Radisson Blu has opened their first upper upscale international hotel in Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan.
Overlooking the famed Mount Ararat, within walking distance of the embassy district and only a short drive from the charming streets and local producers in the city centre, the location of the newly furbished 142-room hotel couldn’t be better.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Area Vice-President, Michel Stalport, said: “We are proud and happy to bring the Radisson Blu brand to the beautiful country of Armenia and its fantastic capital city, Yerevan.
“This stunning property complements the city with a blend of great design, innovations and cutting edge technologies. All these are combined with the unique Yes I Can! service from Radisson Blu that echoes Armenian hospitality traditions when every guest is important and is offered only the best.”
The newly refurbished look is elegant and refined, combining natural stone and wood textures. The detail in all 142 rooms is delightful, beautifully decorated with patterns and elements that reflect Armenian culture. And the view of Mount Ararat from the hotel gardens is truly breathtaking.
The spacious Terra SPA and Fitness centre features a 25 meter indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, facial and body treatments as well as a beauty salon. For guests who want to keep up their fitness routine while traveling, the hotel offers an open-air tennis court, #BluRoutes running routes and quiet spots in the Summer Garden for yoga.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Yerevan has six meeting rooms with state-of-the-art equipment and free high-speed internet access.
With 23 Hotels & 11 Casinos globally, Hard Rock International, in collaboration with glh Hotels, unveils plans for Hard Rock Hotel London. A conversion of the existing Cumberland Hotel, once frequent host to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel London will be ideally situated in one of the city’s most sought after locations – directly at Marble Arch on Hyde Park and at the crossroads of the iconic Oxford Street and Park Lane. Offering panoramic views over Hyde Park, the 900-room Hard Rock Hotel London is scheduled for completion in summer 2018.
“From our foundation in 1971 with the opening of the first Hard Rock Cafe in London to the many days and nights spent at the legendary Hard Rock Calling festival in Hyde Park, London has always been a special city as the birthplace of our brand,” says Hamish Dodds, chief executive officer at Hard Rock International. “We look forward to completing the circle and establishing the Hard Rock Hotel in London, a legendary musical city that brought the greatest styles of rock to the world stage.”
A short walk from the original Hard Rock Cafe, the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel will stay true to the city’s musical heritage through live events featuring both local and international talents. In addition, the music-inspired hotel will celebrate London’s standing as an epicenter of classic and contemporary music with curated memorabilia displays and a memorabilia vault within, housing some of the brand’s more than 80,000 historical pieces.
“With Hard Rock’s proven track record of world-class service and hospitality, combined with glh Hotels’ extensive operating skills and expertise in the region as the largest hotel owner-operator in London, we are confident the future Hard Rock Hotel will be a success and we look forward to continuing to grow our collaboration,” says Mike DeNoma, chief executive officer of glh Hotels.
Hard Rock Hotel London will feature a vast, welcoming lobby lounge offering guests signature cocktails and live music, an on-site Hard Rock Cafe and a Rock Shop, featuring the brand’s iconic merchandise. The hotel will also cater to guests with a full service Rock Spa, signature restaurant and sophisticated speakeasy. In addition to an unmatched location at the entrance to Hyde Park, guests will also enjoy convenient access to some of London’s most notable West End attractions, including Buckingham Palace, the theater district, SoHo nightlife and the trendy shopping areas along Regent, Oxford and Carnaby Streets.
“glh Hotels has been at the forefront of hotel innovation in recent years, successfully adapting services for today’s guests who are increasingly international and digital savvy, and was the first owner operator to provide super-fast, free unlimited Wi-Fi as standard. Recognizing the importance of ensuring modern travelers stay comfortable and connected, glh Hotels will apply its operational expertise to provide a world-class customer experience at the Hard Rock Hotel London,” says Colin Roy, chief marketing officer of glh Hotels.
Having announced over ten projects in the past year, including Hard Rock Hotel New York, Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie and Hard Rock Hotel Atlanta, the brand is honored to add Hard Rock Hotel London to the list of upcoming international, influential destinations.
Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s current portfolio is located in the world’s most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today’s cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable experiences, whether for business or leisure travel.
Through music appreciation and an imaginative environment, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos delivers products for the varied aspects of life – work, play and personal sanctuary. For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.
Guest reviewer Molly Dyson shares her experience of the newly refurbished 11 Cadogan Gardens in the heart of London. . .
I arrive at 11 Cadogan Gardens just after 3pm on a Friday and the buzz going on around the property is refreshing. It’s a bank holiday weekend, so there are a few families milling about and the attentive staff are on hand to open doors and check in new guests.
Daniela at reception happily tells me I’ve been upgraded to a signature suite on the third floor and assures me I’m going to have a wonderful stay. As soon as I turn around, Concierge Emelson is waiting to take my bag and show me the way to my room, which includes a ride up in the vintage lift. Emelson tells me he’s been working at the hotel for a while and suggests a few things to see in the area. He’s especially proud of the recent refurbishment to the property – my room was only finished two weeks ago.
My suite is light and airy, which is somewhat unexpected in an old building such as this. The room is nicely laid out, with a couch and television at one end, a desk with foldout dressing table in the middle and a massive king-size bed at the other end.
The bathroom is a wonder on its own; a separate waterfall shower and toilet cubicle break up the space. I’m pleased to see the bathtub is the perfect size for a Friday night soak and fluffy white robes have been provided for added comfort.
I head back down to the lobby for a tour with Petra, who tells me the refurb is quite extensive and took around a year to complete, with every care taken to preserve some of the hotel’s original features. Along the way we visit some of the property’s other signature suites, two of which feature their own private entrance – perfect for shopping trips.
We finish our tour in the drawing room for a cup of coffee while I look over the afternoon tea selection, which is themed around the Chelsea Flower Show. Downstairs is the restaurant Tartufo, where guests can dine on a sumptuous truffle-based tasting menu.
In the evening, my plus one and I find a quiet corner in the richly decorated bar to nurse cocktails and Prosecco after dinner before retiring to our suite to veg out in front of the television. The super-soft bed with its fluffy duvet calls my name before too long and I get one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time.
If you’re looking for a place that’s a bit quirky and stylish for any reason, I highly recommend 11 Cadogan Gardens…
International New York-based real estate developer, Euro Capital Properties, has announced the opening of The Watergate Hotel, which has undergone an extensive $125 million renovation to restore the property to its ‘historic exuberance’. The hotel has been closed for renovations since 2007.
An American icon situated on the banks of the Potomac River, The Watergate Hotel offers a luxurious urban resort experience for the world’s most discerning leisure and business travelers. Originally designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti in 1961 to look like a sail on the Potomac, the hotel made waves with its groundbreaking contemporary style and came to epitomise the fabulous lifestyle and sophistication of its time when it opened in March 1967.
The hotel’s current owners, Euro Capital Properties, tapped world-renowned designer Ron Arad and Italian designer Moroso to complement the avant-garde architecture with bold curves and mid-century modern design while restoring some of hotel’s original structures such as the staircase and indoor pool. Acclaimed architectural and interior design firm BBGM was the architect for the project.
“The Watergate is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous and illustrious hotels in the world,” said Rakel Cohen, Senior Vice President of Design and Development, Euro Capital Properties. “We paid meticulous attention to every detail in its renovation and we’re excited to bring our vision to life. Its intrigue is driven by evocative design, from the deep-rooted retro feel to the mystique that lies behind every curve of the hotel’s architecture.”
The hotel consists of 336 stylish guestrooms designed for comfort and sophistication, half of which include lavish balconies. Six exquisite Diplomat Suites, 24 premier suites and two stately Presidential Suites offer the highest standard of luxury accommodations. Each guestroom features natural light that brings out the soothing color palettes along with plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling Zebrano marble bathrooms with solid granite vanities, superior in-room amenities, 24-hour in-room dining, cutting edge technology, diffusers featuring the hotel’s signature Red Flower Oakwood scent, and more.
93 rooms at the five-star Steigenberger Golf & Spa Resort Camp de Mar on Mallorca, operated by RIMC, now boast a resplendent new look following completion of the initial phase of renovation measures. The end result is modern, light and airy rooms, all of which feature high-quality furniture.
Renovation works in the lobby and Atrium Bar will be undertaken next, also in a predominantly Mediterranean style. In addition to this, there are plans for a small shop in the entrance area.
We are delighted with the results of these first renovation works at the Steigenberger Golf & Spa Resort Camp de Mar,” said Marek N. Riegger, Managing Partner of RIMC International Hotels & Resorts. “We offer a fabulous location at the very heart of the beautiful coastal landscape of Mallorca, and our guests can expect stylishly furnished rooms and suites and a range of regional culinary delights from the numerous restaurants at the resort,” he added.
Conversion works for the whole of the restaurant area will get underway at the start of winter season. The SPA will gain a new thoroughfare so that hotel guests can more conveniently access the outdoor pool and garden facilities. The final phase of the project will involve adding a new playground to the children’s area.
Bathroom manufacturer HiB has announced its plans to double its presence in the West Midlands region, according to local media reports.
The firm has agreed a pre-let deal with IM Properties for a new 80,000-sq-ft warehouse on the Birch Coppice business park near Tamworth.
HD Directory members HiB, which already operates on the 400-acre park, has signed a new 15-year lease on the building which will be completed in spring 2017.
Managing director Robert Ginsberg told the Birmingham Post: “We are delighted to be working with IM Properties on our second unit on Birch Coppice which will allow for further growth over the next 15 years.”
Rachael Clarke, IM Properties’ development manager, added: “Our investment in the Midlands is significant and, as a local company, we are pleased to be able to work with existing businesses such as HiB to enable them to grow, which in turn helps secure the long-term prosperity of the region.”
The luxury of Conrad Hotels & Resorts makes its debut in the Philippines with the opening of Conrad Manila.
Recently awarded the Best in Hotel Development, Best Hotel Architectural Design and Best in Hotel Interior Design at the fourth annual Philippines Property Awards, Conrad Manila’s distinctive architecture is inspired by the shipping vessels that pack the bay.
Poised to be the venue of choice for business, social events, and weddings, Conrad Manila offers four contemporary event halls and two sophisticated ballrooms, spanning more than 4,000-square-metres, which are fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. For intimate al fresco parties, guests can also opt for The Veranda, an outdoor garden space overlooking the city scape.
At Conrad Manila, all 347 guest rooms and suites are specially designed with an intuitive technology. Upon sensing motion in the room, the air conditioning switches from energy-saving mode to cool, the curtains in the room will automatically open with ambient lighting set to match the time of the day.
Guests can instantly feel at home with a 42-inch flat screen HDTV with an IPTV menu, Wi-Fi and wired Internet access, Nespresso machine, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment technology and hydrotherapy rain showers. Suites and executive rooms offer picturesque bay or city views, with access to the Executive Lounge, and bathrooms that feature in-mirrored TV for an uninterrupted entertainment experience.
Located on the third level of the hotel is the infinity swimming pool, inspired by the pristine coastal seas of the Philippines with its coral shape. Guests may also slip to the 24-hour Fitness Centre or the Conrad Spa, which offers a variety of locally inspired treatments using organic ingredients. The spa has six treatment rooms with soaking tubs, a private sauna, and steam facilities.
The hotel has six restaurants and lounges, including a coffee bar, pool bar, and in-room dining prepared by the culinary team led by Executive Chef Thomas Jakobi.
Conrad Manila offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.
Bespoke Hotels, the UK’s largest independent hotel group, is delighted to announce that it has taken on the management of the award-winning Storrs Hall, in the heart of the Lake District on the shores of Lake Windermere. The property joins a growing collection of Bespoke properties in the North West.
A Grade II Listed Georgian Mansion boasting 31 guest bedrooms and an outstanding three AA Rosette awarded restaurant, Storrs Hall was first built in the 1790s, and stands amidst 17 acres of landscaped grounds. It offers spectacular views of England’s largest natural body of water, whether from the bedrooms, dining room, or spacious terrace.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Storrs Hall into the fold”, commented Graham Marskell, Managing Director of Bespoke Hotels. “It is a property steeped in history and tradition, set in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions, with the potential to become an outstanding regional venue for weddings, events, and leisure travellers alike.”
“Having Storrs Hall in the family for the past 18 years, we are excited by the prospect of working alongside Bespoke Hotels”, added owner Mark Hindle. “We look forward to working together and employing Bespoke’s considerable expertise to ensure we maintain our enviable position as one the foremost names for those looking for a luxury stay on Lake Winderemere. We are very proud of the hotel and with its unique setting on the shore of the lake, and feel we can become the premier destination in the area.”
The neighbourhood-lifestyle brand pentahotels is introducing a new innovative and exciting category of rooms – the PentaPlayerPad.
The stylish penta-experience already begins upon arrival. The room keys are handed out at the design-bar – along with a drink if you wish. Rather than feeling like a conventional hotel reception the vibe will be that of a chill-out area of a cool club. Designer furniture, a billiard table, pinball machine, Sony Playstation4 and free WiFi all add to the relaxed atmosphere in the lounge.
With the launch of the PentaPlayerPad in Brussels, Liège and Paris, pentahotels has landed another hit for all guests who like to spend more time in their rooms without getting bored. Equipped with football tables, Sony Playstation4 or pinball machines, the gamers’ paradise brings the pentalounge-style entertainment to the hotel rooms. And to top it all off, room service offers everything the gamer could want to eat: tasty club sandwiches, fresh pizza and the classic “pentaburger” can be delivered to the room – pizzas are even available 24/7.
Alastair Thomann, Managing Director of pentahotels, is delighted to introduce the new experience for the penta-guests: “In 2007 we introduced the neighbourhood-lifestyle feeling for our guests with the launch of the pentalounge – a combination of lounge, bar, café and reception. Since then we have continued to develop this open plan design with special refinements. With the PentaPlayerPad we are looking to further expand our position as a key trendsetter in the innovative hotel segment and to strengthen our brand positioning. The feedback from our customers has been extremely positive and thus, we are working on equipping more of our 5086 rooms worldwide with gamer consoles and similar gadgets. The goal is to have all pentahotels equipped with the new pads by 2017.”
pentahotels represents a new generation of hotels. Known for its unique interior design and “neighbourhood” feel, the lifestyle brand stands for true innovation in the industry’s 4-star segment. With 28 hotels across seven countries on two continents, pentahotels offers individual and business travellers comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere. The hallmark of the hotel chain is the pentalounge – a combination of lounge, bar, café and reception – that stands out with its “living room” look and feel.
The reputation of oil as a sure-shot revenue generating product is currently on the wane as global economies try to shake off the impact of global recession of 2008. But the United Arab Emirates, which initially built its fortunes on oil, has known better.
The nation understood the value as well as limitations of natural resources and took on the challenge of diversifying its sources of revenue. It has been on a roller coaster ride for the last two decades, putting strong emphasis on developing its real estate, financial services, logistics and especially its hospitality sectors, the result being that UAE has become one of the fastest growing and resilient economies in the world.
It is the definitive tourism capital of the region and constant innovation in the sector means it could be the global tourism hub in the coming years. The abundant entertainment options that cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have on offer attract millions of visitors each year, casting a positive shadow on their hospitality and real estate sectors.
The growing economy and developments in the all sectors mean Dubai and Abu Dhabi are never short on influx of expats, leading to a strong rental market in both cities. According to UAE realty portal Bayut.com, apartment rents in Dubai rose by a marginal 0.5% in February, following a 3% hike in January 2016.
Potential As resilient as the country’s realty sector may be, the sector at the core of investors’ attention is none other than the hospitality sector. With theme parks lined up one after the other and Expo 2020 promising great turnout, the need for hotels is rising. Fortunately, the real estate developers in Dubai are not blind to the fact and have doubled their efforts in developing world-class hotels and recreational spots to act as a hinge for the emirate’s tourism sector. The hotel projects that the emirate is currently developing can most likely anchor Dubai’s hospitality and tourism industry to put it on the path of becoming the emirate’s number one revenue generating sector. In 2016, Dubai is ready to inaugurate some of the most luxurious hotels, which are also some of the most eagerly awaited.
Viceroy Palm Jumeirah The Viceroy Palm Jumeirah, as the name indicates, is located in the emirate’s man-made palm shaped island, famously known as Palm Jumeirah. Slated to be opened in September 2016, the luxurious hotel offers 477 deluxe rooms and suites, coupled with 40 hotel apartments. In addition, it would also have 222 signature Viceroy Residences for those wanting to immerse themselves in the luxuries of high-end living. Time Royal Hotel Time Royal Hotel provides the perfect setting for visitors who are interested in spending quality time in a brand new hotel in Dubai. Being developed in Dubai Healthcare City and awaiting inauguration in December 2016, the hotel will feature 277 rooms, three restaurants, a self-indulgent spa, an outdoor Jacuzzi and an indoor kids club. Moreover, the hotel is expected to become a medical tourism destination by offering 22 specially equipped suites to fulfil the needs of travelers belonging to the field of medicine. It goes without saying that hotels in Dubai are world-renowned for offering exceptional hospitality services to visitors and these two hotel projects don’t seem like ones to backtrack on their promise of providing opulent lifestyle choices to guests.
Apart from these two main developments, other hotel projects are currently undergoing construction work. Nakheel Properties recently struck a deal with Thailand’s renowned Minor Hotel Group to manage its new hotel at the Ibn Battuta Mall. The mall, which is undergoing expansion will see the opening of Avani Hotels and Resorts-branded 373-room property along with a 372-room Premier Inn hotel. Though, the former is expected to open in 2018, the latter is expected to open this year.
Nakheel Properties has also signed a deal with a Spanish hospitality company RIU Hotels to also open another hotel in Dubai, while announcing plans to launch 10 new hotels across the emirate to make the most of a growing tourist base that can ensure a healthy revenue stream for the emirate.
With new buildings springing up around Dubai on a frequent basis, it seems that the tourism and hospitality sector will carry the emirate’s real estate sector forward and usher in a lucrative era for Dubai’s realty sector that can very well prove to be pennies from heaven…
Stonefield Castle, part of the Bespoke Hotels collection and situated on the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne, has undergone substantial investment in recent months, with bedrooms refurbished to an extremely high standard, alongside the drawing room, library, lounge and restaurant.
Harris Tweed now abounds, fittingly enough, while prints from local artist Stuart Herd decorate both bedrooms and corridors. A selection of vintage parlour games, including an antique snooker table, also graces the games room. There’s even a fully operational telescope in the library, which will come in handy for any visiting astronomers wishing to sample some of Britain’s most unpolluted starry skies.
