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Outdoor bathroom design: Allure shines brightly

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Outdoor bathroom design: Allure shines brightly

Gessi, through a luxurious proposal that reveals hi-tech aspects waiting to be discovered, once again becomes a trendsetter, bringing decorations and aesthetics to be integrated in outdoor bathroom design and nature…

With Outdoor, private wellness is dipped in nature, in the open air, without compromising on design and technology. Special moments of wellbeing in close contact with the outdoor environment, to fully experience the sensations that only an outdoor space can provide.

Moody design scheme for outdoor bathroom

Image credit: Gessi

The shower columns of the Gessi Outdoor Wellness System have been specifically designed for outdoor spaces. They offer innovative combinations of materials, finishes and processes, with the aim of recreating the stylistic and functional pleasantness of the Gessi Private Wellness System in the open air.

The refined and delicate lines of the collection are naturally integrated into the landscape, creating a continuum and a harmonious fusion between the indoor and the outdoor environment.

Outdoor aspires to be a project able to transmit Gessi’s idea of design, the aesthetic research of a product and the care for details, to the open air.

Image credit: Gessi

A product that stands out for its captivating and strong personality, for its iconic and at the same time discreet shapes. Qualities that make Gessi Outdoor Wellness designs cross-cutting, able to adapt perfectly and naturally to the surrounding environment. The collection also stands out for its two different aesthetics, G01 and G02, and the choice of six finishes and textures. 

With an elegant, modern and sophisticated appearance, Gessi G01 and Gessi G02 give rooms a refined and contemporary style. G01 conquers thanks to its slender, tubular and essential design, giving a special atmosphere to terraces, gardens and swimming pools.

OUTDOOR_G01_privatevilla_ambienteGessi Outdoor G02 presents itself with an outstanding line and a minimal and essential look, sometimes almost schematic. The geometric structure characterised by a rectangular-section steel tube features an adjustable shower head equipped with special augers for a rich rain jet.

The shower head of both lines is available with a smooth surface treatment or in 4 different textured patterns (Trame, Intreccio, Cesello, Meccanica), while the vertical tubular body is equipped with elegant ton-sur-ton ring controls or in a contrasting finish, available smooth or knurled.

The Outdoor collection adapts perfectly to different environments and styles: from tropical swimming pools to Japanese onsen and modern city penthouses. A design product that combines contrasting and at the same time complementary philosophies of life, where the unique objective is to give emotions by emphasising the person and, consequently, the time they dedicate to themselves, so that every moment is a precious and exclusive moment.

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.

Main image credit: Gessi

Tierra Chiloé Spa & Wellness Resort: Chile

Hotel spas – what tomorrow’s travellers expect

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Hotel spas – what tomorrow’s travellers expect

In her second article with Hotel Designs – the first looking at public areas post-pandemic – Emma Cook explores how the cultural shift that we have experienced over the last year will impact modern traveller demands in hotel spas and wellness areas…

Tierra Chiloé Spa & Wellness Resort: Chile

As well as hotel spas being a relaxing experience for guests, let’s not forget that they are also a healthy source of revenue for the hotel industry. The title of ‘Hotel & Spa’ sits higher and mightier than ‘Hotel’ with visitors feeling like they’re getting a deeper VIP experience. Gyms appear to be a norm in non-budget hotels so charging more for this service doesn’t allow for competitive industry pricing. Spas, however, have a slightly more executive feel and therefore hotels with this facility are able to bring in more revenue. However, in a more health-aware society, the ‘VIP-feel’ isn’t the only reason people choose hotels with spas over those without. The ability to wind down, in an ever-increasingly busy world, is unparalleled and pre-Covid, this would have been high up on the list of requirements from a lot of travellers.

The romans built public baths with the initial use of treating wounds but soon came to realise that these areas could be utilised so that people could enjoy them socially. In the 21st Century, spas have become more of a place to escape society rather than indulge in it.

The hotel spa at The Gainsborough Hotel & Spa

Image credit: The Gainsborough Hotel & Spa

More and more, we are looking to escape need technology – social media, emails and other commitments – to unwind and forget about everyday life, and a spa break away offers the perfect place to do this. What will become of this social distraction after a dynamic and emotional year of no contact? Will it extinguish in a post-pandemic world where people’s enjoyment in civilisation is renewed or will it prosper as the realisation of the importance of self-love is increased?

A luxury pool with white washed buildings

Image credit: 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa

“It seems as though lockdown has provided a lifetime of stress that we just need to ‘sweat out’.”

How many of us, over the last year, have said we need a serious spa day? It seems as though lockdown has provided a lifetime of stress that we just need to ‘sweat out’. Lockdown has certainly taken its toll on our personal versions of ‘pampering’ too; with many of what were interactive experiences moving to online, the need for pampering has been somewhat missing, until now.

Anantara Kihavah Two-bedroom Over Water Pool Residence Spa Treatment Room View

Image credit: Anantara Kihavah

‘SPA’ is an abbreviation for ‘Sanus Per Aquam’ which translates to ‘health through water’. Water is such a staple part of the spa experience: bathing, steam, mud, ice, etc., and should be an important part of the design too. Our bodies are made up of 70 per cent water, so it makes sense that we are most relaxed when returning to this natural state. The sounds of trickling water and waves is something that many people use to relax, and this is often incorporated into the experience of spas. Water is an incredibly immersive experience. When you submerge underwater, your vision, hearing and movement are all impacted. The muffled sound of the tides that flow past, the tunnel of light filtering in from a nearby window and the ripples of water that escape from your movements. There is no where you can escape the outside world more than you can in water. Incidentally, many design and architecture studios, such as Zaha Hadid Architects, use the flow of water as a source of inspiration for many of their boundary-breaking projects – especially in areas, such as Dubai, where sense of place is not easy to define in a design language.

During this hospitality coma – I’m referencing the sting of the pandemic – a number of us have found comfort in other activities such as running, cycling and yoga. This has become apparent since the first lockdown, where it soon became impossible to get hold of any home-gym/cycling equipment from brands so many took fitness into their own hands.

It doesn’t take much scrolling on social media to see someone hiking up a mountain for sunset, jumping off a cliff and plunging into deep water or surfing some big waves. It seems that even before lockdown, we were discovering the wellbeing benefits of taking new challenges, having new experiences and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. When normality reigns again, I wonder whether people will begin to choose more adventurous breaks away (perhaps travel further and expect unexpected and non-curated moments on their journey) or will spas regain their high demand as people go back to seeking comfort from relaxing over getting outdoors and moving.

“Trending now are the lifestyle orientated concepts such as yoga retreats and alpine wellness breaks, which successfully address the healthy blend of comfort and experience.”

Wellness is a term derived from wellbeing and fitness, so generating a good balance between relaxing and being active would seem the key to being a hotel which provides a high wellbeing experience. The two can work together cohesively. Trending now are the lifestyle orientated concepts such as yoga retreats and alpine wellness breaks, which successfully address the healthy blend of comfort and experience. These breaks also have sustainable connotations, whether they are sustainable or not is another question, but younger people in-particular recognise this which is even more enticing.

Hotels with gardens will have an upper hand at combining wellbeing and fitness – nothing says wellness like a yoga session in a beautifully landscaped garden. There are lots of things in life that can determine our mood, and the environment we are in is one of them. Hence, design playing such a crucial role in the future of wellness. Nature is proven to boost our mood, potentially by its extreme contentedness despite being witness to everyone else’s daily troubles.

Exterior shot of The Spa at South Lodge Spa

Image credit: The Spa at South Lodge Spa

No matter who we are, we look up to nature in utter awe. The outdoors can be just as much of a relaxing experience as an indoor spa can be. And since the pandemic was declared, we have seen more people enjoying the outdoors even to the point where many have moved out of the city and to the countryside.

It will most likely remain the case that hotels with spa and pool facilities will prosper again when normality returns. Keeping in mind that there is a new trend in the market for sustainable and active retreats also, those without the spa facilities can cater in these ways in order to tend to the much desired ‘wellness break’. In short, wellness facilities, no matter what form (spas, pools or adventure), are likely to be very popular post-lockdown.

Main image credit: Tierra Chiloé Spa & Wellness Resort: Chile

Miniview: Inside Italy’s natural wellness hotel, Terme di Saturnia

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Miniview: Inside Italy’s natural wellness hotel, Terme di Saturnia

Design firm THDP’s recently completed project is situated in Tuscany, Italy. As a natural wellness hotel and retreat, Terme di Saturnia has been part-inspired by the elements of earth, air, and water. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…

Surrounded by beautiful Tuscan countryside, Hotel Terme di Saturina is a luxury golf and spa resort, which is located 3km from both Le Cascate del Mulino waterfall and the village of Saturnia in Tuscany, Italy.

Design firm THDP was responsible for refurbishing both the guestrooms and the public area. The inspiration behind the concept is formed around a ‘super natural’ condition; how elements such as the earth, air, water transform as well as the light and temperature. THDP used terms such as reflection, corrosion, erosion, layering, ripples to create the visual and emotional language of the interior design.

Image credit: Terme di Saturnia/Giorgio Baroni

Light installations with glass spheres were created by Gomiero, who had the intuition to ripple the spheres to create the same reflection of water on the walls.

