The motto under which Hansgrohe Group exhibited at this year’s ISH in Frankfurt was Celebrate Change – and this is most evident with the premium brand, hansgrohe’s, expanded product portfolio in the areas of furniture, ceramics and mirrors…
With its new products, hansgrohe has returned from ISH and is responding to a change in consumer behaviour. Consumers no longer want to pick and choose individual sanitary products from different manufacturers, but instead want to design holistic bathroom experiences. Later this year, basins, toilets, bathroom furniture and mirrors will therefore be sold under the premium brand hansgrohe, in addition to basin mixers, shower systems, drains and accessories.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
Timeless product solutions for a holistic bathroom Look
All hansgrohe innovations feature timeless aesthetics, a multitude of clever functions and high-quality materials. This creates well thought-out bathroom concepts for every everyday life and every family situation with hansgrohe’s well-known product quality. The premium brand presents two different bathroom furniture series (Xelu and Xevolos) in several variations for maximum freedom in planning and combining. In addition to vanity units (also with console) available in various sizes and looks, large and small cabinets are also available in both furniture series.
The hansgrohe furniture series merges into a single unit with the matching Xelu and Xevolos wash basins. In addition, hansgrohe’s Xuniva washbasins offer a wide range of other combination options, with different shapes and installation variations. The new wash basin ranges (with and without tap hole) guarantee the smooth installation of all hansgrohe mixer tap lines.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
The Xarita mirror range, available in a square or round design, also create a harmonious lighting concept. Xarita mirrors feature dimming, memory and automatic switch-off functions, as well as mirror heating. Equipped with energy-saving LED technology, the mirrors are available in two technical variations with touch icons or infra-red sensor operation. The atmospheric light scenarios of the Xarita mirrors with touch icons adapt to the personal mood and time of day.
EluPura is the name of the new toilet range from hansgrohe. Here, thanks to two design variations, round or SoftCube, the innovation blends harmoniously into a wide variety of bathroom ambiences. The optimised interior geometry of the toilet also scores points, using just 4.5 litres per flush it can achieve outstanding flushing results (suitable flush tank required) which are good for the environment and the wallet. In addition, the hansgrohe HygieneEffect glaze prevents bacteria from multiplying on the product and the rimless design also makes cleaning easier.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
In harmony with nature
In order to protect the environment careful use of valuable resources is also a focus for all new hansgrohe products, and they are largely made of natural and recyclable materials. The wooden components used in the furniture are from sustainable forestry. Thanks to the plastic-free packaging for wash basins, toilets and furniture, unnecessary plastic waste is also avoided after transport.
For unprecedented design freedom
The bathroom is more than the sum of its parts. Diverse combinations and product variations fitting together perfectly, both technically and visually, create a harmonious ambience from a single mould.
Thanks to the hansgrohe Inspirator tool, bathroom planners can find inspiration and maintain an overview of the wide range of design options available to them. By using the swipe function, the tool enables playful, simple, user-friendly selection and configuration of hansgrohe’s new products, as well as existing product lines in different interior design styles. By using a high-end 3D product visualisation, customers get an exact idea of what their dream bathroom will look like.
The ability to make these design changes in real time allows designers and consumers to experiment with different configurations until they find the perfect look for their bathroom. In the future, this tool will facilitate planning at the point of sale as well, to gradually turn the individual dream bathroom into reality. Driven by the power of innovation and the ambition to put people at the centre of all product developments, hansgrohe enables bathroom designers to design and experience their bathroom in a holistic way, also through trust in branded products.
Hansgrohe is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Minimalism done right: Domes opens in Halkidiki, Greece
The Mediterranean’s fastest growing lifestyle hospitality brand, Domes Resorts, opens its latest luxury hotel in Halkidiki, Greece, this month…
When it opens this month, Domes Noruz Kassandra will represent Domes Resorts’ first outpost in Halkidiki in northern Greece, a region known for its peninsulas and sheltered bays. The Greek luxury lifestyle hospitality brand launches this property as the latest addition to its growing portfolio, with properties now in Corfu, Crete, Zakynthos, Milos and further afield in the Algarve, Portugal.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
The new luxury hotel is located on the Kassandra peninsula, surrounded by crystal turquoise waters and lush greenery. Deemed a ‘beach club with rooms’, the hotel will have 182 rooms and suites and a sprawling swimming pool just steps away from the golden beach, where you will find the beach club and bar. This will function as the heart of the hotel, featuring a menu of neo-Greek seafood, designed by Executive Chef Dionysios Pliatsikas. The drinks menu comprises the best the area has to offer, with a lengthy wine list from local Halkidiki vineyards and a selection of expertly crafted cocktails to enjoy while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Inside, contemporary design scheme plays with nature – it seamlessly fuses the indoor/outdoor spaces with the surrounding landscape. The various room categories are all carefully considered with a harmonious blend of white hues and neutral nuances, plus sophisticated raffia textures and handcrafted local artwork.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
Domes Noruz Kassandra also encompasses Domes’ signature Haute Living Selection, which creates heightened luxury in opulent suites that include a personal mobile phone with a direct line of contact to guest’s dedicated manager, ultra-private check-in, and much more.
Other F&B offerings include Domes’ signature Gustatio restaurant, which presents a decadent menu to tantalise the senses with its artful blend of bold flavours as an all-day creative buffet. Elsewhere, Raw Bar is an elegant cocktail and champagne bar. On the beach is Pita Canteen, where skilled ‘Psistes’, or grill masters, delicately prepare traditional Greek favourites such as gyros and souvlaki, perfect for a leisurely meal on the beach.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
For a holistic approach, wellness is a central element of the hotel and its OpenAir Gym offers guests an invigorating fitness experience where the body, mind and spirit are connected and rejuvenated. Two spacious Spa Suites are set up to host treatments from Domes’ award-winning, signature SOMA Spa, delivering a high-calibre tranquillity through signature treatments that combine ancient Greek rituals and contemporary healing.
“Domes Noruz Kassandra represents the expansion of our Domes Noruz brand, following in the successful footsteps of Domes Noruz Chaniain Crete,” said Dr. George P. Spanos, CEO of Domes. “Noruz is our most vibrant and cosmopolitan offering; an adults-only, design-led brand catering to international trendsetters who seek a balance between relaxed events by day and a chic party scene by night – a truly 360-degree offering.”
Each Noruz location is elegant with immaculately designed interiors and uncompromised comfort and style, with a focus on creating a party vibe. Joyful sounds play all day to complement the magnificent views, but in as sunset arrives, the real magic occurs. With a lively schedule of well-known DJs playing in intimate settings in each hotel, the beach club atmosphere spills well into the evening. Domes Noruz hotels create an electric atmosphere that brings in a sophisticated, cosmopolitan crowd that are seeking an unrivalled and distinctive luxury lifestyle experience with dynamic entertainment.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
The announcement of Domes Noruz Kassandra follows Domes’ news of expansion into the Greek islands of Milos with new property Domes White Coast Milos, alongside completed renovations of flagship hotel Domes Miramarein Corfu, and Domes Lake Algarvein Portugal. Further new openings will be soon announced in popular Greek destinations including Mykonos, Santorini and the Athenian Riviera, whilst the brand also plans to expand even further across Europe.
The Antigua collection from Arte draws its inspiration from traditional crafts that are still valued in our modern society, giving each element its own inherent texture and adding depth and layers to the design…
Traditional crafts and the art of making are, now more than ever, regaining their role in the design process. Classic handicrafts such as sewing, painting and drawing all require professional knowledge that we still greatly appreciate today. Each design in the Antigua Collection from Arte draws on these traditions and offers a warm textile look and feel, with some portraying the pure appearance of linen, while others have the tactile nature of bouclé. The collection has been given an authentic patina, an extra layer, which emphasises the beauty of these timeless pieces.
Image credit: Arte
Stagionato, Italian for ‘weathered look’, takes its inspiration from classical floral drawings. The attractive linen texture comes to life when appreciated close up, whilst from a little further away, it is the distressed faded floral design that stands out. The design is available in three colourways.
Tropicali is based on a tropical scene drawn in the Old English style and is a bold design of exotic plants and birds, on a base with a bouclé textile look. The illusion of fine tears in the drawing accentuates the craftsmanship of this design, which is available in four colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
Tintura is a semi-plain product with the appearance of pure woven linen. The pieces of fabric are arranged casually next to each other and sewn into place with a coarse, clearly visible stitch. The result is a balanced yet lively wallcovering with a textile look and feel, which is available in 14 colourways.
With the soft, tactile appeal of luxurious bouclé, the Pentgono textile was designed with a graphic pattern of pentagons. This sleek geometric design creates an interesting contrast with the typically casual look of bouclé. Pentgono is available in 10 colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
The final thread in the collection, Ritorto is another semi-plain wallpaper with the tactile look and feel of bouclé. The use of uneven yarns, characteristic of this textile, gives it a tactile, soft and casual appearance while still allowing the material to exude pure luxury. Ritorto is available in 10 colourways.
Arte is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in April 2023
The hotel development scene is sizzling – upcoming hotels opening include jewels from Burgundy, Japan, Brussels, Rome and Singapore, among others. Editor Hamish Kilburn identifies the hottest hotel openings that are expected in April 2023…
In April, as we creep into the high season for summer destinations, there is always a flurry of hotels that open with the purpose to offer something new, exciting and different. More often than not, these narratives are driven by design. So, as we continue to cut through the noise on the hotel development scene on a global scale, here is our editor’s guide of the hottest design-led hotels that are opening in April 2023.
The Manchester, Lexington Kentucky
Image credit: The Manchester, Lexington Kentucky
Located in the heart of the historic Distillery District in Lexington, Kentucky, The Manchester is the first high-end hotel to open in the horse and bourbon capital of the world. Hoteliers Nik Feldman and Hank Morris, who have worked with numerous celebrated brands across hospitality and real estate, developed The Manchester on the former campus grounds of Central Kentucky’s first registered bourbon distillery. The hotel’s soulful interiors are rooted in Lexington’s historic rickhouses and the rich, earthy tones of the surrounding Bluegrass region’s landscape and rolling hills. The “Rickhouse Revival” facade features dramatic arches that run throughout the property.
The 125-key hotel, which is slightly delayed and will now open in June, boasts two unique dining experiences, sits at the nexus of Manchester Street’s Distillery District, a historic urban neighborhood and developing hub dotted with bourbon distilleries, breweries, bars, restaurants, and event spaces. Paying homage to the rich cultural history of Lexington, while forging its own unique identity, The Manchester seeks to take its place alongside the continually evolving hub of the historic Distillery District.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Image credit: Ritz-Carlton
Preparing to open its doors, the 257-key Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has already made a lasting impression on the city skyline, soaring 80 storeys high. With its statement architectural design by Cottee Parker Architects, it is opening as one of the tallest hotels in Australia and certainly the tallest in Melbourne. Designed with materials inspired by the unique stories of the city, the hotel presents luxury accommodation, signature dining experiences across both restaurant and bar, holistic wellness spaces and an iconic infinity pool, as well as world-class meeting and event facilities and services.
Arranged across four heritage buildings, 31 rooms and suites will be converted into chic sanctuaries starting with Villa Christine. The phased opening of the hotel will also see a COMO Shambhala Retreat, the first of its kind in France.
Bulgari Tokyo, Japan
Image credit: Bulgari Hotels
Image credit: Bulgari Hotels
Sheltered on the 40th to 45th floors inside Tokyo Midtown Yaesu ultra-skyscraper, Bulgari Tokyo has been designed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel of ACPV ARCHITECTS. The 98-key hotel will be decorated with Italian luxury touches, such as furniture from the likes of Maxalto, Flexform and B&B Italia. In addition, the hotel will also feature the ‘jewel in the crown’ Bulgari Suite and a 1,000 square-metre spa, complete with a 25-metre indoor pool.
Nobu Seville
This spring (which we consider to mean ‘April’), Nobu Hotels will make its arrival in Seville, Spain. Situated in front of the City Hall at the vibrant Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the Andalusian capital, Nobu Hotel Sevilla features stylish guestrooms and suites over four floors. It will also feature a Nobu restaurant with views of the Roman wall complete with terrace seating, fitness centre and a rooftop with swimming pool and dining area that boasts spectacular views of the Cathedral and the Golden Tower.
Hoxton Brussels
Image credit: Ennismore
Hoxton, the lifestyle-luxury brand brought to you by Ennismore, is about to land in Brussels, which we have been updated will open on May 22. The new hotel will sit inside a brutalist-style tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM – ‘subtle’ is not in the brand’s vocabulary. Despite its bold entrance, the interior design scheme inside the 198-hotel is – in true Hoxton style – a home-from-home, complete with polished plaster walls, vintage and locally sourced furniture scattered around and bold geometric forms.
Not only does Hoxton Brussels feature all the cosy nods that have become signature from the brand, it will also be the home of Hoxton’s third co-working concept, Working From, which will occupy four floors of the building.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Image credit: Ennismore
From one Ennismore gem to another, Mondrian Singapore Duxton has just arrived on the South Asian hospitality scene. Developed by Craig Road Property Holdings, with interiors by Studio Carter, the 302-room hotel that Hotel Designs first bookmarked back in 2021 takes its inspiration from traditional Singaporean architecture, elevated with a contemporary twist.
The debut of the Mondrian brand in Singapore reflects the strategic expansion of the brand’s international footprint, which will include soon-to-be announced Mondrian properties in the Dominican Republic, Germany, the Maldives, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts
Located in the heart of downtown Tempe, the newest addition to the Omni Hotels & Resorts portfolio will feature 330 guestrooms, including 11 suites, four dining outlets, a spacious pool deck, retail, and around 3,300 square metres of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting spaces with expansive views of the ASU campus and the Arizona cityscape.
The hotel is a $125 million investment and part of a public-private partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the City of Tempe. Downtown Tempe is thriving with attractions, businesses, residents, and visitors, and Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU will be the incredible completion of an important downtown intersection.
Six Senses Rome, Italy
Image credit: Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
Image credit: Six Senses Hotels & Resorts
And finally… no VIP arrivals story would be complete without a mention of what is becoming the most reputable wellness brand globally. Six Senses, which seems to be on an aggressive yet thoughtful expansion campaign, has just arrived in Rome, which is a significant moment for the brand that has made no vague nods to dipping its toe into urban hotspots.
Six Senses Rome translates its vision around wellness and local connections to offer both an escape and a sensory-rich journey. Layered on to this are little rituals contrasting with the grandiose beauty of the Eternal City. From BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar, the spot where all our paths cross, to a unique Rome-at-your-feet feeling on NOTOS Rooftop, and its take on the ancient art of bathing – the hotel has levelled up to offer both a buzzing hub in the heart of the city and a tranquil escape.
A fireplace might not be the first thing that springs to mind when talking about the great outdoors, however FOCUS has prepared six of its iconic indoor models to make the move…
An evening spent outside around a beautiful fire remains a convivial and memorable moment and FOCUS designs gives extra soul to an unforgettable experience with its range of outdoor fireplaces.
The most recent addition to the FOCUS outdoor range, Bubble, is a wood-burning brazier that immediately won over both the public and the design world by winning the coveted Gold prize at the German Design Award 2022. Its organic spherical shape invites people to gather around, while its compact size and manoeuvrability make it the undisputed model for terraces and gardens, whatever the surface. With a sleek and appealing finish, it is a perfect all-year-round brazier for alfresco entertaining. Bubble is made in France in the FOCUS factory, where it is handcrafted by artisans who have exceptional metalworking skills. It benefits from the same manufacturing criteria and the same high-quality standards as the entire range.
While the Bubble is designed with the outdoors in mind, other iconic fireplaces, originally designed for interior application, have now been adapted to outdoor installation. The six designs which have been developed by the design studio for outdoor use include Gyrofocus, Ergofocus, Domofocus, Bathyscafocus, Emifocus and Paxfocus.
Image credit: FOCUS
Most of the FOCUS outdoor models are in fact multiple award-winning designs in their own right, with some having earned the status of works of art while being exhibited in international design museums. The most instantly recognisable of these, the Gyrofocus, is a true statement of mid-century design. It features in the design curriculum in schools of architecture, was elected among 100 participants as the most beautiful object in the world at the international Pulchra competition in 2009 and was exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 1998.
Image credit: FOCUS
Another design, the Ergofocus, with a sleek aesthetic, earned its place as part of an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm. These credentials should satisfy the most design-conscious heat-seekers who focus on both form and function – now they can add an outdoor version to elevate their exterior spaces.
The outdoor models are available in either a black anti- corrosion or rust finish. Rust is a living material that evolves over time to resemble aged leather or patinated bronze for a natural look.
For more than 50 years, FOCUS has been shaking up design codes with its innovations. It was the first to move the fireplace from the wall to the centre of the room, making it the focal point of the interior and has now moved its statement fireplaces outdoors to continue the story.
FOCUS is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
As guests increasingly look for sustainable and eco-friendly options in the hotel experience, Geberit explores ways of integrating nature into hotel bathroom design. From living green walls to natural materials, these elements not only appeal to the environmentally conscious guest, but also create a more serene and calming atmosphere…
One of the clearest benefits of integrating nature into hotel bathroom design is the positive impact it can have on the mental and emotional wellbeing of guests. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements such as plants, natural light and water can reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase productivity. This is particularly important in the context of a hotel stay, where guests may be away from their familiar surroundings and routines or simply seeking escape. At the same time, incorporating nature into hotel bathroom design can also have significant sustainability benefits. Natural materials, such as wood or stone, are often more environmentally friendly than their synthetic counterparts. The use of plants can improve indoor air quality by filtering out harmful pollutants.
Image credit: Geberit
Image credit: Geberit
Geberit is no stranger to the importance of incorporating nature into design and have created a stone range which includes stone finishes that can be used for flush plates and other bathroom accessories, providing both a luxurious and a natural feel to the bathroom. These finishes are available in a variety of colours and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for any hotel design project.
Interior designer and specialist in Biophilic Design, Oliver Heath, highlighted the significance behind using natural colours, imagery and materials to help ground hotel guests in Geberit’s first Hotel Guest Experience Report in 2020. “Focusing on nature and using elements of Biophilic Design can enhance a multi-sensory design strategy at the same time as bringing in local character,” explained Heath. “Carefully considering lighting, acoustics, textures and biophilia in hospitality environments to create positive sensory environments can improve both physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Image credit: Geberit
Wren Loucks, Director and CEO of Be-kin, also talks about wellbeing and sensory rich experiences in hotel design in this year’s Hotel Guest Experience Report. She highlights that one in five adults in the UK has a disability and the importance of hotels catering for sensorial, cognitive and physical abilities. “Designing for the mind and neurodiversity is very important,” said Loucks. “The use of biophilic patterns, utilising natural light and circadian lighting wherever possible – and avoiding strong synthetic smells often found in toiletries or cleaning products – are just some ways to design for the mind. Furthermore, a hotel that takes time to build out an inclusive design strategy should publish these design features on their website, providing guests with specific travel requirements clarity and peace of mind.”
There is a real opportunity for hotels to disrupt the market by creating designs that truly stimulate wellbeing through social sustainability and inclusive, sensorial, natural design.
Image credit: Geberit
Nature-inspired bathrooms in hotels can offer guests a unique and memorable experience. By immersing guests in a natural environment, hotels can create a sense of connection and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling travel experience, which is increasingly important for modern travellers seeking to connect with the world around them.
The use of nature in hotel bathroom design is a trend that is here to stay. As hotels look to create more sustainable and immersive experiences, incorporating natural elements in their design can provide a range of benefits for guests and the environment. From creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment to improving guest wellbeing and inclusivity, nature-inspired hotel bathrooms offer a unique and unforgettable experience for hotel guests seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.
Geberit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
With sweeping views over the Tagus River, Hyatt has debuted in Portugal with the opening of its first Hyatt branded Hotel, Hyatt Regency Lisbon…
The opening of the 204-key Hyatt Regency Lisbon meets a much-desired demand for luxury accommodation in the capital city of Portugal and marks a significant milestone for Hyatt in Europe, as it continues to prioritise its growth plans in places of interest to its guests. The hotel’s spacious guestrooms and suites all feature modern interiors and high-end finishes, with some including stunning balcony views over the river. Guests have access to a world-class wellbeing concept through its on-site spa, managed by Portugal’s top wellness brand Serenity and for those looking to enjoy Lisbon’s thriving food and drink culture, guests can uncover a new flair of Portugal’s unique gastronomic tradition in one of the hotel’s four restaurants and bars.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
All 204 spacious, well-appointed, and beautifully furnished guestrooms, including 105 suites, offer guests an upscale and modern experience of Portuguese architecture. Inspired by the famous Portuguese Discoveries and the contemporary influences of Lisbon, rooms feature calming blues and blends of oak wood. With river fall showers in each room and balcony views of the Tagus River in a selection of the hotel’s suites, all guests can feel connected to their natural surroundings through the sophisticated details in the space. Ranging from queen bedrooms, all the way up to the Regency 3 Bedroom Suite with its own large private balcony and separate living room with dining area, each room provides guests with a seamless experience and connectivity through the latest technology, in-room amenities and high-speed internet access.
“We’re excited to open Hyatt Regency Lisbon and bring a new charm to our historic capital,” said Hélder Martins, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Lisbon. “We are in a prime riverfront location, ideally situated to help our guests and World of Hyatt members explore the rich history and culture of Lisbon by day and night, safe in the knowledge that they will be greeted with Hyatt’s world-class, intuitive service from our team during their stay, in one of Europe’s most sought-after locations.”
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
For all-day-dining, the grand-café style VISEVERSA restaurant and bar offers fresh, local produce and an abundance of dining options and drinks amongst an elegant, spacious setting. Facing the garden and enjoying natural sun light is ZEST, a bright, relaxing place for delicious healthy meals made with fresh local ingredients. The location makes it an idyllic place to gather for a casual lunch or snack. The hotel will also welcome a fine restaurant, with direct access to the public and a rooftop with a backdrop of panoramic views of the River Tagus. Currently, the lounge space is only available for meetings and events, with the rooftop and bar space set to open to the public in the coming months.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
The hotel’s six meeting areas have up to 420 square meters of function space, which can be easily converted to suit a range of set-ups. The 220 square metre main meeting room can also be divided into four large boardrooms which offer 42 square meters of space each, providing a modern, flexible layout that can be adapted to meet the needs of any event. The property makes the most of its natural surroundings and offers extensive indoor and outdoor spaces. For an event space with a twist, choose the multifunctional and light filled VISTA, a mezzanine with direct access to the garden. The Rooftop Lounge offers picturesque views across the River Tagus and The Garden Courtyard, connected to the main meeting room on the ground floor is the perfect place for mingling and networking into the night.
Image credit: Hyatt Hotels
‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’, Portugal’s leading luxury spa and wellness brand, introduces guests to a new concept of wellness through the on-site spa. Guests will have access to a wide range of wellness activities and spa treatments, which have been tailored to their individual needs, creating a memorable and restorative escape. Guests can also choose to benefit from ACTIVE by Serenity facilities and services. A gym and two fitness studios for classes, are fully fitted with the latest Technogym equipment to support those who wish to keep up with their routines whilst away from home.
Why you should listen to Wren Loucks on this design podcast
Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed sensory and wellness designer Wren Loucks onto the latest episode of DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts. Kilburn writes…
When DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all design and architecture enthusiasts, dropped it’s latest series, sponsored by Geberit, our mission was to ‘cut through the noise’ in order to serve our listeners with thought-provoking topics and conversations that really mean something. By doing so, we met Wren Loucks, CEO and Creative Director of Be-Kin, an interior design studio that looks at the process of design holistically, using sensory design and adding elements that stimulate wellness to transform spaces with deeper design narratives.
The mark the launch of episode 29 of DESIGN POD, here are four reasons why you should give is a listen – perhaps even while reading this article (episode embedded below):
1) The power of design – it’s real!
In the episode, Loucks shares her own mental health journey. She honestly recalls the time when she was in hospitality as a child remembers her experience feeling clinical and cold. It was this moment when she started to question conventional approaches to interior design and wondered how, by using design as a tool, she could make spaces feel less clinical and more human-centric.
2) Wellness redefined in DESIGN POD and beyond!
Loucks, who was named last year as one of the top 25 influential interior designers, joined the podcast following her involvement in Geberit’s Hotel Guest Experience Report, in which the designer examines ritual, sensory-rich experiences and social sustainability in hotel design. The award-winning designer looks at how the differences in sensorial, cognitive, and physical abilities can be catered to by designing facilities to suit a range of needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, neurodiversity and an ageing population.
3) A new wellness-focused interior design studio is born!
Since launching Be-kin in November 2020, Loucks has completed six projects, ranging from Grade II listed buildings to a private gym in Fitzrovia. In addition to design, Loucks aims to educate her clients on how they are affected by spaces across their senses and create spaces that stimulate their wellbeing. For the studio’s commercial clients, the designer creates spaces that support social sustainability – designing for a range of cognitive, physical, and sensorial differences. She is, put simply, challenging conventional approaches to interior design, architecture and hospitality with an approach to interior design that puts humans first and gives the entire arena a deeper purpose.
4) Exhale – listen – think – do
Episode 29 of DESIGN POD will, if nothing else, inspire all designers of all abilities to open their mindset to new ideas and concepts. The industry, as a whole, is more open than ever before when it comes to collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Loucks is among a new breed of designers who are proving that science has its place in interior design – we can, as a whole, do better to create spaces that stimulate wellness.
The full 50-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 28, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on April 12 with interior designer Pallavi Dean, Founder of Roar, who will join Kilburn to discuss design in the metaverse.
New collection from Perrin & Rowe defines industrial-luxe in the bathroom
The new Armstrong bathroom collection from British manufacturer Perrin & Rowe combines an industrial aesthetic with a designer’s eye for balance and proportion…
The Armstrong bathroom collection offers a luxurious take on a pared-back design trend and is one of the most comprehensive ranges Perrin & Rowe, part of the House of Rohl portfolio, has ever launched. Every piece can be specified in chrome, nickel or pewter along with 24-carat gold, polished brass or satin brass for a golden glow. Perrin & Rowe’s two brass finishes are unlacquered, so will develop a unique patina over time, enhancing the beauty of the alloy. For a true industrial look, English Bronze offers a darker metallic finish that brings out the detail of the knurling.
Image credit: Perrin & Rowe
Each tap is made with the highest quality brass, poured by hand at 1700° fahrenheit into moulds. After machining, specialist polishers develop the deep, lustrous finish. It’s a time-consuming and painstaking task. The freestanding bath-shower mixer, for example, can take over four hours to perfect. Choose a single lever basin mixer or a three-hole tap, either wall-mounted or deck-mounted. An iconic freestanding bath-shower mixer is available, as is a complete Shower Set with hand-shower and overhead rose. Accessories include robe hooks, a paper holder, a towel bar or towel ring, and a matching built-in soap dispenser.
Image credit: Perrin & Rowe
Image credit: Perrin & Rowe
There are 15 new pieces to choose from available in a choice of six finishes, from hand-polished Chrome (electroplated to a thickness beyond industry standards) through to 24-carat plated Gold. The launch follows the recent success of Perrin & Rowe’s award-winning Armstrong kitchen collection, which has rapidly become one of Perrin & Rowe’s most popular ranges. Now, homeowners and designers can choose industrial styled brassware across both the kitchen and bathroom.
House of Rohl is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Chelsom has just dropped the exciting news that it will be dropping its latest collection, Edition 28, during Clerkenwell Design Week. Here’s what we know…
Following the lighting company’s 75th anniversary last year, Chelsom is preparing to blind the industry during Clerkenwell Design Week with its hotly anticipated new collection. Edition 28 is about to drop some serious lighting innovation.
The product launched, designed and curated by Robert and Will Chelsom, will incorporate a ‘complete makeover’ of its existing lighting collection as well as a brand new website, new sub-brands and an accompanying new catalogue. The new collections are made up of an array of different decorative lighting styles, designed specifically with global hospitality, marine and residential interiors projects in mind.
Image credit: Chelsom
This is not the first time that Chelsom has dared to launch new aesthetics and tech-savvy products into the hospitality lighting industry. In 2022, the company reacted to global demands and introduced touchless light switching, which was seen as a gamechanger in lighting technology. Two years prior, in the height of the pandemic, the team at Chelsom were undeterred – limited by social distancing restrictions – when they unapologetically launched Edition 27, which introduced new protagonists such as Hybrid, the award-winning LED Eye and Phono.
With very little to go off for now – the collection is being held under lock and key with only a selection of close-ups that have been released – the interior design community is waiting to see which innovations in the new collection will land the hardest as Chelsom continues to be a major player on the hotel design and hospitality scene. One thing we do know – the collection as a whole, as always, is going to be crowd-pleaser.
Chelsom is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Adding luxury & wellness into the bathrooms at Bluewaters Island
As Dubai’s exclusive Bluewaters Island evolves into a a vibrant and scenic experience in an exotic location, Sanipex Group was able to meet cost, quality and time constraints across the development without compromising on design…
Encompassing hospitality, residential, retail and entertainment options, the luxury BAGNODESIGN brand, part of Sanipex Group, features throughout the Bluewaters Island project. Developers were initially attracted to the brand’s coloured brassware selection, selecting it for the high-end Caesars Resort & Serviced Apartments.
In line with the hotel’s signature elements of fun fused with out-and-out luxury, Sanipex Group supplied the near 300 accommodations for the luxury hotel with Brushed Copper brassware to offer a warming contrast against modern Statuario marble tiles. Thanks to readily available stock and its close relationships with factories to accommodate exacting demands on stringent time constraints, Sanipex Group helped ensure Caesars Palace was one of the first properties to open on the island.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
The Residences at Ceasars Palace took an alternate styling to the resort while delivering equal impact in the form of a modern monochrome design with BAGNODESIGN Matt Black brassware. The design-led specification for 100 five-star serviced apartments steps away from ubiquitous bathroom décor of dark neutrals in place of a timeless solution, evoking a fresh sense of luxury living with a distinct and dramatic design.
To achieve a contemporary full bathroom solution for 698 apartments, four penthouses, and 17 townhouses that make up the Bluewaters Residences, Sanipex Group worked directly with the designers during the selection process.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
The final specification remained within budget thanks to BAGNODESIGN’s value and style ranges. Savoia mixers are complimented by Smooth accessories, whilst a rain shower and thermostatic shower mixer add a sense of indulgence. The full sanitaryware specification includes wall hung WC’s with either freestanding Bagnotec basin or contemporary countertop basin.
As a luxurious step up for the Penthouses, angular brassware in Brushed Nickel compliments the wooden accents for an organic biophilic feel. The stand-out feature of these award-winning residences is the Bagnotec bathtubs placed in the floor to ceiling windows, for virtuously viewing vistas of the island.
Sanipex Group also supplied the resorts bars, restaurants and public areas with high-grade products including sanitaryware, brassware and tiles, to complete the luxe living vibe throughout the island.
Sanipex Bagnodesign is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Locke is preparing to add lucky number 13 to its portfolio in June, with its third German property. Introducing Locke at East Side Gallery…
With breathtaking views overlooking the River Spree and city skyline, Locke at East Side Gallery is situated amongst Berlin’s trendiest inner-city districts Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Mitte. The new opening will comprise 176 sleek studio apartments, which come equipped with kitchenettes and living areas, many of which having access to a private balcony with river or skyline views. The property will also shelter a complimentary co-working area for guests and locals to enjoy, third-wave coffee shop and deli and audiophile bar and restaurant ANIMA, which will introduce new immersive ways of experiencing music in the German capital.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
The aparthotel will also feature a flexible meeting and events space that includes a rooftop terrace, as well as a 24-hour gym on the eighth floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and views overlooking Berlin’s Mediaspree. Designed by Matthew Grzywinski of Grzywinski+Pons, Locke at East Side Gallery takes its design cues from its surroundings – most notably the former Berlin Wall, River Spree, and neighbouring parks. Each apartment combines sophisticated neutral tones, natural textures, and raw concrete with pops of playful colour. Within the rooms themselves, walls are composed of timber panelling, with kiln-formed glass inspired by the surface of the Spree River acting as a partition to the bathroom.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
The furniture in the rooms exude warmth and texture with turmeric chairs, pastel mirrors and heavily braided grass rugs juxtaposed with suede and rattan floor screens and bedheads. The bathrooms feature back-painted black glass, walls and ceilings feature exposed structural concrete, softened with a powdery finish. Hand-scraped wood floors complement the aforementioned wall-as-threshold assembly of timber and textured glass.
“Locke at East Side Gallery is a very special project for us,” said Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director at edyn. “Berlin is a city filled with history, creativity and innovation and we are excited to be bringing Locke to this incredible location. With a partnership already established with concept bar and restaurant ANIMA, we look forward to partnering with more local businesses and creating a space in which guests can fully immerse themselves in the culture of the city. The property itself has spectacular views across the city and over the River Spree, and with East Side Gallery and the neighbourhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg on your doorstep, there really is no better location in which to explore Berlin.”
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
On the ground floor, social spaces comprising of the cafe, bar and restaurant, reception lounge and co-working spaces are connected with the use of non-continuous walls which in a nod to the vestiges of the Berliner Mauer are used as compositional elements, creating implicit ‘neighbourhoods’ in the space. Built-in seating and planters are fabricated from locally sourced bricks comprised of recycled sand and lime while furnishings follow a cohesive palette of timber, cane, fabric and cord, surrounded by verdant vegetation spilling out of planters and cascading from the ceiling.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
On the ground floor, ANIMA, an audiophile bar and restaurant, combines gastronomy with music. Intended as a dedicated space for music lovers and inspired by Japan’s ‘Kissaten’, hi-fi cafes predating affordable home stereos, ANIMA is born from the desire to share, exchange and come together. This concept will be reflected in the food and drink offering, designed for sharing and featuring fresh, local and seasonal products with a selection of natural wines, spirits, cocktails and craft beers.
Ocean Drive Ibiza, the island’s original boutique hotel, is celebrating 25 years with a brand-new look that captures its renowned Art Deco style and glamourous spirit…
Located on the front line of Marina Botafoch overlooking Ibiza’s old town, Ocean Drive Ibiza has long been a favourite of DJs visiting the island because of its proximity to the best restaurants, clubs, and experiences that Ibiza has to offer. The property was the first hotel opened by OD Hotels founder, Marc Rahola and is now part of the OD portfolio that comprises of five boutique, design-led hotels in Ibiza, Madrid and Barcelona.
Taking on the reimagining of this 40-key hotel, the in-house interior design team has drawn inspiration from the building’s Art Deco aesthetic and the hotel’s love of music, art, and hedonism. These elements are combined with flexible spaces that transform from bright and welcoming during the day, to warm and intimate at night. The Sky Bar, with its unique Old Town and sunset views, now has retractable roof panels and doors to create indoor and outdoor areas that can be enjoyed year-round. The palette combines monochrome tones with rich, deep blue and gold touches and the Art Deco influence is seen in the space’s lines, furniture and lighting.
Image credit: Ocean Drive Ibiza
Guests are welcomed into a light, airy lobby with elegant marble and that Art Deco inspiration again running throughout. Making life easy after a less than 15-minute journey from the airport or just steps from the port, the knowledgeable team is on hand to ensure a memorable stay for guests with their insider access to the best that Ibiza has to offer. There’s a lounge, bar and restaurant that flow into each other and can be used at all times of day, from breakfast through to a nightcap after a full Ibiza day.
The guestrooms and suites have also had a refresh with new soft furnishings, decorative objects such as design-led lamps, bathrooms updates and new artworks by Stella Rahola. Rooms are well-equipped offering the best in comfort and style, with Mediterranean influences to give a sense of place. Many share the same marina and old town views, with the four suites occupying the two upper floors of the hotel for unmatched views.
Image credit: Ocean Drive Ibiza
Hotel guests, locals and visitors can meet for relaxed food and drinks, or one of the OD Sky Bar’s many specially curated events, which include a weekly showcasing of different flavourful cuisines with drinks to match, as well as music-focused events from media and music collectives. The events programme will continue downstairs, where the ground floor has been completely opened up to create a more sociable space. OD Live On Tour is a monthly live music event and for analogue music lovers, there will be a monthly event, which will see live music from a vinyl music collection. This space will also host monthly art exhibitions from artists including those who are part of the IbizArt Guide, an annual guide that brings together the best national and international artists who live in Ibiza or who have a direct relationship with the island.
Barceló Funchal Oldtown – a new hotel rooted in history
A stylish city hotel rooted in its sense of place, Barceló Hotel Group has announced the opening of Barceló Funchal Oldtown – a brand-new hotel on the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira…
The newest addition to the Barceló portfolio takes its inspiration from the natural wonders of UNESCO World Heritage site, Laurisilva Forest and from Madeiran architecture and craftsmanship. Comprising a cluster of 17th century buildings that have been sensitively transformed, Barceló Funchal Oldtown has absorbed its rich cultural history into its DNA. The result is a playful balance of modern design and authenticity, a sleek and comfortable base from which to explore the island’s greatest treasures.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
Each building that makes up the hotel has its own story, one being the former family abode of the Blandys, founders of the Madeiran wine trade and another an embroidery factory that supplied the nearby shops. Now under one roof, the hotel remains faithful to the original architecture and the façade has been meticulously restored in homage to the rich cultural heritage of Funchal.