Refurbishments have been completed at an opportune time for the property, which was named Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year in 2015, as well as one of the top ten castle hotels by the Daily Telegraph earlier this month. It’s not hard to see why, given that both the hotel and restaurant boast spectacular views overlooking the Mull of Kintyre, while being surrounded on all sides by 60 acres of pristine woodland, including one of the largest rhododendron gardens in the UK, as well as wildlife including otters, seals, and even humpback whales in the neighbouring waters.
Built in 1837, Stonefield Castle is an outstanding example of Scottish baronial architecture, retaining many of its original furnishings, such as wood paneling, ornate ceilings and marble fireplaces, whilst also providing all the digital mod-cons a tech savvy guest could wish for, as well as the all-important bedside coffee machines!
For those who’ve built up an appetite after a day exploring the grounds, and perhaps even being gifted a private tour by the hotel’s octogenarian gardener, who was recently honoured by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Stonefield Restaurant offers outstanding food in a truly memorably setting.
We are less than a month away from the inaugural Hotel Designs Meet Up – a networking event for senior figures in the hotel and design industry – being held on 13 July in the stunning Royal Suite at Grange Hotel St. Paul’s.
And we have an exclusive ticket offer for suppliers and manufacturers wanting to meet and forge new connections with senior hoteliers, key designers and prominent architects in an informal setting over drinks and nibbles. This unrivalled opportunity is just £199 + VAT.
Among those confirmed to attend are representatives from Ara Design, Twenty 2 Degrees Design, Rethink Interiors, Cheval Residences, Buchanan Hartley and KAI Design to name just a few.
Located on the 7th floor of the Grange St. Paul’s, the luxuriously decorated Royal Suite offers striking views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and promises to be a superb location for a productive evening of networking.
With spaces filling up fast, make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.
Morgan is delighted to have been awarded a 2016 Design Guild Mark for their Japanese inspired Kyoto collection. Designed by Morgan Studio, Kyoto is a system of linear benches that interlock to create informal seating. It is fully upholstered and features timber, glass or marble table tops.
Set-up to reward excellence in the design of volume furniture production, the Design Guild Marks are awarded by a distinguished panel of judges from the fields of furniture, hospitality, commercial, retail and media. There were a record number of entries again this year which were assessed for excellence in design, the use of materials, manufacture and function.
Morgan Managing Director, Rodney McMahon, comments, “This is our seventh Design Guild Mark since they were introduced by The Furniture Makers’ Company in 2008. This one is particularly satisfying as it underlines our successful growth into the workplace sector, for which these benches are a great solution for receptions, presentation areas and adhoc meetings.”
British bed manufacturer, Hypnos, is celebrating after scooping two prestigious industry awards, Most Highly Renowned Luxury Bed Company at the Lux Hospitality Awards 2016, and Family Business of the Year for the South and South West Region at the Family Business Awards.
The business, which has held a Royal Warrant since 1929 and remains a close family-run business now in its fifth generation of family members, supplies beds, mattresses and sofa beds to some of the world’s largest hotel chains including IHG and Marriott and to some of the finest hotels such as Corinthia Hotel London and JW Marriott in Dubai. The prestigious Lux Hospitality Award was given to Hypnos for its success in the industry, its UK and international growth and for creating supremely comfortable beds designed to enhance sleep quality within the hospitality market, including stylish centrepieces for boutique hotels and serviced apartments.
The Family Business of the Year Award adds to the company’s list of accolades after it was honoured with the title for its family ethos and strong values which include ethically sourcing the materials used to make all its beds, as well as giving back to the community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility policy which includes educational school tours, tree planting programmes and charitable donations.
Hypnos’ Marketing Director, Chris Ward, comments: “Winning these awards is great for the company and they show that our performance, the quality of our offering and also the ethical production of our beds, is being recognised by those in the industry.
“We supply supremely comfortable beds to hotels and serviced apartments around the world and we’re over the moon to have received recognition through awards such as this. Not only do they help us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors, they also help us to showcase our brand values, as well as our strong family ethos and encourage us to continue to strive to create stylish yet practical sleep solutions for the hospitality industry.”
The family-run company received the spate of award wins for the comfort, quality and style of its beds, as well as its ethically and environmentally friendly design, which uses sustainable materials including FSC or PEFC certified timbers that have been sourced from managed forests, meaning all beds are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. Hypnos is also the first carbon neutral bed maker in the country, has passed the rigorous Sedex Ethical Trading Audit and has invested in a dedicated service and business to collect, dispose and recycle old beds, turning them into recycled raw material for re-use in other industries.
For more information about Hypnos, or to view the full product range, please visit www.hypnoscontractbeds.com
Minor Hotels has announced that from 1st July 2016 it will be taking over the operation of the 216-room Mövenpick Hotel Deira in Dubai. The property will operate under the group’s AVANI Hotels & Resorts brand as the AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel.
This represents a milestone for Minor Hotels as the first AVANI hotel in the Middle East. The change comes after the hotel’s parent company, Bin Sulayem Investments, signed a management agreement with Minor Hotels.
Located in one of the most diverse and culturally rich parts of the city, this upscale hotel offers 216 guest rooms and two unique dining concepts, meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and a fully equipped gym.
Robert Kunkler, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels, said “This key acquisition to our portfolio allows Minor Hotels to take a strategic foothold in the Middle East for our fast expanding AVANI Hotels & Resorts brand in what is a vitally important market. We are thrilled to continue our excellent relationship with Bin Sulayem Investments. AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel will have the freedom to establish and maintain its individuality and distinct character while benefitting from being part of the Minor Hotels portfolio.”
AVANI Hotels & Resorts was launched in 2011 to complement Minor Hotels’ five star Anantara brand. AVANI offers relaxed comfort and contemporary style in city and resort destinations to guests who value the details that matter. The brand currently has 13 properties in operation in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia, with a pipeline of further openings in Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. MH has plans to grow the brand across its global footprint.
Wilton Carpets Commercial has appointed Damian Roscoe to the newly established Head of Creative role, marking its ambition to ensure design is at the heart of its strategy.
The highly experienced Damian Roscoe (pictured) has spent over 25 years in the carpet industry, shaping the design direction for prestigious carpet brands. Now at one of the UK’s foremost manufacturers, creating bespoke and stock woven and tufted carpets for commercial interiors, Damian Roscoe is excited about the challenge ahead:
“Wilton is one of the greats, but what truly excited me was the role proposed by James Sprint, CEO, who is committed to the strong creative purpose of Wilton with design touching as many facets of the business as possible,” comments Damian Roscoe. “By continuing to embrace our heritage and pioneering a contemporary attitude, Wilton will cement its place as a truly design-led company and become a desired brand the world over.”
Damian has already begun taking the first steps in helping to shape the future design direction of the manufacturer, citing talent and resource in place and the welcome backing of senior management as excellent catalysts for success: “There is no doubt that we can achieve our goal to become an international force in the hospitality industry. We have the capability, experience, commercial infrastructure and willingness to succeed.
“The quality of people at Wilton has impressed me, their spirit and enthusiasm for common goals is infectious, I really am in awe of the setup here and the resulting quality of product. The chance to make one of Britain’s last great carpet manufacturers an international force in design-led carpet is one that I am relishing.”
Damian will be based at Wilton’s Wiltshire headquarters, dividing time between the studio and liaising closely with sales managers and clients on projects, further developing the brand as a powerhouse of hospitality carpet.
For further information contact Wilton Carpets Commercial on 01722 746000 or sales@wiltoncarpets.com
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has announced that it will manage a new, luxury lifestyle boutique hotel in Tampa, Florida, that will incorporate a restaurant from Michelin-starred Tuscan chef Silvia Baracchi.
The property, which is due to open in early 2018, further expands Kimpton’s footprint on the gulf coast of the Sunshine State and will be its seventh hotel in Florida, joining the recently opened Hotel Zamora in St. Pete Beach, along with existing hotels in South Beach, Miami, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.
The hotel will be ideally located at the intersection of O’Brien and Laurel streets in the heart of Tampa’s thriving Westshore neighbourhood. The new-build property, built as a modern Italian piazza, will form the heart of a thriving community area, essentially creating an intimate town square in an otherwise commercial area. The luxury lifestyle hotel will be designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso, who has earned a reputation for ingeniously highlighting the community activities that occur within his spaces.
The property will feature 150 rooms and suites spanning five stories, along with a rare Tampa rooftop bar that highlights the spectacular sunsets. There will also be as separate rooftop event space for weddings and special gatherings and the property will feature more than 4,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, including dedicated venues for musical performances and a lobby bar, pool and fitness centre.
The new Tampa hotel will also house the first US outpost for Chef Silvia Baracchi, who gained international acclaim at Il Falconiere, a Michelin-starred restaurant and retreat in Cortona, Tuscany. The intimate fine dining restaurant will be supplied by a new off-site, state-of-the-art hydroponic farm named Red Barn Farm, which will devote nearly eight acres of climate-controlled growing capacity exclusively to the property (but guests can still catch a glimpse of the growing techniques thanks to a showpiece vertical garden).
The owner and developer of the new hotel, Giunta Group, is a Tampa-based developer that has built and managed a variety of real estate projects including retail, residential, and commercial projects.
“This signature boutique hotel will be unlike anything else in Tampa, from the rooftop bar and access to the fresh air piazza, to the design by renowned architect Albert Alfonso, and the one-of-a-kind dining experiences,” said The Giunta Group CEO Richard S. Giunta. “As local developers, we were especially drawn to Kimpton’s leadership managing boutique hotels and restaurants around the US and within Florida. We knew Kimpton would bring heart to a hometown project for us.”
Sleeperz Hotels, the innovative UK budget hotel operator, is expanding its sister hotel Cityroomz Edinburgh with a new Princes Street wing made up of 43 rooms and suites.
Sleeperz Hotels has been granted planning permission to develop Princes House, a listed building and three storey office block, next door to its current 72-bed Cityroomz hotel on Shandwick Place near Princes Street in Edinburgh’s West End. The development is being carried out in partnership with Town Centre Securities PLC, a leading UK property and investment company.
Opening – June 2017 The new rooms should be open by June 2017 and will increase occupancy to 115 rooms including new double, twin and family rooms as well as ten suites with kitchenettes and living space. David Myers, chief executive of Sleeperz Hotels, said: “Our brand of low cost high quality hotel stays has proven a winning formula nationally and we are confident that demand for stylish but affordable rooms in Edinburgh will keep growing.”
Colin Steele, associate director at Caledonia Management Ltd, acting for Town Centre Securities, said: ‘This development is great news for Princes House and the West End of Edinburgh. The area is the cultural heart of Edinburgh, with its World Heritage Site, theatres, arts venues and stunning architecture. Cityroomz increased bed-stock is a welcome boost and provides affordable accommodation for tourists staying in this vibrant area.”
Ideally placed between Waverley and Haymarket stations and close to Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Sleeperz is confident the changes will attract business guests wanting longer stays in a suite environment and increase bookings from families and groups.
There will be ten new Cityroomz suitez featuring kitchenettes, en-suite bathrooms, dining space, living area, sofas, Freeview flat screen TV’s, bespoke custom made mattresses, laptop safes and tea and coffee facilities.
Glasgow architects Maith Design have been engaged to transform the space and deliver the ambitious expansion plans.
The Expansion • 23 double rooms • 6 Family rooms • 10 suites (including kitchen, dining area, sofas and living space) • 2 Cabin (Bunk) Twin rooms • 1 accessible family room • 2 accessible double rooms
Cityroomz Edinburgh opened in May 2013 with 72 rooms and a rooms-based limited service philosophy. Its location, next to Princes Street and within easy walking distance of The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, has made it a popular choice for city breakers and travellers on a budget. Guests enjoy stylish interior design, custom made pocket-sprung beds, free and fast Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast is available daily.
Occupancy at Cityroomz Edinburgh has consistently been above 85% with market leading RevPar performance (source STR). This investment in the Scottish capital follows an agreement for Sleeperz Hotels to open a new 120-bed hotel above Dundee Railway Station in 2017. Construction work started earlier this year.
Sleeperz are currently in discussions about further hotels in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.
The iconic and classically-styled Ritz Paris Hotel has reopened following a four-year renovation, which was blighted by a major fire earlier this year. The Mohamed Al Fayed-owned hotel has undergone a top-to-bottom makeover since it first closed for renovations in 2012.
The property will only have 142 rooms and suites, compared to the previous number of 159, but not all of them will be immediately available as final touches are still taking place.
A major fire in January delated the hotel’s planned opening in March of this year. Instead, to celebrate its much-anticipated reopening this month, the Ritz partnered with director Zoe Cassavetes to make a short film centred around the hotel.
The refurbishment of the hotel, estimated at 140 million euros (£111 million) in 2012, was aimed at ‘sprucing up the ageing hotel’. It now boasts a summer restaurant under a movable glass canopy, a larger ballroom and the latest technology in its rooms.
In July this year, Elegant Hotels Group will unveil the newest addition to its portfolio with a distinctive new All Inclusive concept for Barbados, with a focus on wellness and mindfulness at the redesigned Waves Hotel & Spa.
Set on the platinum west coast, the 70-room Waves hotel is the third All Inclusive property for the group and welcomes couples, families and friends looking for a laid back vibe with truly Bajan accents.
Each room has been designed using natural textiles with earthy organic tones to complement the stunning ocean views. Rooms feature Bluetooth speakers and multi-device charges and for those who want to disconnect, there are yoga mats and plush bathrobes in all the rooms. The premium oceanfront rooms also provide a fully stocked minibar.
Open communal spaces invite guests to lounge and mingle in the heart of the open air lobby and bar area. With a bar overlooking the ocean and pool cabanas and loungers that convert from day to night relaxing areas, the spaces are designed to allow guests plenty of ways to be ‘at once alone and together’.
Virgin Hotels & Residences has announced construction on its 18-storey property in Dallas is scheduled to start in autumn this year.
The Virgin Hotel Dallas boutique residence will be built in the city’s Design District, after the Virgin Group revealed its interest in a development in the city last year. Now, developer Bill Hutchinson expects to begin work on the property by October.
When completed, the property will have 210 hotel rooms and 70 condo residences, named the Virgin Residences. In addition, the hotel will also have luxury suites, restaurants and bar areas, meeting spaces and a rooftop terrace with a pool, spa and gym.
“We’re doing great on the project, but a lot has happened behind the scenes,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “I’m new to hotel development and it’s been a learning process for me. We were hoping to break ground this summer, but lately we’ve been looking at October.”
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Hyatt Regency Sofia will mark the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Bulgaria, and will add to Hyatt’s growing footprint in Europe.
Hyatt Regency Sofia will be ideally located in the heart of the Bulgarian capital on Vasil Levski Square. Guests will be a short walking distance from the National Assembly, which houses the country’s parliament, as well as many of Bulgaria’s cultural institutions and tourist attractions.
Expected to open in 2018, the 190-room Hyatt Regency Sofia will feature three restaurants as well as a rooftop bar with unrivalled views of the city. The hotel will serve as the perfect venue for a variety of events such as weddings, social banquets, exhibitions, meetings, and conferences, offering more than 12,900 square feet (1,200 square meters) of flexible meeting and event facilities. Additionally, the hotel will offer a fitness centre and spa.
The Furniture Makers’ Company announced the winners of the prestigious Design Guild Mark awards for 2016 at a packed ceremony at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell and three ACID members scooped up Awards and the final accolade, The Jonathan Hindle award for excellence, “The Best of the Best” was awarded to Simon Pengelly.
Dids Macdonald, OBE, CEO of ACID said: “Each year the bar goes higher and I am delighted to see that ACID members consistently scoop up these marks of excellence. As members of ACID, all of them take the protection of their intellectual property very seriously, and why not? It is the lifeblood of all their brands. Many congratulations and a special acknowledgement to Simon Pengelly being doubly recognised for his amazing designs.”
UNNIA range by Simon Pengelly
Now in its ninth year, the Design Guild Mark Awards promote excellence and raise the profile of British design and innovation. They recognise and reward designers working in Britain or British Designers working abroad. The award demands the highest standards in the design of furniture for volume production.
Nineteen designs were awarded the coveted mark and the ACID member awards were as follows: DGM 146 – Pilot Chair Designed by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for Knoll DGM 147 – Column Bookcases Designed by Samuel Chan for Channels DGM 148 – Magnus Chair Designed by Samuel Chan for Channels DGM 159 – Kyoto Bench System Designed by Morgan Studio for Morgan (MAIN PICTURE) DGM 160 – UNNIA Chairs Designed by Simon Pengelly for Inclass
Alexander Gifford, Chairman of the Design Guild Mark said: “This year the criteria for the Design Guild Mark were curbed to shift emphasis onto volume production and as a result the entries reflected the higher quality of applications we had hoped for. Once again, the entries were equally diverse, from contract to retail, from residential to hospitality and workplace, as were the applicants themselves. Chairing the judging process, for the second year, was a great honour, and watching the great minds in our industry critique the great output of British design was a real pleasure.”
Clerkenwell Design Week is the UK’s leading design festival, and with the highest saturation of creative businesses and architects in the world, Clerkenwell was buzzing this year.
The biggest names in the design world exhibit alongside emerging designers and artisans in various historical buildings in the area. Newmor‘s design team spent the week exploring the show, and talking to the designers. Here’s what they found…
Inspired by Nature Whether highly finished or rough and weathered, natural materials and organic colours are still big news. Take a look at Baker Street Boys’ versatile range of furniture – each piece is completely unique and uses solid oak and untreated steel. Kia Utzon-Frank, currently a student at the Royal College of Art, disguised cakes as geometric marble structures. And Amtico’s stand beautifully detailed the process behind their ethereal new design.
Pastels With pastel pink and blue forecast as the Pantone Colour of the Year 2016, we were expecting to see our fair share of pastel hues, and we weren’t disappointed! However, the shades we saw were towards the more vivid, saturated end of the pastel palette. Think macaron, rather than ice cream shades. We loved Elli Popp’s mystical new ParallelWorld wallpaper design and enjoyed Camira Fabric’s presentation of their new trend book.
Gold and brass Don’t get us wrong, copper is definitely still big news, but this year at Clerkenwell gold definitely dominated. Everything from 24 carat polished shades, to antiqued brass. Petit Friture hit the nail on the head with their range of quirky gold lighting exhibited at Design Fields. And it would be hard to talk about a metallic trend without a mention of Tom Dixon – this time with the new Etch Mini range.
Tropics Tropical prints are high fashion at the moment, and for the commercial market the tropical look is moving away from printed jungle scenes and towards tropical colour palettes… every tone of green from deep teals and forest hues to bright chartreuse, alongside splashes of scarlet and acid yellow. Abstracta’s customisable sound absorbing Airleaf panels were a highlight for us.