Botanical wallcoverings and lights that look like waterfalls in the lobby

Image credit: Terme di Saturnia/Giorgio Baroni

The waterfalls of the Mill were the inspiration behind the design of the lobby/lounge area, created together with local artisans such as the Ragnini workshops of Pitigliano who have created oxidised tables and bronzed handles and with experienced craftsmen such as Ramiro Contract and design such as Materica who work metals in a contemporary way, using them liquid to transform them into corroded metals, as well as sulphur dense water.

The selection of four colour palettes resulted from the observation of the resort’s surroundings. The colours have been declined in diverse shades in line with the different areas, from the reception with the ethereal hues of the waterfalls of the Mill, to the patio with the central olive tree embodying the Tuscan countryside, up to the bright tones of turquoise and petrol blue of the handmade glazed terracotta tiles of the bar counter coating, found after a long search, in the colour ‘The Fondale’, from Pecchioli Fierenze.

In order to maintain an ideal continuity with the classic and elegant original style, but more importantly with the conscious intention to adhere to a sustainable approach to renovations, some wooden furnishings have been preserved both in rooms and common spaces.

The hotel, which sits above Italy’s most famous thermal spring dating back 3,000 years, is naturally a safe and quiet place – think home-away-from-home – that is conducive to wellbeing as we enter a new era of wellness.

Main image credit: Terme di Saturnia/Test Srls

maggies by thomas Hetherwick

Industry insight: Biophilic spa & wellness design

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Industry insight: Biophilic spa & wellness design

As wellness evolves as we enter a new era of hospitality, we invite Beverley Bayes, Creative Director at Sparcstudio, to discuss the growing trend for biophilic design in spa and wellness properties…

maggies by thomas Hetherwick

It is inevitable that spa and wellness, post-pandemic will become an ever more important and integral part of our lives. We are entering a new era where ‘Health is the New Wealth’ and a healthy lifestyle is recognised as an important part of preventative medicine.

UK hotel spas are set to provide an alternative to holidays abroad as staycations are expected to boom. There has been a 1,900 per cent increase in searches for ‘when do spas open? ‘ post road map announcement, as reported in Googles search trends.

Image of two people in pool overlooking nature outside

Image credit: Sparcstudio

“Excellent design will be absolutely key in the creation of destination spas that are unique, have heart and soul, capitalise on the best aspects of their location in linking to a beautiful landscape or view,” says Beverley Bayes, Director of Sparcstudio. “Many of the trends in spa design this year and beyond relate to our collective desire to connect with nature.”

Biophilic design: Reconnecting with nature

2020 saw the entire country embrace the great outdoors and spas followed by extending their spa gardens, making use of outside space to help social distancing which created a true connection between the spa and nature.

This ‘biophilic’ approach to design is already evident in our own homes, offices and hotels  right now and we expect them to explode in spas in 2021. Spas are realising the full potential of converting outside terraces and underused gardens to useable spa relaxation and wellness spaces.

Nature has always been a key inspiration in the design of the spas that Sparcstudio creates which includes Calcot Spa, Dormy House, The Spa at South Lodge Spa, Sopwell House Spa and the Aqua Sana spas. The Sparcstudio HQ is based by the river at Richmond and we are lucky to have Kew Gardens close to hand for natural ‘inspiration’.

Exterior shot of The Spa at South Lodge Spa

Image credit: The Spa at South Lodge Spa

Location, location, location

 When creating a new build spa, careful positioning is key if you want to take full advantage of the vistas, natural light and links to outside spa space, whether this is via gardens or a even a roof terrace. Thankfully spas have largely emerged from being consigned to the hotel basement, reflecting their increasing importance as part of a hotel’s overall wellness offer and the rise in global spa tourism where spas are destinations in their own right.

The Aqua Sana Forest spa concept that we helped develop, transformed the Aqua Sana space – planning model from inward facing experiences, to experiences that reached out into the forest with the inclusion of in-out pools and panoramic saunas surrounded by trees, as can be seen at the new build Center Parcs Longford Forest Aqua Sana spa in Ireland. At the Sherwood Forest Aqua Sana, we created the first sauna on stilts which takes ‘Forest bathing’ to a new level.

Exterior Spa experiences can also include a yoga deck or dedicated area for ‘Forest bathing’, curved seating around a firepit, a circular walk through herb garden, or bathing in a natural pool. Natural swimming pools offer a sense of freedom and escapism whilst tapping into the popularity of ‘wild swimming’. These fresh water, naturally filtered pools and ponds are set to become an essential element for any forward thinking, eco-conscious spa developer.

We are also designing stretch and personal training zones that extend to an outside deck beyond the interior gym spaces.

Not all sites of course are blessed with an inspiring mountain top, edge of the ocean location or a  view of pristine countryside or even a glacier, but with good design it’s very possible for a building to ‘transcend’ the location and benefit from a biophilic design approach.

Take the inspiring example of Thomas Heatherwick designed wellness centre ‘Maggie’s  in Leeds (a charity that provides support for people affected by cancer). Set in the midst of medical buildings, almost on a traffic island, the studio created a series of beautiful interlocking organic buildings that seem to grow out of the garden and provide a relaxing haven which has central top lit space and roof terraces that features native English species of plants, alongside areas of evergreen to provide warmth in the winter months.

Top lighting

‘Top lighting’ of spaces with the integration of skylights or slots and integration of internal courtyards is a very effective way of providing a connection to nature in spas, framing sky views and allowing light to penetrate into the heart of spa. An example of this can be seen at  Spa Vilnius Lithuania, where we formed an organic shaped top lit winter garden in the heart of the treatment space.

Image of lighting in sauna

Image credit: Champneys Spa Mottram Hall

Interior spaces will also continue to have a strong Biophilic feel and visual link to natural surroundings. I love the Japanese concept of ‘Yukimi-shoji’ meaning ‘Snow viewing Shoji’, which is a type of window made so the bottom half slides upwards, often to reveal a beautiful view. Taking inspiration from this concept, we often frame a view with a single pane of glass in a treatment room or even a heat cabin (such as the Organic Sauna at South Lodge Spa), which features organic forms looking out onto the curving South Downs.

Biophilic form: Curves, waves and organic forms

Curved soft cosseting forms will be a strong theme in spa design offering a comforting embrace to spa users. These will be evident in many elements ranging from curved organic pools (such as the ‘wild swimming’ pool at South Lodge). Bespoke joinery and furniture (for example the statement curved sofas that we created for Champneys Mottram Hall) or the bespoke organic sauna designs and ice feature that we designed as part of the new pool there.

Biophilic design for the senses

Natural light, planting, fire and water are key elements to incorporate into a biophilic wellness interior. But surprisingly  ‘Aroma’ whilst often being a key part of the spa treatment experience itself, can be  overlooked in the physical design of the spaces.

As spa designers but we like to be mindful of Aroma as an integral part of the sensual experience, imbedded in the spa  materials and finishes and experiences.  Thermal and heat experiences offer an opportunity to create little ‘micro climates of aroma’. Cedar is one of my favourite timbers within saunas for its soothing slightly exotic smell.  We have also designed many plant based aroma rooms  including the ‘lavender aroma room’  heat  cabin that we designed as part of the heat experiences at Dormy House Spa utilising local lavender from a nearby farm.

At Sopwell Spa, Cottonmill Club, we created a ‘Rose Relaxation room’ inspired by Moroccan Riads whose central courtyards provide serene sheltered relaxation spaces infused with a Moroccan rose aroma, and rose tinted glass panels create private relaxation niches.

As part of our design of Third Space fitness club at Tower Bridge we created one of London’s first dedicated hot yoga studios. We lined the walls with fragrant Juniper logs and fitted with state-of-the-art anti-bacterial technology, enabling members to enter deep stretches and poses, and detoxify through perspiration, in a hot, cleansing biophilic environment.

Since you’re here, why not read out Guide To Hotel Design article on spa design in the new era of wellness?

Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.

Image caption/credit: Maggies by Thomas Heatherwick

A thermal room in a cave-like environment

Industry inside: bespoke thermal cabin design

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Industry inside: bespoke thermal cabin design

When designing a hotel spa, the benefits of a thermal suite go beyond providing guests with a great pre- and post-treatment relaxation, explains Beverley Bayes, director, Sparcstudio…

As well as providing a relaxation touchpoint in the guest experience, a thermal suite also provides great health benefits for the spa user (particularly for the lungs in the case of a salt steam room).

A thermal room in a cave-like environment

Hotels around the world are renowned for their thermal suites. Gone are the days when they are positioned at the end of a corridor, in a subterranean enclosed space, hidden behind a door.

In the past few years, the team at Sparcstudio have quietly revolutionised thermal cabin design in the UK by offering a bespoke, tailored and individual approach for each project, resulting in some stunning designs.

A part of the studio’s design of The Spa at South Lodge, the organic panoramic sauna cabin is a much photographed little ‘jewel in the crown’ of the spa. The walls and ceiling were crafted from timber with a wave like design, to evoke the rolling hills of the South Downs. The floor to ceiling glass provides views out onto those downs and the surrounding spa garden and Sussex countryside .

The team took this one step further, designing two large panoramic saunas looking across the Hertfordshire countryside at the Spa at Cottonmill at Sopwell House.

Spa at Cottonmill at Sopwell House

Image credit: Spa at Cottonmill at Sopwell House

These offer panoramic views to the rest of the spa and landscape beyond. The intention is to connect the guest with nature and create a true sense of place, for example, the team developed a sauna on stilts high above the forest at Aqua Sana Spa, Sherwood Forest.