Excavation uncovered vestiges from the past ranging from pottery and coins to remnants of a roadway, which have all been incorporated into the hotel’s décor. The original floors have been brought back to life and natural stone and wood has been restored by artisans, celebrating local craftsmanship from centuries past and present. Interiors follow suit and the building’s 111 guestrooms feature embroidery and wicker basketry furnishings.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
To champion the island’s abundant nature and UNESCO World Heritage site, Laurisilva Forest, a flora-filled courtyard sits pride of place in the hotel, providing a peaceful spot to relax. Floor to ceiling windows and hanging gardens bring the outside in and natural colours and textures have been woven into the design to nod to the luscious landscape.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
Barceló Funchal Oldtown offers two distinct restaurant concepts giving guests a flavour of Funchal. A Bordadeira restaurant – whose name and interiors are inspired by the Madeiran tradition of embroidery – serves an a la carte menu with international influence. Dine alfresco at Noz Café, which transports guests to Laurisilva Forest, to indulge in local-inspired dishes whilst shaded by canopies of trees and Funchal flora and fauna. The all-day dining concept will feel bright and airy by day and transform into a sophisticated gastronomic destination by night. Championing the region’s history of winemaking, Barceló Funchal Oldtown will serve an impressive selection of local Madeiran wines.
Image credit: Barceló Hotel Group
The rooftop of Barceló Funchal Oldtown is the pièce de résistance, boasting panoramic sea views over the marina. The terrace, complete with a plunge pool and bar, is a glamorous spot for sundowners or to marvel at the comings and goings of Funchal’s farmers’ market. If guests manage to tear themselves away from the roof terrace, they can explore the charming market, selling fresh regional produce and radiating the warm spirit of locals. Those seeking a dose of culture can discover the ancient architecture and intricately carved ceiling of Funchal Cathedral.
Ellenborough Park Hotel completes major renovation
Ellenborough Park Hotel, Gloucestershire’s only five-star country house hotel, has unveiled a major renovation. The new, quintessentially English interior design scheme has been created by designer Ilze Reinke…
Sheltered inside a magnificent 15th century English country house, surrounded by 90 acres of parkland in the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park Hotel has just unveiled its ‘next chapter’ following an extensive renovation.
Image credit: Ellenborough Park Hotel
The new interiors, which includes a refreshed brasserie and bedrooms, have been imagined by South African-born Ilze Reinke. It has been, as the designer described, “a dream job that has required much careful thought and consideration to capture the history and elegance of the building, ensuring that it reflects the same grandeur in these modern times.”
All 61 bedrooms are undergoing an affectionate refurbishment with lavish fabrics, elegant wall coverings, plush carpets, and country chic furnishings. Brimming with personality – Reinke’s designs are masterful and beautifully capture a graceful homeliness.
Image credit: Ellenborough Park Hotel
Reinke’s starting point for each room was something existing – a chair, a piece of wallpaper, or a colour. One of her biggest challenges in working with the existing rooms is the deep research necessary to match or find complementary colours for heritage schemes – allowing the designer to keep as much as possible and avoiding throwing out the existing elements for the sake of novelty.
Image credit: Ellenborough Park Hotel
At the heart of the hotel guests will find the Horse Box, a stylish brasserie that has undergone a complete transformation that now features soft leather brocades, low lighting, tartan flooring and countryside tweed fabrics.
Every room tells a different story with a chic country comfort, and reflects leading suppliers, such as Colefax & Fowler,Nina Campbell. Skopos, Panasse; Brintons, Warwick Fabrics, Lighting from Coach House. Adding apt personality, the rooms have been given their own identities with Cotswold appropriate colour-scheme names that include Blossom, Wildflower, Countryside, Tudor, Chrysanthemum, Gingham and Rustic.
The surface panel made with 90% post-consumer wood
Hive from UNILIN Panels is the striking 3D decorative surface panel made with 90 per cent post-consumer wood…
For ‘instagrammable’ hospitality backdrops to smart workspace finishes in offices and merchandising areas in retail, Hive’s 3D geometric structure captures the light to create a subtle hexagonal pattern. Now available from UNILIN Panels, the decorative panel brings a cost-effective, durable and easy to maintain finish suitable for commercial interiors.
Hive panels are available in a range of solid colours and decorative effects. Everest White and Elegant Black are classics, with Dusty Coral, Oatmeal Beige and Sage Green providing a palette of uplifting natural tones. Brushed Steel Blue combines Hive’s hexagon relief with a smart brushed metal for a futuristic edge. Each colour can be used to add a unique and individual look to areas.
Whatever the look, Hive is made with UNILIN Evola-Belspan 100 per cent recovered chipboard. This is made entirely from recycled wood, with 92 per cent coming from locally sourced post-consumer materials including old furniture. The remaining eight per cent is wood waste produced by activities like roadside maintenance, sawmills and forest management that’s considered no longer usable by other industries. UNILIN has found a way to give a new life to this wood and making chipboard this way saves more than 900,00 tonnes of wood from incineration every year.
The processes developed by UNILIN to recover wood from a variety of sources, also means that once Hive panels have reached the end of their life, they can be recycled back into new panels to complete the loop. This is made possible by an ultra-modern machine that sorts the wood, using a mix of processes including magnets, wind sifters and centrifuges to remove impurities. UNILIN has invested 30million Euros over the past six years to develop the technology.
Hive Evola-Belspan is made in Belgium by UNILIN and is available to order in 15 working days. It can be used for non-structural purposes such as a decorative wall finish or in furniture construction, cabinets and kitchens. As one of more than 200 options from the UNILIN Evola decorative range, Hive has excellent durability and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice across a broad range of projects.
UNILIN Panels is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Looking ahead: GROHE to launch water-recycling shower in 2024
Always, it seems, one step ahead in the sustainable wellness arena, GROHE aims to have all concealed showers water-recycling by 2030. And it all starts with GROHE Everstream…
Hot off the heals of launching its first online summit, GROHE has revealed the market launch of its water-recycling shower GROHE Everstream, expanding the brand’s range of bathroom and kitchen products that promote efficient water use and make sustainable choices easier.
The shower will be available to customers from spring 2024. The shower system is currently being field – tested and a training programme for installers is expected to start in the second half of 2023. In addition, GROHE is also aiming to have all GROHE concealed showers water-recycling-ready by 2030.
GROHE Everstream has been designed to create the showering experience users expect but consuming as little fresh water as possible – and using far less energy. The Everstream system uses as little as a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, translating into a cost-saving of up to 65 per cent a year for a four-person household and up to 70 per cent fewer CO2 emissions, depending on individual shower habits.
“Last summer in Europe was one of the driest on record,” said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA. Water scarcity is affecting us all and it is our responsibility as a water-technology provider to offer solutions that allow consumers to make a difference. Implementing water-recirculating technology in our GROHE portfolio elevates our offering to a new sustainable benchmark and is a milestone for our entire organisation.”
How it works
GROHE Everstream demonstrates how the home can actively and positively shape our personal impact on the planet and its resources. It divides the shower process into three parts allowing users to enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge they are minimising waste.
First, users start the shower with fresh water, as with any regular shower.
Once finished using the shampoo or soap, the user can switch mode: The water collected in the drain after switching is pumped into a circuit, maintaining the desired temperature, and hygienically treating the water.
After use, cleaning takes place to prepare the shower for the next user.
“It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art technologies for using water resources sustainably while also creating additional environmental value for water,” added David Mainka, Leader Electronics and Innovation R&D Fittings, LIXIL International. As we strive towards a circular economy, circularity can also play a much bigger role within our products themselves. GROHE Everstream takes our technology to the next level. We are looking forward to the results of our field-testing of the product to fine-tune it for market launch in 2024.”
As part of LIXIL’s strong brand portfolio, GROHE’s sustainability activities as well as its product developments are embedded in LIXIL’s Environmental Vision which calls for Zero Carbon and Circular Living. Water sustainability is one of the focus areas here. The goal is to help people enjoy water while ensuring sustainable water use on a global scale in order to have a positive impact on the planet.
GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
CDW 2023 preview: what to expect from RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is getting ready to welcome the design community inside the Design Hub, the brand’s Clerkenwell address. Here’s our sneak preview on what to expect…
RAK Ceramics, which has just supplied 1,000 pallets of tiles and sanitaryware to help re-build the regions of Turkey and Syria recently hit by devastating earthquakes, is preparing itself for what might just be its biggest Clerkenwell Design Week performance.
Moving on from last year’s ambition to turn its flowing water in the showroom ‘CDW pink’, the team are putting their focus in the latest bathroom and surface design products.
One of the striking bathroom displays at the Design Hub during the fair will showcase the RAK Ceramics Designer Collection by Patrick Norguet, RAK-Valet. The range comprises of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes – that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasins, top-notch stylistic research for the bathtubs, elongated lines for the toilet bowls.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
In terms of surfaces, visitors to the Design Hub will be able to also view the stunning Metamorfosi collection, a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior. Metamorfosi is a large-format surface, available in two sizes – 120 x 260cm and 120 x 120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from.
An important destination on the Clerkenwell Design Week tour, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub at 100 St John Street, Clerkenwell is one of the largest in the area, with more than 2,000 square metres over two floors. The space gives visitors to the area the opportunity to explore the possibilities of choosing RAK Ceramics for their projects.
Designed to be an interactive and immersive environment to inspire creativity, the Design Hub includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area. New product launches are given their debut at the Design Hub, the company’s Mega Slab Maximus surfaces are highlighted, along with inspiring bathroom displays. The Design Hub also hosts seminars and events throughout the year and offers meeting spaces for designers and architects.
Inside Hôtel Beauregard in Paris – a boutique, vintage find
Hôtel Beauregard, which is housed within an elegant six-storey Haussman building in Paris, opens as hotel group Touriste’s fifth Parisian property. We took a peek inside…
Answering to the success of its sister properties – Hotel Les Deux Gares, Hotel Bienvenue and Hotel Panache – Hôtel Beauregard has opened, sheltering its own style throughout 38 rooms.
Poised in the very authentic and Parisian 15th arrondissement, Hôtel Beauregard sits in an elegant six-storey Haussman building on the crossroads of rue de Vaugirard and rue Cambronne, and frames views out across the Eiffel Tower from the majority of its rooms.
Opening as the latest boutique hotel from Touriste, Hôtel Beauregard has been designed by Chloé Nègre, who describes it as “a hotel I would dream of if I were a tourist travelling to Paris.”
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
For her second collaboration with Touriste, Nègre has married classic and contemporary influences in Touriste’s signature tongue-in-cheek style – invoking Parisian clichés and nods to the Seventies across the six floors. Elegance and intuition are the hallmarks of the French designer who is known for her intuitive approach to design and decoration. She follows on from Luke Edward Hall’s Les Deux Gares and Dorothée Meilichzon’s Hôtel Panache – both of whom also brought their unique style and spirit to the Touriste properties.
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
The journey begins in the lobby where, on the ceiling, a fresco by the artist Pauline Leyravaud depicts a trompe-l’oeil sky. The airy bistro-style breakfast room, seating up to 30 guests, can be used throughout the day for enjoying tea and cakes, a glass of wine or as a quiet spot to work. Each of the six floors has its own colour palette, featuring characterful touches such as: tapestries designed by the Pinton factory and grid carpets inspired by French garden trellises. Custom-made floral wall lamps and heart-shaped chairs features in the bedrooms, along with ‘I Love Paris’ crests embroidered onto the headboards. The bathrooms pop with striped walls inspired by artist Daniel Buren’s Minimalist works.
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
Vintage finds from France make up much of the furnishings, such as a rare chair by architect Mario Botta and an undulating bench inspired by Pierre Paulin in the breakfast room. Textiles are made from recycled or recyclable fibres, bathrooms feature reclaimed taps, and all furnishings have been manufactured in France and Europe. “Taking an environmentally friendly approach has always played an important part of all of Touriste’s projects, but we have made a particular focus for Hôtel Beauregard,” said the designer.
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
Image credit: Romain Courtemanche
“Our ambition with Touriste has always been to welcome travellers in the greatest possible setting, with hotels designed by the best interior designers at the fairest prices,” added Adrien Gloaguen, Founder of Touriste. “We have been lucky to work with some incredibly talented creatives and we love to see how different designers approach the hotels. They all put their own personal stamp on them, making every project completely unique.”
2023 will also see Touriste add two further properties to their collection – Hôtel de la Boetie designed by Beata Heuman and Hôtel Château d’Eau designed by Necchi Architecture.
> Since you’re here, why not read our recent chalet review, which comes from the French Alps?
Sneak peek: Cayo Levantado Resort – a sustainable island oasis
Cayo Levantado Resort plans to open its doors and bring its own rhythm to the Dominican Republic island with a guest experience based on three pillars – local culture, sustainability, and wellness…
Located on the island of Cayo Levantado, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, Cayo Levantado Resort brings together elements of sustainability and innovation to create an ecological and cultural impact. The luxury resort is an exclusive development from Grupo Piñero, a Spanish multinational family-owned company, founded in 1977. In addition to its Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio, the company is launching Cayo Levantado Resort as a unique and differentiated brand, entering a new market – the luxury segment.
Cayo Levantado Resort has brought in a group of Dominican designers, interior designers and architects who will contribute to reflecting the Dominican culture through its different areas. The entire concept of the local culture underlying the project is headed by architect Ramón Emilio Jiménez and his studio Arquimilio. The culinary and cocktail development is being led by Dominican chefs Pedro Mota and Carlos Romero.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
The resort is focussing its expertise on ecological impact and sustainability, protecting the delicate ecosystem of its location and preserving its spectacular fauna and flora. Waste management is a very important component of Cayo Levantado given that islands require rubbish to be removed. Through a biodigester, the island’s waste is transported and used for energy purposes. Naturally, there will be many elements at a sustainability level that are both visible and invisible – at infrastructure-levels, there are elements that customers typically directly perceive and experience first-hand, but elements like waste management are intangible to visitors and help to convey the ‘hidden reality’ of the project.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
“With a profound respect for the environment, we focus our expertise on protecting the delicate ecosystem and preserving its spectacular flora and fauna,” said Pablo del Toro, Technical Environmental Advisor, Grupo Piñero. “In order to operate and power the hotel efficiently, gardening, waste management and renewable energy is required. Among the renewable energy sources, you’ll find thermal energy, heat recovery and solar panels.”
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
The resort offers 219 spacious and stylish guestrooms. Ranging from Junior Suites to the more spacious Signature Villa. Each room is expertly styled and purposefully appointed, taking its cues from the tropical beauty of its location with its vibrant colours, breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife. The overarching design encourages personal wellness, with four paths that create an atmosphere perfectly suited to refresh vigour, revitalise, relieve stress and restore balance. Taking a holistic approach, the expertly trained staff combines exercise, meditation, activities and nutrition, all designed to guide guests on their journey toward a vital rhythm that is in sync with the vibrant pulse and pace of the natural surroundings. To experience Cayo Levantado Resort is to discover your own, inner rhythm.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
As part of the all-inclusive offering, guests may choose from three à la carte restaurants, one buffet restaurant and four bars and a coffee shop that feature gourmet cuisine and trendy mixology, with attention to the utmost in quality and creativity and incorporating both local and international elements. Two additional speciality restaurants give visitors exciting dining options to the exceptional all-inclusive offerings. Created by expert bartenders at the resort’s mixology laboratory, all the signature cocktails utilise the latest trends and highest quality, natural ingredients, many of which come from the resort’s own botanical garden.
Image credit: Cayo Levantado Resort
Cayo Levantado Resort also boasts a truly unique wellness immersion, an environment and a balanced state of mind, body and soul. The area includes one of the resort’s two pools, a SPA, outdoor CrossFit and personal training studio, a beauty salon and botanic garden. Offered as an exciting addition to the all-inclusive, YUBARTA is an elevated experience for personal growth and discovery, featuring a cenote, directed activity and meditation rooms and a garden landscape circuit where the island’s flora and fauna are to be discovered. Finally, steps from the beach, the resort’s beach club and its pool draw guests in to enjoy their refreshing waters, plus the relaxed comfort of its patios and surrounding pathways.
3D-printed hotel to emerge in Marfa desert in Texas
BIG and ICON will redesign El Cosmico in Texas, giving the campsite hotel a new meaning using 3D-printing technology in architecture and design.
3D printing has gone through many developments over the years since the technology was first created back in the late ’80s. From making simple objects out of on-screen renders to the idea of manufacturing cars – 3D printing has opened up opportunities in research and product development so that that industries that are fuelled by tech can continue to break boundaries.
Among those sectors to utilise new technology to create extraordinary experiences is hotel design. The most recent – and perhaps most dramatic – examples of how 3D printing could shape a new era in hospitality comes from Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the architecture firm that designed the birds-nest suite for Treehotel, which has teamed up with ICON to create a new luxury camping site in the Texas desert. El Cosmico, which currently consists of a site where guests sleep in either trailers, tents of teepees, is about to get a 3D makeover, which will include almost tripling the size of its current site.
Image credit: BIG
The project, which is said to be a ‘dream hospitality venture’ for hotelier Liz Lambert, will break ground in 2024. It will comprise of around 100 3D-printed structures scattered across the campground. The concept was inspired by the dialogue between the high desert geography and cosmic entities. The structures are expected to reflect domes, architects, vaults and parabolic forms – forming together design, hospitality, culture and nature.
Image credit: BIG
In addition to the two-, three- and four accommodation styles will frame views of the Davis Mountains, the new site will also feature a pool, spa and other public areas to socially connect guests.
Neil Andrew on Perkins&Will winning The Eco Award & design being like jazz
In the second video in our series with GROHE X that celebrates the winners from The Brit List Awards 2022, editor Hamish Kilburn meets Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at Perkins&Will, the studio that won The Eco Award. In the exclusive interview, the pair discuss how the studio is pivoting to be carbon-zero in all its projects by 2030…
Since 2018, The Eco Award category in The Brit List Awards campaign has become one of the most congested. With almost every supplier now claiming to be sustainable – and with hospitality projects emerging on a daily basis to really push the social agenda forward – the winner of such an award needs to enrapture the judges with meaningful, conscious solutions that the whole industry can benefit from. Cue the arrival of Perkins&Will, which in 2021 published Net-Zero Now: Hospitality, a report tailored specifically to the hospitality industry that sets out a series of targets to be net-zero embodied carbon, as demonstrated through a Whole Life Carbon, by 2030.
In order to understand what, in practical terms, that means, I met with Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at the studio. Not only did I want to understand more about the research and developments that were happening behind the scenes, but I was intrigued to also learn more about Andrew’s approach to hotel design, which it turns out, is inspired and fuelled by a good rhythm.
“Think of it [the project] as a jazz band – that’s often how I see design,” he said when asked to explain how he designs spaces. “If you are creating a public area, for example, you give one big feature the spotlight and allow everything else to sit back and compliment that piece. That approach is a great way to strip out excess bits and bobs you don’t need.” What strikes me about Andrew is his passion for creativity. His ability to design spaces that are fun, playful and heavily embedded into their location marry nicely with the company’s aims to set new standards in sustainable design.
“As a company we have been at the forefront of sustainable design for more than 25 years,” Andrew explained. “It [incorporating net-zero into design] is not something you can switch on overnight – it is a process. The good thing about the term ‘net-zero’ is that people can understand and get hold of from outside the industry.”
In addition to laying down clean and firm pledges around become a leading, socially aware studio, Perkins&Will has a focus on making concept a reality. In 2020, while the industry was in its forced hibernation from the pandemic, Perkins&Will took the opportunity to present a futuristic net-zero hotel concept for the Sleep&Eat conference. The experimental, digital installation has now been commissioned to be designed as a prototype by a leading hotel brand that is expected to be unveiled in spring 2023. What’s better than one concept becoming a reality? Last year, we were told that a second client has appointed the team to create a net-zero aparthotel prototype, which is currently on the drawing board and will also be opened in 2023.
Outside the studio, Andrew’s passion lies in music – he was seen commanding the audience from behind the DJ booth at HIX last year. At a young age, as well as developing a zest for fine art, he was also learning to DJ and make music. When encouraged by his mother to consider his career choices carefully, Andrew decided to become an interior designer, and used his flair for art and music to carve out his own personality on the interior design scene. Much more than a side hustle, his itch for creative stimulation has led him to question conventional approaches to hospitality design and, more importantly, lead from within a team.
With everything going on behind the studio doors at Perkins&Will, transparency is being recognised as the answer to overall progression. What makes the studio a worthy winner of such an award such as The Eco Award is that it is preparing to share its research and impart knowledge with the rest of the interior design community – whoever will listen. And that, the willingness to collaborate and grow stronger together, is what a modern leader looks like in 2023.
Applications / nominations for The Brit List Awards 2023 will open in the summer. The process to apply is free for all designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers alike. This is one of three videos that Hotel Designs will launch in association with GROHE, Broadcasting Partner of The Brit List Awards, to amplify a handful of the winners from last year’s campaign.
Naturalmat becomes first bed company to be awarded B Corp status
Naturalmat, the Devon-based natural bed and mattress company, which is regularly specified in hotels for leading brands such as YOTEL, Hoxton and Six Senses (among others), has achieved B Corp status due to its social and environmentally friendly approach to manufacturing…
Sustainability is part of Naturalmat’s DNA. Founded more than 20 years ago on the banks of the River Exe in Devon, the bed and mattress company was the first to pioneer the production of completely natural, organic and sustainable beds thus setting a new precedent for the UK bed industry. Its long-standing commitment to only the most sustainable production methods has earned it global recognition and now at last, B Corp status, considered to be sustainability’s ‘gold standard’.
The ‘B’ in B Corp stands for Benefit for all. Its aim is to recognise purpose-driven businesses committed to being a holistic force for good for all people, communities and the planet. Achieving this accreditation has taken Naturalmat close to two years of rigorous assessment and the evaluation of every aspect of the business: from staff welfare, packaging and energy supply to their wider role within the community and commitment to their suppliers. It is this level of scrutiny that makes B Corp certification so important.
Image credit: Naturalmat
“From day one over 20 years ago, we’ve been at the forefront of making planet-friendly mattresses with organic, sustainable and renewable materials,” explained Mark Tremlett, Founder of Naturalmat. “So needless to say, it feels truly rewarding to be recognised as the ethical business we’ve always strived to be and join this powerful global community of organisations working together for a better tomorrow. We started off making mattresses for boats with natural and breathable materials, eventually expanding into organic, chemical-free mattresses for babies and adults, championing safe and healthy sleep for everyone. Over the next few years we made every effort to grow as a force for good. We pioneered sourcing organic wool directly from local farmers, installed solar panels on the roof of our workshop and moved to 100% renewable energy, and developed innovative plastic-free packaging.”
In order to achieve B-Corp certification, a company must:
Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above
Make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and achieve benefit corporation status if available in their jurisdiction.
Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website
Naturalmat B Corp Assessment Score:
Overall B Impact Score – 96.3
Score required for B Corp Qualification – 80
Median Score for Ordinary Business – 50.9
Image credit: Naturalmat
Every key material that goes into a Naturalmat product has been carefully selected from natural, regenerative and sustainable sources to minimise its impact on the planet. From certified organic wool and coir to locally crafted buttons, Naturalmat is rigorous in handpicking only the most sustainable materials from suppliers it trusts.
Naturalmat is committed to practising regenerative farming principles, using more recycled materials across its range and continuing to uphold only the highest uphold human rights and animal welfare across its supply chain. By forming impactful charity partnerships to tackle bed poverty and sharing healthy sleep advice with the world, Naturalmat continues to work towards its goal of making healthy sleep available to all.
Image credit: The Hoxton / Ennismore
Naturalmat is committed to playing its part in tackling the current escalating ecological emergency by cutting emissions and ensuring every stage of production supports the protection and regeneration of the planet’s precious ecosystem. As part of this, Naturalmat’s Devon showroom has been powered by 100 per cent renewable energy since 2012, with 75 per cent provided by solar panels on the workshop roof.
From the outset, Naturalmat has recruited members of its team from within its local Devon community, resulting in 37 or its 45 members being based in and around the company’s workshop headquarters in Topsham. The team consists of a wide range of highly skilled individuals from traditional mattress makers and upholsterers to office based roles all contributing to a supportive and positive work environment.
Further highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices, Naturalmat released its first Impact Report in 2022. This comprehensive document charts the company’s journey to date and sets out Naturalmat’s current sustainability strategies based around five key pillars each with ambitious targets it aims to meet by 2025.
Naturalmat is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Injecting ‘Californian vibes’ inside Kimpton Alma San Diego
Hospitality design studio Indidesign was tasked to transform the former Kimpton Palomar into vibey boutique bombshell – cue the arrival of Kimpton Alma San Diego…
Poised in the heart and soul of Downtown San Diego, the Kimpton Alma is an eclectic boutique lifestyle hotel with a laid-back feel. Formerly known as the Kimpton Palomar, the hotel underwent a transformation that reflects the sense of humour and edginess of the city that is rarely showcased. The lobby welcomes guests to Alma with access to a bar, lower-level cafe, and outdoor patio for an inviting, hospitable experience.
Image credit: Will Pryce
The hotel’s premier restaurant, The Desmond, boasts three dining areas totalling 112 covers – it’s a timeless destination restaurant, designed with a mix of historical and contemporary elements. The interior scheme weaves deep blue and greens as well as brighter tones to open up the space for an approachable setting that is also intimate in nature.
Kimpton Alma San Diego shelters 176 rooms and 35 suites – five of which are penthouse suites with two levels. The pool deck and ‘Leave of Absence’ lounge provide a 1,893 square-metre expanse where guests can swim, grab a quick bite, or simply take in some fresh coastal air.
Designed by award-winning hospitality design studio Indidesign, Alma expresses the uniqueness of the Southern Californian lifestyle. Instead of theming the hotel with a beachy and surfer aesthetic, Indidesign veered away from the stereotypical vision of San Diego and drew inspiration from the border city’s connection to Mexican heritage, street culture, and obsession with comic books to create a brand new identity for Alma, deeply rooted in its surroundings. Indidesign wanted guests to feel privileged, relaxed, surprised, and appreciated all while embracing Alma’s familiar spirit to feel right at home.
Image credit: Will Pryce
Alma’s design is simple yet complex with high attention to detail. The rooms are designed to look and feel residential with bright open spaces. All rooms feature small cacti that reference the local species of San Diego, along with meditation pillows and eco-friendly cork yoga mats for wellness.
Image credit: Will Pryce
One of the strongest design features is the window seating in the standard rooms that allow guests to immerse themselves in the city. In-room dining and work surfaces by the window were a key move to reinvent how the space functions. In the details, the accommodations are adorned with textiles and decor that pay homage to Mexican culture and the spa bathrooms in the guestrooms offer standalone tubs that further emphasise the feeling of wellness.
Image credit: Will Pryce
Indidesign created a large array of bespoke designs for Alma, including textiles, furniture, wall panelings, and wall coverings. Textile patterns were inspired by traditional Mexican motifs, with an Indidesign spin, along with handmade tapestries and convex mirrors set in handwoven baskets that cement the luxury lifestyle experience. The walls at Alma are a focal point, intended to draw the eye with a variety of artistic wall pieces—lacquered wall panelings with geometric motifs being one of them. In the guestrooms, unique wall organisers stand out as functional statement pieces. Wall coverings with a nod to graffiti and tattoo art fill the walls in some of the guest bathrooms. In the public areas, large murals from local artists and one-of-a-kind artworks illustrate the fun and laid-back attitude of San Diego.
An exclusive look at the new Bello Collection from Modieus
Hotel Designs was given exclusive access to the Modieus design duo Leah Manwaring and Debra Ryan on the launch of its hottest new collection, BELLO. Italian for good-looking, lovely and handsome, this fine-looking collection is beautifully designed with an unapologetic masculine nuance…
There are three distinct chapters to this Italian inspired design collection from Modieus and each chapter has an original colour palette, developed by the team as part of its 2023 colour trends forecast. Colours within BELLO range from soft pastels like lilac and celestial blue, to gold dusted highlights, watermelon magenta and both dark and light teal.
“The opulence and energy of this collection feels the right response for interiors in which they are intended,” discussed Leah Manwaring, Designer, Modieus. “People are going out and enjoying hospitality spaces. It’s like ‘revenge opulence’, a celebration of hospitality to make up for lost time over the past few years. 2023 will be all about layering. We see our patterns forming a backdrop for a variety of bold shapes, angular furniture and textured walls. Interior spaces are becoming bolder and multi-dimensional, so our patterns cultivate a mish-mash of floral, chequered or striped geometrics and plenty of textures.”
Image credit: Modieus
“We have loved seeing the trend of mixing old vintage pieces, alongside new contemporary elements gain in confidence,” added Debra Ryan, Designer, Modieus. “Opposites attract and our new designs are ‘pretty’ but incorporate a ‘masculine’ quality. The patterns within each chapter celebrate a mix of eras, textures, and colours. As designers, it’s been incredibly exciting creating a collection that reflects our colour and design trends for the year ahead. We encourage you to be playful and find your own Bello.”
Image credit: Modieus
Image credit: Modieus
The three distinct chapters within this Italian inspired design collection are a shout out to bling and over-the-top opulence – starting with PALAZZO. In Palazzo we discover an abundance of Art Deco line and geometric patterns alongside decadent, clashing content. Modieus take us on a journey from Greek mythology to modern Versace and from ornate baroque architecture to intricate Victorian tiles and elaborate damasks.
Image credit: Modieus
You cannot help but fall in love with the designs in the AMORE chapter. The beautifully drawn floral patterns in this collection work in harmony with the Art Deco inspired line designs. This decadent, clashing content layers elaborate Victorian ornamental scrolls with modern graphic shapes and textures.
Image credit: Modieus
FIORE, meaning flower in Italian, dazzles with its over-the-top opulence. The exuberance of the Modieus design team can be seen in the extravagant design scale and clashing content. Floral patterns and Art Nouveau designs share this pretty colour palette with hints of metallic highlights. dig deeper into the pattern and you might even find an Art Deco flying goose or two – this is joyous, fun, and exciting design at its best.
Image credit: Modieus
Image credit: Modieus
The Modieus Bello Collection was designed as part of its 2023 trends forecast. Each year the Modieus design team undertake a global study of colour, fashion and lifestyle influences to determine how these will affect commercial interior design. This year you will glimpse elements of the pastel hues of the WGSN-SS-23 colour palette and the vibrancy of Pantone’s colour of the year Viva Magenta – but in Bello it is perfectly paired with Pantone piccolo, an Italian expresso coffee. Bello is design celebration created for the hospitality sector. Each design can be recoloured or rescaled to create beautiful carpets, rugs or tiles.
Modieus is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Morgan collections are named after the places that inspired them and Design Director Erin Johnson explores the way geography can inspire design, taking us on a journey around the world in six Morgan collections...
From the feelings evoked by urban or rural landscapes to the captivating beauty of manmade and natural structures alike, the world is overflowing with inspiration. Unlike popular design trends, nature and longstanding architecture offer access to a more timeless aesthetic, which continues to resonate year after year. “At Morgan, we like to name our furniture collections after geographical places,” explained Erin Johnson, Design Director, Morgan. “While their names highlight where we’ve drawn our inspiration from, it’s not always in the way you might expect – sometimes it’s from a building, a series of bridges, a lake or even a feeling.”
Image credit: Morgan
Starting the journey in the Ticino canton of Switzerland, the southernmost canton of the country, Ticino stands out for its warm climate and is the point of inspiration for the Lugano Collection. The glacial Lake Lugano sits nestled in the western Alps – reminiscent of the way Lake Lugano is cradled amongst the mountains, Morgan’s Lugano collection features an upholstered seat and body which float within a strong timber frame. Comprising a lounge chair, small lounge chair and dining chair, the collection offers options to introduce embracing comfort into both formal and informal settings. Designed not only to reflect nature, but to respect it as well, Lugano avoids the need for full product replacement through its composition of three distinct elements, which can be individually updated or replaced.
Image credit: Morgan
Image credit: Morgan
Next, we head south to balmy northern Spain to be surrounded by verdant mountains in Bilbao. Sitting on the banks of the Nervion Estuary, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is internationally renowned not for both its exhibitions and its architecture. Its large undulating surfaces, defined by clean sharp lines, breathe life into the stationary structure. The Bilbao collection pays homage to this Franky Gehry-designed masterpiece, similarly combining crisp defined edges with gentle, organic surfaces. Like a much-needed retreat to Spain, Bilbao offers a relaxing, luxurious experience through its soft forms and sensuous upholstery.
Image credit: Morgan
Our travels take us to Africa next, to a 200 km stretch of the Kenyan coast, which is punctuated by dozens of kayas, or sacred forests. In these environments, trees are deeply respected by the locals who protect them. And so Kaya, a collection of three lounge chairs and two dining chairs, finds it roots in the openness, honesty and purity of trees. Through its cane detailing and individual, lightweight timber supports, Kaya evokes an atmosphere of ‘komorebi’, the Japanese word for sunshine filtering through leaves.
Image credit: Morgan
Heading further east and crossing several time zones, we find ourselves surrounded by the temples and shrines of Kyoto. When visiting any of Kyoto’s gardens, you are likely to come across yatsuhashi – a bridge consisting of eight overlapping planks of stone or wood, often in a zig-zag pattern. The Kyoto benches, like the iconic bridges, intersect to create informal seating, perfect for spacious venues. Elegant and minimalist, this dual-height seating encourages you to take a less direct route and to pause, sit and appreciate your surroundings from a new perspective.
Image credit: Morgan
Our penultimate stop is New Zealand on Rakino Island, to the northeast of Auckland. One of a cluster of small islands in the Hauraki Gulf, Rakino offers a welcome escape from the busy city, only a short boat ride away. It is perhaps no surprise that Rakino, designed by New Zealander Tim Rundle, should seek to evoke the feelings of calm and isolation that come with a break from urban life – even when specified in a bustling environment. A comfortable and inviting lounge chair, Rakino juxtaposes soft sculptured upholstery with a strong, low line frame.
Image credit: Morgan
Finally, we return to home to England where Goodwood House embodies 17th century stateliness a stone’s throw from the Morgan factory in West Sussex. While there are no limits to where the designers draw inspiration from, Morgan is proud to be ‘Made in Britain’. The Goodwood collection of armchairs and complementary coffee tables reflect the quality, authenticity and timelessness of the nearby estate after which it is named. The design simultaneously nods to tradition and challenges convention, with beautifully chamfered timber arms that stand out as sculptural elements against a simple upholstered backdrop.
Morgan is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Launched in 2022 during the Ligne Roset exhibition held at Palais de Tokyo, Paris, Marechiaro is a new shelving system designed by Philippe Nigro…
French product and furniture designer Philippe Nigro recently unveiled Marechirao, a new contemporary shelving unit for Ligne Roset that, by design, questions the traditional use of the bookshelf and its presence in space.
In addition to being a storage solution, the curvaceous unit also incorporates a screen, which is made up of a palisade – the architecture of this feature creates a subtle and soft boundary between areas.
Image credit: Ligne Roset Contract
The system is a screen-cabinet that on one side is aimed at storing books and objects – injecting personality into interior design schemes – and on the other side is a screen made up of wooden slats assembled in openwork to maintain a certain transparency. The duel-use – the dual identity, if you like – allows free and flexible use.
The system creates a ‘space within space’: thanks to these three modules (straight, concave and convex), the compositions offer infinite freedom in the creation of alcoves and perforated walls while adapting to the requirements of the architecture of the place.
Image credit: Ligne Roset Contract
In two-tone, the wooden slats add movement and surprise. They also allow Marechiaro to be apprehended differently depending on the angle of observation. On one side is a screen made up of triangular wooden slats assembled in an openwork to maintain a certain transparency. Magic comes with the treatment of the three sides of the triangular strut: two sides stained black with the third painted a hedonistic gold. This creates a visual trick of the eye as you move around it.
Image credit: Ligne Roset Contract
The shelving unit entirely made of machined solid wood comes in a choice of two finishes, NATURAL ASH – natural ash shelves / natural and black-stained slats and BLACK-STAINED ASH – black-stained ash shelves / ‘patine bronze’ (bronze patina) and black-stained slats.
Linge Roset Contact is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Introducing the first mass-produced 95% recycled content tile
The Sequel Principle collection, from Parkside and Alusid, represents a huge step forward for the ceramic tile industry as the world’s first mass produced 95 per cent recycled content tile.
With a tile body made entirely from by-products (post-consumer recycled glass and ceramic) of other manufacturing processes, Sequel Principle is based on technology that has taken a bold leap from a small batch production to a fully scalable process. Made by adapting the tile body to work in standard ceramic production facilities, Sequel Principle achieves a similar like-to-like cost as some other twice-fired tiles.
The original Sequel Vibe requires making each tile by hand from low value glass and ceramic waste with capacity of approximately 50 square metres per week. The new technique developed for Sequel Principle uses the same low value materials, but sources them after a further production process for finer granules that can enter the machine-operated ceramic tile production cycle. In turn, Sequel Principle enters the world of scalable production with current output of 1,000 square metres per day.