Pink and Teal Sometimes together, and sometimes independently, pink and teal were everywhere you looked this year. From upholstered furniture, to tiles, paint and an abundance of teal velvet. Another Brand exhibited their new Orlo mirrored surfaces at Design Fields, and Giles Miller Studio’s ‘billboard’ installations were dotted around Clerkenwell.
Honourable mention… A colour that hasn’t been on the horizon for a while… mustard showed up a lot this year, and looked super fresh.
Watch this space for show round ups, trend reports and be the first to see our new designs. Please contact us for any further information or samples of any of our wallcoverings.
Henfaes Lane Welshpool Montgomeryshire SY21 7BE WALES
Opening in autumn 2016, Made comes to life as the inaugural hotel project from hospitality entrepreneur Sam Gelin.
Spread across 18 storeys with 108-guestrooms at the intersection of 29th and Broadway in the NoMad neighbourhood, Made takes a reinvented approach towards the guest experience where visitors can spend an entire day and evening comfortably.
Treating experience as the new luxury, Gelin’s thoughtful approach is seen in the rich, yet conscious, materials used throughout Made’s crafted environment, the food and beverage offerings and striking public and private areas. With an emotionally intelligent approach to service and a focus within the ethos of community, Made is a seductive retreat where social and structural barriers have been removed to make room for authentic, inspiring interactions whilst blending exceptional service with a bold design.
Studio MAI have developed an urban international design aesthetic imbued with elements of iconic global simplicity – a guestroom design that is humble, elegant and playfully personalises each room to the guest’s style and mood. Exposed raw bronze shelving and rich handwoven fabrics create a backdrop for a multi directional day bed platform. Precisely manufactured details like a polished stainless steel mirror contrast with a primitive, hand carved bench resulting in a well-thought through lay out like no other.
More than just a pretty pastel, coral has been plucked from the depths of the ocean and brought into interiors. This cheerful shade has been chosen by Sanderson as a key colour for 2016, and this season the team are pairing it with on-trend blues and greys to bring a new dimension to decorating.
Blending coral and blue brings a sophisticated, Mediterranean aesthetic into the home. Coral is synonymous with spring and summer, but by combining it with blue, it is given a multi-seasonal appeal. Mint is a complementary colour for both shades and introduces a colour pop to this scheme.
Grey adds an edgier side to coral, giving a hint of masculinity and creating a modern haven. Grey tempers the bright shade of coral, yet still allows it to shine. Use cream accessories to soften this combination and introduce textured accessories, such as quilted throws and woven rugs for a cosy finish.
Hilton Bankside is delighted to announce a partnership with British jewellery designer Alex Monroe for the design of its newly installed beehives. The Bankside beehives are housed on the meadow garden located 4 floors up on Hilton Bankside’s large green roof terrace, aptly named ‘The Meadow’. Each of the four beehives have been designed and painted by Alex Monroe in their own individual style representing each of the four British seasons.
The rooftop meadow was originally built to help reintegrate greenery into the Bankside landscape. Alongside wild flowers and a variety of plants, the beehives have been installed as part of Hilton Bankside’s proactive contribution to London’s green infrastructure. Bees are vital in the city to pollinate gardens, allotments, parks and other public areas – and to provide local honey to Londoners which can help cure hay fever symptoms during the summer months. A significant contributor to the decline of honey bees in the past few years has been the loss of flower-rich habitat on which the bees are dependent on for food. The productive use of its open spaces is part of Hilton Bankside’s campaign to help maintain a sustainable London.
As Hilton’s SE1 neighbour with a signature collection of jewellery inspired by bees, Alex Monroe is the ideal collaborator for this unique undertaking. The design of the hives has been inspired by wildlife with a whimsical nature, characteristic to Alex’s jewellery. Alex has said, “I’ve done well out of bees, so I feel like I owe them a great deal. Bee’s represent the femininity of our brand; they’re beautiful, soft and delicate, but they’re determined hard workers. If you get in their way they carry a powerful sting. There is something very British about a bee, with a nostalgia from days gone by, from a more natural way of life. Bees need to be appreciated, enjoyed and cared for. Without bees we’re nothing. I commend our new neighbours Hilton London Bankside on providing a local home for them on their rooftop meadow.”
The apiary was designed and installed by Dale Gibson, founder of Bermondsey Street Bees and expert on sustainable urban beekeeping. Dale, who has won many awards for his honey, specializes in designing apiaries for chefs, hotels and restaurants, as well as keeping bees at locations as varied as Lambeth Palace and Soho Farmhouse. He comments: “We’re delighted to be working with Hilton Bankside to create this sustainable rooftop apiary and support the local greening charity, BOST. Alex Monroe’s hive designs beautifully illustrate our passion for increasing London forage for bees and other pollinators.”
The London Hilton Bankside exterior
Once who works the bees have settled into their stylish new homes, the honey will be harvested and used by Executive Chef Paul Bates in the OXBO Bankside kitchen to launch a brand new menu in the hotel restaurant. There are also plans to introduce a Bee Keeper mentoring programme for employees within Hilton Bankside.
As part of the hotels drive to raise awareness about the importance in protecting the greater ecosystem, Hilton Bankside are to run a unique competition in aid of the charity Bankside Open Spaces. Entrants will be asked to donate £5 for their chance to win a night’s stay for two in the recently launched Hilton Bankside Penthouse suite and a signature Alex Monroe bee necklace. General Manager James Clarke comments: “This trust is dedicated to maintaining and promoting green spaces in the SE1 district, a matter close to our hearts at Hilton Bankside. Alongside this we are thrilled with the arrival of our new hives, to have partnered with Alex Monroe has meant they have received a design that is beautifully in line with the wildlife inspiration behind the hives. This project has also been inspired by our ongoing campaign to promote the Bankside area by working with our London neighbours. Now we get to look forward to sample the honey in our very own OXBO restaurant.”
May saw the launch of Sofitel’s new 5 star beachfront hotel in Morocco. Stunning architecture, award-winning contemporary design and Arty-Chic atmosphere are set to make Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa undisputed leader in the Kingdom’s most exclusive coastal resort.
Celebrating the Riviera lifestyle For guests seeking the perfect blend of leisure and wellbeing, the Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa offers 82 chic light-filled and intensely colorful guestrooms, all with private balcony and magnificent views of the Mediterranean gardens, pool and beach.
To celebrate the Riviera in style, the hotel proposes the Royal Suite, five Junior suites, three So Spa Suites, five signature villas and eight Beach suites with private terrace and jacuzzi.
French art and Moroccan tradition Sofitel chose French-Lebanese architect Galal Mahmoud to create Tamuda Bay’s award-winning design, strongly inspired by French Riviera glamour of the 1950s and ‘Fauviste’ artists (including Matisse and Rouault).
Striking contemporary architecture is combined with Moroccan influences, seen in geometric motifs and modern reinterpretation of traditional Mashrabiya latticework.
SoSPA: an oasis of calm and wellbeing
Guests can unwind and chill in the new SoSPA, a vast 1259 sq. metres space entirely dedicated to relaxation. Decorated in warm colours, the Spa offers authentic hammam rituals, sauna, unique hydrotherapy, beauty and detox treatments plus relaxation area. Fitness fans can test the latest So FIT exercise machines and the heated swimming pool.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will open a property in the Middle East’s leading gateway for capital and investment, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Waldorf Astoria DIFC is expected to begin welcoming guests in autumn 2017, and will offer travellers timeless luxury and exceptional experiences in this bustling area of Dubai. The hotel will join a prestigious portfolio of 25 Waldorf Astoria properties operating in diverse global destinations such as Amsterdam, Beijing and New York.
“Sound fundamentals underpin our luxury story in the Middle East, where we have seen exceptional growth in locations tailored for both leisure and business travellers,” said Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development, Middle East and North Africa for Hilton Worldwide. “I have long admired the role DIFC plays in the world of international investment, benefitting from its east meets west location and world-class trading framework. As an iconic luxury brand originating from New York, another centre of global finance, I am delighted that we will welcome Waldorf Astoria to this international hub.”
Forming part of a mixed-use residential, retail and office-space development, Waldorf Astoria DIFC will feature 247 guest rooms, as well as a range of upscale dining options, spa and wellness facilities. Significant events space will include a grand ballroom and a further four meeting rooms, designed for social occasions and corporate events.
Dubai enjoys a prestigious reputation as a destination of choice for business and leisure travellers – with its array of upscale tourist attractions, attractive climate as well as being a hub for business and commerce in the region. The upcoming Dubai Expo 2020 will shine a year-long spotlight on the Emirate as more than 25 million visitors are expected to attend.
Across the Middle East, Hilton Worldwide is rapidly expanding its portfolio of mid-market, upscale and luxury properties within its distinct portfolio of brands. In 2015, notable milestones included the opening of three Hilton Garden Inn hotels in Dubai; the signing of an agreement for the the first Hampton by Hilton in the Middle East; as well as confirmation of the first Curio, a Collection by Hilton for Dubai with The Rosemont Hotel & Residences.
Formerly known as the Four Seasons at Manele Bay, the luxury Hawaiian resort Four Seasons Lanai has opened following a considerable $75 million transformation. The 217-room hotel, including 51 suites, opened on schedule with John Hardy responsible for the property’s management and logistic management services during the hotel’s revamp.
“Four Seasons Lanai is the finest hotel in Hawaii,” said John Hardy. “It was redeveloped to the highest standard, and with major upgrades in design and amenities, it will be a world-class destination for years to come.”
Interiors were designed by Las Vegas-based Todd Avery-Lenahan of TAL Studio, who has created a décor reflects the tones and textures of the island and adds an island aesthetic, featuring rich colours from the earth, sand and brush as well as thoughtfully curated artwork from across Polynesia, Micronesia and of course Hawaii. Renovation extended to the public areas including the lobby, spa, landscaping, pool spaces, multiple restaurants and bar, new retail boutiques and all guestrooms and suites.
Inspired by Hawaii’s diverse and storied influences, the interiors of the Four Seasons Lanai are comprised of an extraordinary material and details palette such as walls of teak and zebra wood edging artisan-produced Nepalese lokta paper and floors of mahogany laid with wool hand-woven area rugs. Fully integrated and intuitive lighting, temperature, service, and privacy controls offer a highly responsive in-room technology.
A North East hotel, which had fallen in to disrepair, has been given a new lease of life with a £200,000 investment.
The Three Horseshoes Hotel, between Sunderland and Washington, is now operating as a boutique B&B and gastropub after being bought by leading leisure firm Tavistock Hospitality Ltd.
The company, which runs more than a dozen bars, hotels and restaurants across the North East, initially relaunched the site as a brewery tap for its Sonnet 43 Brew House in January 2016.
Now, work has been completed on the final stage of its £200,000 restoration, with seven en-suite bedrooms being created to cater for overnight visitors, as well as discerning diners and drinkers.
“Since relaunching earlier this year, The Three Horseshoes Hotel has become increasingly popular with diners from across the North East,” said Jonathan Graham, Operations Director for Tavistock Hospitality.
“Now, with the creation of these seven stunning bedrooms, we are able to welcome visitors from much further afield who are keen to make the most of our high quality food offering, reasonable rates and enviable location.”
The Three Horseshoes Hotel, located just off the A19, offers easy access to Washington, Sunderland, Newcastle and the wider North East, as well as the adjacent Nissan offices and North East Aircraft Museum.
Its spacious en-suite bedrooms, each boasting Freeview TV and a Bluetooth stereo speaker dock, have been designed to cater for both business and leisure visitors, with subtle nods to the region’s industrial history.
“We wanted the rooms to have a modern, boutique style but also to pay a more personal tribute to the heritage of the surrounding area,” said Jonathan. “With that in mind we’ve used a little untreated wood, as well as glass and steel, to pay homage to the North East’s industrial history and famed manufacturing sector.”
This same sense of locality continues throughout The Three Horseshoes Hotel’s public areas, including the bar, which offers a full range of drinks, including real ale from Sonnet 43 Brew House based at nearby Coxhoe, and the restaurant which serves seasonal dishes based on locally-sourced produce.
The Editor-in-Chiefs of 25 Elle Decoration country editions awarded the Axor One shower control unit the ‘Elle Decor International Design Award (EDIDA)’ in the “Best Bathroom Design” category.
Philippe Grohe, Vice President Design Management at Hansgrohe SE, accepted the award with design partners Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby during the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
This media accolade from one of the most renowned lifestyle and décor magazines highlights a growing trend – namely the bathroom is becoming increasingly important, and the focus of design-led customers, who value customised solutions.
Grohe said: “The fact that Axor, with its new design partners Barber & Osgerby, has won the coveted EDIDA straightaway just reconfirms what we believe: it is not only designers, but also customers interested in design, who are paying more and more attention to the bathroom and our innovations.”
Conrad Hotels & Resorts today celebrates the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – the 438-room Conrad Makkah, set in the heart of the Holy City and overlooking the Sacred Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram, and the Holy Kaabah.
John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said: “Conrad creates inspired experiences for our guests in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. We are delighted to open our first luxury hotel in the Holy City and begin welcoming pilgrims and guests.”
Rudi Jagersbacher, Area president, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said: “The arrival of Conrad Hotels & Resorts to Makkah marks the addition of our second brand into the city and our 11th hotel into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With another 28 Hilton Worldwide properties in development, we are extremely proud to offer incredible variety and choice for travellers to the region.”
The hotel also features stunning interior décor inspired by both modern and traditional Islamic design and complemented by contemporary art works.
Conrad Makkah offers an on-site Masjid for up to 1,000 guests with audio connection to Al Haram. The hotel also has 12 elevators that go directly to Al Haram, providing quick direct access during peak prayer times. For intimate meetings, the hotel offers two meeting spaces for up to 100 guests as well as a business centre and Executive Lounge.
The hotel’s full time Concierge will assist guests in planning a variety of local activities through the Conrad 1/3/5 programme, a curated collection of inspired experiences in art, shopping, adventure, and gastronomy, where guests can discover local culture from an insider’s perspective.
Guests booking a stay at the hotel can also utilise the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts today announced the designation of Sheraton Los Angeles Hotel as a Sheraton Grand.
Joining 23 other Sheraton Grand properties around the globe, Sheraton Grand Los Angeles recently completed an all-encompassing $75 million renovation, featuring a full refurbishment of all 496 guest rooms and suites, a complete refresh of the lobby and meeting spaces, and introduction of new dining experiences.
Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.
“Sheraton Grand Los Angeles has become a shining star and wonderful representation of not only the Sheraton Grand tier, but of the brand itself,” said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “It’s exciting to see how this hotel has completely transformed, representing the Sheraton brand’s new elevated and customized approach to design, as well as its Sheraton 2020 efforts.”
As part of the revitalization at The Bloc, a landmark mixed-use property in downtown, the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles has completed a $75m redesign, led by internationally renowned interior and product designer Colum McCartan of McCartan and glittering in golden hues with a 21st century interpretation of the local area’s art deco heritage.
Located in the heart of Ghana’s thriving cultural scene is a brand new five star luxury hotel, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra. The vibrant property features 269 rooms, including 22 suites and 2 stunning presidential suites.
Art is a key focus for the property and this is reflected in the unique pieces located throughout the hotel and in the independent contemporary art gallery located inside the hotel known as Gallery 1957. Taking its name from the year Ghana gained independence; the gallery represents artists such as Jeremiah Quarshie, Yaw Owusu, Serge Attukwei Clottey and Zohra Opoku.
Featured in the hotel’s collection are also outstanding pieces by Agosor, Ni Mills, Krotei Tetteh, Gideon Appah and Ablade Glover.
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra encourages both local audiences and international visitors to discover new artists and to gain a deeper understanding of the breadth of their practices through the hotel installations and exhibitions at the gallery. With a range of exquisite dining options and a new spa to open in November, the property lives up to its name as the only true 5* hotel in Accra.
Marwan Zakhem commented, “The gallery evolved from my experience as a collector of contemporary African art. I began building relationships with artists and understanding their creative process better. I decided to found Gallery 1957 to support, complement and highlight the art scene that is already started to grow here in Accra. It wanted to establish the gallery to provide increased opportunities for artists based in Ghana and the hotel provided the ideal location. The work being created here is very exciting, emotive and often experimental and I hope visitors will enjoy the experience of discovering art at the Kempinski.”
Following the relaunch of The Lanesborough in 2015, the hotel has now reopened its eponymous Lanesborough Suite, which has been renovated as part of the hotel’s extensive refurbishment by the late Alberto Pinto, the four-bedroom suite is one of the grandest hotel residences in London.
Situated on the hotel’s first floor, this palatial residence carries all the hallmarks of its distinguished designer Alberto Pinto: exquisite taste, impeccable craftsmanship and meticulous attention to period detail. Regency elegance and luxury extend across the suite’s 355m², which can be booked as a one, two or four-bedroom suite. Including four lavish bedrooms, two living rooms and dining room, the restored Lanesborough Suite has been finished with only the finest fabrics and handcrafted details.
The new hotel emulates the style and impeccable service of its French sister Le Bristol while staying true to its strong British roots.
Guests of The Lanesborough Suite will have access to round-the-clock butler service, changes of clothing pressed on arrival, use of the hotel’s Fitness Studio and personalised stationary and business cards.
The Lanesborough Suite may be reserved as a one, two or 355 m² four-bedroomed residence. For guests booking the entire suite, one of the hotel’s chauffeur-driven fleet of cars is available as a complimentary service.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of a technical design agreement with ACES Property Development to bring a new hotel apartment project under the DusitPrincess brand to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony recently held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok presided over by executives from both companies, including Dusit’s Group Chief Executive Officer Ms Suphajee Suthumpun and Founding Director of ACES, Mr Kashif Shahzad.
The DusitPrincess ACES Dubai will be located in the Jumeirah Village Circle, in close proximity to the new Al Makhtoum International Airport, the Palm Jumeirah, and other exciting shopping and entertainment venues. Full details will be released at the project’s ground-breaking ceremony to be held soon.
Luxury Hotels Group is delighted to announce the latest addition to its growing portfolio – in the heart of Bilbao, Hotel Carlton is a five star hotel with a story to tell.
Bilbao is synonymous with the iconic Guggenheim Museum thanks to world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, but the Hotel Carlton was an icon long before this modernist masterpiece. With an imposing beaux arts façade and equally alluring interiors, it’s seen everyone from Albert Einstein to Ava Gardner stay in its rooms and suites since it opened in 1926, and was the base of the Basque government during the Spanish Civil War.