Beverley Bayes, Director, Sparcstudio says: “When designing a thermal suite, we think it’s vital to create bespoke cabin designs that are unique to the spa, we also place deliberate focus on bringing the outside in with slot windows, or large heatproof floor to ceiling glass walls providing views onto gardens or onto the pool, creating a unique sense of space.”

More recently Sparcstudio developed the Forest Cavern Steam Room at Aqua Sana Spa Longleat Forest, replicating a cave hidden deep within a forest, (the region around the site is known for its caves). Neil Fairplay, Director, Sparcstudio says: “From the outset, we imagined a double-height cave environment where part of the ceiling had collapsed, allowing natural light, trailing foliage and rain water to flood in, it’s hard not to be wowed by this experience”

From the initial client brief, Sparcstudio is mindful of the importance of the thermal suite and the team works to maximise the area designated for the spa, with clever use of space planning. The team develops the concept and design (including lighting, bespoke materials, ceiling profile and special features). They work closely with suppliers such as Halo, Dale Sauna and Rigo to create the perfect thermal area for the client. This non-standard approach pushes the boundaries in terms of materials used and final result.

Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.

Main image caption: Forest Cavern Steam Room at Aqua Sana Spa Longleat Forest

Orb lighting in nail bar inside spa

Case study: taking Champneys Mottram Hall into a new design era

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Case study: taking Champneys Mottram Hall into a new design era

Sparcstudio, an independent, creative design studio with a reputation for excellence in the spa, wellness, hotel and resort sectors has collaborated on one of the UK’s most highly anticipated spa redevelopments for 2020, Champneys Mottram Hall…

Orb lighting in nail bar inside spa

Champneys first property in the North of England at Mottram Hall in Cheshire opened this September following a £10m spa renovation. The updated 3,270sqm Champneys Health Club and Spa features 15 treatment rooms.

Sparcstudio were honoured to work alongside Champneys’ own in-house spa experts; Champneys owners, Stephen and Dorothy Purdew & Group Property Director Chris Maryon to help create and design the new spa – both from a space planning and interior design perspective, working alongside Architects Darling Associates.

Exterior of Mottram Hall

Image credit: Peter Kochia

“The result is without doubt the best hotel spa in the United Kingdom.” – Stephen Purdew, owner of the Champneys group.

“We are absolutely delighted, the design by Beverley and Tom at Sparcstudio is just incredible,” said Stephen Purdew, owner of the Champneys group. “With the ambition to build the very best spa for a Hotel in the United Kingdom, there was only one design practice to use, Sparcstudio. The result is without doubt the best hotel spa in the United Kingdom. The design and attention to detail, plus their enthusiasm, professionalism and cooperative working culture has all been a joy. Thank you to the Sparcstudio team, we at Champneys are so happy.”

Image of day beds on side of the pool

Image credit: Fleur Challis Photography

Embracing the concept of ‘barefoot luxury’, the team at Sparcstudio, led by Directors, Beverley Bayes and Tom Howell brings together a design palette to reflect refined nature, which is cosy, contemporary and effortlessly glamorous. The relaxed and informal vibe runs from reception through to the seamless merging of the inside and out throughout the spa. Sparcstudio has created a sense of anticipation in design throughout the guest journey, with glimpses of the spa experiences created throughout the project. In reception guests can see through to the Beauty Lounge, pool area, hexagonal spa café  and gardens beyond.

Image of round sun beds surrounding large pool

Image credit: Fleur Challis Photography

Bayes said: “For Champneys Spa Mottram Hall,  we looked to create a Glamorous contemporary country house vibe befitting to the Champneys brand incorporating lots of areas for lounging and socialising throughout the zones and spa experiences, furnished with grand scale bespoke designed organic  sofas, and including bespoke designed thermal cabins and pools.

“Champneys has always been ahead of the curve in terms of its philosophy of combining  health, beauty and wellbeing, so we paid particular attention to the design of the extensive fitness areas, which includes a timber lined gym with full height glazing overlooking a terrace and reflective pool, a spin studio and and first floor panoramic Studio.

“The palette includes Light oak fluted timber, washed timber ceiling and the use of natural cane to provide an instant connection with nature, offset with sumptuous leather, mohair and brass to create a sense of luxury and opulence.”

On entering, guests are immersed into a luxurious contemporary country house-style. The double-sided fireplace is the centrepiece of this space, providing a warm glow and comforting welcome flanked by double sided bookcases, twin bespoke curving fringed sofas They are greeted at the padded leather, cane and marble reception desk.

Reception at Champneys Mottram Hall

Image credit: Andy Griffiths

Light oak fluted timber, timber ceiling and the use of natural cane creates an instant connection with nature. Geometric diamond patterns on screens are repeated in the fabrics which help to connect the design throughout the spa. Elegant social spaces have been created with small gathering hubs backed by diamond fret cut screens. Carrara marble and satin brass fixtures create a textured, elegant and sumptuous look to the space.

Spa cafe inside Mottram Hall

Image credit: Andy Griffiths

The use of geometric patterns in the spa design create a natural connection to the hexagonal design of the spa lounge and cafe, all complemented Tom Dixon light fittings suspended from the ceiling and doors connecting to the Spa garden.

The light filled timber panelled fitness area has been designed by Sparcstudio to harmonise with the spa overall, reflecting the fact that fitness and wellbeing are an integral part of the Champneys offer. Sparcstudio have created a natural vibe with geometric tiles, herringbone timber floors and rubberised matting for functional and HIIT training make this a purposeful and contemporary fitness space, fret cut screens create mini-zones and breakout spaces for guests and the centrepiece is an aged olive tree, a focal point which connects the inside and out perfectly.

Outside the full height glazed windows of the gym runs a water feature to further connect the indoor and outside, with views to the grounds beyond. Two additional workout studios include one for spin classes and a pilates/yoga studio with  and panoramic views from the full height glazing.

In the changing rooms, Sparcstudio has installed luxurious vanity points, bespoke swivelling powder bar chairs, (by RHA furniture) marble lined showers and spacious, wood and brass lockers to craft a space that is contemporary, modern and private. Guests arriving for treatments can benefit from the Beauty Lounge with with nail bar and pedicure ‘throne’, Champneys’ first barbers and for individual treatments, each treatment room is finished with marble counter tops, brass circular mirrors and soft green walls to create a sense of serenity and calm.

Modern hair salon inside Mottram Hall

Image credit: Fleur Challis Photography

The first floor restaurant is light filled and has panoramic views across countryside and  features pale concrete wall rendering, timber wall paneling and flooring, created from wood and encaustic tiles with geometric patterns. Bespoke banquette seating backed with cane and crafted plush fabrics add a cosy touch with an added element of privacy.

The space features a ‘bris soleil’ screen and fluted timber paneling, bespoke artwork and lighting on each table by Northern Lights.

The pool area has been extensively upgraded with the addition of a  new elevated  oval Hydro pool , experience showers and elegant private cabanas. This leads through to a new Pool and Thermal zone building with a 20m pool top lit pool at its centre,  surrounded by full height glazing overlooking the spa garden. Sparcstduio designed a series bespoke thermal experiences (supplied by Dale Sauna) including a circular salt steam room, brechel bath, ice shute, cold room and organic sauna have been added. The organic sauna is designed with glazed fascia and etched natural pattern features views to the pool area and to the terrace outside.

Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.

Main image caption: Andy Griffiths

PRODUCT WATCH: LED neon strip lighting in the spa

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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PRODUCT WATCH: LED neon strip lighting in the spa

To understand the creative possibilities and boundaries of lighting design, Hotel Designs asks Timage Architecture to share why LED neon strip lighting should be considered in the spa and wellness area…

We have long promoted the benefits of buying a marine-grade product for architectural application and have a dedicated Timage Architecture side to our business which focuses our product range for this specific audience.

The quality of materials and design consideration that goes into a product originally destined for yacht application is generally much greater than its architectural counterpart.  The materials not only offer a better overall aesthetic but also are very durable and can sustain a more aggressive installation environment.  These characteristics sit well with those looking to source sustainable product solutions for the hospitality sector.  Our products are more suited to clients looking to buy once, perhaps paying a small premium over an alternative product but being sure that they will not have to revisit the item once again after a season or two of use.

Nowhere in a hospitality setting is the above situation truer than in a spa.  The humidity levels, use of chemicals and temperatures can all culminate in poor product performance or failure, especially with regards to lighting.  Too often steam rooms have failed strip lighting under the seating or showers have fittings with a few diodes out.  These maintenance issues can have a negative impact upon the customer’s experience and overall perception of the spa.  Our marine-grade lighting can help resolve this problem, offering the hospitality sector a reliable and beautiful solution.

Our range of neon flexible LED strips is one of the best examples of these transferable products.  The neon strip lights are produced to the length required for each installation and the connectors are then injection moulded to ensure a safe IP68 underwater rating.  Lengths up to 20 metres can be specified if powered from both ends and a 24Vdc low voltage input makes them a safe product should any of the outer skin be breached.  The strips are available in a huge variety of colour temperatures as well as fixed colours.  In addition, RGB, RGBW and RGB pixel chasing versions can also be specified.  The RGBW models can be supplied in several white colour temperatures to sit alongside the coloured chips.  RGBW offers the ultimate flexibility for a lighting plan allowing the user to select custom blended colours or run colour sequences whilst still maintaining the option of a high-quality white light.  This year sees the addition of CCT technology or Correlated Colour Temperature to the range which allows users to adjust the strip from warm through to cool white at the touch of a button.  CCT is a great choice for spaces that may have a dual function requiring different ambient lighting styles or simply for those who like to tweak and change their lighting settings from time to time.

