrison, said on the refurbishment of Juno Rooms: “We wanted to create a strong design that represented the interior’s need to be adaptable and appealing. Achieved through biophilic elements in the design, as well as authentic materials including exposed brickwork and wood, we also came to Parkside to help us achieve a ranging set of demands in our use of ceramic and porcelain tiles.

    “We knew that Parkside could source us the products we needed, as well as handle the specialised aspects of the design such as waterjet cutting and colour matching. To have this all from one supplier makes a huge difference in a high-spec, multi-layered project such as this.”

    Juno Rooms, is a bar and kitchen operated by Urban Pubs and Bars, a Sunday Times FastTrack 100 listed chain of 20 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.

    Parkside will join editor Hamish Kilburn at the Surface Design Show for the panel discussion entitled: Biophilic Materials in Surface Design.

    The tile design company is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Juno Rooms/Parkside

    Property group JAHAMA unveils plans for debut hotel

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    Property group JAHAMA unveils plans for debut hotel

    JAHAMA Group has received pre-planning consent from South Lanarkshire Council for a full-service 100-bedroom facility in Clydebridge on the outskirts of East Glasgow…

    International property and investment business JAHAMA Group has announced plans to develop its first hotel.

    Investment in hospitality facilities is part of JAHAMA’s wider strategy to develop surplus land around existing and former industrial sites for a range of property uses, which enhance local communities while also bringing employment and tourism to the area.

    South Lanarkshire Council’s support follows a pre-application enquiry submitted by JAHAMA last September. The scheme is for redundant land to the east of sister company Liberty and its iconic Clydebridge Steelworks, situated to the north of Cambuslang.

    Once built, Clydebridge Hotel will deliver 50 permanent jobs and help create further indirect jobs in the wider community. UK property and development expert Strutt & Parker (part of the BNP Paribas Real Estate Group) has been appointed to advise JAHAMA on this project and secure planning permission for the development.

    The 10-acre site benefits from a strategic road network including easy access to the M74, proximity to the River Clyde and a substantial area of woodland, providing opportunities for future guest amenities.

    The plans for a full-service hotel are designed to offer a wide variety of activities to both leisure and business travellers as well as amenities to the local community. When developed, the site will include a restaurant, café, bar and state-of-the-art fitness club.

    The east of Glasgow has undergone considerable regeneration over the last decade with the construction of buildings for the Commonwealth games such as the Athletes Village at Dalmarnock, Emirates Arena and The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.  The wider Clyde Gateway regeneration project is also attracting plenty of property investment and additional businesses into the area, which the hotel will be serving.

    JAHAMA’S CEO Dilip Awtani said: “We are delighted to be contributing to the huge regeneration activity that is currently taking place in East Glasgow. The recent investment in the infrastructure and recreational facilities will drive tourism and business activity to the city, create jobs and other benefits for the local community. This is why we believe that Cambuslang is an ideal location for a modern enhanced-services hotel and leisure facility.

    “Our team has a wealth of property development and finance experience that can bring these plans to fruition and advance further commercial property developments, utilising the extensive land within JAHAMA’s portfolio.

    “For this project, we would also be keen to partner with branded operators in the area or new to the city that can work with us to turn the hotel in Clydebridge into a popular destination.”

    JAHAMA is part of a collection of industrial companies that form the GFG Alliance, which also includes the owner of neighbouring Clydebridge and Dalzell steelworks, Liberty Steel Group.

    Sanjeev Gupta, Founder and Executive Chairman of the GFG Alliance said: “We are focussed on Scotland as a key area of investment, already deploying funds of £500m as recently set out in our Scottish Investment Report.  The Clydebridge site was part of our first Scottish investment and I am pleased that the initial investment in the steel business is also bringing further local opportunities.

    “We have recently received permission to build a zipwire leisure facility in the Highlands at Kinlochleven so the tourism industry is becoming an increasingly important part of GFG’s Scottish portfolio.”

    Main image credit: Google Maps

    Manchester welcomes two new Hyatt hotels

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    Manchester welcomes two new Hyatt hotels

    The opening marks the first two Hyatt-branded hotels in Manchester, and the debut of the Hyatt House brand in the United Kingdom…

    After Hotel Designs announced it will return to the city for Meet Up North, Hyatt Hotels  has announced  the opening of the 212-room Hyatt Regency Manchester and the 116-key Hyatt House Manchester in the city’s landmark building “The Lume.” The openings represent a significant milestone for Hyatt’s brand growth in the U.K. and the debut of Hyatt’s extended stay segment, the Hyatt House brand.

    Hyatt Regency Manchester offers empathetic service that anticipates the needs of guests and event planners to ensure they have a seamless and personalised experience. The hotel will stay true to the brand promise of making travel free from stress by providing guests everything they need under one roof. Hyatt House Manchester is designed to make guests feel at home, offering residents spacious, apartment-style living paired with amenities that help them maintain work and personal routines while on the road.

    Situated in the Innovation District on the Oxford Road Corridor, both hotels are close to Manchester’s major transportation hubs and provide easy access to major attractions. “We look forward to welcoming guests to the first Hyatt hotels in Manchester – one of the UK’s most multicultural cities and a hub for innovative start-ups,” said Assumpta McDonald, general manager of Hyatt Regency and Hyatt House Manchester. “A city popular for leisure and business travelers, Manchester and its growing commercial center is an ideal destination for having two brands within one building. Located in close proximity to the University, the city center and a number of tourist attractions, we believe that both hotels will attract business and leisure travellers alike.”

    Image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    The properties offer a variety of shared facilities, including The Laureate Restaurant, The Graduate Bar, seven state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre. Additionally, guests staying at Hyatt House Manchester have access to the Omelet Bar and the 24/7 H Market.

    Establishing shot of hotel

    Image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    Hyatt Regency Manchester offers 212 contemporary guestrooms and suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with city views. For travellers looking for an extended stay, Hyatt House Manchester offers 116 studios and one-bedroom suites, all featuring fully equipped kitchens, free wi-fi and stylish living and working spaces. Guests of the hotel can also enjoy 24-hour access to complimentary laundry facilities, inclusive breakfast, and the 24/7 H Market.

    Hyatt Regency Manchester and Hyatt House Manchester share two distinctive gastronomic offerings – The Laureate Restaurant and The Graduate Bar. The Laureate Restaurant boasts a menu that celebrates Manchester as one of the UK’s most multicultural cities. Aptly named to reflect the academic brilliance of the hotel’s surroundings, The Graduate Bar is a vibrant, airy oasis inspiring guests and locals to relax and unwind. It offers cocktails, quality beers and gourmet bites. Exclusively accessible for guests of Hyatt House Manchester, the H Market is open 24/7 and provides a range of groceries and on-the-go snacks.

    Hyatt Regency Manchester offers an array of flexible meeting spaces, with seven state-of-the-art meeting rooms. The hotel pays tribute to some of Manchester’s best-known academics, naming the meeting rooms after famous alumni and those working closely with the University. These include former chief executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein and renowned mathematician Alan Turing, best known for his work in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II.

    Hyatt House Manchester offers two intimate event spaces: The Conservatory and The Living Room, both located on the 18th floor of the hotel.

    The varied selection of meeting spaces offered by the two hotels provide guests of both properties the option to book from a range of options to ensure a seamless environment for every event. The meeting rooms are equipped with LCD projectors and screens for presentations, and the on-site business center is open 24 hours a day. Additionally, all meeting rooms and event spaces offer expert catering services.

    Hyatt Regency Manchester and Hyatt House Manchester are the seventh and eighth Hyatt-branded hotels to open in the U.K., alongside Andaz London Liverpool Street, Hyatt Regency Birmingham, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, Hyatt Place West London/Hayes, Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport and the recently opened The Great Scotland Yard Hotel.

    Main image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    Checking in: Heckfield Place

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    Checking in: Heckfield Place

    Former senior stylist for House & Garden and The Brit List Awards 2019 judge, Florence Rolfe, checks in to the award-winning Heckfield Place to discover how the hotel is anything but ‘greenwashing’ in both its design and operation…

    I recently received a dream invitation to the highly acclaimed country manor hotel Heckfield Place. Naturally, I obliged.

    The Georgian Manor House, which is set within a 438-acre estate, is now a hotel that holds a substantial reputation in the market for its extremely elegant and sophisticated interior style.

    Cleverly designed by Ben Thompson (a protégé of Ilse Crawford), a surveillance and understanding of the natural surroundings seem to have inspired a subtle colour palette. Not much pattern to be seen here (which I love), but instead a clever use of varying textures that combine to create a relaxing and peaceful environment for guests.

    Located only one hour outside of London, I couldn’t wait to get there. As I approached the spectacular Georgian Manor House I was welcomed by the concierge dressed in a plain, rather cool looking linen pinafore and shirt (designed by cutting edge London based label Egg) who took our bags and offered to park our car for us. We were greeted again in the grand hallway by a member of staff offering a delicious welcome refresher.

    Wooden staircase

    Image credit: Heckfield Place

    No sign of a traditional desk check-in. Instead, we were immediately given a choice of an initial tour of the building or to go straight to our room. Tempted by the sound of murmuring voices at the bar and the smell of a roaring fire, I decided to opt for the latter after arriving in darkness. Corridor walls are lined with carefully curated art works from the owner’s private collection. Windows along the corridor are decorated with delightful white lace sheers for added privacy. Over-sized decorative pots on the window-sills force you to notice their eye-catching shapes and interesting textures.

    Every single design element has been so carefully considered. On the approach to our room, the concierge pulled the room key from a small envelope that had my name embossed on it. If that isn’t considered luxury attention to detail,  I don’t know what is! Whilst on the subject of details, the electronic door lock (often very unattractive) has been beautifully disguised behind a plain white linen hoop.

    Mustard walls in guest room looking through into bathroom

    Image credit: Heckfield Place

    As our guide opened the door, an immediate warmth overwhelmed me. I was not only confronted with a few of my favourite interior design comforts, but any amenities that were waiting for us had been so carefully thought about and beautifully styled – a tray of apples and a bag of chestnuts became a work of art. A clear intention to steer away from plastics was consistent throughout the room. Any homemade treats left for us in the minibar were presented in jars (home-made Ribena) or paper bags (containing salted almonds or coconut macaroons).

    This was no ordinary minibar: a dark and mysterious, rather chic looking kettle sat on the top with a secret drawer beneath. It cleverly pulls out of the minibar with a connector to hold the kettle.

    Coat hooks have been styled with woven baskets that hang ready and waiting for you take to the spa (or to collect any items that you might have foraged from around the grounds). Vases of dried flowers (grown and dried on site) are dotted around the room amongst carefully considered clientele coffee table books – ready for you to fall into a large, comfortable sofa and indulge.

    Soft pastel colours on bed and on armchair

    Image credit: Heckfield Place

    The addition of the Fiddle leaf fig plants are something that I don’t always see in hotel rooms. Effective, as it is now considered that house plants are thought to be a calming influence in a space. A contemporary natural rush woven headboard runs across the width of the bed, creating a back drop that highlights the antique bedside tables on either side. Overall, the bedrooms feel stylish and homely. Everything from the furniture to the lighting to the styling has been carefully thought about with detailed consideration and most importantly with the guest in mind. I really didn’t want leave!

    After an extremely peaceful nights sleep, breakfast was only a short walk away. An impressive dining room with full panoramic views of the grounds means that you can sit, relax and enjoy your eggs (collected fresh from the farm earlier) just the way you like them!

    After breakfast I took a walk around the ground floor as I was intrigued to explore during the day. Daylight floods in through the main hall and along the corridors bouncing off the grand interior architecture throughout. Two enormous airy yet cosy drawing rooms still adhere to the muted colour palette. Thompson has stuck to linens in soft greys and neutrals on both the curtains and chairs, adding punch here and there with pastel coloured velvet cushions. Fires are lit throughout the day during the winter, making this an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a cuppa after a long country walk.

    A wood panelled private dining room with a grand marble fireplace also has full views of the estate. It also hosts an array of beautifully arranged floral arrangements by florist Kitten Grayson, including a stand out dried floral wreath that hangs over an enormous oak dinning table.

    I jumped at the chance when I was offered to go on a tour of the farm. Heckfield Place has become well known for its contribution to sustainability and the farm follows biodynamic principles. Guests are advised to wear willies, which are provided for by the hotel –  downstairs you are spoilt for choice with black Hunter wellies laid out for you, in every size possible.

    In my opinion good hotel interior design is about creating a home away from home: to feel that you can walk in somewhere and simply fall into bed or onto an extremely comfortable sofa – a peaceful retreat. Heckfield Place seems to have got it just right. The aspirational photography featured on its website and Instagram account is only a hint of the true inspirational experience this place so effortlessly shelters.

    Main image credit: Heckfield Place

    INSIGHT: 5G and hotel security technology in the ’20s

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    INSIGHT: 5G and hotel security technology in the ’20s

    To launch the next few weeks putting Technology under the spotlight, Mark Tucknutt, the owner of specialist security consultancy Toren Consulting Ltd, breaks down some of the cyber security issues the design, architecture and hospitality sector will face in the Roaring 20s…

    It’s pretty hard to resist a technology forecast at the turn of the decade, and when you misspent your teenage years playing ‘Cyberpunk 2020’ its nigh on impossible.

    I run a boutique security design consultancy, supporting developers and architects in designing hotels that meet the security requirements of planning authorities, hotel brands and hotel guests. While we’re not living in the dystopian tech-obsessed 2020 that 13 year old me was promised in the early 1990s, we are living in interesting times for the hotel sector, for technology and for security risks.

    Most commentators agree that one of the key technology trends for the 2020s is going to be the continued rolloout of 5G networks. Here are a few ways that I believe that may impact on hotel security and allow ‘security’ devices to better support hotel business operations.

    Distributed Video Analytics

    We all know from the mainstream media that 5G is coming, and that it will bring huge increases in bandwidth and speed over mobile networks. The impact of 5G on hotels, with their transient users and geographically dispersed properties, is going to be significant. Of course, I’m not talking about the ability of guests to download a movie more quickly, as exciting as that might be. 5G is going to enable hotel chains to make use of a wide range of intelligent devices, and I predict that some of the most valuable will be video surveillance cameras.

    5G networks will increase the ability of business systems to make decisions based on information from edge devices. For traditional security cameras monitored by a human operator, the reduced latency isn’t really a factor; fibre optic latency is already a tiny factor compared to human decision-making speeds. But when we’re talking about automated business systems, that faster response is going to enable lots of interesting processes. 5G will allow hotel brands and operators to reliably use video analytics to monitor and react in real-time to AI-based alerts from a global hotel portfolio, for example about queue lengths, unusual patterns of behaviour in the lobby or recognition of a VIP guest.

    More devices, fewer wires and more integration

    Security systems have been, somewhat belatedly, moving to a cloud-based architecture during the last few years. 5G is going to accelerate that development so that access control panels and servers and video surveillance recorders located on the premises will be consigned to history.

    Video surveillance cameras will finally become truly wireless for data transmission. The increased reliability of 5G will give hotels the confidence to deploy wireless cameras throughout hotels, rather than only in hard to reach locations. Instead of ‘wireless’ guestroom locking connecting to wired hubs (often several in each guest corridor), guestroom locks will make use of 5G’s reduced latency to become truly wireless, also improving the guest experience by reducing the time taken to unlock the door.

    5G will therefore lead to reduced security installation costs for new hotels by removing network cabling, switches, wireless access control hubs, network video recorders etc from construction. New locks and cameras will become quicker, easier and cheaper to deploy.

    Mobile app guestroom locking comes of age

    The capabilities of 5G phones are going to make mobile phones even more ubiquitous, and hotel guests even more comfortable with expecting to use phones for secure tasks.

    The use of mobile phones for guestroom locking ‘keys’ has existed for a while now, but adoption hasn’t been as strong as it might have been. I’m predicting that as the technology matures, and integrations between locking systems, guest apps and booking systems become more open, that 2020 is the year that we finally see mobile phones take over from plastic RFID cards as the de facto guest room access control device.

    While there is still a concern that guests will be reluctant to download a new app for each hotel stay, the major guestroom locking providers are at least now offering integration to not just a hotel’s own app development but to the main third-party hospitality app providers. This means that just as smaller hotel chains can now ‘white-label’ a guest app solution from a third-party (such as HotelBird or AeroGuest), those apps are now likely to be integrated with a guestroom locking product (such as Salto XS4 or Vingcard Essence).

    Main image credit: Salto

    Laufen’s technology secret: it’s all in the material

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    Laufen’s technology secret: it’s all in the material

    Design reduced to the essentials, SaphirKeramik has been bathroom manufacturer Laufen’s trade technology secret since 2013. Since then, the material has been used to create some of the most stunning bathroom products…

    With SaphirKeramik the Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen is setting a new trend in bathroom design.

    SaphirKeramik is an innovative ceramic material, which possesses all the hygienic advantages of traditional bathroom ceramics, but is thinner, more defined, and extremely robust. The special properties are due to the addition of corundum, a colourless component of sapphire, which has been prepared for the market by years of research and development work by Laufen. Since its launch in 2013 SaphirKeramik has developed into a favourite material of many architects and bathroom planners, because it permits a whole new design language with ceramics in the bathroom, which could not have been realised in the same way with conventional ceramic material.

    Basin in black set

    Image credit: Laufen

    SaphirKeramik from Laufen is a very hard and rigid ceramic, which for the first time allows very thin, but extremely robust ceramic walls and at the same time a defined rim – a narrow edge radius of 1-2mm is possible, whilst traditionally ceramic material manages 7-8mm. The name SaphirKeramik is related to sapphire glass, known from watch-making, which also contains corundum, making it also a very hard material. However, SaphirKeramik not only permits a more precise and slimmer design language, but also has functional and ecological advantages: thus in the case of SaphirKeramik washbasins, with less material more functional space is created. In the process SaphirKeramik is exactly as hygienic and safe with drinking water as traditional ceramic material, and can also be recycled completely. The low material quantity, thanks to a simplified ceramic structure, has further advantages in terms of environmental protection and sustainability, since fewer raw materials and less energy are required for the firing, production and transport of SaphirKeramik.

    Meanwhile Laufen has gained extensive experience with the innovative ceramic material, integrating numerous bathroom products made of SaphirKeramik into its ranges. Together with the washbasins in the successful Kartell by Laufen bathroom collection, and the SaphirKeramik bowls from the Living Square collection, the washbasins from the Val and Ino collections have now joined this exclusive club. Val and Ino have been developed from the SaphirKeramik project, to which Laufen invited the two designers Konstantin Grcic and Toan Nguyen, in order to collectively explore further the design potential of the material in conceptual studies. SaphirKeramik also plays a key role in Patricia Urquiola’s Sonar collection for Laufen.

    “Laufen is convinced that the potential of SaphirKeramik has not yet been fully exploited, and that with this innovative material we are going to realise many exciting developments in the future,” says Marc Viardot, Director of Marketing and Products at Laufen. “Since the dimensions of bathrooms in reality hardly change, it is our vision of wellbeing in the bathroom to optimise the proportions of features and to create a sustainable product design in accordance with the available room.”

    Laufen is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Laufen

    EARLY RELEASE tickets open for Hotel Designs’ premium networking events

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    EARLY RELEASE tickets open for Hotel Designs’ premium networking events

    For limited time only, Hotel Designs has opened discounted EARLY RELEASE tickets to Meet Up London (May 13) and Meet Up North (July 6)…

    After hosting a hat-trick of successful and meaningful premium networking events up and down the country last year, Hotel Designs is offering designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers to purchase discounted EARLY RELEASE tickets to Meet Up London and Meet Up North.

    Until January 31, tickets to both Meet Up London and Meet Up North are available to purchase for designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and those who supply to the hospitality industry. The regional events, which last year bridged the gap between more than 400 design and hospitality professionals, are regarded as two of the industry’s most established networking events. “We are fully committed to host our networking events in locations and venues that are at the heart of the hotel design community,” said editor Hamish Kilburn. “We hope that Meet Up London and Meet Up North, which include relevant themes and talks at both, help to build seamless relationships as well as inspire the industry to further push boundaries in design and hospitality.”

    About Meet Up London 
    Date: May 13, 2020 | 6pm – 10pm
    Venue: Minotti London | Theme: Inspiring Creativity
    Headline Partner: Hamilton Litestat | Partner: Crosswater

    Following the success of last year’s spring networking event, Hotel Designs is delighted to return to Minotti London for Meet Up London 2020, the publication’s first networking event of the year. The London Fitzrovia showroom, which recently played host to an exclusive roundtable, will shelter an evening like no other around the theme of Inspiring Creativity, with the concrete aim to further bridge the gap between designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and key-industry suppliers.

    EARLY RELEASE SUPPLIER TICKETS*: £99 + VAT (expires on January 31)  | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
    EARLY RELEASE BUYER TICKETS**: £10 + VAT (expires on January 31) | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.

    Sponsors for Meet Up London (so far): 

    About Meet Up North 
    Date: July 6, 2020 | 6pm – 10pm
    Venue: Central Manchester (venue to be announced shortly)| Theme: Manchester On The Boards
    Headline Partner: Hamilton Litestat | Partner: Crosswater

    Considering the vast amount of hotel projects currently on the boards in the north – many of which are slated to complete in Manchester and open this year – Hotel Designs will be returning to the city of Manchester for Meet Up North 2020. The city, which has hosted the concept since its launch in 2018, will once again welcome leading designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and key-industry suppliers for the market’s leading networking event in the north of England.

    EARLY RELEASE SUPPLIER TICKETS*: £99 + VAT (expires on January 31) | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
    EARLY RELEASE BUYER TICKETS**: £10 + VAT (expires on January 31) | CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.

    Sponsors for Meet Up North (so far):

    If you would like to discuss various sponsorship packages available, or if you have any enquires regarding tickets, please contact Katy Phillips via email, or call 01992 374050.

    Early Release offer strictly ends January 31, 2020.

    * Those eligible to purchase Supplier Tickets must be industry suppliers.
    ** Those eligible to purchase buyer tickets must prove that they are an interior designer, architect, hotelier or developer.

    close up of wall partition in the restaurant

    How twenty2degrees redesigned Budapest Marriott Hotel

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    How twenty2degrees redesigned Budapest Marriott Hotel

    Hotel Designs follows twenty2degrees, which has just completed a two-phase refurbishment of Budapest Marriott Hotel…

    Whenever a project completes from The Brit List 2019 accredited design firm twenty2desgrees, you know that its design is going to do three things: 1) stand out from the crowd, 2) be full of personality and 3) have meaning. The team’s latest project, Budapest Marriott Hotel, is no exception of that unwritten, yet widely known, rule.

    close up of wall partition in the restaurant

    Phase one of the renovation began with the brand’s signature ‘greatroom’ concept, which harmonises reception, lobby lounge, bar and restaurant in a single open space, followed by the hotel’s function and meeting rooms. The result not only aligns with brand expectations but, thanks to the designers’ introduction of local context and artistic provenance, feels absolutely at home in this historic and creative city.

    Large contemporary partition in lobby/f&B area

    Image credit: Marriott International/twenty2degrees

    Tucked along the banks of the Danube River, the hotel overlooks some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks including the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle. The 50-year old building belongs to the Brutalist mid-twentieth style of architecture, and the designers pay homage to the concrete façade with a new stone sculptural relief in the lobby. Beyond this, however, the interiors are now modern and tactile with numerous residential-style details to ensure guests feel at their ease from the moment they arrive. The firm, headed up by Nicolas Stoupas and Joseph Stella, has also introduced Marriott’s first ‘disruptive bar’ – a free-standing island bar in the lounge designed to evolve through the day, from morning coffee and pastry service, to cocktails and snacks in the evening.

    Large and comfortable lobby/lounge area

    Image credit: Marriott International/twenty2degrees

    “While addressing all the ‘Marriott Modern’ touchpoints, we felt it was important to also capture the rich essence of Budapest, a vibrant European city with a tremendous amount of history and a vast number of creative individuals, both past and present, from whom to draw inspiration,” explained Stella, Creative Director of twenty2degrees. “Whenever we begin a new project, we first look to the brief in order to form the bare bones of the design. Then we explore the locality in order to added layered design elements”.

    The work of Hungary’s renowned Bauhaus designer, Marcel Breuer, and artist, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, was the inspiration for the specially designed carpets and the refined-yet-elaborate decorative screens throughout the Greatroom. Integrated as an artistic and architectural element, they also serve to zone the space without shutting off any areas. These areas include: The Individual Zone for guests to relax, read, work and enjoy a coffee or a light snack, The Social Zone that is centred on the Liz and Chain Bar, and The Guest Service Zone where customers check in. Zones are defined by varying colour palettes as well as by different seating, tables and lighting options. The multi-functional, open plan scheme is designed to reflect our modern lifestyle where the opposing demands for privacy and human connection, work and socialising need to be met within a flexible space.

    large island in the middle of modern F&B area

    Image credit: Marriott International/twenty2degrees

    Together with cubist shapes and Bauhaus curves, twenty2degrees’ celebration of the local is continued through a collaboration with contemporary local artists, Janos Huszti, Petyka, and Stefan Osnowski. Their pieces, as well as a collection of traditional paintings and prints and integrated artworks compliment the colour scheme and provide an impressive gallery feel to some of the areas.

    The meeting and banqueting spaces boast stunning views of the city. Together they represent 17,000 square feet of versatile space that includes Grand Budapest Ballroom, Ballroom Terrace, and a number of flexible meeting rooms. The redesigned spaces display similar aesthetic values to the Greatroom, echoing Bauhaus principles, favouring functionality over ornamentation and asymmetry over symmetry. They too are modern and tactile, combining cubist inspired forms with a contemporary design style.

    Main image credit: Marriott International/twenty2degrees

    colourful, modern guest room

    Room Mate Hotels to launch beach resort brand

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    Room Mate Hotels to launch beach resort brand

    Room Mate Hotels, the Spanish hotel chain founded and led by Kike Sarasola, will launch its beach resort brand next year with the opening of Room Mate Olivia…

    Having established its position in the hospitality market, the Spanish urban chain, Room Mate Group has created a new beach resort brand that will launch next summer.

    colourful, modern guest room

    Owned by HIP in Calviá, Mallorca, the 391-key Room Mate Olivia’s opening will mark the brand’s arrival. Envisioned by interior designer Jaimie Beriestain, who drew inspiration from the island’s unique charm, the hotel will feature a total of four outdoor swimming pools, a sun deck with Balinese beds, a wellness centre complete with gym, gardens and a children’s play area.

    Room Mate Olivia will also have a range of dining options, including an à la carte and buffet restaurant – where guests will be able to enjoy a variety of dishes from around the world – and a healthy corner offering a selection of nutritious snacks.

    The new hotel and brand is part of Room Mate Group’s ambitious plan to rediscover the experience and concept of the beachfront hotel. The entrance into beachfront hotels is part of a larger expansion plan to open 14 hotels and 13 apartment buildings over the next 24 months, doubling their portfolio from 1,900 rooms to more than 3,600 rooms.

    Main image credit: Room Mate Hotels

    NH Hotels arrives in style to join Amsterdam’s hotel scene

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    NH Hotels arrives in style to join Amsterdam’s hotel scene

    nhow Amsterdam RAI is the brand’s second hotel to open this year – and it is as quirky as the rest of the portfolio…

    Just days after opening the brand’s first hotel in the UK, NH Hotels has official cut the ribbon to its debut property in Amsterdam, which is located on the fringe of the culture hub’s city centre.

    Designed by Dutch architecture firm OMA, famous for its cutting-edge buildings, the 24-storey shell that shelters the hotel a series of glass and steel triangular slabs that area stacked on top of each other at different angles. This is so that the building is not limited to face just one direction.

    In addition to its location, which is situated steps from Amsterdam’s RAI convention centre, the hotel has been designed for bleisure travellers, and is complete with nine meeting spaces over three floors that offer the latest technology and stunning views of the city.

    The 650-key hotel is described on its website as: “A place where contemporary art, design, gastronomy and cultural expressions mix. A new vibrant hub for business travelers, tourists and Amsterdam locals alike. The iconic building, facing various wind directions, symbolises the melting-pot the city of Amsterdam has always been.”