“The original process for Sequel Vibe demonstrated that it was possible to create a wall tile using a high content of recycled materials,” said Dan Little, Managing Director, Parkside. “However, as is often the case with developmental technology, it had manufacturing limitations. With the introduction of Sequel Principle, we’ve worked with Alusid, makers of Seque Vibe, to develop a production process that achieves mass-production that also uses less energy. It’s a big step forward for the industry.”
Sequel Principle also addresses the energy used during production by eliminating the spray drying of almost all ceramic tiles in mass production today. An energy and resource intensive process, this means that Sequel Principle uses approximately 35 per cent less energy and approximately 75 per cent less water than a similarly produced ceramic tile.
Founded in 2015, Alusid is the result of a research project at the University of Central Lancashire. Setting out to explore ways in which waste and low-value materials destined for landfill could be re-purposed into versatile surface materials, Professor David Binns and Dr Alasdair Bremner developed an innovative and aesthetically versatile surface material made from glass, ceramics and mineral waste.
As such, it becomes the world’s first mass produced 95 per cent recycled content tile. In fact, the body of Sequel Principle is entirely made from recycled materials. Alusid is looking at reducing the impact of the glaze to provide further environmental gain for the product in future iterations.
Sequel Principle echoes a similar hand-made aesthetic to Vibe, with a colour and depth in each of the four tones inspired by the Victorian period. With classic style that remains timeless and elegant, the tiles look impressive in any setting. Measuring 29.5 x 7.3 x 0.8 cm, Sequel Principle is available in colours of green, amber, blue and white.
Parkside is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Product watch: introducing Orology from BAGNODESIGN
Orology from BAGNODESIGN is a contemporary, cosmopolitan collection of high-end bathroom mixers that have been ‘crafted to perfection’…
BAGNODESIGN, the trend-leading luxury bathroom brand from Sanipex Group, introduces Orology, a collection of high-class bathroom mixers that are sleek and contemporary.
Combining trend with tactility, Orology uniquely draws inspiration from stylish watch bezels, with its versatile features offering a sense of understated luxury, allowing variations and combinations to maintain timeless contemporary elegance.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
With flexibility and functionality at its core, the Orology brassware collection comes in five stunning finishes to offer the ultimate luxury of choice in bathroom design. The versatile options include PVD Gold, Anthracite, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Soft Bronze, each adding individual perspective and depth to the finish.
The PVD Gold sets an example for achieved luxury aesthetics, blended with glamour and style, while the Anthracite hits notes of dark, moody, sporty, and functional. Chrome and Brushed Nickel combine contemporary luxury with understated elegance, while the Soft Bronze finish offers an industrial chic look, all of which are unmatched in quality and finesse.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
Offering much more than mixers for your bathroom, BAGNODESIGN also presents a diverse selection of furniture options to match each finish, including stylish terrazzo, matt black, alpine and marble integrated basins, stylewood grain furniture, and statuario tops. The Orology range comes with complete solutions for vanity units showcasing the fluted design, additional bathroom accessories, bathtubs, and sleek shower heads that spoil you for choice.
Sanipex Group is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
First look: Zaha Hadid Design collections launching at Milan Design Week 2023
Here’s our editor’s pick – highlighting four looks and collections that Zaha Hadid Design is launching during Milan Design Week 2023, which takes place April 18 – 23…
Since 2006, when Zaha Hadid Design (ZHD) was established by celebrated architect Zaha Hadid, challenging form, structure and conventional approaches to design has been in the DNA of the studio.
From lighting to furniture, artefacts to garments, each item created by the team at the studio, led by Maha Kutay and Woody Yao, is a statement that confronts contemporary design with unapologetic style. The team are constantly pushing boundaries by implementing the latest technology and material advancements with a thorough methodological approach, often in collaboration with other brands.
With Milan Design Week approaching, the interior design and architecture industry is questioning what is next for brands like ZHD that are fuelled by innovation. Well, we have been teased with a sneak preview on what the studio will be launching and, in true ZHD style, it’s all about form, structure and materials.
Seyun – a collaboration between Zaha Hadid Design and Karimoku
Image credit: Masaki Ogawa
Seyun is a collection of wooden furniture – comprising of a chair, an armchair and a table – that explores the juxtaposition between the hardness of the material wood and the sense of lightness achieved through the design.
The furniture pieces, designed by ZHD and crafted in wood by Karimoku Furniture, are composed as a series of conjoined asymmetrical surfaces that reference Zaha Hadid‘s univocal sense of aesthetic whilst conveying a sense of elegance and standing.
Image credit: Masaki Ogawa
Blending traditional Japanese woodworking techniques with contemporary design, the items from the Seyun collection are distinguished by the natural aesthetic of the material wood and the distinctive design idiom of Zaha Hadid. The collection will be available in a select number of finishes that support both the dynamic flow of the design and the natural grain of the wood.
“Karimoku Furniture proves to be an ideal partner for Zaha Hadid Design,” commented Kutay. “Their accuracy and excellent quality of execution exquisitely match our distinctive design language and uncompromising attention to detail.”
The collection will make its international debut this year in a striking exhibition at the historic MUSEO Bagatti Valsecchi, in Milan’s city centre.
Aria Infinita – a collaboration between Zaha Hadid Design and Slamp
Image credit: Zaha Hadid Design
The collaboration between ZHD and Slamp gave rise in 2013 to Aria and Avia, a project that expressed Slamp’s approach to lighting innovation. Aria Infinita is a mutated representation of Aria; it combines dynamism and sculptural features, conveying ZHD’s distinctive approach: sinuous lines and bold geometries inform this design, delivering a powerful and scenographic experience.
The result is surprising and goes beyond the traditional concept of lighting: Aria Infinita is a modular system that, starting from a minimum extension of 4.7 metres, can be ideally replicated to fit any dimension, suiting private as well as public environments.
The Aria and Avia light sculptures, which were created ten years ago, are precisely the starting point for the creation of Aria Infinita: the sheets that follow one other in the structure are in fact the same ones that now harmoniously assume imposing formats, open and develop linearly in space, creating a large sinusoidal wave, available in white and gold colours.
“We couldn’t be happier to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our collaboration with Slamp,” said Yao on the relationship. “We do not see them simply as clients, yet as part of our family, Slamp shares our ethos, we approach our contemporaneity with the same curiosity and optimism, and I think this is evident in the work we develop together.”
Plush – a collaboration between Zaha Hadid Design and Sawaya & Moroni
Image credit: Sawaya Moroni
First designed by Zaha Hadid in 2007, Plush wasn’t prototyped until 2016, just prior the architect’s passing, before it was remodelled and finalised in 2022 by the studio.
Combining ergonomics with a voluptuous, sculptural design, Plush for Sawaya Moroni redefines the sofa typology by magnifying the relation between object and space. The curvilinear design transmits the natural beauty and tranquility of pebbles and rock formations eroded by natural elements, allowing the piece to be perceived and appreciated from any perspective and point of view – aptly fitting in any environment as a true centrepiece, subtly combining the solidity of the structural components with the softness of the upholstery and the cushioning, while the lacquered finish enhances the overall composition.
Filari – a collaboration between Zaha Hadid Design and Citco
Image credit: Zaha Hadid Design
Citco and ZHD’s long-standing relationship, which includes the innovation of sculptural vases and tables made from marble, continues this year with a new chapter for both brands. Cue the launch of Filari, a new range of dynamically designed wall features and standalone floor sculptures that reflect the studio’s signature fluid architectural form – as seen, for example, in the ME Dubai, which was the first hotel to open, sheltering work from both ZHD and Zaha Hadid Architects.
Sustainable hotel brand Beyond Green grows its global portfolio
Beyond Green, a global portfolio of the planet’s most sustainable hotels, recently welcomed five new member properties in locations ranging from Miami Beach, Florida, Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Maine, through to Italy…
As the portfolio consciously grows, Beyond Green strives to represent a diversity of hotels that demonstrate impact in action across a wide variety of environments, whether they be urban or rural and across land or sea. The new offerings come on the tail of a year of growth for Beyond Green, which saw new properties in Canada, Spain, and the Caribbean in 2022.
Since its launch in 2021 by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green continues to thoughtfully expand its footprint in destinations around the globe and is proud to welcome the following properties to its global portfolio, which now consists of 31 hotels, resorts and lodges across 18 countries.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort, set along the shores of South Lake Tahoe and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is a multi-award-winning, LEED Silver Certified property, which blends outdoor brilliance with upscale accommodations reminiscent of historic Alpine lodges of the American West. With a renowned golf course, expansive spa, three dining outlets, upscale recreation facilities and outdoor adventures just moments away, this 154-guestroom destination beckons selective travellers from all over the world. The resort’s commitment to a legacy of land stewardship and environmental development runs through all levels of development and Edgewood Tahoe continues to deepen its sustainability promise since opening its doors in 2017, with electric car charging stations, recycling and community clean-up programmes, a reduction of water and chemical usage, increasing wildlife habitat at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Image caption: Inn by the Sea | Image credit: Preferred Hotels
Located on a mile of unspoiled sandy beach on the coast of Maine, minutes from the trendy town of Portland, Inn by the Sea offers 62 modern guestrooms and one- or two-bedroom suites with private exterior entrances, serving as a year-round coastal sanctuary to explore the rugged New England coast. The seaside property has been a hospitality destination dating back to 1950, growing throughout the years while honouring its quintessential New England charm in a cosy, contemporary way. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the resort’s intimate spa with sea inspired services or indulge in local and sustainable cuisine in the ocean view dining room, Sea Glass. Inspired by its natural coastal surroundings, The Inn blends luxury and service with environmental preservation through eco-friendly initiatives and an appreciation of all things local. The landscape is designed to be attractive to butterflies and guests, with indigenous nectar gardens and milkweed planted for endangered butterflies, while also continually working to restore habitat for endangered New England Cottontail Rabbits. Guests enjoy natural room amenities and reusable glass water bottles while activities include beach ecology walks with a naturalist, or morning yoga in the LEED certified spa.
Image caption: The Palms Hotel & Spa | Image credit: Preferred Hotels
A tranquil tropical Art Deco oasis in the heart of vibrant Miami Beach, the 251-guestroom The Palms Hotel & Spa offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and direct access to the iconic beach. Inspired by nature, the oceanfront resort places a unique emphasis on health and total wellness, with green practices and environmental awareness at the centre of every experience. From holistic Ayurvedic spa treatments at The Palms AVEDA Spa, to mindfully sourced cuisine with seasonally rotating specials highlighting locally grown produce and farmers, The Palms Hotel & Spa is committed to being in harmony with the surrounding nature through local environmental and community partnerships and initiatives. Sharing its delicate oceanfront home with sea turtles and other wildlife, the hotel is operating with close to zero disposable plastics throughout the property while having implemented a fully automated in-room energy management system to control lighting and air conditioning, as well as comprehensive recycling and beach clean-up programmes to help conserve its environment.
Image caption:Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda | Image credit: Preferred Hotels
Nestled high atop a hill hugging the western shores of Italy’s Lake Garda, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda stuns travellers with panoramic views of the Riviera dei Limoni and its famed citrus groves, olive trees and one-of-a-kind lakeside landscape. Guests are greeted by a pair of elegant gates which swing open to reveal a park-like estate dotted with shady woodlands and sweeping lawns leading up to one of northern Italy’s most beautiful wellness retreats.
Opening its doors in 2008, the five star resort offers 96 suites, more than 400 square metres of dedicated spa space and two restaurants and bars with a focus on healthy, seasonal Mediterranean dishes. Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings with minimal environmental impact, the property maintains that the well-being of every person is connected to environmental well-being. Lefay Resorts is the first Italian company in the tourism sector to sign an agreement with the Ministry of the Environment for projects aimed at neutralising CO2 emissions. Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda has been completely offsetting its carbon emissions since 2013, making it the first tourism facility in southern Europe to obtain the prestigious Green Globe certification.
Set in Italy’s iconic Dolomites is the fifth and final addition to the portfolio – Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is one of the most scenic places to stay within Italy’s Dolomite region. The second jewel in the Lefay Resorts Collection balances beautiful and integrative architecture with an atmosphere dedicated to both energising physical activity and the ultimate in rest and relaxation.
Welcoming guests since 2019, the resort’s 88 spacious suites and 21 residences are set amid the mountain scenery of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can enjoy their choice of two gourmet restaurants and bars, one of the largest spas in the Alps at 5,000 square metres and all-season access to mountain sports and activities like skiing, trekking, cycling and more. The ClimaHotel-certified CO2 free resort is dedicated to containing its energy consumption through a high level of insulation and an investment in state-of-the-art technologies that create renewable energy sources with high production systems such as its biomass furnace and a co-generation plant.
Bette, the specialist for bathroom products made from titanium steel, dropped two major gamechangers for hotel designers at ISH: a simplified shower tray installation solution and new, sleek washbasins…
Last week, ISH 2023 in Frankfurt showcased a plethora of innovative products to enter the contract bathroom market. Among them were new designs from Bette.
The bathroom brand known for its unique manufacturing process launched two new collections, BetteBalance and Bettelevel – here’s everything you need to know about them.
BetteBalance – washbasins with defined edges and almost weightless lightness in design
As a material for washbasins, glazed titanium steel offers significant advantages in terms of resilience and ease of cleaning. It also allows the creation of extremely slender, but durable products, with defined edges and almost weightless lightness in design. With BetteBalance, Bette is introducing four new bowl washbasins made of this material, which is as robust as it is elegant. With them, different areas of use and styles can be realised in one design language.
Image credit: Bette
Developed for Bette by Tesseraux & Partner, there are four built-in and surface-mounted variants of BetteBalance. All have an ergonomically optimised, circular inner body with a diameter of 395mm, with the interior optimised both in terms of visual appeal and to minimise the splashing of water.
The undermounted and built-in washbasins are the classics for installation in bathroom furniture, with the slender rim created in only the thickness of the material itself. A cylindrical countertop washbasin and a washbasin bowl complete the range. This system of creating four variants from one bowl shape reduces manufacturing costs – and means the washbasins can be priced competitively compared to other materials.
The BetteBalance bowl basins are available in four styles and in numerous colours, including matt colours and sparkling effect colours.
The central waste outlet with enamelled cover, echoes the large waste outlet of the successful BetteAir shower tray. To create a flawless, easy-care surface, the basins do not have an overflow hole, with the waste remaining open, although covered, at all times.
BetteLevel – shower tray installation done smart
Developed in conjunction with installers, BetteLevel is a new approach to shower tray installation, which makes it significantly easier and faster, and works with shower trays of all sizes. The new system revolutionises the process of mounting, levelling, and adjusting the shower tray to the desired height. Until now, this has usually been done using a frame, however, as frames have to be assembled and adjusted in height using screws, it can be a time-consuming process.
Image credit: Bette
Image credit: Bette
The new self-locking foot system makes the process much simpler and faster, with no extra tools required. The unique, patented self-locking, telescopic feet are simply glued to the shower tray. The shower tray is then raised to the desired height and the feet lock in place automatically. If any adjustment is required, the lock can be released by lifting the shower tray, and the process repeated to lock the feet at the correct height. Once level and at the correct height, the waste can be installed, and the tiling can be done.
Bette is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Naomi Heaton, CEO and Founder of The Other House, joined the Hotel Hypnos podcast to discuss what it takes to become a ‘real disrupter’ on the hotel hospitality scene…
When The Other House South Kensington opened in 2022, designed by Bergman Design House with architecture by Falcon Chester Hall, the hospitality industry applauded Naomi Heaton’s vision to combine the service of hotels, the experience of private members’ clubs and the feeling of home under one roof. Not only did Heaton and her entourage cause welcomed disruption to the already thriving London hotel scene, The Other House arrived with unapologetic style – think clashing, maximalist patterns throughout paired with calming rooms, or Club Flats as the brand calls them.
“We are called a Residents’ Club, because we want to combine the best of hotels with the best of residential living and the best of a club environment,” Heaton said on the Hotel Hypnos podcast recently. “People want experiences, they want to feel relaxed, they want to get the most out of where they’re staying and we see that as the future of travel.”
The unique experience offered to residents by a ‘real disruptor’ in the hospitality marketplace forms the focus of the latest in a series of highly informative interviews with hospitality experts, brought to life by bed and mattress leaders, Hypnos Contract Beds, which the design team specified in the brand’s first property to maximise guest comfort and sleep performance. Heaton added: “Working together with Hypnos has helped us achieve that feeling of comfort at home, they are a key partner for us and have provided 295 beautiful Lansdowne Cashmere beds for our Club Flats.”
Image credit: The Other House
In addition to the hotel sheltering some serious style, it is also consciously, environmentally and socially aware. “Sustainability is a key motivator in everything we do,” Heaton explained on the podcast. “We are committed to making a positive environmental impact, which includes vetting our suppliers practices, carrying out lifecycle assessments to inform selection and actively minimising our carbon footprint and emissions. Thanks to Hypnos’ sustainability and ethical ethos, working with them has helped us to realise our goal of being a more socially responsible business.”
Hypnos Contract Beds offers true comfort with integrity, providing versatile and sustainable solutions for hospitality properties to help maximise occupancy and profits, while offering a hassle-free service solution, including in-room installation and old bed disposal and recycling.
Hypnos Contract Beds is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Introducing La Valise Tulum – luxury hospitality in the jungle
The Mexican collection of boutique hotels, Namron Hospitality, opened its fifth luxury hotel in Tulum – La Valise Jungle – comprising 11 brand new suites on the jungle side of Tulum Beach…
After successfully opening La Valise Mexico City, Tulum captured the heart of hotelier Yves Naman. In all his travels, he had never encountered a place as wild, raw and magically inspiring as Tulum. Naman was so enamoured with the location that he decided to create the ultimate boutique hotel experience there. He purchased a small beach house and transformed it into an 11-key boutique hotel, giving birth to La Valise Tulum.
In 2022, the hotel expanded with 11 additional jungle suites and a luxurious SPA sanctuary located on a separate property across the street from the beach. La Valise is now a two-wing property, spanning its original beachfront and new jungle accommodations.
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
La Valise SPA is located on the jungle side and caters to both hotel guests and external visitors. Upon arrival at La Valise Tulum, guests will be struck by the meticulous attention to detail, which begins at check-in and extends throughout their stay. Amidst Tulum’s lush jungle, guests will hear the gentle sound of the Caribbean Sea as they make their way along winding white-sand paths to their oceanside or jungle-view suites. Each suite is adorned with palatial palapa roofs and decadent locally crafted décor, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
As guests enter the jungle, they are immediately transported into a world of tranquillity, surrounded by the sounds of nature. At the heart of the jungle lies a cenote that defines the true luxury of leisure. For those seeking even more seclusion, there are five additional La Valise signature rolling bed suites where guests can indulge in a dreamy escape.
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
The décor at La Valise captures the natural mysticism of Tulum while perpetuating the eccentricity of the La Valise name. The combination makes guests feel like they are hanging out in the beachfront living room of their most cultured, gypset and affluent best friend. Respect is paid to the quality and beauty of local materials such as chukum, a stucco made from Mayan rubber trees and re-imagined palapa thatched roofs. Woven reed lamps and tropical wood wall adornments look more like sculptures than accents. Every inch of La Valise elevates local craftsmanship with its seasoned eye, giving it that je ne sais quoi of enchantment.
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
Sheltering a variety of beachside, garden and jungle-side guestrooms, all are generous and impeccably designed. Guestrooms all focus on and have access to the surrounding nature, with high palapa roofs handwoven by Mayan artisans and handcrafted art and objects from the region. Each room features a spacious bathroom, shower, bathtub, king-size bed, air conditioning and refreshing ceiling fans.
Image credit: Sofia Hernadez
The impressive jungle setting also houses the restaurant NÜ, where chef Luis Aguilar sources the freshest ingredients, preserving sustainable methods of cooking and continuously innovating flavour creations. Alchemising diverse and rare ingredients from the Caribbean sea and Mayan jungle, NÜ Tulum has created a vibrant local cuisine, earning it recognition as one of the five best restaurants in Yucatan. The lush gardens also accommodate an impressive curation of live music, art and cultural gatherings, where guests can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails while dancing under the stars.
With the demand for biophilic design growing, Leaflike brings a complete end-to-end solution to the table for incorporating nature into hotel design…
Hoteliers and designers are increasingly seeing the benefits of bringing nature to the forefront of hotel and hospitality design. But, as Leaflike asserts, biophilic design is about more than just adding a few plants to a space, it is also about creating a connection between people and nature by incorporating natural elements into the design of a space.
Leaflike is skilled, not only in planting design for luxury hotels and hospitality spaces, but also in understanding that the job doesn’t end with the design. The biophilic brand works closely with clients to understand their needs and create custom designs that meet the specific and ongoing requirements.
“We find time and time again that clients come to us because they have experienced disappointment in the post-installation phase, where they have less support and understanding of how to look after the plants to maximise their lifespan, or that the maintenance programme they are given isn’t up to scratch,” explained Liam Abernethie, Head of Client Relations, Leaflike. ” With poor follow-up, some areas can look tired fairly quickly – something that will certainly be noticed by discerning guests.”
Image credit: Leaflike
As any successful hotelier knows, providing an excellent experience for guests requires attention to detail in every aspect of a property. From the design and décor, to the customer service and maintenance, every element must be perfect to create a memorable stay. Leaflike has set itself apart with design-driven planting for luxury hotels and hospitality spaces – so what does it take to make that difference and reassure hoteliers that the designs will look good long after installation?
Key to this process is understanding that hotels have unique needs and challenges, such as maintaining the plants in high-traffic areas, or ensuring that the design complements the overall aesthetic of the property. Leaflike is dedicated to finding solutions to these challenges and ensuring that the final product meets all expectations. Importantly, the support continues post-installation as the team regularly monitors the plants and makes adjustments as needed, to ensure that the space remains beautiful and healthy.
Image credit: Leaflike
Leaflike is committed to giving hotels the best in design, customer service, installation and maintenance. The combination of these elements is brought together in the ‘Leaflike Promise’. This is a set of service commitments, which ensures that hotels have the very best experience, a Leaflike experience, from initial inquiry to a fully-fledged maintenance service. Clients remain informed, relaxed and safe in the knowledge that everything will be taken care of from a design perspective, along with the longer term practicalities of effective maintenance and great communication for hotel teams.
Leaflike also understands the importance of sustainability, which is a core value of the business. Having recently received the EcoVadis Gold Award in Sustainability, it is committed to both sustainability and making ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact. This is done by advocating eco-friendly materials whenever possible and working with clients to develop sustainable solutions that meet everyone’s needs in the process of transforming hotels into unforgettable oases of nature.
Leaflike is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Marriott signs agreement to open 8 hotels in Saudi Arabia
Marriott International inks a landmark agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight hotels in Saudi Arabia, which will contribute to approximately 4,400 rooms across various brands…
The anticipated openings will feature approximately 4,400 rooms across eight of the company’s brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott.
“There is a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation in Madinah and we are delighted to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to support the enhancement and diversification of the city’s hospitality landscape,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “This multi-deal agreement also strengthens our footprint in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see strong growth momentum in line with the Kingdom’s vision for its tourism sector.”
The eight planned properties include The Ritz-Carlton, Rua Al Madinah which is slated to offer 151 luxurious rooms and suites including a signature Ritz-Carlton suite, multiple dining concepts, a 500-square-metre ballroom, an expansive fitness centre and Ritz Kids space. JW Marriott Rua Al Madinah is anticipated to feature 252 well-appointed guestrooms and suites along with multiple dining concepts, a fitness centre and meeting room facilities.
“The agreement with one of the world’s leading hospitality operators brings the Rua Al Madinah project a step closer to realising its ambitions to further enrich Madinah city’s Hajj and Umrah services,” commented Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding Company. “This collaboration will culminate in the launch of eight new hotels and nearly 4.400 rooms that will serve both residents as well as visitors from around the world looking to visit Madinah.”
Plans for Madinah Marriott Hotel Rua Al Madinah include 450 spacious guest rooms and suites in addition to dining, recreation, and meeting facilities. Le Méridien Rua Al Madinah is expected to feature 533 modern guest rooms and suites, and three dining concepts alongside recreation and meeting facilities. The Westin Rua Al Madinah is anticipated to comprise 361 spacious rooms and suites, three dining outlets, a fitness centre, a kids club, and meeting facilities.
Four Points by Sheraton Rua Al Madinah anticipates 777 modern rooms and apartments, two all-day dining concepts, spacious meeting facilities, and a fitness centre. Aloft Rua Al Madinah and Courtyard by Marriott Rua Al Madinah are expected to offer a combined 1,810 rooms and suites, 1,100 sqm of meeting space facilities, and multiple dining and recreation offerings.
The expected openings in Madinah are part of Marriott International’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia where the company’s current portfolio encompasses 36 properties and more than 10,000 rooms across 11 of its brands.
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company is responsible for the development masterplan for the Rua Al Madinah project and some other real estate projects in the Holy City of Madinah as one of the key initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The development of the Rua Al Madinah Project is expected to cover 1.5 million square meters, including 47,000 new rooms by 2030. Approximately 63 per cent of the project’s master plan will consist of open spaces. Integrated transportation solutions such as bus stops, and underground parking are anticipated to facilitate easy access to the Prophets’ Mosque and support residential and commercial activity within the master development.
voco hotels celebrates 100 properties signed and opened
voco, the emerging IHG Hotels & Resorts’ brand, has reached a significant milestone in just five years of its first-ever hotel opening…
Launched in 2018, voco hotels has quickly become the fastest-growing brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Premium collection with properties in 18 countries and new-to-market hotels opening in Japan, Kenya, Spain and India. With 46 open hotels and 55 hotels in the pipeline, voco continues to be a key driver of IHG’s overall growth in the conversion space.
The rapid expansion of the upscale conversion brand reflects the strength of IHG’s enterprise platform through which hotel owners can grow their business by being part of the brand distribution channels, relaunched app and transformed loyalty programme. With a design and operational framework conducive to conversion, the brand empowers owners to carry through their own unique vision for each property, ensuring its legacy and historical connections to the surrounding community remain strong.
Image caption: voco Auckland City Centre | Image credit: voco
“The voco brand has grown at a phenomenal pace over the last five years and is an integral part of IHG’s growing family of 18 brands comprising over 6,000 global hotels, and supported by the industry-leading IHG One Rewards loyalty programme,” said Julie Cheesman, Head of voco Hotels global at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “voco is popular with hotel owners around the world as they can get fast access to our enterprise platform and benefit from the brand’s high levels of guest satisfaction globally. As the global expansion of voco continues, we are excited to remain on track to grow to 200 voco hotels around the world within 10 years since launch.”
Image caption: voco Dubai the Palm | Image credit: voco
The brand’s three hallmarks – ‘come on in’, ‘me time’ and ‘voco life’ – are woven into the hotels’ DNA. From a swift check-in and a locally inspired welcome treat upon arrival, to big, comfy beds and vibrant bar and restaurants spaces, voco brings a distinctive charm to every stay. In addition to its charming feel, the brand was built on sustainability and aims to look after the planet with the same care as it looks after guests. The hotels have 100 per cent recycled pillow and duvet fillings and refillable, plant-based bathroom amenities. They also support local sustainability initiatives at individual hotels such as estate-grown vegetables at Australia’s voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley or the Hotels for Trees programme at voco The Hague, where a tree is planted for every night a guest chooses not to have their room cleaned.
Image credit: voco
Last year voco expanded into new markets, including Southeast Asia with voco Orchard Singapore, Africa with voco Johannesburg Rosebank and Latin America with voco Guadalajara Neruda in Mexico. The brand was also recognised as the World’s Leading Premium Hotel Brand due to its top guest satisfaction scores at the World Travel Awards and shows no signs of slowing down. Since then, the brand has continued to grow in key markets, with its eighth hotel in Greater China with voco Hefei Binhu, sixth hotel in the US with voco Chicago Downtown, its fourth in Australasia with voco Brisbane City Centre and its third in Dubai with voco Dubai The Palm.
Notable voco openings in 2023 cross the globe include properties from Paris to New York, with more than a few inbetween. In New York, voco Fiorello – La Guardia East is set to open in Flushing, NY this summer. The hotel is due to have 116 guestrooms and is the third voco signing by the same owner. Located in northern Paris, voco Paris Porte De Clichy is due to open this summer after its conversion from a Holiday Inn property. The hotel will be one of voco’s flagship properties, with particular attention being paid to the use of sustainable materials. The hotel is just four stops on the Paris Metro from the Musée Du Louvre and will feature several upscale food and beverage outlets.
Set on the borders of Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex in the UK, Lythe Hill Hotel in Surrey, will complete its rebrand to voco Lythe Hill Hotel in 2023. The elegant Tudor property will feature 99 stylish guestrooms plus an oak-beamed restaurant, gym and spa. The Surrey market town of Haslemere is nearby with direct trains to London, and the National Trust area Blackdown and the South Downs National Park are both on the doorstep.
Image caption: voco Osaka | Image credit: voco
Opening in early summer, voco Osaka Central will be the first voco property to open in Japan. Conveniently situated in central Osaka, the hotel will provide warmly hosted service, inspired design, superb dining and sustainable touches like aerated shower heads, indulgent eco bedding and filtered water. The hotel lobby and restaurant décor will be modern and contemporary, whilst including historical elements from the original Kyomachi building and some of the guestrooms will have Tatami mats.
The first voco in Vietnam will open later this year with voco Ma Belle Danang. The hotel is located close to My Khe Beach and just 20 minutes’ drive from Danang International Airport. Guestrooms will have spectacular views of the coastline or cityscape, there will be a luxurious spa with a rooftop infinity pool and a choice of bars and restaurants including the rooftop Lobby Lounge, ideal for a sunset sundowner.
Beyond the covers of the Hotel Guest Experience Report from Geberit
Created in collaboration with some of the UK’s top industry experts, Geberit has released its Hotel Guest Experience Report for 2023. We paged through to have a look at what has become a valuable design resource…
Now in its third year, the Hotel Guest Experience Report delves into the current challenges and opportunities facing the hotel industry and serves as a resource for those designing hotels of the future. The report starts with a foreword from Ruth Slavid, a writer and editor specialising in architecture, landscape, lighting and construction. Slavid summarises the focus areas in the report including automation and hotels in the digital age, the importance of good storytelling and tackling skills shortages.
“We’re excited to collaborate with industry experts to discuss the current and future market trends that will impact the hospitality industry this year,” said Sophie Weston, Marketing Manager at Geberit UK. “As the hotel industry continues to evolve, we aim to provide valuable insights that will lead to exceptional guest experiences. In turn, this will generate repeat bookings and recommendations, creating long-term benefits for hoteliers.”
Image credit: Geberit
The must-read report includes contribution from Jane Pendlebury, CEO at The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA), who explores technology in the sector and examines the potential for the industry to become fully automated. Also included is Wren Loucks, CEO & Creative Director at Be-kin, an award-winning interior design studio, who examines ritual, sensory rich experiences and social sustainability in hotel design. Loucks looks at how the differences in sensorial, cognitive, and physical abilities can be catered to by designing facilities to suit a range of needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, neurodiversity and an ageing population.
Image credit: Geberit
A main challenge the sector continues to face is staffing, which John Mullen, Senior Territory Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Revinate, discusses in the report. The Covid-19 pandemic meant that 121 million of the 330 million jobs in tourism around the world were lost in 2020, leading to nearly one in three jobs needing to be rehired when travel returned. Mullen emphasises the challenge of filling essential jobs in hospitality and tourism to make sure high-quality service is sustained and whether technology can play a part in maximising the guest experience.
Finally, Alon Baranowitz of Baranowitz + Kronenberg Architecture talks through the relevance of storytelling in the age of information and the art of inspiring guests with powerful stories.
Image credit: Geberit
By encouraging debate within this report and sponsoring initiatives such as Hotel Designs’ DESIGN POD, Geberit continually drives the hospitality industry forward to discuss and develop new and improved customer experiences.
Geberit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Sneak peek: inside Australia’s soon-to-be tallest hotel
Soaring 80 storeys above the city’s central business district, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will redefine luxury in the city with its extraordinary design, exceptional experiences and breathtaking views…
Preparing to open its doors, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has already made a lasting impression on the city skyline. With its statement architectural design by Cottee Parker Architects, it is opening as one of the tallest hotels in Australia and certainly the tallest in Melbourne. Designed with materials inspired by the unique stories of the city, the hotel presents luxury accommodation, signature dining experiences across both restaurant and bar, holistic wellness spaces and an iconic infinity pool, as well as world-class meeting and event facilities and services.
Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
“We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Melbourne,” said Antony Page, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. “With design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalised service, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will deliver an experience tailored to today’s luxury guest and deeply connected to this vibrant city.”
With its lobby located on level 80 above 257 stylish hotel guestrooms and suites, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is anchored by a profound sense of place. Blending the brands refined luxury with an authentic Australian experience, the property celebrates the country’s ancient stories and vibrant cultures, filtered through a distinctly Melbourne lens. From the works by local artists to hyper-local culinary adventures, from unique Melbournian décor to regionally inspired spa journeys, guests will be encouraged to connect with the pulse and creativity of the city and to engage with the exciting diversity of its surrounds.
Hilton’s signature luxury hotel brand is set to open the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island – signalling the debut of the brand in the Seychelles. Here’s what we know…
Creating a new benchmark for luxury in the Indian Ocean, the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island resort lies just over 130 kilometres south of Mahé, in a pristine atoll fringed by palm forests, with migratory seabirds and turtles, protected by its own lagoon and coral reef. The resort will be home to a collection of 50 seafront villas, featuring up to five-bedroom villas for unique vacation experiences, each equipped with its own private pool and personal concierge. Home to native Hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, manta rays and whale sharks, much of Platte Island’s surrounding scenery remains beautifully untouched, promising a plethora of firsts and an unrivalled sense of magic for guests.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
“In the two decades I have called remote tropical islands a home, I have never witnessed an island as pristine as Platte Island, nor one so teaming with wildlife, where it is possible to glimpse endangered turtles laying eggs, eagle rays and reef sharks ribboning along the lagoon,” said Elias Pertoft, General Manager, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. “This combined with the elegant Waldorf Astoria service and personalised guest experiences is a winning combination that will redefine luxury in the Seychelles. I look forward to welcoming guests to this landmark destination.”
Image credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
The resort will feature six restaurants and bars, offering a collection of culinary experiences that celebrate the bounty of fruit and vegetables grown on Platte Island. The Waldorf Spa will offer a serene destination for holistic wellbeing, featuring six treatment rooms, a beauty salon, hammam, spa suite and serene outdoor spaces that blend harmoniously to offer guests an unparalleled spa experience.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
As part of the resort’s Travel with Purpose commitment, the Platte Island property will use a solar field to create renewable energy across most of its operations. The island’s garden will provide a large portion of its fruits and vegetables, which will deliver a sustainable farm-to-table culinary experience for guests.
The highly anticipated opening of Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island will take Hilton’s Seychelles portfolio to five hotels as it further expands its footprint in the destination, joining Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles -Allamanda Resort and Spa. Hilton also expects to open Canopy by Hilton Mahé this year.
Miniview: Casa Hoyos – bringing Mexican modernism into the mix
Located within a carefully restored villa, Casa Hoyos combines its colonial heritage with a chic eclecticism that incorporates avant-garde elements developed through regional artisanal techniques…
Located in downtown San Miguel de Allende, the property that has been transformed by A–G Interior Studio has belonged to the Hoyos family for four generations. Today, reimagined as Casa Hoyos, it still boasts its distinctive signature colonial features, while incorporating elements of Mexican modernism, such as pure concrete, textured glass, tiling, steel framing and black contours. The design showcases a transition that goes from historic and traditional to emotional and vibrant.
Image credit: Casa Hoyos
The history of the colonial building that houses Casa Hoyos is the crucial pillar that has driven the design identity of this boutique hotel. The property was originally acquired by Julián Hoyos at the beginning of the 20th century and was the first currency exchange bureau in town. Later, Julián and his family decided to start a grain and seed store that would later be known colloquially as ‘El Banco del Frijol’ or ‘Bean Bank’ due to the singular mix of commercial activities. The sequence of the different generations of the family allowed this project to be converted into a hotel rich in details. Today, the iconic building belongs to the fourth generation, who, together with A–G Studio, pay tribute to the family legacy through the reimagination of this unique accommodation.
Image credit: Diego Padilla
Image credit: Diego Padilla
The starting point of the design was the style of an old Spanish manor where tradition and different metaphors speak to one another through colour and pattern. In each of its 16 guestrooms, Mexican design is introduced through unique artisanal pieces such as lamps, calaca armchairs, mirrored plant pots, and woven tapestries, which together highlight a custom-designed environment for the newest chapter in the history of this space. Yellow predominates in the palette and is a vibrant statement carried by the glazed clay tiles that, placed in a certain way, symbolise a corn cob. A range of ochre and red tones is present on different floors as well as in some wool textiles, which were handmade in the state of Guanajuato.
Image credit: Casa Hoyos
Following the guidelines of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) to conserve the nation’s heritage, the challenge was to restore the main courtyard and build from scratch, on the back of the property, a contemporary space that would strengthen and preserve the original identity of the building, giving it the genuine bohemian style that characterises the essence of San Miguel de Allende. The source of inspiration for the architectural project came from the intersection of the three key moments in the history of the property: the arrival of Julián Hoyos from Spain and his family life, the opening of the first currency exchange office and its conversion into a store of grains and seeds. Each of these moments influenced the selection of materials and decorative elements that converge and give life to the hotel.