The first hotel in Spain to boast en-suite bathrooms, the Carlton’s high ceilings, marble floors, plush fabrics and natural silk duvets exude elegance, complemented by bold contemporary styling. Rooms and suites combine a real sense of history with every modern comfort, making the hotel ideal for discerning travellers looking for an authentic, upscale experience. The unique appeal also extends to twelve versatile event spaces, ranging from the sweeping Azul room for up to 200 theatre-style to the atmospheric La Cristalera – an elliptical hall illuminated by a stunning stained glass dome – a memorable setting for cocktail receptions, press conferences or product presentations. The Salón Aránzazu, which harboured the government during Civil War bombardments, now hosts smaller meetings and intimate private dining experiences.
Bernadette Koltai, Luxury Hotels Group’s Vice President, said: “Luxury Hotels Group is all about individuality, and they don’t come much more individual than the Hotel Carlton. It’s the antithesis of formulaic branded hotels typically found in provincial cities and has a genuinely interesting story. We’re delighted to strengthen our presence in Spain by working with such a distinguished hotel.”
Sales Manager of Hotel Carlton, Silvia Varea, said: “The Carlton Hotel is proud to be partnering with such a dynamic, forward-thinking British company as Luxury Hotels Group and we trust that this is the beginning of a successful business relationship.”
Soughton Hall Hotel in Flintshire has undergone a £100,000 refurbishment as part of an investment programme by the new owners.
The historic mansion house and luxury wedding venue was originally built in 1714 as a bishop’s palace and the makeover by Elle R Leisure has breathed ‘new life’ into the building.
The extensive improvements included updating the main guest areas with a revamp of the library, entrance hall, reception and residents bar. Considerable changes to the hotel’s public spaces as well as upgrading the Bridal Suite have also occurred. The new owners have also invested in the ancient hall’s Wi-Fi system.
Elle R Leisure owner James Ramsbottom told The Daily Post: “Every little thing we are doing at Soughton Hall, from revamping the website to moving dining from the Stables restaurant back into the newly-refurbished main hall, is about getting more people in to appreciate this stunning building.
“We want to open the doors and breathe new life into the building to secure its future as an architectural treasure and as a successful business so more people can enjoy coming here for many generations to come,” he added.
InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the signing of a third hotel with the ownership group Le Groupe Robin.
The Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Trois-Rivières hotel will be a 111-room, eco-friendly LEED®-certified property. It will include 79 standard rooms and 32 suites – including eight business suites with private meeting space for up to six people. The hotel is equipped with the latest energy and cost savings technologies such as a large solar wall that will be used to produce energy and power all exterior signage year-round.
Le Groupe Robin will incorporate the city’s rich history into the design and culture of the property. The hotel will feature the Holiday Inn Express brand’s new design solution, which was created to meet the evolving needs of the brand’s target guest who is looking for a simple, smart travel experience.
Jonathan Lund, Regional Vice President, Canada, IHG said: “We are so pleased to have Le Groupe Robin add an additional property in Quebec. They are known for quality properties and we are looking forward to continuing our great relationship with them.”
Nellie Robin, Vice President of Le Groupe Robin said: “IHG has been a trusted partner in the development and opening of our two other Quebec hotels in Saint Hyacinthe and Vaudreuil Dorion. We are excited to expand our partnership with this third property in Trois-Rivières and continue to offer the best service while redefining our vision of hospitality.”
The hotel is set to open early 2018, and will be in the heart of Trois-Rivières. Trois-Rivières is centrally located between the large cities of Montreal and Quebec City; the community has experienced growth over the last few years, making it a major business and leisure destination.
The Portland Marriott Downtown has unveiled the results of its complete renovation – which included 44,000-square-metres of meeting space, ballrooms, M Club Lounge, 507 guestrooms and suites and the fitness centre.
Houston-based hospitality design firm Paradigm Design Group completed all areas of the renovation.
Combining local aesthetics with Oregonian-inspired details, the re-imagined Portland Marriot now has a colour palette of greens, navy blues and grays that echo the surrounding environment of the Willamette River, Mount Hood and industrial influences. The colour schemes vary in each space. For instance, the meeting spaces use blues, the M Club uses pops of green, and guestrooms and suites use soft grays.
PDG also developed customised artwork to capture Portland’s love for biking. The guestrooms have a focal wall/backdrop where the image of a bike wheel is portrayed in the element of a tree slice. Additional examples include patterned carpet with tire track prints, and sculptural tire wheel artwork in the M Club Lounge. Special hanging racks for bikes were also incorporated in selected specialty guestrooms.
As hotel development continues in Singapore, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts has announced its signing for Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa following the renovation and conversion of the hotel. The agreement marks the highly anticipated return of the Le Meridien brand to Singapore after nearly a decade.
“We are excited to welcome Le Meridien back to Singapore with a property that can truly represent the new direction of the brand,” said Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “Le Meridien’s mission is to expose the creative-minded traveler to the most unexpected and engaging experiences, inside and outside the hotel. We are confident that we will be able to offer this distinctively memorable experience at Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa,” he added.
Designed by DP Architects and Japanese studio Super Potato, Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa provides a juxtaposition of the old and the new, offering a glimpse of Singapore’s vibrant past and present. The hotel complex comprises a contemporary building and a pair of restored former barracks, which housed Southeast Asia’s first Malay artillery back in 1940.
The hotel features 191 contemporary guestrooms, including suites with Japanese outdoor private Onsen pool, and a duplex penthouse suite with its own rooftop garden and infinity pool. Other facilities include a swimming pool and 243 square meters of versatile function space, with a 198 square meter pillar-less ballroom fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows.
In the upcoming months, the hotel will undergo a renovation to feature two distinct restaurants and the brand’s signature bar. In addition, Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa will introduce Le Meridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place.
“Le Méridien has been experiencing phenomenal growth in the past few years, thanks to its distinctive new positioning as well as a conversion-friendly strategy,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “Le Méridien continues to forge a presence in new and established markets worldwide; in 2015 alone, we opened eight hotels in Asia Pacific including the brand’s debuts in exciting destinations such as Thimpu and Paro in Bhutan, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Dhaka in Bangladesh.”
Japanese hotelier Fujita Kanko has opened a new hotel in Okinawa. Hotel Gracery Naha’s building and facility design was carried out by Shimizu Corporation, while interior design was by age co.
Located on Kokusai-dori, in Okinawa’s downtown area, the newly built 198-room hotel is a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport.
The hotel design is said to reflect Okinawa’s ocean. There is a one-of-a-kind “Churaumi Room” that has a high-tech video projection of local underwater footage, including marine species such as manta rays and whale sharks, on its wall. It incorporates touch-video functionality so that touching the wall activates the ocean and fish.
The hotel’s entrance area also has a similar visual effect that gives the impression of guests walking on water. Guestrooms all have separate toilets and bathrooms.
Hotel Gracery Naha is the fifth property in the Hotel Gracery group, following the 2015 opening of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, a Godzilla-themed hotel in Tokyo. Next, Fujita Kanko plans to open Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo in July.
The InterContinental David Hotel in Israel has completed its $4 million-plus (£2.7 million) renovation in conjunction with Ara Design International – the focus being on the hotel’s 135 club guestrooms, 15 suites and public areas.
For the suites, improvements included new smart alarm systems, docking stations, and MoroccanOil and Sabon bath products.
In the club rooms, the Ara Design International incorporated a residential-style design. Each club room is approximately 355 square feet with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms have a working desk and a lounge area, 37-inch flat screen television and a white leather double door closet. There is also a separate bath and shower.
The Royal Suites were fashioned into 947-square-feet apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beachfront promenade and the Mediterranean Sea. The suites have a living area or intimate dining area. Other elements include a king-size bed, bespoke furnishings, wardrobe space, jet walk-in rain shower and soaking tub.
The 1,356 square feet Tel Aviv Suite has views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Tel Aviv/Jaffa. The living and entertaining area is a stylised interpretation of the Tel Avivian urban retreat, featuring bespoke furnishings and accessories, a collection of curated books and art, and a kitchenette with a separate service entrance.
The master bedroom has a bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows. A marble en-suite bathroom has a dry sauna, Jacuzzi tub and a jet walk-in rain shower. Inspired by its location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the InterContinental David Tel Aviv has 555 guestrooms (39 of which are suites), including the brand new Tel Aviv Suite and two Royal Suites.
Set in an 800-year-old traditional garden in Japan’s historic imperial capital, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is now accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening in the autumn of 2016.
The all-new hotel is enviably located at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain in the city’s temple district with numerous historic landmarks surrounding it, plus minutes-away access to Kyoto’s tech industries, creative arts and leading educational institutions. Known for its four distinct seasons and the natural beauty that unfolds year round, the city attracts visitors from across the region and around the globe.
“Kyoto is one of the world’s most alluring cities, but she can be shy in revealing her secrets – our mission at Four Seasons is to help our guests discover her wonders and experience all the city has to offer,” says General Manager Alex Porteous, who has returned to Japan to open the brand’s second location in addition to the acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.
The light-filled Hotel affords breath-taking views in every direction, from the neighbouring Kiyomizu-dera Temple to its own five acre (two hectare) pond and gardens. Inside, guests will find 123 guest rooms and suites plus 57 residences decorated in traditionally-inspired yet contemporary style by Hirsch Bedner Associates. Four dining options include an exclusive sushi restaurant, a modern brasserie, lounge and a lovely garden tea house. An intimate spa is adjacent to a shimmering indoor pool.
Destined to become Kyoto’s preferred address for glamorous weddings, social occasions and prestigious business functions, the Hotel’s flexible event spaces include an exquisite, one-of-a-kind chapel.
Soneva has revealed details of its Soneva Jani resort in the Maldives which is slated to open in October 2016. The brand’s newest luxury resort offering will comprise 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage.
Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The highlight of the resort is its location within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean.
Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The selling point of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.
Like all other Soneva properties, the spacious villas feature beautifully designed interiors by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders, and are made from the highest quality sustainable materials.
Soneva Jani includes 18 units of one-bedroom Water Retreats, four units of two-bedroom Water Retreats, one three-bedroom Water Retreat, 1 three-bedroom Water Reserve, and one four-bedroom Island Reserve.
In constructing the resort, Soneva kept its environmental impact as low as possible. The pools use seawater with UV filtration and the villas have been built over the sandy floors of the lagoon, with no damage to any part of the reef. Furthermore, solar PV will be a significant source of power generation at the resort, all waste-water will be collected and treated on-site, and water will also be produced on-site, including drinking water. Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre will ensure that waste is recycled, while the extensive vegetable garden will give local produce for the restaurants based on organic principles.
The resort’s soft opening is planned for October 1, 2016, while the official opening date is fixed at November 5, 2016. All photography courtesy of Richard Waite
Situated along the historic and picturesque Singapore River, M Social Singapore overlooks the vibrant Robertson Quay enclave and is part of an integrated development which includes UP@Robertson Quay, a luxury apartment project developed by City Developments Limited.
At its heart, M Social Singapore’s chic interiors are envisioned by renowned French designer Philippe Starck. It debuts in Singapore the concept of “democratic design”, where spaces around the hotel are accessible and flexible enough to cater to different needs with seamless ease. The theme is centred around being “snuggish” – think cosy guest rooms with warm colour tones, luxurious pashmina throws and thick carpets.
Complementing it are communal spaces that encourage gathering and mingling, embellished by fully customised art and design elements. For instance, the driveway is marked by sculptures of two bronze peanuts, as well as a cube. Underfoot, gaily patterned tiles make for a lively first impression. Occupying the reception area is a long high table that sits on an alabaster floor lit from the inside. Friendly front-of-house staff, clad in uniforms from Uniqlo – the first time the Japanese fashion label is collaborating with a hospitality brand in the world – will see to every need.
When in the mood for me-time, there is no shortage of personal space. Accommodation options have generous ceiling heights of up to 5m, and come in varying sizes and configurations. The Nicer Room has a terrace attached to it, while The Bigger Room is actually a duplex-style loft with a terrace.
M Social Singapore also prides itself on embracing technology. It is the first in the country to offer a self-check-in kiosk in the lobby to make the process fast and fuss-free. Placed within each room is a handy phone, a complimentary smartphone amenity pre-loaded with a city guide. Be sure to leave the hotel with it too, as it comes with unlimited data usage and free phone calls both locally and internationally.
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini has completed its second phase opening, introducing major enhancements to the hotel’s accommodation, food & beverage, meetings & events and wellness offerings.
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini first opened in 2015 and is now in full swing with more than 300 guest rooms, including 18 luxury suites, six dining options, a first-class spa and a rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the island.
The hotel is owned and operated by Resorts World Bimini under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT), and celebrated the completion of these upgrades with a ribbon cutting ceremony this past weekend.
“Hilton Hotels & Resorts first established its presence in the Bahamas in 1999. The phase two opening of Hilton at Resorts World Bimini signifies not only our commitment to the Bahamian market, but to the Caribbean region on a whole, which is now home to more than 20 hotels within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands,” said Shawn McAteer, vice president, global brand management, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide.
The growth in the budget London hotel sector has seen a ‘significant’ increase in the last four years, with half of the 18,000 rooms opened in the capital since the 2012 Olympics being within that sector.
That’s according to a report – London Hotel Development Monitor – released last month by property consultant JLL and London & Partners. It revealed that low cost hotels now make up 20 per cent of the total supply across the city and a further 33 per cent of the 7,000 rooms due for completion this year will be in the same sector.
Graham Craggs, JLL’s hotels and hospitality group MD, said: “2015 was an exceptionally strong year in terms of hotel transactions in London. Activity will remain high in 2016 and we expect the trend will shift towards single asset transactions. Underlying market fundamentals continue to be positive and the outlook for hotel performance in London is good.”
Key openings include a new Premier Inn on Tottenham Court Road and US-based hotel operator Standard opening its first hotel in 2018 in the former Camden Hall. In 2016, 800 rooms are expected to be added to Shoreditch alone, with new hotels including Z Hotels and Nobu Hotel Shoreditch.
Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners, added: “The hotel industry is a vital part of London’s booming tourism economy, which is now worth £36 billion and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, many of which are widely accessible. As more and more visitors come and explore our great city, it’s encouraging to see the hotel sector growing and bringing exciting new developments to visitors.”
Last month marked the unveiling and official launch of the highly anticipated Burj Al Arab Terrace. Located at Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the terrace is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind restaurant, pool, beach and cabana space, offering hotel guests and Burj Al Arab members the finest Arabian hospitality.
Burj Al Arab Terrace is a world-first in marine and off-site construction, having been developed by marine construction experts ADMARES at a shipyard site in Finland. It was then transported by ship to Dubai in eight pieces, ensuring minimal distruption to guests, as well as the seabed and marine life.
Now in place, the private 10,000-metre-squared outdoor luxury leisure facility seamlessly stretches 100m out into the sea and is home to Scape Restaurant & Bar, two stunning pools, dedicated butler-serviced cabanas, and a beach area with luxury day and sunbeds. As such, Burj Al Arab Terrace is not only pushing the boundaries of construction, but also of design, architecture and hospitality.
Anthony McHale, General Manager, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, commented: “As the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab continuously evolves and re-invents our guest experience through state-of-the-art facilities. Burj Al Arab Terrace is the ultimate destination for indulgence, socialising and relaxing and is another initiative in our endeavour to delight our guests.”
Commenting further on the design and scale, he said: “Burj Al Arab Terrace is our most ambitious project since the hotel was created; it’s a global first in hotel construction with a breakthough combination of creative marine design, ingenious engineering and guest-friendly planning. In January, we announced its arrival on a ship from Finland and, since then, our construction and design teams have brought our vision to life and the result is simply spectacular.”
Stefan Leser, Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group, added: “The Burj Al Arab Terrace is a new Dubai landmark and a symbol of innovation and engineering excellence. A masterpiece in design and architecture, it reinforces Dubai as an outstanding destination and leader in global hospitality. We are immensely proud to offer such a distinctive experience, which will considerably enhance the enjoyment of our Burj Al Arab guests.”
The Design The architectural form of the terrace has been designed to reflect the shape of Burj Al Arab, creating a fusion of sophisticated, contemporary structures and tranquil stretches of water. Linked by a central walkway, flanked on either side by crystalline beaches and private cabanas, it gives an effect of a stylised tropical forest canopy, with contrasting areas of dappled light and shade.
A palette of earth tones and clean, sharp whites, highlight the contrasting colours of nature, while the highest quality glass has been used extensively and creatively, from the panels throughout the interior spaces, to the specially commissioned handmade light installations in Scape Restaurant & Bar.
The design also incorporates a 612m2 freshwater pool and an 828m2 saltwater infinity pool, which melts into the horizon to create the mirage of a continuous ebb of water. 10 million mosaic tiles in shades of azure and gold line the pools, while 1,000 tonnes of white sand creates the dazzling beach. Set within the pools are four Jacuzzis and a swim-up bar.
AccorHotels has announce the opening of three new hotels under the Pullman, Novotel and Mercure branding with Wanda Group in Nanchang, as a key development of the Nanchang Wanda Cultural Tourism City.
Pullman, Novotel and Mercure Nanchang Wanda will form part of the biggest hotel cluster featuring 1,388 guest rooms, 4 restaurants, 3 bars and 1,310 square metres of banquet and meeting space including an 800-square-metre pillar-less ballroom in addition to wellness facilities. The three properties combined will offer the largest guest room inventory under the AcccorHotels Greater China portfolio.
“The opening of three hotels in a single day symbolises AccorHotels’ continuous growth and development in the Greater China region,” says Michel Molliet, Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Greater China. “This is our first and biggest hotel project in Central China,” he added.
– Pullman Nanchang Wanda has 403 guest rooms including 16 suites. The rooms feature a garden and lake view with distinctive signature touches under the Pullman brand.
– Novotel Nanchang Wanda offers all the brand’s customary multi-service facilities geared to the needs of business and leisure travellers. The 481 spacious, modular guest rooms include eight suites and a family suite.
– Mercure Nanchang Wanda features 504 modern-style guest-rooms. Like all Mercure hotels, this mid-scale property combines the strength of an international network with a strong quality commitment and a distinctive local heritage.
Business travellers will appreciate the 383-room hotel’s strategic location where they have easy access to major financial and commercial buildings such as the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putra World Trade Centre and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, South East Asia and Korea, IHG, commented: “Holiday Inn Express is one of our fastest growing hotel brands in the world and its growth is fuelled by a rising demand from value-conscious travellers who are seeking affordable accommodation in convenient locations. Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre is the first of five Holiday Inn Express hotels that we are opening in Malaysia in the coming years and we will be in a great position to cater to the projected 36 million tourist arrivals expected in Malaysia by 2020.”