    The guestrooms are inspired inspired by the cardinal direction the particular room faces – South, East, North, South West, South East and North West, with an eclectic mix of vibrant colors, patterns and traditional elements freshly interpreted throughout.

    Referencing Amsterdam’s many different cultures and cuisines, the hotel features three terraces, each overlooking a different part of the city and a restaurant located on the 17th floor, with a bar also located on the ground floor.

    nhow Amsterdam RAI is NH Hotels’ latest property to opening, making its permanent mark in The Netherlands as well as the overall European hotel scene.

    Main image credit: NH Hotels

    Thompson Washington D.C. opens in quirky Navy Yard neighborhood

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    Thompson Washington D.C. opens in quirky Navy Yard neighborhood

    Thompson Hotels’ lifestyle brand expands to America’s capital, Washington D.C., in the heart of bustling and emerging Navy Yard neighbourhood…

    Hyatt Hotels has announced the opening of Thompson Washington D.C., the Thompson Hotels brand’s first property in the nation’s capital.

    With architecture by New York-based Studios Architecture and interiors by award-winning firm Parts and Labor Design, the new hotel features 225 sleek and modern guestrooms and suites. It also features restaurant and bar concepts by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, positioning Thompson Washington D.C. to serve as a modern hub for locals and visitors against the backdrop of the city’s dynamic waterfront neighbourhood.

    The hotel’s deeply textured façade and large industrial-inspired windows are a visual standout that embody the historic industrial language of the neighborhood, The Yards, a 42-acre waterfront development at the center of Capitol Riverfront’s Navy Yard neighborhood. As the first lifestyle hotel in the growing mixed-used development, Thompson Washington D.C. is designed to be a social anchor in The Yards community, joining dozens of specialty retailers, restaurants, high-end residences, and cultural attractions. Situated on D.C.’s scenic riverfront, outdoor parks such as the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and The Yards Park are all mere steps from the hotel, inviting visitors to walk around and explore.

    “Thompson Hotels is a brand that has always boldly pushed the norms of a traditional hotel experience.” – General Manager, Sherry Abedi

    “We are proud to introduce the sophisticated and evocative Thompson Washington D.C. to the nation’s capital,” said General Manager Sherry Abedi. “Thompson Hotels is a brand that has always boldly pushed the norms of a traditional hotel experience, and we look forward to super-serving our global visitors, World of Hyatt members, and the Washington, D.C. community with a stylish destination to eat, drink, connect and relax. We have already felt a warm welcome from the neighborhood’s residents and local businesses.”

    Junior Suite with views over the city

    Image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    The hotel’s interiors were inspired by the Thompson brand’s signature mid-century modern aesthetic and the area’s notable Navy Yard, incorporating industrial patterns and textures found in the neighborhood’s historic naval structures. The hotel’s 225 guestrooms, including 17 suites, boast floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the Anacostia River and Nationals Park. Two expansive Thompson Suites also feature stunning outdoor terraces with views of the Washington Navy Yard. Each guestroom features custom headboards upholstered in a mélange wool boucle from Holland complemented by sherry and plume-colored leather framed in a dark oak. Additional room elements include bathroom vanity tops made of green onyx and Brazilian white avalanche marble, 400-thread-count SFERRA linens, Tivoli radios, 55″ flat screen HD TVs, D.S. & Durga custom bath products, and kimono-style robes. The hotel’s mini bars are stocked with locally sourced items, including guilt-free snacks and candles from Frères Branchiaux Candle Co., where 10 per cent of proceeds benefit Washington, D.C.’s homeless shelters.

    Among Thompson Washington D.C.’s many standout features is its signature restaurant, Maialino Mare, from famed Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). The restaurant – a coastal sister to the original Maialino in New York City – focuses on seafood-forward pastas and other seasonally-inspired dishes sourced from local farmers and fishmongers, complemented by a robust Italian wine list and rustic desserts. Maialino Mare’s interior reflects a nod to Italian tradition but is rooted in the local metropolitan, modern setting and community.

    Anchovy Social, the hotel’s rooftop bar, boasts an airy atmosphere accented with nautical elements and sweeping views of the city. Parts and Labor Design sought to create a contrasting but unified experience seen through the dark-to-light palette, allowing the space and its unprecedented 360-degree views of the city and waterfront to become a destination in itself. Anchovy Social will open in the weeks to come.

    Main image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    Render of high-rise among low level buildings

    Radisson Red to open hotel in Reykjavik in 2021

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Radisson Red to open hotel in Reykjavik in 2021

    Radisson Hotel Group has revealed the design concept and renderings for the brand new Radisson RED Reykjavik…

    It is said to be a new urban hub for travellers and locals alike, the first ever Radisson RED in Iceland is slated to open its doors in 2021 and will take shelter in a 17-storey sea-facing building in the heart of the city.

    Render of high-rise among low level buildings

    “Radisson RED is Radisson Hotel Group’s upscale, select service hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional,” said Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior Vice President of Radisson Hotel Group in Northern Europe. “Radisson RED hotels inject new life into hospitality through informal services, a social scene that’s waiting to be shared and bold design that kick-starts the fun. It is the perfect match for Reykjavik and the entire Radisson Hotel Group team and owners are thrilled to introduce this landmark Reykjavik.”

    “It is inspired by the history of the architecture and geology of the land, with its colorful buildings painted red, black and white and dramatic natural phenomena of basalt columns and red and black lava flows.” – Architect Tony Kettle.

    The 203-room Radisson RED Reykjavik will be a newly built property that provides travelers with an ideal base from which to explore the city and beyond. Located in the city centre, the hotel will be an ocean front property offering guests panoramic views of the ocean, city and the surrounding mountain ridge. The design is comprehensive, welcoming, accessible and connects locals and travelers with the restaurant and bar on the ground floor, street plaza, Red Sky bar and a Terrace viewpoint.

    “The idea for this new landmark hotel is to create a special building which will reinforce the sense of the city of Rekyjavik and the landscape of Iceland to create a new and exciting destination for the city,” added the architect Tony Kettle. “It is inspired by the history of the architecture and geology of the land, with its colorful buildings painted red, black and white and dramatic natural phenomena of basalt columns and red and black lava flows.”

    The roof of the hotel is activated with a two-level roof bar and viewing terrace accessed from a glazed panoramic lift with spectacular views to and from the spectacular city.

    Sigurborg Osk Haraldsdottir, the chairman of the planning and transport committee says the planning and transport committee emphasized that special attention was paid to the local environment, that the building would be accessible to the public and that the building would be of the highest quality.

    “I, myself would say that it has been successful and that this building will be a great part of the city’s skyline for the future. The building, its surroundings and all the finishing work, in my opinion, create a comprehensive design that leads to higher quality in the urban environment and it matters when condensing settlements”, says Sigurborg Osk Haraldsdotti and adds: “I also emphasise that the redesign of Vitastigur and the square in front of the Skúlagata building will be safe and very accessible for the public. In the site plan, there is a requirement for access from Skúlagata through the entrance to the site, so that the public will have access to the entire site. The ground floor will also be open with dining facilities along with the top floor with, a terrace viewpoint for guests and walking.”

    Main image credit: Radisson Red

    Talking ‘art logistics’ with Momentous’ Dan Moore

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    Talking ‘art logistics’ with Momentous’ Dan Moore

    Art specialist logistics company Momentous’ new GM meets editor Hamish Kilburn to discuss market growth and misconceptions in art logistics…

    Momentous, the specialist logistics company, have recently welcomed Dan Moore as its General Manager. With extensive management experience within the specific sector of the industry, covering commercial, FF&E, Workplace, Fine Art, Storage, UK and International project management, Moore joined us to tell us more about how he plans to support the hospitality industry’s booming art scene.

    Hamish Kilburn: What sets Momentous aside from any other logistics company?  
    Dan Moore: Momentous provide clients a turnkey solution to their logistical challenges. We’re not an ordinary logistics company, we have an experienced team with diverse backgrounds, which only adds value to our clients’ projects. What makes us unlike any other logistics company is our approach:

          • Zero downtime
          • Saving money through expert planning and advice
          • Project delivered with in timescales and budget costs
          • Delivered excellence through innovation
          • Money would have been saved
          • A trusted relationship would have been built
          • Over 40 years’ industry experience
          • We take responsibility for our actions
          • We care

    “My background is based on relationships, I believe this is the best route to market.” Dan Moore, General Manager, Momentous

    HK: How will your experience in this market help Momentous’ growth?
    DM:     I’ve been in the logistics industry for more than 13 years now, and have a passion for the industry and leadership. I’ve come from a diverse background that can only add to the development of Momentous. Over previous years, I have been involved in Workplace Solutions and FF&E, working with some leading brands delivering turn key solutions for their projects. My background is based on relationships, I believe this is the best route to market.  I’m excited to develop the team and work alongside some great people, as mentioned I’m passionate about leading and feel these skills will help motivate and retain our existing team and attract new talent to our business.  A good business starts with employing good people!

    HK: What would you say is the biggest misconception about art logistics?
    DM:     Dare I say “money” – when you mention you’re in the world of Art Logistics, they automatically assume you must be very successful and there’s lot of money in that market. However, over the years the cost per job has declined and it’s become harder and harder to win business in this sector, unless you have some relationships on going and in place! Buyer’s of art are very conscious of the price when it comes to shipping and taking care of it. In some cases we see the “Man & Van” handle the work.

    “Art finds a good fit to the hotel industry.” – Dan Moore, General Manager, Momentous

    HK: How has the art arena in hotels changed in recent years, and why is that?
    DM: Like a lot of industries, you need to stay fresh and current and find different ways of attracting visitors and customers. I think art finds a good fit to the hotel industry. In regards to design, hotels are considering innovative ideas rather than the traditional look.

    HK: Explain the day-to-day role of a General Manager in your industry?
    DM: Well, every day can be different and particularly for me. Balancing revenue targets with margin expectation can always be challenging and I am sure in any industry. As General Manager your role is overseeing the brand in its entirety from H&S to Budgets and all the in-between. I think motivation, development and leadership are key roles as a GM as well as analytical skills to be able to challenge the status quo.  For me, I like being involved in the selling of our services too, I’m always active in developing new relationships or pitching to a new client.

    Momentous is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Momentous

    Streets of vienna at night

    Hotel market in Austria to expand by 12,000 rooms

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    Hotel market in Austria to expand by 12,000 rooms

    Could Austria be the new hospitality hotspot in Europe? The Latest findings by TOPHOTELCONSTRUCTION could suggest so…

    With more than 12,000 rooms due to be added to Austria’s hotel market in the coming years, according to TOPHOTELCONSTRUCTION, the Alpine nation of Austria is adapting to growing demand.

    Streets of vienna at night

    According to the online database, 90 hotel projects are currently in the development pipeline in Austria, 62 per cent of which will open as either ‘first class’ or ‘luxury’ properties.

    For 2020 specifically, the region is expected to welcome 29 hotels, which will add a further 4,125 rooms to the Austrian hospitality scene, which compared to 21 openings in 2021 and just nine openings in 2022, suggests that the next 12 months will see the market peak in Austria with a flurry of new design-led hotels entering the market place.

    Austria’s capital, Vienna, will be the backdrop of 27 of these openings, adding 5, 488 new rooms in the city. This follows the demand for more urban, midscale four-star developments in Vienna, as the tourism board recorded an increase of almost 12 per cent in room revenue between the months of January to November.

    Brands jumping on the hotel development bandwagon in Austria include Hilton, Accor, Six Senses and Radisson Red.

    Main image credit: Pixabay

    MarBella Collection announces debut in mainland Greece

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    MarBella Collection announces debut in mainland Greece

    MarBella Collection is months away from opening the brand’s first property outside Corfu. Hotel Designs took a sneak peek inside Marbella Elix on the mainland of Greece…

    Up until now, the hotel brand MarBella Collection has enjoyed developing its hotel portfolio of luxury properties around the rugged mountains and within the resort-studded shoreline of Corfo in Greece.

    But that is all about the change as the brand steers towards a new era. MarBella Elix, which will open in June of this year, will mark the brand’s first footprints onto the mainland of Greece.

    As the third hotel to join the MarBella Collection portfolio, the luxury hotel will be perched above the beautiful Karavostasi Beach in the Parga region, looking west towards Corfu and Paxos. An area of astounding natural beauty, the luxurious MarBella Elix sits in unspoilt surroundings where the mountains meet the Ionian Sea.

    Aerial view of sea and white sunbeds

    Image credit: MarBella Collection

    MarBella Elix is situated close to Parga Village and within the region of Thesprotia in mainland Greece which lies opposite Corfu and is a much-loved holiday destination for locals and the lucky few who have discovered this off-the-radar, picturesque area.

    Image of modern room overlooking the sea

    Image credit: MarBella Collection

    146 spacious and contemporary guestrooms and suites have been designed using natural and simple materials, creating a clean and crisp look and feel, allowing the striking landscape to complete the guests’ hotel experience. Guests will have 13 different room types to choose from, all with balconies offering uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea and include flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, organic toiletries and premium ultra-soft bedding.

    With three restaurants and three bars, guests at MarBella Elix will not be short of choice when deciding where to slake their appetite. The choice ranges from modern Mediterranean dining at Saffron Main Restaurant in a sublime sea view setting to healthy, light bites beside the pool or Indigo Beach Restaurant.

    The hotel will be the brand’s third hotel to join the portfolio of two unique properties. The iconic family 5* resort, MarBella Corfu Hotel, is located and in Agios Ioannis Peristeron and its adjacent sister, adult-only suite hotel MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas, which opened in May 2018, is also a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

    Main image credit: MarBella Hotels

    Tomorrow’s hotel technology unveiled at CES 2020

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    Tomorrow’s hotel technology unveiled at CES 2020

    With CES 2020 currently taking place in Las Vegas, Hotel Designs launches technology as its January Spotlight On by futuregazing at tomorrow’s products that are expected to further evolve the international hospitality scene (edited by Hamish Kilburn)…

    Question: how far are you willing to stretch your imagination in search of finding the latest technology that will go on to further evolve – possibly even lead – the inner workings of the global hospitality industry?

    Although great attempts have been made by hotel giants such as Hilton and tech experts such as Jason Bradbury to identify emerging technology trends, the reality is that predicting the hotel room of the future is like asking a toddler to complete a 1,000-piece puzzle, while blindfolded.

    The industry, as a whole, has largely learned its lessons from the mistakes it made at the beginning of last decade, when too many hotels fell into the trap door (probably operated by a tablet) of adopting the smart home into the hotel market. Using ‘tech for the sake of tech’ to create gimmicky spaces proved to be a meaningless method to attract modern travellers. Thankfully, in 2020, we are operating in an era where less is certainly more when it comes to integrating technology into the hotel experience.

    Tech genius’, forecasters and consumers are currently in Las Vegas to attend the annual CES 2020, which is regarded as the global stage for tech launches in all industries; it is where tomorrow’s products are being unveiled for the very first time. Inside the venues that are scattered all over the city are all the various pieces of the industry’s most complex jigsaw, which, when put together, will form the high-definition image – or at least a strong rendered representation – of what the future hotel will look like.

    In order to make sense of the chaos from the show’s many previews and launches, here are Hotel Designs’ edited top five finds…

    Alexa in the shower 

    Render of grey shower with speaker on it

    Image credit: Kohler

    Claiming to be the latest in digital shower design, Kohler has launched a render of a showerhead that, if launched commercially, could mean the end of showering alone forever. Kohler Moxie showerhead pairs cleanliness with voice activation, with a removable smart speaker that clips into place.

    Plants with personality

    Image of yellow plant pot with a happy face and plant inside

    Image credit: Lua

    With awareness rising day-by-day around sustainability, the wonderful idea that a fully sustainable design-led guestroom is no longer an alien concept that won’t make it past the drawing board. Bringing the outdoors inside was a dominant interior design trend last year than, which is expected to progress in creative ways. One company making its mark is Lua, which wants to turn plants into pets. The product is a sensor-packed pot that shows animated faces to let consumers know when the foliage is thirsty, or in need of sunlight.

    Robotic toilet assistants

    pink background, robot carrying toilet roll

    Image credit: Charmin

    I know what you’re thinking. And yes, we have trialled hotel robots in the past and, currently, robots cannot replace human beings when it comes to meeting and greeting guests. However, considering the average person is expected to spend a year and half on the toilet, a question has been raised as to whether artificial intelligence could benefit us in the bathroom. Consumer goods specialist Procter & Gamble aims to modernise our bathroom behaviour with the company’s toilet paper brand, Charmin. Rollbot is a a self-balancing robot that connects to your phone and will deliver a fresh toilet roll directly to the user if they happen to find themselves in need at a crucial moment.

    Boundless possibilities for TVs

    Render of flat tv

    Image credit: Samsung

    Considering the year-on-year evolution in the technology – not to mention the demand among consumers – it is no surprise that TVs continue to be one of the most common talking points during CES 2020. This year’s show directed the spotlight on Samsung’s no-bezel edge-to-edge screen as well as LG’s product that rolls down from the ceiling after unveiling the world’s first rollable OLED TV last year in Milan.

    Questionable fitness software

    Image credit: EnvisonBody

    Controversial for many, but interesting nonetheless as the demand for wellness travel continues to rise, EnvisionBody has launched a concept that will allow the consumer or guest to see what they would look like if they added more exercise into their lifestyle. The technology plans to work with gym equipment-makers to show idealised versions of users’ physiques as they work out.

    Back on UK soil, Forum Events, the parent company of Hotel Designs, is beginning the new year with the opportunity to start conversations like no other by hosting the Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum. If you are a supplier and would like to attend, please email Lisa Rose or call 07930 402303. If you are a delegate and would like to attend the event, please email either Emily Gallagher or Lucia Guilisano or call 01992 37485/94.

    Alternatively, if you have a technology product that you would like to put on the editorial team’s radar, please email h.kilburn@forumevents.co.uk with images. 

    Main image credit: Pixabay

    Luscious greenery hiding rooftops of villas and ocean

    Rosewood Little Dix Bay opens in Caribbean after 4-year closure

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    Rosewood Little Dix Bay opens in Caribbean after 4-year closure

    British Virgin Islands’ Rosewood Little Dix Bay, which suffered major structural damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017, has reopened in the Caribbean for the first time in four years… 

    After much anticipation among luxury travellers, the legend that is Rosewood Little Dix Bay returns to the Caribbean and the BVIs, following a four-year closure.

    Luscious greenery hiding rooftops of villas and ocean

    An eco-tourism destination long before the term was coined – and developed by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller more than half a century ago – the beachfront hideaway celebrates Virgin Gorda’s natural beauty. Located on half-mile crescent bay, spanning 500 acres, rooms and suites are set just steps from the beach.

    The hotel originally opened in 1964 and was quickly established amongst affluential explorers as a destination of choice. Throughout a fifty-two-year tenure, the property held a premier place in the hearts of international travellers.

    “Over the last four years, an expert team of environmentalists, architects and designers have worked tirelessly to honour the resort’s storied past.” – Andreas Pade, managing director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay

    After closing for a refurbishment in 2016, the property was soon shuttered by the effects of Hurricane Irma. Nearly half a decade later, following a full renovation, the renowned resort remerges to universal delight as a paramount Caribbean retreat, retaining its original emphasis on celebrating the surrounding natural environment while introducing new elements that speak to the wants and needs of today’s travellers.

    “We are excited to welcome a new wave of ultra-luxury travelers as well as our adoring legacy guests to the reimagined Rosewood Little Dix Bay,” said Andreas Pade, managing director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. “Over the last four years, an expert team of environmentalists, architects and designers have worked tirelessly to honour the resort’s storied past while incorporating modern amenities and comforts, creating a truly one-of-a-kind offering in the British Virgin Islands that will delight discerning travelers for generations to come.”

    Inspired by its supreme setting with architecture positioned to follow the lines of the landscape, the property’s intuitive, modern design by New York-based design team Meyer Davis evokes a relaxed yet refined sense of luxury bolstered by boundless natural beauty. Honouring Rockefeller’s original vision, the footprint and structures of the property remain the same, including the resort’s unmistakable conical shaped roofs that sit atop the heart of the resort, Pavilion.

    Inside, each distinct guest space pays homage to Rosewood Little Dix Bay’s laid-back heritage while simultaneously incorporating a contemporary and residential vibe, with an aim to exude the feeling of a private home and offer a transcendent sense of ease throughout the entire guest journey. In keeping with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy, wherein the local sensibilities of the destination inspire the offerings provided there, the resort’s new design reflects the intrinsic style and sentiment of Virgin Gorda through unique décor, authentic artifacts and dynamic design elements that bring the external environment indoors.

    Image credit: Rosewood Hotels

    80 guestrooms, suites and villas have been designed with privacy, relaxation and reconnection in mind, with the majority of rooms serving as digital-free sanctuaries without televisions. Dressed in the soothing tones of the island’s pristine sands, ancient boulders and cooling waters, each accommodation offers elevated design and décor and unobstructed views of the sea, including the hexagonal-shaped Ocean View Cottage and Beach Front Cottage guestrooms. Sophisticated and spacious suites, ranging from Tree House Suites inspired by the resort’s original stilt houses to One-Bedroom Pool Suites with private plunge pools and adjoining Ocean View Junior and One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, provide an inspired home-away-from-home ideal for group getaways.

    For those seeking an even more elevated stay, the resort’s luxury villas deliver the utmost in space and service and include the four-bedroom Villa Joy, two-bedroom Columbus House and three-bedroom Laurance House. Both original to the 1964 property, Columbus House and Laurance House feature large living spaces, full kitchens, oversized terraces, private pools and direct beach access.

    Four dynamic dining outlets combine the best of Caribbean cuisine with international influences and awe-inspiring ambiance to produce a one-of-a-kind culinary experience unmatched in the region. Featuring a freehand menu that rotates daily, the chic and colorful signature restaurant Reef House showcases premier al fresco “farm-to-fork” dining, with fresh provisions and ingredients sourced daily from the property’s on-site garden as well as through local purveyors. Slightly more casual, Sugar Mill serves creative tapas-style dishes paired with specialty craft cocktails from within the property’s open-air stone mill. Situated in the heart of the resort beneath its iconic vaulted rooftops, Pavilion utilizes international cooking methods, global ingredients and bold spices in every dish, as shown through demonstrations at the restaurant’s outdoor show kitchen. Located just off Pavilion, the relaxed, indoor-outdoor Rum Room is stocked with 107 different labels of aged and rare rums from around the world.

    Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels

    nhow London opens and Hotel Designs is first in

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    nhow London opens and Hotel Designs is first in

    Sensitively designed by The Brit List 2019 accredited firm Project Orange, nhow London has opened in Shoreditch to become a brave and bold accent on the capital’s booming hotel scene. Editor Hamish Kilburn is first in…

    NH Hotel Group has arrived in the UK hospitality arena with the opening of nhow London. The 190-key hotel shelters many contemporary and quirky design statements to frame the interior design theme of ‘London Reloaded’, which was imagined and created by Shoreditch-based design firm Project Orange.

    With six properties in Europe, the nhow brand aims to evolve the lifestyle hotel market by surprising and inspiring its guests through unconventional experience and design, which is unique to each hotel’s location. nhow London is part of the exciting new development 250 City Road.

    Project Orange has been responsible for the interior design of the project from concept through to completion, and has specified British manufacturers as much as possible throughout the entire project. The ‘London Reloaded’ theme is prominent throughout the hotel with bold and fresh design that takes inspiration from traditional British icons, such as the Royal Family, London landmarks and the underground.

    All areas of the have an eccentric and contemporary take, with stand-out features including a Big Ben rocket sculpture in the lobby, tables in the ground-floor restaurant Bells and Whistles featuring cockney rhyming slang and oversized gold bell lights, a reminder of the city’s famous church bells.

    Render of the ground-floor restaurant with green banquet seating

    Image caption/credit: Render of Bells and Whistles restaurant | nhow London/Project Orange

    Upstairs, the corridors have been designed to reference a walk in a typical London park. Featuring eye-catching designed HD carpets by Brintons, as well as colourful ‘townhouse front door’ style doors, this area of the hotel, which can all too often feel stale and unforgotten, has been brought to life with humour. Each floor, facing the lifts, features a stencil of a bike chained to a fence. As guests move up each levels of the hotel, another part of the bike is removed, which is a playful nod to the reality of most, if not all, for cyclists in the city.

    Colourful textures confront contemporary art in the rooms, creating a dynamic version of London – think punk meets high-tech style, while graffiti appears alongside unconventional images of past monarchs.

    As with all NH Hotels, everything in a nhow London is pleasingly unexpected. The nhow experience has arrived in London as the brand continues to make its mark on the European hotel scene.

    Main image credit: nhow London

    Hilton Dalaman to launch swim-up pool villas

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    Hilton Dalaman to launch swim-up pool villas

    The hotel in Dalaman, Turkey, will expand its accommodation by opening new lake house rooms and villas in May 2020…

    With the wellness craze well and truly taking over on the international hotel design scene, Hilton Dalaman in Turkey is expanding its accommodation offering with a new collection of luxury Lake House Swim-up Rooms and Villas.

    The swim-up rooms and villas will be surrounded by a luscious green garden, each overlooking or with direct access to an incredible swimming pool. The new development will feature 123 rooms with three accommodation types, including; Lake House Swim-Up Room, Lake House Family Swim-Up and three Lake House Villas. Each contemporary-style property offers spacious accommodation for four – 10 guests, up to four bedrooms with Super King Size or Queen Size beds, a living room, private terrace with direct pool access or a private balcony with pool view.

    Render of new swim-up rooms

    Image caption/credit: Render of new swim-up rooms | Hilton Hotels

    The 71 sqm Lake House Swim-Up Rooms sleep up to four guests within one stylish bedroom, a fully equipped living room, a large bathroom with luxury amenities and a private terrace with its own sunbeds and umbrellas. The larger, 142 sqm, Family Rooms offer an additional bedroom, living room space and pool terrace and sleeps up to six adults + one child.

    “The private facility will feature more than 6,065 sqm. of swimming pool.”

    With striking views of the Dalaman River, the private facility will feature more than 6,065 sqm. of swimming pool, three whirlpools and 1 children’s pool, the Lake House Restaurant and Bar and three Lake House Pool Bars. With the main resort in in close proximity, guests can enjoy Hilton Dalaman’s fantastic offering. From a 650m private beach, 10 swimming pools, heated aqua park, excellent kids’ club, an extensive spa, tennis courts, plus a choice of 21 restaurants and bars – the resort offers something for everyone.

    Grey, black and white pallet in guestroom

    Image credit: Hilton Hotels

    With an enviable location on the edge of the Dalaman River, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, the luxury beach resort is easily accessible from Dalaman International Airport, a short walk from Sarıgerme village and close by to historical and natural attractions such as Kaunos Ancient city Dalyan, Blue Lagoon, Koycegiz, Iztuzu Caretta Caretta Beach.

    Main image credit: Hilton Hotels

    PARIS PREVIEW: What to expect at MAISON&OBJET and Deco Off 2020

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    PARIS PREVIEW: What to expect at MAISON&OBJET and Deco Off 2020

    As Paris prepares to welcome designers from around the world for Maison&Objet and Deco Off, editor Hamish Kilburn previews what he expects to be the most significant products to launch at both shows… 

    Maison&Objet and Paris Deco Off never fail to attract and engage a large international crowd, and with just days until this year’s shows open, 2020 is going to be no exception.

    Despite the two events contrasting in style – one dominating the volume of Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte on the outskirts of the city with a variety of brands, and the other spilling out into the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés – together they work harmoniously. As a pair, they are undoubtably two of the hottest events in the design calendar, intriguing more than 80,000 design enthusiasts to descend onto the streets and trawl through the exhibition halls of Paris.

    Many would argue, myself included, that both shows have become the go-to destinations to garner and guage the product launches and new styles from leading suppliers that are expected to dominate the market over the course of the rest of the year. It is for that reason, and the fact that there sea of interior design trends flooding the market, why Paris a quality trip worth taking in January if you are looking to cut through the noise for interior inspiration.

    However, as someone who has walked the six halls and the narrow streets, it’s wise to approach Maison&Objet and Paris Deco Off as a marathon, and not a sprint. In order to give you a headstart, here are just some of the product launches and new collections that we expect will create the most noise this month.