Image credit: Diego Padilla
Image credit: Diego Padilla
The interior layout is concentric and the spaces of the hotel, located on the ground floor and first level, are distributed around an open central patio bordered by Andalusian-style balconies, reminiscent of a typical house in southern Spain. At the back part of the first level, the mural of a Sorrowful Virgin of Loreto – made and hand-painted in glazed Talavera from the city of Dolores Hidalgo – crowns an altar that reflects one of the most deeply-rooted religious traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, from which the Hoyos family originated. Just below the virgin is the antique piece of furniture that served as the original counter of the bank. Like this restored piece, various objects that were found in the house for years were recovered to give them a new life within the project, remaining as vestiges and witnesses of the past.
Image credit: Los Hoyos
Moving onto the rooftop, the unique location of Casa Hoyos allows visitors to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets from its terrace. There, BEKEB will delight them through an original artisanal mixology menu based on several Mexican agaves, plants, flowers and roots, all paired with tapas inspired in Mexican culinary tradition. The menu at BEKEB is crafted by creative mixologist Fabiola Padilla, who is returning to Mexico after collaborating with Enrique Olvera at Cosme, New York. The rooftop bar specialises in contemporary cocktails and its name, which refers to the Tzotzil term ‘bek’,which means seed, invites guests to reconnect with the essence of the landscape around them. Set among cactus plants, artisan furnishing, and other creative elements the atmosphere at BEKEB rediscovers the slow pleasures of life.
GROHE SPA invites users to enjoy holistic water rituals, taking advantage of the positive effects of water on body, mind and soul, while enabling designers to develop exclusive bathroom concepts…
Guided by the underlying belief that water is the source of vital energy, GROHE has revitalised its GROHE SPA portfolio. The word spa, originating from the first letters of ‘Salus Per Aquam’, Latin for ‘Health Through Water’, is the founding concept behind the collection. Transforming the bathroom into a private spa is not just about using individual products, but about creating holistic experiences that embrace the positive effects of water on the body and mind.
The broad GROHE SPA portfolio ranges from elaborate tap collections, customisable ceiling showers and intricate ceramics, to complementary accessories as it redefines what is possible in terms of design, technology, and precision. Clients and designers who wish to bring a new, bespoke kind of luxury to the private spa, will feel GROHE’s passion for water in every detail.
Image credit: GROHE
Image credit: GROHE
With this collection, architects, designers and planners now have the freedom to select from a carefully curated bathroom portfolio which offers customisable options to match a clients needs and their individuality. The brand-new Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections allow a choice of different colour, material, finish, and handle options to help design one-of-a-kind bathroom pieces.
“The products sit at the intersection of premium quality, cutting-edge technology, unrivalled precision, and progressive design,” explained Patrick Speck, Leader LIXIL Global Design, EMENA. “We are driven by a spirit of redefining what is possible, leveraging industry-leading production techniques like 3D metal-printing, to create exclusive designs. Addressing the rising macro trend for Health & Wellbeing, GROHE SPA is designed to enable architects, designers, and planners to create the ultimate water experience for their bathrooms and spas.”
Image credit: GROHE
In order to enable end-consumers to enjoy an authentic marble style with a high-quality finish, GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft tap handles in the brand’s timeless and durable quartz designs. Caesarstone has a long-standing reputation for designing and producing high-end engineered surfaces, used in some of the most exclusive residential and commercial buildings around the world and theses surfaces can now be combined with GROHE SPA Private Collections for a truly bespoke design.
Image credit: GROHE
Thanks to the GROHE SPA Aqua Rainshower ceiling shower modules, the shower experience can also be tailored to the user’s personal preferences. In this way, unique spaces are created that stand out and bear the signature of the designer.
Architects and designers can experience GROHE SPA first-hand at Milan Design Week, taking place from 18th – 23rd April 2023. Located in the Brera district, where the collection will be showcased by way of a water surface installation – designed by the in-house design & brand identity team LIXIL Global Design – which will reflect the stunning architecture of one of the world’s most prestigious art museums, the Pinacoteca di Brera, while expressing the overall GROHE SPA Health Through Water concept.
GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
DESIGN POD explores circadian lighting in latest podcast episode
The podcast for all design and architect enthusiasts, DESIGN POD explores the topic of circadian lighting in its latest episode. Editor Hamish Kilburn, the host of the show, explains why you should listen to hear his interview with Michael Curry and Mark Tweedale from DPA Lighting on lighting’s new role in wellness design (listen below)…
Episode 28 of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Geberit, shines the spotlight on circadian lighting, a topic that has been heavily debated on Hotel Designs for years. With lighting and sensory design continuing play majors role in hotel design, in sync with the ever-growing demand among modern travellers for wellness to be injected into all hospitality touchpoints and for experiences to feel more meaningful, could the answer designers are looking for be in sophisticated circadian lighting?
For this episode, in order to cut through the noise, I decided to focus on two designers from one lighting design studio who are turning the page to a new chapter in experiential lighting design. Mark Tweedale and Michael Curry from DPA Lighting are bringing interiors to life through innovative lighting solutions.
In addition to understanding the challenges that the design and architecture industry face injecting this level of technology into spaces, Kilburn, Tweedale and Curry find common ground when discussing one particular project, Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol, a hotel designed by HBA, with architecture by Mecanoo, that I first reviewed in 2015 – before it had even opened to the public. The hotel, which is wrapped in a distinct cubic structure, features a 42-metre high glazed roof, which, by night becomes a display of lights.
Almost a decade since that project opened, lighting in design continues to be at the forefront of conversations among designers, architects and clients. So, will circadian lighting in design change the game in wellness and hospitality, or will it break the bank and become another gimmick that will continue to be stripped out at value engineering stages of projects?
Listen to the full episode to explore lighting’s role in design, architecture and wellness.
The full 40-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 27, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on March 29 with interior designer Wren Loucks, CEO and Founder of Be-kin joining as the special guest to discuss ‘stimulating wellness’.
Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) is returning to ExCeL London to bring together the hospitality and foodservice sector for three days of networking, learning and new product discovery…
Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) is the UK’s largest and most prestigious event for the hospitality and foodservice industry. The show welcomes a wide range of suppliers, from big brands to innovative start-ups, showcasing ground-breaking products. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the very latest products across design & décor, foodservice, professional kitchen equipment, hospitality tech and pub & bar and meet the right suppliers to grow their business and elevate their offering.
“I’m eagerly looking forward to attending HRC again this year,” commented Malcolm Godfrey, General Manager, Stephens House & Gardens. “Having successfully found new suppliers and inspiration for furthering our business last year I cannot wait to see what this year has in store.”
HRC’s Vision Stage, designed by Harp Design, will open with an industry update from Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality, discussing the association’s latest talks with government and what 2023 might hold for the hospitality sector, followed by a global view of the industry from IGD, the Institute of Grocery Distribution.
Hospitality professionals will also have the opportunity to catch sessions from Hospitality Jobs UK, as the organisation reveals the results if the UK’s largest hospitality salary survey, Cornwall Insight, the energy market intelligence consultancy, will be providing advice on how the hospitality industry can tackle soaring energy costs and the Sustainable Restaurant Association will be discussing how to set the standards for the food of the future with CH&CO, The Pig Hotels and Hawksmoor.
Also on the Vision Stage, NED and board advisor Ann Elliot will be joined by Claire Smith of ABDA Design, Sam Edwards of Fifty Five Hospitality and Karen Fewell of Digital Blonde to discuss the part that psychology plays in hospitality design.
On the Tech X stage, Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, will host a session on building a sustainable future for hospitality, joined by panellists Andrew Coney of The Hari Hotel Belgravia, Erin Ling, Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work at University of Surrey, Daniel Pedreschi of PPHE Hotel Group and Tej Wallia of Foxhills Club & Resort.
Hoteliers and hospitality professionals visiting HRC 2023 can also check out a must-attend session on how tech can transform accessibility in hotels, hosted by Ross Calladine of VisitEngland and featuring Paul Bayliss MBE of Hotel Brooklyn, Motionspot’s Ed Warner, Fiona Jarvis of Blue Badge Style and TranslateLive’s Peter Hayes.
In the show’s Networking Hub, in partnership with VisitEngland and AA Media, there will be guided discussion on ‘the quality of experience’ with Simon Numphud of AA Media, Janet Uttley of VisitEngland and Tej Wallia of Foxhills Club & Resort.
Elsewhere, Claire Smith of ABDA Design, Charlotte Raffo of The Monkey Puzzle Tree and Zaynib Khan of Benoy will be taking part in the session, ‘What is the ‘new’ luxury in hospitality experiences? – supported by Hotel Designs’.
A new addition to HRC for 2023 is Chef HQ, curated by Chef Publishing, a networking area, demo kitchen and stage where leading chefs from the UK and Europe will be discussing the trends and products that they’re passionate about, while whipping up some delicious dishes for the audience. Among the sessions taking place in Chef HQ are a demo from National Chef of the Year Ben Murphy, a presentation from Nathan Davies of SY23, fresh from wowing the judges on Great British Menu and securing his first Michelin star, and an interview with the chefs of The Future Plate, a collection of leading black chefs of African and Caribbean heritage sharing their culture through tasting menus.
Chef HQ will also feature A. Wong Chef Patron Andrew Wong discussing the art of dim sum, a behind the scenes look at the Bocuse d’Or with team UK coach Tom Philips and Chair of the competition Andreas Antona, and a ‘getting to know you’ chat with Kim Rathoroen, who will discuss her journey from a stage at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to taking up the role of Head Chef at the chain’s London Chelsea premises.
For hospitality business owners looking to revitalise their drinks selection, new show section Drinks @ HRC & IFE combines the drinks offerings of HRC and sister event IFE, International Food & Drink Event, to create a single, centralised location to source a wide range of innovative drinks products.
For the very latest hospitality tech products and services, The Launchpad, located within the show’s Hospitality Tech section, is an exciting showcase of innovative tech providers that have been trading for less than 12 months.
HRC takes place between March 20 – 22, 2023. Head over to the website to view the full seminar programme and register to attend.
Roundtable: reimagining luxury hotel design in 2023
With the aim to rediscover meaning in hotel design and hospitality, Editor Hamish Kilburn welcomed six leading interior designers to Gabriel Scott’s London showroom in Mayfair, to peel back the design layers that surround luxury hotels in 2023 and beyond…
What is luxury, and how do we measure it? These questions have challenged interior designers, architects, hoteliers and brands since the first ‘luxury hotel’ emerged at the end of the 18th century. So, given the progress the hospitality scene has made from the beginning to now, why don’t we have the answer yet?
Today, luxury in hotel design is defined by textures, finishes, furniture, lighting and, above all, experiences. While designers are tasked to create spaces that feel meaningful – perhaps more paired back than in previous years – more manufacturers are designing one-off, statement pieces among their portfolio, to feed the demand for creating lasting impressions.
Contemporary lighting and furniture brand Gabriel Scott believes that answering this dynamic call from designers for ‘something new and exciting’ requires a smarter approach than simply unveiling another collection. Introducing Welles Reimagined. Launched at Milan Design Week 2022, the lighting collection was born from authentic collaboration between brand and designer, a relationship that, in modern times, adds unmatched layers. The company worked with six renowned designers from around the world, allowing them to reinterpret its iconic lighting piece, the Welles.
Image credit: Gabriel Scott
The results from that purposeful project can be found hanging in the brand’s London showroom in Mayfair, which was the venue of Hotel Designs’ latest roundtable discussion. Together with Gabriel Scott, we welcomed leading interior designers to sit around the chandelier – an interpretation, if you like, of a crystal ball – to cast their opinions on how luxury in hotel design is being reimagined in 2023 and beyond.
On the panel:
Fiona Thompson, Principal, Richmond International
Scott Richler, Creative Director, Gabriel Scott
Hen’a Yadav, Creative Director, HBA
Charlie North, Vice President of Interior Design, Ennismore
Kate Jarrett, Senior Designer, David Collins Studio
Simon Kincaid, Partner, Conran & Partners
Tom Blackshaw, Director, Goddard Littlefair
Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs
Hamish Kilburn: In terms of texture, furniture and lighting, how would you interpret luxury in 2023?
Tom Blackshaw: Firstly, from when the pen hits the paper in drawing stages to the completion of the project, we are normally working on projects over years. Therefore, I think ‘trends’ are largely obsolete in hotel design, and designers are responsible for ensuring the design has longevity. I think luxury in 2023 is generally more paired back, and I am definitely noticing sample boards getting smaller, which feels more considered.
Image credit: Josh Caius Photography
Charlie North: Interpretations of luxury are also changing quickly. Take Annabel’s, for example, in Mayfair, London. Five or six years ago, Martin Brudnizki amplified luxury in a very maximalist way. There is a trend moving towards confident, simple and paired-back design schemes now where the juxtaposition and layering is, for example, between neutral tones in soft furnishings and bold carpets. I have seen this in some of our brands more than others.
Fiona Thompson: Luxury isn’t theatre. It’s not window dressing or creating a backdrop. Instead, it has longevity, and as interior designers we are building something that is purposeful and has a relationship with the architecture. We need to consider elements and materials with synergy and focus on things that last. We are currently working on and revisiting projects that we first designed 20 years ago, and we are hardly changing the bathrooms – or the fabric of the building for that matter. Interiors have never been fashion-driven. That’s not to say you can’t have pop-up elements in hotels, but the main project – the overall design scheme – has more of a purpose.
Image credit: The Cosmopolitan, designed by Richmond International
Simon Kincaid: The point on reduction is important when discussing luxury in 2023 – reducing the quantum of materials. Now, elements are not fighting against each other, and designers and clients are able to invest parts of the budget into features, which makes more sense considering how people experience hotels these days. I have found that guests leave hotels and spaces with three memories. Essentially, instead of being worried about 20 different features in one room, designers can create more impact by making three impactful statements well.
FT: This also just gives interiors space to breathe.
Image credit: Conran & Partners
Hena Yadev: Design is simply becoming more human-centric, and we are certainly feeling this in the luxury projects we are working on, including the Mandarin Oriental Maldives. The fact that you want to come into a space and make memories suggests that there needs to be an emotional connection in the first place. So, using materials that have a pedigree, that don’t offend or hurt anyone, gives you an emotional satisfaction. It’s not just about things being recyclable or having a long lifespan. It is also about the beginning and end. From what we are seeing, guests experience spaces they want to feel part of.
Image credit: Josh Caius Photography
SK: Most of us will have seen things sourced more locally in recent years, which is positive across all price points, and it adds variety and sense of place into a project.
Kate Jarrett: We really try to work and collaborate with craftspeople early on in the design process. When creating a custom piece, it’s so important to understand the artist’s creative process, to allow their design to form part of the wider narrative.
Image caption: Velvet, designed by David Collins Studio, inside Corinthia London. | Image credit: Alex Upton
SK: The other thing is that sustainability as a term is so loaded and has almost become throw-away. The supply chain, knowing about brand’s embodied carbon and their ethical sourcing, for example, is now much clearer – that was, probably, not the case just a few years ago. The whole industry is now on board, which helps.
Image caption: Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, designed by David Collins Studio. | Image credit: Jack Hardy
TB: The technology around recycled materials has come a long way. Five years ago, it would come out as four or five different ‘shades of oatmeal’, but today’s technology has moved on so that now we can inject these compelling stories into our designs without there being an impact on the aesthetics or performance.
Scott Richler: To echo Fiona’s point, we are consistently seeing a demand for lighting and furniture pieces that are made to last. Both from a design and material perspective, we’ve found in the last couple of years in particular that people are much more interested in the process of making and the quality of craft behind the items they invest in.
Image credit: Josh Caius Photography
HK: Honestly, cutting through the noise for us, how ‘on board’ are luxury clients to ensure materials and products are sourced responsibly?
FT: It’s tough. We have specified carpet that have been made from recycled plastic from the ocean. That’s a lovely feel-good story, right? But when you really dig into it, the methodology of making that carpet is actually quite damaging. We are starting to ask for brand’s EPD, so that we can establish the carbon rating. To source ethically, responsibly and correctly, it is a laborious process. Things that appear to be sustainable, and look beautiful, are not necessarily so.
The other challenge is that luxury takes time to design. It’s thoughtful and requires research. At the moment, clients are notoriously bad for not giving designers enough time.
Image caption: Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, designed by David Collins Studio. | Image credit: Ben Broomfield
SR: That is interesting, because as a manufacturer, we are finding that our clients – the interior designers predominantly – are giving us more time because, as you have referenced, they want to understand the whole process and be hands-on when it comes to customisation.
TB: Everyone is risk-adverse these days. The FF&E side of things never used to be on the critical path, which gave you time to develop furniture and lighting. But now, because they want the cost before the development stages, it means that the whole process feels perhaps more rushed. The flip side to that is that it helps you keep a lid on what you are designing. I think this is a catalyst on why things feel more paired back.
Image credit: F&B areas inside Villa Copenhagen, designed by Goddard Littlefair
HK: How have luxury hotels reacted to the lifestyle sector offering more of a laidback – let’s call it residential – experience?
KJ: Hotel spaces are certainly becoming less formal. We are noticing that clients want people to spend time in all areas of the hotel. There are less boundaries in hotel public areas, which make luxury hotel experiences more accessible for everyone, not just guests.
SR: From a materials perspective, we have certainly seen an increased demand for uniqueness. In the digital age, luxury is no longer dependent on availability – it has become increasingly defined by skill and uniqueness. We often hear from our designer clients that they’re looking to purchase something that can’t be easily replicated. What this means for lighting within luxury hotels is designing unique, sculptural pieces with fluid forms that complement the overall design aesthetic.
HK: How can design make these spaces feel accessible without losing their elevated aesthetic?
CN: Gleneagles is a great example of that, which was a slightly stuffy luxury hotel before Ennismore led the acquisition of it in 2015. We sensitively reimagined it into more of a luxury, lifestyle hotel, and a destination beyond the golf course. When I first visited, before we started working on the hotel, I was in the bar on my laptop and received some odd looks from both guests and staff.
Image credit: Gleneagles / Ennismore
A few years on, with the rise of bleisure trends and luxury hotels being required to have a lifestyle approach to hospitality, the demands have changed. Places like Gleneagles have been redesigned to reflect a softer image. Gleneagles Townhouse, sheltered in a 17th century building in Edinburgh, was a fantastic opportunity for the brand to amplify itself in a city centre. When we worked on the design scheme, we didn’t want it to feel like a museum. So, we decided to feature modern artwork in the public areas create a juxtaposition between the design and the architecture, which resulted in an atmosphere where guests felt comfortable and relaxed in.
Image caption: Kelly Chandelier by Gabriel Scott. Spaces designed by Alida Coury Interiors,. | Image credit: Aimee Mazzenga
Having said that, there will always be those hotels, especially in London, that don’t have to evolve into feeling more lifestyle, because they are already so iconic. Classic luxury, therefore, still has its place in my opinion.
SK: Lifestyle is more casual and approachable. A lot of luxury brands are taking that on board and eroding the formality. Gleneagles is a great example of how that is being done beyond design – the staff uniform is more casual, and the tone of voice is more relaxed, for example. I see this shift also happening on cruise ships. I see that luxury hotels and brands are tapping into making the private areas more informal but ensuring other areas of the hotel or venue feel more exclusive.
Image credit: Gleneagles Townhouse / Ennismore
FT: We have done a lot of work with Langham Hotels – this brand would not consider itself to be lifestyle. Langham is unusual because it owns and operates, so there is more of an emotional investment in the projects. Langham is old-school luxury – think good service in beautiful spaces. It is not looking to be trendy or cool. In terms of design, though, it is not necessarily traditional. It has been able to keep that traditional luxury feeling while also layering the spaces with contemporary and clean design.
The other thing to consider is that the demographic of the luxury audience is a lot more widespread today than it was say 10 or 20 years ago. The whole approach, therefore, needs to evolve and change.
Image credit: Josh Caius Photography
HK: What are some of the pitfalls designers and brands fall into when trying to merge luxury and lifestyle?
TB: I think hotels need to be comfortable in their own skin. Any change to the design and hospitality experience needs to be driven by the hotel’s DNA.
I think hotels need to ensure that design and hospitality are always working. When larger hotel groups evolve into more of a lifestyle feel, it’s so important to think about all touchpoints and activations, such as the F&B offering. If the design scheme is local, then so too should the F&B elements – I’m not just talking about the food, but also the concepts.
Image credit: Josh Caius Photography
FT: It’s a luxury for us, as designers, to work on projects that are surrounded by interesting cultures and neighbourhoods. For designers working on large-scale developments – look at what is happening in Saudi Arabia, for example – the challenge will be how to inject character, charm and individual personality into each property in an area that is literally being built in just a few years. The other thing, of course, is that luxury in one region means something different in another.
Image credit: Conran & Partners
HY: What is positive to see is the desire to merge cultures in luxury design within those large projects. It’s not a coincidence that a lot of the developments that are happening in Saudi Arabia are being designed by Western interior design professionals. I believe this is because the clients want these projects to feel accessible.
Gabriel Scott is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
In conversation with: Henning Rieseler at Porsche Design Studio
Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Michael Huber, Head of Studio (Berlin) at Studio F. A. Porsche, to understand how the studio, together with KEUCO, has redesigned the grab rail…
When all attempts by designers are being made in 2023 to ensure the whole hotel experience – and its meaningful design narrative – is seamless and cohesive, there is therefore nothing more frustrating than entering a new hotel to find that its ‘accessible rooms’ have not been given the attention to detail than the rest of the property.
What is encouraging to see, though, is manufacturers making efforts in order to challenge conventional approaches to DDA accommodation. KEUCO is one of those brands, which has just unveiled that its latest collection, KEUCO AXESS, of stylish rails, grab rails, drop bars and shower seating have been designed in collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche.
To understand more about what made this project special, I caught up with Henning Rieseler, Head of Studio (Berlin) at Studio F. A. Porsche, who describes the new collection as “puristic, high-end and fascinating.” I was keen to learn why.
“After a lot of prototypes and also some resets in the project, we finally all agreed on the perfect mechanism.” – Michael Huber, Head of Global Business Development, Studio F. A. Porsche.
Hamish Kilburn: What might our audience not know about Studio F. A. Porsche?
Henning Rieseler: Next to the designs for our own brands, Porsche Design and Porsche Lifestyle, the studio has been working for more than 50 years in a very wide range of industries and companies. Whether it be industrial machines, medical equipment, furniture, trains, ships and even products such as beer crates:
Whenever we show our entire product portfolio, most of the people are really surprised that our design principles are applied to so many products.
Image credit: KEUCO
HK: Why did your studio decide to partner with KEUCO to design this collection?
HR: There was an immediate strong interest from our side when KEUCO approached us. On the one hand, the mindset of both companies matched: the highest demand for quality and innovative solutions. On the other hand however, we were fascinated by designing a product for elder generations or disabled people with the approach of finding the best possible integration into premium bathroom interiors.
HK: What was your approach to ensure the KEUCO AXESS range was both functional and aesthetically striking?
HR: When we started the design process for the supporting handle, we realised immediately that a pure redesign with only improving the materials and shape, would not lead to a new product with a breakthrough in new aesthetics’ within the world of care products. Therefore, we stopped thinking of the aesthetics and just concentrated in the first phase on finding a solution on how to hide the bulky appearance of the product when not in use. A lot of ideas were developed with sliding and rotating mechanisms. These ideas were shared with the KEUCO team and then developed into different directions to ensure the best user experience, always with a strong focus on safety and easy usability.
After a lot of prototypes and also some resets in the project, we finally all agreed on the perfect mechanism. The clean aesthetics of the final product were then just the consequence of the innovative functionality.
Image credit: KEUCO
HK: What makes this range intelligently designed?
HR: While the supporting handle is obviously the innovative driver of the product range, other items such as the rail system and the chair also included innovations like the shape of the rails, which not only looked good but also improved ergonomics and safety. Overall, the entire series follows the aim to appear as premium products, which naturally fit into high-end and very aesthetically modern private bathrooms.
HK: You mention that the aim was to develop the products from a new perspective. What characteristics of Porsche can be found in the design?
HR: Based on the principles of our founder Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, we design products which pair functionality with aesthetics. Typical keywords which transform these ideas into all Porsche products are Focus and Purpose. Whether it is a car, a lifestyle product or a care product for bathroom interiors, a purposeful design with a clear focus on its user scenario is the Porsche way to design a product.
HK: How do you hope this collection changes the perception of accessible design?
HR: We are, of course, pleased that the topic of accessible design is promoted and brought to a wider audience by the products which we designed for KEUCO. In the long run however, we hope that these products will no longer be described as items for the elderly or disabled people, but are realised as just very good products which can be used by anyone.
KEUCO is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The new restaurant, designed by David Collins Studio, officially opened recently inside Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha. We took a peek inside…
Complete with bold flavours and a soulful design scheme, Scarpetta at the newly opened luxurious resort, Waldorf Astoria in Lusail, Doha, adds a layer of personality inside the hotel.
The new restaurant has been painstakingly designed by David Collins Studio, which put its heart into reinterpreting traditional Italianate architectural details with a mid-century twist.
Image credit: Ben Broomfield
The design features a contemporary interpretation of Italian architecture, through use of Palladiana flooring, coloured marbles, and travertine columns influenced by the brand’s Italian cuisine. The venue boasts an effortlessly chic dinner setting that brings LDV’s mission of La Dolce Vita to life with its indoor and al fresco dining venues, an extensive cigar lounge, private dining and a walk-in humidor.
Image credit: Bed Broomfield
The philosophy of Scarpetta’s kitchen, born in New York City in 2008, is to create bold flavours by amplifying the essence of seasonal ingredients. Their signature dishes, primarily their delectable pastas are prepared in-house daily using only the best, locally sourced ingredients. Scarpetta’s most popular Spaghetti Tomato & Basil is nothing short of classic simplicity in both taste and preparation. The Italian hotspot also offers a variety of mouthwatering starters and signature mocktails which are not to miss.
Scarpetta has grown to receive prominence for its delicious food and drinks, stylish décor, and affluent clientele that attracts the interest of leading media outlets throughout the world.
Image credit: Ben Broomfield
With its New York sensibility and modern Italian charm, Scarpetta has opened its doors in some of the most sought-after locations in the world, such as New York, London, Tokyo and Miami; and is continuing to expand its footprint with its most recent opening in Lusail, Doha; providing its culinary integrity and excellent service to discerning customers globally.
The latest Réserve-Collection safari camp to join the Great Plains portfolio – a cluster of luxury water-based accommodations in the heart of Botswana – is due to open in July 2023. Before then, we have managed to get a sneak peek inside…
Great Plains is an authentic and unique tourism conservation organisation, founded by and positioned around Dereck and Beverly Joubert since 2006. The company consists of a portfolio of fourteen prestigious owned and partner safari properties in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Slated to open on 15th July, the two-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite will open within the new Sitatunga Private Island Camp, part of Botswana’s latest Okavango Delta water-based Réserve-Collection Safari Camp.
Sitatunga Private Island Camp will provide guests with both an authentic safari experience and a refuge for the soul in the Okavango Delta. The owners have been pivotal in the interior design process, imbibing a sense of place and authenticity into the camp, with the giant bamboo fisherman basket structures of the suites paying homage to the Bayei people who historically occupied the area.
Image credit: Great Plains Conservation
“Sitatunga Private Island Camp is an extraordinary place,” elaborated Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains Conservation “It is a private island and is one of the few locations where one can still see sitatunga, the rare aquatic antelope, from camp and by boat, which is the main activity here in addition to walking. It is deep Okavango Delta and, as such, is rich in birding. Head out on a boat to view elephants, crocodiles, and hippos all day, every day. I know you will enjoy every moment of it, as I do.”
A true labour of love, all materials within the camp have been personally sourced over the years and will be re-used to create Sitatunga Private Island Suite, breathing new life into old treasures. The suites, which will be able to house eight people in total, wull blend seamlessly into the natural landscape of the Okavango Delta, conjuring a strong imagining of its ancestral origins.
“Sitatunga Private Island Camp is very ‘Robinson Crusoe’, desert island-ish,” continued Joubert. “It is designed with a ‘salvage’ inspired reference, complete with giant basket shapes as a nod to the Bayei and other local Okavango fishing ancestries. Thick shaggy thatch cover canvas roofs and walls. There is thick pole woodwork, feeling like masts salvaged from a shipwreck, but the very spacious inner floorspace is actually some of the largest we have ever built. Each suite is set up very high in the ebony trees, a traditional way to seek and find safety, take advantage of the views, and rest in the cool shade. And to spot sitatunga.”
Image credit: Great Plains Conservation
The camp will become a new destination of barefoot luxury for slow safari guests, with the opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta’s permanent channels by mekoro (canoe), stretch their legs on guided morning walks, take part in fishing or photographic safaris. For those guests keen to unwind within their new home-away-from-home in Botswana, Sitatunga Private Island Suite offers yoga mats and light weights with in-room massages available upon request. A wine cellar and boutique are also available to guests within the camp. All suites offer complimentary use of a professional camera and lens set.
In conversation with: George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg
Hot off appearing as guests on the Travel By Design podcast from Marriott, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg meet with Editor and host of that podcast episode, Hamish Kilburn, to discuss urban jungles, boundaries in luxury and creating protagonists to keep the design and hospitality scene on its toes…
“I think it was a dry cleaners,” replied Glenn Pushelberg after I asked himself and George Yabu, both Founders of Yabu Pushelberg, to identify their first project that they worked on together. For many world-leading design studios, it would be a memory easily accessed. “I don’t even remember,” laughed Yabu. And perhaps that is what makes this design duo dynamic and always on the pulse and unlike any designers I have met before – it’s less about looking backwards and more about moving ahead; thinking big and challenging existing interpretations of hotel design.
In an episode of Travel By Design, a podcast hosted by myself and brought to you by Marriott Bonvoy Traveller, I welcomed the pair as my special guests. The episode was designed to allow listeners to understand the design narrative of two hotels in particular that Yabu and Pushelberg were working on at the time, Moxy Downtown and Downtown Los Angeles AC. What made this project exceptional was the fact that both hotels – two brands with, at times, contrasting personalities – were being designed at the same time, and under the same roof.
“Moxy Hotels have a loose and playful energy while Downtown Los Angeles AC is tailored and refined,” explained Pushelberg. “They have their own unique personalities yet are tethered together – one responds to the extravert and the other responds to the introvert. Depending on where my emotions are at, I can choose which journey I want to take. If I am traveling for work, I will choose the AC so I can come back to an environment that is grounded, centred, and more aligned with the pace I need to recharge. If I am in Los Angeles for exploration, I would choose Downtown Los Angeles Moxy because of its free-spirited nature will bring out other dimensions of my personality.”
Following this meaningful podcast interview with the designers that peeled away the layers of each hotel, I caught up with both Yabu and Pushelberg to understand more beyond their latest masterpieces.
Image caption: Render of lobby area inside Moxy Downtown LA, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. | Image credit: Marriott International
Hamish Kilburn: How do you see boundaries being blurred in hotel design between lifestyle and luxury?
George Yabu: This is a big question and it all comes down to how people want to feel in spaces and define their time. People want to feel a rainbow of feelings, while remaining confident that the experience can understand and rotate with their mood, needs and desires. Obviously, the guilded lily associated with traditional luxury has fallen to the wayside, and people are more intrigued with authentic storytelling. Aman Tokyo Residences is a great example of that, and a project we are proud to be sharing with the world soon.
HK: If you can’t remember the first project, can you at least let us know how it all started for you?
Glenn Pushelberg: Well, we met at university, but it wasn’t until after we graduated and ran into one another on the street that we connected. We were both looking for studio space and did the logical thing of renting a place together. One day we were helping one another complete a drawing for a project and when we met in the middle, it looked like it was completed by one person. That was a defining, albeit cliché moment for us as partners both in work and in life.
“The hotel is an homage to performance, with each public space imbued with the character of someone essential for bringing a production to life.” – George Yabu, Co-Founder, Yabu Pushelberg.
Image caption: Salvatori showroom, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. | Image credit: Matteo Imbriani
HK: I love how the spaces and atmospheres you create are formed around a make-belief protagonist that you create to centre the design narrative. In your careers, what have been the wildest protagonists you have created when imagining a punchy design scheme?
GP: I am not sure if I can pinpoint one of our wildest characters, but a project storyline that stands out to me is The Londoner. The hotel is an homage to performance, with each public space imbued with the character of someone essential for bringing a production to life. For example, Whitcomb’s All Day Dining is an ode to the screenwriter. Its poetically layered design gives the space character and a unique storyline, with specific decorative details such as the abundant harvest table introducing elements of whimsy and fantasy.
Image credit: The character-full lobby inside The Londoner, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. | Image credit: Henry Bourne
GY: The Londoner was designed to play into the roots of Leicester Square as London’s historic theatre district. We created layers of programming up into the sky and deep into the earth that emphasise this extraverted, alluring, playful voice.
Why this project stands out to us is it wasn’t about one character, it was about a collaboration of perspectives and styles into one cohesive experience. There was a delicate balance of giving space to each character/environment to stand on its own while contributing to an overarching story.
“After a while, we found an interior scope limiting and we want to set out to create a complete experience.” – Glenn Pushelberg, Co-Founder, Yabu Pushelberg.
HK: From inside your studio, how has design helped brands amplify other sides of their personalities?
GP: Design is a way to tell stories and the brands who get that are the ones that stick around. We are fortunate to be trusted by an array of brands who come to us for guidance on how to express luxury, or an attitude, or develop a style. Our job is to understand who they are and how to tell a story that is authentic to them, while guiding them and their clientele forward.
Image caption: The public areas inside Park Lane New York City, designed by Yabu Pushelberg | Image credit: Alice Geo
HK: In your projects, it is clear that design and architecture are interlinked – one doesn’t work without the other. What examples of your work best reflect this, and can you explain what the approach was to create them?
I think this question explains how the studio has naturally evolved over time. We started out 43 years ago as an interior design studio beginning our journey in retail design, which naturally progressed into hospitality projects. With time, we had the opportunity to collaborate with partners who trusted our vision. In return, we got to build stories for these partners and brands who long term helped shape how we chose to express ourselves. After a while, we found an interior scope limiting and we want to set out to create a complete experience. To us that meant designing the furniture and products that set the scene, developing the aura of a space through light, activating the character of a space through styling, and selecting the artworks that brings everything together. Each piece of an environment contributes to the story and it was a goal of ours to be the bridge to the elements so we could create spaces poised with purpose, soul, and joy.
Image caption: La Samaritaine, designed by Yabu Pushelberg | Image credit: Jerome Galland
HK: If when designing spaces, you are designing around a protagonist – or a lifestyle you are trying to create, can you explain the design approach when creating products?
GP: The bedrock of it all is purpose and transformation. There is so much stuff in the world and if we are contributing to creating more, it better be able to stand the test of time, be functional, and ooze purpose.
GY: We design things to spark joy, which comes in a variety of forms for us. With product, we are resolving a problem, likely one we have come across in an interior project. Through interiors, we can pinpoint what is lacking, what could be refined so we can make it better, and what has yet to exist. All our work sits at the same table and creates this ecosystem of thinking that you can see across our work. They all feed into making the other better.
Image caption: Bathrooms inside Pan Pacific London, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. | Image credit: Jack Hardy
HK: Talking to you both, it’s clear you love to travel, which I know where a lot of inspiration comes from. Where in the world would you like to design next if you had the choice, and why?
GP: Brazil, Italy, and Japan. We are fortunate to have projects in each country right now.
GY: Korea is somewhere I would love to travel to.
Image credit: Shayan Asgharnia
HK: What does it take to be part of your team?
GP: To be a good team player you need to create an environment where people feel comfortable to express their ideas, good or bad. With time I have learned the importance of creating space to listen to others and learn from them.
Studio Porsche & KEUCO redefine accessible bathrooms
When Studio Porsche designed a range of accessible bathroom products for KEUCO, the result was something unique. With German engineering connecting with premium interior design, accessibility in the bathroom has never been so beautiful…
Operating from the maxim that good design has to be honest, what is striking about the entire KEUCO AXESS barrier-free range by Studio Porsche, is the clean, design-driven lines of all the products – commencing with the folding support rail positioned over the rail system for the shower, the grab rails, through to the freestanding stool. The design focuses on the essentials, combining aesthetics and barrier-free functionality in a stylish and innovative way, without making the special functions visually obvious. It is this aspect that will pleasantly surprise design lovers who want to see accessibility integrated into the bathroom and products with a minimalist appearance with design that inspires.
“It was our wish to meet the highest aesthetic demands and yet incorporate the specific needs of a barrier-free bathroom system,” said Christian Schwamkrug, Design Director Studio F. A. Porsche. “Our aim was to develop accessible bathroom products from a completely new perspective. Timeless, very clear, aesthetic forms, permanently perceived as beautiful, even after many years. Independent of the spirit of time and trends and at the same time, beyond anything known so far. Out ambition was to create something special, right down to the smallest detail, and making it technically possible. A combination of German engineering and top-quality implementation in every respect. ”
Image credit: KEUCO
black and chrome minimal design of KEUCO AXCESS
KEUCO AXESS is designed for barrier-free bathrooms across all sectors. It is a sustainable and cross-generational concept made from high-quality materials in a beautiful and timeless design. The design ensures the comfortable and safe use of all areas of the bathroom – not only for the elderly, those currently in need of care or for people with a physical disability, but for all generations. The intelligent design details support independence and autonomy in the bathroom, allowing people of all ages and abilities to benefit from its comfort-enhancing functions. What may be a useful aid for one person can simply provide additional comfort for another, such as taking a shower whilst sitting down.