As with over 2,400 Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world, guests can select from contemporary-designed queen or twin guest rooms with the consistency and reliability of a global hotel brand, including amenities such as: · Free and fast Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel to stay connected throughout one’s stay. · Comfortable and high quality bedding with a choice of firm or soft pillows for a restful night’s sleep. · Refreshing power showers with a three-function massage showerhead and fluffy towels to keep revitalised. · A 24-hour fitness room to stay energised and keep up the fitness routine away from home. · Self-service business centre, internet stations and laundry stations.
There are 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels in South East Asia, including two in Singapore, eight in Indonesia and four in Thailand, with 18 more hotels in the development pipeline in the region.
Featuring 237 serviced apartments, the property will offer a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Guests will be able to choose from three dining outlets including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby café and a pool café. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, health club and salon. For business guests, the hotel will offer four meeting rooms, a boardroom and a business centre.
Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East & North Africa, said: “With more than 70% of our Middle East pipeline currently under construction, Hilton’s presence is growing rapidly across the region. The project at Dilmunia Island will be an outstanding addition to the Hilton portfolio in the Middle East, and further enhance Bahrain as a hugely popular destination for travellers to the region.”
Wellbeing and vitality are a focus at Dilmunia Island, which includes residential and shopping areas, and a health district. The mixed-use development is one of several large scale projects being built in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, a plan which aims to diversify the country’s economy.
Hilton now features three properties across its Bahraini development pipeline, in its Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio. There are more than 67 properties currently under development in the Middle East, which will more than double the existing portfolio size over the next few years.
Down Hall Hotel is one of England’s most established country house hotels, located in Hatfield Heath, near Bishop’s Stortford on the Hertfordshire and Essex border.
Dating back to 1322, this impressive Italianate mansion is sited in a historic setting of 110 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens. The hotel’s luxury interiors with ornate ceilings and beautiful period details have been enhanced by a complete refurbishment and the use of Gallery Direct, Frank Hudson SPIRE collection furniture.
Designer Rachael McLane, the award winning Yorkshire based consultancy worked with Keith Clarke, Contract and development Manager at Gallery Direct to create the ‘Classic Country House meets Contemporary lifestyle’ look of opulence and luxury. The first floor gallery rooms in the old house have SPIRE and CHIC collection furniture and the more contemporary rooms in the more recent wing have ANNECY, SPIRE and KISS collections.
Rachel McLane commented: “Gallery Direct were recommended to us a few years ago and we were suitably impressed at the time how they handled our brief, so when it came to sourcing furniture for the major refurbishment at Down Hall, Keith and his team were the obvious choice. It was important to everyone that the Down Hall project was completed on time, to schedule and in a manner befitting a luxury hotel.
“We were very impressed with Keith’s site installation team and any small issues were magically resolved. The refurbished rooms required classic, traditional furniture of understated simplicity but noticeable quality. This quality, combined with excellent service, proactivity, and a single point of contact, guarantees that we will be using Gallery Direct in the future,” she added.
Worcestershire boutique hotel Hogarths Stone Manor has unveiled the results of its multi-million pound redevelopment, which was supported by funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).
The refurbishment as seen upgrades made to its 56 en-suite bedrooms, reception area, lounge, bar and restaurant. A new outdoor ceremony area for weddings was also created in the grounds of the hotel.
Originally a private members club some fifty years ago and the first to have a swimming pool in the borough, it was acquired in 2015 by Helena and Andy Hogarth who also own the Four Ashes restaurant.
Helena Hogarth said: “We are delighted with the results of the refurbishment and that all of the work has now completed. The hotel has been completely transformed and has a really luxurious yet comfortable feel to it.
“Feedback from visitors has already been extremely positive and we are confident that it will enable us to continue to attract new guests and increase the venue’s appeal for weddings and other celebrations,” she added.
Bulgari Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement to bring the luxury brand to Moscow, with development to be carried out by Moscow-based Storm Properties. It is expected to open in 2019.
It will stand as the world’s seventh Bulgari Hotel, following the opening of Milan in 2004, Bali in 2006, London in 2012, and the Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai Hotels anticipated for 2017.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Alexey Bogachev, investor of the project, and Jean-Christophe Babin, Chief Executive Officer of Bulgari Group
The hotel will be located in a prestigious luxury area, just 300 metres from the city’s landmarks such as the historic Kremlin and the Red Square. As well, it will be adjacent to the Moscow State Conservatory P I Tchaikovsky, one of the most important music universities in the world.
The hotel will comprise 65 rooms and suites, including an extraordinary 300-square-metre Bulgari Suite with a unique 600-square metre rooftop terrace. A full range of luxury facilities, such as the signature Bulgari restaurant and bar and a 1600-square-metre Spa with 25 metre swimming pool, will be at the disposal of the hotel guests and residents.
The Bulgari Hotel in Moscow has been designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners in collaboration with ATRIUM, a renowned Russian architectural bureau with more than 20 years of experience. It is planned to offer a mix of traditional and contemporary themes, and juxtapose new and conventional architecture through the conservative restoration and harmonisation of variously dated façades, thereby aptly reflecting the design and style of the surrounding area.
The internal building will be totally renovated to incorporate the highest standards of luxury facilities and offer the contemporary style and outstanding service and design for which the Bulgari Hotels are famous. The internal courtyard inspired by the traditional patios of the Italian Renaissance Palaces will offer the hotel guests an exclusive outdoor living space during the warm season.
The former residence of a noble family, and later home to the musicians from the Conservatory P. I. Tchaikovsky, the Bulgari Hotel will convey Bulgari’s core aesthetic values of contemporary design, magnificent craftsmanship and artistic detail.
Commenting on the announcement, the investor of the project Alexey Bogachev said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to cooperate with Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, which is the world’s synonymous of outstanding quality and sophisticated taste among the most exacting clients. The combination of Bulgari Hotel and the residences will create a new level of quality for the Moscow market.”
New RIO tables were launched by Morgan during Clerkenwell Design Week to match with the existing RIO seating.
In collaboration with studio INTEGRATE, the Rio collection by Morgan is one that explores the craft of yesterday versus the craft of tomorrow. As well as the timber and upholstered models there is a 3D printed component that creates an intricate curved sculptural arm.
It is constructed using a mathematical algorithm and printed in polyamide or resin. A glass top floats over a 3D printed basket which links it to solid turned timber legs; in a mix of an intricate ‘lacework’ component with a rational structure and form.
Located right next door to the Amsterdam ArenA and the Ziggo Dome, Jaz Amsterdam has celebrated its official hotel opening and has succeeded in becoming a cult venue in no time at all. The spectacular show to herald its opening, designed by Jung von Matt, also proved a cult attraction.
This is a hotel designed by musical enthusiasts for musical visionaries in which the musical heart of Amsterdam pulsates to the beat of the city. The Jaz Amsterdam is the Steigenberger Hotel Group’s third brand.
As Adele performed at the Ziggo Dome next door, the Jaz Team assembled around Band Leader Joost van Beck. As well as being known and loved for its spontaneous sessions, the first hotel to be operated under Steigenberger’s third brand always has a surprise in store. Its opening very much went off with a bang in a launch event which featured show performances, dance and music on a temporary scaffolding structure specially erected for the purpose. Indeed, what could be more appropriate for a hotel which is “built by music”?
“Today is a great moment,” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG. “It is the day on which we officially welcome the Jaz Amsterdam as a new member of the Steigenberger family.” He was also full of praise for the hotel’s staff: “Since the Soft Opening in November, the Jaz Team has put in an outstanding performance.”
Hasan Yigit, Vice President of Jaz Hotel, added: “The key concept behind the opening event is ‘Built by music’. Our team comprises a drummer, an orchestrator, a stage manager, a choreographer and our Band Leader Joost. All work together to achieve perfect harmony with the wishes of the guests.”
The further support programme was just as refreshing and unconventional. Local artists and DJ’s were on hand, and live performances were staged in the lifts. A champagne pyramid, a range of culinary delights and unusual show components also all added to the mix. The highlight of the evening was an appearance by the legendary DJ Fedde le Grand. All of the elements combined to conjure up a sensational atmosphere at the Jaz Amsterdam and truly made it “the place to be” on this particular day.
The next Jaz Hotel is scheduled to open in Stuttgart in early 2017, and the aim is to have ten further hotels operational or in planning by 2020. www.jaz-hotel.com/en
The 188-room AC Hotel® Guadalajara Mexico and the 175-room AC Hotel® Queretaro Antea recently opened their doors – both properties are owned and were developed by FibraHotel and are operated by Marriott International.
AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates the beauty of classic modern designs with its European soul and Spanish roots, borne from the signature vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998 and grew it into one of the most well-respected hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Denmark, the United States and now Mexico.
These two openings mark the first hotels for the Caribbean and Latin America region. Later this year, AC Hotels plans to open hotels in Mexico City (Mexico), Panama City (Panama), Santiago (Chile) and two hotels in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in time for the summer Olympic Games.
Based on a belief that purposeful design improves lives, AC Hotels carves away what is unnecessary, in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed moments of beauty. The concept revolves around the idea that guests should only get only what they need, without paying for what they don’t.
The result is sophisticated yet unpretentious style, innovative beverage and food programming and locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.
Taking influence from its European roots, the AC Hotel Queretaro Antea and the AC Hotel Guadalajara Mexico showcase a timeless design that is modern and sleek. Guest rooms incorporate inviting grays and charcoal tones, with clean lines and elegant floors; furniture is lifted to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to create a look that’s both refined and elegant.
Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, an all-inclusive retreat on the southern coast of Turkey, has unveiled fifteen new luxury villas this month. Two ‘King Villas’ and thirteen ‘Baron Villas’ add to the resort’s extensive accommodation offerings, from the elegant rooms and suites in the main hotel, to The Golf Residences, overlooking the resort’s championship golf course.
Sporting sprawling views of the Regnum Carya Golf Club, the Baron Villa offers travellers the upmost in style, comfort and accessibility. Complete with sun-drenched decking area and heated infinity pool, the 350sqm properties are hedged, offering more intimacy. From the three spacious bedrooms and the chic living area to the American kitchen and luxury bathrooms, each villa is furnished with stone-washed, neutral hues, peppered with splashes of Regnum’s signature blue, reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, which boarders the south side of the resort.
The neighbouring King Villa, housing a swimming pool and open-air hot tub, boasts five bedrooms, including a master-suite with Jacuzzi, living room, kitchen area and five bathrooms, each equipped with luxury amenities and Bulgari cosmetics. When guests aren’t lounging by the pool, they can take advantage of the villa’s spa and gym, complete with treatment area and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
The new villas add to the resort’s already comprehensive accommodation offerings, from the 438 elegant rooms and suites located in the main hotel, each offering either a sea or golf course view and a balcony, to The Golf Residences, comprising of 100 stunning private villas, each with a private swimming pool. The jewel of the resort is the Crown Villa, a 3,500 sqm space that includes 5 luxury bedrooms, 5 private bathrooms and dressing rooms, meeting rooms, bar and entertainment area, 440sqm heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi area and panoramic views of the Championship Golf Course.
HiB is continuing in its unrelenting mission to help consumers to make their bathrooms beautiful with its stunning new Stratus bathroom cabinet range.
A must-have for any retailer, the Stratus is the ideal choice for discerning customers seeking a storage solution which isn’t just slick in design but guaranteed to inject a real ‘wow’ factor into their bathroom.
Offering a real look of luxury, the cabinets boast a sleek, angular form for a look which is super contemporary, while LED lighting, both outside and inside, ensures a beautiful illumination from every angle. In addition, the integration of heated pads in the mirror doors ensures they keep consistently clear.
Further features include integrated charging sockets, suitable for toothbrushes, shavers & trimmers, and a clever sensor switch whereby users simply need to wave their hand by the sensor to turn the light on and off. Furthermore, double-sided mirror doors mean consumers can use a mirror when the door is even open.
Steve Kaye, marketing manager at HiB comments: “While the bathroom cabinet was once considered quite a low priority in the design chain, recent years have seen it take precedence as more consumers recognise the huge impact it can have on their bathroom look and feel.
“With this in mind, Stratus has been designed to provide the height of cool contemporary design for the style-conscious consumer while ticking all the functional boxes – ensuring broad appeal for all styles and tastes.”
Park Hyatt Mallorca, located on the relatively undiscovered north-eastern coast, has opened to become the first Park Hyatt resort in Europe and the first Hyatt hotel in Mallorca.
Set in the exclusive Cap Vermell Estate, and designed in the style of an authentic Mallorquín village, the secluded setting offers guests a unique and tranquil environment. The new destination offers 142 luxurious guest rooms including 16 exquisitely designed suites. Rooms are complete with private terraces that feature stunning views of the verdant Canyamel Valley or Balearic Sea.
“The opening of our first Park Hyatt European resort marks a significant milestone for Hyatt and underlines our commitment to meaningful and strategic growth in this region where we know our guests are traveling,” said Peter Fulton, group president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as Southwest Asia for Hyatt. “Park Hyatt hotels are internationally renowned for their understated luxury and sophistication, and we are pleased to bring this experience to the Mediterranean.”
Luxury facilities at Park Hyatt Mallorca include a landscaped poolside terrace featuring three swimming pools, two of which are heated, and a separate children’s splash pool.
Guests can also enjoy access to the superb facilities at Cap Vermell, including a beach club just a 10-minute walk away. The estate’s country club, scheduled for completion in July 2016, boasts paddle ball courts, two tennis courts, an indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor pool. Within 15 minutes of the hotel, guests will have a choice of four superb golf courses, including a full 18-hole course adjacent to the resort.
Park Hyatt Mallorca is home to the Residence, housing a selection of elegant meeting rooms and a purpose built show kitchen that open onto a beautiful Mallorquín courtyard. The Residence is styled with fine furniture and artistic flair to create a visually impressive, yet functional meeting space. A stunning 225sqm ballroom offers an extensive terrace and access to a landscaped garden with a gazebo overlooking the valley.
Already signed up for this first edition are senior designers from Twenty 2 Degrees Design, KAI Design and Black Box Interiors; representatives from hotels such as M by Montcalm and the Seraphine Group as well as senior figures from Genson Construction.
Do you want to meet with a host of senior figures from across the hotel industry and some of the most influential names in interior design? The Hotel Designs Meet Up is the perfect opportunity to catch up, meet and network in an informal and relaxed setting.
Having a unique position at the heart of the industry, Hotel Designs can build events like the Hotel Designs Meet Up that deliver targeted audiences for its partners’ trade messages.
Clarissa Hulse is widely acknowledged as a luminary of British design, well known for her distinctive hand and her passion for colour and texture. Her initial collaboration with Harlequin in 2011, Kallianthi, was a runaway success and remains a best-selling collection; so it is no surprise that she has teamed up with the company again to produce another mouth-watering range of fabrics and wallcoverings.
Clarissa draws her inspiration from a variety of influences including her enduring passion for plants, flowers and landscapes happened upon during long country walks, a nomadic childhood and her half-Greek heritage. For Callista, which means ‘most beautiful’ in Ancient Greek, she has created an enticing and entrancing collection of woven fabrics, printed silks and wallpapers that display to breath-taking effect Clarissa’s trademark style: contemporary botanical designs coupled with intense colour.
According to Clarissa: “Working with Harlequin has proved one of the most rewarding collaborations of my career. I was delighted to be invited to work with the brand on a second collection, and I believe that Callista features some of my most exciting work to date. I feel privileged to have been given free rein with both colour and scale, whilst Harlequin’s access to advanced printing technology has allowed me to explore innovative metallic effects and textures.’
The exquisite fabrics include a silk and cotton mix jacquard weave, silk dupion prints and a beautiful voile that has been dip-dyed then embroidered and hand embellished. They showcase to perfection Clarissa’s flair and aptitude for interpreting the natural influences that inspire and enthuse her.
Her delightful wallpapers make an impact both individually or when used in conjunction with her fabrics. They are all printed on non-woven paper, which can be applied directly to a ready-pasted wall, making it very easy to hang.
Callista includes Angeliki – giant fennel silhouettes, first spotted by Clarissa on a deserted hillside in southern Greece; Kalamia – spindly reeds traversing bright silks; Filix – tessellating lady ferns pressed whilst on holiday in Grenada; Espinillo – acacia leaves found on Highbury Fields; and Meadow Grass – layers of swaying Wiltshire meadow grasses. English and Greek horizons are painted in bold watercolour lines to create the Harmonia Stripe design, as well as represented in the subtle ombré backdrop against which many of the flora are silhouetted. The collection also includes Hortelano, large digitally-printed panels that can be cut to fit a wall, creating a whimsical vista of goose-grass stems.
Clarissa rejoices in colour, celebrating its understated, natural tones and embracing its confident, vibrant shades with equal success. Her love for colour is reflected in the Callista collection, where rich emerald, moss and forest greens are introduced to complement her trademark shades of kingfisher, neon pink, paprika, slate, turmeric and zinc. Metallics lift so much of the collection into the sublime, providing shimmering gritty texture in some and smooth reflective surfaces in others.
Callista will be launched in early Summer 2016 and will be available via Harlequin’s network of stockists both nationally and internationally.
Building on the technological capabilities of the Axor U-Base, Axor envisioned a new dimension of individualisation: washbasin spouts crafted from alternative materials with total freedom of form for seamless integration in the interior design or for creating a personal statement.
Within this creative brief, Axor invited world-renowned design partners to present their visions for the meaning of water within the living spaces of tomorrow.
Together with Axor, David Adjaye, Werner Aisslinger, FRONT, GamFratesi and Jean-Marie Massaud designed unique spouts that through their materiality, form and function, give a new emotionality and value to the tap itself and the water passing through it. Axor first presented these five original pieces during FuoriSalone in Milan in April and they were the Axor star attraction at The Water Studio in Clerkenwell during Clerkenwell Design Week.
Despite their very different views on the meaning of water within the interior space, each architect and designer experimented with alternative materials and forms to celebrate water and its path on a functional, and on an emotional level:
In British architect David Adjaye’s concept Ritual, water appears from under a granite inlay that is cradled by a wedge-shaped, precious metal (bronze) spout. The water, always in view, is ritualised: from source, to flow, and finally, to descent.
German designer Werner Aisslinger’s conceptual spout, The Sea and the Shore, is a hybrid consisting of a fountain and a shelf – a space for rituality and functionality. Crafted from the ancient and historical material clay, it emphasizes the longevity and the value of water and water-releasing objects in our societies.