We have a large range of spa lighting solutions in addition to the neon strip lighting mentioned above and can supply luminaires for swimming pools, communal areas, shower enclosures and exterior zones.  Our lighting is always made from marine-grade materials and features the latest LED technology, rigorously tested for harsh environment application.  Please contact us for further product information or advice on spa lighting.

Timage is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.

Main image credit: Timage

Luxury outdoor area at Sopwell House

MINIVIEW: Designing a ‘bare foot luxury spa’ at Sopwell House

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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MINIVIEW: Designing a ‘bare foot luxury spa’ at Sopwell House

Design studio Sparcstudio created a relaxed, yet elegant design concept to the recently refurbished £14 million Cottonmill Club spa within Sopwell House in St Albans, Hertfordshire…

Set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, on the outskirts of historic St Albans in England, the Club at Cottonmill within Sopwell House was unveiled to the public in August last year.

Luxury outdoor area at Sopwell House

With an eye on the luxury guest market, the £14 million project covered an extensive development period of six years. Owned since 1986 by the family-run AB Hotels, Sopwell House retains its original Georgian grandeur with the main building sheltering the majority of the hotel’s accommodation, its restaurants and the spa, which now has a two-tiered membership that offers a new level of exclusivity in the shape of The Club at Cottonmill.

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio Design

Sparcstudio developed the interiors and architectural design for the project which included a total refurbishment of the existing spa areas and the addition of a large, sleek glazed three-storey extension linking on to a new private spa garden (designed by Ann Marie Powell). Sparcstudio worked with Debi Green to develop the operational details and ISA Architects were appointed to assist with the delivery of the building itself.

Tasked with creating a premium aesthetic throughout the spa, Sparcstudio employed a rich, natural palette of materials, including marble and carved limestone relief tiles in the reception’s column cladding, as well as end-grain timbers to create a tactile feel.

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Clever space planning with bespoke designed elements and experiences create moments of surprise for the guest as Beverley Bayes, Creative Director, Sparcstudio explains: “The unique feel of Cottonmill is largely down to space-planning and the inclusion of so many bespoke aspects and experiences.

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

“We hope there is an element of surprise in the guest journey, which begins in the spaces carved out of original rooms within the Georgian building, but ends in an amazing contemporary new build over three levels with full-height glazing and direct links to the glamorous spa garden.”

The project features bespoke furniture design and fittings, from the small oval glass, brass and stone tables in the ‘sitting room’, the luxurious bespoke double loungers for the Garden Relaxation and Whisper rooms to bronze privacy screens, as well as the glazed critical screens between reception and the ‘sitting room’ with ‘cotton-reel’ installation.

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Bayes elaborates: “We are very lucky to have worked with a visionary client who has been involved in every detail. AB Hotels managed the implementation of this huge project themselves and we respect the extra mile they went to ensure the design was beautifully implemented, from the ‘sunray’ veneered doors with their Calacatta-lined architraves to the etched glass doors and bespoke cast metal handles of the heat cabins.”

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Barefoot luxury

The overall feel of the interiors is über luxurious and is driven by the guest experience and the desire to create a beautiful spa journey that is stimulating as well as ‘Relaxed and Informal’, combining glamour and a sense of ‘Barefoot luxury’ that you might enjoy in a luxury resort outside of the UK. Bayes explains: “The swinging woven suspended seats around the bespoke fireplaces (clad with blocks of end grain willow) provide a playful touch and the social centre piece of each of the main relaxation spaces.

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

“We are particularly proud of the variety of bespoke designed heat cabins that we created which range from the organic sauna which is formed from Aspen, a white timber, and with the natural light flooding in, feels like you are sitting in the garden, to the glamorously lit Quartz lined salt stream room, and the first floor angular Panoramic that provides dramatic views on two sides of the grounds. ‘The jewel in the crown’ is the green slate lined outdoor Hydro-pool which is designed to provide an experience akin to ‘wild swimming’.

Comfort was key in the design of aspects and elements throughout the spa which boasts deep bespoke sofas laden with cushions in grey green and aqua shades crafted from fabrics including washed cotton and linen. Interiors feature a rich and sumptuous, but natural palette of materials, which includes smerelda marble, carved limestone relief tiles (reception column cladding) and end grain timbers to create a tactile feel. Bayes concludes: “We think the overall outcome is luxurious, warm and welcoming, definitely relaxing and conducive to contemplation and wellbeing.”

Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. 

Main image credit: SparcStudio/Sopwell House

5 Minutes With: Talking modern spas with designer Beverley Bayes

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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5 Minutes With: Talking modern spas with designer Beverley Bayes

With pools and spas dominating the headlines on Hotel Designs this month, editor Hamish Kilburn has five minutes with Beverley Bayes, Director of Sparcstudio, which is responsible for the design schemes inside Cottenmill Spa at Sopwell House, The Spa at South Lodge and many more luxury wellness hubs that have challenged convention… 

Earlier this month, Sparcstudio kindly shared its insight on how the current pandemic will affect wellness in hotels going forward.

Although the feature was honest, engaging and informative, it left us and our readers with wanting to know more. Considering the significance of COVID–19, and its long-term affect on the perception of wellness, I caught up the studio’s director, Beverley Bayes, ahead of Hotel Designs LIVE on June 23, where she will be on the panel as we discuss the The Future of Wellness Post-Pandemic.

Hamish Kilburn: Beverley, some would argue that spas and wellness areas are a breeding ground for viruses. Is that a fair statement?

Beverley Bayes: There is a lot of debate about this topic and it’s even more relevant today as spas consider their reopening strategies. I don’t believe it is a fair statement. There are very strict cleaning and hygiene protocols already in place and spas adhere to these stringently. But good design is absolutely key in creating a spa that is easy to maintain and it’s all about the detail. Sadly there are examples of bad detailing even within luxury spas. A common one is not designing in good ‘falls’ to flooring in wet areas, the sloping floor detail enables water to drain off rather than pooling, which around a pool deck is critical. Get it wrong and you face either having your staff constantly going around with squeegees to get rid of excess water , or resorting to the installation of anti-slip matting (as recently witnessed in an otherwise beautiful spa that shall remain nameless!)

Going forward, when spas are given the green light to reopen, I would advise businesses to refer to their equipment and wet and thermal suite suppliers for additional advice on maintaining health and hygiene in a COVID-19 world. I am already seeing suppliers issue new guidance of cleaning rituals that will help to protect guests and staff, so it’s a case of liaising with your current suppliers and following their advice.

Image credit: The Spa at South Lodge, designed by Sparcstudio

HK: How can a hotel sensitively inject its style and branding into the spa/wellness areas?

BB: ‘Sensitively’ is the key word here. I think it’s a real missed opportunity when a spa feels like a continuation of a hotel environment, with similar materials and finishes and maybe a sense of ‘formality’ that you might experience in the Hotel public spaces. For us a Hotel Spa is a chance to enter another more sensuous world where guests can kick off their shoes and ‘let their hair down’ !

For that reason, We always strive to create an informal ‘bare foot luxury‘ vibe to the spas that we design. This can be achieved by adding playful elements, for example at Sopwell Spa where we created a central relax area in the Garden relax room with a group of suspended Swinging chairs arranged around a panoramic fireplace overlooking the fabulous spa Garden. (The garden was expertly designed by Ann-Marie Powell )

Style and branding elements that Hoteliers can inject into a spa include a great service ethic and service style and also a passion for food and beverage, For example at South Lodge Spa, the Exclusive Collection team led by Danny Pecorrelli, applied their passion for F & B to create a  unique 80 seater relaxed all day dining concept for the Spa called ‘Botanica’ (Working in conjunction with the ‘Gorgeous group’ and Sparcstudio for the interiors).

The restaurant offer is designed to complement the other more formal dining options at the Hotel and is open to all hotel, spa users and external guests and is based on botanical, largely plant-based sharing plates utilising ingredients from local suppliers from the south downs.

Image credit: Aqua Sana Spa County Longford, designed by Sparcstudio

HK: From a lighting perspective, has LED lost its place to natural lighting in the spa?

BB: Sparcstudio director Tom Howell, is responsible for all of our lighting design, ‘Being well lit in a spa is key to a sense of wellbeing. We do design spaces to utilise natural light where ever possible, but LED lighting in linear strip or curving tape form concealed in a wall floor or ceiling or joinery feature, provides subtle washes of indirect light and enables us to create great effects. The key with spa lighting is to be mindful of the lighting source position and the guest position which is often in a lying down / facing up position, so the ‘old school’ style ceiling mounted halogen spotlights are definitely  to be avoided in order to prevent uncomfortable glare for guests’.

HK: What will the spa look like in 50 years? 

BB: High tech … low tech. I think the ancient traditions and rituals developed by the Romans in terms of bathing, washing and thermal experiences in a social setting will still be at the core of the spa experience, together with ‘hands on treatments’ reflecting the power of human touch, which will always have a place in spa.

Technology will no doubt have a big role to play in terms of treatments. Fully immersive Virtual reality experiences will no doubt be on the menu, but designed to appeal to all of the senses, including sound, touch and smell, giving wellbeing, as well as cosmetic benefits.