A bathroom without barriers can add to the quality of life, while still being comfortable, future-oriented and, thanks to the unique design of this collection, can also be extremely attractive and visually appealing. KEUCO AXESS transforms barrier-free bathrooms into bathrooms for people of all ages and for all life situations. Increasingly, building owners in the project sector, architects and planners along with private individuals, when deciding to renovate or refurbish, opt for a barrier-free solution as it increases the level of comfort and safety in the bathroom and adds to the value of a property.
The AXESS folding support rail looks nothing like folding support rails of the past, as it stands uniquely flat against the wall when folded up. When unfolded and exposed in the downward position, the support rail is a beautiful and elegant solution. It is available in three finishes: chrome, matt black or aluminium-chrome and depending on the surface, a grip-friendly plastic inlay in black or white is seamlessly integrated. The plastic is significant as it makes it easy to grip and prevents slipping when supporting or holding on. There is an optional and retrofittable toilet paper holder which has a black or white roller stopper enabling it to colour match the design. Two different projections in 700 and 850 mm offer perfect safety and support. The larger projection folding support rail is also suitable for larger, wheelchair-accessible WCs. The optional and retrofittable radio WC flush actuator integrates aesthetically into the handle and is compatible with radio flush cisterns from common manufacturers via Bluetooth. Despite the reduced design, stability is guaranteed with a 115 kilogram load capacity. KEUCO AXESS folding support handles are TÜV tested and certified according to DIN standard.
Image credit: KEUCO
The rail system and grab rails of the AXESS range are again characterised by their elegant yet starkly simplistic design. The versatile range provides support and safety in the shower and bath, at the washbasin and WC. Despite high stability when holding and supporting, this ergonomic design appears light, stylish, and un-cumbersome. The grip surface at the front forms a smooth rectangular band. with flat surfaces and precise edges. At the back, the rail grip system and handles are ergonomically shaped in a semicircle for an optimised grip. This oval rounded back perfectly fits in the hand when grasping, making it unnecessary to exert a great deal of force when holding on and ensuring a secure grip and a reliable hold. The unobtrusive wall fixings of the rail system and grab rails emphasise the clear, minimalistic design, whilst ensuring sufficient stability for a barrier-free solution. The KEUCO AXESS grab rail ranges in length from 400 to 1000 mm. In the shower, the rail system can be flexibly adapted to suit on-site conditions. The shower rail also serves as a stable grab rail, always giving a feeling of safety. The shower slider can be unlocked and moved up or down simply by pressing on the back and this can be done with one hand. The shower head can be turned in various positions, to the left and right and can be tilted up and down from any angle, without any problems.
Image credit: KEUCO
Image credit: KEUCO
A stable seat is a plus for comfort in the bathroom and KEUCO has supplemented its range of seats with the mobile KEUCO AXESS stool. The design is crafted to the highest standard and is, as one would expect from this collaboration, as minimalistic, safe and comfortable as possible. In an archetypical, timeless design, the stylish stool takes up little space in the bathroom and fits in any corner. With a load capacity of 150 kilograms, it can be used in both private and public areas. The stool is particularly stable and resilient, as the discretely outward-facing legs with anti-slip ensure a secure standing position, whilst being easy to reposition using one hand. The softly roughened, non-slip surface of the seat has a pleasant feel and is easy to clean. The seat is slightly curved inwards and features a small hole in the middle which allows water to drain off directly in the shower. The mobile stool with a white or black seat can be harmoniously integrated into the bathroom or shower area. With a white seat, you can choose between chrome or aluminium legs, while with a black seat, the legs are also in black. All versions are robust, durable and easy to clean.
Image credit: KEUCO
For people in need of care, access to the bathroom areas can be difficult or even impossible, making them dependent on assistance. Nevertheless, for all people and age groups, the desire for independence and autonomy in the bathroom plays a very decisive role in maintaining quality of life. With these designs, assistance from care staff can be supplemented in the bathroom as the flexible and adaptable barrier-free bathroom range enables a high degree of independence for users and facilitates the daily work of care staff. Ideally, a barrier-free bathroom equipped with KEUCO AXESS is designed in such a way that people can find their way around without help, if possible – whether they are motor-impaired, people with little strength or users with cognitive impairments and coordination problems.
Image credit: KEUCO
KEUCO AXESS products are perfectly matched to KEUCO IXMO fittings. The cover plate can be combined in either round or square and in the shower, head and hand showers can be individually combined. The IXMO range of fittings from enjoys great popularity among design lovers and sanitary professionals thanks to the bundling of functions with a minimalist appearance. IXMO stands for ‘x possibilities’ and promises design variety and planning freedom, aesthetics and an easy care, quick and an affordable installation.
The AXESS barrier-free range can also be combined with various accessory collections, such as the PLAN or REVA range. Various different KEUCO shower shelves make handling easier and, together with a comfortable seat, bring real pleasure to the shower. KEUCO AXESS series, in combination with IXMO fittings and other brand accessories, can be used to transform any bathroom into a design-strong, barrier-free place of well-being. KEUCO AXESS combines a high degree of aesthetics along with its functionality, as the shapes and materials meet the highest standards of hygiene and ease of care, even in the optional service area.
KEUCO is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
By exploring new colour profiles, the Origini Collection from GESSI brings nature right into the bathroom…
The Private Wellness offering by GESSI has been enriched with a new freedom of expression that marks a return to colour. Origini was born from the harmonious union of archetypal forms found in the bathroom, with new hues and harmonies created by mixing and matching colours, materials and finishes. This is a collection that offers designers and clients the freedom to design the most intimate place of living according to the personality of those who live it.
Image credit: GESSI
Image credit: Gessi
The collection creates a bathroom design based on five iconic shades to reflect five chromatic portraits, which can be combined according to personal taste. These include monochromatic tactile powder pink, neutral achromatic greige clay, non-conformist metachromatic ochre, traditional polymateric coral brick and natural metamateric agave green. The geometric shape of circle has been repeated with modularity and makes a comeback in the interchangeable inserts, in a play of graphics and shiny/matt effects.
Image credit: GESSI
For biomaniacs and nature lovers from all over the world, GESSI has created the Nature palette – a harmonious union between metals, the Black Metal Brushed PVD and Chrome finishes and Agave, the green colour in its most natural tone. These textures, surfaces and colours combine with the design and the depth of range in the Origini collection to create a finish that references the natural world. The agave green represents not only the colour, but also the philosophy for those who cherish nature and wish to live sustainably. It brings nature into the home and matches all essences and plants. The metamateric profile is the chromatic portrait of those who regenerate themselves from the contact with nature, who appreciate the silence and the beneficial effects of water.
GESSI is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Transforming the bathrooms inside Velvet Hotel in Manchester
Sanipex Group’s luxury bathroom brand BAGNODESIGN was chosen to offer guests spa-like levels of comfort during their stay at the refurbished Velvet Hotel in Manchester, an iconic hospitality hub in the heart of the city…
Opposite the much-loved Canal Street in Manchester – and a short walk from Piccadilly Station – the grand boutique jewel, Velvet Hotel, boasts individually styled bedrooms with contemporary décor. From a room with an exposed brick wall and elaborately carved bed, to one with a gothic mural and dramatic chandelier, the hotel displays an unparalleled attention to detail. BAGNODESIGN products were specified when the hotel made the decision to renovate the new bathrooms, meeting the demand for a high-end, modern and clean look and feel.
The newly designed bathrooms offer a luxurious atmosphere, with BAGNODESIGN providing bath and shower solutions ranging from freestanding bathtubs including the beautiful Koy tub crafted from BagnoQuartz, along with rainfall shower heads from the same collection. Complemented these are elegant Teatro hand showers and bespoke shower enclosures manufactured in the UK by Roman.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
The true spa-like bathroom experience means functionality and relaxation without complex designs. The monochrome colour scheme exudes simplicity and exclusivity simultaneously through the mixture of white Teatro countertop basins and Koy rimless WCs with Matt Black Revolution Basin Mixers, AQUAECO Dual Flush Plates and matching bathroom accessories.
Image credit: Sanipex Group
Guaranteeing the highest degree of comfort and convenience, the Velvet Hotel’s prestigious facilities, complete with BAGNODESIGN bathrooms, ensure a pleasant stay for travellers who wish to take in the sights and sounds of lively Manchester.
Sanipex Group is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Laufen just revealed ‘a new era of connectivity’ at ISH
Laufen is inviting visitors to explore its products and concepts at ISH, as it presents the bathroom as a space for both interaction and connectivity…
Laufen is participating in ISH 2023 with a presentation entitled ‘A new era of connectivity’, where it has presented the bathroom as a space that interacts and is connected with people, architecture and the environment in a variety of ways and enriches life through emotionally intelligent, humane design. The brand is inviting guests to explore these concepts along with new products and collections.
Image credit: Laufen
Designer Peter Wirz has incorporated the virtues of Swiss design – simplicity, functionality, and attention to detail – in creating his new MEDA collection for Laufen. This complete bathroom solution includes a wide selection of washbasins, toilets, bidets, and bathtubs, as well as a full range of brassware and is suitable for almost any bathroom space. Furthermore, its elegantly simple design allows it to blend seamlessly into almost any interior style.
Image credit: Laufen
It has been 20 years since Stefano Giovannoni launched his ILBAGNOALESSI collection for Laufen, which introduced a new, softer aesthetic that now defines modern bathrooms. Continuing to push the boundaries of sanitaryware design, Giovannoni has updated the cult collection for ISH 2023 . Using Laufen’s revolutionary ceramic material, Saphirkeramik, Giovannoni has created new ceramic pieces, which retain the soft, flowing shapes that defined his original collection, but now boast a slimmer profile. Making its debut is the new freestanding Sentec bathtub, with an optional black exterior, along with new matt finishes and colours that give the series a more contemporary spin.
Image credit: Laufen
LUA, designed as a complete bathroom with a perfect balance of aesthetics and function, was launched in the UK at the end of last year. Designed by French designer Toan Nguyen, it features a comprehensive range of sanitaryware and brassware with a pared-back aesthetic. The collection is the result of painstaking research on form and function, based on our everyday relationship with the bathroom environment.
LANI furniture complements the new LUA collection and can also be combined with various other collections. It allows users to create a well-organised bathroom, which Laufen considers to be a prerequisite for day-to-day wellbeing. The furniture is available in a standard palette of Matt White, Gloss White, Traffic Grey and Wild Oak. Additionally, it comes in three metallic finishes – Gold, Copper, and Titanium – as well as 37 matt colours ranging from Sage Green and Smokey Blue to Antique Pink and Ochre Brown.
Maintaining good bathroom hygiene is crucial for health and wellbeing. On its stand at ISH 2023, Laufen has highlighted its Laufen Clean Coat Active (LCC Active), a hygiene innovation that eliminates 99.9 per cent of bacteria and viruses within 24 hours. The technology is baked onto the ceramic, resulting in a surface roughness of about 0.01µm, which is almost twice as smooth as conventional coatings. This bonded material seals even the tiniest pores of the ceramic glaze, making it easy to clean with conventional bathroom cleaning products, while also reducing dirt marks, streaks and limescale deposits.
Laufen is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Solaz Los Cabos has reopened, revealing enhanced suite offerings and a fresh dining concept in one of The Luxury Collection’s most exceptional resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America…
Solaz, a Luxury Collection Hotel and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, sits in the middle of the two Cabo towns, with an extraordinarily rare private beach and a natural bay nestled between two rock beds. Guests can indulge in the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortés while enjoying a variety of high-end water activities, as well as a world of adventure and signature pursuits just minutes away in the mountain and desert. The recent enhancements to the property include the addition of 21 new luxury suites, including the impressive Villa Solaz Suite.
The new Villa Solaz Suite defines roominess and with its 1,000 square metres and four private bedrooms, it offers an elevated gathering experience. Inside, guests will have access to a private chef, private mixologist and exclusive Artisan Butler service. The resort will also debut two Wellness Suites, focusing on relaxation and whole-body therapy. The relaxation Wellness Suite boasts a double-bed massage table and steam room, while the whole-body therapy Wellness Suite offers heated loungers combined with meditation visors and halotherapy that balance the alkalisation of the body through an immersive experience. The new suites increase the resort’s total room count to 145 guestrooms and suites.
Another new addition to the property is Mako Beach, poised to become Los Cabos’ latest hotspot. Overlooking the glittering sea, Mako Beach features an exclusively designed Airstream serving delicious Baja-style cuisine. Guests can enjoy both local and international flavours, along with live entertainment and DJ sessions on the beach. With the liveliest atmosphere in Baja, Mako Beach will breathe new life into the spirit of ‘Yesteryear Baja’ while serving as one of Los Cabos’ new ‘it’ places to be. Other culinary offerings at the resort include seven unique restaurants, lounges and cellars all led by Executive Chef Elihu Sepúlveda and his team.
“We are excited to reopen and showcase the exciting new upgrades that elevate the experience of visiting Solaz and Los Cabos,” said Giuliana Torres, General Manager of Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos. “We look forward to welcoming new visitors and seeing our returning guests continue to create unforgettable memories at the resort.”
With wellness at the core of the Solaz experience, the resort features elevated offerings for those seeking health, wellness and a re-charge. Its fitness centre has state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and Cryotherapy. Additionally, Ojo de Liebre offers a one-of-a-kind, resort spa experience. With 12 private treatment rooms, including four VIP double private treatment rooms, Ojo de Liebre’s spa menu includes an enchanting assortment of services to revitalise mind, body and soul.
Signature experiences at Ojo de Liebre include the Sea Essence, Cryotherapy Treatment and the Baja Experience Connection. Even visiting pets can even take advantage of Ojo de Liebre with treatments specially designed for dogs and cats.
Celebrating art and design at every turn, the resort showcases works by top Mexican artisans, including architecture by renowned firm Sordo Madaleno and more than 450 pieces of sculpture and art by renowned artist César López-Negrete. Landscape architecture by the award-winning Jeronimo Gabayet blends seamlessly into the architectural design of the resort and highlights the over 120 endemic species living on the property. The resort also features El Gabinete ‘Del Barco’, an indigenous gallery and museum featuring regional artefacts and open spaces to walk through while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery.
Solaz’s green design has helped the property lower its carbon footprint and support its relationship with the nature that surrounds it. The resort features 53,000 square metres of green areas, greatly reducing its carbon footprint by returning oxygen to the environment, while 36 per cent of its rooms contain green roofs, more than any other hotel in Cabo, which allows for lower energy consumption. Smart rooms are controlled with Crestron technology, from check-in to check-out, to maintain temperature levels, lighting, and even to close the curtains when the guest is not in the room. Additionally, 80 per cent of the hotel’s lights are LED, which decreases its energy consumption.
House of Rohl launches new products for ISH and LDW
House of Rohl is preparing for its debut appearance at ISH where it will be showcasing some high-profile product launches…
While Victoria + Albert Baths has presented at ISH for many years, this is the first time for the House of Rohl family, which alongside Victoria + Albert includes English brassware and sanitaryware manufacturer Perrin & Rowe, artisan fireclay sink maker Shaws and Canadian brassware designers, Riobel.
Kicking off its show debut in style, the product launches include Perrin & Rowe’s new Armstrong bathroom collection. A comprehensive range of brassware that brings an industrial edge to the Perrin & Rowe luxury aesthetic. While its design hints at the utilitarian origins of modern brassware, the detail and craftsmanship are of the highest quality. In its striking 24-carot Gold finish, Armstrong may come to define industrial luxe.
Image credit: House of Rohl
Victoria + Albert will also be showing new products, including an undermount basin to match its iconic Barcelona freestanding bath. This makes the Barcelona one of the most comprehensive bath ranges available, with four formats of bath, three countertop basins and now an undermount in two sizes, making it suitable for almost any conceivable space. Bespoke vanity units are increasingly popular and the Barcelona undermount offers a more contemporary shape for modern bathrooms.
“We are very excited to be exhibiting at ISH 2023,” said James Smith, House of Rohl, Director, Marketing & Innovation EMEAA. “The event has been badly missed, and we are looking forward to greeting clients and meeting potential new customers in person. This year we are launching some important new products, and we can’t wait to share them with the design industry. The House of Rohl represents all that is best in luxury bathrooms and the best way to appreciate the craftsmanship of our products is to see them for yourself.”
Image credit: House of Rohl
The biggest launch for Victoria + Albert this year takes place at London Design Week in March. The new Lussari is a collection of baths, sharing the same interior shape but in different forms and sizes. It includes a corner bath, a back-to-wall bath and a freestanding bath. There is also a matching Lussari 55 basin. The collection brings a designer sensibility to the corner bath, revealing its natural shape and exposing more floor, making the bathroom feel larger. A smooth, flat ledge meets the upward curve of the bath with a sharp edge. This crisp line can be accentuated by choosing an exterior colour from Victoria + Albert’s RAL colour range, offering over 200 hues. It is available in both left hand and right hand models. The back-to-wall bath combines a stylish profile with a modern, space-saving form. The wide ledge is ideal for a deck-mounted bath filler or simply a selection of bathroom luxuries. Two sizes are available, 1700mm and 1600mm.
The Lussari freestanding bath is another statement Victoria + Albert bath, with a sleek, double-ended design and available in 1800mm, 1700mm or a compact 1500mm form.
House of Rohl is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Inspired by Jules Verne’s novel ‘Around the world in 80 days‘, the Mövenpick BalaLand Resort on Lake Balaton is the first Accor property to open in Hungary…
Mövenpick BalaLand Resort is located on the coast of one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Central Europe. The new hotel is a significant milestone for the local hospitality and tourism industry as this highly anticipated opening brings the Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts brand to one of Hungary’s most beloved regions and tourist destinations. The hotel resort is part of a wider development project encompassing a unique in- and outdoor family park named BalaLand.
“Opening the first Mövenpick hotel resort in Hungary is a great privilege, a true milestone, and big development for the local hospitality and tourism industry,” said Dieter Prachner, General Manager of Mövenpick BalaLand Resort Lake Balaton. “Being the first international five star resort at Lake Balaton means a big distinction for us. Breath-taking surroundings with captivating interiors and modern design are attributes that we want to be recognised for. The connection between our décor with popular Jules Verne’s novel and Caribbean-colonial style provides a magical and unforgettable guest experience.”
Image credit: Mövenpick
Image credit: Mövenpick
Mövenpick BalaLand Resort shelters 109 modern and comfortable rooms, including 46 suites. Each room stands out by a unique theme, created in the spirit of the ’80 days around the World with Phileas Fogg’ theme. Guests can also benefit from the extensive offering of relaxation and wellness amenities in the hotel – on the fourth floor, there are five SPA treatment rooms with three saunas, a salt cabin, a steam room, and a couples therapy room. Travellers looking for active rest can use a fully equipped fitness room. The BalaLand Family Park offers indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities perfect for families with children, with an emphasis on preschool-aged kids.
Image credit: Mövenpick
The F&B offering at the hotel includes Pirate Restaurant & Terrace serving luxury buffet breakfast and dinner inspired, by contemporary international cuisine, finest local specialities as well as selected Mövenpick signature dishes. The hotel bar, namely the Reform Club offers guests an inspiring journey to a famous London club, founded in the 19th century, where Phileas’ journey began.
The extended-stay boutique hotel brand, ROOST, has announced plans to introduce an 81-key apartment hotel to the waterfront neighbourhood of Baltimore…
The Baltimore Peninsula development team, led by MAG Partners and MacFarlane Partners and Method Co., the development and design company rooted in hospitality, announced plans for a new ROOST Apartment Hotel, the concept known for bridging the boutique hotel experience with apartment-style living. The new addition to the ROOST portfolio will be located within Baltimore Peninsula, a mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood. The team, together with its joint venture partners Sagamore Ventures and the Urban Investment Group within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), is scheduled to open ROOST Baltimore Peninsula in summer 2023.
The ambitious project, designed by architecture firm Hord Coplan Macht, will feature a mix of furnished studio, one, two and three bedroom apartment hotel units with interiors designed in collaboration between interior design firm Aumen Asner Inc. and Method Studios, Method Co.’s in-house design firm. Each apartment hotel unit will feature full-size kitchens with contemporary appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows with balconies to take advantage of the stunning waterfront views.
Image credit: ROOST
The apartment hotel units, amenity space and lobby all feature custom and curated furnishings from designers such as Lawson-Fenning, Gubi, TON, Pedrali, &Tradition, Interior Define, Noguchi, Santa and Cole, Dumais Made, O & G, and Lumas. The furniture curation throughout the space, also designed by Method Studios, draws inspiration from the industrial and maritime heritage of Baltimore as a premier port city. The space is populated with vintage designer pieces and a colour palette of blues and greens accented by blackened steel and rich walnut wood.
Image credit: ROOST
The property includes an on-site fitness centre with Peloton bikes and 2000 square metres of indoor and outdoor resort-like amenity space, including an open-air pool lined with cabanas and an outdoor fireplace centred around a full-service hybrid bar and lounge. Additionally, Method Co. will be leasing out 40 apartment units for long-term residents who will also have access to all of the building’s amenities.
“With the addition of ROOST, Baltimore Peninsula is poised to become a vibrant destination for visitors and workforce talent that wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to experience the Baltimore Peninsula lifestyle,” said MaryAnne Gilmartin, Founder and CEO of MAG Partners. “ROOST’s high-design and commitment to quality compliments our broader approach as we create a new 24/7 neighbourhood.”
Image credit: ROOST
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to open our sixth ROOST location within the incredible city of Baltimore,” said Randall Cook, Co-Founder and CEO of Method Co. “MAG Partners and MacFarlane Partners are completely transforming the city’s waterfront experience with Baltimore Peninsula, making it an incredibly desirable destination for locals and visitors alike. We were drawn to this project by Kevin Plank and his partner’s positive energy, vision and commitment for the area and we look forward to playing a role in bringing that vision to life. At Method Co., it is an exciting moment for us as we explore new dimensions within our ROOST brand. The property’s design is thoughtfully layered with luxury details to create an elevated home-like experience. We’ve also worked to enhance our full-service amenity space. With a relatively low number of units versus the size of our team, we’ll be focused on delivering a high service and personalised experience to our hotel guests and residents alike.”
The ROOST Apartment Hotel blends the comfort and space of an apartment with the amenities and design of a boutique hotel, creating a temporary living environment ideally suited for today’s travellers away for a few days and long-term guests alike. Considered a pioneer in the apartment hotel movement, Method Co.’s ROOST Apartment Hotel brand is significantly expanding its portfolio, with recent openings outside of its home base of Philadelphia, including Cleveland and Tampa, with plans to open additional locations in Detroit this Spring and Charleston in 2024. Method Co. has combined its expertise in design, placemaking and operations to lead the development of the new property, building upon its robust portfolio of successful brands and hotel property launches.
London design studio Run for the Hills has completed its first full-hotel commission, Faern Arosa Altein, which is set on the snow-clad slopes of Switzerland…
Standing on a hillside within the beautiful national park resort of Arosa, Faern Arosa Altein is part of the Faern Resorts portfolio, a collection of resorts in the Swiss Alps dedicated to creating high altitude living wellness destinations with innovative food and beverage concepts, in some of the most loved Swiss mountain resorts. The Run for the Hills design team worked with Faern to redesign the picturesque 126-key hotel. Designed as a sociable haven for guests returning from a busy day on the mountain, the contemporary alpine interiors feature tactile upholstery, sheepskins and cosy woollen armchairs. Tailored mesh panels, ribbed glass column lights and antique brass fittings add an urban twist to the hotel’s modern charm.
Image credit: Romain Ricard
Image credit: Romain Ricard
A Wes Anderson-inspired wooden reception desk nods to the hotel’s heritage and complements the stunning architectural arches within the cosy-chic lounge and hotel foyer. A sweeping marble staircase encourages guests down to explore the hotel’s Zus Brasserie and inviting cocktail bar, Alchemilla Parlour. The interiors palette is grounded in alpine neutrals, forest greens, burnt rusts, and golden sun ochres, warmed with characterful timber furniture and joinery. Tabletops feature light and dark terrazzo stones and berry-red marble swirls. The tailored joinery is softened by fluted banquettes and sofa-height dining set-ups, accessorised with rustic ceramics and scattered Slim Aarons artwork, a nod to the retro village of Arosa.
“The hotel is deeply atmospheric and steeped in history,” said Anna Burles, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Run For The Hills. “We felt privileged to fashion its next chapter. Working closely with Faern Resorts CEO Romain Semmel, we developed our interior concept to honour its heritage, whilst also creating a fresh lifestyle escape for the next generation, channelling the spirit of chic millennial high-altitude living,”
Image credit: Romain Ricard
The hotel’s guestrooms offer a mix of comfort singles, doubles and larger deluxe corner suites for groups and families. Many have spacious balconies, with uninterrupted views over the valley and rooftops of Arosa. Inside, Run for The Hills’ guestroom design concept is unashamedly boutique-inspired. The soft curves of the custom headboards and contemporary joinery styles are punctuated with characterful lamps. The rooms are infused with alpine zig-zag textiles on the armchairs, which are paired with statement Swiss green cross, woollen bed blankets for extra warmth and cosiness.
Image credit: Romain Ricard
Image credit: Romain Ricard
The bathrooms are contemporary chic, featuring black-framed showers and brassware, washstand basin and terrazzo floors. The decorative palette is organic and rich, with a mix of timbers, woven panelling and rich clay paint colours creating a warm, elegant atmosphere. The final palette speaks to the hotel’s setting, as timeless tones from nature are accented by textural upholstery and sheepskin balcony seating to create a layered, modern mountain style.
“We created a design language for guestrooms of differing sizes; a suite of joinery designs which could flex for the varying styles and orientations of rooms,” explained Michael Smith, Associate Creative Director, Run For The Hills. “Bed sizes and storage solutions may vary, but we looked to connect them with signature features and maximum guest comfort touches, to make each room a relaxing retreat.”
Image credit: Romain Ricard
The hotel has several distinct spaces for both dining and drinking, including the stucco ceiling Grand Dining Room Zus Brasserie. Surrounded by large windows, this spacious room provides exquisite mountain and village views. The nature-inspired material palette features warm and organic tones, rich timbers, bouclé and wool upholstery fluted banquette sofas in forest greens, berry reds and bark browns. The structured dining chairs combine angled forms with Deco-inspired curves. These are given a contemporary twist with graphic art and mirrors suspended from ironwork rails that reflect the stunning views beyond. The Rustic Buffet adjoins Zus Brasserie, set under a statement decorative tree that celebrates the full height of the beautiful arched space, framed by the swirling marble staircase.
Image credit: Romain Ricard
Image credit: Romain Ricard
The hotel’s buzzy après ski rooftop restaurant and bar, Alpensand Panoramic Restaurant & Social Club, boasts breath-taking views of the Swiss Alps, sun-drenched by day and twinkling clear views by night. Offering an all-day à la carte menu, the light-filled indoor drinks and dining space extends out onto a magnificent balcony with uninterrupted views of the valley and village. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshment in the sun and an unrivalled location for après-ski sundown aperitifs and winter warmer cocktails. Alpensand channels 1970s décor, updated with alpine-inspired wallpapers from Mind The Gap’s TYROL collection, cosy Romo upholstery and a vintage collection of tongue-in-cheek mountain resort artworks. These are paired with cushy velvet sofas and deep, comfortable armchairs to provide a great spot to socialise and relax with friends.
Image credit: Romain Ricard
Alchemilla Parlour Bar, the hotel’s lower ground level social lounge set within the historic panelled Library Room, provides evening drinks, inventive cocktails and small plates for guests and locals. A beckoning, sumptuous space with richly upholstered cocktail armchairs, black-veined stone drinks tables and group nook sofas, Alchemilla is the perfect spot for retiring after dinner. In keeping with Faern’s spirit of joyful celebration, creativity and playful rebellion, the art is full of personality, channelling the spirited style of 1970s alpine fashion photography and surreal collage.
Image credit: Romain Ricard
The hotel boasts the town’s largest spa destination, with pools, water jets, steam and sauna, as well as pampering treatments for after a busy day on the slopes. During the winter season guests have access to heated boot racks in the ski room, with close access to the main lifts and an expansive ski and snowboarding area with sledging, snowshoeing and cross-country trails for those who don’t ski. In summer, Arosa is home to numerous lakes, picturesque hiking routes, mountain biking, parachuting for adrenaline junkies, and superb golfing experiences. Guests can play tennis on the two outdoor courts or take a dip in the outdoor pool. The hotel also offers breakout spaces, toddler and teenage games rooms, meeting spaces and a cinema room.
Fireplace innovator FOCUS has unveiled the Bathyscafocus Holographik – its latest design to be adapted for multiple uses in interior spaces…
FOCUS is rethinking fire and seeing is believing with this immersive design where flames are produced in 3D by a unique holographic system that plays over naturalistic ceramic logs. This creates an exceptionally realistic and multi-sensory fireplace experience, enhanced by the familiar sounds of a crackling wood-burning fire.
The Holographik has a patent that includes ten technological innovations making it a unique development in fireplace design and it has become the latest emblem of the Made in France label. This revolutionary range includes two models: the spherical Bathyscafocus whose design is evocative of underwater exploration and the Ergofocus, whose original design was recognised by Stockholm’s Modern Art Museum.
Image credit: FOCUS
New environmental standards are positively and sustainably impacting the world of traditional fireplaces. The Holographik fireplace requires no fuel supply and produces no emissions – all it needs is an electrical socket and it can be installed just about anywhere. This makes it perfect for low-energy building projects and apartments as this contemporary electric-powered fire poses no risk of burning and generates no sparks. Consuming less than 30 Watts, the fireplace uses virtually no electricity. It can be switched on/off at the touch of a button, making it easy for users to control and perfectly suitable for a workplace or for areas where there are high volumes of visitors.
The Holographik is the answer for anyone who wants to enjoy the experience of a fire in spaces usually unsuited for a fireplace. The flue is purely decorative and its length can be customised to any ceiling height. These fires are particularly suitable across a range of interiors, from hospitality projects such as bars restaurants and hotels, to retail projects, boutiques and showrooms. The hearth of both Ergofocus and Bathyscafocus Holographik models are suspended and pivot 80 degrees, allowing the fire to be enjoyed from nearly any angle.
FOCUS is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Ica Studio, an architecture and interior design studio regarded as one of the world’s leading hotel architecture and design practices, has won the Architectural Excellence Award at the 2023 Scottish Property Awards for its India Buildings project, now home to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh…
The Scottish Property Awards is an independent competition, which honours the achievements in the real estate sector by shining a light on the best new public and commercial buildings in Scotland. Walking away with the Architectural Excellence Award for its work on Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the Ica Studio team’s heritage know-how, combined with creative talent and expertise, led to a design that was able to unlock the viability of the challenging city-centre site of the project.
“A project like this has a long road to travel from concept to completion and it involved the talent and dedication of many incredible people,” said Sussanah Macneill, Managing Director, Ica Studio. “This award is a testament to the power of teamwork, strength of vision and the importance of never giving up!”
Image credit: Virgin Hotels
Ica Studio’s challenge was to combine the restoration of three distinctly separate ‘at risk’ listed buildings, which occupy dramatically different levels within the local cityscape, with new build elements carefully considered, to re-establish the historic form of the site, whilst also showcasing a bold, contemporary Edinburgh. The design allows for the three listed buildings to be linked both to each other and to the new build part of the hotel with sympathetic yet modern interventions, creating a new flow through the complex site and deliberately framing unexpected views out into both the more intimate bustling local streets and closes and towards the grander views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town roofscape. The design also provides for dramatic public spaces, rooftop gardens and cosy bedrooms, creating a bold contrast between old and new, light and dark, modern and traditional.
Image caption: Commons Club Bar Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. | Image credit: Ica Studio
In working with existing buildings, every project has inherent quirks and challenges. However, the key to a successful refurbishment is careful planning, creativity and lateral thinking. Ica Studio has mastered the art of ‘expecting the unexpected’ and the team is adept at designing a well-executed historic development, combining the existing elements of unique properties with the perks and privileges of a contemporary luxury hotel.
For the team at Ica Studio, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the new Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the outstanding result of many years of specialised experience, a lot of hidden hard work in both design and technical expertise to de-risk and make the project viable, conceptual talent, a love of hospitality and a flair for problem-solving.
Ica Studio is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Vaughan unveils SS23 collection of lights and more
The decorative lighting brand, Vaughan, is displaying the spring/summer 2023 collection in its London showroom inside Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Here’s our editor’s pick…
Combining a wealth of colour, texture and original design, the spring/summer 2023 collection from Vaughan welcomes both new designs, additional finishes and the much-anticipated return of a Kilim Rug collection.
Each new piece is made using the finest materials and calling on the highest level of craftsmanship across the globe. An assortment of table lamps, wall lights and ceiling lights, the collection refers to classic English design, yet is coupled with Vaughan’s signature pared-back aesthetic.
Adding to the Vaughan table lamp collection, the new Monxton table lamp launches a new shape and a new glaze finish. Slip cast earthenware ceramic and finished in a smooth, brown opaque porphyry style glaze with bronze fittings, the Monxton was inspired by a mid-20th century ceramic vase.
The Shoreham Table, popular in its existing high gloss red glaze finish and mid century style, launches this spring in a new finish. As with the Monxton table lamp, the new Shoreham table lamp is slip cast in earthenware ceramic with an opaque porphyry style glaze.
The ever-popular Avebury gourd table lamp, which is fabricated in ceramic earthenware with brass fittings, is now available in an additional colourway, in a crackled white glaze.
Vaughan expands its outdoor lighting collection with the new Twyford Lantern. Based on a 19th century antique, the lantern features intricate pierced metalwork detail. It is small in scale, with a height of just under 46cm. Although designed as an outside lantern and IP44 rated, it would work equally well in an interior setting. The lantern is manufactured from silver soldered brass sheeting, which is painted an ivory white colour. The piece has a three-way fitting and takes G9 bulbs, which are covered in frosted glass candle covers and candle tubes. It is supplied with chain and can also be installed with a fixed rod which needs to be ordered and fitted separately by the client.
Launching in a new Verdigris finish are the Axford and Hawley lanterns, which were first introduced in September 2022 with a copper bronze finish. The additional Verdigris finish is a copper oxide finish that is then sealed with a clear matt lacquer.
Wall lights continue to be integral to Vaughan collections and the 1940s inspired Marlow Wall Lights are now designed in brass and nickel finishes adding further glamour to the original design. The scale of the backplate is complemented by the design details and result in a strong and modern wall light. The Marlow wall lights are fabricated from solid cast brass with an antiqued brass or nickel finish. All wall lights are shown with five-inch lily linen drum lampshades.
Adding to Vaughan’s existing collection of Coldsteam picture lights, the design team have designed a version with a backplate that houses the driver for the LED module to ensure simplified installation process and an integrated LED cover to ensure even light. The backplate is solid cast brass and tube and hood are fabricated brass.
Exton mirror is now available in a bronze finish. Currently available in brass, the new bronze finish is fabricated from brass with brass wire detailing around the mirror edge that is then finished in bronze. Inspired by 1940’s design, it is a large scale statement piece measuring nearly 123cm in height and 90cm wide.Kilim
Striped kilims make a return to the Vaughan collection this Spring. Inspired by 19th century Turkish rug designs in subtle colour tones, the designs use natural dyes on 100% woven wool. Vaughan are introducing five new designs in a variety of sizes.
Kilim rugs
Image caption: Kilim Rug. | Image credit: Vaughan
Image caption: Kilim Rug. | Image credit: Vaughan
Striped Kilim Rugs make a return to the Vaughan collection this Spring. Inspired by 19th century Turkish rug designs in subtle colour tones, the designs use natural dyes on 100 per cent woven wool. Vaughan are introducing five new designs in a variety of sizes.
Vaughan is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The latest destination from Sir Richard Branson’s luxury lifestyle hotel brand, Virgin Hotels, brings a fresh hospitality concept to NewYork City’s NoMad Neighbourhood…
There are many synergies between New York City and the Virgin Hotels – quiet, conventional and forgettable are not within their vocabulary. The hotel brand that recently opened a property in Edinburgh, which became as its first hotel to open outside of North America, has drawn the focus back on States for its latest arrival. Cue the opening of Virgin Hotels New York City, located on Broadway, which takes up an entire block – the brand is not known for being subtle. The new lifestyle hotel sits in the NoMad neighbourhood, and frames eye-catching vistas of the New York City skyline, while sheltering a contemporary, paired back interior design scheme.
Image credit: Michael Mundy
Delivering a vibrant yet sophisticated hospitality experience in one of the world’s most exciting cities, Virgin Hotels New York City arrives as the sixth Virgin Hotels in the United States and the seventh in the brand portfolio.