Water flows from platform to platform in Water Steps, a sculptural metal spout by the Swedish duo FRONT. Focusing on the playful exchange between form and water, it aesthetically and acoustically underlines the emotional potential of the natural element as it flows over PVD-finished, metallic surfaces.
Zen, designed by the Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, reinterprets the classic Japanese wood fountain. With its minimalistic form and water flow, it achieves a tranquil and meditative spirit, which depicts the honest connection between nature and water.
Jean-Marie Massaud’s Mimicry suggests a water-releasing object in complete harmony with the architectural landscape. Material (marble) and form (simple, geometric shapes) suggest an inherent connection to water and achieve an emotional enhancement of both object and resource.
Whether it is by integration or by making an obvious statement, all five crafted spouts address the evolving desire for individuality, emotionality and sensory experiences in living spaces where water interacts with us.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa will open its doors in June 2016, welcoming the first batch of guests throughout the month.
The luxury resort spans 53 hectares, making it the largest resort in Sri Lanka, and boasts 300 spacious rooms, including 21 suites, all surrounded by stunning tropical gardens. It is home to an 18-hole golf course, an expansive spa and an artisan village that celebrates local arts and crafts.
It will feature Shangri-La’s signature CHI, The Spa, as well as a health club, a 30-metre sunset pool and an additional free-form lagoon pool offer recreational opportunities and facilities unparalleled in Sri Lanka.
With the natural beauty surrounding the area, a wedding at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is the ideal place to tie the knot. In addition to the main ballroom, the resort boasts five conference rooms excellent for conventions and meetings and there are plenty of other activities to keep younger guests happy with a 7-metre high trapeze, a drone flying area, outdoor water park, childrens’ pool and childcare facilities.
Architecture by MICD Associates and TID International. Interiors courtesy of Chao Tse Ann & Partners and HBA
For those of us in the know, the Lake District needs little introduction. Indeed, sometimes, there are no words to capture its outstanding beauty.
For the rest, yet to discover its delights first-hand, I can only urge a visit to find out why this is the case – its stunning landscape, quaint villages and air of tranquil solitariness have been captured perfectly by the immortal words of Wordsworth, Landon and Procter far better than I could ever hope to attempt here.
So, it was with great pleasure I was invited to dine and stay at the newly-refurbished Forest Side Hotel in Grasmere – the third property in the portfolio of affable and mild-mannered hotelier Andrew Wildsmith. Forest Side, which has joined Hipping Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale and The Ryebeck in Bowness in his eponymous collection, is a fantastic base for discovering just how accurate Lakes-native William Wordsworth’s love-letters to the district still are.
Set amongst craggy mountains and serene lakeside grounds this former Victorian manor home – tucked away from the main road, which had just reopened during my visit after the damaging floods earlier in the year – oozes presence on arrival. I’m welcomed at a simple reception desk and then get a chance to spot the impressive main staircase and the various rooms that break off the main atrium – namely the bar, lounge and the hotel’s fantastic restaurant. (FULL REVIEW HERE)
Andrew later tells me that the building was first surveyed in the autumn of 2013 after an online search and purchased in the summer of 2014 – with the kitchen requiring a complete re-equipment and refit and the small bedrooms needing to be repurposed to restore them to their original size. The latter has been done with great aplomb. My ‘Master’ room is incredibly spacious, luxuriously and tastefully furnished with predominantly light hues by HD Directory members Zoffany; and drenched in natural light thanks to the elegantly-dressed, period-style windows (all 80 of which in the property, I later read, were painstakingly installed). My only gripe would be with the placement of the television in relation to the location of sofas and chairs, it has been rather awkwardly placed in a corner and comes across as an afterthought.
But the attention to detail throughout, from the furniture choices (think custom-made Harrison Spinks beds), heritage-inspired upholstery and fabrics to the wonderfully simple but elegantly functional finish in the bathroom – the push-button thermostatic mixer for concealed outlets on the bath and shower by HD partner Hansgrohe a definite stand-out – all endorse the skills of an interior designer with an eye for modern luxury as well as the hotel’s bucolic surroundings.
Indeed, James Mackie’s locally-inspired touch is to be found throughout all the Forest Side’s rooms. A perfect example of this? I read all the carpets are sourced from the local Herdwick breed of sheep and the entire hotel’s order totalled 2,000 fleeces from Wools of Cumbria.
Moving downstairs, I get to sneak a peek at the open-view and modern kitchen, head chef Kevin Tickle’s team already busy at work preparing for the evening service ahead, as well as the spectacular wine cellar – it disappears into a cavernous opening below me as I try to get a glimpse at its treasures through a glass panel beneath my feet. An example of the blend of state-of-the-art and carefully restored historicity that makes this hotel so appealing.
The look and feel of the lounge areas exacerbate the rich, textured feel of the rooms upstairs with varied wallcovering choices – the zany ornithological theme of the smaller lounge area balanced out by beautiful, shimmering metallic Lustre Quartz in the larger room – elaborate mirrors, original fireplaces and decadent sofas. These all offer more of an assault on the visual sense than in the guestrooms. But an earthier, rustic look is achieved in the dining room, complete with glorious views of the grounds and beyond. I adore this space and it’s my favourite in the whole hotel – I love the fact the dining tables are made from reclaimed wood from the original floorboards by a local carpenter. A superb touch.
The brilliant dining tables made using the old wooden floorboards of the original floor
The next morning, after a hearty Cumbrian breakfast (what else…?), I’m shown around the hotel’s marvellous, manicured foraging / kitchen gardens built a short walk from the hotel itself on top of land originally left to overgrow; it’s now home to a host of vegetables, herbs and deliciously edible things I never realised were edible. “Not many gardens with such a view,” Andrew remarks as we gaze out on the dramatic Lakes landscape and local landmark ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formation. I can only agree.
It’s with a heavy heart I have to pack up and leave on the long drive back south; I could have spent a week enjoying this gem of a hotel and exploring its locality. A no-expense-spared approach to the refurbishment and interior design is matched by the entire Forest Side team, whose accomplished, professional but personable approach to their work only adds to the experience of what is an outstanding property.
Chatting briefly to Andrew before I leave, I discover he started his hotelier career having previously read chemistry at Cambridge. If his two other properties are half as good as the Forest Side, it appears he really does possess a Midas touch – especially when it comes to boutique hospitality…
Based on a stay in May 2016 Photos: Daniel Fountain // Forest Side Facebook www.theforestside.com
Rose Tascher de la Pagerie, nicknamed Josephine by Napoleon Bonaparte and known as JoBo to her closest friends, possessed all the characteristics, including the most scandalous, to inspire an eternally contemporary Parisian venue.
Beyond a life story inextricably linked with history, her boundless curiosity and unconditional love of beauty made Josephine a resolutely modern muse. Passionate lover, mistress–wife, trendsetter and renowned as one of the most elegant women of the period, Josephine was a liberated woman before her time. Avant-garde and wild about decoration, she never stopped inventing, assembling and collecting, to adorn her various residences with the best, the most precious, the most original. It was for her that the first panther-skin rug was made.
Passing through the carriage door, visitors find themselves transported into Josephine’s dreamworld. The first surprise and shiver of excitement: a Napoleonic campaign tent covered in roses welcomes you into the hotel. Hotel de JoBo’s 24 rooms are spread over four floors and arranged around a hidden courtyard. The decor of this boutique hotel, which occupies a former 17th-century convent, was designed by Bambi SLOAN. Taking Josephine Bonaparte as her muse, her inspiration, she has used the style codes of the Napoleonic period, as well as JoBo’s love of roses.
The devil is in the detail; reprints of period wallpapers, beams stripped back and bedecked in roses, bathrooms in mosaic tiles and marble … Bambi SLOAN slips into Rose’s skin, taking ownership of the rooms conferred to her, and bringing them to life with a touch of the unexpected, a splash of eccentricity, a grain of fun. “This is a hotel for both licit and illicit love affairs,” she confides.
This characterful hotel lives and breathes 24 hours a day with its cocktail bar, which also offers light gastronomic snacks, and a tea room with delicious French patisseries, all in a cosy and funky atmosphere.
Visitors to the Canadian capital now have even more choice of quality accommodation to choose from thanks to the opening of the 148-room Alt Hotel Ottawa. The newly-built property is conveniently located on Slater Street, just a few blocks away from the city’s iconic Parliament Buildings and is less than a mile from the bustling ByWard Market district.
The opening is the latest offering from the Montreal-based group Germain Hospitalité; a hotel operator that currently has a portfolio of 13 properties comprising the Alt and Le Germain brands. The company specialises in a ‘no frills chic’ concept which sees guests enjoy all the luxury of a high-end hotel experience without the price tag. The group is enjoying rapid expansion with plans to open up to seven more hotels by 2020.
Designed by LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design and Chmiel Architects, the 14-floor, $30 million (£16 million) Alt Hotel Ottawa offers intelligent design, comfort and attentive service.
As well as a fully equipped fitness centre it is home to 4,000 square feet of meetings space furnished with top of the range facilities including smart large format televisions and high-spec projection screens. Special touches in every room, such as ‘ultra-comfortable’ beds and spa-inspired bathrooms, all lend the hotel a decidedly upscale feel that defies its affordable year-round nightly flat rate.
Visitors to Alt Hotel Ottawa are greeted by an impressive eye-catching installation called ALT Expo. Dominating the lobby walls, the striking mural by artist Jean-François Frenette is composed of 9,000 colourful photographs featuring iconic Canadian landscapes. Within the mosaic there are special LCD panels that stream Instagram images that have been shared by hotel guests and members of the public using the hashtag #altexpo. Also in the lobby is the Altcetera Café, the perfect place for guests to enjoy an informal breakfast, lunch or dinner. The café offers a variety of simple, delicious food prepared by local caterer Epicuria as well as a range of hot beverages by Canadian tea specialists DAVIDsTEA.
The new opening further strengthens the capital’s diverse hotel offering. UK visitors to Ottawa can already choose from a wide range of accommodation from intimate boutique properties to state of the art business hotels. Whether seeking the ultimate in luxury or the perfect family hotel there is something to suit every traveller’s budget.
The Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana property, in Marrakech will have 140 keys and be located at M Avenue, the new shopping, entertainment and residential destination in Marrakech.
Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the property will feature modern facilities including three dining outlets, meeting rooms, conference and banquet halls, wireless internet access, a swimming pool, and a fitness studio.
Rotana president and CEO Omer Kaddouri said: “We are very proud to have been selected to manage this property which will have great appeal, particularly among tourists and long stay guests. Our new Arjaan in Marrakech will offer everything guests need to be comfortable and productive, and will exude sophisticated elegance across all facets of the property.”
The M Avenue is a dedicated lifestyle district with a mix of premium hotels, residences, offices, retail outlets, restaurants, cafés, art galleries and exhibition venues, along a 500-metre-long promenade entitled ‘Garden Avenue’.
“The M Avenue intends to play a central role in the lives of the region’s residents and tourists, providing a new way to experience Marrakech by weaving links between a rich heritage and modern Morocco,” said Nabil Slitine, general manager of Downtown Hotel Corporation, developer of M Avenue.
In 2014, Marrakech hosted 1.89 million tourists with six million overnight stays. The increase in international visitor arrivals was driven by a number of factors including re-introduction of several airline routes that had earlier been suspended during the economic downturn, as well as the city’s emergence as a MICE and events tourism destination.
Located within the Hotel Barsey by Warwick in Brussels, The Avenue by Barsey restaurant recently unveiled a dramatic new look created by Paris-based interior design agency Kerylos Intérieurs.
Already recognised as a pivotal destination on the culinary map of Brussels, the brief was to create an interior environment befitting of the restaurant’s stellar reputation.
In three short months, Kerylos Intérieurs were able to create a luxury space that maintained the existing structure with a strong new personality.
Based on an alchemy of comfort, warmth and luxury, the design plays on a contrast between full and empty spaces, ornate finishings against a simplified linear layout and a monochrome structure filled with touches of rich hues.
On the exceptional western coastline of O‘ahu, a landmark 17-storey terraced hotel is re-emerging as the new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
Adjacent to the Lanikuhonua (“where heaven meets earth”) Cultural Estate and nature preserve, the newest Four Seasons in Hawaii is located on the ocean in the resort community of Ko Olina, meaning “place of joy.”
Enveloped in the warm embrace of Hawaiian-style hospitality and signature Four Seasons service, the kama’aina-style open air public spaces and generous light-filled rooms and suites will mirror the easy elegance of the Four Seasons resort lifestyle.
Features will include world class restaurants and sunset lounges; lively pools and beaches plus restorative quiet places; an expansive spa and wellness oasis; on-site tennis centre and privileged access to the Ko Olina Golf Club; creative event spaces bathed in natural light, and so much more – all just 17 miles (27 kilometres) from Honolulu International Airport.
Now taking reservations, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina will be the fifth hotel in the Four Seasons Hawaiian Collection, offering intriguing island-hopping and multi-destination vacation possibilities. Four award-winning resorts on three additional islands include Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaiʻi Island, Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, The Lodge at Koele.
Architects and Interior Designers • Edward Killingsworth (architect, original 1998 hotel) • Philpotts Interiors (designers, current renovation)
Sedona Hotel Yangon is pleased to announce the opening of 84 additional luxury suites in its new Inya Wing. Since it was unveiled in October 2015, the iconic 29-storey Inya Wing is already setting a new standard for modern hospitality in Yangon.
With the launch of the hotel’s new collection of luxury suites, Sedona Hotel Yangon is poised to become one of the city’s top destinations for business and leisure travellers alike. To celebrate the launch of the new suites and the 20th anniversary of the hotel, Sedona Hotel Yangon is introducing a limited time offer with suites available at an attractive promotional rate from USD 240 nett, available from now until 30 September 2016.
Anawratha Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Anawratha Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Executive Club Loung – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Mr Mok Kok Meng, GM of Sedona Hotel Yangon, said, “We are delighted to introduce these suites to our guests. As one of Yangon’s first five-star hotels and with the addition of our new Inya Wing, we have set a new benchmark for modern hospitality in Yangon, presenting customers with premium offerings and unique experiences.”
Executive Club Lounge – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Irrawaddy Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
Prestige Suite – Sedona Hotel Yangon
The new collection of suites includes:
Prestige Suite – At a generous 50 sm, the Prestige Suite offers a relaxing seating area with a large, comfortable sofa and an ensuite bathroom with glass viewing panels. Irrawaddy Suite – At a spacious 52 sm, the Irrawaddy Suite offers guests a separate living room from the study area allowing more privacy for guests. Shin Sawbu Suite – At 63 sm, the two-room Shin Sawbu Suite offers a separate seating area along with a luxurious free-standing tub. Anawrahta Suite – Located on the top floor of the Inya Wing, the Anawrahta Suite offers the best views of Inya Lake. The presidential-style suite is a spacious 197sm and is the perfect setting for elite business gatherings and events, offering three separate rooms which can be utilised for a variety of functions. Ideal for larger receptions, corporate retreats or intimate dinners, the main room includes formal living and dining areas and is adjacent to a smaller private lounge. This is served by a fully-appointed open kitchen that includes a separate entrance for butler access.
Guests will also be able to enjoy the thoughtfully-appointed bedroom suite which includes a study area, an open-concept bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe.
Today, Oxford Capital Group’s wholly owned management affiliate Oxford Hotels & Resorts and Curio – A Collection by Hilton™ proudly announce the eagerly-awaited opening of LondonHouse Chicagoat the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
Curio by Hilton has announced the opening of the LondonHouse, Chicago in association with Oxford Hotels and Resorts.
Originally opened as the London Guarantee Building in 1923, LondonHouse Chicago pays tribute to its past while also incorporating visually striking modern elements. The luxury lifestyle hotel brings 452 chic rooms and suites, as well as tech-forward amenities catering to leisure and business travelers alike.
Inspired by the London Guarantee & Accident Building, the nearly 100-year old structure in which the hotel is located, LondonHouse Chicago uses its design to memorialise the era in which the 23-floor tower was originally built. Oxford also worked closely with architecture firm Goettsch Partners to develop a new 22-story modernist glass tower designed to synchronise seamlessly with the 360 North Michigan Avenues building’s timeless Art Deco architecture. Simeone Deary Design Group, the hotel’s interior design firm, also incorporated its jazz themes subtly with stylish interior architectural materials blending classic and modern designs. Some materials and furniture were secured by the Getty’s Group procurement division.
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work closely with Oxford’s development team to concept and design the interiors for LondonHouse Chicago,” said Lisa Simeone, owner of Simeone Deary Design Group. “The Landmark nature of this gorgeous and iconic building, its 1920s original inception and its location at the historic site of Fort Dearborn provided a wealth of inspiration for our narrative and design. From flappers’ beaded dresses to industrial automobile interiors to generals’ uniforms and beyond, our modern-take on these design elements allowed us to be inspired by the past but ground ourselves in the present.”
London House’s elegant design aesthetic is further elevated through a custom art collection and unique prints curated by Indiewalls to visualise the property’s glamour while telling a story of opulence, intrigue, and history.
The guest rooms and suites will also be equipped with Bluetooth-friendly Tivoli clock radios, mini refrigerators, luxury linen bedding and towels and signature Frette LondonHouse robes. Other amenities for today’s savvy traveler include convenient task desks and marble-clad bathrooms with high-end Malin + Goetz products.
Hilton Worldwide’s Hampton by Hilton brand, the global mid-priced hotel that serves value-conscious and quality-driven travelers around the world, today announced the opening of its newest property, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East. The property, offering 75 guestrooms, is managed by WIN Hotels and joins the Hampton by Hilton family of more than 2,100 Hampton by Hilton, Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels worldwide, and joins a further seven Hilton Worldwide properties in Amsterdam.
Located 15 miles from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East is in the perfect location to explore this adventurous city. The NL Times recently reported that Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is expected to remain as one, as the Netherlands’ tourism numbers continue to grow.
Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton by Hilton brand management, Hilton Worldwide said, “We are excited to introduce our second Hampton by Hilton property to this famous city as Hilton Worldwide continues to demonstrate strong growth in the region. Amsterdam has so much to offer including museums, festivals and historical architecture. We look forward to providing our guests with all of our signature services and amenities they will need for a relaxing stay in the city.”