Given our precious link to the natural world, Spas that celebrate unique settings, will be an important part of worldwide Spa Tourism. For example, the world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel, Svart, will open in Norway’s Arctic Circle in 2022.

Image caption: The Spa at South Lodge, designed by Sparcstudio

Image caption: The Spa at South Lodge, designed by Sparcstudio

HK: How do you find out about new products on the market?

BB: Word of mouth, trade shows and social media and we are also lucky to be kept updated with the latest innovations and cutting edge products that are being developed by the suppliers themselves. We also relish the opportunity to create bespoke individual designs – be it furniture,  (for example the double lounger with integral lighting at Sopwell’s Cottonmill Club spa) light fitting or heat cabin and thermal suite, all of  which helps to add to a Spa’s feeling of authenticity and uniqueness.

Quick-fire round

HK: What’s the biggest misconception about being a designer who specialises in spas and wellness areas?

BB: That we design ‘spa pools’- those lovely big injection moulded plastic ‘people soup’ models spring to mind! A common mistake is to design a series of spa ‘spaces’ without really understanding or thinking through the journey and how they connect.

HK: Where is next on your spa bucket list?

BB: Aman Kyoto, Anada in the Indian Hymalas and Aro Hā  (Overlooking the ‘otherworldly’ expanse of Lake Wakatipu) in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

HK: What is your go-to treatment?

BB: A Hammam. A recent Couples Hammam in Bodrum was amazing – the facial loofa part was a bit scary at the time but was amazingly effective!

HK: What has been the most significant innovation on the wellness scene in the last five years?

BB: I would say one of the largest innovations, which is much more low-tech, is the rise of the Spa Garden, particularly here in the UK.

HK: What does luxury mean to you?

BB: Uninterrupted time away from technology and work/ home life distractions relaxing in a tranquil, stimulating/ sensuous environment that is ‘authentic and unique’ and beautifully / thoughtfully designed of course!

Image caption: Cottonmill Club at Sopwell House

Image caption: Cottonmill Club at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

HK: How is social media driving a change in the way in which wellness spaces are being designed?

BB: Social media is a powerful influence in the world of spa. Hotels and wellness spaces are very visual and this links perfectly to a social media platform like Instagram as it is all about the perfect picture. What we are seeing, in some instances, is that spas are creating experiences that are very obviously designed to create an ‘Instagram worthy shot’. An over the top (but often used) example is the placement of pink flamingoes in a spa or pool area, or a snug area that is branded and decorated with flower walls. You see this a lot in resorts in the Indian Ocean. The difficulty is that these experiences don’t place wellness or the guest experience at the heart of it. Following short term trends can be a problem as they are short lived and aren’t durable. They will quickly look outdated as Instagrammers hunt the next big thing, leaving your wellness space looking tired and past its sell-by date.

HK: There is a difference between wellness and wellbeing, how can modern spas evoke both in their design? 

BB: Wellbeing is the experience of health, happiness, and prosperity. It includes having good mental health, high life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose, and ability to manage stress Good Spa Design should create a sense of wellbeing by providing experiences that appeal to the senses and are ideally related to natural elements, and provide an escape from the stresses of work and everyday life.

Wellness, the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. Fitness/ wellness facilities are an increasingly important element of a spa offer, in the form of yoga studio or outside Yoga deck, a well-designed gym (sensitively designed to fit with the Spas over-all ambience).

We also anticipate that there will continue to be overlaps or a blurring of the lines between fitness, wellness, spa and medical facilities. High end gyms such as ‘Third Space’ integrate spaces for relaxation and wellbeing with the inclusion of thermal suites and relaxation spaces. The sensuous Hot yoga studio that we designed at the Tower Bridge site has shaker style panelling and end grain Juniper log panelling that emit a soothing aroma when heated.

Sparcstudio, which will be involved in Hotel Designs LIVE on June 23, is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this  three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

Main image credit: SparcStudio

INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Specifying tiles for hotel pool and spa areas

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Specifying tiles for hotel pool and spa areas

As Hotel Designs continues to position pools and the modern spa under the spotlight, CTD Architectural Tiles takes the reins to explain what designers and architects should consider before and when specifying tiles in wellness areas…

Anyone working within the hotel industry understands the risks associated with high-traffic areas, particularly around a spa or pool area.

Commercial flooring must not only withstand a high volume of footfall and be easy to maintain on a daily basis, but must also look good too – the hospitality industry demands some of the most aesthetically pleasing environments in the sector. This is where tiles have a vital role to play – with a huge variety of designs to choose from, they can also be especially practical for use around wet or slippy areas.

Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Anti-slip tiles are the most practical solution to reducing the risk of injury in a heavy footfall hotel area. Made effective by their slightly textured surface, anti-slip tiles are a perfect complement to other materials, such as stone, wood and concrete.

As well as their practicality, anti-slip tiles now offer stylish solutions of their own. Long gone are the days when anti-slip offered only a limited range of design options. Instead, anti-slip surfaces are now available in an enormous range of on-trend designs, colours and formats, providing interior designers with the option of versatility when it comes to high traffic area tile choices. This is of particular importance in a hotel, where first impressions and appearance are everything.

Offering a striking balance between functionality and design, anti-slip tiles now provide a variety of matt and natural finishes, as well as many patterns, textures and sizes. Styles differ from rustic to modern and while some are warm and welcoming, others are cool and contemporary.

Hotel spa environments

When it comes to hotel leisure facilities, the pool is at the heart of generating a complete tranquil, relaxed and safe atmosphere in a spa environment. There are a number of options to consider when choosing safe, beautiful tiles for a spa and one particular trend that has emerged over recent years is wood effect tiles.

Image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

Phenomenal advances in ceramic technology over recent years have created incredibly realistic wood-inspired designs in porcelain tiles, with a number of advantages. They provide a sustainable, durable, slip resistant and easy to maintain solution, whilst being available in a huge range of styles to suit the demands of the project. CTD Architectural’s Nolan and Woodmania collections both offer natural looking, wood-effect products that are sure to suit any spa-style environment.

Hotel outdoor areas

In the swimming pool area of any hotel, the specification of anti-slip tiles is paramount, as people tend to be walking around barefoot in high-traffic wet conditions. CTD Architectural’s Porcelain Pavers collection offers a range of exterior anti-slip tiles, which recreate architectural materials such as cement and stone – all with a sleek thickness of just 20mm.

Along with the excellent technical qualities of thick porcelain, the products feature high breaking strength and a natural look – important qualities for all types of outdoor use within hotels. In addition, the tiles in this collection are hygienic, easy to clean and resistant to chemicals.

CTD Architectural Tiles is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

Main image credit: CTD Architectural Tiles

FEATURE: What roles do outdoor pools and spas play in tented camps?

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FEATURE: What roles do outdoor pools and spas play in tented camps?

As Hotel Designs continues to metaphorically bathe in the topic of Pools and Spas during May, it asks the experts at Bushtec Creations how to sensitively add a new layer of luxury to tented accommodation…

Thinking about going on a Safari to the heart of the African bush or glamping during the hot summer months of Europe? Well there is nothing more refreshing and relaxing than washing off the adrenalin of adventure in a sparkling, clear pool.

Adding a swimming pool to your hotel or tented lodge in cities of towns doesn’t seem too big of a problem, but adding swimming pools in rural, remote locations can pose some difficulties. Yes, one can build a pool on site, with local labour and sufficient time, everything is possible.

At Bushtec Creations, we have different options available when it comes to swimming pools. Our DIY ready-to-assemble pools are hands down a winner for sure when it comes to remote areas. It is innovative, stylish, and elegantly designed with natural beautiful wood, which is the perfect complement to your tented camp/resort. The outer wooden structure of the pool is manufactured to exacting standards from high quality, pressure impregnated, dried and oiled, dense Scandinavian timber, fitting perfectly into any garden or location, in total harmony with its surroundings.

Image credit: Bushtec Creations

With Bushtec Creations, there are quite a few different ways to incorporate swimming pools in your tented camp/lodge/resort. Depending on each client’s requirements and the site layout, you may only want to have one communal pool forming as part of your main area or you might also want to add smaller private plunge pools or Jacuzzis at each tented guest unit which is what happens in most cases. Some cultures prefer private pool at each tent in terms of their customs. It is a good alternative then to add a reflecting pool to your reception tent which can set the tone of a peaceful and harmonic sanctuary where one can sit and reflect.

We have also found that guests at tented lodges prefer private pools, guests visiting these lodges are there to relax, go on game drives and capture the wildness of the African bush, whereas guests at glamping sites in Europe come back from an adventure with the family and don’t mind take a refreshing swim in communal pools. This also helps to reduce the noise levels at the guest units if families are at the communal pools.

Image credit: Bushtec Creative

Spas can also play a big role in your tented camp and can be immensely beneficial. When tourists look for tented camps as part of their vacation destinations, a spa would encourage them to add this to their itinerary.

Image credit: Bushtec Creations

Let’s be honest, how many people can say that they have had spa treatments in a luxury tent before? Not as many right? Tented camps/resorts are trending significantly on a global scale and you definitely want all the “most wanted” added benefits as part of your investment. Your spa’s can also be designed, like your entire camp, just the way you want it.

Image credit: Bushtec Creations

You can have a specific section of your tented camp/resort dedicated to an entire communal spa area which could include multiple spa tents for couples, each with their own inside Jacuzzi, or you can have a few private spa units separated by quite a distance, each with their own plunge pool and firepit to add to the ambience. Then again you can keep it simple with just one spa unit within your tented camp/resort which mainly caters for treatments. Your spa units would in most cases have the same designed “look and feel” as the rest of the tents so that your camp has a unified design throughout.