The new hotel, designed by MARKZEFF with architecture and part design from Stantec, shelters 460 guestrooms, suites and penthouses. It also features entertainment-anchored spaces, including Everdene, which is a 370-square-metre indoor/outdoor distinct dining and cocktail experience paired with nightly music and entertainment programming. The hotel also boasts an outdoor pool club exclusive to hotel guests, and more than 1,800 square metre of meeting and event spaces.
“We’ve wanted to open a hotel in NewYork City since Virgin Atlantic first flew here in 1984,” said Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group. “We have had so many milestones in this city, from opening America’s biggest record store, to driving a tank through Times Square, to lighting up the Empire State Building. I’m looking forward to even more adventures in the city and having a place to call home at the end of the day. I’m so proud of the amazing team behind Virgin Hotels NewYork, they have created something beyond my wildest dreams. Can’t wait to show you all!”
Image credit: Michael Mundy
The Stantec/MARKZEFF team created a contemporary design that seamlessly melds the classic Virgin aesthetic with the dynamism of the Big Apple. The resulting design language is playful and authentic to NewYork City while simultaneously delivering the luxurious hospitality standards that Virgin Group has pioneered for decades. While maximising views throughout accommodations and public spaces, subtle design elements reference nearby Madison Square Park, with some bolder design components reminiscent of the Virgin brand, including a signature red staircase connecting the third and fourth floors as well as other red accents like the Chamber doors.
Image credit: Michael Mundy
The hotel also features an impressive art collection with more than 100 different pieces. From the lobby’s “Where’s Richard?” mural by Nigel Sussman, inviting guests to play a Virgin-themed version of ‘Where’s Waldo’, to the hotel’s largest 2D piece ‘The Sweat of Disco’ by artist Joeggu Hossmann, celebrating the city’s history, icons and party scene, the hotel’s collection is a nod to the legacy and future of the Virgin brand as well as NewYork City.
Marriott to open three properties on luxury island in Saudi Arabia
The deal between Marriott International and NEOM marks the first signed property under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand in Saudi Arabia. Here’s what we know…
Marriott International is the latest hotel group to announce its hotel development plans in Saudi Arabia, following much hype – and scrutiny – around the region’s ethical stance over the megastructures, such as The Line and Mukaab, that are on the boards.
The group has signed an agreement with NEOM to open three properties on its luxury island destination Sindalah, situated in the Red Sea off the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia. The multi-deal agreement includes Saudi Arabia’s first Autograph Collection Hotels property, as well as two Luxury Collection properties.
“NEOM is one of the most highly-anticipated developments in the world and we look forward to working with its team to develop these three exciting properties,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The Luxury Collection and Autograph Collection Hotels properties will express their own unique personality inspired by the exceptional natural landscapes of NEOM. We continue to see growth opportunities for our brand portfolio within the destination and Saudi Arabia overall.”
Image credit: Marriott International
The Luxury Collection in Sindalah
Offering global travellers a gateway to the world’s most captivating destinations, The Luxury Collection is expected to open two properties in the highly anticipated island destination, featuring transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity. Slated to open in 2024, a beach resort will offer a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas all featuring private pools. The second project, projected to open in 2024, is expected to be an all-suite property offering 115 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury suites, and will be situated in the heart of the retail and marina district of Sindalah. Both Luxury Collection properties are set to showcase multiple culinary experiences and leisure facilities.
Autograph Collection in Sindalah
Expected to open in 2024, the Autograph Collection property in Sindalah is anticipated to offer rich immersive moments that will leave a lasting imprint for guests. Plans for the resort include 66 rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas, multiple dining options, a kids club, and a spa.
Sindalah is the first of a group of islands that will be developed in NEOM and is set to be among the most alluring destinations in the Red Sea. The island will feature exquisite facilities and exclusive offerings surrounded by diverse ocean environment home to more than 2,000 marine species, 600 of which are endemic to the Red Sea.
Extending over an area of approximately 840,000 square metres, Sindalah will be a new destination for one-of-a-kind nautical and yachting experiences, located just 17 hours sail from the Mediterranean and featuring a prestigious 86-berth marina for yachts up to 75 metres and serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180 metres. Additionally, the island will include more than 400 ultra-premium hotel rooms and 300 top-end suites, a beach club, a glamorous yacht club and 38 unique culinary offerings.
“Marriott International offers one of the most compelling portfolios in the entire industry and enjoys a stellar reputation in the region. We are thrilled by the prospect of working together and look forward to building a hospitality experience that captures the spirit of Sindalah’s year-long appeal, while creating unforgettable memories for our guests,” added Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at NEOM, the division responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the region.
The three projects are expected to the first hotels to open on the island, and Sindalah itself is expected to be the first destination in NEOM to start welcoming guests.
Based in New York City, Champalimaud Design is an award winning multi-disciplinary design firm with a commitment to creating unparalleled spaces. The company founder – Alexandra Champalimaud – believes that good design starts with an exceptional story and has spent a quarter of a century creating some visionary design statements…
From the iconic cabanas at the Beverly Hills Hotel through to reimagining spaces at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, the portfolio of Champalimaud Design reads like a who’s who of the hospitality industry. In the spirit of today, International Women’s Day, we thought we would walk through some of the designs that have set this studio apart as its Founder and President, Alexandra Champalimaud, continues to inspire and support the next generation of designers in her company and beyond.
In her capacity as a member of the Network for Executive Women in Hospitality, which empowers women in the industry through opportunities for education, professional development and networking, alongside The International Interior Design Association, Champalimaud has stepped into her role as mentor for women in the design field.
Image credit: Champalimaud Design
“I’ve been elected as a mentor for women in my field—perhaps due to the layered and unconventional life I’ve led, the many places I’ve lived and evolutions I’ve experienced, ” discussed Champalimaud. “In the face of monumental upheaval, I’ve been able to exercise an innate strength and that is something that I’d like to impart to all the people who work here. I want people to be successful, to be themselves and to laugh a lot.”
Image credit: Champalimaud Design
Image credit: Champalimaud Design
Steeped in Hollywood history, the pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel has always been home to glamorous stars, movie icons and the location for more than one classic film. With a restoration of its private cabanas by Champalimaud Design, the beloved ‘Pink Palace’ was able to step up and provide a new generation of guests with modern day luxuries in a setting reflective of Hollywood’s golden age.
Image credit: Champalimaud Design
Crossing swiftly to the other side of the Atlantic and the historic village of Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire where Monkey Island Estate opened its doors after undergoing an impressive renovation led by the Champalimaud studio. The renovation is a celebration and tribute to the storied history of the island. The design studio looked to the two original structures on the island, the Temple and Pavilion buildings, which were constructed by Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough in the late 1730s, as inspiration for design vocabulary. In paying close attention to the rich history of the project and its surroundings, the lodging interiors are influenced by the boats making their way along the river. Inspired by the cabins on board, Champalimaud Design developed bespoke amenities and storage cabinets which would feel very much at home on the Thames. The palette is a comforting variety of warm greys, deep blues and caramels which perfectly frame the colours of the gardens.
Image credit: Champalimaud Design
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman re-opened in December 2021 after an extensive renovation. The studio was responsible for revamping the public spaces, guestrooms and suites of the resort with a vision that reflects the natural beauty of the island. Careful consideration was given to the lobby and reception area to ensure this was achieved as soon as guests entered the resort. Natural materials and colours are used throughout, from lush greens, beach inspired whites and beiges to deep blues evocative of Cayman’s night sky and the turquoise of the Caribbean Sea.
With Champalimaud at the helm, the studio continues to celebrate design excellence and the traditions of craftmanship – a pairing that has allowed it to explore and redefine designing for impact. For more than 25 years the studio has been recognised internationally for its visionary design concepts and keen ability to infuse spaces with modernity while maintaining integrity, character and a sense of place that shows no signs of slowing down.
For Villeroy & Boch, the focus for 2023 is its milestone 275th anniversary and it is launching this anniversary year with extensive bathroom solutions for ISH…
Since its foundation in 1748, Villeroy & Boch has combined tradition and innovation, heritage and modernity, always with a commitment to design and quality. With the launch of an extensive range of taps & fittings in Europe and a new designer collection encompassing all product areas, the brand is consolidating its position as an all-round supplier for high-quality bathrooms. 2023 marks the start of a new era in bathroom design for the company and Villeroy & Boch is celebrating the dawning of this new era at ISH Frankfurt and online at the Villeroy & Boch Innovation Days.
Georg Lörz, Director Bathroom and Wellness, views the digital Villeroy & Boch Innovation Days and ISH as ideal complementary platforms to present and bring to life the comprehensive product portfolio. “With our broad presence and our hybrid presentation of new products, we are everywhere trade, retail, planners and architects expect to find us,” said Lörz. “Our partners can experience all the exhibition highlights live and at any time of their choosing. We are looking forward to this shared experience.”
To accompany the opening of the exhibition, all new products, 360° views, virtual exhibition tours, inspiring presentations and much more will be available on the Innovation Days platform. Access will still be possible after the close of the trade fair.
In addition, to mark the company’s 275th anniversary, Villeroy & Boch is perpetuating a long tradition of designer cooperations and presenting Antao, a collection developed by the design duo kaschkasch that transforms the bathroom into a holistic space with a natural and harmonious look. The new range of taps & fittings coordinates perfectly with all Villeroy & Boch collections and will make bathroom planning even easier in the future. Embracing the past while looking into the future, a special anniversary edition of the classic Hommage collection pays tribute to the brand’s history.
Villeroy & Boch is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
To mark this years International Women’s Day, we’re looking beyond the straps and hashtags and, instead, identifying women in the design realm who have embraced technology and innovation both past and present while challenging established design norms and shifting boundaries – our future is truly #DigitALL…
This year, International Women’s Day is celebrating under the banner DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. From the earliest days of computing to today’s platforms of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, women have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live in. Women have also had and continue to make a huge impact in the design world. Running with these two threads we are shining a light on a few of the designers who have embraced both design and technology to elevate their craft.
Image credit: Marimekko
Who in the design world doesn’t recognise the iconic Marimekko poppy design? An image that has in many ways come to represent all that is Marimekko, was created in 1964 by Finnish designer Maija Isola. Despite the company policy, as set by Marimekko’s founder, to use ‘anything but flowers’ , by having the creative confidence to challenge those boundaries Isola more or less single-handedly gave the brand the colourful aesthetic it is still known for today. We have chosen to highlight some of the women whose design work, in some shape or form, embraces change. And like Isola, they have not always followed the rules.
Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design
Fast forward from 1964 to 2023 and the design industry remains a platform where women innovate and harness technology to create something different. The work of artist Sally Coulden of Red Dog Glass Design combines contemporary art with exciting materials and technology. Her impactful abstract paintings reflect wild British spaces which the team at Red Dog Glass Design carefully translate the original paintings into works of digital art, deconstructing and recreating each piece into a range of bespoke sizes. The artwork is then expertly applied to high-quality glass panels that are durable, practical and of course beautiful.
Image credit: Nat Bowen
Also stepping outside the boundaries of traditional surfaces, abstract artist Nat Bowen brings colour to the table in her vibrant multi-layered resin works. Bowen bases her art on the concept of chromology, the psychology behind colour. She relates this, in turn, to her practice of wellbeing, meditation and mental health using the creation of her artwork as a way to manage these areas of life. Despite using a medium that in many ways embraces technology she uses the process to detach from technology and defer everyday distractions whilst she paints. From high-speed collaborations with Maclaren to more meditative installations, Bowen’s work exemplifies the use of technology for good – embracing techniques and mediums that are forward-facing, while focussing on the inner-wellbeing of both artist and viewer.
Image credit: Northern Lights
Combining the creativity of her designs with the requisite practical application of technology, Donna Gridley, Head of Creative at British luxury lighting manufacturer Northern Lights, works closely with the in-house design team to translate her sketches and concepts into 3D models. Using the teams’ Solidworks expertise, this modelling allows her to make finer tweaks and adjustments by viewing the design from all angles, ensuring it has been carefully considered and reflects the design brief perfectly.
“I am by nature creative with a passion for art, texture and sculpture, and my sketchbooks are never far away,” Gridley told Hotel Designs. “However, it’s been important for me to also work with the technology available to refine and maximise my creative output. Whether that’s understanding new technical applications and machinery in manufacturing, to working with the software used by our design team to translate and refine my designs.”
Image credit: Topophyla
Stepping into the great outdoors, as Co-Founder of landscape design firm Topophyla, Nahal Sohbati, has introduced advanced technology into the landscape design process with drone-aided design. While nature may be the central pillar to everything it does, Topophyla use drones and the surrounding technology to construct the trademark poetically designed landscapes. “Drones are an integral part of our process,” explained Sohbati. “We use the data they collect from the beginning of our projects, with site analysis, to the end, with post-occupancy studies.” With a strong focus on connecting communities to their environment Sohbati’s designs are a clear illustration of how we can harness technology to re-connect with nature.
Image credit: Twelve Architects
Moving into the realm of the built environment, architect Lorraine Stoutt Griffith has been one of the driving forces behind the Escapade Silverstone project, a space that seamlessly merges hospitality and motorsport in an original way, while also challenging conventional approaches to designing hospitality properties. In a previous interview with Hotel Designs’ Stoutt Griffith unravelled the challenges that she and her team at Twelve Architects faced and then confronted with innovative solutions to push boundaries in the luxury wellness arena of hotel design and hospitality. The end result is an interesting juxtaposition of a design that embodies the speed and technology of its location, while at the same time provides a connection with the natural landscape that frames it.
Image credit: Inhabit Hotels
Slowing the pace down and taking time for a little introspection, a strong belief that businesses can positively shape communities and the world, Co-Founder of Inhabit Hotels, Nadira Lalji, has put wellness at the heart of the brand, injecting it into every level, from the checking-in process to the design and sense of community. “Every aspect of our hotel is aligned with what being well means to us,” explained Lalji. “We think of wellness as more than a physical state, but a way of being. Our brand pillars, which stand for social connectedness, intellectual expansion and environmental responsibility, reinforce this belief”. Seeing Inhabit Hotels as more than a place to stay but as a force for good is essentially what Lalji and the brand has brought to the hospitality table. Everything is mindfully considered and curated with a genuine commitment to environmental initiatives and meaningful community partnerships. This ethos is not simply about providing guests with a recycled water bottle and the odd yoga lesson, it has been carefully thought through and penetrates every touchpoint, from materials used through to service, F&B offerings to its business model and broader interaction with the local community.
Image credit: Roar
And finally, no conversation on women embracing technology and change in design can be had in 2023 without casting our eyes onto the horizon of the metaverse. And with that being said, Pallavi Dean is among a handful of designers who are championing both technology and the metaverse with personal positivity that is making the virtual world a whole lot more relatable. As Founder and Creative Director of Dubai-based interior design studio Roar, Dean has always been clear that she believes design should be experiential, people centric and possibly just a little disruptive. With this mindset, she has become a champion of all things metaverse and in the process has demystified a lot of the hype around a concept that is so often dismissed. “The metaverse is clearly a lasting commercial phenomenon, not a passing fad, so we want – and need – to be there,” states Dean, believing that the growth of virtual architecture is likely to shape the future of physical buildings and public spaces. Essentially what the designer is doing by voicing her research and understanding of the metaverse is challenging preconceptions and putting alternatives forward that are being offered to us by technology on the table in a far more personable package. It is a progressive approach to design and hospitality that is both refreshing and challenging.
GRAFF Designs range of spa-like showers, innovative water technologies and stylish designs, allows the bathroom to evolve from a functional and clinical space to a room for living…
With its state-of-the-art technology, GRAFF’s product portfolio includes smart chromatherapy and hydrotherapy showers and basin mixers, helping create rooms of pure serenity, injecting the power of the natural world into the bathroom through water. Designed by Davide Oppizzi, GRAFF’s iconic Ametis Collection leads the way in luxury spa showering, bringing new dimensions of wellness and relaxation. The Ametis Shower Column with its high-tech integrated LED chromotherapy lighting system stands out from the crowds. The shower ring creates a waterfall effect, gently cocooning the body with water whilst wall jets offer massaging sprays for the ultimate experience. For a gentler more organic approach, the Ametis wall-mounted mixer and its beautifully curved spout delivers cascading water in a gentle delivery.
Image credit: GRAFF Designs
“At GRAFF, sustainability, quality, and cutting-edge design go hand in hand,” said Ziggy Kulig, GRAFF Founder, President and CEO. “As a company, we are devoted to preserving our planet’s precious resources, while working tirelessly to create dream spaces that enhance personal wellness around the world. Our products are designed to give people moments of complete serenity and extraordinary experiences with water.”
Image credit: GRAFF Designs
Bringing technical innovation to the bathroom, GRAFF’s Aqua-Sense Collection combines water, light and sound in effortless harmony. Delivering a physical and emotional showering experience, Aqua-Sense pushes the boundaries of digital showering. With an intuitive interface, the touchscreen controls allow the user to regulate water functions, colour, music and video preferences with ease. Its lighting capabilities create a soothing effect through diffused chromatic lines, whilst its rain, waterfall and mist spray options deliver unparalleled experiences with water. All products in the range boast water aerators, creating plump droplets that envelop the body.
GRAFF Designs is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
One&Only Cape Town has completed an extensive renovation. The new design scheme, imagined by Muza Lab, captures the natural beauty of the location…
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, at the fashionable V&A Waterfront overlooking the marina and with panoramic views across to Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town is a tranquil enclave on the doorstep of the vibrant city. The refurbishment spans the full 133 guestrooms and suites of the resort, as well as the entrance lobby, Vista Bar & Lounge and landscaping, with new flooring, fittings and fixtures.
“This is an incredibly exciting project for the One&Only Cape Town team and a testament to our confidence in the positive future direction of South African tourism,” said Anne Scott, General Manager, One&Only Cape Town. “We’ve proudly incorporated local suppliers and artisans to create something magical – paying homage to African culture while retaining the innate One&Only ultra-luxury ethos.”
Image credit: One&Only
The scheme came together with the help of natural, timeless and locally sourced materials, all inspired by shapes, textures and colours of its surrounding habitat. From naturally crafted pieces by local artisans to symbolic aesthetics created to mirror elements of the sea, British design studio, Muza Lab has created an escape with both practicality and meaning. Focusing on portraying ocean, land and heritage, the design team at Muza Lab delved into this project with the idea of capturing the environment’s natural beauty, to reflect its setting and bring the space back to life. The end result is a harmonious and tranquil storytelling experience with a design blueprint drawn from Cape Town’s artistry and local mythology.
Image credit: One&Only
Image credit: One&Only
Guestroom interiors have been crafted using thoughtful textures and organic materials, creating not just a space, but a whole experience and story. Entering the guestroom, warm lighting and an earthy colour scheme set the tone, the Kente cloth adorned entrance, using fabric inspired by the traditional Northern African mud cloth, creates an authentically African welcome. The space is a perfect blend of metals and minerals, modernity and tradition. Every element is carefully considered, from the curved headboard of the bed which harmonises with the contrast of structural shapes and angles, to the handmade ceramics in organic shapes representing the textures and colours of Table Mountain: the golden yellow of the sun, the green of the plants and the blue of the sea, and the black texture of the Cape pine trees and silverleaf pine.
Image credit: One&Only
Considered the gemstone capital of the world with almost half of the world’s gemstones found in Southern Africa, sparkling accents are added throughout the guest rooms, with details of Tiger’s Eye drawer pulls and facetted artworks adding an ornate touch to modern African luxury. Gemstone-shaped shields, made by artists that are community figures in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, adorn Marina Rise’s headboard walls and are symbolic of the Sun and Moon. The beaded pots in all the rooms were created by Zimbabwe-born Richard Madongwe and his team of bead artists. The jars are representative of the vessels carried on the heads of the people of Africa, transporting the lifeblood of earth – water – to their families.
Image credit: One&Only
Image credit: One&Only
The suites offer space, repose and a journey of discovery. An extension of the overarching design concept but dotted with touches of green, the suites are a playful alternation of texture, use of lighting and colour, layered with honest natural minerals and unexpected objects. Limestone and African Ash feature tiles in the lobby, as well as statement tables and structural seating, complement the arrival experience. Both the reception and lounge spaces showcase individual identity with a balance of shadow and light, a colour palette of calm neutrals deep browns and warm earth tones, as well as exquisite African patterns.
Image credit: One&Only
By weaving an inspired design in collaboration with local artists and artisans, One&Only Cape Town is refelctive of its setting in a fresh and nuanced way that is inclusive and expansive, and with an elevated residential feel that makes guests instantly feel at home. The inimitable location along with its unique offering of inner-city yet resort-style accommodation continues to set the hotel apart.
Art outside the frame: transforming the bar into art
In an era of design where art is being reflected in all kinds of unconventional ways, who is to say that the bar cannot become the artwork? Corbello Loxstone has a stylish solution…
In hotel design, who isn’t looking to add some elegance and sophistication in the bar? For designers seeking to add elevation into an F&B space, suspended brass rings and wire wine racks offer not only a practical storage solution but also a new layer of luxe in the overall design scheme.
Corbello Loxstone believes that one of the primary benefits of using suspended brass rings and wire wine racks is that they are incredibly versatile. These racks come in a wide range of sizes and styles, making them ideal for any bar setup, whether it’s a small hotel bar or a large commercial establishment. Additionally, suspended wine racks can be installed in a variety of ways, including from the floor to ceiling, from the two surfaces within a built in system, or even from a freestanding structure. This means you have the flexibility to choose the installation method that best suits your space and aesthetic.
Another benefit of using suspended wine racks is that they allow you to showcase your wine collection in a unique and eye-catching way. By suspending your wine bottles from brass rings on wire racks, you create an interesting visual display that draws attention to your wine collection. This is especially true if you choose to install your wine racks in a prominent location, such as above your bar or in a dedicated wine room.
When it comes to incorporating suspended brass ring and wire wine racks into your bar décor, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the size and style of your wine racks. If you have a small bar, then a compact wire wine rack might be the best option. However, if you have a larger space, then you may want to opt for a larger set up brass ring wine rack that can hold more bottles.
In addition to size and style, you’ll also want to think about the materials used in your suspended wine racks. Brass ring wine racks are popular because they add a touch of elegance to any space. However, if you prefer a more industrial or modern look, then a wire wine rack might be a better fit. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of the typical metal finishes, such as polished brass, antique brass, brushed or satin brass, bronze, chromes, nickels and many more choices to further customise the look of your wine racks.
When installing your suspended wine racks, it’s important to keep a secure fixing in mind. Make sure to properly secure your wine racks to the ceiling or wall using sturdy set-up, and ensure that the weight capacity of your racks is appropriate for the number of wine bottles you plan to store. It’s also a good idea to periodically inspect your wine racks to ensure they remain secure and stable.
Finally, when it comes to filling your suspended wine racks, you have a few options. You can choose to display your most prized bottles of wine, or you can use your racks to store your everyday drinking wines.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to beautify your hotel bar, then suspended brass ring and wire wine racks are a great option. They provide a unique way to display your wine collection, while also adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. By following these tips for incorporating suspended wine racks into your décor, you can create a stunning display that is sure to impress your guests and become a talking point.
Corbello Luxstone is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Villeroy & Boch on bringing nature into the bathroom
As we all strive to get closer to nature in our day to day lives, one way to achieve this is to create a natural oasis in the bathroom…
Bathroom brand Villeroy & Boch have come up with five simple steps to incorporate natural elements into the bathroom. The first step is all about colour – when working on ways to bring the benefits of nature indoors, think about your base colour. To achieve a natural design within the bathroom avoid stark whites, because although beige can often get a bad rep, it can add natural warmth to any bathroom. When working on your colours, think beyond the tiles and paint and incorporate it into the fittings. Washbasin collections such as Loop & Friends from Villeroy & Boch offer matte colours like warm Almond, Ebony or Graphite in an organic design, that will instantly warm up the bathroom.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
Next on the list –incorporate textures found in nature. When designing a bathroom, think about using materials such as wood, bamboo, stone and glass that mimic or reflect the beauty of nature. Adding wood to a bathroom can add natural warmth. Villeroy & Boch have a number of collections including Collaro and Finion offering wood-toned furniture which is a beautiful addition to any nature-inspired bathroom.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
It might be stating the obvious, but always remember to bring a little of the outside in. Focus on incorporating plants into the space as many plants thrive in the tropical humidity of the bathroom. Alongside adding colour, they also add texture to the bathroom and keep the bathroom looking lush and green.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
Keeping the focus on the great outdoors and the natural world, get inspiration directly from the source. Nature is full of colour so don’t shy away from adding colour to the bathroom. One unusual way is to add a coloured washbasin and the Villeroy & Boch Artis range is a great option. In four forms and nine colours, the Artis washbasins come in a broad range of colours to appeal to all tastes, from bold statements to subtle highlights – just like in the natural world.
Finally, let the light in. Where possible, ensure that the bathroom is bathed in natural light by adding windows or even a skylight. Where this isn’t feasible consider adding a gentle lighting source which can also be customised. Softer and more natural light can be introduced by adding dimmable ceiling lights or alternative forms of lighting such as More to See Lite mirrors from Villeroy & Boch.
Villeroy & Boch is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Miniview: Hôtel Dame des Arts – lifestyle with a twist
Hôtel Dame des Arts is a vibrant new lifestyle hotel located in the beating artistic heart of Saint-Germain on Paris’ Rive Gauche. With interiors by Raphael Navot, we stepped inside to take a look…
Just a short walk from Notre Dame Cathedral and an easy stones throw from the Seine, Hôtel Dame des Arts has taken its inspiration from the artistic culture that the locale has been closely affiliated with since the 1920s. The 109-key boutique hotel, the latest addition to the Preferred Hotel & Resorts portfolio, is also home to a show stopping Rooftop Bar with 360 degree views of the seven main attractions of Paris, a beautifully designed restaurant with an adjacent garden courtyard and a stunning gym to entice even the most sedentary guest.
Image credit: Ludovic Balay
Image credit: Ludovic Balay
Internationally renowned Paris-based designer Raphael Navot, the 2023 winner of the Maison&Objet ‘Designer of the Year Award’, has spearheaded the interior design of the 1950s building, masterfully fusing Parisian elegance and an international twist with the essence of freedom, culture, and creativity that the Left Bank is celebrated for. Tapping into his flair for creating unique, beautiful spaces and furniture, Raphael Navot has designed a hotel which blends seamlessly into its surroundings, yet takes the neighbourhood into an exciting, bold future.
Image credit: Ludovic Balay
Although each guestroom is individually designed, all of them feature bespoke art pieces and over one third of the beautifully appointed guest bedrooms and suites boast an outdoor terrace overlooking either the rooftops of Paris or the Eiffel Tower.
Image credit: Ludovic Balay
Image credit: Jerome Galland
Guests can expect the unexpected when it comes to the hotel’s dining venues. The Rooftop Bar and an indoor restaurant with an adjacent outdoor garden courtyard has been conceptualised by the former operational director of Experimental Group, Matthieu Alfandari. Alongside Chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda, the food and drink offering showcases seasonal dishes that fuse classic French cuisine with a contemporary Mexican twist. Othoniel brings a sustainably minded culinary vision to the hotel, designed to be shared in celebratory style, and where each menu item is inspired by one hero ingredient, championing quality local produce and presented in a delightfully playful way.
Image credit: Ludovic Balay
And at the end of the day, the hotel’s crowd-drawing highlight, the Rooftop Bar, frames the awe-inspiring views of the City of Light with the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, the golden dome of Les Invalides, and Notre Dame Cathedral all visible. It is here that guests, locals, and visitors alike will be able to sip their cocktails in true Left Bank style.
With colour playing an integral part in shaping how a design scheme looks and feels, leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles is helping designers and specifiers set the right tone by providing in-house colour consultancy and technical support…
CTD Architectural Tiles offers an expertly curated product range and works with the world’s leading manufacturers to provide a ‘one stop shop’ solution to the design and delivery of commercial tile packages. From muted pastels to more vibrant shades, the company is continuously updating its product offering to provide its customers with the latest on-trend colours, sizes and finishes as well as ensuring a plentiful stock of the most popular tiles for immediate dispatch in the UK. To help designers navigate the company’s extensive tile collections, CTD Architectural Tiles’ experienced specification team is on hand to provide design and technical support to meet the specific requirements of a variety of commercial projects.
Image credit: CTD Tiles
The team can advise on creating bespoke tile packages to complement classic, contemporary or bespoke colour schemes and how to effectively use coloured tiles to zone and define specific areas. Technical support on how tiles can be used to improve accessibility through wayfinding is also available, focusing on light refection values (LRVs) and the suitability of different textures and finishes for both natural and artificial lighting conditions. Drawing on the team’s extensive experience of working with both interior designers and architects, the company is also well placed to provide guidance on the latest design trends, best practice and performance requirements including meeting the required slip-resistance ratings for both wet and dry conditions.
CTD Architectural Tiles is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
TREND Artistic mosaics take inspiration from nature and translates it into complete patterns created in vibrant coloured glass…
Whilst biophilic design might be making headlines, featuring nature in design is nothing new. From the earliest days of industrialised production, images of flora and fauna were regularly incorporated into walls and fabrics as decorative elements. From the floral silk panels of the Orient to William Morris wallpapers, all manner of birds and flowers have graced the walls of homes and buildings all over the world for centuries – they may go in and out of fashion periodically but they never really go far away.
TREND Artistic mosaics is a collection that brings nature, in all its colourful glory, into the home and onto the wall, floor or any surface that can provide a canvas for its creative and joyful patterns made up from the vibrant palette of coloured glass. By using classical Italian ‘hand-cut’ pieces, they are able to create curves and shapes that reflect natural elements such as grasses and flowers and give them a new artistic expression.
Image credit: TREND Group
Image credit: TREND Group
Enriched with enamels and aventurine stone, the mosaics can be used to represent images of incredible complexity or stunning simplicity as single motifs or repeat wallpaper patterns that literally bring designs to life. Ideal for use internally or externally on walls or floors, they are resistant to thermal shock, not affected by sunlight and the colours do not fade over time. They are also suitable for use in wet environments such as swimming pools and showers.
Image credit: TREND Group
Nature is all about soft edges and curves, patterns, colour and shape. There are no straight lines or right angles to interrupt the eye, everything flows and blends smoothly together to create a bigger picture. Interpreting this into modern expressions opens exciting new design solutions and endless possibilities. TREND Artistic mosaics offer a wealth of opportunities to create new artistic expressions of the natural world that not only provide visual stimulation, but make us feel good too.
TREND Group is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Located in the picturesque streets of Oaxaca’s historic centre, Majagua Boutique Hotel has perfected the precise balance between the purity of the lines of Art Deco architecture and a homage to local artisan traditions…
Majagua’s imprint draws on eclectic spaces with a fusion of contemporary design elements, handcrafted pieces and the careful restoration of a 1950’s Art Deco mansion. The building is testimony to the city’s rich history and cosmopolitan past and as you step inside Majagua, the luxury of comfort and abundant simplicity are a code that can be appreciated throughout the property. The geometric shapes and stylised decorations harmonise with materials such as metals, tropical woods and natural fibres.
Image credit: Chucho P
In its 14 guestrooms, arranged over two floors, the design aesthetic is developed as a continual dialogue between form, function and roots. In the guestrooms light tones are imbued with natural light, thanks to the large windows opening up the space. The rustic accents in textiles, furniture, lamps from Asia along with other detailed pieces such as the tivichi—an animal-shaped cushion made in the Valley of Oaxaca—invite guests to appreciate craftwork as the luxury of this era.
Image credit: Majagua
Image credit: Majagua
Stays at Majagua are complemented by the culinary offerings of Endémico Restaurante, which celebrates Oaxacan food traditions through typical recipes made from ingredients grown in the region. The menu is succinct and incorporates the flavours of local kitchens and touches of Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine for dishes with a decidedly comfort food feel. The recipes for breakfast and lunch revisit the unmissables of this part of the country, such as tlayudas and chilaquiles. Endémico Restaurante has two service areas, one on the ground floor and the second on the terrace, where diners can also enjoy original mixology and soft drinks while appreciating the panoramic views of the skyline of colonial buildings.
Image credit: Daniela Jara
The perfect location of the property right in the middle of this historic town has inspired the Majagua Route, an itinerary conceived for contemporary nomads to discover the main sites of interest and includes landmarks such as the Church of Santo Domingo, the Ethnobotanical Garden, and the Textile Museum.
The reimagining and renovation of The Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort, America’s first resort, is currently undergoing a property-wide renovation. WATG and interiors studio Wimberly Interiors is collaborating with The Omni Hotels & Resorts’ design team to honour the legacy and carry it into the future…
Welcoming travellers since 1766, The Omni Homestead Resort is one of America’s most storied resorts, offering unparalleled hospitality and southern charm in a sprawling setting within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia. For more than 250 years, The Homestead has served as a welcome respite for visitors from around the world. In the early years guests would journey for days on horseback or in stagecoaches to ‘take the waters’ and enjoy the cool Allegheny Mountain breezes. Over time, the resort grew and by the late 1800s it was known as one of the country’s premier resorts where US Presidents, foreign dignitaries and business leaders would gather.
Image credit: The Omni Homestead Resort
The 483-key property is currently undergoing a $140+ million renovation, which is scheduled to be completed towards the end of 2023. Drawing from the region’s natural beauty, the interior design will reflect a sophisticated, residential style while the new event pavilion will be a nod to the resort’s classic architecture and finishes. From the grandeur of the Great Hall to the dreamy comfort of each guest room, this charming oasis will be restored and revitalised for generations to come. The rich history and beloved traditions of the property are at the heart of this investment. Highlights of the renovation include façade improvements, balcony deck work, guestroom renovations, refreshed public spaces, a new event facility and associate housing complex and the rehabilitation of the Warm Springs Pools.
Image credit: The Omni Homestead Resort
The first phase of the renovation includes the iconic Warm Springs Pools, an integral part of Bath County and Virginia history, which debuted in December 2022 following a 14-month rehabilitation. Fed by four natural warm springs, rich in mineral content, the 19th century bathhouses have been sought by travellers for centuries. The stone basin of the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse was constructed in 1761, making it the oldest spa structure in the country. Throughout the process, Omni worked closely with 3North, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Lionberger Construction to ensure the project adhered to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The Warm Springs Pools project is considered a rehabilitation, as it acknowledges the need to alter or add to a historic property to meet continuing or changing uses while retaining the property’s historic character.
Moving indoors, tailored comfort designed to be both delightful and restful is the theme for the 483 renovated guest rooms. Each wing will feature a distinct colour palette that flows from the corridors into the guestrooms and exquisite floral patterns along with uniquely Homestead touches accent the décor.
Image credit: The Omni Homestead Resort
The heart of The Homestead, the Great Hall is timeless and traditional. The custom-designed carpet, with a nod to the flora and fauna of the Allegheny Mountains, is accented with the trim of classic hardwood floors. Elegant up lighting enhances the welcoming ambiance and whimsical touches in this iconic setting. In addition, each of the resort’s 28 meeting rooms will be refreshed with a focus on architectural details and advanced functionality. Improvements from lighting fixtures and acoustic ceiling tiles to new carpeting and refinished hardwood floors will create a light, sophisticated retreat for meetings and events.
Image credit: The Omni Homestead Resort
The theatre, a 1923 addition to the resort will receive a classic, yet modern update with the viewing area converted from theatre seats to comfortable sofa settees, lounge chairs and side tables ideal for a variety of events from movie nights to magic shows. New audio-video technology allows for the transformation of the projection booth into an elegant, signature cocktail bar.
Image credit: The Omni Homestead Resort
The renovations will extend into the F&B venues include Pioneer Picnic, a fast-casual, family-friendly dining experience, Martha’s Market, the property’s grab-and-go café, the Lobby Bar, which will soon become a new speakeasy-style lounge, Jefferson’s Restaurant and Taproom, Rubino’s at The Cascades, and The Dining Room.
Sunny, light and bright describe the new bistro-style look and feel of Martha’s Market, the resort’s popular, all-day outlet with a design which flows seamlessly into the adjoining Washington Library. Lobby Bar is home to a stunning portrait collection of the resort’s presidential guests and expands into the Georgian Room. The bourbon and brandy colour palette creates a distinguished setting for enjoying top tier spirits, fine wines and even a game of pool. Pioneer Picnic is conveniently located in the Casino building and will provide a new casual, family-friendly dining experience that honours the cuisine of the region. The wrap-around porch and grand lawn invite guests to dine outside, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Product watch: Marvel Travertine from Atlas Concorde
Marvel Travertine is a collection with an extremely realistic look inspired by one of the most precious stones in Italian history…
Starting from the initial development, Atlas Concorde collections are conceived to create stylistic continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces capable of interpreting and suggesting styles and languages consistent with design projects. Marvel Travertine, one of Atlas Concorde’s latest collections.is an example of how a collection can express multiple tones of voice. The selection of floor and wall tiles feature a contemporary interpretation of one of the most classic materials in architecture, Travertine, used since ancient Rome for the decoration of outdoor spaces.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
There are two designs for outdoor spaces in the collection: the Vein Cut and the Cross Cut. The Vein Cut reproduces the typical streaked appearance of travertine and is available with a nine mm or 20mm thickness, the latter for laying on driveways or on grass and gravel. The Cross Cut version reproduces the appearance of a stone characterised by extensive shading and is available only in a grip version with nine mm thickness, ideal for patios, terraces and pedestrian spaces not crossed by vehicles. The collection is available in three warm shades in soft hues inspired by the Mediterranean: Sand, White and Pearl. While polishing travertine would produce a slippery stone surface, thanks to the application of specific substances the outdoor version of Marvel Travertine is slip resistant.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
In contrast with natural stone, porcelain tiles graphically reproduce the porous, perforated surface of travertine, preserving the aspect of permeability, which is highly valued for outdoor spaces. Porcelain tiles also incorporate many important features that make them perfect for outdoor spaces: they are weather resistant, nonporous, waterproof, and stain resistant. They are also scratch resistant and non-slip, maintenance-free, maintain their natural beauty, and are resistant to chemicals. This is particularly important when used with pools that require water treatment additives.