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East provides guests with the brand’s signature hot breakfast included with all rates, a complimentary fitness room open 24 hours a day, a 24-hour convenience hub with a selection of snacks and drinks, all backed by Hampton by Hilton’s Satisfaction Guarantee. Guest rooms also include a 40-inch HDTV and large work station.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to our new hotel,” said Benny Luitjens, general manager. “Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East is based in a beautifully vibrant city that holds a rich culture and history and is the perfect base for families wanting to explore the city. Guests can take a stroll round the 165 canals and dive into art in the many world class museums. Also close by to the hotel is the Artis Zoo and NEMO science center, both perfect for family days out.”
Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. The term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service, anticipation of guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Centre East participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty programme that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get the lowest price, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.
Sekers are pleased to announce the launch of Jura upholstery, a new textural collection available in a range of 20 muted multi-coloured tones inspired by the striking colours of the Isle of Jura’s landscapes.
An adaptable textured semi plain upholstery supplied with a Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing and with a high Martindale abrasion performance of 50,000 rubs, Jura is an ideal upholstery choice for the designer specifying for commercial sectors including hospitality, leisure and marine markets.
ALL SALES AND SAMPLING ENQUIRIES TO: Sekers Fabrics Limited 7a Nobel Road, Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate Dundee, DD2 4UH Sales Tel: +44 (0) 1946 517501 Sales Fax: +44 (0) 1946 517502 UK & Ireland Email: sales@sekers.co.uk Export Email: export@sekers.co.uk www.sekersfabrics.co.uk London Showroom: Unit 1/20 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London, SW10 0XE
The team behind the world-leading PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, Spain, has confirmed that a new five-star hotel will open at the resort in June, following an investment of €33 million.
Hotel Camiral will be a stellar addition to the world-class facilities already on offer at the Costa Brava resort, a European Tour Destination featuring Spain’s number one golf course.
In addition to its two championship layouts, The Stadium Course and Tour Course, PGA Catalunya Resort is an international centre of excellence for training and coaching and is home to Europe’s largest chipping and putting green, the Sergio Garcia Junior Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz Spanish Golf School. The new hotel has been created by the critically-acclaimed interior designer Lazaro Rosa-Violán. The 149-room luxury hotel will combine contemporary design with striking urban-chic interiors to compliment the modern, low-density development that has made PGA Catalunya Resort one of the most sought after golf destinations in the world.
June 2016 sees the soft launch of the hotel, which will add three new dining options to the resort, including the new à la carte 1477 restaurant, a lounge bistro and a pool-side bar – all specialising in produce from the local area and taking inspiration from the gourmet scene on PGA Catalunya Resort’s doorstep.
Hotel Camiral will also offer an extensive programme of experiences, from local activities and outdoor pursuits to cultural tours of nearby Girona and Barcelona that can be arranged through its exclusive concierge services.
The new hotel follows a programme of investments at the resort which started in 2010 with extensive upgrades to the Stadium Course, including changing the grass type on its fairways to resilient, drought-resistant Bermuda grass – the same variety used at Augusta National, home of The Masters. PGA Catalunya was subsequently ranked among the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses (Golf World) and voted 2015 Golf Resort of the Year for Europe (IAGTO).
David Plana, PGA Catalunya Resort’s CEO, said: “The hotel is the first element of our three-year, €53 million development plan, which will also see a new vineyard, sports facilities, an equestrian centre and a man-made recreational lake added to the resort – all of which underline our continued commitment to ensuring PGA Catalunya Resort maintains its status as a leading global golf destination.”
Less than an hour from the vibrant metropolis of Barcelona, 20 minutes from the beaches of the Costa Brava and just 15 minutes from the historic town of Girona, Hotel Camiral will be the perfect location for golfers, sports enthusiasts, culture aficionados, foodies and their families.
With the cold weather behind us and warm days ahead, is it time for a change of décor? Kobe, the luxury fabric specialist is predicting exciting interior trends for the summer of 2016. Think glamorous, cool looks for hot summer days.
For beautiful summer style choose fabrics with a soft natural linen touch in sophisticated cream, sand, light grey or charcoal and complement with shimmering yarns in silver and gold.
David Harris, MD, said: “Sheers are perfect for summer, they are soft and elegant. Choose from fine chenille and satin in graceful pastel hues with intricate trellis and contemporary medallion designs. Create a room that is simple and chic.”
Summer pastel shades are always popular, so for those who want quiet balmy evenings, go for a palette of rich and neutral tones in fabrics of cool linen, satin and subtle metallic. Use opulent curtain and upholstery textiles to provide endless creative opportunities for a season of elegance and grandeur. Add an ambience of pure luxury with statement pieces, combined with timeless plains and semi plains in sumptuous velvet and woven jacquard in distinct and intricate designs of geometric, floral, medallion and trellis patterns.
Said David: “This summer’s look will feature an assortment of rich and sophisticated tones which can be mixed and matched to create an exciting interior. For those who want luxurious easy-to-care-for, washable fabrics that are not too expensive, there’s a collection that ticks all the boxes.
“As the new season gets underway, it’s exciting to look forward to something new. So whether it’s the calm and cool or glamorous and rich, summer has never looked more promising.”
Kobe’s Elements collection of 100% flame retardant chic and contemporary fabrics is for both domestic and contract window décor and soft furnishings. Its Elegance collection is inspired by Art Deco, the most fashionable international design movement in modern art from 1925 until the 1940s.
All Kobe’s upholstery fabrics offer exceptional durability, scoring highly on the Martindale Rub Test. Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.
The award – the highest honour in the scheme, which itself is the largest and most established of its type in the world – recognises the hotel’s efforts to promote sustainability and implementing cost-saving practices that help the environment while improving guest experience.
With over 2,300 members throughout the UK and Ireland, and over 850 members in Scotland, the GBTS is a well-recognised award whereby businesses and organisations are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a set of criteria; covering areas as diverse as energy and water efficiency to waste management, biodiversity, community involvement and more.
Committed to the implementation of proactive measures to help protect and care for the local and global environment, Dorsett Shepherds Bush takes sustainability seriously, which is reflected in the variety of ways it seeks to minimise the impact on the environment; including:
• Educating team members about how to create a greener world; including reducing pollution, encouraging recycling and sharing ways to preserve the environment • Lowering water pressure to reduce waste • Monitoring its CO2 output and lower heating settings • Using and promoting hybrid taxis • Switching to suppliers using organic and sustainable products
Hilary Cross, the General Manager of the Dorsett Shepherds Bush Hotel commented “It is a true honour to accept the Gold Award for Green Tourism Business Scheme on the hotel’s behalf. This accolade is a rewarding acknowledgment of the hotel team’s hard work to protect and preserve our environment; as a business we believe that it is essential to be eco-minded and we look forward to furthering our green credentials in 2016”.
Anti Copying in Design (ACID) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Law, MBE, Managing Director of Magmatic Ltd. and the originator of Trunki, to its illustrious group of ACID Ambassadors.
ACID Ambassadors are tireless in their support of the preservation of design originality, ethics and respect for intellectual property and ACID is honoured to have influential Ambassadors representing our purpose and spreading goodwill. Rob Law joins design legends such as Sebastian Conran, Kevin McCloud, new high flier Lee Broom and many others who are outspoken advocates of ACID’s work.
On being appointed as an ACID Ambassador, Rob Law said: “We need basic design protection in the UK and ACID is campaigning tirelessly to enhance the rights for designers. I’m proud to offer my support as they continue to lobby to improve design law and help creative industries keep their competitive advantage. As a designer and entrepreneur, we all dream our designs will become commercially successful, once they are it’s a sad fact of life they get copied. ACID supports designers through what is often a traumatic time to inform and lobby for better rights.”
Dids Macdonald, OBE, CEO of ACID said: “No-one knows more than Rob how heart-breaking it is when one’s ideas are taken blatantly and the law, as it stands, does not appear to support him and others like him, so I very much welcome his advocacy in the continuing fight for fair competition and a strong IP framework which will support design champions, something which is in the DNA of the UK and about which we excel.”
Nearly 20 years after its first launch, today also marks the launch of ACID’s Advisory Council of which Trunki are represented by IP officer, Laura Breen. The objective, by bringing 16 industry representatives together, is to provide strategic guidance in line with ACID’s mission, vision and objectives.
This will ensure ACID’s position as one of the leading voices for design and intellectual property in the UK and that ACID continues to grow and gain traction within IP policy making. ACID is determined that its credentials are maintained, whilst seeking ways in which ACID broadens its remit to protect intellectual property more effectively and achieve growth for its members and the broader design community.
Il Sereno presents a new era of luxury hotel for the iconic destination of Lake Como with an ethos of understated elegance. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel will have 30 spacious rooms, ranging from 65-square-metres to The Penthouse at 200+ square metres, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and all of them on the waterfront.
London restaurateur Giuliano Lotto (La Petite Maison, Il Baretto) will operate the hotel’s indoor-outdoor Restaurant Il Sereno. Guests can also relax at the hotel’s full-service spa, situated under original arches dating back centuries.
The property will feature a private beach, as well as a dock, allowing guests to arrive by one of the hotel’s boats custom-built by Ernesto Riva. One of Il Sereno’s show stopping features will be the 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the water and the large sundeck.
DESIGN Highly sought-after Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola will create a stylish modern look at Il Sereno, moving away from the Faux Renaissance and Neo Classic design that dominate in the area. Urquiola is one of the leading names in design today and has been commissioned by brands including Louis Vuitton, Baccarat, Panerai and Missoni, amongst many others.
Urquiola will create a relaxed, peaceful sanctuary for guests, drawing inspiration from Lake Como’s culture, lifestyle and the history of the region. Every space on the property will offer a panoramic view of the lake and mountains with the hotel being sensitively designed to complement and showcase its surroundings. Il Sereno is made largely from natural materials, including wood, stone, wools and other fabrics, to create an aesthetic full of personality, whilst remaining timeless.
Joining Urquiola on the project is noted botanist Patrick Blanc, who will create two vertical gardens to ensure that the hotel blends with its surroundings, as well as landscaped gardens on the property. This project is of special importance to Urquiola with the hotel being close to her home town, Milan, one of the design capitals of the world, particularly for furniture.
Key to the design has been to instill the same principles that have made LeSereno St. Barths a success. The Serenoguest expects a hotel that has a strong sense of place, a very well developed design sensitivity and that solves the challenge to provide exclusive, sophisticated and very high-end services in a relaxed and simple manner. A central brand promise is that no matter how luxurious or well designed, there is no substitute for views and space.
DINING Sereno Hotels has partnered with celebrated London restaurateur Giuliano Lotto to launch Restaurant Il Sereno. Lotto is currently involved in several of London’s most acclaimed restaurants, including La Petite Maison and Il Baretto, and has recently opened Restaurant Le Sereno, St. Barths.
Luis Contreras, owner of SerenoHotels, said about the opening: “We are thrilled to announce a new hotel under the Sereno brand. We believe that Lake Como, alongside St. Barths, is the perfect setting for an idyllic, luxury property. We are also extremely honoured to be working with Patricia on such a unique concept.”
GROHE shares its thoughts on the Milan Salone Del Mobile extravaganza and some of the trends we can expect to see shaping interior design in the year ahead…
The biggest event of the design year, Milan’s Salone Del Mobile festival saw the city once again taken over by the interiors industry. The streets were packed with the biggest names in furniture and architecture, exhibiting alongside up-and-coming names that are new on the scene.
Our own in-house design team were out scouring the studios and showrooms for the hottest trends on show, dissecting the wealth of ideas to select six key trends that we are confident will be driving the look of our interiors over the next 18 months and beyond. These diverse trends will be filtering through many aspects of interior design, with the overall drive being towards a warmer, tactile and soothing look and feel for our homes.
NUDE TONES Soft, subtle colours – ones that are easy on the eye and the psyche – were in evidence everywhere, suggesting a desire for soothing interior elements as an escape from stressful lives. The core colour was a skin-tone pink (as seen above), evoking the sense of touch and inviting an emotional connection. We saw this combined with organic, unbleached wood and tactile brass and copper.
MARBLE Once considered a rather retro, ostentatious material, marble continues its comeback as the luxury accent of choice. This year we saw marble used on everything from chairs to bookcases, with warmer, mottled versions more popular than harsh white. Marble was combined with slick materials like plastic as well as organic, sensual wood and metal, again with warm colour tones to the fore.
METAL FINISHES Once seen as cold, hard and industrial, metal finishes in warm tones continued to provide an air of luxury and light to many pieces shown this year. Copper, brass and bronze featured in numerous designs across all design disciplines, but the rose gold was the finish of choice, adding glamour when combined with materials like exotic wood, leather and velvet. Star of the show was Knoll’s iconic Platner arm chair, created in 18 karat gold and blue velvet to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
ORGANIC WOOD Technology and tradition collided to present new ways of working with wood. Modern production and processing techniques have created an explosion in fluid, sensual forms for wood furniture, where curved lines and surfaces both highlight the natural grain of the wood and also invite the user to make physical contact with this enduring material – enhanced by the combining of wood with other tactile materials like leather and moulded plastic.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the leading boutique hotel and restaurant company with over 60 properties spread across the USA, has recently added some new hotels to its portfolio.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem and Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel in Washington D.C. showcase Kimpton’s signature style of embracing the local history and culture of the cities that surround them. Additionally, two new boutique hotels are scheduled to open in Charlotte in 2017.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, Winston-Salem – NOW OPEN The recent opening of The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem celebrates Kimpton’s first venture into the Carolinas. The new hotel occupies the first six floors of the iconic former R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Headquarters, which served as the prototype for the Empire State Building. The decor highlights the building’s Art Deco architecture and historic past with original gold leaf, rich marble, burnished brass furnishings and portraits of luminaries R.J. Reynolds and Colonel Winston woven into the detailed boardroom carpets.
The perfect blend of tradition, modern furnishings and playful, Carolina-inspired artwork is apparent throughout the 174 guestrooms, 15 suites and the Recreation Room, which boasts nearly 2,000-square-feet of space, including a basketball court, bowling alley and adult-sized twisty slide. The room is perfect for corporate team-building, after-hours networking events, creative functions, or any unique occasion that requires an equally distinctive space.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, Winston-Salem
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel’s adjacent restaurant, The Katharine, brings traditional French brasserie style cuisine with a Southern twist. Seasonal menus feature traditional favourites and an extensive beverage programme which includes creative cocktails, and craft beer and wine selections.
Paying further homage to the city’s heritage, an Art-o-Mat®, a traditional cigarette machine, distributes small pieces of artwork in the hotel’s Recreation Room. www.thecardinalhotel.com
Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel, Washington D.C. – NOW OPEN – (pictured in main picture) The comfortable-yet-stylish Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel has opened in the heart of the always-buzzing 14th Street neighbourhood, near Washington D.C.’s coolest culinary and nightlife hotspots. The property’s decor embodies the essence of a modern D.C. lifestyle and blends the familiarly comfortable with the distinctly stylish, as it takes inspiration from a vibrant social scene whilst engaging with the building’s former life as an apartment block.
Kimpton’s new hotel features 4,000-square-feet of beautifully creative spaces for meetings and events, 178 guest rooms and 18 luxuriously sophisticated suites. Guest rooms offer plush beds, spacious work desks, large marble bathrooms and 65-inch smart TVs which inspire a home-from-home feeling. The hotel’s Premier Spa Suites feel like small apartments unto themselves with living rooms and spacious bedrooms, and each are outfitted with free-standing soaking bathtubs.
The hotel’s adjacent bar Radiator is a culinary-focused cocktail bar that offers an eclectic menu of rustic yet contemporary American small plates and timeless cocktails with original twists. Radiator features an outdoor 50-seat patio where guests can enjoy snacks and sip cocktails in front of the large fire pit or play games such as backgammon and life-sized Connect Four in front of the breathtaking views of the iconic D.C. skyline. The chic penthouse deck also boasts a rooftop swimming pool to ensure a completely relaxing urban oasis. www.masonandrookhotel.com
Kimpton Hotels – Downtown Charlotte, N.C
Charlotte, North Carolina – TWO NEW BOUTIQUE PROPERTIES COMING SOON Kimpton has also proudly announced the addition of Charlotte to the Kimpton map. Charlotte is a city that’s on the move, with new skyscrapers continuously heightening the skyline, but the element of the quaint, down-home South is still apparent. Kimpton’s new builds will reflect this, with one as a luxury high rise, located in the heart of downtown, and the other as an intimate boutique in the historic Dilworth neighbourhood.
As with all Kimpton properties, the two new hotels in Charlotte will embrace the history and culture of the city and will include all of Kimpton’s unique services such as the Forgot It? We’ve Got It! menu of travel and vacation essentials, a thoughtful mini bar with organic options and a hint of local flair, the daily complimentary morning coffee and tea service, a hosted nightly wine hour, an in-room yoga mat and complimentary rental of their custom PUBLIC Bikes. The new builds will both host their own destination restaurants and rooftop bars / lounges.
The iconic KH Zero range is a collaborative partnership between bathroom specialist Crosswater and renowned, world-class interior designer, Kelly Hoppen MBE.
Offering a distinctive selection of brassware designs across five capsule collections, Kelly Hoppen’s signature style and integrity have been beautifully translated into a selection of statement taps, suited to today’s modern home.
Confidently artistic with a whisper of boutique hotel style, all five of the collections encompass superior quality design and timeless appeal, each distinguishable by its own unique styling and distinctive characteristics to ensure a look to suit any bathroom.
KH Zero 2
From the abstract forms of KH ZERO 1 to the subtly contoured angles of KH ZERO 3 and KH ZERO 6, choose from deck-mounted basin taps in a choice of heights, or striking wall mounted basin sets that create a statement.
There is also a selection of floor-standing bath fillers to choose from, featuring integral shower kits and the latest in thermostatic technology; statuesque in form but still offering superior functionality. Immaculately immersed in Kelly’s distinctive, fluid style, the KH Zero range is perfect for those seeking well-designed, quality brassware for a bathroom that exemplifies sophisticated design.
Consisting of eleven Townhouse rooms and grand Suites of different sizes, the luxury Palazzo Scanderbeg is located in the heart of Rome, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Thanks to a careful restoration carried out by Lamaro Appalti, this hotel can now be enjoyed by the travellers of today.
Today Palazzo Scanderbeg pays tribute to its illustrious past with a contemporary and sober, yet sophisticated style, embellished by wooden floors recovered from antique Venetian mooring poles and high ceilings with exposed beams.
The furniture signed Cappellini and Poltrona Frau; the precious suspension lamp by Terzani that lights up the helical-shaped stairs; the Sartori carpets, that mix old Persian rugs in a delicate patchwork; as well as all the other furnishings are examples of that elegant Italian design that exalts craftsmanship also in the most modern style.