    Zaha Hadid Design: Hall 6 — Stand P38 (M&O)

    Image of abstract glass plate

    Image credit: Zaha Hadid Design

    Interpreting the ordinary into something unexpected. Referencing Zaha Hadid’s process with each new project – ZAHA HADID DESIGN (ZHD) continues to examine its significance within the dialogue of contemporary design by interpreting both the present and the future, and by continuing to share Hadid’s story.

    ZHD, which has been led by co-directors Maha Kutay and Woody Yao since 2013, has an extensive cross-disciplinary portfolio which includes design in fashion; jewelry; limited edition furniture; interiors; exhibitions, installations, sculpture, and set-design.

    NANOLEAF: Hall 1 — Stand G49 (M&O)

    Image of lounge funky lights above comfy sofa

    Image Credit: Nanoleaf

    Founded in 2012, but only recently exciting the hotel industry with its modular lighting design, is NANOLEAF. The lighting company prides itself on creating innovative lighting solutions that are smarter by design. By infusing artistic design and technological innovations in their products, NANOLEAF brings excitement, convenience, and joy to the way people experience light. NANOLEAF is a green technology and “IoT company” changing the world with innovative lighting solutions.

    The newly introduced Unified Light Panels Line with interconnectivity will give users complete design freedom to create all new creative configurations, from abstract geometric layouts to perfect replicas of their favorite characters and shapes. The Unified Hexagons invite users to truly tap into their imagination to personalize their lighting designs.

    NARDI: Hall 6 — Stand M111

    Birdseye view of pink outdoor furniture

    Image credit: Nardi

    NARDI Italian manufacturer of outdoor furniture 100 per cent Made in Italy that is furiously waving the sustainability flag. The company, which was founded in 1990 and based in Italy, is specialised in designing and producing high-quality designer furniture in resin for outdoor use in the residential and hospitality sectors. All of its products, designed for people’s wellbeing and relaxation, are made in a production chain that is entirely “Made in Italy” and are eco-friendly. High-quality resin processed using cutting-edge systems is combined with aluminium, synthetic fabrics, padded elements and glass to make products with a design that is original and almost completely recyclable.

    OGO Furniture: Hall 6 — Stand C80 (M&O)

    An aray of quirky seatsOGO is a brand with roots that comes from the Spanish islands. The mild temperatures have marked the serene and peaceful character of the company’s products, so that guests can enjoy the open air.

    Nacho Timón and Ana Llàcer, both Valencian designers, together with the OGO creative team have developed an original collection created to be practical and useful. A key aim for OGO is to not limit designers when decorating a space. Exhibited at the show, LOLA by OGO is a minimalist, versatile and unique piece that is ideal for a contemporary hotel lobby.

    PEDRALI: Hall 6 — Stand J2 / K1 (M&O)

    Studio image of four varying sized chairs with blue and pink background

    Image credit: PEDRALI

    Since 1963, PEDRALI has produced seats, tables, complements and lighting exclusively manufactured in Italy through a design process, which combines tradition and innovation, engineering excellence and creative brilliance. The latest collection, Folk, is the result of an accurate research aimed to create industrial design products made of metal, plastic materials, wood as well as upholstery.

    Following the cornerstones of a 100 per cent made in Italy production philosophy, the company’s activity is joined by a profitable collaboration with numerous designers that has allowed the company to achieve an award-winning status in the international contract market.

    Arte Showroom – 6 Rue de l’Abbaye (Deco Off)

    Showroom with large colourful, jungle-like wall

    Image credi: Arte

    Following the unveiling of an army of new and adventurous collections in 2019 – as well as hosting an insightful roundtable – Arte’s showroom in Paris is preparing to lift the lid on more new wallcoverings for 2020. Arte wallcoverings adorn the walls of both residential homes and project interiors in more than 80 countries worldwide. Every year, an in-house team of experienced designers creates several new collections. All of these new products must be innovative and trendsetting while also being of superior quality. The wallcoverings vary from urbain sophistication to dramatic exuberance, but they always retain the same tasteful elegance.

    If 2019’s eclectic mix of surfaces is anything to go by, then the showroom will be well worth a visit during Paris Deco Off.

    Designers Guild – 4 Rue Vide Gousset (Deco Off)

    Residential set with grey sofa and plants

    Image credit: Designers Guild

    Designers Guild is introducing a distinctive new season abundant with an elegant mellow richness. Spring 2020 examines the influence of the early twentieth century garden designers and their innovative use of natural wild planting – pushing the boundaries of style just as its artistic and literary counterparts of the Aesthetic Movement also did. Discover a decorative fabric collection of floral prints, elaborate embroideries and complex geometrics, plus versatile textured wallpapers and four new plain and essential fabric textures. Imagined in every organic hue, from earthy sepia, birch and hemp, to celadon, emerald and topaz with hints of azalea and turmeric. With beautiful new home accessories too, a new paint collection inspired by the soft, soothing shades of nature and new collections from the company’s brands.

    Jab Anstoetz – 25 Rue du Mail (Deco Off)

    Yellow and pastel coloured chairs around white modern table

    Image credit: Jab

    Since 1946, Jab Anstoetz has been showing its true colours in textile furnishings at the highest level of quality. The Bielefeld-based group of company’s portfolios is continuously growing, setting new trends in interior decoration with a sure instinct. Among its range: textile furnishings, wallpapers, flooring lines (carpets, wall-to-wall carpets, LVT), high-quality curtain rods, blinds and panels, upholstered furniture as well as exclusive accessories.

    Jean Paul Gaultier – 325 Rue Saint-Martin (Deco Off)

    Colourful chair and curtain in front of leaves

    Image credit: Jean Paul Gaultier

    This time the influences in Jean Paul Gaultier’s new collections are taken from the pop universe, where the fortune teller and the work of the macrame makers blend naturally into magical landscapes of floral opulence and the third dimension and other graphic waves. The introduction of the first two outdoor fabrics continue the mix of playing with nature, but still with a nod to the influence of pop and even rock.

    Kobe – (Deco Off)

    Modern furniture with glass windows

    Image credit: Kobe

    Kobe is a successful editor of soft furnishing fabrics and wall-coverings for domestic and contract interior markets and will be among the leading suppliers exhibiting in the neighbourhood during Paris Deco Off. Kobe has showrooms and offices in major European cities and has a passion for interior design is paramount, with a strong focus on innovative high-quality products.

    Rubelli – 11 Rue de l’Abbaye (Deco Off)

    Catering for all contract needs, Rubelli is keeping tight-lipped around the launch of its new textile and wallcovering collections in Paris later this month. The company is, however, promising us new textures and new colours that are both smart and iconic, timeless as well as contemporary. The collection will be one to be seen, to be touched, to be experienced, to be loved. Following last year’s show, where the company launched a colourful display of new textiles, wallcoverings and partnerships, the showroom is expected to be among one of the most popular during Paris Deco Off 2020.

    Zimmer + Rhode (Deco Off)

    Green and yellow armchair in front of red backdrop

    Image credit: Zimmer + Rohde

    Raising the curtain on the ZR autumn collection – CIRCUS. The CIRCUS collection combines spectacle with precision and skill, whisks you away to a magical world, and shows that a great passion lies behind every true virtuoso.

    If you or a company you know of are launching a new product or collection in Paris later this month, and you would like it featured on the Hotel Designs website, then please contact the editorial desk with description and high-res images.

    Main image credit: Kobe

    Electric red led lights in modern and quirky lounge

    Most anticipated hotel openings in 2020 (Q3 & Q4)

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    Most anticipated hotel openings in 2020 (Q3 & Q4)

    Hotel Designs continues to glance at some of the most significant hotel projects that are expected to complete in the next 12 months (edited by Hamish Kilburn)…

    According to the latest findings by Top Hotel Projects, a whopping 50,000 new rooms are expected to open in January alone of this year.

    Electric red led lights in modern and quirky lounge

    Following on from part one of this series, where we put hotel openings in 2020 under the spotlight, here’s a closer look at some of the more significant hotels that are slated to open in Q3 and Q4 of this year.

    Pendry West Hollywood (Q3)

    Render of modern building

    Image credit: Penury Hotels

    Located on the iconic Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood is one of the most anticipated developments in the creative heart of Los Angeles. The ‘new luxury’ hotel – set in an eye-catching glass fronted building with interiors designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio to evoke Californian glamour – comprises 149 guestrooms, including 37 suites and 40 additional residences. For the property’s signature restaurant and food and beverage outlets, Wolfgang Puck has created an unparalleled culinary experience inspired by the artistic energy of the surrounding area. Other stand-out features include a spectacular rooftop pool and bar adorned with chic cabanas; Spa Pendry a tranquil sanctuary offering personalised wellness treatments; curated public art collections showcasing local talent; bowling alley; and screening room.

    Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone (Q3)

    Render of modern building overlooking racetrack

    Image credit: Hilton Hotels

    Racing fans will have a new hotel to call their home away from home from 2020. Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone is the first hotel to open at the premier motor racing venue and will provide guests with extensive views over the track. Enjoy the breakneck speeds and gripping circuit side action from the comfort of the guestroom balconies or the hotel’s gorgeous rooftop terrace.

    The hotel will also offer race-day experiences for all major sporting events held at the venue.

    The Reykjavik EDITION (Q3)

    Render of the exterior of The EDITION Reykjavik

    Image caption/credit: Render of The EDITION Reykjavik | EDITION Hotels/Marriott International

    Opening in a prime location within the downtown area of the city, The Reykjavik EDITION is set to launch in late 2020. Adjacent to the prominent Harpa Concert Hall, the hotel is situated in both a vibrant and scenic part of Iceland’s historical capital.

    Ian Schrager Company has collaborated with architects T.arch and designers Roman & Williams to introduce EDITION Hotels to Iceland. Poised to offer 250 rooms and suites, The Reykjavik EDITION is poised to house a private rooftop, nightlife space and ballroom. In addition, the hotel is expected to offer guests and locals a diverse culinary offering with three restaurants and a café.

    Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn Express, Warsaw Hub (Q3)

    Render of hotel

    Image credit: IHG

    A phoenix arisen from the ashes, Poland’s capital is a modern and dynamic metropolis that radiates contemporary style and sheer joie de vivre. The city boasts diverse architecture, beautiful outdoor spaces, cultural treasures, and a superb selection of dining spots, as well as over 100 cultural events taking place on a monthly basis. This new dual-branded hotel is part of The Warsaw HUB – a new business concept that will offer 430 rooms and suites from Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza, conveniently located in the heart of the city’s Silicon Valley – Rondo Daszyńskiego in the Wola district.

    Rosewood Hong Kong – Asaya (Q4)

    Two sun loungers overlooking bay

    Image credit: Rosewood Hotels

    November 2019 marks the launch of the ultimate urban wellness destination, ASAYA, at Rosewood Hong – offering progressive, comprehensive integrative wellness in a destination setting. This is the first urban outpost of Asaya, following its resort debut in Phuket in December 2017. Asaya will occupy a vast indoor and outdoor space at Rosewood Hong Kong, making it the largest lifestyle and wellness facility of the city.

    Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel, Arizona, USA (Q4)

    Render of hotel under rocks of Arizona

    Image credit: Ambiente

    Described as North America’s first landscape hotel, Ambiente is designed to blend in with the mystical red rocks of Sedona, Arizona.

    Developed, owned and managed by Two Sister Bosses, a Sedona family-owned and operated company, Ambiente is being built with a deep respect for the environment with a focus on sustainable methods and organic, modern architecture that complements the surrounding topography and minimises the impact on the land. Designed by award-winning, Scottsdale-based ASUL Architects, the hotel will be constructed around the natural vegetation and topography, requiring less cut and fill, which better meets today’s expectations of being responsible land stewards.

    Main image credit: Hilton Hotels

    EDITION to open three new hotels in 2020

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    EDITION to open three new hotels in 2020

    The luxury hotel brand EDITION Hotels has announced that it will open properties in Japan, Iceland and Dubai this year… 

    Following the announcement of Marriott International’s strategy to open 30 new luxury hotels in 2020, EDITION Hotels has shared that it will open three new properties across three continents this year.

    With the completion of new EDITION properties in Japan, Iceland and Dubai, the brand is expected to reach 13 properties worldwide. In addition, Marriott International has a further 15 hotels in EDITION’s signed development pipeline which, upon opening in coming years, should more than double the brand’s footprint.

    “All of the EDITION hotels are unique, original and one of a kind, embedded with a sense of time and place,” Ian Schrager.

    The brainchild of famed designer and hotel visionary Ian Schrager, EDTION Hotels continues to expand its home-from-home luxury interior scheme in major travel hotspots around the world. “All of the EDITION hotels are unique, original and one of a kind, embedded with a sense of time and place,” Schrager commented.

    With two existing properties in the Asia Pacific region, the brand expects to open its first property in Japan – The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon. EDITION expects to expand its footprint in the Middle East with the opening of The Dubai EDITION, the second hotel in the UAE following last year’s launch of The Abu Dhabi EDITION. Europe is also expected to see its fourth EDITION property with the launch of The Reykjavik EDITION in Iceland.

    Render of the exterior of The EDITION Reykjavik

    Image caption/credit: Render of The EDITION Reykjavik | EDITION Hotels/Marriott International

    Each new opening will further entrench EDITION Hotels’ position as a global leader in the luxury lifestyle hotel market. Working with eminent global designers to create distinctive properties, each EDITION Hotel is uniquely tailored to its destination. Displaying the best of dining and entertainment, services and amenities “all under one roof,” each EDITION property is completely unique, reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu of its location and of the time.

    EDITION Hotels’ commitment to uncompromising quality, true originality and impeccable modern service continues to define the luxury boutique hotel category. The brand’s rapid international expansion is set to continue with further openings slated throughout 2021 across multiple continents.

    Main image credit: EDITION Hotels/Marriott International 

    Render of luxury bedroom overlooking snowy slopes

    Kiroro Resort in Japan opens new residences

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    Kiroro Resort in Japan opens new residences

    Construction has completed on first residential resort in world-class alpine destination in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan…

    Within the powder paradise in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, Kiroro Resort has welcomed the arrival of new luxury residences and several new restaurants and bars.

    Render of luxury bedroom overlooking snowy slopes

    Developed by Property Perfect PCL, Kiroro Resort, which is tucked away in the mountains of Hokkaido, was amongst the top three best ski resorts 2019 in the 7th annual World Ski Awards.

    Yu Kiroro comprises of a collection of exclusive ski-in/ski-out private residences at the base of the mountain. The development features 104 one-, two-, three-bedroom and penthouse freehold luxury private residences that are fully-furnished with premium services such as ski valet, a natural indoor-outdoor onsen, 24-hour concierge, fitness centre and lounge.

    “Residents will have ski-in/ski-out access to the world’s best powder, the longest ski season – Mr. Chainid Adhyanasakul, CEO of Property Perfect PCL.”

    “We are thrilled to be completing the construction of Yu Kiroro, just in time for the winter season,” said Mr. Chainid Adhyanasakul, CEO of Property Perfect PCL. “Our owners are excited about the special opportunity to be the first to own in this highly coveted, high end mountain resort. Residents will have ski-in/ski-out access to the world’s best powder, the longest ski season, and year-round recreation in the heart of charming Hokkaido.”

    render of the slopes and the exterior of the hotel

    Image credit: Yu Kiroro

    The completion of the residences also coincides with the opening of several new restaurants and bar in Kiroro Resort, including Yukashi (Japanese / Western) restaurant in Yu Kiroro, as well as Asian Kitchen (Thai-Chinese dining), The Hokkaido Bar, Yanshu Yakiniku, Belgian Waffle Shop and Shiro.

    Main image credit: Kiroro Resort

     

    Render of the building, featuring the outside f&b areas and the exterior of the rooms

    Concept to completion: Journey to design Conrad Punta de Mita

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    Concept to completion: Journey to design Conrad Punta de Mita

    In the first article of the first concept-to-completion series of the year, Hotel Designs exclusively invites SB Architects explain the unique design concept of Conrad Punta de Mita, which is slated to open later this year…

    Situated within what is being called ‘Mexico’s next major ‘it’ destination’, Riviera Nayarit, Conrad Hotels & Resorts is months away from opening.

    Render of the building, featuring the outside f&b areas and the exterior of the rooms

    Co-developers HRV Hotel Partners and Contact Development Company envisioned a modern design and destination that highlights and enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

    In 2016, architecture firm SB Architects was commissioned to transform the former La Tranquila Resortin Punta de Mita, Mexico to redesign and refresh the existing buildings to become Conrad Punta de Mita. The brief included repositioning the lobby and lobby bar, as well as the addition of new low-rise guest room buildings. In answer to the ever-evolving food and wellness travel market, the firm was asked to also design a three-meal restaurant, specialty restaurant, pool bar and grill, beach grill, sunset bar, adult pool bar, spa, and conference centre.

    render of ground-level f&b area, open to nature

    Image caption/credit: Render of Speciality Restaurant | SB Architects/Conrad Hotels & Resorts

    Riviera Nayarit boasts more than 200 miles of sun-kissed beaches, provides a backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre mountains, and is one of the only places in the world where you can find all four groups of mangroves; White, Red, Black and Buttonwood.

    “People and place were the primary sources of inspiration, drawing from the rich, multi-cultural identity of Riviera Nayarit.”

    One of SB Architects earliest and clearest project goals was to create a rejuvenating resort that places people at the centre of the design and harnesses the ambiance of the site. Weaving Conrad Hilton’s key brand attributes into the design, people and place were the primary sources of inspiration, drawing from the rich, multi-cultural identity of Riviera Nayarit.

    People thrive best in environments that allow them to connect authentically to nature and the sophisticated, the contemporary architectural design, with seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, provides a fluid, natural and relaxed guest experience. Dovetailing with the dramatic scenery, resort bungalows, pavilions, and cabanas are nestled in coastal vegetation, overlooking ponds or the Pacific Ocean beaches and Litibu Bay coves. Influenced by Mexico’s rich history and unique culture, indigenous artwork integrates with luxurious amenities to create a sense of barefoot resort elegance. In each motif lies a story, a statement and a valued part of the local Mexican identity.

    Image caption/credit: Render of exterior spa | SB Architects/Conrad Hotels & Resorts

    A tranquil respite from Mexico City’s energetic pace, the 324-key hotel boasts serene natural landscapes, aquamarine waters, and uninhabited isles. Facilities include three dining venues, three pools; adult, family, activity; spa and 45,000 square feet of combined function space; including 30,000 square feet outdoor event space, 10,000 square-foot ballroom, and 3,000 square feet of breakout rooms, each with ample pre-function terraces.

    Hotel Designs continues to follow the project, through concept to completion, as it heads towards its official opening later this year.

    Main image credit: SB Architects/Conrad Hotels & Resorts

    Guest room with modern interiors

    Hyatt Regency brand debuts in Greater Bay area of Southern China

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    Hyatt Regency brand debuts in Greater Bay area of Southern China

    Hyatt Hotels has announced the opening of the 493-key Hyatt Regency Hengqin in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, designed in response to the rise in bleisure travellers visiting the area…

    Situated in the heart of the dynamic and fast-growing Greater Bay Area of southern China, Hyatt Regency Hengqin is part of the vibrant Novotown complex, which features an impressive array of attractions including Lionsgate Entertainment World, Natinoal Geographic Explorer and more.

    Guest room with modern interiors

    The hotel has a total of 493 guestrooms, including 55 suites, ranging from and from 430 to 2,583 square feet (40 to 240 square meters). Subtle design touches include soft warm timber blinds, giving an overall feeling of natural comfort. Regency Club guests enjoy exclusive access to our club lounge offering a range of complimentary amenities including concierge service, private check-in and check-out, delicious bites served daily, and a dedicated meeting room.

    Boasting six restaurants and bars, the hotel offers a wide range of global cuisine. Market Café is a self-service, market-style restaurant where diners can watch their food being prepared by expert chefs at live cooking stations. La Cucina is an extension of Market Café, bringing the delicious flavors of Italy to Hengqin, with a variety of popular European dishes.

    Exterior shot of the hotel

    Image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    In early spring of 2020, the hotel will open three additional food and beverage outlets. The open-kitchen Xiang Yue Chinese restaurant will specialise in the delicate flavors of Cantonese cuisine. Pool Pavilion will be a relaxing, al fresco dining venue delivering sumptuous barbecue and craft cocktails. Meanwhile, the 180-degree rooftop bar, will be located on the 23rd floor.

    Modern design in restaurant with open kitchen

    Image caption/credit: Market Place/Hyatt Hotels

    The modern 24-hour fitness centre features a wide variety of state-of-the-art workout equipment in a bright and airy space. In addition, the hotel shelters a 1,076 square foot (100 square meter) members’ lounge, as well as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

    Main image credit: Hyatt Hotels

    render of open-planned lobby/lounge area in hotel overlooking the pool and the sea

    Most anticipated hotel openings in 2020 (Q1 & Q2)

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Most anticipated hotel openings in 2020 (Q1 & Q2)

    Kickstarting 2020, Hotel Designs takes a glance at some of the most significant hotel projects that are expected to complete in the next 12 months (edited by Hamish Kilburn)…

    If 2019 was anything to go by, then the next 12 months on the international hotel design and hospitality scene is going to be a jam-packed series of hotel openings in all corners of the globe. But with the industry churning out all kinds of hotels, it can be a challenge identifying the projects that will make the biggest impact.

    render of open-planned lobby/lounge area in hotel overlooking the pool and the sea

    In order to cut through the noise, the editorial team has sifted through the lists of projects on the boards in order to determine which among them are the most significant hotel projects that are slated to complete and open in 2020.

    We start our series by putting the spotlight on the hotels forecasted to opening in Q1 and Q2.

    Fusion Suites Vung Tau (Q1)

    Render of rooftop pool and dynamic angular roof

    Fusion’s latest hotel, Fusion Suites Vung Tau, is set to open in January in southern Vietnam’s popular coastal playground. The new 21-storey property features 171 well-appointed suites and apartments, a multitude of dining options, a spa, yoga studio, and a rooftop infinity pool. The property offers views of the ocean, and complements the setting with playful interiors dressed in sea green, ocean blue, and a wide range of ocean-inspired hues in between. The same sense of whimsy informs the building’s complex facade with pastel-coloured glass panels that zig-zag upwards. For dining options the hotel has the Fresh restaurant (open all-day), a rooftop bar, and market stalls in the lobby. The property’s 12 treatment room spa is inspired by the sea and features signature therapies based around salt. Conveniently located in the heart of Vung Tau, the hotel is just a short trip by boat or road from Ho Chi Minh City.

    Mama Shelter Paris West (Q1)

    Light room with living coral coloured decor

    Image credit: Mama Shelter

    Following a successful soft opening, Mama Shelter’s second hotel in Paris, located in the eclectic 15th arrondissement, will officially open in January 2020. With cutting-edge design elements by up and coming French designer Dion & Arles, featuring the playful design and vibrant colour palettes – guests can unwind in front of the open fire in the all-day restaurant or dine al fresco on the terrace, complete with its very own half-size basketball court. This will be Mama Shelter’s 12th property.

    Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester (Q1)

    Designed by Squid Inc – the team behind renowned Hotel Gotham – the long-awaited Hotel Brooklyn is scheduled to open in February 2020. The 189-key hotel is inspired by the New York Borough and chosen for its resonating similarities to Manchester, in terms of its buzzing industrial growth, as well as its strength of identity and culture.

    Riggs Washington D.C.

    Image credit: Lore Group/Riggs Washington DC

    The long-awaited brainchild of The Brit List 2019 judge Jacu Strauss, Riggs Washington D.C. is expected to open its illustrious doors in February 2020. The famed designer has invoked the spirit of the building’s former bank while preserving and restoring much of the property’s original design features to reimagine the storied building for the modern traveller. The 181-room property features playful nods to the building’s rich past, drawing on the parallels between the activities that take place in banks and at hotels to offer something personal and serendipitous around every corner.

    Atocha Hotel Madrid – Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Q1)

    Render of gold and modern guest room with gold headboard and light grey bedding

    Image credit: Tapestry Collection/Hilton Hotels

    Tapestry Collection by Hilton is making its debut in EMEA and will soon land in two of the most iconic European cities.

    Atocha Hotel Madrid will be the first hotel to join Hilton’s Tapestry Collection in Europe. It is located in the buzzing heart of Madrid, within walking distance from popular tourist attractions such as the Museo Reina Sofia and the El Reitro Park.

    Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour (Q1)

    Render of infinity pool over the edge of the building, overlooking the skyline of Sydney

    Image credit: IHG/Crowne Plaza

    The new build hotel features 152 modern guest rooms and suites suspended in a prime position just a short stroll to the CBD’s commercial & transport hub, the lively Darling Harbour precinct and the International Convention Centre. The new hotel will feature a heated outdoor plunge pool with vista across Sydney’s skyscraper as well as three restaurants & bars.

    W Ibiza (Q2)

    Render of a colourful exterior of the hotel

    Image credit: W Ibiza/Baranowitz + Kronenberg

    Conceived and designed by BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG, W Ibiza is slated to open in April ahead of the 2020 Summer season. Located off the beaten track, the 167-key hotel will strike a pose on the palm-fringed beachfront of Santa Eulalia. As the only global brand on the island, the design brief was to marry the parallel realities of Ibiza with a magnetic pull that turns up the sass.

    By opening up the public spaces to become a flexible social hub, the hotel becomes a place that nurtures human connections, and through the use of subtle levels creates touchable distance between each functional area. “The idea is that the energy descends into the unconventional pool area,” Alon Baranowitz told Hotel Designs in an exclusive interview. “As you move up levels, the lobby/lounge area becomes more reclined, but the open architecture scheme allows for a clever connection between all spaces.”

    The hotel will open as part of Marriott International’s goal to add more than 30 new luxury hotels to its extensive worldwide portfolio in 2020.

    The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection by Hilton (Q2)

    Render of 70s inspired furniture in bar and restaurant with modern touches

    Image credit: Hilton Hotels

    One of the world’s most historic cities, known for its one-of-a-kind beauty and unique dining, will soon welcome The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel will be located a few streets away from the historical districts of Chiado and Baixa, famous for their impressive plazas, vibrant restaurants and boutique shops, making it ideal for curious travellers seeking unexpected and authentic experiences.

    Rosewood São Paulo (Q2)

    Render of building that is blended into trees

    Image credit: Rosewood Hotels

    Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will launch its first South American property situated in the centre of São Paulo, featuring 151 guestrooms and 114 owners’ suites, two restaurants, including one located on a veranda overlooking hotel gardens and complemented by a bar and a caviar lounge. Recreational facilities will include two swimming pools with one rooftop pool and the other set amongst the landscaped grounds and a large spa and a fitness area. Hotel guests will also be able to access an adjoining music studio, screening room and luxury retail stores within the development. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts are collaborating on this project with leading international figures such as the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and designer Philippe Starck, to create a one-of-a-kind building.

    The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon (Q2)

    Render of rooftop garden in restaurant area in hotel

    Image credit: EDITION Hotels

    Set to be the first EDITION Hotel in Japan, the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon is slated to rise as part of the redevelopment of the former Pastoral Building, a mixed-use project comprising offices, residences and a medical centre. The 205-key hotel has been created in partnership with the globally renowned architect and designer Kengo Kuma, who designed the Tokyo 2020 National Olympic Stadium. It is expected to offer easy access to some of Tokyo’s most iconic sites, including the Tokyo Tower and Tsukiji fish market. Within walking distance to the buzzing nightlife and restaurants of Roppongi, The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon will further raise the bar in entertainment and gastronomy for the area.

    voco Edinburgh (Q2)

    Not only a capital city, Edinburgh is also the leading festival city in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a plethora of world-class attractions, sightseeing in Edinburgh is effortless, with visitors able to experience different centuries of history from street to street. IHG’s new voco brand is to open in Edinburgh on Torphichen Street, close to Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The hotel will feature all the usual comforts afforded by voco® properties, such as an indoor pool, eco-friendly bedding, a health club, and on-site bar.