Atlas Concorde is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Listen now: sustainability in materials explored on DESIGN POD
Richard Holland, Director and Co-Founder of Holland Harvey Architects, joins Editor Hamish Kilburn to discuss sustainability in materials for the first episode to drop in series four of DESIGN POD…
The mantra of DESIGN POD series four, sponsored by Geberit and produced by Mel Yates, is to unapologetically ‘cut through the noise’ in design and architecture, while continuing to create conversations that are unlike any other. The topics that will be amplified across eight meaningful episodes will include nature in design, circadian lighting, design in the metaverse and unconventional design narratives. However, while all these themes are prevalent on today’s landscape, there is, arguably, no conversation that is louder in 2023 – and that is causing more confusion in its definition alone – than that around sustainability in materials.
In recent years, though, following the rise in demand for more environmentally and socially driven buildings and spaces, design and architecture studios, like Holland Harvey Architects, that were born from the idea of conscious design and development have finally started to win projects that will set new standards in sustainability. For Richard Holland, Co-Founder and Director of Holland Harvey Architects, that initial hotel project came in the form of Inhabit Hotels, which today comprises of two urban wellness hotels in west London that have been designed to make both and environmental and social impact on their communities.
In episode 27 of DESIGN POD (the first episode in series four), I welcomed Holland on the podcast to explore the significance of working with hospitality brands that truly understand the value in developing around communities and being environmentally aware throughout – not just using sustainability as a veneer. Nadira and Rihim Lalji, the owners of InHabit Hotels, created the small yet mighty hotel brand around social connectedness, intellectual expansion and environmental responsibility – all of which were qualities that form the foundations of Holland Harvey Architects to ‘free architecture’. This mindset from the client allowed the design team to, well, design deeper by applying research and finding unconventional ways to retain materials existing buildings, while not taking anything away from the contemporary Scandinavian-meets-British design aesthetic, created by Caitlin Henderson Design.
What sets Inhabit Hotels aside from others is its commitment to save and restore in both design and architecture, confronting the notion that listed buildings can’t be sustainable. “The first hotel for Inhabit was in six Georgian townhouses, and it was a bit of a labyrinth when we took on the site,” Holland says on the podcast. “The Georgian’s knew how to design beautifully proportioned buildings, and a lot of our work was to reinstate that. We asked things like whether we could take the ceiling up to expose these beautiful sash windows and how we could reinstate the sense of rooms.”
In addition to the project being environmentally aware, the design scheme was also created to enhance social interaction, and make the space feel more home-from-home. “Having an open kitchen, for example, created the opportunity to have a communal table, which becomes a hard-working and multi-functional space,” Holland adds. “That gave it that all-day vibe.”
Image credit: Inhabit Hotel
“Sometimes people fall on technology as a replacement for nature. And actually, it is already there for free.” – Richard Holland, Co-Founder and Director of Holland Harvey Architects, speaking on DESIGN POD.
In terms of materiality, there is no greater example among the architect’s portfolio than what is sheltered inside Inhabit Queen’s Gardens, which was the second hotel to open under the Inhabit brand. One such material that has gone on to define the design narrative is Granby Rock, a custom-made terrazzo produced by Granby Workshop using marble from the original site, which today forms a centrepiece fireplace in the reception. “We are not so naive to suggest that by designing one fireplace we are going to save the world,” comments Holland. “But it is an amazing showcase of what that organisation can do.”
Image credit: Inhabit Hotels
Outside of the hotel arena, Holland Harvey Architects recently completed a project for Shelter From The Storm (SFTS), a London-based homeless shelter that provides 42 beds, fresh food and holistic support to its guests. “Every single space had to be considered with a particular mindset, which myself and my colleagues did not understand at first,” Holland says on the podcast. “We very much leant on the founder to help us understand what the experience meant, what the challenges were and how design could soften the impact of finding yourself in this situation, arriving at the shelter and finding the space and time to rehabilitate yourself to leave the shelter, which is the ultimate goal.”
Image credit: Nicolas Worley / Strorm From The Shelter
The full 50-minute podcast episode is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on March 15 with lighting designers Mark Tweedle and Michael Curry from DPA Lighting joining as special guests to discuss circadian lighting.
Hansgrohe at ISH 2023: sustainable and holistic bathroom experiences
Hansgrohe will be at ISH 2023 presenting AXOR and hansgrohe innovations, showcasing sustainable bathroom solutions and holistic concepts all under the maxim of reduce – re-use – recycle…
Hansgrohe Group with its brands AXOR and hansgrohe will be making its presence felt at the trade fair as it presents new products, dream bathrooms and a visionary bathroom concept. “We are delighted to finally be back at the ISH this year with our innovation-filled trade fair booth after a pandemic related break in 2021,” said Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Hansgrohe Group. “It’s time for personal exchange, for haptic experiences with our innovations from AXOR and hansgrohe, and for celebrating change.”
Indeed, for the Black Forest-based manufacturer, ISH is all about ‘Celebrating Change’, because for the first time, the company will also be presenting sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture under the premium brand hansgrohe. “This is our response to the wishes of our customers who demand holistic bathroom experiences from a single source,” added Kalmbach. “With pioneering product innovations and inspiring presentations, we are once again living up to our reputation as an industry leader in innovation, design, quality and responsibility. We create inspiring moments with water, while protecting the precious element.”
Image credit: Hansgrohe
As part of the Hansgrohe Group’s multifaceted sustainability goals, the company is implementing its ‘green vision’ in a design study of a bathroom with a 90 per cent reduction in water and energy consumption and therefore 90 per cent fewer CO2 emissions caused by water heating. “Our vision, the ‘Green Vision Beyond Water: Rethinking Bathroom Culture’ becomes concrete with this concept bathroom,” explained Kalmbach. “Individual elements of the study are already being used in our innovations and we will continue to develop others and incorporate them into our technologies and products. The important thing for us is to use this concept study to create greater awareness for our use of water in the bathroom.”
Image credit: Hansgrohe
Also on the stand, AXOR will be presenting new washbasins and bathtubs from AXOR Suites in keeping with the brand’s ‘Make it Yours’ campaign. AXOR is a pioneer in the development, design and production of avant-garde, design-led products for luxurious bathrooms and kitchens. The brand’s mixer taps, showers and accessories carry the demand for perfection in design, manufacturing and function. Developed with French design icon Philippe Starck, the products, in combination with the diversity of detail within AXOR surfaces, expand the immense spectrum of design freedom for individual luxury bathrooms. AXOR Suites can be found at ISH in individual bathroom concepts created in collaboration with the internationally renowned design studios Barber Osgerby, Ushi Tamboriello and Hadi Teherani. These include the Skyline concept by London-based design duo Barber Osgerby; a slim, elegant bathroom in a penthouse apartment measuring just seven square metres. Fitted with AXOR One bathroom mixer taps and AXOR Universal Circular accessories, all in a brand-new Matte White finish, Skyline offers a highly personal vision that reinterprets beauty and well-being in smaller spaces.
Image credit: Hansgrohe
The premium brand hansgrohe is celebrating the company-wide motto of ‘Celebrate Change’ with an expanded product portfolio in the areas of furniture and ceramics. With countless combination options and product variations, perfectly coordinated bathrooms can now be realised. The premium brand presents harmonious bathroom ambiances from a single source and offers an inspiring trade fair experience with dream bathrooms designed by Peter Ippolito, a Stuttgart-based interior design studio.
Hansgrohe is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Foster + Partners to design new Four Seasons resort in Saudi Arabia
The new 149-key Four Seasons resort, designed by British design firm Foster + Partners, will be located within The Red Sea destination, stretching across 124 miles of coastline along the Kingdon’s western coast…
The latest hotel group to emerge in The Red Sea destination that is expected the ‘change the game’ in luxury tourism is Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, which has just made public its plans for a 149-key resort, which is being designed by British design studio Foster + Partners.
The new Four Seasons Resort will be located on Shura Island, the hub of the development and also home to a yacht marina, leisure and lifestyle facilities, retail offerings, 18-hole golf course and more yet to be announced.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
“As we continue to expand Four Seasons presence in the region, our new project in the Red Sea will be one of our first resorts in the Kingdom, blending the best of beachside travel with the natural and cultural wonders of Saudi Arabia,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management. “We are incredibly proud to be part of this impressive and visionary development by RSG and look forward to inviting guests to explore our new Resort within such a beautiful and storied destination.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
According to a press release, issued by the hotel group, “The Red Sea destination is being built with sustainable practices and tourism at its core, with the masterplan being informed by an impressive marine spatial planning simulation to model the environmental impact of development and operations to minimise over-tourism while providing guests with an exceptional travel and lifestyle experience. The destination will also rely on renewable energy and will only develop a small portion of the islands with expansive dedicated conservation zones.”
In addition to the guestrooms and suites that will be complete with uninterrupted views over white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the new Four Seasons resort will feature six restaurants and lounge outlets, meeting and events spaces and a marine discovery centre.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
The news of Foster + Partners’ intentions for the new Four Seasons resort follows the announcements of other developments in the region, such as The Line and Mukaab, that have raised questions among critics over their sustainability and ethical credentials. The Red Sea destination, which is being formed at a rapid pace is slated to become the ideal destination for those looking to uncover the wonders of the ancient Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the close proximity to the ruins at Mada’in Saleh, as well as the natural attractions such as the environmentally protected coral reefs and mangroves, dormant volcanoes, local wildlife, and much more.
VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in March 2023
This months VIP arrivals of hotels that are making a strong opening statement all seem to be blurring the lines between in and outdoors and letting the light shine in. Writer Pauline Brettell explores the parasols and sun loungers that are tempting us over to the light side…
Throwing things open to let circadian lighting work its magic is becoming an increasingly interesting discussion within the realm of hotel design and in this month’s offering of hot new hotel openings there is a strong focus on design that harnesses natural light while softening the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space. Whether in the form of planted rooftops or pools with a view, the designer windows and doors have been flung open to ensure that we all get a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
R48
Image credit: R48
Slated to open in March, R48 Hotel and Garden is an 11-suite hotel housed in a meticulously restored 1930’s Bauhaus style building on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv’s most prestigious address. The property has been preserved and renovated by architecture firm AN+ and features interior design by Studio Liaigre, with landscape and garden design by Piet Oudolf, the visionary landscape architect behind New York City’s High Line. Features include a garden rimmed rooftop pool overlooking the city, two exceptional restaurants, along with a carefully curated art collection of leading Israeli artists.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Image credit: Ennismore
Mondrian is preparing to inject its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhood with the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton. With its bold design and electric energy, the scene is set from its cinematic rooftop pool through to the eclectic collection of bars and restaurants. The hotel’s 302 guestrooms have been designed by Studio Carter and take inspiration from the traditional Singaporean architecture while being executed with contemporary flair. The stylish spaces all offer converging views of the historic shophouses and modern skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Image credit: Marriott International
Through a meaningful and inspired focus on place, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will be providing guests with an authentic Australian experience that celebrates ancient stories and vibrant cultures through a distinctly Melbourne lens. Guests are encouraged to connect with the pulse and creativity of the city and be inspired by the unique and diverse rituals of the place and its people. Resident in Australia’s tallest hotel, where sweeping views provide the backdrop for an experience that’s singularly Melbourne, guests will not only be surrounded by luxury but grounded in the unique story of the city, which informs everything from the guest room décor to the hyper-local dining, beverage and spa experiences. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, on level 64 of the statement building delivers spectacular views along with the six treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, vitality pools and tranquil yoga space, all underscored by the heated infinity pool with floor-to-ceiling views across the city, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Six Senses Rome
Image credit: Six Senses
Six Senses Rome is the first Six Senses property to open in Italy. The hotel will shelter 95 distinct guestrooms and suites, a spa, restaurant, events terrace, outdoor courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of the city and its monuments. Located in the Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, originally built in the 18th century, the interior design is by Patricia Urquiola, who, mindful of the building’s authentic heritage, has created a design that sensitively fuses a contemporary vision of hospitality behind the UNESCO listed façade. The crowning glory of the property is the large rooftop terrace with panoramic views, complete with an organic fruit, vegetable and herb garden, creating a secret garden escape unlike any other in the heart of Rome. The rooftop terrace and restaurant caters to all-day tastes from Ashtanga at sunrise to an Italian aperitivo at sundown, all while having the historical centre of Rome at your feet.
The St. Regis Chicago
Image credit: HBA / Angie McMonigal
Located within the architectural statement by Studio Gang and rising over Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighbourhood, the St Regis Chicago combines innovative architectural marvel with timeless tradition and is an architecturally prominent addition to the exquisite St. Regis brand. With interiors by HBA, the waterfront hotel’s luxurious guestrooms and suites tower over some of the city’s most notable downtown landmarks, including the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and Grant and Millennium Parks. Notably, The St. Regis Spa is an urban oasis of calming sensory experiences while the indoor pool and outdoor sundeck invite guests to channel the city’s energy at their own pace.
Soho House Bangkok
Image credit: Soho House
The first Soho House in Southeast Asia, Soho House Bangkok, has opened in the city’s vibrant district of Sukhumvit in what was the former Eugenia Hotel. Created with the local creative community in mind, it will fuse Soho House’s signature design with the influences of the city’s bourgeoning art and cultural scenes. Set over three floors, there will be an in-house restaurant, a dining area, an outdoor pool framed by palm trees, and social spaces for members. With the interiors completed by the in-house interior design team, Soho House Bangkok has also partnered with local artists and designers. Custom made furniture, silk textiles from Jim Thompson and art from Thai artists all come together seamlessly in a Soho House that reflects its location while remaining intrinsically global.
MEET UP London, Hotel Designs‘ spring networking event, which takes place on April 24, will welcome leading interior designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers at The Upstairs at The Department Store, Brixton…
It has been the fastest-selling event in the brand’s history, and now MEET UP London, Hotel Designs’ first networking event of 2023, has sold out almost two months ahead of taking place at The Upstairs at The Department Store in Brixton on April 24.
That’s right, the team at Hotel Designs are taking leading interior designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers alike south of the river for a premium networking opportunity that will aim to set the scene in terms of hotel design and hospitality conversations.
The guest list includes leading designers, architects from the likes of Studio Moren, tp bennett, Ennismore, Goddard Littelfair, Conran & Partners, The GA Group, EPR Architects, IHG and Hilton. “MEET UP London has long been considered one of Hotel Designs’ premium networking experience, which is designed year-on-year to be relevant, entertaining and to bridge the gap in the hotel design arena,” Kilburn said. “It is therefore inspiring to see so many influentials people and brands attending what is no-doubt going to be a spectacular evening.”
Following last year’s edition, and after Hotel Designs delivering its first MEET UP outside the UK, in Paris, last month, the demand to purchase tickets to MEET UP London has been on a scale that has never been seen for at Hotel Designs, for any of its events. “Since we opened ticket registration in January, we have seen a phenomenal response to MEET UP London,” said Katy Phillips, Publisher of Hotel Designs. “We believe this is due to a number of factors, including our reputation of hosting industry-leading networking opportunities as well as the fabulous venue, thanks to Squire & Partners, that we have been able to secure.”
Despite the event being sold out, the event does have a waiting list should any tickets become available. To be added to the guest waiting list please email Katy Phillips or call 01992 374050. MEET UP London is sponsored by Hamilton Litestat (Headline Partner), Squire & Partners (Exclusive Style Partner), Crosswater (Event Partner), Burlington (Event Partner) and StoneBathwear (Event Partner).
The Alaya collection by Arte has been inspired by the fabulous journey along the Silk Road, with wallcoverings designed to transport designers back in time…
More than 2,000 years after its establishment, the historic Silk Road still appeals to the imagination. Exploring the Alaya collection of wallcoverings, Arte takes us along the network of roads used all those years ago with heavily laden caravans transporting silk and other luxury goods between the Far East and the Western world. It was and is a journey full of adventure, passing through the high mountains of the Himalayas. This collection references the route with panoramic designs inspired by impressive Himalayan vistas, along with details, tones and textures of the thread which has been woven into the collection.
Image credit: Arte
The grand gesture of the collection is Banyan, a design available in two colourways, which takes its name from the banyan tree commonly found along the Silk Road. It draws you in and lets you wander through a dreamy fantasy landscape amid the hidden valleys and summits of the Himalayas. The pure silk of this breathtakingly beautiful design truly brings the panoramic scene to life.
Image credit: Arte
Named after the forest in India of the same name, the Saranda wallcovering is drawn in a typical Asian style. In this design, you will discover stylised hills and trees under a soft cloudy sky. The name literally translates as seven hundred hills, a highly appropriate name as the organic design and colours invite you to wander through the forests and hills of India. Available in two colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
Manali is a timeless representation of the traditional mountain villages of the Himalayas where Buddhist prayer flags flutter in the wind. The inhabitants of these inhospitable areas try to attract happiness and prosperity in this way. The design, available in two colourways, was named after the Himalayan village of Manali, where hundreds of flags set the scene.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
Anchoring the entire collection in a comprehensive 28 colourways is Katan. This wallcovering is an incredibly detailed impression of katan, a very light and luxurious type of silk. The minor irregularities that are typical of this fabric are also found within the design, bringing authenticity and detail to the pattern.
Arte is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Is this what the next generation of luxury cabins looks like?
Thinking outside the box, design studio Aylott + Van Tromp has developed Nokken as the ‘next generation’ cabin and benchmark within the wellness retreat industry…
Making itself known as a true gamechanger in the rapidly expanding modular cabin market, Nokken by Aylott + Van Tromp provides a full turnkey cabin solution alongside a host of business supporting elements that cater to all hospitality operators, whether a fledgling start-up, experienced operator or existing multinational. Claiming to be the world’s most adaptable modular cabin ecosystem, it has been purposely designed to offer the most efficient and economic platform possible for hotel operators and landowners to start or diversify a retreat hospitality offering.
Image credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Aylott + Van Tromp believes that modern hospitality is not just about nice design or a great location – guest experience and satisfaction play a huge part. Drawing upon decades of experience as hospitality designers has allowed the designers to tap into their existing network of management services, marketing elements and strategic partners to offer prospective operators the tools needed to propel the business on a clear path to success. Working with a diverse range of specialist partners, the Nokken Business Platform provides access to operationally ready property management systems and full tech integrations. These include remote door access, digital check-in, cloud-based property management systems, off-grid digital powering solutions and even e-bike rental integration.
Image credit:
Aylott + Van Tromp
Image credit:
Aylott + Van Tromp
“We believe this makes Nokken a fully rounded response to what operators actually need today and what sets it apart from all other offerings currently on the market,” said Nathan Aylott, Nokken Co-Founder. “Nokken is a whole ecosystem, helping business bloom within the burgeoning retreat sector of the hospitality industry. Whether a single unit acting as a work-life hybrid, or a whole village community focused around hospitality or wellbeing, the Nokken cabin platform creates the possibility to provide a relaxed place to live, work and socialise with like-minded people while getting connected with nature.”
Image credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Adaptability and scalability are the key to outdoor hospitality. No sites are, or should be, the same as that is what makes every experience so individual. With this in mind, the cabin design couples consistency of experience and finishes with creativity of layouts. By keeping the architectural volume simple, operators are able to customise, join, stack or stitch varying Nokken units together to create a unique solution to each setting. Developers can begin small with a handful of units, then scale up as a project progresses. Units can even be stacked vertically to accommodate sites with restrictive physical footprints.
“Nokken cabins are ‘Swiss army knives’, combining everything you need and nothing you don’t.” – James Van Tromp, Nokken Co-Founder.
The exterior of the Nokken cabin has been created to be tough, functional and adaptable. Being able to perform in both freezing cold climates and boiling hot ones is no easy feat, but Aylott + Van Tromp invested months of research into the cabin’s thermal properties and breathability ratings, which have been achieved using ecowool and wood pulp layering. Working in tandem with the dark stained larch cladding, the Nokken signature perforated metalwork provides the cabin with a distinctive modern and minimalist look. Over time the perforated nature of the steel will allow for plants to grow upwards, truly integrating the unit into the landscape.
Image credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
The cabin interiors have been inspired by the essence of the outdoors, which purposely reinforces a sense of escapism and a greater connection and emphasis to the landscape. With the interiors clad in wood the overall feeling is soft, welcoming and embracing, complimented by matching joinery and zonal lighting. The modern bathrooms complete the interior spaces by providing a sanctuary that would not be out of place in the finest boutique hotel.
Image credit: Nokken
Each cabin is individually crafted by skilled modular experts with every aspect carefully curated, constructed and detailed using honest, eco-focused and premium materials. Each unit is delivered to its destination on the back of a low-loader in one single piece, allowing the cabin to be positioned almost anywhere. Once secured, services are simply plugged into the outlet in the base of the unit and the site is ready to go.
Inside Hamilton Litestat: where design innovation is in the DNA
Hamilton Litestat, Heading Partner at MEET UP London, should need little introduction. But in case it does, we caught up with Gavin Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at the Bristol-based company, to find out what makes this decorative wiring accessories powerhouse special…
The company’s story begins at the tail end of the swinging ’60s, when style and design innovation were enjoying a revolution. Launched in Teddington, London, in 1968, with the first UK sale of the dimmer switch – ‘new tech’ at the time – Hamilton Litestat went on to collaborate with Italian company Frascio. Together they created a comprehensive range of wiring accessories with an ever-expanding choice of stylish, Italian-inspired plate designs and finishes.
These à la mode designs placed the company at the forefront of the UK hotel design industry, making it a supplier of choice to several big-name hotel chains. From London, Hamilton Litestat moved to Mere in Wiltshire, where a larger factory created the increased capacity required to meet the demands of international customers and the growth of a British brand founded on quality and choice.
While now wealthy enough in experience and expertise to service the needs of the big brands, the wiring accessories company was also able to deliver the same quality solution for designers of smaller, one-off projects. With this, in the late 1980’s, Hamilton Litestat became the ideal partner to the rapidly growing boutique hotel sector that it is today.
Image caption: Hotel Indigo Cardiff | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
With boutique hotel guests desiring a more luxurious, one-of-a-kind experience, the solution in design terms is often translated via the quality and style of accessories within guest rooms and communal areas. Frequently inspired by the architecture or heritage of their location, with the ambition to realise a designer’s creative ambitions or with guest experience front-of-mind, boutique hotels present an opportunity for a completely bespoke decorative wiring accessories solution. And this is where Hamilton Litestat shines! We caught up with Gavin Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at Hamilton Litestat to find out more.
Hotel Designs: What does Hamilton offer the hotel interior designer?
Gavin Williams: Aside from 23 different collection designs in a choice of 23 different finishes, we are, to this day, small enough to care about the complexities of unique projects, while big enough to deliver on quality, quantity and time. Put simply, the company puts the finishing touches first. Taking inspiration from iconic and of-the-moment international design and lifestyle trends, its range delivers on both functionality and beautiful form. So whether your intention is for the accessories to stand out or seamlessly blend in with their surroundings, there’s a Hamilton Litestat solution with careful attention to design detail for every scheme.
And far from being your standard supplier, our brand can frequently be found working in close partnership with interior designers, architects and electrical contractors to deliver a custom solution, perfectly befitting of the individual project.
Image caption: Linea CFX | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
HD: Talk to us about Linea CFX range – and how this has evolved…
GW: With the clever two-part face plate and frame design of Linea CFX range, single colour finishes are the least of your limitations. A long, established designer range within the company’s line-up of decorative wiring accessories, Linea CFX now consists of six collections – each frame with a unique edge design: rounded, straight-edged, stepped, classic bead, traditional rope edge and a new, 45 degree bevel-edge, creating a veritable palette of contemporary and traditional designs. Each of these frame designs is available in up to eleven different finishes. And because face plates and frames within the Linea CFX range can be independently selected, these frame finishes can be combined with face plates in any of the same 11 finishes plus Satin Steel.
This ability to mix and match, enables designers the potential to flex some creative muscle and create a unique design feature of an otherwise functional accessory. For example, mixing polished with matt metallic for a gilt-edge touch, combining matt with satin metallics for a sophisticated finish, or mixing and matching contrasting metallics, allows the product to stand out from other off-the-shelf alternatives.
Image caption: Sheer Collection | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
HD: Can you give us examples of how designers can us colour co-ordination with Hamilton Litestat?
GW: Our extensive range of standard finishes enables the perfect matching of wiring accessories to the interior scheme. And even in cases where colour-matching reaches new heights, we really believe that we step up to the mark. In the renovation of Lime Tree Hotel in London’s Belgravia, the hotelier had handpicked reading lamps to be positioned either side of the guests’ bed and wanted decorative wiring accessories to colour match. We worked closely with the client to deliver an Etrium Bronze finish not typically available in the range, but an almost identical colour match to both lamps.
For those taking personalisation in a colourful direction, Paintables service allows accessories from the Hartland CFX, Sheer CFX or Hartland G2 ranges to be perfectly colour matched to any RAL, British Standards or NCS colour reference. The high quality powder coating process, together with a gloss, matt or metallic finish, ensures plates remain durable through daily use.
Image caption: Paintables | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
As well as affording the ability to personalise the aesthetic qualities of accessories within the standard range, Hamilton provides the opportunity to tailor functionality to the needs of the hotel business and its guests. In Sand Hotel, Reykjavik, Euro Module plates installed alongside standard plates, all from the Sheer CFX collection in Bright Chrome, provide a co-ordinated aesthetic with custom functionality. These include personal bedside lighting control and USB charging ability on each side of the bed, telephone and data sockets, key card entry switches, electrical sockets and light switches and total more than 2,500 accessories throughout the hotel.
Image caption: Hotel Sand Reykjavik | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
Sometimes, as with the renovation of Thornbury Castle Hotel, the style, age and heritage status of the building are a motivating factor in the production of custom-made plates. In this instance, Antique Brass was the natural choice of finish to harmonise with the ornate brass bedside lamps and dark wood panelling. The bespoke functionality requirements of the accessories was achieved with bedside plates that included individual toggle-switch control of the room chandelier, table lamps and bedside lamps and a single power socket with 2.1A USB port for charging smart devices. To enhance the guest experience, the function of each switch was clearly etched on each plate.
Image caption: Perception CFX | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
When you’ve invested in a stunning wallpaper or mural, wiring accessories that disappear into their surroundings are an attractive proposition. Cleverly designed to allow the customer’s own wallpaper to be inserted into the plate, Hamilton Litestat’s Perception CFX range is the ultimate ‘chameleon’ of the wiring accessories world. In the renovation of The Waterside Inn, Berkshire, where each guest room had its own unique decorative theme, the challenge was in finding accessories to suit each. And Perception CFX was the ideal solution.
HD: And finally, how integral are industry partnerships for a brand like Hamilton Litestat?
GW: Our partnership with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) is a testament to its will to understand and cater to both the commercial and residential sectors, maintaining an innate awareness of current trends across both markets. Always keen to keep its finger on the pulse of emerging design trends, Hamilton is a regular exhibitor at major UK design shows including London Design Week, Clerkenwell Design Week, Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS), Decorex International and the Independent Hotel Show.
As a Headline Partner for Hotel Designs MEET UP London, Hamilton Litestat recognises the importance of these industry events an invaluable opportunity to explore new products, services and industry trends as well as to meet and liaise with fellow professionals, this serves to inform and inspire technical and design decisions of the future. Its enviable pedigree in both commercial and domestic schemes and work as invested professional partners in some truly renowned interiors, means that ingenuity and creativity evolves to ensure Hamilton Litestat stays at the forefront of the hotel design sector.
Hamilton Litestat is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Case study: lighting theatrics from Northern Lights at Heythrop Park Hotel
Heythrop Park Hotel’s grand reveal, following a renovation of monumental proportions, was one not to be missed and Northern Lights’ installations ensured it was tripping the light fantastic…
Heythrop Park Hotel opened its doors earlier this year with a design brief focussing on three key principles – relaxation, exploration, and entertainment. As part of the strategic and creative approach to bridging the 18th century manor house with its contemporary extension, lead design agency DesignLSM appointed Northern Lights to develop bespoke lighting across four focal areas – the Orangery, Market Kitchen, Brassey Bar and Theatre. With an established portfolio of luxury hotels and several Grade II listed properties under its belt, the designers and master artisans at Northern Lights set to work, developing carefully considered lighting solutions to reflect the narrative and immersive design vision.
Image credit: Northern Lights / Stevie Campbell
The renovation of the Warwick Wing Theatre is one of the most awe-inspiring feats of the entire refurbishment. Taking a contrasting approach to the classic aesthetic of the wider hotel, the theatre adds a striking contemporary touch of glamour and decadence to the hotel’s evening offering. The atmospheric space is brought to life with dazzling arched lights that emit a warm glow throughout the room, whilst the enormous main theatre pendant brings the entire room together. The impressive four and a half metre wide fixture comprises more than 100 individual bulbs housed on 18 arms. A satin gold oval pendant rounds off the range of bespoke lighting, complementing the other fixtures using 30 individual bulbs to bring a sparkle of showbiz to its surroundings.
Image credit: Northern Lights / Stevie Campbell
In the Orangery stunning pastel furniture and elegantly tiled floors are brightened by a series of feature ring pendants spanning the room’s length. The gold satin fixtures are made up from a handcrafted outer ring which houses integrated LED strips, with a central dish that discreetly hides a single uplight.
Image credit: Northern Lights / Stevie Campbell
In the Market Kitchen, a range of satin steel feature pendants bring beautiful pools of light to those dining within the restaurant. There are eight-light and 12-light pendants spanning the entire length and breadth of the restaurant, each complete with handcrafted ivory cotton conical shades.
Image credit: Northern Lights / Stevie Campbell
The Brassey Bar is an immersive bar and is the star of the show in this part of the venue. Fixed satin gold and matt opal lamps sit atop an impressive two and a half metre handcrafted gantry created by Northern Lights’ skilled artisans. The booth seating is delicately illuminated by several matching lamps to complement the design, all of which use soft glass for light diffusion to create an inviting atmosphere.
Northern Lights is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Northern Lights / Stevie Campbell
Inside the Sir Paul Smith Suite at Brown’s Hotel in London
The famed fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has collaborated with Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, to create the ‘Sir Paul Smith Suite’ at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, London – and the result is marvellous…
Custom, vintage furniture, hand-picked artworks, brand collaborations and soft furnishings from the debut Paul Smith home collection. These are just some of the quirky treasures that one can discover when opening the iconic banana-shaped door handle of the newly unveiled Sir Paul Smith Suite inside Brown’s Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel in Mayfair.
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
The new suite draws on the hotel’s history as a favoured residence for literary great, but in a way that feels aptly fresh and light. The British fashion designer, known for his relationship with multi-coloured stripe and eye-catching shop-window displays – has designed the suite as a space not only for rest and relaxation, but to spark inspiration and creativity through art and interesting objects. “Being asked to design a space for such an iconic Mayfair institution is a great privilege – and I’ve had a great deal of fun in the process,” explained Smith. “Just like Browns does with its rooms, we design every Paul Smith shop differently to celebrate the area’s individuality, which is just one of the reasons the project appealed to me. On a more personal level, I’m so pleased we’ve been able to include objects that inspire me personally and I hope, in turn, they’ll inspire the suite’s guests.”
Key features include furniture and art that resonates with the designer and his eclectic taste. Several pieces can be found in Paul’s office at his Covent Garden HQ, such as Christopher Simon Sykes’ impressive photograph of Chatsworth House library and, notably, his 1970s leather desk chair by Mario Bellini. As another personal touch, Smith has selected a small library of art and design books for the room. Limited-edition prints from photographer Julian Broad, a friend of Paul’s who shot his wedding pictures, are also layered in the space together with a selection of soft furnishings, including blankets and cushions, from the fashion brand’s namesake homeware collection, which was released earlier in 2022.
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
Several of Paul Smith’s notable collaborations feature heavily in the room, including sofas, tables and leather goods from his recent ‘Everyday Life’ collection with Italian luxury furniture company DePadova; Type 75 lamps from the longstanding partnership with British lighting brand Anglepoise; and checked wool blankets designed by Paul for design company Maharam.
Like all the best collaborations, the partnership came about naturally, through Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design Olga Polizzi, who is a long-time visitor to Paul Smith’s Albemarle Street shop. “It is exciting to have a Sir Paul Smith suite at Brown’s Hotel,” she added. “It is elegant, bright and happy and has a lovely sense of fun. The sitting room is full of interest with its wall of pictures, smart sofas and flamboyant cushions. The bedroom is strikingly different, with its sense of calm and space. He has caught the feeling of Brown’s Hotel, but with a Paul Smith twist.”
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
Further references to the Albemarle Street flagship shop, which is located just metres away from the hotel, are dotted about the room. They include custom Paul Smith + The Rug Company rugs and a Maharam headboard, both of which feature a geometric pattern inspired by the building’s iconic iron façade.
Uniquely quirky details, such as the banana door handles, the fire ‘dogs’ (which have been custom made to resemble Homer, Paul’s first canine shopkeeper), a robot figurine made from a vintage camera, and the striped fireplace tiles, are abundant in the room, a reflection of Paul’s ‘classic with a twist’ philosophy and his trademark whimsical sense of humour.
Marrying the old with the new – Brown’s Hotel was first established in 1837 and is considered one of the oldest hotels in London – the new suite has breathed life and energy into the hotel by adding a touch of home into a hotel that has stood the test of time throughout many eras of hospitality.
EXCLUSIVE: Kickstarting Workspace Design Show, Editor Hamish Kilburn heads to the heart of all quality trade shows, the bar, to interview Holly Loft, Senior Designer at M Moser Associates, to explore the design narrative behind the show’s installation…
In and amongst new products, emerging trends and meaningful conversations, designers and architects visiting trade shows are thirsty to experience spaces that inspire, restore and recharge. This year at Workspace Design Show, that moment of calm has been designed by M Moser Associates – and it comes in the form and shape of the REVIVAL Bar.
The concept for the bar is simple: to reduce waste and repurpose materials by giving the items used a new lease of life – the bar has been designed to spark curiosity and conversation. And with that, I’m here – under the veil-like canopy – half an hour before the show officially opens to the public to meet Holly Loft, Senior Designer at M Moser Associates, to learn more about the studio’s vision of this temporary structure.
Hamish Kilburn: So Holly, why ‘REVIVAL’?
Holly Loft: Revival is the act of reinstating life or interest. We have taken a series of unused materials and applied them in a new context to extend the lifecycle.
HK: What came first, the lighting scheme or the materials?
HL: Our bar concept is based on our mission to be more sustainable, as such we only wanted to use materials our collaborators had in surplus to limit our environmental impact. We set out to source these first and then we used lighting as a tool to create dynamism and enhance and complement the other materials. This lead to a more curated atmosphere and experience.
Edward Williams has built the feature bar using leftover materials from other projects, including spare fabric tubes from Kvadrat. Silent Gliss has provided fabric made from pre-consumer waste, to create partitioning throughout the space, and Flokk has loaned us the furniture for the lounge side.
Each piece is crafted sustainably and has its own unique identity and story. Smile Plastics has provided plinths made from made from would-be waste, such as discarded chopping boards, cosmetics bottles and yogurt pots. Bolon has supplied sustainably crafted rugs for the lounge area. Current Affairs (CA) has gifted us the lighting, which includes a feature light above the bar, and will repurpose the lights for future client projects. Finally, Planteria has provided the planting to decorate the space and repurpose it for future projects.
“The two areas (bar and lounge) centre around two major concepts of flux and stasis – movement vs stationary and action vs conversation.” – Holly Loft, Senior Designer, M Moser Associates.
HK: How does this concept reflect where bar design is heading in the future?
HL: The bar design reinforces our climate mission to build to net zero. By working with our partners and peers to design and build responsibly and to help reduce waste.
Our concept reflects where the whole design industry is heading, by having a much more considered approach to the environmental impact of a design and the reusing of material where possible. The reuse of materials came first with the bar being moulded around this concept resulting in a less traditional design and thus challenging the relationship between service/customer.
HK: What is the feeling you are hoping to capture with this design?
HL: The bar is a key space activated throughout the day for interaction and conversation. The two areas (bar and lounge) centre around two major concepts of flux and stasis – movement vs stationary and action vs conversation. The aim is to provide a place of repose that is immersive, tactile, dynamic and environmentally considered through the reuse of materials. We want to leave people feeling inspired, curious and restored. As creators and designers, we are responsible for a large portion of the built environment. Our work needs to be a catalyst for conversation and evidence of change.
HK: You mention tactility – what was your aim here?