The Palazzo consists of 4 floors and is built around a courtyard where there is a fountain decorated with a decorative gargoyle, from which water flows, a symbol of Italian Mannerism. The building features beautiful terraces, but one of the most sought-after corners is the Library Room – from here one has access to the exclusive Suites, the largest of which measures 166-square-metres.
Planet Hollywood International is expanding its lodging division with its first-to-market luxury brand – ph Premiere. The brand will debut with a flagship property ph Premiere Resort-Residences Orlando, located just minutes from Orlando, Florida’s famed theme parks and attractions.
To be developed by Azzurra Development, ph Premiere Resort-Residences Orlando will offer a mix of stylish accommodations and condo-hotel residences encompassing a total of 547 keys.
Within each suite, guests will find a chic color palette of elegant neutrals – including ivory, champagne and caramel – accentuated by custom woven carpets, porcelain wood plank details and plush accent runners to create a tranquil and relaxing environment in a modern and sophisticated fashion. Chic contemporary furnishings – including sofas, benches and seating – will be upholstered with custom, luxe fabrics.
ph Premiere Resort-Residences Orlando will offer creative and unique cuisine, premium-quality fresh food and provide a memorable dining experience at every level. Options will include rooftop fine dining, a lobby bar, an indoor/outdoor poolside lounge, a lakefront bar and grill, and other specialty restaurants.
Starwood Hotels has announced Element Hotels, its stylish eco-incubator brand, will debut in Detroit in July 2018, following an adaptive re-use project that will transform the historic Metropolitan Building into an upscale mixed-use development.
Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will feature 110 light-filled rooms and an atmosphere designed to ‘fuel a life in balance and on the move’.
“We look forward to introducing Element to Detroit with this exciting adaptive re-use project that will retain the historic charm of the Metropolitan Building, while turning it into a sleek and stylish destination for travelers visiting the ‘Motor City,'” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.
“On track to more than double its global portfolio in the next three years, Element offers travelers bright modern design, an energizing atmosphere, and everything they need for smart, sustainable living.”
The 14-storey neo-gothic Metropolitan Building was designed by the Detroit firm of Weston and Ellington and opened in 1925 as a jewellery emporium, housing diamond cutters, goldsmiths and silver workers on the upper floors and retail on the lower levels.
Building on the success of the recently opened Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney, the Element adaptive re-use project will include the restoration of the hotel’s exterior and a top-to-bottom renovation of the interior, while preserving elements of the Metropolitan Building’s original ornate lobby and mezzanine. The 100,000 square-foot building will feature 2,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space on the second floor mezzanine level with attractive views of the city skyline, approximately 7,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor and lower level, and an outdoor patio on the 11th floor rear rooftop.
A recognised industry leader in the eco-space, Element offers travellers a fresh interpretation of the traditional hotel experience with eco-minded sensibilities. Spacious studios and one-bedroom suites at Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will offer a fluid design of modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, the signature Heavenly® Bed and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Element continues to grow at a phenomenal pace with hotels slated to open in numerous North American markets by the end of 2017, including Austin, Dallas, Midland, San Antonio, Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Moline, Redmond,Huntsville, Palmdale, Columbus, Calgary, Edmonton; as well as internationally in London, Dar es Salaam and Hebei, China.
Manchester town hall is set to undergo a much-needed £250 million overhaul which could see a boutique hotel, shops, restaurants and a civic museum all be set up within the iconic Grade I-listed building.
According to the Manchester Evening News, it is hoped the work to fix its ageing infrastructure will also allow council chiefs to open more of it up to the public. In July, council bosses are expected to consider proposals that would see a 50-year loan for around £250m taken out – although the exact figure has not yet been finalised.
While the majority of the building will still be used for local council staff, the opportunity to open a small boutique hotel is being discussed – as long as the interiors are deemed suitable by surveyors.
Meanwhile the town hall’s cobbled courtyard, which is regularly used for film sets due to its Victorian feel, could potentially see small shops opened around its edges.
We’re not far off the arrival of William Gray Montreal – a new boutique hotel slated to open summer 2016 poised to revolutionise Old Montreal with its exciting array of offerings for both locals and visitors.
The hotel offers 127 guest rooms and suites, over 10,000-sq-ft of event space, a 180-seat restaurant, a rooftop terrace, a luxury spa with an outdoor pool, a boutique, a café, and exquisite views of Montreal s iconic landmarks.
Rooms and suites feature local art, rich wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for natural light, offering true comfort and a fresh aesthetic to the local landscape. Light-coloured floors and walls, concrete ceilings, black metal light fixtures, white sheer curtains and espresso furniture provide a warm and cozy haven.
Café Olimpico, one of Montreal’s best-kept secrets since its inception in 1970, is a European-inspired café has become an institution in the city. Its friendly and vibrant atmosphere encourages a communal spirit, which makes the new coffee counter a perfect addition to William Gray’s lobby, the hotel’s cultural and creative hub
And curating an offering of limited-edition men’s and women’s collections, accessories and footwear, OTH’s urban appeal and sleek aesthetic appeals to a variety of powerhouse brands, such as adidas, Vans, and RAINS. Located on the first floor of the hotel, next to Café Olimpico, this retail space allows guests to discover and explore OTH’s creativity, energy and inspired approach to apparel.
AC Hotels by Marriott, the European-inspired lifestyle brand by Marriott International, makes its debut in the UK this month with two new hotels in Birmingham City Centre and Manchester Salford Quays.
The new hotels embody AC Hotels’ vision to create harmonious, modern and contemporary hospitality experiences for guests and its purposeful and timeless design is set to complement two of the most celebrated shopping and cultural destinations in the UK.
“These two new UK hotels are a wonderful example of design, style and sophistication situated in revitalised thriving urban destinations – perfectly reflecting the AC Hotels brand ethos,” says Toni Stoeckl, Global VP, Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. “They support our commitment to driving growth for our lifestyle brands in Europe and respond to a continued demand from discerning travellers seeking hotels with thoughtful, modern design that calms and enriches the guest experience.”
Each hotel blends European style and simple lines to create a sophisticated and contemporary ambience for guests. The spacious bedrooms feature furnishings and décor in neutral tones of warm greys and charcoals complemented by sleek design furniture, open closets and hardwood floors. Furniture appears to be lifted from the ground to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to craft a look that is both refined and elegant. A seamless check-in experience is created through Marriott’s mobile check-in and check-out service, and guests can make full use of USB charging stations and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays The 142-room AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays occupies a prime spot in the heart of the vibrant regenerated Salford Quays district. The cutting edge innovation of MediaCityUK, the rich sporting history of Old Trafford Football Stadium and the diverse cultural offering of Lowry Theatre are all just a few minutes’ walk.
AC Hotels by Marriott – Manchester
AC Hotel Birmingham City Centre The 90-room AC Hotel Birmingham City Centre is situated at The Mailbox, the former Royal Mail sorting office, which has been repurposed into an exclusive shopping area with stylish stores, restaurants, cafes and bars. Leisure guests will enjoy the hotel’s easy access to the city’s major attractions, including the National Indoor Arena, Barber Institute of Fine Arts with views over the city while business visitors will benefit from the hotel’s prime location by the International Convention Centre.
AC Hotels by Marriott – Birmingham
Meetings and events are expertly catered for at AC Hotels by Marriott. In Manchester guests can choose between three fully flexible meeting rooms that cater for up to 100 people. AC Hotels was born from the vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998 and grew it into one of the most well-respected hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the US.
Based on a belief that purposeful design can enrich lives, AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates classic modern design that is inspired by the urban locale and the brand’s Spanish roots. The brand’s design ethos carves away all that is unnecessary in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed experiences to help them focus on what is important to them.
AC Hotels Birmingham City and AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays are two of more than 22 AC hotels expected to open globally this year.
MGM National Harbor has revealed the designs for its premier suite offerings at the $1.3 billion resort, set to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Complementing the modern elegance of the resort, the suite designs – developed by Studio GAIA – draw inspiration from the forest and water elements native to the Maryland area and feature stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
“We spent a great deal of time conceptualizing our suite experience to ensure guests not only enjoy the level of luxury MGM Resorts offers at our properties worldwide, but also creates a seamless connection to our beautiful surroundings,” said MGM National Harbor General Manager Bill Boasberg. “I’m confident our guests will appreciate the thoughtful detail in every suite, including towering windows with amazing views of the Capital Region,” he added.
The collection of 74 suites at MGM National Harbor will provide guests with an elevated experience at the luxury 308-room resort. Each suite, ranging in size from 588 to 3,210 square feet, will feature distinct location, size, layout and amenities, resulting in a unique guest experience specific to each suite type.
Upon arriving to their suite, guests will be greeted by a refreshing environment and dazzled by the natural light glistening through floor-to-ceiling windows. Functionality and clean lines are paired expertly with light-coloured wood elements and warm earth tones to create a sophisticated, soothing feeling that embodies the overall architectural vision of MGM National Harbor.
Blending contemporary designs with natural materials, the resort’s stylish spaces will encourage guests to relax and connect with nature. Thoughtful artistic touches will be featured throughout the resort including its suites, showcasing distinctive pieces of artwork inspired by the historic Maryland and Washington, D.C. area, adding to the overall ambiance of the resort.
The new Courtyard boasts a refreshingly designed lobby area complete with complimentary Wi-Fi and media pods – perfect for conducting business or staying connected to family and friends while on the road.
The 409-room hotel features Courtyard by Marriott’s spacious and contemporarily designed guest rooms and suites. Courtyard’s overall design is modern, contemporary, and thoughtful. Every room is equipped with premium amenities including 49 inch LED televisions, Courtyard labeled bedding, high-speed internet access, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls through which guests can enjoy a scenic view of national treasure No.1 Namdaemun and N Seoul Tower.
The Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun was constructed with nine environment-friendly products and as a result, holds a Green Building certificate.
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce the latest project in the group’s expanding portfolio in the island country of Fiji and will feature 24 spacious pool villas and 66 residential villas situated on the west side of the island.
Known for its idyllic crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, thick tropical forests and excellent climate, Six Senses Fiji is located on a superb beach site on Fiji’s Malolo Island. Six Senses Fiji will feature 24 spacious pool villas ranging in size from 800 square feet to 1,950 square feet and 66 residential villas situated on the west side of the island. The resort is located along a private sandy beach that stretches 2,100 feet.
The property will include a restaurant and bar plus a wine cellar and tasting table. Locally inspired and sustainably sourced, the resort’s cuisine will feature ingredients gathered from the resort garden, local farmers, markets and fishermen.
Sustainability lives at the foundation of this Six Senses project and will be reflected within the resort through active management of energy, water, waste, biodiversity, purchasing and chemical usage.
The resort will be 100 percent solar powered and the first microgrid in Fiji to use Tesla batteries. In addition, a worm-based septic system is planned as well as water reservoirs for grey and rainwater which avoids the need for a desalination plant. The project includes tree reforestation on site to offset wood use in construction. The resort will feature all LED lights to ensure the highest levels in LED efficiency.
Six Senses Fiji is slated to open late 2017. Easy access is available from Nadi International Airport, a 30-minute journey by boat from Denaadaru Marina, 30-minute helicopter flight or 20-minute seaplane flight.
Sekers proudly launches Libretto, a new upholstery collection of four subtle designs, available in a palette of 40 rich colours, ranging from opulent greens and reds to stylish neutrals. Libretto is a versatile mix of plain, strie and hopsack textures.
Supplied with a Crib 5 flame retardant backing and with a high Martindale abrasion performance, Libretto is the perfect choice for the contract market, from pubs and hotels to cruise ships, meeting all UK and IMO standards for upholstery.
All sales and sampling enquiries to: Sekers Fabrics Limited 7a Nobel Road, Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate Dundee, DD2 4UH
The beautifully restored 19th century Chateau de La Redorte in the heart of France’s Languedoc region will open its doors to guests later this month.
The 25-suite hotel is the centrepiece of the Château de La Redorte vineyard estate, set on the picturesque Canal du Midi in the Minervois region, a gloriously untouched part of France.
Recently renovated by Propriétés & Co, the team behind the successful Couvent d’Hérépian boutique hotel, it is one of the grandest examples of a 19th century château built during Languedoc’s first ‘wine rush’.
The chateau’s faded glamour has been restored and it now boasts an inimitable blend of authenticity and luxury, with the refinement and elegance of chic country-style decoration.
Formal rooms have been transformed into an elegant restaurant, which will offer the best in fresh, local cuisine. There is also a stylish wine bar and a mysterious ‘wine tunnel’, which connects the château to a future olive grove.
A luxury ‘Vineyard Spa’ will offer guests treatments using artisan products and outside, a 25-metre plunge pool is framed by the estate’s re-planted Mediterranean gardens. The Chateau de La Redorte Estate also includes its own vineyard, which will be brought back to life by master wine-maker Frantz Vènes.
Leading Spanish hotel group aims to double footprint in the region with addition of 30 hotels over the next three years.
Meliá Hotels International has announced the signing of Meliá Pekanbaru, marking the entry of the Spanish hotel group to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The new agreement underscores Meliá’s rapid growth and momentum in Indonesia, where the group now has 16 hotels in operation and in the pipeline.
Reinforcing Meliá’s position as a pioneer in urban leisure tourism, the new 160-room hotel will count with 5* facilities including a fitness centre & spa, swimming pool, several F&B outlets, sky garden, rooftop wedding chapel, extensive meeting rooms and a 700 m2 ballroom.
Bernardo Cabot, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific, Meliá Hotels International, has emphasised the company’s commitment to the market: “The opening of the hotel adds vibrant appeal to the Riau capital with the familiar warmth of world-class hospitality. This newest partnership is further testament to our commitment to Indonesia, where, together with our hotel owners, we will ensure sustained growth and long-term profitability.”
Meliá Pekanbaru will rise 29 storeys above the city of Pekanbaru and is housed in the tallest tower in Sumatra Island overlooking the Siak River. Strategically located in the city connected to several international oil companies, the city is a major gateway and stopover for travellers going farther inland to other regions, such as Padang and Jambi.
After over 30 years in the region and with extensive hotel management expertise, Meliá is now one of the one of the best-positioned hotel operators to help lead the growth of Indonesia as a major power in world tourism.
In 2016 the hotel group celebrates its 60th Anniversary and maintains its robust momentum in Asia, aiming to double its portfolio in the region with the addition of 30 hotels in the next three years. The leading Spanish hotel has 33 hotels in the region, with six of them due to open this year.
This month, Wilderness Safaris, the award-winning luxury safari operator, is delighted to announce the opening of the rebuilt and revamped Ruckomechi Camp, located in its private concession in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.
“We are extremely proud to welcome guests to our beautiful new camp which still retains the understated tented luxury and nostalgic safari feel that is synonymous with Ruckomechi,” says Wilderness Safaris Zambezi MD, Ron Goatley.
Comprising just ten spacious tented suites (eight of which have opened, with a further two family suites opening on 1st August 2016), the camp boasts the same wide-angled views of the Zambezi River and the dramatic purple-hued escarpment of Zambia in the distance. All the tents, as well as the central dining, bar and lounge areas face this evocative scene, often with an elephant or two included in the spectacle. The pool, star-gazing deck and outdoor ‘bath with a view’ add to the incredible camp offering.
Subtle interiors were chosen for the guest areas and tented suites to ensure that the main focal point remained the sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
“We used lots of blues in the guest tent interiors which were inspired by the beautiful deep-blue colours of the Zambezi River at sunset; these hues are picked up in the Trading Glass beads in the Lozi wooden bowls and the hand-blown glass vases on the console tables and desk, as well as the natural cotton linen denim scatter cushions,” says Interior Designer and bush enthusiast, Mandy Langebrink, who has worked with Wilderness Safaris on a number of camps for the past 20 years.
“The coolness of the Zambezi River is reflected in the light elegance of the stylish interiors, with the blues offset by the light tones of the solid wooden furniture, all complementing the old African artefacts of the Turkana and Tuareg bowls and the rustic coffee table. Large leather sofas create the perfect space for relaxing in between game drives and the elegant louvre screens provide a sense of lightness and temporary style of the ‘old camping days,’ Mandy added. “The camp epitomises luxury in style; one that is totally in touch with its surroundings.”
A contemporary bar and lounge area is soon set to open its doors at Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
The popular hotel is currently undertaking a major £1.5m refurbishment programme across its premises, part of which includes a complete makeover of the area. The vision is to develop an open-plan space, with different areas each offering individual characteristics.
Drew Keen of Keen As Mustard Design Studio is working on the project. He explains: “The lounge will have a softer feel. We want it to be cool but cosy and comfy so we’ve got a palette of steely greys and blacks against pink velvet fabrics.
Sketchley Grange – Paul Noble – Bar Refurbishment
“For the bar we’re aiming for a warm yet opulent vibe with high poseur tables and high-back arm chairs. This space will have a mix of mustard yellows against bold blacks.” The bar area will also feature seating booths with televisions which can be linked up to a laptop – ideal for working professionals. Work started at the beginning of April and is expected to be finished in mid-June.
Paul Noble, General Manager of Sketchley Grange, says: “This refurbishment will make Sketchley Grange a really appealing venue for local people to come and enjoy a drink or a meal. The new look will match the good-quality, well-established range of food on offer.”
Nestled away in an enviable location on the borders of Leicestershire and Warwickshire, Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa is a charming country house hotel boasting first-rate facilities and elegant accommodation.
Originally established over 30 years ago, this stylish four-star hotel in Hinckley is undergoing extensive refurbishment, carefully ensuring its traditional character dovetails with the contemporary amenities and stylish guest bedrooms.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is delighted to announce an extensive £3.5 million renovation to be fully completed in October 2016, with the completion of 45 brand new luxurious and exclusive private villas and a glimmering 25-metre beachfront infinity pool.
Located on Koh Phi Phi, within the Nopparattra National Park, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort allows guests to feel as if they’ve arrived at their own private village in the heart of Paradise. With 201 exceptional bungalows and hillside villas, privacy and exclusivity are the order of the day across the resort’s 70 tranquil. The new renovation is stylish and delightfully in keeping with the surrounding natural environment whilst offering a chic-style of accommodation in traditional Southern Thai village style with light-filled rooms soaked in sunlight. The interiors are all contemporary, spacious, featuring a rain shower and a sprawling balcony.
The resort’s three restaurants and four bars have all been completely renovated to the highest standards and provide a delicious array of cuisines set against a backdrop of exquisite views.
Offering authentic barefoot luxury Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort oozes luxury amidst very natural and beautiful surroundings. Easily reached by private boat or ferry, Phi Phi Island is renowned for its unspoilt landscape, remarkable beaches, incredible diving and snorkelling in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
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