    The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall (Q2)

    Establishing shot of the heritage property

    Image credit: THE PIG

    The Pig brand is going from strength to strength. Following its latest opening in Bridge, Kent, The Pig brand is heading west coast of cornwall. Inside a stunning Grade II-listed building, Harlan House, THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay is positioned near Padstow in Cornwall. Expected to open in June 2020, the hotel is just a short stroll from Harlyn beach, Constantine Bay beaches, Trevose Golf Club, and is also only a 10-minute drive to the sea-side honeypot of Padstow.

    Ikos Andalusia (Q2)

    Render of lobby area

    Image credit: Ikos Resorts

    Marking the brand’s arrival into Spain – and the first property outside Greece – Ikos Andalusia is slated to open in May 2020. The stylish resort is set amongst olive trees and has both modern features and local touches, such as traditional Moorish windcatchers perched atop its seven buildings. Individually commissioned pieces of art and colourful hand-painted tiles will be on display throughout the restaurants and guest rooms. A Cherry Blossom tree at Anaya restaurant, encircled by seating for guests to enjoy Asian dishes in an al-fresco setting, will be a particularly stand-out feature.

    Six bars will be located around the resort’s lush gardens and pools serving cocktails prepared by award-winning Ikos mixologists, using branded international and local spirits.

    The resort will boast eight outdoor and indoor pools, including kids’ pools, spa pools and adults-only pools, plus a number of private pools. Each of the outdoor pools will feature a cascading design overlooking the beach and Mediterranean Sea.

    Banyan Tree Krabi (Q2)

    Render of restaurant under roof on stilts overlooking lush jungle

    Image credit: Banyan Tree Holdings

    Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd, one of Asia’s foremost luxury hotel groups, has announced plans to open a new resort in Krabi in the second quarter of 2020. Currently under development in a serene location on Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi fronts powdery white sands and the shallow-shelved coast of the Andaman Sea. The new Thai resort will offer 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options and one three-bedroom villa. Facilities include all-day dining, a ballroom, a wedding chapel, a beach club, a kids’ club, and a fitness center. In keeping with Banyan Tree’s holistic branding, the resort will also host a rainforest-themed spa.

    Main image credit: W Ibiza

    Editor Checks In: Embracing meaningful trends

     730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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    Editor Checks In: Embracing meaningful trends

    Following a colourful year in the hot seat at Hotel Designs, editor Hamish Kilburn looks ahead to a more meaningful future of interior design moments and trends as he gives his thoughts on Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Classic Blue…

    If I have learned anything in 2019 from listening to the leading designers, architects, hoteliers and developers who are no doubt shaping the future of the international hotel design scene, it is that every hotel design brief is unique and different.

    By giving a new project a fresh perspective on the drawing board and when specifying products, the industry has been able to drive forwards; to unveil creative and exciting spaces unlike anywhere else in the world. The most common element used to emphasise an interior design scheme to create these statement spaces is indeed colour.

    A few weeks ago, Hotel Designs was among the first to unveil Pantone’s Colour of the Year. In doing so, I witnessed two things. Firstly, that Pantone is bolding making a defiant move away from the warm, buoyant and energised Living Coral in order to focus on a deeper, calmer and more connected hue as its colour of 2020. My second realisation was more of an affirmation, which was that many within the interior design community continue to turn their heads away from yet another trend – and I have sympathy for those individuals.

    “The aim of a commercial designer is to create style and not to repurpose fashion.”

    As someone who receives many trend and colour forecasts, all of which are full of contradictions and confusing conclusions, I totally get why there’s a resistance among the leading designers and architects to accept trends. After all, the aim of a commercial designer is to create style and not to repurpose fashion. But every so often, a trend becomes more of a movement; a reflection of modern times, if you like, in order to add meaning into what can often feel like a senseless flow of Instagram and Pinterest posts and mindless moodboards.

    It may shock you, therefore, that I recently succumbed to the demand and pressure and put my name to a trends forecast. Hoping to inspire and to create the ingredients for new conversations, as opposed to limit designers in where they should be sourcing their inspiration from, my feature was written sensitively for those who, like me, usually avoid the forecasts.

    “If you only have the capacity to humour just one trend this winter, then by all means choose Classic Blue.”

    In two separate editorial roundtables that Hotel Designs hosted recently, there was one motif that was louder than others. While each discussion was attended by different leading designers and architects, all seemed to agree that their clients have become much more informed around the connections between design, architecture and people. As a result, now more than ever before, commercial designers and architects are able to make decisions with greater purpose; to create extra layers, instil a stronger sense of place and to make a space more functional so that it can withstand the evolving demands of modern travellers.

    While the industry, as a whole, becomes more aware of the environment, sustainable practice and the need for designing consciously, Pantone’s Classic Blue is in my opinion a nod to just how thoughtful design in the hospitality arena currently is. And therefore, if you only have the capacity to humour just one trend this winter, then by all means choose Classic Blue.

    On the surface, it’s fair to say that Pantone’s Colour of the Year can be seen as safe, uninspiring and for the lack of a better phrase, just a bit dull. However, when considering the context – and relating it back to the world we are currently trying to make better a place – then Classic Blue becomes a symbol of hope and prosperity.

    Having lived through the shelf lives of Greenery in 2017, Ultra Violet in 2018 and more recently Living Coral in 2019, Classic Blue on the contrary has longevity and feels like a harmonious step back to embracing the basics. The colour slots in nicely to create harmony in an era that is obsessed with technology and is increasingly lacking in time.

    Classic Blue is flexible as well as firm. It’s dependable, thought-provoking and, paired with the right colour, it can create a number of different ambiances that are more meaningful, allowing the designer to take control. Classic Blue is non-aggressive, simple and has boundless uses in order to create endless interior scenarios.

    Moving away from the aesthetical properties, blue is also considered to be beneficial to the mind, body and spirit, with experts going as far to say that it produces a calming effect. The shimmering blue infinity pool in the sanctuary I checked in to at Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia earlier this year certainly had that impact. If nothing else, Classic Blue is peaceful and a strong foundation for creativity to flourish on top.

    “It’s been an extraordinary year to be at the helm of the editorial desk.”

    Allowing Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020 to work its magic early; to slow down my human metabolism on the editorial desk as I reflect on some of Hotel Designs’greatest moments of 2019, here are this year’s most-read stories:

    As you can see, it’s been an extraordinary year to be at the helm of the editorial desk, which was complete with an extensive rebrand in Q1, publishing exclusive interviews, hotel reviews in far-flung destinations around the world, sharing up-to-date daily news coverage and hosting a plethora of engaging events.

    Thank you for being a significant part of our journey, and helping us complete our ultimate goal, which is to define the point on international hotel design. All that is left to say is happy holidays and I look forward to reconnecting with new projects to put under the editorial lens in the New Year.

    Editor, Hotel Designs

    The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019 (Part two)

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    The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019 (Part two)

    This December, Hotel Designs has profiled the individuals who made it into The Brit List 2019. We conclude by referencing part two of The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019 (in alphabetical order)…

    The Brit List 2019 is Hotel Designs’ annual nationwide search to identify the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. The Judges, which are made up of experts in all pockets of the industry, gathered to decided who was eligible to make this year’s list.

    The industry’s leading figures then gathered on November 21 at Patch East London, where The Brit List 2019 was unveiled and the individual winners were announced. 

    Following from The Brit List Designers and Architects of 2019 in Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four and Part Five, here are the final 10 individuals that made it as The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019…

    Olivia Richli, General Manager – Heckfield Place (Winner: The Eco Award 2019)

    Olivia Richli who recently sat on a panel with editor Hamish Kilburn to put sustainability under the spotlight, is an inspirational general manager with a real drive to operate a consious luxury hotel. She was plucked from semi-retirement at her beachfront home in Sri Lanka by Boston’s Gerald Chan, who had bought Heckfield Place almost twenty years before. Richli’s youth spent among the farms and gardens of the British countryside, combined with her unique career in developing and operating eclectic luxury hotels within historic precincts, stood her inperfect stead to guide Heckfield Place into a grand new era.

    Heckfield’s sense of responsibility and sustainable stance has inspired Richli onto the next level of stewardship, one that quietly leads by example and endeavors to establish an estate that will thrive and guide all those who visit.

    Pat King, CEO – The Doyle Collection

    Pat King, CEO of The Doyle Collection, has been with the company for more than 20 years, and became the CEO in 2012.

    The company currently owns eight luxury properties, which include TheWestbury, The Marylebone, The Bloomsbury, The Kensington, The Croke Park, The River Lee, and The Bristol, and has recently of cially relaunched The Dupont Circle hotel in Washington, D.C.

    Robert Alam, Area General Manager – Nadler Hotels

    Robert Alam has worked at Nadler Hotels for more than three years, and has been the area general manager since October 2018.

    During this time, he has overseen the launch of Nadler Covent Garden, which is the brand’s latest hotel to arrive on the London scene. Overlooking The Strand in a restored Edwardian building, the 57-key hotelopened as the hotel group’s fourth luxury boutique hotel in the capital.

    Robin Hutson, Chairman and Chief Executive – Lime Wood Group & Home Grown Hotels (The Pig)

    Robin Hutson is known as an innovative and entrepreneurial hotelier with 40 years’ experience in some of the world’s most famous hotel brands, including Hotel du Vin and Soho House.

    He was non-exec director, then executive chairman alongside Nick Jones at Soho House Group for 14 years until 2008 when the group wassuccessfully sold for £105m. Hutson is now CEO & Chairman of Lime WoodGroup Ltd & Home Grown Hotels Ltd; his latest venture The Pig in its short existence has already been much lauded as a mold breaker in the country house sector, transforming English rural areas and enhancing comunities for the better.

    Robin Sheppard, Chairman – Bespoke Hotels

    With more than 40 years’ experience as a hotelier, Robin Sheppard was The Brit List 2018’s winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry. In 2004, just four years after co-founding Bespoke Hotels, Sheppard was left completely paralysed from the neck down as a result of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

    This life-altering event made Sheppard realise how inaccessible many hotels were. As a result, he launched the Bespoke Access Awards (now known as the Blue Badge Access Awards) to shine the spotlight on hotels which do offer stylish accommodation that is accessible to all.

    Sandeep Bhalla, General Manager – The Connaught Hotel

    Sandeep Bhalla was recently appointed as the new general manager of the Connaught Hotel. Indian-born Bhalla previously held the position of hotel manager of the five-red-AA-star, Maybourne Hotel Groupproperty, which he joined as hotel manager in 2018. Before arriving at the Connaught Hotel, he worked at the sister hotel, The Berkeley in Knighstbridge, where he joined in 2007 as director of food and beverage,and was later promoted to hotel manager in 2012.

    Prior to his position at Maybourne Hotel Group, Bhalla was part of the pre-opening team of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

    Sholto Smith, General Manager – Great Scotland Yard Hotel

    Sholto Smith joined Great Scotland Yard Hotel from the same role at the Hyatt Regency Perth in Australia.

    Sholto, who has been part of the Hyatt family for more than 20 years, was the general manager of the Park Hyatt Siem Reap in Cambodia and director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill before being promoted in 2008 to area director of sales UK &Ireland at Hyatt’s worldwide sales office in London.

    Stephen Baker, Joint Owner – Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate (Highly Commended: Hotelier of the Year 2019)

    Joint-owned by Stephen and Jose Baker, Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate is a luxurious coastal retreat with a privately owned 25-acre Blue Flag beach,impeccable service, fine food, superb spa facilities and breathtaking viewsacross one of the world’s most beautiful bays.

    Central to everything is the main house, a white-walled landmark designed by the celebrated Cornish architect, Silvanus Trevail, and erected in 1894. Inside, gilt mirrors and chandeliers are complemented by modern, chic interior touches inside 45 individually furnished rooms and sea-facing suites.

    Thomas Kochs, Managing Director – Corinthia London (Winner: Hotelier of the Year 2019)

    Thomas Kochs became the managing director of Corinthia London in May 2017. Kochs is responsible for managing the group’s agshipproperty, which opened its doors in 2011. In six years, the property hasachieved international acclaim as one of the world’s leading luxury five-star hotels.

    Kochs was the face of the two-part TV series, A Hotel for the Super Rich & Famous, which documented the operations behind the hotel, including the behind-the-scenes of significant changes to service and design, with the launch of Kerridge’s Bar and Grill.

    Will Ashworth, Managing Director – Watergate Bay Hotel

    Born and having grown up in Cornwall, Will Ashworth has worked withinthe hospitality industry in Kenya, Switzerland and North America before returning to Cornwall in 2000 to take over the running of the family hotelat Watergate Bay.

    Under Ashworth’s management, the hotel has been transformed from a traditional seasonal seaside hotel into a vibrant, sustainable year-round holiday destination. In addition to managing the hotel, Ashworth also sits on the Visit Cornwall CIC board. Ashworth was once again on stage at the Independent Hotel Show this year, where he delivered an insightful talk on hotel dynasties.

    Mandarin Oriental to manage its second hotel in the UAE

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    Mandarin Oriental to manage its second hotel in the UAE

    Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will take over management of the iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from January 1 2020…

    Mandarin Oriental is about to take on the management of its second hotel in the United Arab Emirates following the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019. The hotel, which was known as Emirates Palace, will rebrand following a phased renovation over two years, during which time the hotel will remain open. The work will encompass significant upgrades to guestrooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities.

    The Emirates Palace hotel sits on a 1.3-kilometre private beachfront, featuring 394 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, a concert grade auditorium and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a spa and two fitness centres.

    “This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region. We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

    “The partnership with Mandarin Oriental represents an important milestone and aims to propel the property’s profile into a new era,” said His Excellency Sultan Dhahi Sultan Al Humairi, Managing Director of Emirates Palace Company (EPCO). “We look forward to a mutually prosperous and fruitful relationship with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,” he added.

    Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is centrally located in the heart of the city, conveniently situated for both leisure and business travellers. The Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are a short drive away. The Marina Mall is nearby and the commercial centre of the city is also easily accessed. The hotel is 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 90 minutes from Dubai Airport.

    Main image credit: Mandarin Oriental

    The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019 (Part one)

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    The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019 (Part one)

    This December, Hotel Designs is profiling the individuals who made it into The Brit List 2019. We continue by referencing part one of The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019 (in alphabetical order)…

    The Brit List 2019 is Hotel Designs’ annual nationwide search to identify the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. The Judges, which are made up of experts in all pockets of the industry, gathered to decided who was eligible to make this year’s list.

    The industry’s leading figures then gathered on November 21 at Patch East London, where The Brit List 2019 was unveiled and the individual winners were announced. 

    Following from The Brit List Designers and Architects of 2019 in Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four, here are the first 15 individuals that made it as The Brit List Hoteliers of 2019…

    Barry Sternlicht, CEO – Treehouse Hotels/Starwood Capital Group

    The original founder of W Hotels, and Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, Barry Sternlicht makes his debut on The Brit List as a result of his announcement to launch a new hotel brand in London.

    Described as “the little brother of 1 Hotels”, Treehouse is a less serious, more torn-jeans and t-shirts, kind of hotel brand. Featuring 95 keys, the first Treehouse in London is situated streets away from the BBC Broadcasting House near Oxford Circus. All hotels to open in the Treehouse portfolio will embrace sustainable protocols.

    Charlie Rosier, Director – Cuckooz

    Cuckooz was founded by Charlie Rosier and Fabienne O’Neill. The pair collaborated with designers and sleep experts this year to launch the sleeping experience like no other in their design-led serviced apartments… in the womb.

    The nine-month project, which resulted in The Zed Room being opened, was inspired by the safety and ‘snugness’ of the womb and comes complete with muted lighting, soft-pink walls and a high-tech mattress.

    Conor O’Leary, Joint Managing Director – Gleneagles Hotel

    Crowned Hotelier of The Year at The Brit List 2018, Conor O’Leary is a leading hotelier with a difference. His hands-on approach has led the hotel to become not only a prestigious property but also one that feels like a home-from-home.

    The hotel’s latest renovation of The Strathearn F&B area has opened up new opportunities for afternoon teas and day guests, as well as servicing those staying overnight.

    Dimitris Manikis, President and Managing Director (EMEA) – Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

    Interviewed by Hotel Designs shortly after becoming president andmanaging director of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts (EMEA), DimitrisManikis is an unconventional leader who has become a breath of fresh air for the hotel group’s management team. Based in the group’s Londonof ces, Manikis is responsible for the development of all Wyndham Hotel Group’s brands in the EMEA region as well as maximising the performance of all new and existing franchise and managed hotels.

    Guillaume Marly, Managing Director – Hotel Café Royal

    For more than two years, Guillaume Marly has been the managing director of Hotel Café Royal following on from stints as hotel manager at The Ritz, The Connought and senior positions at Claridge’s.

    Constantly referred to as London’s “modern grand hotel”, the property straddles the elegance of Mayfair and the energy of Soho. This year, Hotel Café Royal was voted the #4 hotel in London by Conde Nast Traveler readers.

    Harry Cragoe, Owner – The Gallivant

    The Gallivant, led by Harry Cragoe, is positioned on the beach in Rye, Sussex with a core focus on wellness and wellbeing.

    Last year, the 20-key boutique hotel transformed its F&B offering from a conventional space into a multi-room ‘beach house’ atmosphere, and inthe process, it expanded ground oor space with a £1m investment.

    Hasham Soliman, Opening General Manager – The Dixon

    Hasham Soliman was appointed as opening General Manager in 2018 following a proven track-record in launching successful London-based luxury hotels to the market. In addition to The Dixon, Solimean has opened five other hotels, including InterContinental London – The 02 andThe Grange Tower Bridge Hotel.

    Ian Fletcher, General Manager – Hard Rock Hotel London

    Ian Fletcher

    Drawing on the legacy of the guests who stayed there in decades past – and an inspiration to those who are yet to write their own story – Hard Rock Hotel London at Hyde Park stands alone as a haven for music lovers and cultural explorers everywhere. Located on the corner of Oxford Street and Park Lane, the hotel shelters tribute to former residents such as Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan and Buddy Holly with an incredible memorabilia collection and original artwork in every bedroom. Ian Fletcher is the man who is ensuring that the brand’s values and images are appropriately represented throughout the hotel.

    Keshav Suri, Executive Director – LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group

    Keshav Suri is a keen activist within the LGBTQIA community, particularly in India where he was instrumental in the movement to decriminalise homosexuality. He has strived to carry this message of diversity across all hotels.

    The London hotel, which opened in 2017, recently hosted a Drag Reading Hour event, whereby children were invited to listen to a reading by a drag queen of new children’s book, Elphie & The Peacock. The story, written by Suri, follows Elphie’s journey through life, learning the power of being true to yourself, and celebrating individuality.

    Laura Sharpe, General Manager – Ham Yard Hotel

    Laura Sharpe is an experienced, passionate and dedicated hospitality professional. She has been working as the general manager at Ham Yard Hotel since pre-opening, following a variety of other roles at Firmdale Hotels, including hotel manager, deputy general manager and front-of- house manager.

    Firmdale hotels, which is rapidly expanding, is a group of nine boutique hotels in London and a further two in New York.

    Marco Novella, Managing Director – The Lanesborough

    Marco Novella was interviewed on-stage at Hotel Summit this year by editor Hamish Kilburn, where he openly spoke about the challenges of operating one of London’s most illustrious hotels.

    Novella succeeded Geoffrey Gelardi as the Managing Director of The Lanesborough last year, and brings with him a modern and sensitive approach to running the hotel. The hotel is owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and, since its relaunch in 2015, has been managed by the German-based Oetker Collection.

    Prior to his position at The Lanesborough, Novella was the managing director of Brown’s Hotel London for nearly two years. His previous roles also include managing director of Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence, Italy, and general manager of Marriott’s Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection hotel, in Venice.

    Mario Ovsenjak, Cluster General Manager – Hotel Gotham/Bespoke Hotels

    Since 2012, Mario Ovsenjak has led teams at a range of country house properties, including The Lambert Arms in Oxfordshire, Shaftesbury’s Grosvenor Arms, as well as the Prince Regent Hotel.

    Prior to this, he held positions at several London establishments, including the Corus Hyde Park Hotel, The Royal Trafalgar and Piccadilly Hotels, as well as the Colonnade and Hotel Xenia. His recent role has seen him lead The Brooklyn project with the aim to open a new kind of luxury hotel in Manchester, which will become the sister property of Hotel Gotham.

    Michael Bonsor, Managing Director – Rosewood London

    Michael Bonsor is at the helm of one of London’s most successful hospitality establishments, which has collected an eclectic mix of awards for design, service and management. Bonsor’s more than 18 years’ experience of hotel management within the luxury sector – along with his naturally warm charisma and his unparelled dedication to become an international ambassador for the brand – makes him one of the leading hoteliers in the world. His arrival at Rosewood London followed a period at Claridge’s London, where he began as the F&B manager before later becoming hotel operations manager.

    Nick Davies, Owner – Cottage In The Woods

    Nick Davies left Shoreditch in London in 2015 to take on the ownership and management of the 30-key hotel in the Malvern Hills. Together with wife Julia, Davis is managing a three-phase refurbishment of the hotel,which began in January 2017.

    Since owning the property, revenue has increased by more than 40 per cent in both F&B and overnight stays, largely down to a complete overhaul of the structure of the business. Earlier this year, Davis secured £2.1 million from The Cumberland Building Society enabling thecomplete refurbishment of the entire property by 2020, two years ahead of schedule.

    Olivia Byrne, Director – Eccleston Square Hotel

    At the age of just 23, Parisian born Olivia Byrne graduated from L’Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and went straight onto becoming the youngest hotelier in London. Operating one of the capital’s most dynamic and tech-driven hotels, which the former presenter of The Gadget Show Jason Bradbury reviewed for Hotel Designs last year, Byrne recently led an extensive renovation. The newly refurbished 39-key hotel, which nowshelters arti cial intelligence and 3D television, has now entered a newtech era.

    Entries now open for The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020

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    Entries now open for The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020

    UKBathrooms, the leading online store for premium designer bathroom products, has launched its very first UK Bathrooms Design Awards and entries are now being invited…

    The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020 is open to homeowners and professionals whether architect, interior designer or trade entry.

    Individuals can choose to enter for either best design where the prize is £500 Love 2 Shop Vouchers, best traditional bathroom or best contemporary bathroom and win Villeroy & Boch Tableware worth £500.  Whilst professionals can enter to win best architect/interior designer bathroom, best hotel/guest house/restaurant bathroom or best trades bathroom and enjoy the prize of £500 worth of products from www.ukbathrooms.com.

    Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms explains: “As the leading online store for premium designer bathroom products we sell to thousands of homeowners and professionals and decided that it was time to give something back and to recognise some of the stunning bathrooms that are being created in homes and businesses across the UK.  The UK Bathrooms Design Awards have been launched to recognise innovation in bathroom design, we’ll be looking at sources of inspiration, clever use of spaces, product choice, overall design and lifestyle features.”  Graeme continues “We are extremely grateful to our manufacturers and distributors for their help and support, these currently include Bayswater, Barwicks, hansgrohe, Keuco, Perrin & Rowe,  Victoria+Albert, Villeroy & Boch and VitrA.”

    The expert panel of incredibly talented judges include Amy Moorea Wong, ex Features Editor of Elle Decoration, Interior Design & Lifestyle Journalist and Writer, Darren Paxford National Sales Manager of VitrA UK Ltd and Graeme Borchard, Managing Director of UK Bathrooms. A fourth judge is still to be announced. Graeme added: “Entries are now invited for all categories and this presents an excellent opportunity for professionals to showcase their projects in the media and build up awareness of their own brand. To enter simply visit the website and complete the online entry form.”

    UK Bathrooms is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: UK Bathrooms/Vitra

    The Brit List Architects of 2019 (Part 2)

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    The Brit List Architects of 2019 (Part 2)

    This December, Hotel Designs is profiling the individuals who made it into The Brit List 2019. We continue by referencing part two of The Brit List Architects of 2019 (in alphabetical order)…

    The Brit List 2019 is Hotel Designs’ annual nationwide search to identify the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. The Judges, which are made up of experts in all pockets of the industry, gathered to decided who was eligible to make this year’s list.

    The industry’s leading figures then gathered on November 21 at Patch East London, where The Brit List 2019 was unveiled and the individual winners were announced. 

    Following from The Brit List Designers of 2019 Part One, Part Two and Part Three, here are the remaining The Brit List Architects of 2019…

    Mark Bruce, Main Board Director – EPR Architects

    Since being on The Brit List 2018, Mark Bruce has led the completion of the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, which breathes new life into the Edwardian building in London that was once used by the Ministry of Defence. The sensitive exterior retention and basement excavation, and two-storey roof extension, transformed the building into a 153-key luxury lifestyle hotel whilst being respectful of the original brick and stone façade features and sensitive to the surrounding listed buildings.

    Michele Salvi, Associate – Zaha Hadid Architects

    The Morpheus opened in 2018 as the world’s first free-form high-rise exoskeleton hotel. The project architect – and the man responsible for many of the decisions in conceiving and creating it – was Michele Salvi, an associate at Zaha Hadid Architects.

    Salvi is currently working on the architecture project for Australia’s first Mandarin Oriental, a 196-key hotel, slated to open in 2023, that will be sheltered within a new high-rise based in Melbourne.

    Nicholas de Klerk, Associate Architect – Aukett Swanke

    Nicholas de Klerk is a thoughtful and forward-thinking architect. He has a keen interest in strategy and logistics, particularly on redevelopment projects where heritage and new development need refinement and fine balance. His focus is on hospitality projects and he has built up a highly regarded reputation within the sector, through thought leadership, R&D, participation in panel discussions and conferences, as well as through his design work, as a knowledgeable and inventive architect.

    Nikolas Travasaros, Founding Partner/Director – Divercity Architects

    Nikolas Travasaros is the founding partner of Divercity Architects (Athens and London) and director of Divercity Architects (London). He studied architecture at the National Technical University of Athens (1999) and received a Master of Architecture from the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL (2000). As well as managing Divercity Architects’ growing team, Travasaros leads the design process on all the practice’s projects, overseeing initial design to completion of construction.

    Projects include: Aegon Mykonos, Gracce Santorini and W Algarge, which is currently onthe boards.

    Richard Holland, Director/Co-Founder – Holland Harvey Architects

    Richard Holland was one of the masterminds behind the planning and completion of Inhabit Hotel in London, a new boutique eco hotel,sheltering 90 well-appointed rooms. What is arguably most interestingabout this project is the fact that the building’s listed qualities did not prevent the hotel’s build from being sustainably designed.

    Holland has extensive experience in a wide variety of architectural andurban design projects, and has also tutored at the University of Shefield, critiquing post-graduate students during the technology module of their Masters studies.

    Ross Perkin, Co-founder – Emil Eve Architects

    Ross Perkin is an architect with extensive experience in environmental design and conservation.

    Perkin has extensive experience of collaborative practice and has completed work on a visitor centre at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with Clare Lilley and Feilden Fowles Architects.

    Recently, Perkin led his team to complete the spa inside Taj Hotel London. Located in the Victorian cellars of the luxury Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, the spa facilities include a glowing vitality pool wrapping around the hotel’s historic brick walls, a steamroll clad in continuous milled sections of Carrera marble and a sauna created from solid sections of thermally treated Alder wood.

    Sarah Matheou, Architect – Simpson Haugh

    The studio Simpson Haugh describes Sarah Matheou as having: “a broad experience across pre- and post-planning design stages, throughout which she has shown a conscientious manner and tenacity for resolving issues.” Recently, the project architect completed One Blackfriars and Buckingham Gate, following being recognised as a Hotel Designs 30 under 30.

    Simon Kincaid, Partner – Conran and Partners

    With more than 15 years’ professional experience, 10 of which at Conran and Partners, Simon Kincaid has been involved in a great depth of high-profile projects adding value by both developing design proposals and managing teams through all work stages across residential and hospitality projects. His hospitality experience includes working on hotels, restaurants and private members clubs in the UK, Europe and across Asia.

    Simon Whittaker, Associate – Orms (Winner: Architect of the Year 2019)

    Simon Whittaker joined Orms in 2003, and became an Associate in 2013.He has worked on a wide range of projects in the commercial, education and leisure sectors and clients include Great Portland Estates, Crosstree Real Estate, British Land, Derwent London and Duchy of Lancaster. The firm has recently completed its work on The Standard London, which is the brand’s first hotel outside of America. The hotel, with its distinctly modern shell, is a thriving addition to the London hospitality scene, which has a unique perspective opposite St Pancras Station.