Image credit: Bushtec Creative

Bushtec Creations has the added benefit of having a dedicated in-house design team who takes all natural surroundings and outdoor elements into consideration when designing your tented camp/resort, aiming for your investment to be in harmony with the outdoors surrounding it. We are also very focused on making sure we create an environmentally friendly tented camp/resort so as to ensure that your natural habitat is looked after. Being aware of the minimal impact wanted on natural environments, we can create tented camps/resorts with the lightest footprint possible specifically to preserve the natural habitat and we have all relevant materials and technology to comply with this requirement.

We can create your tented camp/resort suited to your desired requirements ensuring a great return on investment!

Bushtec Creations is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this  three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

Main image credit: Bushtec Creations

SPA SPECIAL: A new age of sub-zero wellness travel

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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SPA SPECIAL: A new age of sub-zero wellness travel

As Hotel Designs continues May by positioning Spas and Outdoor Style under the spotlight, editor Hamish Kilburn learns more about a new pioneering spa concept, located in the Arctic Circle, which is expected to open in 2022…

Last week, the editorial desk was appropriately focusing its attention on the present, with an unprecedented pandemic shaking the industry to inspire us to look at the hotel spas around the globe that are naturally self-isolating in style.

As we continue our month discovering the flowing world of spas extraordinary outdoor style, we are looking ahead (towards uncharted waters, if you like) to the possibilities and the role of wellness in tomorrow’s luxury hotels. And there is no better example of pioneering wellness hotels on the boards than Svart, the 99-key hotel in Norway’s Artic Circle that has created waves in the luxury travel press recently as it is billed to become the world’s first energy-positive hotel.

More than ever before, by 2022, consumers are predicted to value and seek sustainable travel which incorporates health awareness, mindfulness and wellness. Designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, Svart will aim to offer travellers a new means of conscious escapism. 

Image credit: Snøhetta/Plompmozes/Miris

The Svart Spa and Wellness Clinic will provide a personalised, outcome-focused wellness plan which will underpin the guest experience. Taking individuals on a journey to ‘Climatise, Condition and Evolve’, programmes will target the mind, body and skin and will be individually-tailored to support, strengthen and optimise the outdoor pursuits of the adventurer. 

The 1,000 square metre indoor-outdoor wellness hub will comprise of treatment rooms with outdoor bathing facilities, a relaxation lounge, swimming pool, fully equipped yoga and sound-healing studio, steam rooms and state-of-the-art gym.

Treatments and therapies will range from massages and facials using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients and indigenous Nordic elements, to sound-healing, reflexology, cryotherapy and transformative health and nutrition coaching incorporating cutting-edge wearable technology.  

A variety of holistic treatments will be on offer, from the traditionally Norwegian – encompassing native Nordic methods – to the medically and technologically cutting-edge. All Svart therapies will use 100 per cent locally-grown natural products, herbs and marine ingredients. 

Upon arrival, guests will have a one-to-one consultation with the expert Spa team and resident health concierge to discuss and select a unique programme of services, therapies and supplements. The treatment plan will be individually-tailored to support and enhance the outdoor activities guests wish to pursue during their stay.

From the cutting-edge spa and adventurous activities offering – which will target physical and mental wellbeing – to the nutritional-focused dining offering, wellness will flow through every element of the hotel. 

A balanced and considered blend of human interaction and sensory attention, within an immersive and comforting atmosphere will aid guests to optimum success in their evolution of wellbeing.

With non-invasive technology available such as wearable devices, guests will also have access to useful data to better understand themselves and enhance goal-orientated efforts. 

“Our aim was to create a truly immersive and purpose driven experience for guests, enabling them to become more in tune with themselves as they take in the natural wonders of Norway’s incredible Svartisen,” explained Felicity Leahy, Svart’s appointed Spa & Wellness Consultant and Co-Founder of iMPACT-Business Health, a leading management consultancy to the medical aesthetics and private healthcare sectors.  

Image credit: Snøhetta/Plompmozes/Miris

A collaboration between property firm MIRIS and leading Norwegian companies, Svart will be the world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel, meaning it will produce more energy than it uses. It aims to be fully off-grid, carbon neutral and zero waste within the first five years of operation.

To add to its stellar eco-credentials, the project will be funded by Green Bond, a sustainable investment fund recently launched by MIRIS.

Green Bond provides an opportunity for investors to build wealth responsibly, investing in the future of travel, property and technology while safeguarding the planet for generations to come.

Main image credit: Svart/Snøhetta/Plompmozes Miris

SPOTLIGHT ON: Hotel spas that naturally self-isolate in style

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Hotel spas that naturally self-isolate in style

Throughout May, Hotel Designs is putting Spas and Outdoor Style under the spotlight. We continue with an editor’s round-up of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring spas. Hamish Kilburn writes…

Before the COVID–19 pandemic, and I am guessing long after the turbulent waters become calm again, architects and designers globally will question and creatively challenge the conventional spa and wellness experience in and out of hotels.

Despite pretty much all travel around the globe currently being on hold, the desire for quality treatments and checking in to relaxing escapes will return. With more and more hotel groups and brands developing their strategy around the rise in demand for wellness and wellbeing, Hotel Designs takes a look at the most dynamically designed hotel spas around the world.

Arctic Bath, Sweden

Establishing shot of the spa on a frozen lake

Image credit: Arctic Bath Hotel, Sweden

Designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, the Arctic Bath in Sweden was opened recently following much anticipation. The spa, sheltered in the bath house that floats on the frozen River Lule, was designed using natural woods and stone to create an eye-catching ‘birds nest style’ structure.

W Ibiza, Spain

Outdoor pool

Image credit: Marriott Hotels/W Hotels

“When we first entered the building, which is positioned on the beach front, we couldn’t even see the sea,” the founders of  BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG, Irene Kronenberg and Alon Baranowitz, told Hotel Designs when explaining how the concept of W Ibiza was born. “There had been no thought as to how guests would and should use these public spaces.” The energy of the water, unsurprisingly, became the design concept of the 167-key hotel’s public areas. By opening up the space to become a flexible social hub, the hotel becomes a place that nurtures human connections, and through the use of subtle levels creates touchable distance between each functional area. “The idea is that the energy descends into the unconventional pool area,” adds Baranowitz. “As you move up levels, the lobby/lounge area becomes more reclined, but the open architecture scheme allows for a clever connection between all spaces.”

Equinox Hotel New York

Light and bright pool area in the spa

Image credit: Equinox Hotels

In the summer of last year, Equinox – the brand that made its name for opening and managing a tight-knit community of exceptional fitness and wellbeing clubs in major cities dotted around the world – opened its first ever hotel. Designed by David Rockwell and Joyce Wang to evoke comfort, creativity and focus, the ‘world’s fittest hotel’, as Hotel Designs labelled it ahead of its opening, is sheltered in a 14-storey limestone and glass skyscraper designed by architecture firm SOM. The hotel’s immersive 27,000 square foot spa area, which was the brainchild of Joyce Wang Studio and spa design and consultancy firm TLEE, maximises the most valuable commodity, time. The luxury wellness facilities include tailored treatments, an indoor salt water pool, hot and cold plunge pools, and our E.scape Pods — private relaxation areas that capture unparalleled views of the Hudson River.

Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, England

Outdoor pool

Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House

Following a £14m investment, Cottonmill’s three-storey, state-of-the-art, private members’ spa at Sopwell House in Hertfordshire is a break away from the conventional hotel spa. Designed by Sparcstudio, the spa has embraced the growing role of technology in the wellness world, with both the Dornbracht luxury shower, Sensory Sky, which recreates the sensation of showering in the open air, and the ELEMIS Biotec machine, which works to switch skin back on, increasing its natural cellular energy. Outside, award-winning garden designer Ann-Marie Powell created a space to enrich the soul. The botanical theme works around three secluded outdoor hot tubs and a swim-in/out hydrotherapy infinity pool.

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

Outdoor pool surrounded by jungle

Image credit: COMO Hotels & Resorts

Set in a tropical rainforest in Bali – the hotel is nestled in a clearing above a jungle-covered gorge beside the River Ayung – COMO Shambhala Estate remains unmatched, major player on the world’s wellness scene for its effortless approach to wellbeing. Architect Cheong Yew Kuan worked with interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi to create the estate, combining local stone, wood and traditional alang-alang roofing to build sophisticated spaces that are at once contemporary and thoroughly traditional.

7123 Hotel, Switzerland

thermal bath overlooking mountains

Image credit: 7132 Hotel

7132 Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is described best as a ‘luxury hotel and design hotel wrapped into one’, and was designed by world-famous architects including Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Thom Mayne of Morphosis, and Zumthor. The crown jewel of the hotel is the award-winning thermal spa by Peter Zumthor, constructed from 60,000 slabs of local quartzite. The unique atmosphere and the highly mineralised water that comes out of the St. Peter spring at a pleasant 30° Celsius creates a deeply relaxing and natural experience.

Kagi Maldives Spa Island, Maldives

Birds eye view of villa with pool by the ocean

Image credit: Kagi Maldives Spa Island

The 1,500-square-metre wellness centre, slated to open in September 2020, is designed by architect Yuji Yamazaki, who was the mastermind behind the world’s first underwater villa. The 50-villa property is said to provide “a 360-degree wellness experience” with a fully-integrated wellness hub that sits at the centre of the island. This area will be complete with an open-air, teardrop-shaped sky roof its core, and will appear to float atop the island’s turquoise lagoon waters.