The aim was to create a space with different levels of tactility through the layering and the juxtaposition of hard and soft materials. Using tonal sourced materials in interesting ways to create two environments that speak to the ideas of flux and stasis – movement vs stationary, action vs conversation.
Hotel Designs is a proud Media Partner for Workspace Design Show. Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs, will be moderating the panel discussion on finding common ground between workspace, hospitality and residential in design, today at 15:20 over on the main stage.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has a new look after a transformative renovation project that saw the entire space updated and refreshed. We stepped inside to take a look…
The St Lucian Windjammer Landing resort has opened its doors to reveal the new design and accommodation. Influenced by its Caribbean-meets-Mediterranean island setting, the resort’s new look blends nautical and coastal elements, utilising soft neutrals and pops of St. Lucia’s renowned blue hue. Renovations were completed in partnership with Apple and Iron Concepts and G&G Interiors. The firms were inspired by the resort’s stunning hillside location with a design that pays homage to the resorts origins, bringing a focus back to the serenity of the beach. Custom-made wood furnishings including mindi and teak are used throughout spaces to provide contrast and natural rope and rattan furnishings transform outdoor space into a chic oasis.
Image credit: Windjammer Landing
The lobby’s grand infrastructure featuring high vaulted ceiling beams and an open air concept has been re-envisioned as a space where guests can mingle and meet. Outfitted with grand chandeliers, contemporary furniture, marble floors, a new reception area, ambassadors lounge and a coffee bar by day/wine bar by night concept, the refreshed look will enhance the guest check-in experience and bring to life the heart of the resort.
Image credit: Windjammer Landing
Dubbed the Manor Collection, the resort’s newly revitalised luxury estate villas feature sweeping views of the cobalt Caribbean Sea perched at the top of the hillside, complete with in-ground pools. Among the collection is The Presidential Manor slated to be unveiled later this year, which will be the largest villa on site at more than 350 square metres, along with a swimming pool and adjunct living space perfect for extended family or friends.
Image credit: Windjammer Landing
Additionally, guests can now enjoy the newly built Ocean Point Residences featuring a mix of luxury two and three-bedroom beachfront villas. Each villa in this collection has multiple outdoor terraces, a private infinity pool, fully equipped kitchens and artwork showcasing Caribbean culture and landscape by local artists. The design continues the modern meets Mediterranean aesthetic where island vibes blend seamlessly with a luxurious escape. A new Ocean Point Club House has been designed as an exclusive lounge for Ocean Point Residence guests with a dedicated concierge desk and private check-in area.
Image credit: Windjammer Landing
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort’s enhanced culinary programme led by Culinary Director Aurelien Duarte and Executive Chef Sebastian Francis boasts chic upgrades to design elements and refreshed menus for Papa Don’s, Jammers, Upper Deck and now Masala at Embers, serving up authentic Indian cuisine, led by Chef Vikrham Singh. Upscale dining at Upper Deck evokes a modern steakhouse vibe with moody accents including a soon-to-be unveiled wine lounge. Fire pits and sophisticated coastal furniture adorn the newly re-envisioned Jammers restaurant adding luxe touches to the beachside dining hot spot. Each restaurant supports St. Lucia’s local farmers and fishermen, serving up only the freshest of ingredients.
The renowned spa at Windjammer Landing has also been reimagined and is now branded the Serene Wellness & Spa, which compliments the wide range of balance-restoring rituals and treatments available to nurture both physical and spiritual routines. Stand-out packages include their holistic approach to detox and immunity featuring steps to transition to a healthier way of living. This year the spa plans to unveil the island’s first medi-spa with treatments at the forefront of anti-aging and rejuvenation.
With only a few days until the Workspace Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, here is a sneak peek into what will be on the table…
The Workspace Design show 2023 will be bringing together a range of striking features with a thought-provoking programme of talks featuring a whole host of speakers from developers to architects and their blue-chip clients, along with accomplished exhibitors showcasing the latest workplace interiors innovations. All of this curated content aligns perfectly with the show’s theme, ‘Destination Workplace: Places Where People Want To Be’.
The four talk programmes that attendees can choose from are the Workspace Design Talks, bringing you insights on workplace strategy and design; FIS Conference, offering the latest from the finishes and interiors sector; The Occupiers Forum: The View from HQ, providing the perspectives from the all important Occupiers; and Sustainability Works, addressing the latest challenges in sustainability and ESG in our workplaces. Over 100 speakers will be debating these issues from companies such as tp bennett, American Express, Heatherwick Studio, Grimshaw, PLP Architecture, Jacobs, Unilever, PwC, Nokia, Legal & General, DWP and CBRE.
Image credit: Workspace Design Show
Visitors can listen to the leading architects, designers and occupiers talking about the latest trends, challenges and innovations within this year’s ‘Design Talks Lounge’. This has been curated by international furniture specialists, The Furniture Practice, in collaboration with multidisciplinary studio, Acrylicize. The Lounge will host the Workspace Design Talks across the two-day event, where leading voices at Perkins+Will, Foster & Partners, WeWork and more will debate the current themes shaping today’s work environments. The space will incorporate furniture by several iconic brands including Andreu World, Arper, Fredericia, Moroso and Vitra; while the stage will feature an immersive installation, designed by Acrylicize, celebrating material innovation in furniture and interior design with materials by Foresso, Kvadrat, Kvadrat Really and Autex. Flooring for the space will be provided by Tarkett.
‘Change by Design’ is a lounge space concept for the Workspace Design Show, carefully curated by BDP. It is a discussion piece surrounding the current climate crisis, and questions the impact of workplace design on the natural environment. It represents a problem-solving approach that showcases the use of recycled, reused and biomaterials in design projects helping to shape a low-carbon future.
Image credit: Workspace Design Show
On arrival, attendees will be met by the spectacular Destination Workplace Rebirth entrance, designed by the worldwide integrated architecture, design, planning, and consulting firm Gensler, along with design partners, AW Spaces, Acrylisize and Kvadrat. “We are inspired by how we can care for our planet and how we as designers can affect that through pioneering and sustainable design,” explained project leader Becky Spenceley, Design Director at Gensler. “It’s about fresh perspectives to enable new ways of working and create unique and tailored destinations.”
Image credit: Workspace Design Show
The popular first-night Workspace Design Show party, sponsored by FUTURE Designs, also returns on February 27th. A stunning bar designed by M Moser Associates provides a focal point on the show floor. The REVIVAL bar will be the place to inspire, network, restore and recharge show visitors throughout the day. The concept for this bar is inspired by the practice’s mission to reduce waste and repurpose discarded materials. The goal is to give these items a new lease of life, sparking curiosity and conversation. The space aims to take you from a state of flux to stasis.
Other features include The Mood Board Contest, and interactive opportunity for attendees to express their creative talents with Kvadrat products. Also, don’t miss the Bio Materials exhibition, designed by bio manufacturing company BIOHM. This will combine ideologies of the circular economy and human-centred design with future-tech, representing an exciting opportunity for visitors to discover advanced materials that will be crucial to the future of design.
Hotel Designs is a proud Media Partner for Workspace Design Show. Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs, will be moderating the panel discussion on finding common ground between workspace, hospitality and residential in design.
Saudi Arabia unveils plans for the Mukaab – a mega skyscraper in Riyadh
Just when we thought we had seen all that was possible in hotel development from the plans in Saudi Arabia, along comes the Mukaab, a huge cubic structure able to shelter 20 Empire State Buildings inside. The project is expected change the face and landscape of Riyadh with claims of it being one of the largest built structures in the world. Editor Hamish Kilburn and writer Pauline Brettall try to make sense of the renders…
Timid, Subtle and conventional, said nobody, ever, when describing the hotel development scene in Saudi Arabia. Wasting no time for the world to catch its breath since announcing that the country would welcome a 106-mile mirrored city that is roughly the size of Belgium, the government has once again made the impossible possible with the unveiling of its next headline-grabbing development. Cue the arrival of The Mukaab, which, from its dramatic renders, could easily be mistaken for a hotel development on Mars. The Mukaab will be built by the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), a company that is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and has been launched to develop the New Murabba Project.
Despite the sheer size of the development, which will shelter a plethora of hospitality and entertainment venues, The Mukaab will apparently be built around the ‘concept of sustainability’, featuring green areas and walking and cycling paths that will, according to the developers, ‘enhance the quality of life by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and community activities’. However, the structure of the Mukaab – and the materials needed to build it – may suggest otherwise. The development that is anything but low-key will, when it is built, one of the largest built structures in the world, standing 400 metres high, 400 metres wide and 400 metres long – the enormous cubic shape will be able to contain 20 Empire State Buildings.
But it’s not just about size. Inspired by the modern Najdi architectural style, which has its roots in the traditional architecture of the region, the Mukaab will be the world’s first immersive destination, offering an experience created by digital and virtual technology with the latest holographics. The structure will envelop two million square metres of floor space that will be premium hospitality real estate, with a multitude of retail, cultural and tourist attractions, along with residential and hotel units, commercial spaces and recreational facilities. In addition, it will shelter a museum, a technology and design university, a multipurpose immersive theatre and more than 80 entertainment and culture venues.
Image credit: NMDC
The Mukaab joins The Line by Neom as one of the Saudi Arabia government’s mega projects aimed to diversify the oil-dependant economy. Both projects claim green and sustainable credentials, which would still need to be substantiated as design and construction unfolds. What they have in common, though, is that both currently on-the-boards structures divide opinion. On the one hand, many admire the sheer scale and ambition of these developments, but it is precisely that scale and ambition that raises questions and criticism among others who have taken to social media to question the social, sustainable and ethically implications of such construction.
With the recent reports of development having started on The Line, it is clear that these are not simply renders and blue-sky thinking, but are instead projects that are putting down roots and preparing to change the skyline – and indeed the global hospitality landscape. Having put themselves directly in the design spotlight, what inevitably comes with all the drumrolls and attention is scrutiny. Whether concerning issues of human rights or environmental impact, all eyes will be on these hotel concept as they become reality – no amount of sustainable smoke and deflective mirrors will be able divert industry from seeking the truth.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the recent developments that have emerged in Saudi Arabia. Mention us on social media using the handle @HotelDesigns.
Tackling some hard-hitting questions around the future of water, GROHE will dedicate its GROHE X Summit – Caring for Water – to the one element we cannot live without…
When we use water, we tend to forget about the existential value it has and that it is not an infinite source that we can take for granted. That is why the GROHE X Summit which runs from March 7th – 9th 2023, will be focussing on water as a resource and the challenges that surround it.
Societies all over the world are facing numerous challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, that require knowledge-sharing, new ideas and innovative approaches combined with a large dose of pragmatism. During the GROHE X Summit, the brand will highlight the relevance and value of water within society by bringing the industry together to demonstrate that it needs an entire ecosystem to make positive change happen globally.
Image credit: GROHE
“We will look at water in the context of the key trends that shape our industry and the future of living: urbanisation, sustainability, as well as health and wellbeing,” said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA. “We will ask ourselves, what does the future of living look like in a world that seems to spin faster than ever before? How can we contribute to more sustainable buildings? And, finally, what potential does water have as a new mindfulness experience.”
The GROHE X Summit invites participants to join the discussion in various formats. From practice-oriented masterclasses, thought-provoking panel discussions, to inspiring keynotes and fact snacks, the GROHE X digital experience hub caters to the diverse needs of the entire ecosystem the brand is looking to engage. The programme will be complemented by showcases of new GROHE products and technologies, providing the best possible support for a sustainable tomorrow.
Speakers and guests at the summit will include:
• Elina Hiltunen, The Futures Agency, will demonstrate how we can develop scenarios that show us future possibilities and suggest potential pathways. • Børge Ousland, Norwegian adventurer and polar explorer, will share with us how he observes climate change and its effects during his expeditions. • Beth Healey, Researcher for the European Space Agency, will present her findings on humanity’s dependence on water. • Thomas Rau, founder of Turntoo and RAU architects; Anne-Vera Deinhammer, Director for Circular Cities & Regions, Circular Economy Forum Austria; and Gerhard Sturm, Leader Commercial Development, LIXIL EMENA, will discuss how we need to build for a sustainable tomorrow. • Tina Norden, Principal, Conran and Partners; Rhael “LionHeart” Cape, Spoken Word Artist; Dr. Alan Dilani, Founder, International Academy for Design and Health; and Karl Lennon, Leader Projects Channel A&D, LIXIL EMENA, will look at the healing power of architecture.
GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
The fourth series of DESIGN POD, the podcast for all architecture and design enthusiasts, is about to drop eight new episodes. Bathroom brand Geberit has come onboard as the series sponsor to support each episode that will cover topics from designing in the metaverse, circadian lighting, designing in (and with) nature and more. Editor Hamish Kilburn, host of DESIGN POD, shares his thoughts on the series, which goes live next week…
The mantra that has kept the editorial team on its toes, ever since I began my editorship almost five years ago, has been to ‘create conversations that are unlike any other’. This intention – this pledge, if you like – has ensured that our editorial focus at Hotel Designs remains on providing readers, and now listeners, with authentic content that is both educational and entertaining. DESIGN POD, which has, over three series now, become one of the most respected podcasts among the design and architecture community, was born out of that clear vision. Each episode is moulded around a special guest, with the purpose to scratch beneath the surface of that particular topic to uncover new conversations and points of view that will, we hope, continue around and beyond the arena.
Episodes in the fourth chapter of DESIGN POD, sponsored by bathroom brand Geberit, will drop bi-monthly. The series will welcome designers and architects at the top of their game to explore topics such that are helping to shape a new era in design, architecture and hospitality – think lighting, biophilic design, the social impacts of sustainability, sensory design, wellness and even the metaverse. Here’s a sneak peek on what to expect in the coming eight episodes.
The series will start with episode 27 that will explore ‘sustainability in materials’ with Richard Holland, Co-Founder and Director of Holland Harvey Architects. In addition to understanding the environmental aspect of designing consciously, Holland and I discuss the social impact of meaningful design and architect, which is the mindset that the architecture studio is built on. What’s more, in the interview we touch on how one client, Inhabit Hotels, with the same social conscience as the architecture studio, allowed Holland and his team to research new ways to preserve materials from a building and integrate them into the hotel brand’s recent renovation, using new methods following meaningful collaborations.
Episode 28 will welcome Mark Tweedale and Michael Curry, both from DPA Lighting, onto the podcast to put circadian lighting under the spotlight. At the heart of the conversation, and the topic, will be the question whether circadian lighting in design will change the game in wellness and hospitality or break the bank and become another gimmick that will continue to be stripped out at value engineering stages of projects. In the episode, with the aim to understand the qualities and opportunities around reflecting nature in lighting and design, the leading lighting designers will be pressed on the results of ongoing research around circadian lighting, to understand how the technology can be subtly introduced into future interior spaces.
Very much inspired by the episode with Tweedale and Curry, episode 29 will capture how designers can stimulate wellness. Wren Loucks, Founder of Be-Kin, will join the podcast to talk about wellness through sensory design. Following an editorial series with Hotel Designs, and contributing in Geberit’s Guest Report 2023, the conversation with Loucks will include references to her latest research, as well as an honest and compassionate look back at what inspired the designer to carve out her niche in the interior design industry that has allowed her to question, and to an extent redefine, expressions around luxury, wellness and wellbeing.
From amplifying sensory design in episode 29 to designing spaces that have no latitude or longitude, episode 30 will be all about taking the conversation around the metaverse to the extreme. Having already purchased property and designed experiences in the virtual world, Pallavi Dean, Founder of Roar, will make her debut onto the podcast with the aim to straighten out some of the misconceptions around the metaverse, and explore how a virtual world could not just work in harmony with physical hospitality but actually enhance it.
Bringing listeners back to earth – specially to the plains of Africa – episode 31 of DESIGN POD will check in to Great Plains safari camps that have been designed not just in nature, but around it. Dereck Joubert, together with his wife Beverly, were (and still are) wildlife photographers and videographers working for the likes of National Geographic when they set up their safari camps with the sole purpose to fund their wildlife conservation work and educate high-net-worth travellers and influencers on the need to protect Africa’s fragile eco system.
The episode will welcome Dereck on the podcast to explore the wild design schemes. For each camp, the couple’s approach is the same; to camp out under the stars and allow the inspiration for the design narrative to naturally appear. As well as talking about all things design, the episode also amplifies what fuels the duo’s work. There is perhaps no better example of the human-centric approach than when Beverly suffered from life-threatening injuries after being hit by a water buffalo while out exploring – Dereck, who suffered from a broken pelvis and rib fractures from fighting off the buffalo, recalls her ‘dying in his arms’ three times. When recovering in ICU, Beverly, who had became aware of the lack of opportunities among the women who were caring for her at that time, and decided to, from her hospital bed, setup a charity to support women like those who compassionately nursed her back to health.
Episode 32 will take listeners across to Toronto to meet Alessandro Munge, Founder of Studio Munge. The designer, who has helped to transform spaces, which is the theme of the episode, around the world, was my guest on the Travel By Design podcast, by Marriott, where we explored the fabrics and design story inside Muir Halifax, Autograph Collection. On DESIGN POD, my aim was to start where we left off from that meaningful episode to understand more about Munge’s approach to projects and how he has helped brands, through clever and social design, to amplify perhaps a different side of their personality.
Back in London, episode 33 will focus on net-zero and what that means in design. To remove the layers around what it takes to be a ‘net-zero design studio’, the podcast will welcome Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at Perkins&Will, and recent winner of The Eco Award at The Brit List Awards 2022, to explore materials, protocols and purpose-driven collaboration. The conversation will be centred around how the design, architecture and hospitality industry can more towards a future rejects products, elements and manufacturing methods that require high embodied carbon.
To conclude the series, episode 34 will have a little fun, and will explore unconventional narratives in design with special guest John Williams who is the Founder at SpaceInvader. As well as taking a look at the people and projects that have helped to define SpaceInvader as a leading interior design studio, including WILDES Chester, Tribe Hotel Malta and Oddfellows on the Park Cheadle in Manchester, the episode also throws it back to Williams’ somewhat unorthodox launch into the industry as a studio owner.
Series four of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Geberit and produced by Mel Yates, is available to listen to wherever you get your podcasts – just search ‘DESIGN POD’. Each episode, which will drop every two weeks, will be teased and available to listen to on Hotel Designs.
Main image credit: Holland Harvey Architects, DPA Lighting, Be-Kin, Roar, Great Plains Conservation, Studio Munge, Perkins&Will, SpaceInvader.
The opening of a 184-key hotel in the heart of Toronto marks the Canopy by Hilton brand’s Canadian debut. Inside, the hotel, designed by Studio Munge, shelters chic spaces, locally inspired cuisine and ‘superb amenities’…
For a brand like Canopy by Hilton, which is known for its local feel – where the role of design comes to the forefront to enhance the brand as well as the location’s personality and soul – each opening is like making a pledge to the hotel’s neighbourhood. The fairly new brand, which currently has 27 properties in 10 countries worldwide, has just reached a milestone after opening its first hotel in Canada.
Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville, a boutique hotel with a bold personality that has been born from an agreement between Hilton, Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group, has just emerged in Toronto’s most prominent neighbourhoods. “With its premium location, the hotel will bring a unique blend of sophistication, convenience and urban living,” said Reetu Gupta, ambassadress, The Gupta Group and Easton’s Group of Hotels. “Nestled between the picturesque Yorkville neighbourhood and the wooded Rosedale neighbourhood, Canopy Toronto Yorkville offers guests an exciting new way to experience the city.”
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
With design led by Toronto-based Studio Munge, the 184-key hotel celebrates the best of the neighbourhood through thoughtful and authentic design. Canopy Central, the hotel lobby, welcomes guests with layered interiors, curved edges and organic motifs complemented by an impressive local art collection.
In a nod to its unique location between bustling Yorkville and forested Rosedale, the property pairs oak features with copper accents to highlight the unique connection between nature and cosmopolitan life. ‘Just-Right’ guestrooms also incorporate the brand’s iconic canopy bed and inviting warmth while public areas include a sleek indoor pool, a modern fitness centre incorporating local street art, a transfer lounge and 325 square metres of meeting space.
Under the leadership of Justin Raponi, executive chef and lead culinary enthusiast, Canopy Toronto Yorkville will boast two on-site dining options. Día serves as a gathering place to enjoy seasonal fare and eclectic wines and spirits.Día offers a variety of dishes including memorable cheeses, Roman-style pizza and more.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
For lighter fare, Virtu Café & Provisions fosters a strong connection with the surrounding neighbourhoods and the entire city. Opening a few months after Canopy Toronto Yorkville’s debut, the hotel’s all-day café will serve purposefully sourced, locally inspired dishes and foster a connection with the community.
Canopy by Hilton continues to expand internationally, growing as a sophisticated boutique lifestyle brand that provides guests and locals a place in the neighbourhood to relax and recharge in comfortable spaces and surrounded by an energising atmosphere. Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville is, from design to warm hospitality, no exception to those values.
The new-build 532-key hotel from NH Collection is located shoreside on the trunk of the renowned Palm Jumeirah with direct access to West Palm Beach and spectacular views across the Dubai skyline. The property features 226 hotel guestrooms and suites in addition to 306 studios and apartments across 11 room categories. The bold, original décor is upbeat and playful, mixing splashes of authentic local character reflecting the vibrancy of the destination. Higher room categories, including the Premium Sea View Room, the One Bedroom Sea View Suite, and Superior One Bedroom Sea View Apartment, all offer captivating views of the Dubai Marina skyline and Arabian Gulf.
Image credit: NH Collection
The property has five distinctive dining venues, al set to become favourites with guests, Dubai residents, and visitors alike. Maiora serves dishes from around the world for all-day dining, including the renowned NH Collection breakfast, while Revo Café is a chic urban hangout where chefs craft creative and healthy dishes. Té Lounge is for those needing refreshment after the gym or a light, healthy bite and Seven Sports Bar provides an informal setting to watch the big game over classic snacks and drinks. Launching soon will be SEEN Restaurant and Bar, a modern multi-sensory rooftop venue with spectacular sunset views and expertly mixed cocktails. SEEN can be found in multiple locations in Europe, South America and Asia, with further additions to the brand launching soon in Europe.
Image credit: NH Collection
Image credit: NH Collection
Sustainability is a driving force at NH Collection Dubai The Palm and the property has been designed to minimise environmental impact. The hotel has its own water plant, solar panels are used to generate hot water and condensed water from the air conditioning system, which is then used for irrigation. Room amenities are vegan and sustainable with a diligent effort made to reduce and recycle waste. Initiatives to launch later in the year include an onsite apiary, a hydroponic farm within the hotel and a community market.
For those planning meetings and events, the hotel offers five bright spaces fitted with the latest technology and ready to cater for up to 45 people. Ideally situated on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, guests have easy access to all the attractions of The Palm, Downtown Dubai, and the leisure districts of JBR and Dubai Marina and Dubai Old Town, and business zones.
From soaking up the mesmerising city views whilst taking a dip in the hotel’s spectacular temperature-controlled rooftop infinity pool, to pumping up at the fully equipped gym or unwinding with a massage, NH Collection Dubai The Palm offers guests a sophisticated place to deeply rejuvenate the senses. The hotel will also soon launch its own beach club adjacent to the hotel on West Palm Beach.
Recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, San Miguel de Allende is known for its rich cultural and architectural exchange in Mexico and beyond and the name NUMU comes straight from the years of history and cultural exchange that influenced San Miguel de Allende, inspired by train tracks combining the letters N-U-M-U. The opening of NUMU Boutique Hotel marks the second hotel within the Hyatt portfolio in Mexico, following the recent opening of Rancho Pescadero in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
“It’s truly a remarkable feeling to officially open our doors and introduce The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand to San Miguel de Allende”, said Guillermo Valencia, General Manager of NUMU Boutique Hotel. “We look forward to providing independent-minded guests an authentic, thought-provoking experience as they immerse themselves in the rich culture of this charming city that will inspire memories for years to come.”
Designed by Mexican architecture firm Artigas Arquitectos, NUMU Boutique Hotel offers 44 luxury guestrooms including four suites carefully designed with the destination in mind. Guests will find modern sophistication celebrating the spirit of San Miguel de Allende throughout the hotel, with each room boasting a private terrace or balcony overlooking either the interior garden or the beautiful cobblestone streets.
Image credit: Hyatt
The hotel’s Nubye Spa offers experiences balancing ancient rituals and advanced therapeutic modalities. The spa offers a wide variety of treatments and body wraps, sports and personalised prenatal massages, along with facials and beauty treatments. Nubye Spa also features three treatment rooms, a full-service beauty salon and a fully equipped fitness centre. After a spa experience, guests can take in sweeping views of the city at the hotel’s rooftop pool and sun deck.
Image credit: Hyatt
NUMU is also home to two restaurants – one on the ground floor and another on the rooftop – each created especially for the hotel using local ingredients and authentic cultural traditions. Located in the main courtyard, guests and locals can enjoy a menu of gourmet Mexican influences with vegetarian options at El Fogón de Don Enrique. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Maura, mesa de sal, offers guests exquisite cuisine of the land and sea with flavours that will transport guests to south eastern Mexico as they enjoy panoramic views of the city.
And at the end of the day, indulge in signature cocktails including mezcal forward offerings like ‘Poema Otomí’, composed of mezcal, ginger and lemon juice and ‘Na’Ha’ with mezcal, passion fruit, guava, lime juice and avocado leaf bitters. Both cocktails will go hand in hand with the unbeatable 360-degree views of San Miguel de Allende.
The agreement that Marriott International has just signed will see the debut of Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Executive Apartments brands in Suzhou, China…
“Under the ‘Brand + Destination’ development strategy — matching destinations with brand debuts and entries, we are delighted to announce the new signings with Suzhou Chunji Real Estate Development,” said Gavin Yu, Chief Development Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “The dual-branded properties will cater to the growing guest demand for differentiated experiences.”
The two complex properties, planned to open at the end of 2024 and in the middle of 2025, respectively, will join the 15 other hotels that sit under the Marriott umbrella in Suzhou, across eight brands, including W Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Element by Westin, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield by Marriott.
Suzhou is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, and Humble Administrator’s Garden. All are located in close proximity to China Central Place, Suzhou, a newly built, mixed-use development that will bring together hotels, residences, retail, and offices. The development, of which the two new properties will serve as key components, is conveniently situated within walking distance to the Shilu Subway Station.
Image credit: Marriott International
The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou is expected to open in December 2024, setting a new benchmark in the luxury hospitality sector featuring the brand’s renowned service. Designed by Remedios Studio, an internationally acclaimed interior design firm, the hotel plans to feature 190 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites. The hotel is set to offer a range of dining options including a specialty restaurant with an open kitchen, a Chinese restaurant, a destination bar, and a lobby lounge. Plans for recreational amenities will include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and signature Ritz-Carlton Spa with four treatment rooms. In addition, the hotel is expected to offer 735 square metres of well-equipped conference and event facilities, including a 508-square-metre ballroom.
Set to open in June 2025, Marriott Executive Apartments Suzhou aims to meet travellers’ long-stay lodging needs by providing an elevated serviced apartment experience. The new property is anticipated to shelter 270 modern residential apartments – offering space, ambience, and the privacy of residential living, enabling a comfortable stay away from home. It is slated to feature spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with separate sleeping, living, and working areas. Additional planned facilities include a 31-square-metre meeting room, as well as the Residents Lounge, a cosy space that serves breakfast and evening cocktails, allowing guests to work, socialise and unwind.
LedsC4 unveils new decorative lighting innovations
The new designs from LedsC4 offer greater design customisation with options for a limitless creative experience…
New look, new lights – LedsC4 is launching its new catalogue to coincide with its change of visual identity, a creative project that bears the mark of the Mucho studio with artistic direction from interior designer Isern Serra. The collection opens a new door for designers to create uniqueness in every setting, unlocked by diverse materials and with a multidimensional vision, from walls to ceilings, to autonomous and portable designs.
Image credit: LedsC4
Image credit: LedsC4
Levels consists of three blown-glass bodies of different sizes that can be combined, providing a huge range of options. The colour palette features three colours, and each measurement has a different transparency (70, 50 or 30 per cent opacity, in colours amber, green or smoked). The luminaire is a creation by Nahtrang Studio and is based on a simple design that can be easily integrated into a great number of settings, whether contract or housing projects. The four designs – pendant, ceiling, table and floor lamp – are available in three sizes and three different finishes.
Image credit: LedsC4
The Geometric collection, designed by Benedito Design, emerged as an extension of the Circular collection by LedsC4. This is an elegant, subtle profile with more options for shapes and geometries. A wider range with straight sections and angles that make it possible to create new square, triangular and rectangular shapes. It offers a wide range of compositional possibilities, making it possible to achieve truly unique effects both in residential and in contract settings — offices, hotels, retail, equipment.
Image credit: LedsC4
Tubs Modular is the most decorative facet of the Tubs collection and now offers more solutions for architects and interior designers to explore the bounds of their own creativity or that of their clients. Thanks to the virtual configurator developed by LedsC4, it is possible to create without limits and fine tune the final shape and style that best fits each project. New tubes, tracks, connectors and decorative accessories in different shapes — spherical, cylindrical or tubular — in transparent glass, opal glass or honeycomb panel. Tubs is a design by Nahtrang Studio.
Image credit: LedsC4
Spark is a design by Joel Karlsson that highlights the simplicity and versatility of a Nordic design. Karlsson was inspired by the most primitive concept to ignite light, the spark. From there, he worked on different aspects and compositions that play in the space, until coming up with three volumes of high-quality blown glass in different sizes. These three volumes create textures and compositions on walls and ceilings. Individual options or standard combinations with an understated black profile creating the perfect nexus. The measurements of the glass volumes come in different heights and diameters.
Portobello is a standout within portable lamps for its functional design, its lightness thanks to its plastic body and, most notably, its customisation possibilities. It comes in two standard colours, but with the door open to full customisation to the customer’s liking. It is durable for use in outdoor spaces, although being a multifunctional design it is also perfectly suited to indoor settings. This luminaire is a design by Nahtrang Studio that is inspired by Portobello mushrooms, hence not only its name but also its structure with a base and ‘hat’. Other noteworthy features include its nine hours of autonomy at 100 per cent intensity, built-in USB charging input that blends in seamlessly with the harmony of its design and shape, as well as the possibility of adjusting it with three touches for dimming options.
Image credit: LedsC4
The success of good design also lies in simplicity and Bloom is a minimalist wall light featuring an opal white blown-glass shade crowning a black profile that lends the final composition elegance and uniqueness. It is also possible to rotate it until in a horizontal position. Nahtrang Studio was inspired by a flower blooming to create this graceful luminaire — hence its name — like a chalice bringing beauty and luminosity. It is suitable as a decorative wall light in all types of rooms, including bathrooms, thanks to its IP44 rating.
Designed by Francesc Vilaró, the Noway Pole is possibly the most elegant version of the Noway family. The sophisticated new floor lamp has a pole pendant to compete with the most cherished classics. Featuring a painstaking attention to detail with its monochrome cable and adjustment clip, the design improves the height adjustment options of this type of standing luminaire thanks to the small optional adjustment clip on the pole itself.
LedsC4 is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Duravit focuses on sustainable and durable materials
Duravit is constantly researching innovative and ecological materials to help reduce CO2 emissions to enable durable and sustainable products to be manufactured. We take a look below the surface of things to find out just how this is done…
With responsibility to the environment, employees and future generations always at the forefront of its designs and bathroom innovations, Duravit walks us through the materials and products that address the concerns of sustainability and durability in the realm of bathroom design.
Ceramic sanitary products are unquestionably among the most durable and robust of all, being easy to care for, resistant, scratch-proof, and heat-proof. The use of natural raw materials in the manufacturing processes includes clay, kaolin, quartz, and feldspar, all of which are available globally. This means that Duravit’s international manufacturing sites can source and process the basic materials from their own regions. The shorter transport routes reduce CO2 emissions, whilst guaranteeing secure, stable and local sourcing of raw materials.
Image credit: Duravit
The DuraCeram material used by Duravit is testament to how high design standards and sustainability can be combined. Conventional bathroom ceramic has a wall thickness of 12 to 14 mm, but DuraCeram offers a thinner wall without sacrificing strength. The delicate design of the washbasins means they are 28 per cent lighter, further reducing the consumption of raw materials. DuraCeram has enabled Duravit to save an average of around 60 tonnes of raw materials each year since 2016.
Image credit: Duravit
DuroCast Nature is another brand innovation that sees Duravit take a pioneering role in recyclable materials, as the mineral material is made from polyurethane mixed with marble powder and sealed with a gelcoat surface. This composition gives the material excellent properties making it robust, UV-resistant, easy to clean, with maximum anti-slip properties on the matt surfaces. It is perfect to use in the bathroom, which is why Duravit has developed Sustano, its first recyclable shower tray. Thanks to a low weight, Sustano shower trays are lighter to transport, which in turn helps reduce CO2 emissions, and at the end of their useful life, the DuroCast Nature shower trays can be returned to Duravit or a local recycling centre. In keeping with the life-cycle principle they can then be made into new shower trays, or processed for other industrial purposes.
Image credit: Duravit
The bathroom is a challenging place for wood as a raw material as temperature fluctuations and the prevalence of moisture place a great strain on the material. Because of this, the bathroom furniture made by Duravit attaches great importance to surface treatment, as ultimately, a sealed surface is crucial for bathroom furniture to prevent moisture from getting into the wood. A high quality finish ensures the products durability. Quality is a key factor in the process and is integrated at every step, from the moment the raw materials are selected through to delivery to the Schenkenzell site where Duravit’s bathroom furniture is manufactured. The production process here is PEFC-certified and this quality seal ensures sustainable forestry.
Duravit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Six Senses Rome is preparing to open its doors onto the Piazza di San Marcello. With interiors by Patricia Urquiola, it is a clear case of modernity meets classicism in the heart of the city…
Slated to open in March, Six Senses Rome will be the first Six Senses property to open in Italy. The hotel will shelter 95 distinct guestrooms and suites, a spa, restaurant, events terrace, outdoor courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of the city and its monuments. Located in the Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, originally built in the 18th century, the interior design is by Patricia Urquiola, who, mindful of the building’s authentic heritage, has created a design that sensitively fuses a contemporary vision of hospitality behind the UNESCO listed façade.
Image credit: Six Senses
On entering the Palazzo, the lobby represents all the elements of Urquiola’s unique design vision. Guests are greeted in the grand, spacious space adorned with plants, complete with show-shopping travertine fixtures, whilst the space is magnified by the five main arched portals. Under the striking, centre-piece chandelier, lies the table sculpture with classical features. The base of the table is a sculpture by contemporary artist Paolo Giordano representing Janus, the god of all beginnings, with two faces. Janus is the ancient Roman god who looked into the past and future. Placed at the hotel’s entrance, the sculpture looks towards the historic Piazza di San Marcello, and to the future, the hotel’s gallery. The gallery’s artwork is a symbol of the Six Senses project, celebrating the past with its classicism meeting the innovation of the future.
Image credit: Six Senses
The ground floor is dedicated to the BIVIUM restaurant and bar, which has been designed to replicate a Roman ‘piazza’. Here lies further references to Latin classicism within the floor mosaics which take their cue from a 2nd century B.C. mosaic preserved in the Vatican Museums. The mosaic celebrates the ancient tradition during the banquets of Imperial Rome where uneaten food, such as fruit, fish bones, chicken bones, and shells, were left on the floor. These remembrances of dinner leftovers create a decorative theme of the restaurant floors and celebrate the beauty of nature, the poetry of conviviality and the pleasure of dining.
Image credit: Six Senses
Located on the first floor, Six Senses Spa and Roman baths will play an integral role as a sanctuary of wellness for guests enjoying the city’s sights, nights and delights. With its calming atmosphere and contemporary design, the spa will house a range of treatment rooms, a fitness centre and relaxation areas. The spa design features recurring depictions of the Apollo and Daphne myth which tells how Eros had caught Apollo with one of his arrows, making him fall madly in love with the nymph Daphne, who was finally transformed into Laurel. References to the mythology run through the design with representations of Laurel within the Roman mosaic medallion in the spa, in the retail area, and in the treatment rooms. On the walls of the wet area, a bas-relief portrays the nymph’s transformation into laurel tree, while the artwork portrays hands transforming into flowers and leaves.
Image credit: Six Senses
The central floors house the guestrooms and suites, many with notably high ceilings and each with its own key feature, staying true to how Six Senses likes to keep things original. The guestrooms combine contemporary design alongside traditional features with the use of traditional cocciopesto plaster and Travertine limestone. The patterns and the graphic design elements combine with suspended plants and natural light, focusing on well-being and sustainability through the introduction of biophilic elements. The rooms feature diptychs by South Korean artist T-Yong Chung. These works represent a modern look at classical Roman statues. T-Yong does a formal alteration of the images he produces, creating a sense of incompleteness and disconnection from reality.
Image credit: Six Senses
The crowning glory of the property is the large rooftop terrace with panoramic views, complete with an organic fruit, vegetable and herb garden, creating a secret garden escape unlike any other in the heart of Rome. The rooftop terrace and restaurant caters to all-day tastes from Ashtanga at sunrise to an Italian-style aperitivo at sundown, all while having the historical centre of Rome at your feet.
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