    Tom Lindblom, Hospitality Leader/Principal – Gensler*

    Interviewed by Hotel Designs this year, Tom Lindblom is a Hospitality Leader and a studio director in Gensler’s London office with more than 25 years’ experience on a variety of projects, including Four Seasons Kuwait,St Regis Langkawi, and is working on the completion of Hilton Woking. In addition to his role at Gensler, Lindblom teaches and lectures on architecture, lighting design, and museum design at universities in the U.S. and London.

    *Tom Lindblom has recently relocated to Costa Rica, but is still working for the architecture firm Gensler.

    render of the exterior of the building

    Six Senses to arrive in London in 2023

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    Six Senses to arrive in London in 2023

    The hotel, which will mark Six Senses’ debut in the UK, will reside in the iconic former Whiteleys department store in West London…

    Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced the brand’s highly anticipated debut property in the UK with the opening of Six Senses London in 2023. Residing in the former art deco department store – Whiteleys – in Bayswater, West London, the 110-key hotel will  celebrate the building’s origins, while making space for modern living and shelter a Six Senses Spa.

    render of the exterior of the building

    Inspired by the building’s origins, the interiors of Six Senses London will be designed by internationally celebrated AvroKO in conjunction with executive architects EPR and combine nostalgic nods to classical detailing and art deco along with modern streamlining. To add a touch of local culture to the preserved Great Exhibition mood, contemporary art from British artists will be showcased throughout the hotel.

    The redevelopment of Whiteleys is headed by a Meyer Bergman-advised fund, with the preeminent residential real estate developer Finchatton as development manager. In collaboration with the British architectural firm, Foster + Partners, renowned for its eco credentials and responsible design approach as architect, this historic landmark will become a sensitively restored mixed-use development. The original Grade II façade, central courtyard and dome will all be preserved, as will the majestic internal staircase (modelled on the La Scala opera house in Milan), which features as the centerpiece on the ground floor of the hotel.

    “Much of the lobby’s character derives from its verdant, elegant and eclectic style.”

    The Six Senses brand philosophy of connection to people and nature is central to the convivial and biophilic tone of the ground floor. It will feature a cosy lobby bar and lounge, all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen and seating area in the courtyard. Much of the lobby’s character derives from its verdant, elegant and eclectic style. Imaginative planting, textured fabrics, bespoke flooring, reclaimed wood furniture and upholstery in natural tones with glass display cabinets flanking its walls cleverly bring about coziness in 1,300 square metres of public space which encourages guests to socialise, eat, play or simply be.

    “I feel nostalgic when talking about Whiteleys. I grew up in the neighborhood and my parents used to bring me here,” says Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs. “It is a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to this heritage and bring our brand values to life in this part of town, while celebrating our first port of call for Six Senses in the UK.”

    In today’s hyper-connected world and stressed lifestyle, the Six Senses Spa will play an integral part in the hotel’s offering. In a space reminiscent of an old-fashioned London underground station, the spa journey will mirror the different energies of the city life, from the sensory stimulation and movement of the street to the stillness and calm of a quiet café or park. In this way, lively and vibrant areas flow into more serene and silent ones to offer energising and restorative sensations; a perfectly balanced environment in which to achieve overall well-being. On the second floor, residents and members will access a new kind of social and wellness club. Away from the density and intensity of the city, this space will feature a central bar and lounge, coworking spaces, a restaurant and wellness rooms, and offer pioneering programme to encourage growth, reflection and reconnection.

    Marcus Meijer, Chief Executive Officer of Meyer Bergman commented: “We are very excited to announce the partnership with Six Senses. It’s a key element in the transformation of Whiteleys as well as the wider Queensway regeneration plan. The Six Senses brand stands for luxury, design, wellness and sustainability, values that form the keystone of our vision for this vibrant part of London.”

    With unrivaled experience in delivering intelligent and inspiring urban solutions, Meyer Bergman is a privately-owned real estate investment management firm with a portfolio of real estate projects across Europe and the US. London head-quartered Finchatton specialises in creating bespoke homes for the world’s most discerning clientele around the world.

    Main image credit: Lightfield for Foster + Partners

    Chalet style guest room overlooking mountains

    Five-star Le Coucou opens in Méribel, France

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    Five-star Le Coucou opens in Méribel, France

    Renowned architect Pierre Yovanovitch completes Hotel Le Coucou, which is located on the slopes within the premium ski destination of Meribel in the French Alps… 

    Maisons Pariente, a new luxury collection of boutique, five-star hotels across France, has announced the official opening of its third property in 2019. Le Coucou in Muriel is a 55-suite luxury hotel, created by architect Pierre Yovanovitch, designed to be quirky twist on a classic Alpine design.

    Chalet style guest room overlooking mountains

    The ski-in/ski-out hotel shelters two restaurants, a Tata Harper Spa, two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor) and two kid’s clubs. The latest addition to the Maisons Pariente portfolio boasts a fantastic location, which is perched on the heights of Belvedere, close to Le Rond-Point des Pistes, offering panoramic views across the slopes of Méribel.

    The 39 suites and 16 rooms include bespoke furniture designed by Yavanovitch. Warm colours and contemporary artwork scattered throughout the hotel encourages guests to relax and recharge in exceptional settings.

    image of contemporary red sofa with polkadot carpet and orange walls.

    Image credit: Jerome Galland

    In addition, the property also features two, four-bedroom luxury chalets that claim to be the “perfect home away from home”, while reaping the benefits of all the five-star services Le Coucou has on offer. Fully equipped with four en-suite bedrooms, spacious living area and a games area, each chalet offers the ideal cosy and comfortable retreat for a mountain holiday. Each chalet’s private ski room, pool and spa will welcome skiers each evening to ensure they are fully rested for another memorable day on piste.

    marble bathroom reflecting the chalet window in the oval mirror

    Image credit: Jerome Galland

    Setting a new standard of wellness on the slopes, Hotel Le Coucou is delighted to offer guests a series of pampering and revitalising organic treatments at the new Tata Harper Spa, which has six treatment cabins including a spacious spa suite. In addition to a new spa, Le Coucou’s two new heated indoor and outdoor pools are separated by a glass window, while the fitness area offers panoramic views across the peaks with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

    Pool overlooking snowy slopes

    Image credit: Hotel Le Coucou/Maisons Pariente

    Le Coucou is set to bring a fresh taste to Méribel’s gourmet scene as the hotel’s two restaurants cater to relaxed lunches for couples and families, drinks at the bar après ski or a romantic dinner for two. An innovative concept created by Riccardo Giraudi for Le Coucou, restaurant Bianca Neve is entirely dedicated to Italian cuisine.

    The Beefbar restaurant is also on offer to tantalise guest’s taste buds boasting the rarest meats with the most prestigious origins, from Black Angus Beef from Argentina and the Milk fed Veal to Australian Wagyu and Japanese Kobe. A nod to the hotels name, translated to the cuckoo, can be found in the Beefbar where a feature wall is adorned with an entire collection of old cuckoo clocks. Following a delicious meal, guests will have the chance to relive the day’s most memorable runs, over a night cap in the Cigar Lounge.

    Hotel Le Coucou marks the third opening for Maisons Pariente in 2019, following closely behind the opening of Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint Tropez in June 2019 and the reopening of the refurbished Hotel Crillon le Brave in Provence on May 1 2019. The Pariente family have their sights set on Paris, in le Marais, for a fourth addition to the collection in 2021.

    Main image credit: Jerome Galland

    Resort in the Cayman Islands achieves Silver LEED certification

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    Resort in the Cayman Islands achieves Silver LEED certification

    Developed by Dart and designed by SB Architects, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and The Residences at Seafire in the Cayman Islands have achieved LEED Silver sustainability certification…

    Following a rigorous certification process, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and The Residences at Seafire have achieved LEED Silver certification, becoming the first resort in the Cayman Islands to be awarded the sustainability certification.

    “LEED certification provides a thorough framework to create environmentally responsible, resource-efficient and cost-saving green buildings,” said Cameron Graham, Dart President of Development Delivery. “As testament to Dart’s commitment to sustainable development in the Cayman Islands, both the resort and residences feature best-in-class green design and construction.”

    Image credit: Kimpton Hotels/SB Architects

    Maintained by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is a globally recognised green building rating system that provides third-party verification for sustainable design, building practices and operations.

    As one of less than 200 LEED Silver certified resort-residential properties worldwide, Seafire conserves natural resources through the use of geothermal air conditioning, sustainable LED lighting, a 170 kilowatt solar array, rainwater harvesting and extensive native landscaping.

    The goal for SB Architects when they first received the architecture brief in 2012 was to craft a modern Caribbean aesthetic that sets the tone for future development along Seven-Mile Beach and across Grand Cayman. As the designers of the tallest structure on the island to date, the team mindful of our responsibility to create an authentic architectural language that responds to the site, light, views and water, while setting an appropriate tone as the island looks to its future.

    The 10-story structures were designed in a contemporary architectural language, with an emphasis on clean lines, simple massing, horizontal design elements and expanses of glass. Angled balconies along the long wing of the hotel building capture views and ocean breezes. Horizontal roofs are true to the contemporary aesthetic, yet sculptural elements that pop upward and outward break up the roof plane and soften the rooflines as they touch the sky. A multitude of details – trellises, angled balconies, structural elements that form a series of frames – create an intricate interplay of light and shadow across the facades that will change constantly throughout the day so that no single view the hotel looks exactly the same. In harmony with the ethos of the hotel’s sustainable aims, natural wood and stone soften the angles, bring warmth to the structures and ground the resort in the natural environment.

    bar designed in natural wood overlooking the sea

    Image credit: Kimpton Hotels/SB Architects

    As Kimpton Hotels’ first resort property, the resort was designed to reflect the playful spirit and welcoming atmosphere of the brand. The landscape design, which fills the void between the architectural masses, is inspired by the flow of water and natural island breezes that flow through the property. Pathways, retaining walls, plantings and pool edges follow undulating lines as they make their way from the hotel entry to the sea.

    Image credit: Kimpton Hotels/SB Architects

    “In addition, the project features several examples of recycled materials,” Graham added. “Concrete from the demolition of the former Courtyard Marriott hotel was recycled into fill material for the new site, and the Community Bike and Walking Trail uses pavers made with recycled glass produced at Dart’s glass crushing facility.”

    The more than 32,000 plants featured in the landscaping around the resort were sourced from Dart’s nursery and include a number of indigenous and native plants.

    Dart’s growing hotel portfolio also includes The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Comfort Suites and Le Soleil d’Or in Cayman Brac.

    Main image credit: Kimpton Hotels/SB Architects

    gold hue in room full of ice and a bed

    In Pictures – 30th Icehotel opens in Lapland

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    In Pictures – 30th Icehotel opens in Lapland

    Hotel Designs receives the first images as the original Icehotel opens in Lapland for the winter season with spectacular new designs and features to celebrate its 30th anniversary…

    Built from 30,000 cubic metres of ice, which is the equivalent of 110 million ice creams, the iconic Icehotel in Swedish Lapland has opened its doors for another winter season. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the hotel shelters new layouts, suite designs, activities and features including a special ice-carved observation deck built above the hotel.

    gold hue in room full of ice and a bed

    It has been 30 years since Icehotel founder Yngve Bergqvist started a journey that would lead to the world’s first hotel made entirely out of snow and ice and during this time more than one million guests from all continents of the world have visited. The latest incarnation of the hotel is now open until the ice melts in the spring and the water returns to the Thorne river.

    33 artists from 16 countries have spent an intense couple of weeks in the village of Jukkasjärvi, creating the hotel (made entirely out of ice and snow from the free-flowing Torne River) under the guidance of the hotel’s new Creative Director Luca Roncoroni.

    Bar made from ice

    Image credit: Asaf Kliger/Icehotel

    This includes two British teams; father and daughter duo Jonathan and Marnie Green and professional sculptor Robert Harding, both of which have created Art Suites for Icehotel before.

    The Green family’s suite is themed around a West End production called A Night at the Theatre, with ice-carved curtains, reindeers waiting in the wings, an impressive scale model of the hotel entrance in the centre and a frozen bed nestled amongst miniature theatre seats in the auditorium, with six life-size ice seats for guests to sit on behind.

    Image credit: Asaf Kliger/Icehotel

    Harding’s Bone Room celebrates the natural melting process of the Icehotel each spring as it slowly dissolves back into the Torne River, and aims to highlight the beauty found in the cycle of life with giant ice-carved bone sculptures overlooking the frozen bed, each glowing from within thanks to an under-floor white light.

    Image credit: Asaf Kliger/Icehotel

    The Main Hall “Brutalism” celebrates the construction of the hotel, the Ceremony Hall “Gingko” plays homage to the Chinese Ginkgo Tree (which symbolises hope, strength, longevity) and features 30 stars carved into the ceiling, one for each year of Icehotel, whilst the IceBar “TorneLand” is a tribute to the hotel’s 30 years of frozen fun, with ice-carved roller-coasters, games and hot air balloons surrounding the bar.

    The full list to artists are as follows:

    Main Hall: Brutal Experience
    Jens Thoms Ivarsson: designer, artist and previous Creative Director at Icehotel,
    Mats Nilsson: Stonemason and craftsman

    Ceremony Hall: Gingko
    Nina Kauppi: design studio owner, Sweden
    Johan Kauppi: design studio owner, Sweden

    IceBar: Torneland
    Luc Vosin: landscape artist and interior designer, France
    Mathieu Brison: urban planner, artistic director and architect

    The Day After
    Marjolein Vonk: art director, stylist and artist, Netherlands
    Maurizio Perron: sculptor and artist, Italy

    Subterranean
    Jörgen Westin: artist and industrial designer, Sweden
    Daniel Rosenbaum: artist and designer, Australia/ Canada

    Feline Lair
    Brian McArthur: artist and sculptor, Canada
    Dawn Detarando: artist and sculptor, Canada

    Ruossut- The Light You Can Hear
    Anna Öhlund: photographer, sculptor and artist, Sweden
    John Pettersson: lighting designer, Sweden

    Clear Water
    AnnaSofia Mååg: artist and sculptor, Sweden
    Niklas Byman: entrepreneur and former Icehotel ice-production technician, Sweden

    ECHOS of the Torne River
    Francisco Cortés Zamudio: artist, Chile/Germany

    White Santorini
    Haemee Han: designer and landscape architect, USA/South Korea
    Jaeyual Lee: architect, USA

    Bone Room
    Robert Harding: artist and sculptor, UK/South Africa/Spain

    Spring Dream
    ZhaoLei: artist and sculptor, China
    ZhaoYong: artist and sculptor, China

    Golden Ice
    Nicolas Triboulot: designer, France
    Jean-Marie Guitera: sound and game designer, Australia

    Kaleidoscope
    Natsuki Saito: ice sculptor, architect, designer, Japan
    Shingo Saito: ice sculptor, Japan

    A Night At The Theatre
    Jonathan Paul Green: production designer, UK
    Marnie Green: art student, UK

    Tip Of The iceberg
    Franziska Agrawal: industrial designer and artist, Germany

    Warm Up
    Tomasz Czajkowski: interior designer, Poland
    Aleksandra Pasek: psychologist and writer, Poland

    The 6th Feeling
    Vladimir Barsukov: sculptor and photographer, Russia
    Ekaterina Barsukova: designer and sculptor, Russia

    To mark the 30th anniversary, the hotel has built a special ice-carved observation deck, offering views of the surrounding frozen landscape across the Torne River from which the ice is harvested. Plus, the hotel has also built a new sculpture at the enterence to the winter hotel; a four-metre tall tower that guests can climb.

    Main image: Asaf Kliger/Icehotel

    ME Dubai within the Opus to open in February 2020

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    ME Dubai within the Opus to open in February 2020

    The iconic contemporary structure in Dubai, the Opus, has been designed by the masters at Zaha Hadid Architects. The architectural marvel will shelter ME Dubai, which is slated to open in February 2020…

    Following the opening of The Morpheus last year, and Hotel Designs’ interview with one of the lead architects behind the project , Zaha Hadid Architects is preparing to celebrate yet another groundbreaking moment in architecture. The London-based firm’s latest project, the Opus, is months away from entering onto the international hotel design landscape with arrival of ME Dubai.

    Located within Burj Khalifa district of Dubai, ME Dubai will open in February 2020, taking residence in the 95 metre-high building, which is managed by leading Middle East real estate developer, Omniyat.

    “We are incredibly excited to open ME Dubai, our first ME property in the Middle East,” said Gabriel Escarrer, Vice Chairman and CEO, at Meliá Hotels International. “Dubai is a fascinating, exciting city, known for its progressive feats of design; all of which are characteristics that resonate with ME by Meliá hotels and the high standards we offer our guests.”

    “The two towers are linked by a four-storey atrium at ground level and also connected by an asymmetric 38-metre-wide, three-storey bridge that is positioned 71 metres above the ground.”

    ME Dubai will consist of 93 rooms and suites, the ultra-luxurious ‘Suite ME’, as well as 96 serviced apartments. The property will feature dramatic, signature furniture in the lobby, lounges and reception area, which were either designed or personally selected by the late Zaha Hadid.

    The Opus is designed as two separate towers that coalesce into a singular whole – taking the form of a cube. The structure is then ‘carved’ to create a central void that becomes an important volume within the building in its own right, providing views to the exterior from the centre of the building. The two towers are linked by a four-storey atrium at ground level and also connected by an asymmetric 38-metre-wide, three-storey bridge that is positioned 71 metres above the ground.

    Render of launch lobby with modern touches such as large chandelier

    Image credit: Zaha Hadid Architects

    “The design conveys the remarkably inventive quality of Zaha Hadid Architects’ work,” explained Mahdi Amjad, Ececutive Chairman and CEO Emniyat, “It expresses sculptural sensibility that reinvents the balance between solid and void, opaque and transparent, interior and exterior.”

    Very contemporary black bathroom with contemporary mirror and shirts handing up

    Image credit: Zaha Hadid Architects

    The legacy hotel will offer three owned F&B outlets, including all-day dining concept Central, the Refuel & Relax pool bar and The Opus Studio. The Opus building will offer 15 F&B outlets including ROKA, the contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant, as well as The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill.

    Main image credit: Laurian Ghinitoiu.

    render of open and large lobby with accents of green and gold

    Andaz debuts in Dubai with new hotel on The Palm

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    Andaz debuts in Dubai with new hotel on The Palm

    The newly opened Andaz Dubai The Palm marks the brand’s second hotel in the UAE…

    Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the official opening of Andaz Dubai The Palm. Joining Andaz hotels in top destinations around the world, such as Amsterdam, London, New York, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai, the opening marks the first Andaz-branded hotel in Dubai and the second in the United Arab Emirates, following the opening of Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi in 2018.

    render of open and large lobby with accents of green and gold

    “The bustling Palm Jumeirah island serves as the ideal location for guests to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Dubai,” said Kifah Bin Hussein, general manager, Andaz Dubai The Palm. “The hotel is created for the inquisitive traveler. Set in a vicinity known for luxury and exclusivity, Andaz Dubai The Palm reflects the city’s eclectic style, showcased through local artist exhibitions and unique culinary offerings.”

    Render of welcoming entrance to the hotel.

    Image credit: Hyatt/Andaz

    The hotel is home to local art, embellished on the walls of the hotel in pop-up style exhibitions. The property breaks the mold with its unscripted check-in and check-out experience, without the barriers of a front desk or a queue.

    “The property incorporates the sights, scents and textures of Dubai into every aspect of the room design.”

    Encompassing 217 guestrooms, including 34 suites, and 116 residences, the property incorporates the sights, scents and textures of Dubai into every aspect of the room design. The ideal space to relax, unwind and entertain, the guestrooms are inspired by the Emirati culture with bespoke artwork and luxury amenities.

    The hotel features 31 Andaz Suites, one Terrace Suite, one Prince Suite and one Royal Suite, each made with modern, minimalistic interiors and fitted with premium amenities, including separate living and dining areas, a terrace, a rain shower and a deep soaking tub.

    Sheltering five distinct dining venues that offer an abundance of local flavors and sensory experiences, Andaz Dubai The Palm creates a vibrant social scene through a medley of global and traditional Middle Eastern influences.

    Render of buildings either side of a pool

    Image credit: Hyatt/Andaz

    Meanwhile, nestled on the 14th floor is the hotel’s spa. Ora a tranquil haven of relaxation with a carefully curated menu of facial and body treatments. On the same floor, guests will discover the adults-only Cabana pool area and state-of-the-art fitness center that completes the wellness experience.

    The opening of Andaz Dubai The Palm follows the news that the Andaz brand will debut in the Czech Republic in 2022, while the Hyatt Regency brand is preparing to arrive in Portugal next year.

    Main image credit: Hyatt/Andaz

     

    Year In Review: Hotel Designs’ top products of 2019 (Part 2)

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    Year In Review: Hotel Designs’ top products of 2019 (Part 2)

    Hotel Designs continues looking back to reflect on some of the major statement products of 2019 with part two of its Year in Review of the best products to have launched in the last 11 months (edited by Hamish Kilburn)… 

    Recently, I was lucky enough to sit in the company of design legend Marcel Wanders. While discussing his latest innovations, he effortlessly defined the relationship between suppliers and designers perfectly.

    He said, and I quote: “Designing a product is much like creating a new word in an empty sentence. Depending on how the words are curated will determine the dynamics of the sentence, and in effect, the quality of the poem it becomes. I love seeing what sentences and poems designers will create with my empty words.”

    This almost accidental explaination somehow put a new perspective on how I view and consume the news of product launches. Much like expanding ones vocabublary on the editorial desk at Hotel Designs HQ, following the latest products that emerge in the arena of international hotel design is a never-ending journey full of discovery.

    I for one am looking forward to seeing how designers and architects use these products to create, as Wanders would describe, perfectly balanced sentences that are perminantly inked onto the pages of a well-rounded collection of hotel design poetry.

    Following part one, which was published earlier this month, here’s part two of our Year in Review:

    LG and Foster + Partner’s game-changeing LED TV

    Launched during Milan Design Week, architectural firm Foster + Partners unveiled the world’s first rollable OLED TV in reaction to the rising demand for discreet technology. Raising the bar in consumer technology, the new LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R, the world’s first rollable TV.

    The practice designed the TV’s external geometry and finishes as well as playing an active part in creating specific internal mechanisms. The screen technology is set to redefine the idea of the television and the living spaces it occupies.

    Signbox’s sustainable solution

    Gold sign with Bamboo edges

    Image credit: Signbox

    Hybrid from Signbox is a premium modular outdoor sign system that combines the relentlessly durable and sustainable qualities of exterior-grade composite bamboo with powerful materials, such as painted MDF, glass and slate, that bring both sign scheme and setting to life.

    Phillipe Starck’s new vanity and mirror line with Duravit

    Mirror and modern basin

    Image credit: Duravit/Philippe Stark

    The bathroom line by Duravit and Philippe Starck  launched in August, unveiling compact designs that claimed to accommodate any bathroom, particularly with hospitality and commercial spaces in mind. Cape Cod Guest exudes the same aesthetic as its predecessor but is now available with a narrower vanity and mirror, bringing larger-than-life design into more intimate spaces.

    Minotti London’s indoor/outdoor 2019 collection

    luxe and modern furniture

    Image credit: Minotti London

    Hot off the heels of being at the centre of the action as the style partner for Meet Up London, Minotti has yet again raised the level of furniture design with the unveiling of its 2019 Collection during Milan Design Week.

    Collection after collection, year after year, Minotti’s unquenchable passion can be sensed from all corners of the design-hub city.

    For the 2019 Collection, the furniture company conceived a new stylistic code, a new vision of the interior with surprising suggestions and atmospheres which play host to our new designs. Its intention is to provide food for thought in a surprising, creative, practical and dynamic way, to all those who choose our brand around the world.

    The new collection, coordinated by Rodolfo Dordoni with Minotti Studio, brings a new vision of the living area to life, in which seating systems and furniture outline structured spaces and reveal new geometries in a continuous alternation of curves and straight lines. The result is a surprising variety of compositional solutions featuring unexpected combinations of textures and materials.

    Knightsbridge celebrated 80 years with collaboration with Timorous Beasties

    New to 2019, Knightsbridge exhibited its Caravelle collection at Sleep & Eat 2019, which was redeveloped to celebrate Knightsbridge’s 80thanniversary and its rich history, taking influence from a past mid-century piece of furniture.

    The Caravelle collection consists of an armchair, two-seater and three-seater settee that have the clean lines and organic curves that the period became renowned for. It’s deep seat cushion provides a luxurious seat whilst the beautiful clean styling allows it to be specified into workplace, hospitality and care sectors. The collection is covered with exquisite fabric featuring jungle creatures and foliage from visionary textile designers Timorous Beasties.

    Crosswater’s unique, high-signature finishes

    Colourful bathroom

    Image credit: Crosswater

    Bathroom manufacturer Crosswater’s high-quality signature finishes and textures enable hotels to express their own brand through their bathroom designs. Combined with lighting and interior design elements, each bathroom can be created to perfectly suit the personality of the hotel, often without the need to change existing sanitaryware.

    Twists and turns from Christopher Hyde

    Image credit: Christopher Hyde

    A new handmade pendant ‘The Lucerne’ is a satin brass adjustable frame incorporating LED with bubble glass. “This exciting new piece is great for over tables and bars and will compliment and be a talking point for any interior,” said the brand in a press release.

    Meanwhile, the dynamic collection of the ‘Granada’ and ‘Seville’ lights has captured a different take on the Christopher Hyde Brand. With inner finishes available in gold, silver and copper leaf these lights are given added luxury.  This exciting collection comes with LED lighting technology.

    If you know of a product you believe should be involved in Hotel Designs’ ultimate throwback, please email h.kilburn@forumevents.co.uk. 

    render of hotel in the middle of water next to snow-capped mountains

    The world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel to open in 2022

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    The world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel to open in 2022

    The 99-key Svart hotel will incorporate stilted, circular design, and will be positioned atop of the Holandsfjorden Fjord, allowing guests to enjoying an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Svartisen Glacier…

    The world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel, Svart, will open in Norway’s Arctic Circle in 2022. The property will have a 360-degree view of the Svartisen glacier and the sensational Northern Lights. A low-impact, ground-breaking design will allow the project to produce more energy than it uses, consuming approximately 85 per cent less energy than a traditional hotel.

    render of hotel in the middle of water next to snow-capped mountains

    The 99-room property will shelter a total of four restaurants, a 1,000-square-metre spa, two electric boats, a sustainable farm, an education centre and a design laboratory on-site.

    landscape image of the hotel in the water aside the mountains

    Image credit: Snøhetta Plompmozes Miris

    Located deep within the arctic wilderness of Norway’s Meløy municipality, Svart will perch atop the crystal-clear waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord, at the base of the glacier itself. A glass-fronted, circular design will provide a panoramic view of the fjord, glacier and in the winter months, the spectacular Northern Lights, all without compromising on guests’ privacy.

    “The hotel will be built upon a weather-resistant wooden supporting structure.”

    Inspired by the Norwegian Fiskehjell (a wooden structure used to dry fish) and Rorbue (a fisherman’s traditional seasonal home), the hotel will be built upon a weather-resistant wooden supporting structure. This will be constructed using poles that stretch several meters below the fjord’s surface, dissolving the boundary between land and fjord. This ensures zero land impact and reduces seabed disruption to the absolute minimum.

    A collaboration between MIRIS, Snøhetta and Powerhouse, Svart will be the world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel, meaning it will produce more energy than it uses. It aims to be fully off-grid, carbon neutral and zero waste within the first five years of operation.

    To reach these sustainability goals, several cutting-edge design choices have been made. Architects working on the project first conducted an extensive mapping-out of how solar radiation behaves in relation to mountainous context throughout the year, in order to optimise energy output. The findings influenced the design of the hotel, with hotel rooms, restaurants and terraces strategically placed within a circular design to exploit the sun’s energy no matter the time of day or season.

    The hotel’s roof will be clad with Norwegian solar panels that were produced using clean, hydro-energy. This will further reduce overall carbon footprint, while energy-intensive building materials such as structural steel and concrete have been avoided as much as possible.