Hôtel Chais Monet, France

luxury hotel pool

Image credit: Hôtel Chais Monet

The luxury spa hotel was described as a “modern take on traditional French luxe” when Hotel Designs first caught wind of the project in 2016. In simple terms, an extensive restoration project to convert the wine cellars into a luxury hotel has given the buildings on site a new lease of life. Beneath the guestrooms and suites, the hotel’s spa wellness facilities include an impressive 25-metre indoor and outdoor pool, which allows guests to soak in the natural landscape while enjoying R&R from exploring the city. In addition, the spa also features a modern jacuzzi, a sauna, a handful of massage therapy rooms and a state-of-the-art gym.

Main image credit: COMO Hotels & Resorts

SPOTLIGHT ON: The challenges of creating the modern spa

 730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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SPOTLIGHT ON: The challenges of creating the modern spa

Spas are often considered an essential part of a hotel offering. To kickstart Hotel Designs putting ‘spas’ under the editorial spotlight this month, Beverley Bayes, Creative Director at Sparcstudio explains how to create a modern spa in 2020 and how to avoid the common pitfalls of design and build…

Spas are synonymous with luxury and over the past decade have become an essential ingredient for many investors who are planning major hotel developments and refurbishments.

As we enter a period that looks beyond the post-COVID-19 lockdown, the desire for spas to provide space and light with the ability to relax in nature will become even more important factors within the remit of spa design.

In our drive to create spas that are authentic, unique and inspiring with a real ‘sense of place’ there are a number of key considerations.  Firstly, the move away from standardisation of the spa experience reflects the path that hotel brands are increasingly taking which is driven by guests desire for authenticity (which also accounts for the rise in popularity of AirBnB).

Authenticity and uniqueness are established at the early concept stage in terms of developing the experience and the guest environment. There maybe elements about the site or historical factors that inform the concept, for example the botanic references throughout The Spa at South Lodge were inspired by botanical history dating back to the 1800’s. Frederick DuCane Godman, a British naturalist and plant collector built the original house and surrounding gardens with over 360 species of trees and plants sourced from the Azores, Caribbean and Central & South America. This helped to layer the build with authenticity and great storytelling.

Image caption: The Spa at South Lodge, designed by Sparcstudio

Image caption: The Spa at South Lodge, designed by Sparcstudio

The selection of materials and finishes that are relevant to the location and the creation of bespoke designed elements, such as furniture and lighting also adds to the feeling of authenticity. The curated spa can also act as a great gallery environment – involving the commissioning of local artists and Artisans add to the uniqueness of the spa and its sense of place.

Location, location, location

The positioning of the spa itself is key if you want to take full advantage of the vistas, natural light and links to outside spa space, gardens or a even a roof terrace. Thankfully spas have largely emerged from being consigned to the hotel basement, reflecting their increasing importance as part of a hotel’s overall wellness offer and the rise in global spa tourism where spas are destinations in their own right. The Aqua Sana Forest spa concept that we helped develop transformed the Aqua Sana space – planning model from inward facing experiences, to experiences that reached out into the forest with the inclusion of in-out pools and panoramic saunas surrounded by trees. At the Sherwood Forest site, we created the first sauna on stilts which takes ‘forest bathing’ to a new level.

Image caption: The outdoor pool at Aqua Sana Longford Forest

Image caption: The outdoor pool at Aqua Sana Longford Forest

Well considered space planning

This is the ‘bedrock’ of a successful modern spa, which I liken to a giant multi-layered jigsaw puzzle, where in order to create a unique and beautiful customer focussed journey and experience, a comprehensive understanding of the operational and technical issues is required.  The siting and sizing of staff/back of house spaces as well as air handling, pool and thermal suite plant is as important to the location and flow of guest spaces and experiences and is essential in the delivery  of a smooth running seamless and profitable operation.

We always look to create an intuitive guest journey obviating the necessity for lots of signage. We also strive to minimise corridors and build in glazed vistas into experiences to help orientate and build sense of anticipation. Special attention needs to be paid to the creation of  ‘signature spaces’ AKA ‘the money shot’. This could be the main pool area or perhaps a feature cabin and is the ‘go to’ shot for spa press, travel writers and beauty editors.

How have spas changed recently

We are witnessing a shift within luxury spa design away from formal, minimalist spas, towards spas that have ‘heart and soul’ that are about comfort, relaxation and reconnecting with nature, and are designed to appeal to the senses; aroma, fire, water, light and planting which are all key elements to incorporate. These trends draw on the concept of ‘barefoot luxury’ and are all delivered in a way that is inspiring, yet practical in a European setting by bringing the outside – in.

Image caption: Dormy House Veuve Clicquot Nail bar, designed by Sparcstudio

Image caption: Dormy House Veuve Clicquot Nail bar, designed by Sparcstudio

The concept of luxurious materials has changed away from plush and bling. Use of natural, raw materials will become more commonplace as spas aim to recreate the kind of ‘barefoot luxury’ that guests experience on luxury, island resorts. The design style will reflect this ethos with the use of marbles such as ‘Forest Green’ in a honed finish (rather than the highly polished black and white marble) recycled end grain timber panelling and green slate and Terracotta tiles in interesting formats. New luxury is about nurture and care, handmade and bespoke design.

New additions, design developments, and how this caters to new customer demand.

Spas have changed massively  A contemporary spa design is far less regimented and is freeform, natural and personalised. Thankfully we are moving away from deep relax rooms that have rows of beds (referred to as ‘chapels of rest’ by some therapists!) to a greater choice of relax zones and experiences scattered throughout the spa.

Image caption: The Whisper Room inside Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

Embracing far greater usage of external garden spaces and natural chemical-free experiences is also key. This could be as simple as relaxing in a herb garden or by a wood burning fire, stargazing from a hot pool as can be seen at the most recent spa development to open in the UK at Carden Park.

Thermal suites and pools are evolving to offer bespoke experiences, rather than standardised designs formed from modular components. There is a move away from thermal suites that are a series of doors leading to enclosed heat cabins, into thermal suites that are light filled glazed spaces, as can be witnessed by the rise of the ‘panoramic saunas’ – such the organic bespoke sauna we designed at ‘South Lodge’. It’s curving forms were inspired by the rolling hills of the Sussex South Downs, over which it looks.

“We also look to connect wherever possible to the surrounding landscape and outside bathing continues to rise in popularity” – Beverley Bayes, Creative Director, Sparcstudio.

Water, water, everywhere

Water will of course continue to play a key role in spa, with its subliminal calming influence.

In a spa the body is fully immersed in water – we spend a lot of time considering this cleansing and the healing processes involved. We also look to connect wherever possible to the surrounding landscape and outside bathing continues to rise in popularity, whether in be in large bespoke hydropool, an in-out swim pool or individual Japanese style hot tubs.

Image caption: Entrance to the in-out pool and lounge area at Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio

‘Natural’ swimming pools also offer a sense of freedom and escapism whilst tapping into the popularity of ‘wild swimming’. These fresh water, naturally filtered pools and ponds are set to become an essential element for any forwarding thinking, eco-conscious spa developer. These are friendly to the environment and a unique spa experience for all guests keen to embrace the outdoors.

“We also anticipate that there will continue to be overlaps or a blurring of the lines between fitness, wellness, spa and medical facilities.” – Beverley Bayes, Creative Director, Sparcstudio.

Changing face of spa – the spa as a private members club

Undoubtedly post lockdown there will be an even greater desire to be fit and well. ‘Health is the new wealth’ will be the new mantra, and spa and wellness facilities will have a bigger role to play . Spa design will need to adapt and evolve to meet new requirements and sensibilities, which will include a requirement for more personal space. We also anticipate that there will continue to be overlaps or a blurring of the lines between fitness, wellness, spa and medical facilities. High-end gyms such as Third Space integrate spaces for relaxation and wellbeing with the inclusion of thermal suites and relaxation spaces.

Image credit: Third Space hot yoga room

Image credit: Third Space hot yoga studio, designed by Sparcstudio

The sensuous Hot yoga studio that we designed at  the Tower Bridge site has shaker style paneling and end grain Juniper log paneling that emit a soothing aroma when heated. Whilst a more natural sensuous spa environment can transport  users from a world of work and worry, the integration of intelligent use of technology in a discreet enabling way, will be even move important in the post Covid world, Touch technology via wristband enables hand-free access to zones and areas, can open a locker and pay for lunch or products.

Moving away from the concept of a spa as a once in while treat, we anticipate that there could be an increase in the Spa as a Private members club similar to the model that can be experienced at The Club at Cottonmill Sopwell House Hotel, where spa becomes as regular a  visit  as the traditional gym.

Sparcstudio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this  three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

Main image caption: Dormy House raised infinity pool, designed by Sparcstudio

IN PICTURES: Kagi Maldives Spa Island reveals all ahead of opening

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IN PICTURES: Kagi Maldives Spa Island reveals all ahead of opening

The 1,500-square-metre wellness centre is slated to open in the Maldives’ North Male Atoll in September 2020…

New images have been released to show what the five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island will look like when it opens later this year.