    Guests and visitors will be able to discover the science and technology behind the making of Svart in the hotel’s very own education centre and design laboratory. The centre will demonstrate these processes on a smaller scale as well as educate on waste management, glacier protection and sustainable farming.

    The 1000-square-metre, indoor-outdoor spa will offer a variety of holistic treatments, from the traditional and Norwegian, to the medically and technologically cutting-edge. All Svart therapists will use 100 per cent sustainable, locally-sourced products.

    Guests of Svart will enjoy exhilarating arctic experiences year-round, from ice climbing on the glacier to practicing yoga in the midnight sun. Svartâ’s two electric boats will be charged by the surplus energy produced by the hotel, and will provide transfers by water.

    The hotel’s wooden supporting structure will also double up as a boardwalk to be enjoyed during Summer, also acting as a storage space for boats and kayaks which guests can take to the water from directly beneath their hotel room.

    Main image credit: Snøhetta Plompmozes Miris

    The Brit List Architects of 2019 (Part 1)

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    The Brit List Architects of 2019 (Part 1)

    This December, Hotel Designs is profiling the individuals who made it into The Brit List 2019. We continue by referencing part one of The Brit List Architects of 2019 (in alphabetical order)…

    The Brit List 2019 is Hotel Designs’ annual nationwide search to identify the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. The Judges, which are made up of experts in all pockets of the industry, gathered to decided who was eligible to make this year’s list.

    The industry’s leading figures then gathered on November 21 at Patch East London, where The Brit List 2019 was unveiled and the individual winners were announced. 

    Following from The Brit List Designers of 2019 Part One and Part Two, here are the first 15 The Brit List Architects of 2019…

    Ben Adams – Ben Adams Architects

    Ben Adams has more than 20 years’ experience of working on large scale and complex urban projects. His work demonstrates architectural and commercial consistency, but projects are individually distinctive and the result of bespoke thinking rather than formulaic solutions.

    Adams divides his time between guiding the overall design direction of the practice, generating new business, and R&D, providing a pivotal link between the studio’s design ethos, client requirements and future possibilities.

    Ben Addy, Managing Director – Moxon Architects

    Ben Addy founded Moxon in 2004, and since then has cultivated the practice into an award-winning, cross-disciplinary architecture firm, with a varied portfolio encompassing infrastructure, residential, commercial and hospitality.

    Addy’s work combines design excellence, technical talent and a commitment to faultless delivery attracting major clients in a variety of sectors. Among them: Transport for London, HS2, Hauser & Wirth, the City of Westminster and Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar. Addy works closely with his clients to understand their needs and ambitions and strives to elevate them, resulting in distinctly individual work that is both clear in its purpose and appropriate to its context.

    Catarina Pina-Bartrum, Project Director – LDS Architects

    Making her Brit List debut, Catarina Pina-Bartrum has recently completed a 27-key boutique hotel, The Moorgate, which has been developed by Epic Properties. The small yet complex site called for a coherent solution to resolve issues of access, circulation and internal space. In addition, it required a concerted effort to create somewhere that provides not just comfort and security but character and charm, with a place that speaks to both its historical context and contemporary city life. The Moorgate is recognisably contemporary yet of its time and place, celebrating its context to create comfort, character and delight.

    David Lee Hood, Associate/Architect – Goddard Littlefair

    Associate and architect David Lee Hood joined Goddard Littlefair in 2013 and now heads up the studio’s architectural department.

    As a flexible all-rounder, Lee Hood splits his energies equally between hospitality projects, including international hotel and restaurant schemes, such as the Restaurant & Bar Design Award-winning venue, The Printing Press for Principal or the award-winning refurbishment of The Gleneagles Hotel. He recently worked on the revamp of Hilton Munich City’s F&B offering, launching Juliet Rose to become the city’s new destination bar.

    Geoff Hull, Director – EPR Architects (Highly Commended: Architect of the Year)

    Geoff Hull has more than 30 years’ experience specialising in hotels and hospitality including new builds, conversions, refurbishments, restorations and heritage schemes in listed buildings for budget, boutique and luxury brands. Hull was responsible for the multi award-winning Rosewood London, which was recently a winner at Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, receiving the top honour within its category.

    The architect continues to oversee a number of high-profile hotel projects of varying scale and complexity.

    Gina Langridge, Project Landscape Architect – WATG

    Showcasing the full suite of the firm’s services, the project to renovate Mitsis Summer Palace included upgrades to the site’s restaurant and pool amenities. It incorporated strategy, planning and landscape architecture. “The hillside situation of the hotel, with expansive views across the Aegean, was the inspiration for creating a space which seamlessly connects the guest with the horizon,” said Gina Langridge of WATG’sLondon Landscape Architecture team who was awarded a Hotel Designs’ 30 Under 30 earlier this year. “In contrast to other pools on the island, we made a bold move with the colour palette and opted for a dark tile – something that is quite unique to the property, which has bold features throughout including teal sun lounges and coral accents in the restaurant.”

    Gordon Ferrier, Head of Hotels – 3D Reid

    Gordon Ferrier brings more than 30 years of hospitality design experience on a wide range of hotel projects, covering new builds, refurbishments and conversions. Ferrier is currently working on Goodwood Hotel, Gleneagles Club in Edinburgh, Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Malmaison in Edinburgh and Cameron House Hotel at Loch Lomond.

    James Dilley, Director – Jestico + Whiles

    Having seen the London-based studio evolve over a quarter of a century, James Dilley holds a unique position at Jestico + Whiles. Specialising inboth architecture and interior design of hospitality projects, Dilley has been responsible for creating some of the world’s most innovative hotels, including Zuri Zanzibar, which is the only hotel globally to be awarded EarthCheck’s prestigious Sustainable Design Gold certification.

    Dilley is currently leading his strong team of architects and interior designers to complete W Edinburgh.

    John Harding, Partner – Dexter Moren Associates

    John Harding has been responsible for the delivery of a number of large and complex hotel and mixed-use developments. His excellent understanding of five star hotels, coupled with detailed technical knowledge and the ability to problem solve, means he is integral to the success of every project he works on.

    Most recently, he has lead the team and has delivered the completion of L’Oscar in Holborn, London, and is currently the partner in charge to deliver phase three of the much anticipated art’otel, which will be sheltered at Battersea Power Station.

    Jonny Sin, Associate Director – ReardonSmith Architects

    Since joining ReardonSmith Architects in 2011, Jonny Sin has been a key member of the Beaumont Hotel award-winning team that transformed a Grade II Listed art deco style building into a luxury boutique hotel winning “Best Hotel in the World” opening 2014. Sin worked closely with British artist Sir Antony Gormley and was responsible for developing the unique architectural and technical solution to realise the artist’s vision of a monumental sculpture as a living space and extension to the hotel.

    More recently, Sin was the project associate on a new-build 173-bed, five-star luxury hotel tower development in Battersea and has since taken a lead role in delivering feasibility studies for Park Hyatt and a new façade retained five-star luxury hotel in Mayfair, London.

    Julian Lewis, Co-Founder/Director – East Architecture

    With a multitude of social and community incentives, Park House is a new aparthotel and community leisure project in West Ham Lane,Stratford. Designed by East Architecture, and led by Julian Lewis, the nine-storey building holds a mix of uses, including 91 apart-hotel spaces, seven ‘residential’ units, community facilities, a gym and a new café and restaurant. The building is a London landmark project for hotel operator Roomzzz, marking the brand’s arrival in London.

    Laura Turner, Architect – jmaarchitects

    Laura Turner has just completed The Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester. Built between 1904 and 1906, the building is a historically symbolic institution, which was purchased by co-owners Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs to transform it into a leading boutique hotel. “Several schemes to extend the building were explored with the client in virtual reality, arriving at an extrusion of the existing mansard roof form, set back from the building frontage and clad in monolithic zinc,” commented Turner. “A contemporary insertion routed into the building via a seven-storey sculptural staircase in place of the former 1980’s circulation core.”

    Laurence Pinn, Associate – Tate Harmer

    Tate Harmer is the studio responsible for The Eden Project in Cornwall, which last year won The Eco Award at The Brit List Awards 2018. Laurence Pinn joined Tate Harmer in 2011. He is design-led yet blends the best of both worlds, considering aesthetics and practical components of development to ensure concepts can become a reality. Laurence was theproject architect for the Eden Canopy Walkway project, and the Brunel Museum project, London, re-opening the historic Rotherhithe Sinking Shaft for use as a performance space.

    Liz Pickard, Managing Director – Consarc Architects

    Liz Pickard was awarded a European Laureate as one of the best emerging European architects in 2010. Consarc Architects has been led by Pickard for more than 20 years. She is an accredited RIBA client advisor and has worked with many clients in the private and public sectors. She teaches at the University College London Bartlett School of Architecture, as module director on the postgraduate course.

    Luke Fox, Head of Studio – Foster + Partners

    Luke Fox leads a team of designers in London, Hong Kong and Beijing on a wide range of international projects at Foster + Partners.

    Recently, Fox has completed The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong and won an award in 2017 for his plans for the mixed-used development plans,which will shelter Four Seasons Makkah, by reinterpreting the traditional dense building clusters and creating a new contemporary vernacular that respects its sacred location.

    To read The Brit List 2019, click here.

    Render of play area entrance tunnel

    SNEAK PEEK: New education and hospitality concept to be unveiled at imm cologne 2020

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    SNEAK PEEK: New education and hospitality concept to be unveiled at imm cologne 2020

    British architect Yasmine Mahmoudieh unveiled her concept, which is a modular innovative education area for hotels, at an exclusive press pre-launch event in London… 

    A new innovative interiors concept for hotels, which emerged from the success of an online learning platform, myKidsy, is about to launch in Cologne, which confronts the current design landscape of hospitality industry.

    Render of play area entrance tunnel

    myKidsy Playground, designed by architect Yasmine Mahmoudieh, consists of interior elements and learning offerings that can be flexibly integrated into existing spaces.

    Networked with the booking portal myKidsy, extracurricular learning content and life skills are conveyed in myKidsy Playground. The installation, which will be debuted at the up-coming trade furniture and interiors fair imm cologne, will showcase modular and recycled furniture concepts for toddlers, children and young adults.

    Render of kids playing in the play centre

    Image credit: Yasmine Mahmoudieh

    In partnership with internationally renowned recording artist and sound architect Tom Middleton, the special area at the show will stage as a totally sensual learning experience with the incorporation of aromas and sound.

    moodpboard to show colours of green, pink, blue, white

    Image credit: Yasmine Mahmoudieh

    Depending upon the age group, a variety of tables, chairs, seating and wall elements are available as furnishings, which can be flexibly adapted to the available space and the respective requirements. “Children are often ignored when it comes to design,” explained Mahmoudieh at the pre-launch event. “The myKidsy Playground concept engages children and young adults meaningfully by using all four senses.”

    The “design and build” solution of mykidsy playground is said to become an inspirational space to be implemented into hotels mainly to entertain children for the 21st century and prepare them for a future.

    Main image credit: Yasmine Mahmoudieh

    make-shift picnic with red cushions on the beach overlook undisturbed ocean

    The Luxury Collection arrives in the Seychelles

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    The Luxury Collection arrives in the Seychelles

    North Island in the Seychelles joins The Luxury Collection as the portfolio’s first private island destination…

    Following Marriott International’s ambitious plans to unveil more than 30 new luxury hotels in 2019, The Luxury Collection has announced the arrival of North Island, Seychelles into its portfolio of world-renowned hotels and resorts. With just 11 villas, Africa’s most exclusive private island is located 30 kilometres from the mainland and is accessible by a scenic helicopter flight or an hour boat ride, giving guests an immediate sense of escapism.

    make-shift picnic with red cushions on the beach overlook undisturbed ocean

    Following its history as a coconut plantation, the granitic island is now a sanctuary for endangered species; luminous beaches and clear blue seas welcome nesting sea turtles, and the Palm forests are home to giant Aldabra tortoises and rare Seychelles white-eye birds.

    The island has been expertly designed and with pioneering conservation programs, offers the highest standards of hospitality, earning them status as an award-winning sustainable travel destination. With a mission to demonstrate that luxury with a conscience can co-exist, sustainability lies at the heart of North Island’s philosophy and will be further embraced and supported with The Luxury Collection. The operational responsibility of the resort will remain with ASMALLWORLD, the world’s leading travel & lifestyle community.

    “North Island has always skilfully combined a sustainable and environmentally conscious management philosophy with the ambition to provide a truly immersive, barefoot-luxury experience,” said CEO of ASMALLWORLD, Jan Luescher. “Whilst maintaining our identity and ethos, our work with The Luxury Collection will allow us to maximise our awareness in our continued efforts in pioneering sustainable luxury travel.”

    Eleven private guest and family villas line the island; each villa has been created using local materials harvested during the island’s rehabilitation process, expertly balancing luxury and simplicity. An haute-couture Robinson Crusoe aesthetic has been applied through interiors celebrating the sheer indulgence of volume and space.

    “We’re delighted to be expanding our footprint of captivating destinations with storied pasts and protected futures.” – Global Brand Leader at The Luxury Collection, Anthony Ingham.

    “North Island is one of the most rare and luxurious destinations in the world, making it a natural fit for The Luxury Collection and our global explorers who seek authentic experiences and connections to both pristine nature and elevated personalisation,” added Global Brand Leader at The Luxury Collection, Anthony Ingham. “This is the first private island within The Luxury Collection portfolio, and we’re delighted to be expanding our footprint of captivating destinations with storied pasts and protected futures.”

    The island not only offers a calming refuge from the modern world, but also an invigorating, refreshing getaway connected to the island’s natural beauty. Aquatic explorers can take part in snorkeling, diving, fishing, sunset cruises, kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing. Bespoke guided excursions for those looking to explore the granite peaks or coral reefs are also available. Whilst on land, forest trails can be explored by foot, bicycle or private buggy, or guests can simply relax on one of the island’s four pristine beaches located at each end of the compass. The island is also the ultimate playground for families and children, with a Beach Buddy program tailormade to interests and hobbies. Parents are invited to take part, or can find their own relaxation whilst children remain supervised.

    The North Island Spa is dwarfed by giant granite peaks, enjoys an open sea breeze and overlooks turquoise waters. Guests are invited to the spa on arrival where they are immediately immersed in ‘island life’ with each tailor-made treatment starting with a ‘barefoot ritual’. A private consultation to create a bespoke spa experience is then formulated as part of a holistic journey of visual and textural contrasts, arousing the senses and rejuvenating mind, body and soul.

    Main image credit: Marriott International/The Luxury Collection

    Pan Pacific Hotels Group to open first London hotel

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    Pan Pacific Hotels Group to open first London hotel

    Pan Pacific Hotels Groups, recognised as the “Best Regional Hotel Chain”, will plant its first flag in Europe with Pan Pacific London…

    Slated to open in Autumn 2020, Pan Pacific Hotels Group‘s London property is billed to be the unparalleled address for the discerning well-heeled travellers who seek to find a balance in life. The hotel will bring the signature Pan Pacific gracious hospitality to the city of London with a touch of Asian resourcefulness.

    Having identified Aldgate’s importance as a creative, business and technology hub – no longer a corridor between the City and the East – the 237-key hotel is located in One Bishopsgate Plaza, London’s new landmark tower just across from Liverpool Street Station.

    Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Pan Pacific London provides a retreat unmatched in scale and quality by any existing hotels in the area. The hotel’s Signature Suite, perched on the 18th floor will be the epitome of luxury with spectacular views to city landmark, The Gherkin.

    The property will represent a number of firsts for London; including a floor dedicated to guest well-being incorporating a dramatic 18 meter infinity pool with spectacular cityscape view; more landscaped outdoor space than any other luxury hotel in the area, with gardens integrated into the design of the restaurants and recreational facilities; and meeting and function spaces which will total almost 341ft. This includes the first ballroom in the square mile of 476 sq. ft. featuring two combinable areas for memorable events.

    Main image credit: Pan Pacific Hotels Group

    Concept of huts on an island

    CASE STUDY: Design story of eco hut concept in Finland

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    CASE STUDY: Design story of eco hut concept in Finland

    Revolutionary wooden eco cabins in Finland carefully specifies products in order to create a functional space that is modern and timeless…

    Following an eco study showing that 76 per cent of holidaymakers felt as if hotels could do more to be greener, a new eco-friendly concept of wooden cabins has been designed to revolutionise our way of living, which could also inspire fundamental change on the international hotel design scene.

     

    Concept of huts on an island

    Majamaja is a range of prefabricated, eco-friendly, self-sufficient wooden cabins. At just 25 square metres, each space ensures guests have everything they need to live comfortably without depleting the Earth’s resources.

    Complete with solar cells on the roof to provide electricity for the lamps and a water tank under the floor to provide clean drinking water, the thought process behind the revolutionary invention started with the concept of designing a completely self-contained holiday cabin. It had to be 25 metres square and when guests stepped through the door everything they needed had to be easily accessible. For example, the dining table is also a bed that can in turn disappear into the wall to create additional space. Guests can take a shower or cook in the knowledge that you are not drawing unnecessarily on the planet’s scarce resources.

    Image of hut on the beach

    Image credit: Majamaja/Unidrain

    The man behind this eco-friendly living space ‘Majamaja’ is the Finnish architect Pekka Littow, from the architectural agency Littow Architectes. “The island has not been civilised,” he said. “That means no infrastructure, no sewerage etc. So I started to think about how to build a home in a place like this. I drew inspiration from various places, including the military’s use of off-grid systems, and came up with the idea for this cabin where the thinking is ‘less is more’. The cabins are self- sufficient, while everything is super-functional and takes up as little space as possible. Fixtures and technology are combined in different ways.”

    The result is a collection of wooden houses that run on solar energy and have water tanks that purify and re-use the water. “The cabins are ideal for those parts of the world where clean drinking water andsewerage are far from the norm,” said Tuomas Autio, one of the co-founders. “We have built a few cabins in Helsinki, with more on the way, but our goal is to create Majamaja villages all over the globe. Theenvironment will really thank us for that.”

    “I have chosen to install linear drains from Unidrain, as they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.” – Pekka Littow, Littow Architectes

    While the invention may be Finnish, Danish design is well represented in the form of minimalist linear drains from Unidrain, which are a perfect fit for the small cabins, where less is more. “The Danish design style, which is very minimalist, fits very well into these homes,” added Littow. “I have chosen to install linear drains from Unidrain, as they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The dimensions fit so well that I was able to design the shower cubicle around the drain. The result is really great and I am getting good feedback on it.”

    image of shower drain and bottle of shower gel

    Image credit: Unidrain

    The sustainable cabins come in prefabricated kits as they have adjustable feet, none of the cabins need foundations; which allows them to be easily erected wherever required.

    Main image credit: Majamaja

    Dark, moody interiors with modern Parkside tiles on the walls

    Parkside introduces coordinated and detailed tile collection

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    Parkside introduces coordinated and detailed tile collection

    The Regal tile collection from Parkside is designed for exceptional performance with the aim to create a modern tone to an interior design backdrop…

    Following the opening of its Cotswold design studio earlier this year, tile specialists Parkside has launched the Regal collection, with porcelain tiles in a subtle palette of four neutral tones and different surface effects, accompanied by perfectly matching trims, thresholds and grouts.

    Dark, moody interiors with modern Parkside tiles on the walls

    Whether designers are hunting out a polished or matt finish, textured effect or need an option with high slip-resistance, the new collection makes it possible with its palette and finishes giving you the potential to create stunning, yet seemingly effortless design schemes.

    In matt and polished finishes Regal sets a modern tone, while for a more textured look Regal Rock’s effect brings an organic quality that can be used as a highlight or an all-over look. Regal’s slip resistant option offers safety enhancing performance in the same look as the matt finish. Each of the finishes is available in vanilla, grey, ash and smoke colours and a range of sizes from 30cm x 60cm up to 80cm x 80cm.

    As well as the standard porcelain tiles, etched decors and accent mosaics can be used as a bold pattern contrast on feature walls. And with the 3D cube effect of Regal Cubis Mosaic, suitable for both wall and floor use, schemes can be lifted beyond the ordinary.

    With any wall or floor tile specification the choice of detailing can have a big impact on the overall look. Get details such as movement joints, grouts and trims wrong and you have the potential to spoil the finished look of the installation. The Regal collection negates this risk, making it easy to achieve the perfect end-result.

    When it comes to porcelain tiles for walls and floors, including slip-resistant options, Regal has everything you need to create a unified finish throughout all areas.

    Main image credit: Parkside

    Render of new development

    Accor opens two newly built hotels in Leicester

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    Accor opens two newly built hotels in Leicester

    The Novotel hotel and Adagio aparthotel, both under the Accor umbrella, will open in January 2020…

    Hotel group Accor has announced that two newly built hotels in Leicester, Novotel Leicester and Adagio Leicester Aparthotel, will open on January 15, 2020. The new properties are owned by Charles Street Buildings Group and operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Aimbridge Hospitality’s International Division.

    Render of new development

    The 10-storey Novotel Leicester boasts 154 guestrooms including executive suites, meeting spaces, a state-of-the-art gym and a ground-floor feature bar and restaurant. The hotel is ideal for guests who want style and convenience wrapped up in one.

    “Today Accor has more than 260 hotels in UKI and a strong pipeline across our luxury, midscale and economy portfolio.” – Thomas Dubaere, COO Accor Northern Europe

    The six-storey Adagio Leicester Aparthotel is opening next door to the Novotel with 98 apartments consisting of two person studios and one-bedroom apartments for up to four people.

    Masculine interiors in lounge of Aparthotel

    Image caption: Concept render of Novotel Leicester

    Speaking of the new openings, Thomas Dubaere, COO Accor Northern Europe commented: “Today Accor has more than 260 hotels in UKI and a strong pipeline across our luxury, midscale and economy portfolio. Opening a new build dual brand site in the heart of Leicester strengthens our midscale portfolio in the UK. Novotel and Adagio brands continue to go from strength to strength both in business and brand terms, and I am delighted to be opening both Novotel Leicester and Adagio Leicester in such a prime city location. We are have worked closely with the developer of this property to deliver a very high quality building which will bring significant benefits to the city and visitors.”

    Set in a location which connects the city centre to the developing Waterside area of Leicester, the Great Central Square development provides the two hotels with a prime site for both corporate and leisure travellers.

    “We’re excited to be working with Accor and Charles Street Building Group to officially open this duo of hotels in Leicester, creating more than 60 jobs for the local area and providing two new choices of accommodation for travellers visiting the city,” added Nicholas Northam, Executive Vice President International at Interstate. “Novotel and Adagio are ideal brands for this site as together they will ensure every traveller is catered for, from the short-stay business traveller to families visiting the city to long-stay guests and those looking to relocate.”

    Main image credit: Accor

    Kit Miles Studio launches new textile collection at Minotti London

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    Kit Miles Studio launches new textile collection at Minotti London

    Minotti London hosted a spectacular evening, allowing designer Kit Miles to launch his new textile collections by injecting the showroom with colour… 

    On December 5, Minotti London welcomed designers and special guests to the launch of designer Kit Miles’ latest textile collections. The seamless relationship between the Italian luxury furniture brand and the British textiles studio was born from the shared values for quality, innovation and creativity.

    The designer, who launched his London-based studio in 2013, unveiled his latest work on the walls of the Fitzrovia showroom. Minotti London displayed the vivid details of Miles’ the new Kubrick range by reupholstering one of its iconic armchairs chairs in the vibrant colours and vivid patterns.

    Image caption: Kit Miles standing next to the Minotti armchair that was reupholstered in the Kit Miles Studio Kubrick collection to celebrate the occasion.

    “The concept of pattern has become the conceptual heart of a project coming to life,” Miles told Hotel Designs. “Our potent and dynamic collections sing across and around the Minotti furniture, both brands representing a design universe steeped in quality and of pushing at design frontiers, here we do so vividly, passionately and unapologetically.”

    “It is testament to imagination that, when we commit wholehearted to authenticity, we can forge identity – and in doing so, create memories that live in people forever. I see no greater vehicle through which to do that with than design.”

    people sitting on sofas and standing, networking in the Minotti London showroom

    Image caption: Designers and friends of both Minotti and Kit Miles Studio gathered at Minotti London’s showroom

    The new collections include Birds in Chains, Corinthian Check, Cylinders, Diagonal Gradient, Ecclesiastical Botanic, Emperor Damask, Fretwork, Kubrick, Phases des Camelias and Ultraviolet Garden.

    “We love Kit’s work and like to promote young British talent like Kit Miles,” added Co-Founder and Director of Minotti London, Anke Summerhill. “We have used his beautiful wallpapers and fabrics to show how versatile our furniture is and how beautifully it fits in with any look.”
    Main image credit: Minotti London/Kit Miles Studio

    Last chance to apply for Outstanding Property Award

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    Last chance to apply for Outstanding Property Award

    Calling all interior designers, architects and developers: The deadline to submit international projects for Outstanding Property Award, of which Hotel Designs is a proud media partner of, is December 15…

    December 15, this Sunday, is the deadline to submit entries for Outstanding Property Award (OPAL). The global search to find the best architecture, interior design and property development projects from around the world will climax with a spectacular award ceremony in London next year.

    “The awards celebrates and honours diverse and exceptional projects globally. “We aim to highlight and celebrate the most exceptional design projects in the world, raising their awareness and honoring its creators,” said Jesper Thompson, co-founder of OPAL in a recent interview with Hotel Designs. 

    Described on its website as “not just another award”, OPAL creates the opportunity for each participant to gain visibility for their latest innovative projects and allows developers, designers and architects to connect with leading professionals within the industry and beyond.

    The most outstanding property projects around the world will be championed in London next year with the following awards up for grabs:

    INTERIOR DESIGN:

    • Overall Winner – Interior Design
      Awarded to the highest scoring entry in Interior Design. Will receive the coveted OPAL gold Trophy.
    • Platinum Winner – Interior Design
      Awarded to projects with a Jury score of over 8.5 average.
    • Winner – Interior Design
      Awarded to projects with a Jury score of over 7.5 average.
    • Honorable Mention – Interior Design
      Awarded to projects with a high amount of honorable mentions scores. Can be multiple Honorable mention winners.
    • Official Selection – Interior Design
      Awarded to projects has been shortlisted by the pre-selection Jury.

    ARCHITECTURE:

    • Overall Winner – Architecture
      Awarded to the highest scoring entry in Architecture. Will receive the coveted OPAL gold Trophy.
    • Platinum Winner – Architecture
      Awarded to projects with a Jury score of over 8.5 average.
    • Winner – Architecture
      Awarded to projects with a Jury score of over 7.5 average.
    • Honorable Mention – Architecture
      Awarded to projects with a high amount of honorable mentions scores. Can be multiple Honorable mention winners.
    • Official Selection – Architecture
      Awarded to projects has been shortlisted by the pre-selection Jury.

    PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

    • Overall Winner – Property Development
      Awarded to the highest scoring entry in Property Development. Will receive the coveted OPAL gold Trophy.
    • Platinum Winner – Property Development
      Awarded to projects with a Jury score of over 8.5 average.
    • Winner – Property Development
      Awarded to projects with a Jury score of over 7.5 average.
    • Honorable Mention – Property Development
      Awarded to projects with a high amount of honorable mentions scores. Can be multiple Honorable mention winners.
    • Official Selection – Property Development
      Awarded to projects has been shortlisted by the pre-selection Jury.

    OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:

    The Jury Panel will nominate Outstanding Achievement Awards in the following categories:

      • Outstanding Sustainability Award
        Awarded to the project with most Sustainability votes.
      • Outstanding Social Impact Award
        Awarded to the project with most Humanitarian votes.
      • Outstanding Innovation Award
        Awarded to the project with most Innovation votes.

    To find out more information Outstanding Property Award, and how to submit an entry, visit the website. 

    Hotel specifies flooring made from 540 recycled bottles

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    Hotel specifies flooring made from 540 recycled bottles

    The newly rebranded DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, which has just opened in the historic spa town, has specified a revolutionary carpet underlay company that uses recycled bottles within its flooring solutions… 

    The newly rebranded DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, which has just opened in the historic spa town, has specified SpringBond as the underlay of choice in its transformed spa facility.

    Following a £15m programme of refurbishment throughout the hotel, the Harrogate Spa now has 540 recycled plastic bottles sitting under its carpeted areas.

    Used in the relaxation lounge, SpringBond, which is manufactured in Yorkshire, fits with the spa’s desire to incorporate the rich heritage of the region, and bolsters its sustainability credentials as well as improving indoor air quality.

    Following approval from four world leading adhesives companies – FBall, Uzin, Ardex and Xchem – SpringBond FR, SpringBond’s heavy contract double stick underlay system, is going from strength to strength in the hospitality and leisure sector.

    Close up of man fitting the carpet underlay

    Image credit: SpringBond

    Launched at the Harrogate Flooring Show and during the INDEX Exhibition in Dubai in September, SpringBond FR is ideal for use in hotels, hospitality and leisure establishments. The revolutionary carpet underlay is available in 7mm for double stick or stretch fit applications and is made from recycled PET plastic bottles (up to 120 per roll) and other single use plastics, offering maximum performance with minimum environmental impact.

    “SpringBond is a perfect alternative to PU foam,” said James Taylor, Managing Director of SpringBond. “It’s a greener and safer choice when compared to many traditional underlays so is getting the attention of a lot of hotel brands, especially, at the moment, with consumers becoming savvier about brands’ green credentials. We’re in a fortunate position to have such a topical product and are looking forward to demand continuing to increase.”

    SpringBond underlay is fully recyclable at the end of its usable life – creating a closed-loop manufacturing cycle – and contains no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), promoting better air quality in buildings.

    The company is a partner of non-profit organisation Plastic Oceans, which addresses plastic pollution.

    Main image credit: DoubleTree by Hilton

    Corinthia London sells luxury penthouse for £10m on one condition

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    Corinthia London sells luxury penthouse for £10m on one condition

    The perfect night’s sleep costs £10,750,000 apparently, according to one lucky person who purchased the penthouse of the Corinthia London as long as it was furnished with a Hypnos Mattress... 

    For most guests, the perfect night’s sleep is priceless, but as Corinthia London recently found, £10 million pounds is a good place to open the bidding.

    The London based hotel, which was designed by G.A Design and recently won Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2019, secured the £10,750,000 sale of its luxury penthouse on one condition – that every bed in the suite would be furnished with a Hypnos mattress along with the hotel’s luxury linen and throws. Once the stipulation was accepted, the multi-millionaire buyer confirmed the sale within 72 hours.

    According to the Evening Standard, the businessman who purchased the property had previously viewed properties around Mayfair and Chelsea, but opted for The Corinthia because that is where he had enjoyed his best nights’ rest.

    The purchase of the 3,703 sq ft trophy home is ‘the biggest deal in Whitehall in the last five years’ according to Simon Deen, Director & Partner at Aston Chase, the estate agents who managed the sale.

    Chris Ward, Group Marketing Director at Hypnos Beds, said: “We are renowned for supplying high quality beds to some of the world’s most stunning, luxury hotels, helping them to offer an amazing sleep experience to their guests. This particular negotiation is testament to the long-lasting affect that a Hypnos bed can have on a guest, in this case, clinching a multi-million-pound sale.”

    Hoteliers looking to achieve this level of comfort and satisfaction can look no further than Hypnos. The bedmaker’s commitment to the perfect night’s sleep goes far beyond comfort and encompasses its long-running commitment to sustainability.

    As the world’s first carbon neutral bedmaker, Hypnos’ mattresses and beds are 100 per cent foam free and use only natural and sustainable fibres that are 100% recyclable at the end of their life and are free from harmful and allergy-related chemicals.

    For more information on how you can bring the perfect night’s sustainable sleep for your guests or residents, visit the Hypnos website.

    Hypnos is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Corinthia London

    Bathroom trend of pastels is explored in Vitra's new range of bathroom products

    Key bathroom trends to emerge in 2020

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    Key bathroom trends to emerge in 2020

    As Hotel Designs continues its ultimate throwback, Year in Review, Recommended Supplier UK Bathrooms takes a look back at key bathroom trends that emerged in 2019, and are expected to evolve in 2020…

    As a result of designers are moving away from hard angular lines, and while furniture and fittings become more flowing in shape, 2019 saw the launch of some seductive new bathroom collections. Next year, we expect designers to be influenced raw materials, various patterns as well as sensitively introducing gold and black when creating new wellness areas.

    Bathroom trend of pastels is explored in Vitra's new range of bathroom products

    “Once relegated in the style archives gold is definitely back and has taken a new direction adding a glam look to bathrooms.”

    Sensitively utilising gold

    range of gold fittings from Crosswater

    Image credit: Crosswater

    One of the biggest trends of 2019 and definitely staying around for 2020 is gold – once relegated in the style archives gold is definitely back and has taken a new direction adding a glam look to bathrooms.  Start with fittings such as basin taps, waste, shower fittings and then layer up the accessories.  Crosswater is one of the leading contemporary bathroom brands and the company’s new MPRO Industrial Brass range is simply stunning with its unlacquered brass finish, allowing the metal to breath and eventually resulting in beautiful oxidation. The MPRO collection is inspired by industrial era brassware and is already proving very popular especially to those who are discerning and style conscious.

    Pastels with a twist

    Pastel bathroom with minimalist urinal and sinks and 70s-inspired mirrors

    Image credit: VitrA

    UK Bathrooms and Hotel Designs have seen a growing demand for pastel shades this year and VitrA’s new Plural range+, which launched in October, is a great example of this trend. The exciting modern look was designed by award-winning Milan based designer Terri Pecora.

    Inspired by the heritage of communal bathing spaces and rituals, the collection presents the bathroom in a totally new light. Organic shaped design elements are used in multiple combinations to form an intimate setting.  Innovation abounds in this Gold Award winning collection with three syphon solutions one of which allows a basin to be placed at various angles as an alternative to the conventional positioning by the wall, another designed to specifically enable washbasins to be mounted in an open bathroom space whilst still keeping a clean and minimalistic look and the this allowing for the fitting of column basins at free angles in the room instead of the more common 90 degree angle to the wall.  This superb range also includes a mirror which easily rotates between two basins.

    Raw and natural

    modern bathroom with running tap in botanical surroundings

    Image credit: Hansgrohe

    Materials like exposed concrete, unfinished wood and raw brick look contemporary and chic combined with ultra-modern touches, such as the Hansgrohe Metropol Floorstanding Bath Mixer Tap the result is a bathroom firmly on the chic side of industrial interior design. Natural unrefined finishes will be seen more and more in 2020.  Villeroy and Boch Memento 2.0 Countertop basin comes in a choice of amazing finishes, including concrete grey which complements this look perfectly.

    Show stopping cast iron roll top baths are the heart of the Victorian Vibe look and UK Bathrooms sell a large selection of roll tops from premium luxury brands such as Burlington’s Avante garde back to wall traditional bath and the stunning Imperial Sheraton Cast iron Ball Foot Slipper Bath. Remaining a crucial component in today’s chicest bathroom, the freestanding bath with ball and claw feet is here to stay. Add dark walls and panelling to create the mood.

    UK Bathrooms is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: VitrA

    UNILIN division panels add neutral shades to Evola range

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    UNILIN division panels add neutral shades to Evola range

    UNILIN, division panels, puts a youthful twist on its Evola range by focusing on three key trend shades of neutral colours, in line with Hotel Designs’ recent 2020 interior design trends forecast…

    Silencing the critics that labelled ‘blush’ as a one hit wonder and overnight fad, the warm neutrals of pink shades continue to endure with a new generation of admirers. With the popularity of pink tones, UNILIN division panels, has added three new colour options to its already extensive UNILIN Evola range.

    Blush’s mature take on primary pink roots provides a grown up option that has inspired household, hospitality and commercial interiors. Its success can be attributed to creating another option to plain neutral palettes that had been founded in the greige or off whites of the last 20 years. Rather than the make do magnolias of yesteryear, blush provides a refreshing spectrum. Not surprisingly, when blush was unveiled as a Pantone colour trend it partnered Serenity, a soft evening blue and collectively they were known as the “genderfull” palette of 2016.

    From India Magdavis’ The Gallery, Sketch to the cinematic pinks of The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson, blush was not quiet in solidifying itself in a plethora of Instagram moments. This wider and common place acceptance of blush has shown in its thorough penetration of interiors, social and cultural platforms.

    “Our Evola range is founded on providing original colours and surface interests that tap into the inspired creative platforms of fashion, art and popular culture,” said Sofie Coulier from UNILIN, division panels. “Nobody has escaped the emergence of blush and using our advanced technology and manufacturing processes, we’ve been able to bring the shade in three new on-trend, high-end finishes.”

    Tanned Peach adds a warmer hint while Lime Blush uses a textural Stucco effect plaster finish. Completing the new colour range is Lychee with delicate soft pearl finish.

    Scratch and stain-resistant, safe from fading and easy to wipe down. All Evola melamine-faced chipboard panels are made from 100% circular wood, including a minimum 85 per cent recycled content.

    Free A4 samples of all Evola decors can be ordered from the UNILIN, division panels website.

    UNILIN is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    In Conversation With: The founders of design studio BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG

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    In Conversation With: The founders of design studio BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG

    With W Ibiza about to open, Hotel Designs gets a backstage pass to exclusively interview the design and architecture heroes behind the project. The founders of BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG, Irene Kronenberg and Alon Baranowitz, have led the completion of some of Europe’s most iconic hotels. Editor Hamish Kilburn joins the pair to understand how to effortlessly confront convention in the ever-evolving hotel design arena…

    A few miles away from where the spotlight is being cast on the designers and architects who are attending Sleep & Eat 2019, The Standard London’s playful interior design scheme provides an apt and backdrop for my next interview to take place. I don’t know it yet, but I am about to experience a pivotal moment in my career as I prepare to meet face-to-face with the designers behind one of my very first ever hotel reviews, which took place almost half a decade ago.

    Irene Kronenberg and Alon Baranowitz are the founders of BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG, and have – for some time now –  led an exciting movement on the hotel design scene in Europe and in the Middle East. Their two studios in Amsterdam and Tel Aviv consist of a group of talented designers and architects, all of whom have graduated from institutions around the globe.

    Among a sea of residential projects within the studio’s portfolio, there are also a number of hotels that have marvellously opened to disrupt the tide of the pre-existing hospitality spaces. These include the likes of Sir Albert Hotel, Mendeli Street Hotel, Wyndham Grand Frankfurt, as well as a handful of W Hotels for good measure in pockets of Europe that have become major travel hotspots.

    “I like to think it’s the building talking back when we face challenges.” – Alon Baranowitz, Co-founder, BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG.

    It’s a daunting prospect to reconfigure a respected building that has formed part of history and a community for centuries, and sensitivity from concept through to completion is called for for such briefs. “We have a beautiful dialogue with buildings that allows us to converse and work with them,” explains Baranowitz. “I like to think it’s the building talking back when we face challenges. It really is a journey. When you start from scratch, anything is possible. And then you start confronting elements that affect the original ideas and plans. The trick then is to work around constraints and not against them. Often, these end up being the most exciting and rewarding projects.”

    “In that moment, we moved from being functional designers and became narrative creatives.” – Irene Kronenburg, Co-founder, BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG.

    1998 was a defining year for the studio. The two designers were approached by a client to create a new restaurant and dining experience. “We remember the birth of Zo Zo Bra’s design concept like it was yesterday, and it was a turning point for us,” says Kronenburg. “I even remember what the lady was drinking on the table adjacent to us during our meeting. We sat there for hours trying to understand the concept of ying and yang. We went in completely open-minded, and only after we had succeeded in defining the energy of the concept and space did we start designing. “In that moment,” reflects Kronenburg, “we moved from being functional designers and became narrative creatives.”

    projector above tables and open front windows, the studio's design take on ying and yang

    Image caption: The ying and yang concept executed in Zo Zo Bra in Tel Aviv

    A few decades later, having perfected their innovative design method with a string of hotels and residential projects, the studio was awarded the opportunity to design W Amsterdam, which I first reviewed in 2014 during its soft opening. It was another one of those projects – a ‘labour of love’ hotel, which I’m assuming received more labour than love during key moments. “It was an incredible project to work on,” beams Kronenberg. “It felt like our role was to stitch all the elements together. Before we made any decisions, we had to understand the buildings as well as the city of Amsterdam. The biggest challenge was to breathe new life into the building while remaining sensitive throughout.”

    The hotel, which takes shelter in the pre-existing 1920s telephone exchange building as well as the former KAS Bank down the road, challenges design and behavioural conventions in many ways. For starters, the check-in area is positioned on the top floor of the exchange building, which flows seamlessly into the rooftop bar and restaurant and heated outdoor pool, allowing visitors to feel part of the W’s energy immediately upon checking in. “It’s a party place, but Amsterdam does not the same night life you have here in London,” explains Kronenberg, and I can only assume the designer is referencing the city’s open-minded attitudes as well as an underground party, design and fashion scene. “It was important for us to create a venue that the locals would accept as a new destination that breaks boundaries. Without the locals using the hotel’s facilities as we intended, the design would not have worked as a concept.”

    Hotel designers are moving – or have already shifted – into a new era, where their design projects on the boards being influenced as much by quality materials as they are aesthetics. Having led the industry as innovators for so long, I am intrigued to understand how this greater awareness has impacted the studio. “It’s a really exciting time to be operating in the industry at the moment,” explains Baranowitz. “Perspectives on sustainability are definitely changing. Before knocking down a building, for example, we should be investigating what we can restore in order to create a continuation of urban fabric that would otherwise be forgotten. Thinking in this way has become more of a reflex.”

    “It really is as simple as adjusting the way we live in order to design more thoughtful spaces.” – Irene Kronenburg, Co-founder, BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG.

    For the studio, while consumers checking in and out of hotels become more savvy to consciously designed properties, it is less about designing purposely, and more about living sensibly and within ones means so that an eco-approach becomes second nature. “There shouldn’t need to be someone telling us to design responsibly, just like there shouldn’t be someone telling us to recycle,” adds Kronenberg. “It really is as simple as adjusting the way we live in order to design more thoughtful spaces.”

    QUICK-FIRE ROUND

    Hamish Kilburn (HK): Where’s next on your travel bucket list? 
    Elon Baranowitz (EB): Japan
    Irene Knonenberg (IK): The Azores

    HK: What is the secret to good design? 
    IK: Good design is about what you don’t see.

    HK: Why should people visit your hometown of Tel Aviv? 
    EB: We live each day like there is no tomorrow. No, really, the energy on the streets is electric!

    HK: What would you say has been the most significant change on the international hotel design scene recently?
    IK: Respect for specialists and sourcing inspiration outside of design territory.

    Not understanding the 360-degree relationship between the designer, architect and operator is a pitfall I try to avoid when reviewing hotels. When researching into the studio’s latest project it is about to complete, W Ibiza, I find it uncommon and interesting that BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG was commissioned to work on the architecture as well as the interior design scheme.

    W Hotels has a habit of doing things differently – and considering the studio’s wealth of architecture experience as well as interior design – the renders of W Ibiza say rather a lot about the buildings need for a strong relationship between both elements. The colourful renders depict a vision that is the result of a seamless and understood relationship between the shell of the building, its practical properties catering to the modern traveller and and evolution of the W-style within the vibrant interiors sheltered inside. “When we first entered the building, which is positioned on the beach front, we couldn’t even see the sea. There had been no thought as to how guests would and should use these public spaces,” explains Kronenberg. “As a result of us opening up the structure of the building sensitively, guests now capture the sea from the outside of the property.”

    Render of a colourful green and blue architecture of W Ibiza

    Image credit: W Ibiza/Baranowitz + Kronenberg

    W Ibiza is slated to open in April, ahead of the 2020 Summer season. Located off the beaten track, the 167-key hotel will strike a pose on the palm-fringed beachfront of Santa Eulalia. As the only global brand on the island, the design brief was to marry the parallel realities of Ibiza with a magnetic pull that turns up the sass.

    By opening up the public spaces to become a flexible social hub, the hotel becomes a place that nurtures human connections, and through the use of subtle levels creates touchable distance between each functional area. “The idea is that the energy descends into the unconventional pool area,” adds Baranowitz. “As you move up levels, the lobby/lounge area becomes more reclined, but the open architecture scheme allows for a clever connection between all spaces.”

     

    60 minutes in the company of Kronenberg and Baranowitz has allowed me to find a fresh perspective on the industry, as well as the possibilities that can emerge from taking the time to listen before acting. As the pair rush to catch their flight back to Tel Aviv, their boundless energy has awakened my senses. Nearly five years after checking in to W Amsterdam, it is as if fate has finally brought this moment together. My barely touched coffee has gone cold, which I now believe is the sign of a great conversation that will continue soon.

    Main image credit: BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG

    World Architecture Festival 2019 welcomes 2,300 professionals

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    World Architecture Festival 2019 welcomes 2,300 professionals

    World Architecture Festival 2019, sponsored by GROHE, welcomed 2,300 professionals from 75 countries and hosted 39 exhibitors…

    At this year’s World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, founder sponsor GROHE celebrated another year of success, welcoming more than 1,000 visitors from the international architecture and design world to its dynamic booth.

    “We are proud to be a part of some of this year’s nominees for the Building of the Year Award,” says Stefan Schmied, Vice President Global Projects Grohe AG. “Being able to contribute to some of the finest buildingsaround the world continues to be an inspiration and an honour. We are very happy to see those buildings getthe professional acclaim they deserve.” One of the annual highlights of the festival is the announcement of the World Building of the Year 2019, which was this year awarded to LocHal Public Library in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The scheme was designed by Civic Architects (lead architect), Braaksma & Roos Architectenbureau and Inside Outside / Petra Blaisse.

    Blue and yellow stand

    Image credit: GROHE

    A platform for professional exchange

    As founder sponsor of the festival, GROHE values WAF as a key opportunity to meet with the industry’s topspecialists and, of course, potential partners and customers. As in years past, the 2019 festival proved that the event is the place to be when it comes to professional networking and exchange about innovations, trends, and future developments in architecture and the built environment. “As founding sponsor, GROHE is thrilled and immensely proud to see how WAF has developed over the years,” says Paul Flowers, Chief Design Officer LIXIL. “What makes this festival so unique is the ability to engage in discussions with architects from all over the world and explore developing macro trends such as urbanisation, sustainability, health and wellbeing. We’d like to thank the architectural community for the positive feedback to the products we have shown at our booth. Many of our solutions have been createdfrom the insights we’ve gathered in the previous years.”

    Investing in the future of water

    As one of the most sustainable brands of the sanitary sector, GROHE is dedicated to supporting research that explores the future of saving and preserving our water. As part of its efforts, GROHE has been donating money for the Water Research Prize which was awarded at WAF this year for the second time. This year, the researchinitiative “Recycle Build Brazil” convinced the jury including Paul Finch, Programme Director, WAF; Paul Flowers, Chief Design Officer LIXIL and Henk Ovink, Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands with their proposed sustainable architectural solutions for a school in the Brazilian Saõ José dos Campos area. By using recycled materials and implementing intelligent rainwater harvesting systems, the project not only improves the lives of the schoolchildren but also raises awareness of their interaction with water. Starting with the school building as a pilot project, there is also a longer-term proposal for the enhancement of 400 local low-income housing units.

    The Water Research Prize is based on the WAF Manifesto. It describes the most important challenges for architects within the next ten years. Proper handling of water is a top priority, which is also a key commitment for GROHE.

    GROHE is one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news, click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email  Katy Phillips by clicking here.

    Main image credit: Civic architects, Braaksma & Roos Architectenbureau, Inside Outside – Petra Blaise Stijn Bollaert

    Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum unveils the hospitality professionals attending

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    Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum unveils the hospitality professionals attending

    Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum, which falls under the Forum Events hospitality portfolio, takes place on January 27 at Hilton London Canary Wharf…

    Forum Events, the parent company of Hotel Designs, is beginning the new year with the opportunity to start conversations like no other by hosting the Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum, a highly focused meet-the-buyer event that brings together hospitality professionals and suppliers.

    The Forum consists of one-to-one business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities throughout – all to enable attendees to create lasting business relationships.

    With a combined annual budget of more than £200 million among the hospitality professionals attending, Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum, which takes place on 27 January at Hilton London Canary Wharf, is regarded as the go-to event for suppliers to extend their contacts in the ever-changing landscape of technology in the hospitality market.

    audienceThe premium meet-the-buyer event will be attended by hospitality professionals from the following companies:

    • Accor
    • Atlas Hotels
    • Hotel Café Royal
    • Hilton
    • Apex Hotels
    • Best Western
    • Crowne Plaza London Docklands
    • DoubleTree by Hilton London Excel
    • Sloane Square Hotel
    • Grayshot Hotel
    • The Goodenough on Mecklenburgh Square
    • MARC Ltd
    • Old Thorns Hotel
    • Reset Hotels & Resorts
    • InterContinental The 02
    • Millennium Hotels and Resorts
    • Valor Hospitality
    • JKS Restaurants
    • The Arora Group
    • Trivelles Hotels
    • Ashley Hotels
    • Roseacre Pub Company
    • Your Space Apartments
    • Lester Hotels
    • Mils Hotels & Resorts
    • Circadian Trust
    • Knights Care
    • Hillbrook Hotels
    • Blue Orchid Hotels
    • Make Venue
    • Belmont Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
    • Sara Management Company
    • The Deckers Group
    • Cave Hotel & Golf Resort
    • Bills
    • MSC Cruises
    • Champneys
    • YOTEL
    • Wagamamas
    • Dorsett Hotels
    • Bulgari Hotel
    • Whitbread
    • Marstons
    • Pizza Express
    • Fullers
    • G1 Group Plc
    • Rank Group
    • McDonalds
    • Rileys
    • Fulham Football Club
    • Lucky Voice Karaoke
    • STAY Worldwide
    • Ambassadors Bloomsbury
    • Centennial Hotel
    • Canary Wharf Riverside Park Plaza
    • Costa
    • The Lodge Duxford
    • The Lodge Hotel
    • The Wesley Hotel
    • Waterfront Seaport
    • Zebrano

    How to attend

    If you are a supplier and would like to attend, please email Toby Ward or call 07930 402303.
    If you are a delegate and would like to attend the event, please email either Emily Gallagher or Lucia Guilesano or call 01992 37485/94.

    Render of large hotel with pool on upper level and people eating below

    Marriott International to open 30 luxury hotels in 2020

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    Marriott International to open 30 luxury hotels in 2020

    Marriott International’s 2020 strategy will see the unveil of luxury hotels in design and travel hotspots, including Tokyo, Mexico City, Reykjavik and Melbourne…

    Matching the group’s 2019 aims, Marriott International has announced its projection to open more than 30 luxury properties in 2020. The hotel group’s 30 new openings will evolve from the more than 185 luxury properties, targetting 15 new countries and territories, in its signed development pipeline.

    Render of large hotel with pool on upper level and people eating below

    With the world-renowned hospitality hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bvlgari, Marriott International uses the global perspective gained from its boundless network of more than 420 landmark hotels and resorts in nearly 65 countries and territories to provide an unmatched variety of luxury experiences.

    “Our plan to open more than 30 luxury properties in 2020 – an average of about three exciting new hotels per month – speaks to the remarkable momentum that brands such as St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and Edition have with affluent travelers, our Marriott Bonvoy members and hotel developers around the world,” said Tony Capuano, EVP and Global Chief Development Officer, Marriott International. “Each year, our luxury portfolio continues to grow in both quality and quantity in strategic destinations around the world.”

    The Ritz-Carlton 

    The iconic luxury brand recently celebrated the opening of its 100th property with the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and expanded the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio to four exceptional properties with the opening of Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico.

    In the coming year, the brand is expected to bring its legendary service to Morocco for the first time, with the planned opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar es Salam in the country’s dynamic capital. The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is slated to expand the brand’s footprint in Japan, while a highly anticipated property in Mexico City is expected to give guests a unique way to experience the Mexican capital. Overlooking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley is slated to grow the brand’s resort portfolio, while the brand also anticipates an opening in Nanjing, China, expects to see the completion of a major renovation of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and continues to work towards the inaugural voyage of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection expected in June 2020.

    St. Regis

    Offering modern glamour and sophisticated design, the St. Regis brand recently grew its footprint in Europe with the opening of The St. Regis Venice, boasting a magnificent outdoor garden and one of the most coveted locations along the city’s famed Grand Canal. Currently offering 45 hotels in more than 20 countries and territories, the brand in the year ahead expects to introduce St. Regis to Cairo, a destination that has long allured travelers with its enthralling history, and which is quickly reclaiming its place as a global hot spot.

    Additionally, St. Regis expects to expand its resort portfolio with the anticipated opening of The St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is also slated to open in 2020, bringing highly bespoke service and beloved signature rituals to the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates.

    Lux Rebel W Hotels

    This year, W Hotels brought its boundary-breaking approach, bold design and innovative programming to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ibiza and Aspen, the brand’s first alpine destination in the United States.

    Multi-million-dollar renovations by owners are underway or completed at more than half the brand’s properties in North America, including W Washington D. C. and W San Francisco.

    In addition, the company recently announced plans to transform W New York – Union Square into a cutting-edge W Hotels showcase, advancing a larger strategy to redefine and reinvigorate the W portfolio in North America. Also underway is the exciting addition of W Nashville to the brand’s growing portfolio. The brand continues to trailblaze its way around the globe with 2020 expected openings in Philadelphia, Toronto, Chengdu, and Melbourne. Offering the insider track wherever the iconic W sign lands, the brand is also slated to debut in Italy with the planned openings of W Milan and W Rome, giving locals and visitors alike a distinctly W take on “la dolce vita.”

    EDITION

    In 2019, the EDITION brand made global news with the debuts of The Times Square EDITION in New York and The West Hollywood EDITION in Los Angeles, proving sustained high demand for its curated mix of modern design and service. Created through a collaboration between boutique hotel creator and innovator Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the lifestyle brand is slated to bring its distinct point of view to the in-demand destination of Reykjavik in 2020. Additionally, with 10 hotels in six countries and territories, the rapidly growing EDITION brand is expected to bring its sophisticated style to the global hotspots of Tokyo and Dubai.

    Image credit: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

    The Luxury Collection

    With a rapidly growing ensemble of 114 hotels in more than 30 countries and territories around the world, The Luxury Collection takes guests on journeys to the world’s most captivating places. In 2019, the brand celebrated the opening of North Island, Seychelles, the portfolio’s first private island destination, and welcomed properties in Cyprus, Nanning, Buckinghamshire, Kolkata and Çeşme. Looking to the year ahead, The Luxury Collection anticipates openings in coveted locations spanning the globe, including Nashville and Budapest, Hungary, as well as Hobart, Australia – a destination that signals the future of luxury travel.

    JW Marriott

    JW Marriott offers warm and intentional luxury experiences at nearly 90 properties around the world, including the recent, highly anticipated debut of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to let guests focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit. Expected to reach more than 115 hotels by 2022, the year 2020 is slated to be a period of rapid growth for the brand, with planned U.S. openings in Savannah, Orlando and Anaheim, in addition to global destinations ranging from Istanbul and Danang, Vietnam, to Nara, Japan, Muscat, Oman and Monterrey, Mexico.

    “Celebrating the distinct nature and individuality of our luxury brands, Marriott International offers a diverse variety of nuanced brand experiences that speak to the needs of the modern luxury traveler,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand Officer and Luxury Portfolio Leader, Marriott International. “Across our luxury brands portfolio, we will continue to incubate innovation and apply fresh thinking, both at the brand level and across our individual hotels, as we seek to be future forward, push boundaries, and continue to raise the bar by creating new, unexpected, and enriching guest experiences.”

    Marriott International encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 134 countries and territories.

    Main image credit: W Nashville 

    Interior design trends to look out for in 2020 and beyond

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    Interior design trends to look out for in 2020 and beyond

    In order to keep an eye on what the industry experts predict will be popular trends for 2020 and beyond, Hotel Designs’ editorial team have identified colours, shapes and concepts that they expect will make an appearance on the international hotel design scene next year (edited by Hamish Kilburn)…

    For many designers, architects and hoteliers, ‘trends’ is a dirty word. For too long, the monosyllabic noun has been misused in sentences to create a barrier for creativity, opinions and personable design to flourish.

    Nonetheless, the editorial team at Hotel Designs are of the strong opinion that, while trends in the generic sense have become obsolete and replaced by meaningful design to suit a particular design brief or concept, it’s still important to look ahead at expert predictions to understand the value and relevance of certain colours, shapes and forms. With the aim to inform in order to spark new conversations within the industry, here are some interesting trends that we expect to emerge and evolve in 2020.

    Neutral colour palettes 

    simple orange and red wall covering with chair

    Image credit: Arte Wallcoverings’ Les Nuances collection

    This year, more and more suppliers have launched ‘essential ranges’ among their collection. By doing so, the focus has been on quality of material and not primarily bold colours or patterns. It’s also no coincidence that Pantone has recently chosen its Colour of the Year to be Classic Blue; a simple tone, which cannot be confused, that symbolises calm, confidence and connection.

    As modern travellers continue to demand more home-from-home comforts from their hotel experience – and while hotel design briefs continue to include reference of creating timeless settings, we expect the personality of the property to speak through accessories and soft furnishings, which are inexpensive objects that can be changed easily with little fuss (especially in the boutique hotel market).

    Meaningful and sustainable design

    Clean and modern guest room

    Image credit: Heckfield Place

    Less of a trend, and more of a movement, designing meaningful spaces with purpose has been a key drive for many designers and design briefs for hotel projects that have completed this year – and we expect this to evolve further in 2020 with more emphasis on alternative materials.

    What sets the leading hotel designers aside from others is their ability to challenge convention in many hotel areas. The lobby, for example, has traditionally, in many regions, been seen as a grand welcome to reflect the wealth of the hotel owner. Recent hotel openings – and hotels that are currently on the boards – suggest that designers are managing to persuade developers and owners to focus on creating sense of place with the use of local craft and materials. One example of a hotel using natural materials in its design is Heckfield Place, which won the Eco Award at The Brit List Awards 2019 for its core aims, which included sourcing design materials and concepts locally.

    Textured surfaces

    Colourful textures on the wall in front of a soft coral low-level sofa

    Image credit: Kubrick collection by Kit Miles Studio

    The use of strong gold within the interiors of modern hotels has largely been replaced for warmer metals and and surfaces in order to create more comfortable spaces. As manufacturing technology improves, surfaces are becoming more textured and layered with different materials in order to create interesting patterns and shapes. Kit Miles Studio’s latest collections, Kubrick and Corinthian Check, bring energy back into the walls.

    Bold designed rug with colours of blue, orange and black

    Image credit: Floor Story/Camille Walala

    Meanwhile, manufacturers are injecting energy through meaningful collaborations. Partnering with the likes of 2LG Studio and Camille Walala among others, Floor Story – sheltering its innovative designs at Kent + London – has been able to unveil a number of different bold and boundless rug designs.

    Extended patterns

    Room filled with one pattern

    Image credit: Merge Interiors

    There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that in order to create statement areas within the hotel, bold designers will use a single motif that they can reflect in the furniture, soft furnishings and the walls. Replacing feature walls, which we at Hotel Designs believe have had their day, meaningful patterns will be used to create powerful interiors. If MEGRE Interiors’ VIP room at Sleep & Eat 2019 is anything to go by, there are no boundaries as to how far this fabulous concept can go (if injected into the right interior scheme).

    Season of contrasts and abstract energy

    Image credit: Riggs Washington D.C.

    In the fashion, we are currently in the season of contrasts, where one catwalk is being filled with the lavishness of the ’70s French bourgeoisie, while another is paying homage to the spirit of punk. Somewhat diluted, but still on the same page,  designers on the interior scene are striving for abstract energy in order to create fun free-spirited, flexible spaces to cater to the needs of all travellers.

    Striking living basket and industrial interiors below

    Image credit: Stephan Lemke/25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt

    In regards to how this could affect the international hotel design industry, there has been a rise in independent and quirky lifestyle brands, such as 25hours Hotels and Riggs Washington D.C., that shelter quirky and trend-setting moments. that are giving the hotel design scene a fresh perspective. With the aim to create abstract moments for guests checking in, designers are being given more space to let their creativity flow – arguably giving less emphasis on ‘trends’ and more focus on designing with purpose.

    Have your say. If you have identified a trend or design concept that you believe we should be talking about, tweet us @HotelDesigns.

    Main image credit: Kit Miles Studio

    Four Seasons opens Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève

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    Four Seasons opens Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève

    The new hospitality addition will become a sister property to existing Four Seasons Hotel Megève, which opened in 2017…

    After meticulous renovations and more than EUR 10 million of investment, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel has opened its doors. Beautifully complementing the existing Four Seasons Hotel Megève, which opened in December 2017, the historic five-star hotel of the Edmond de Rothschild family will extend the exceptional luxury offerings in Megève.

    “When we opened Four Seasons Hotel Megève, we knew we were creating something truly exceptional in a very special destination,” said Christian Clerc, President, Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “With the addition of Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, the guest experience will be enhanced even more with expansive, beautifully-appointed chalets as well as a Michelin-starred dining experience at Prima, now officially under the Four Seasons brand. Together with the Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, we have elevated the history, elegance and charm of Megève to extraordinary new heights.”

    Along with 25 rooms and suites, Chalet Eve also features the recently awarded Prima Restaurant by Chef Nicolas Hensinger, which now boasts one Michelin Star, adding to the exceptional dining experiences in Megève. Chalet Eve also features a spa with a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool for guests to enjoy the natural surroundings from indoors or outside.

    Bathroom with wooden walls and modern shower

    Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

    “It has been wonderful to partner with Four Seasons, an iconic luxury brand, on a project that has been part of my family’s history for many years. We have brought to life a vision for Megève that extends many generations, and created a hotel experience like none other in the region,” said Ariane de Rothschild, Chairwoman of the Board of Edmond de Rothschild Group.“I look forward to offering new and returning guests of Megève a new experience within this wonderful destination with Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois.”

    Ideally located at the foot of the ski slopes of Mont d’Arbois in the upper region of Megève, and only two kilometres from the existing hotel, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois are named after Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild’s first three daughters. The main chalet, renamed Chalet Eve, was bought by Edmond de Rothschild in 1960 to host a celebration to inaugurate the renovation of the family’s very first hotel, Le Palace des Neiges.

    Modern and traditional interiors in chalet

    Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

    Chalet Noémie was built in 1927 for Baroness Noémie de Rothschild by French architect Henry Jacques Le Même, and was initially the family’s private chalet. Its location offers the ultimate in privacy, yet features large windows from which to enjoy the idyllic surrounding scenery. The chalet combines the charm of an old farmhouse with a modern twist.

    Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, deeply involved in the project and the destination, commissioned the renovation from Thierry Curty, under the artistic direction of Pierre-Yves Rochon, who was also the designer in each of the Four Seasons hotels in France. Through successive renovation phases encompassing all the chalets and suites, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois have been successfully modernised while conserving the charm of bygone eras.

    Each chalet features its own personality; Chalet Eve has kept itstraditional style, Chalet Noémie featuresclassic luxury décor and refined elegance and Chalet Alice offers a bohemian chic atmosphere. The character and décor of each chalet has been curated to offer distinct yet complementary experiences for guests.

    Traditional chalet looking interiors with deep red furniture and wooden ceilings

    Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

    The timeless decoration of alpine chalets remains throughout, with wood-framed windows, exposed ancient beams, aged pine wood, rough stone and traditional alpine fabrics. The interior materials combine in a playful mix of textures, the tactile fabrics creating an eye-catching look and feel. The Rothschild family has left its mark throughout, with the distinct style of each chalet reflecting Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild’s daughters’ personalities.

    Main image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

    FEATURE: It’s time to art-en up more design hotels around the world

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    FEATURE: It’s time to art-en up more design hotels around the world

    Art expert Tabish Khan writing for Momentous explains the real value of art on the international hotel design scene… 

    If you’ve stayed in hotels, then you’ve probably rested up in one that had some generic abstract artwork or an Impressionist reprint on the walls. This lack of imagination is pretty common but what happens when hotels take a more innovative approach to designing their rooms and reception?

    Often it makes sense for a hotel to team up with a nearby gallery as Thompsons Contemporary did with the Hyatt Regency in Marylebone and Curious Duke Gallery with East London local Hoxton Hotel — the urban vibe of Curious Duke’s artists aligning perfectly with the East London feel the hotel is aiming for.

    My most impressive experience has been at Kensington’s Exhibitionist Hotel who both hold exhibitions and literally deck the halls with artwork. I’ve seen a pink panther by Olga Lomaka watching over a doorway and a corridor given to Mr Doodle to decorate with his trademark doodles.

    Reaching out beyond London is Toronto’s Gladstone hotel where artists have designed 37 of the rooms so each stay can feel individual, plus it also has its own gallery to host changing exhibitions.

    For those looking at the pricier end of hotel stays there’s always the Gormley shaped room at the Beaumont in Mayfair, though from the pictures it looks more interesting from the outside – defeating the point of paying over £1,200 per night to stay there.

    All these examples are a welcome change from the generic art and magnolia walls that have greeted me at most hotels I’ve stayed in – let’s hope more hotels take this approach in future and that they’re within the price range of this traveller who likes to keep his holidays affordable.

    If you are interested in this subject, you may be interested in reading about Logistical challenges you don’t hear about when installing art in hotels globally.

    Main image credit: Olga Lomaka at The Exhibitionist Hotel

    COMO Cocoa Island reopens in the Maldives

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    COMO Cocoa Island reopens in the Maldives

    The iconic resort in the Maldives makes a powerful statement about luxury to enhance simplicity, wellness and balance…

    COMO Cocoa Island will reopen to guests after a substantial renovation on January 9 2020. The resort’s 2019 renovation emphasises the island’s natural elegance, while giving guests even more space and time to focus on their wellbeing. “The moment I first encountered Cocoa, something about its spirit snagged me,” says Christina Ong, owner of COMO Hotels and Resorts.

     “When I walked to the end of the island, and looked back along its sandbank, it felt so graceful and healing — an effect I wanted to amplify for every guest when I first created the resort in 2002.”

    The island had previously belonged to a German photographer called Eric Klemm. Since the 1970s, Klemm had let the palms grow. The wild hibiscus was thriving. The lagoon was so healthy, its waters were favoured as a breeding nursery by the islands’ marine life.

    A new Pilates studio has been added. The yoga studio, which sits in an elevated position to take in the 360-degree lagoon views, is open-sided to allow for the natural flow of sea breezes. The hydrotherapy pool is now among the most significant such facilities in The Maldives, and is used for specialised water-based treatments, including joint-mobilising massage and injury- free exercise.

    Image credit: COMO Hotels and Resorts

    The Retreat’s spa manager, with the company since 2002, will continue to design every guest program from the moment of arrival. This is made possible by the intimate size of the resort: just 34 overwater villas, all of which have been recast top-to-bottom with clean-lined, contemporary interiors by Singapore-based Lekker Architects.

    “Natural materials have been used throughout: kajan thatch roofing, Maldivian coral-rock walls, and wood.”

    Clean villa that uses natural materials in its design

    Image credit: COMO Hotels and Resorts

    Natural materials have been used throughout: kajan thatch roofing, Maldivian coral-rock walls, and wood. The clean-lined, light-soaked aesthetic makes for meditative spaces to relax, sleep and recover. Some rooms have pools; all have platforms from which guests can step directly into the lagoon.

    To complement the wellness experience, COMO Shambhala Cuisine is available on all menus, allowing guests to pursue vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, nutritionally-rich and additive-free wellness diets during their stay.

    “The Maldives have become a highly competitive market,” says Olivier Jolivet, CEO of the COMO Group. “Luxury hotel companies keep raising the ante, from building ‘reclaimed islands’, to tunnelling out underwater wine cellars. Sometimes we forget that nature is powerful, and simplicity has a very important role to play in modern luxury. COMO Cocoa Island is like a jewel in the COMO Group portfolio: it has a unique soul, which we strive to match with the grace and passion of our staff.”

    When it opened in 2002, Cocoa Island became COMO’s first private island in the Maldives. In 2014, the company expanded into Thaa Atoll with the opening of COMO Maalifushi. This is a much larger, family-oriented resort, and the first five-star property in this more remote area, which is a 60-minute seaplane flight from Malé.

    Main image credit: COMO Hotels and Resorts

    25Hours Hotel Paper Island in Denmark to open in 2024

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    25Hours Hotel Paper Island in Denmark to open in 2024

    The hotel will become 25hours’ second property in Copenhagen, following the brand’s announcement to debut the brand into the region earlier this year…

    Following the first 25hours hotel in Copenhagen was announced in February 2019, the hotel brand has announced a second hotel to debut in Copenhagen. The 128-key Hotel Paper Island, which is slated to open in early 2024, will be located in the centre of Copenhagen on an island called Christiansholm.

    Florian Kollenz, Chief Development Officer, is particularly thrilled about the group’s success in Denmark. “The only thing better than one hotel opening in a new city is two openings,” he said in a press statement. “We’re very proud to be working on the new hotel project with CØ P/S, a consortium consisting of pension fund Danica and project developers Nordkranen and Union Kul.”

    The island of Christiansholm is also known as Paper Island, because of the giant rolls of paper that were stored there for Danish newspapers. In recent years, the island has developed into an urban destination at the heart of Copenhagen’s harbour district. The Opera House and theatre are located nearby and the area will continue to develop with a new public park and promenade encircling the entire island to open next to the hotel. A new waterfront culture centre is also planned, which will highlight the great importance of water in Copenhagen’s history.

    “We look forward to the collaboration with 25hours Hotels on Paper Island. The team around Christoph Hoffmann has a very professional, and at the same time has an untraditional approach, which we fell in love with at our first encounter. We are confident that 25hours will be welcomed not only by future guests, but also by all the inhabitants of Paper Island,” says Klaus Kastberg, CEO in Unionkul Ejendome, on behalf of Udviklingsselskabet CØ P/S.

    COBE, Danish architecture experts, will spearhead the 128-room hotel project and 25hours will once again be turning to Stylt Trampoli from Gothenburg for the interior design. The award-winning 25hours Hotel Das Tour in Düsseldorf was also designed alongside the Swedish team in 2018.

    Michael End, Managing Director, is excited about the details in store: “At 25hours, food and drink should and must play a central roll. We’ll be working on Paper Island with both brand new and proven partners. As well as a restaurant and cafe on the ground floor, a rooftop bar is also planned. At the moment, my favorite part is the two house boats in front of the hotel for which we are currently evaluating various concepts, including a sauna and bar.”

    Main image credit: 25hours Hotels

    The Brit List Designers of 2019 (Part 2)

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    The Brit List Designers of 2019 (Part 2)

    In the coming weeks, Hotel Designs will be profiling the individuals who made it into The Brit List 2019. We continue by profiling The Brit List Designers of 2019 (in alphabetical order)…

    The Brit List 2019 is Hotel Designs’ annual nationwide search to identify the top 25 designers, top 25 architects and top 25 hoteliers who are operating in Britain. The Judges, which are made up of experts in all pockets of the industry, gathered to decided who was eligible to make this year’s list.

    The industry’s leading figures then gathered on November 21 at Patch East London, where The Brit List 2019 was unveiled and the individual winners were announced. 

    Following on from the first 10 designers we profiled the other day, here are The Brit List Designers of 2019…

    Marcus Barwell, Managing Director – Soho House Design

    Leading the interior design team to create timeless interiors with personality, Marcus Barwell has been the managing director of Soho House Design for seven years and counting. His most recent projects include Soho House West Hollywood, Soho House Greek Street, Babbington House, Soho House Mumbai and Soho House Paris. In addition, Barwell has led his team to unveil a new concept of motel-diner experiences called Mollies.

    Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director – MKV Design

    The founder and managing director of MKV Design, Maria Vafiadis is an established thought-leader within the interior design sphere. With her body of work totalling more than two decades, Vafiadis’ ‘every project is one-off’ approach reflects her constant quest for new ideas andinnovation on the international hotel design scene.

    One of the studio’s recent projects is situated on Mykonos’ west coast, which has been described as the “perfect setting for rare moments of romance, luxury and personalised service.” Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa is a new 44-key boutique hotel that overlooks the Aegean Sea and adorns sharp, dynamic design moments throughout.

    Nicky Dobree, Design Director – Nicky Dobree Interior Design

    Award-winning, globally published designer Nicky Dobree completed her first hotel design project in July of 2019 in Vejer de laFrontera, Andalucia.

    Plaza 18, which is serviced and managed by adjacent The Califa hotel, opened as a new home house hotel. Its effortless design is made to feel like a luxurious home-from-home with furnishings by Ralph Lauren, Eichlotz, De la Couna & Nicky Dobree Collection among others.

    Philip Watts, Design Director – Philip Watts Design

    25 years of commercial interiors delivered with wit and wisdom have seen Philip Watts transform the look of many iconic high street favourites. From Greggs to Ibis, and Yo!sushi to Mercure, all have been part of the designer’s vision to inject personality everywhere possible.

    Rachel Johnson, Senior Vice President – Wimberly Interiors

    With a diverse design career spanning more than 20 years, Rachel Johnson is a stalwart of the British interior design industry. As studio director and senior vice president of WATG’s Wimberly Interiors in London, her contribution to the discipline can be felt not only throughout the firm, but from much farther afield.

    Her acute eye for detail and authentic approach can be witnessed throughout an array of projects, which include St. Regis Astana in Kazakhstan, Abu Dhabi EDITION and Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

    Russell Sage, Director – Russell Sage Studio

    Under Russell Sage’s direction, each member of the team at the studio is passionately committed to the creation and delivery of truly authentic, compelling interior schemes, which aim to engage and surprise all who experience them. Hotels that have completed this year in Sage’s portfolio include The Fife Arms and Belmond Cadogan Hotel, and last year he completed the design of Fitz Bar at Kimpton Fitzroy London.

    Shawn Hausman, Director – Shawn Hausman Studio

    The newest collaboration between SHD and the Standard Hotel is the international debut of the Standard brand. Located in King’s Cross, the Brutalist building once served as Camden Council government offices. In contrast to its origins (and the notorious grey skies of London above), the newest Standard features a bright and bold colour scheme throughout the interior. Drawing inspiration from the early 1970s, Shawn Hausman described the team’s concept: “We tried to take over in a friendly way –keeping the essence, but almost as if California rebels had taken over a government building and made it more free-spirited.”

    Simon Rawlings, Creative Director – David Collins Studio

    As creative director of David Collins Studio, Simon Rawlings has overseen the realisation of some of the world’s most iconic hospitality, residential and retail spaces. A passionate believer in “creating luxury through quality”, Rawlings has always been a committed advocate of craft, supporting artisanship while encouraging design innovation. Functionality remains a cornerstone of his design philosophy. This, combined with a profound understanding of brands, and an acute sense of the way people live, enables him to design spaces they can use and inhabit in total harmony. This year, the studio completed the third phase of The Delaire Graff Estate, which incorporates bespoke materials and soft furnishings, whilst the walls are adorned with original art by both contemporary and modern African artists – each piece shared from the collection of Laurence Graff.

    Terry McGillicuddy, Director – Richmond International

    Terry McGillicuddy is an invaluable asset to Richmond International. In addition to working on a number hotel projects, McGillicuddy leads the studio’s work in the luxury cruise ship space. Several years ago, Richmond were asked to design a Lotus spa on Princess Cruises Royal Princess. The design revolutionised spa concepts on board cruise ships and has won many accolades and awards.

    McGillicuddy embraced the challenge of delivering the entire interior for the magnificent behemoth that is P&O’s Britannia. This achievement, delivered in 2015, set the designer and consequently Richmond up as a market leader delivering more subtle and refined cruise ship interiors. Richmond has carved a new, growing niche in luxury cruising interiors and is constantly working with brands such as Cunard, P&O and Princess.

    Terry McGinnity, Executive Design Director – GA Design (London)

    Originally trained as an architect in Australia, Terry McGinnity moved to London to continue his career. After assuming the role of managing director of G.A Design in 1998, he has turned it into one of the most dynamic and interesting interior design firms working out of the UK. He has recently moved into the position of global executive design director where he oversees the creative output for all G.A projects.

    To read The Brit List 2019, click here.

    New study reveals luxury travellers want to ‘ditch the gram’ when discovering a new city

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    New study reveals luxury travellers want to ‘ditch the gram’ when discovering a new city

    A study conducted by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts asked more than 7,000 luxury travellers in major cities around the globe how they would like to explore new destinations… 

    An independent study, which surveyed more than 7,000 luxury travellers in London, New York City, Mexico City, Dubai, Sydney, Paris and Shanghai, has revealed that travellers are seeking authentic, multi-sensory experiences outside of the ‘insta-lense’.

    The study is published as InterContinental Hotels & Resorts launches InterContinental ICons, offering travellers a fresh look at some of the world’s most exhilarating cities. The group is inviting the public to take part in a global conversation on what makes destinations around the world truly iconic.

    The brand’s independent study, carried out in Paris, London, New York, Shanghai, Dubai, Sydney and Mexico City, revealed travellers often feel they only scratch the surface of a city. The study revealed that most locals (59 per cent) feel visitors are missing out on the true spirit of the place, while 75 per cent of luxury travellers want to experience cities as a well-informed local. Meanwhile, social media analysis exposes ‘sea of sameness’ with three-quarters (77 per cent) of travellers feeling obliged to walk down the same traditional tourist trail.

    Additional analysis of Instagram posts revealed that the Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most posted tourist site, representing 10 per cent of all posts worldwide. Buckingham Palace is the most-tagged site in London (21 per cent) and Central Park is the most-tagged in New York City (20 per cent), highlighting that tourists are often focused on visiting the same “must-see” sites.

    These findings were confirmed by locals, with more than half (59 per cent) feeling that tourists miss out on the best their city has to offer.

    InterContinental’s new campaign aims to inspire adventurous travellers by rediscovering what makes each city truly fascinating. An online vote, launched today, asks the public to select the most symbolic sights, sounds, tastes, smells and feelings in these cities, that will connect travellers more deeply when they visit.

    Some of the multi-sensorial experiences identified by luxury travellers around the world include:

    • Paris – The scent of oven-fresh bread on the boulangeries of Oberkampf, Paris 11e
    • London – The warmth from a roaring fire in an old London pub on a chilly day
    • New York – Smell of roasting chestnuts from a vendor cart on Broadway
    • Shanghai – The warm aroma of Xiaolongbao at the Temple of the City Gods
    • Dubai – Sound of water lapping an abra (traditional wooden boat) as it glides along Dubai Creek
    • Sydney – The feel of the cool breeze on your face on the Manly to Circular Quay ferry
    • Mexico City – The sounds of Mariachi music in Garibaldi plaza

    The full list of nominated ICons in London include:

    • The sight of the landmarks lit up as you cross the Thames at night
    • The warmth from a roaring fire in an old London pub on a chilly day
    • The contrasting old and new architecture as you walk through the City
    • The calls of a market trader on Portobello Road
    • The smell of mulled wine at Greenwich market during Christmas
    • Freshly baked sourdough from an artisan baker in East London
    • British strawberries from Broadway Market
    • The smell of thousands of roses in bloom at Queen Mary’s Gardens at Regent’s Park
    • The sound of applause at the open air theatre in Regent’s Park
    • The swoosh of air standing on the platform as a Tube pulls in
    • The cold wind during a morning jog or dog walk on Primrose Hill
    • Spotting the stags at Richmond Park on a misty, autumn morning
    • The botanical notes of gin and tonic made with a South London craft gin
    • The warming smell of coffee roasting at Maltby Street Market
    • The musky smell of old furniture at an antiques market

    “As a pioneer in luxury travel, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has always been the gateway to fascinating places and local cultural wisdom, so we understand that travellers are craving a deeper connection to the places they visit,” said Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Global Marketing, IHG Luxury Portfolio. “ With our latest campaign, InterContinental ICons, we’ve set out to discover and celebrate authentic places and moments that might be overlooked by visitors but are truly part of what makes a city special.  Whether it’s the feel of salt air while riding New York’s Hudson River ferry, the melodious bells of the clock tower on the Bund in Shanghai, or the feel of cobblestones underfoot on old Parisian streets, these ICons might include under-the-radar experiences, or well-known tourist hotspots viewed in new and unexpected ways. We want to reignite a sense of fascination for these much-visited cities and encourage discussion around what makes them truly iconic.”

    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered luxury travel for more than 70 years and now has 208 hotels in 66 countries worldwide. With this heritage and insight, the brand understands that modern luxury travellers are looking for a deeper connection with the iconic places they travel to.

    Through social media analysis, the insights of key opinion leaders and independent research, InterContinental has established a long-list of multi-sensory experiences that are representative of each city. Beginning today, InterContinental invites the public to select the experiences they truly feel demonstrate the city or cities they know best at life.intercontinental.com/icons and engage in a conversation across social media using the hashtag #intercontinentalicons

    Voting closes on December 31 2019. A global panel of judges, featuring acclaimed National Geographic Photographer Charlie Hamilton James, local influencers and well-travelled members of the InterContinental Ambassador loyalty programme will lend their expertise to curating the top five InterContinental ICons in each city, with the final reveal and celebration in early 2020.

    Main image credit: Pixabay

    Surface Design Show brings back ‘New Talent’ to support emerging creatives

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    Surface Design Show brings back ‘New Talent’ to support emerging creatives

    Back by popular demand at Surface Design Show, ‘New Talent’ supports emerging creatives, specialising in producing interior and exterior surface materials and lighting design…

    Surface Design Show, which takes place from February 11 – 13, will bring back New Talent, with the aim to support emerging talent in surface materials and lighting design. The area offers attendees the chance to see the next big innovations in surface design.

    New Talent is curated by Chief Creative Director at Trendease International Jennifer Castoldi. All of those chosen to exhibit in New Talent have been in business for five years or less, and with 37 exhibitors showcasing, compared to 16 last year, the section has grown substantially.

    “We are thrilled to have collaborated with Trendease International; Jennifer has brought togethersome of the most exciting new designers with the freshest ideas in material design to New Talent,” said Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show. “We can’t wait for visitors to immerse themselves in New Talent’s designs, textures and materials.”

    Many of the New Talent exhibitors are using traditional craft techniques and combining them with contemporary design. Charlotte Relf is an experimental embroidery artist who uses exaggerated stitches to add detail and energy while Royal School of Needlework graduate Frances Stone uses various experimental embroidery techniques such as gold work, crewel work and beading to create her range of foot stools, chairs and cushions. Charlotte Clayton Design, meanwhile, combines knitting with automotive interior design for her surface designs and Farr Designs marries photography and contemporary design using hand screen prints and digital technology.

    The sheer wealth of approaches to surfaces is one of New Talent’s strengths from Janine Partington’s emphasis of carving and hand painted leathers to Trifold, a company which has designs constructed of thermal and acoustic layers, folded via means of a traditional origami tessellation to research-based designer Megan Cowley, who creates mild steel moulds using water jet technology, which are then transferred onto glass.

    Wallcoverings are well-represented in New Talent this year, Olenka’s luxury British wallpapercollection features natural motifs of leaves and flowers whilst Catherine Griffiths’ work takes in boldwallpaper designs as well as fabric and cushions with inspirations as eclectic as Celtic mythology, the Renaissance period and European architecture. West by Design specialises in intricate hand-painted wallpaper inspired by the English countryside and King Kong Design creates site-specific corporate wall art and custom wall panels for retail, public and residential installations.

    It’s no surprise given the current climate emergency that exhibitors in New Talent are focussed on nature or sustainability. This focus is reflected throughout the whole of Surface Design Show with its theme of Close to Home: looking beyond aesthetics and designing with a conscience. Jonel van Schalkwyk uses a painterly style to create surface designs featuring human-sized plants while designer Paula Nerlich has a strong focus on circular biomaterials and exploring vegan compostables

    and foams from industrial and household food waste. Atticus Durnell, the brains behind the That’sCaffeine brand, has created a material made from recycled coffee grounds, that imitates granite stone. Brussels-based Studio Gilles Werbrouck also takes a novel approach to material reuse, making knitted textiles from unconventional material such as video tape or dead stock from fashion designers.

    Tickets are free to professional and trade visitors. Register here.

    Main image credit: Surface Design Show/King Kong Design