The 50-villa property will is said to provide “a 360-degree wellness experience”, which we first discovered a few weeks ago, has been designed by esteemed architect Yuji Yamazaki, who was the mastermind behind the world’s first underwater villa.

Outdoor pool overlooking ocean

Image credit: Kagi Maldives Spa Island

Set within a 1,500-square-metre, purpose-built wellness centre, Kagi’s Baani Spa will provide a personalised, outcome-focused wellness experience. Taking guests on a journey to ‘Release, Restore and Regain’, offerings will range from reiki, crystal and sound-healing, holistic health coaching and transformative ‘Wellness Sabbatical’ retreats. 

The fully-integrated wellness hub will sit at the centre of the island, and will be complete with an open-air, teardrop-shaped sky roof its core, the spa will appear to float atop the island’s turquoise lagoon waters.

outdoor bathroom

Image credit: Kagi Maldives Spa Island

Guests will be able to choose from three room types, a Beach Pool Villa, a Lagoon Pool Villa or an Ocean Pool Villa, all of which will be distinguished by their unique locations and will house a private pool, a sun deck and an expansive indoor-outdoor bathroom.

Contemporary guestroom

Image credit: Kagi Maldives Spa Island

The spa takes its inspiration from the ocean, with its name, ‘Baani’, translating to ‘The Ocean Swell’ in the Maldivian Dhivehi language. Just as the waves slowly lap onto the shore, gently slowing down, guests will arrive at Baani Spa to slow down, unwind, release the stress of mundane life and start to restore their inner balance. Through the treatments, programmes and facilities on offer and like the swell of the ocean gaining momentum, one regains their energy and vitality. 

Main image credit: Kagi Maldives Spa Island

Hart Miller Design completes new landmark Cornwall spa

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Hart Miller Design completes new landmark Cornwall spa

The award-winning Mullion Cove Hotel on Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula has opened a landmark new spa, designed by Hart Miller Design…

The clifftop retreat, Mullion Cove Hotel, with its infinity pool and stunning sea views enhances the hotel’s existing offering and marks a new chapter in its history.

Having worked with the hotel since 2012 on a rolling expansion project, Hart Miller Design were selected to create a distinctive spa experience, unique to the South West.

Mullion Cove Director Daniel Thompson said: “This has been a landmark year for Mullion Cove as we completed expansion of our self-catered apartments, and opened our new spa. Having designed both of these projects, Hart Miller understand both our vision and our client base – vitally important in creating a spa that feels right. I’m looking forward to our continued work with Hart Miller Design as we begin work on the next phase of our expansion.”

Blue arm chair and stretching view across bay in the lobby

Image caption/credit: The Spa’s lobby area | Image credit: Mullion Cove Hotel/Hart Miller Design

At the heart of the project is a contrast of scale – placing intimate human sensory experiences within a jaw-dropping natural location of rock, sea and elemental power. Japanese mountain retreats were taken as a key inspiration, grounded in ritual and symbolism.

“Passing along the Sandō, the Japanese-style approach to a temple, the customer is stepping over the threshold into the spa experience.” – Anna Hart, Design Director at Hart Miller Design

The spa takes its users on a personal journey of relaxation: a carefully chosen palette of timbers and natural tones complement the hues and contours of the Cornish landscape and help to create spaces and textures that welcome and embrace. Visitors are wrapped up in the materiality of the building and the sea views beyond, offering an immersive experience from start to finish.

Indoor pool with glass overlooking bay

Image caption/credit: The main indoor pool of the spa | Mullion Cove Hotel/Hart Miller Design

“When you enter the space you are arriving very much in the heart of the spa – a relaxed lounge with fire and soft settings, rich materials that signify the beginning of a journey,” added Anna Hart, Design Director at Hart Miller Design. “Passing along the Sandō, the Japanese-style approach to a temple, the customer is stepping over the threshold into the spa experience. The lounge is somewhere you can return to and take a moment and soak it all up – not to mention the most amazing views.”

Floor to ceiling windows contrast the enveloping private treatment rooms and provide a perfect setting to unwind whether a dark, stormy day or beautiful summer evening. The lighting design is also a key feature of the project. Working with Amos Lighting, a series of subtleties and contrasting ambiences has been added in the form of dimming, treatment-specific lighting.

Main image credit: Mullion Cove Hotel/Hart Miller Design

MINIVIEW: The Spa at South Lodge

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MINIVIEW: The Spa at South Lodge

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

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

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

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

Image credit: South Lodge Hotel

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

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

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

Image credit: South Lodge Hotel

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

Outdoor hydrotherapy pool on wooden decking

Image credit: South Lodge Hotel

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

Main image credit: South Lodge Hotel 

The integral design element inside the Spa of the Year

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The integral design element inside the Spa of the Year

Following Marienlyst Strandhotel recently winning Danish Beauty Award’s ‘Spa of the Year’ category, Hotel Designs dives in to explore the design elements that set this hotel spa aside from others…

In 2018 the doors opened to the 1,600 square foot, luxurious beach spa in the 150 year old Marienlyst Strandhotel. This lavish spa has recently gained recognition for its luxury facilities winning a Danish Beauty Award in the ‘Spa of the Year’ category.

Located on the edge of the Sound and overlooking Helsingborg, the spa was designed specifically to bring guests closer to nature, with both indoor and outdoor facilities.

“The design goal of the spa is to blend both the indoor and outdoor experience for the guests. As we are dealing with a spa, wet room installations such as drains play a key role in the overall appearance”, says Jan Mortensen, owner of Heating Business, who was employed by Marienlyst Strandhotel to cover the technical aspects of the development.

Image credit: Marienlyst Strandhotel

Specific materials for a unique spa

He explains that the spa’s natural surroundings have played a crucial role in the choice of materials for both drains and fixtures; this has resulted in an elegant combination of warm shades and tones.

“We are building a beach spa, not a traditional spa and this is reflected in our choice ofdrains and fixtures,” explains Jan Mortensen. “We have tried to reflect the surrounding beach and coastline, and area where the sunlight reflects on the water. Because of this reflective aspect we deliberately selected Unidrain’s line drain in brass for the spa entrance and changing rooms; the guests expect the best quality and the exclusive line drains help give the spa its luxurious look.

“We have received a really good response from the guests. They are enthusiastic about theaesthetics and choice of materials and think it contributes to an exclusive aura. There is no doubt this feedback is important to us, as it is precisely Marienlyst Strandhotel’s goal toprovide an exclusive wellness experience for the guests at all times.”

“In addition to the aesthetics, the functional aspect is resolved as the line drains are easy to maintain and in terms of both safety and prevention of damage to the wet room, Unidrain is an obviouschoice for busy hotels.” – Dennis Bagge, architectural adviser for Unidrain

Image credit: Unidrain/Marienlyst Strandhotel

Line drainage in both spa and hotel

It is not only in the spa that the hotel has selected to feature Unidrain’s line drain. The hotelhas recently undergone a programme of renovations; as part of this the rooms which have been renovated also feature ClassicLine column drains.

“The Marienlyst Strandhotel and its spa are the epitome of luxury and wellness and we are delighted they have chosen Unidrain products as part of the experience,” said Dennis Bagge, architectural adviser for Unidrain. “In addition to the aesthetics, the functional aspect is resolved as the line drains are easy to maintain and in terms of both safety and prevention of damage to the wet room, Unidrain is an obviouschoice for busy hotels.”

HighLine Colour

Unidrain’s HighLine Collection has received a number of design awards including the prestigious Red Dot Award for design. What makes the HighLine so innovative is that the traditional grating has been replaced by a panel.

There are four different versions of the HighLine which include: Panel available in brushed stainless steel or frosted glass; Customised – which can be matched to floor tiles; Cassette – with edges on all sides this allows the drain to be used with any material and is especially suited for terrazzo floor and the most recent addition to the HighLine Collection – HighLine Colour.

HighLine Colour is created in PVD-treated brushed stainless steel, brass, copper, black and hand polished stainless steel with a high gloss finish. The design aesthetic of the colour panel is further enhanced by the matching stainless steel frame. Each frame is 10mm high with a 4mm solid top to ensure a snug fit inside the drain unit.

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

Main image credit: Marienlyst Strandhotel

Miraval Group unveils second hotel in Texas

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Miraval opens its second wellness destination in Texas Hill Country…

Hyatt brings its nationally acclaimed Miraval spa and wellness brand to Austin, Texas with the opening of Miraval Austin.

Set on 220 acres of picturesque land overlooking Lake Travis, Miraval Austin is the brand’s second wellness resort to open outside of its flagship property in Tucson, Arizona.

“We are incredibly proud to open Miraval Austin as we embark on an exciting period of expansion at Miraval,” said Marc W. Ellin, global head of Miraval Group. “For more than 20 years, Miraval has been dedicated to inspiring total mind, body and spirit wellness by offering guests authentic experiences rooted in mindfulness.  As we open Miraval Austin, we look forward to welcoming Miraval’s loyal guests, as well new audiences to experience the fulfillment, pleasure and growth that come with a Miraval experience.”

Image credit: Miraval Austin/Hyatt Hotels

Miraval Austin’s 117 guestrooms and suites designed by award-winning firm Hart Howerton are relaxing havens built in harmony with nature. Using a soft neutral color palate, guestrooms combine bespoke furniture, specially-selected fabrics and local, hand-crafted accessories and art to create a restorative atmosphere. In keeping with the Miraval brand’s ethos, the rooms have been designed to enhance guests’ sleep experience with Miraval bedding, black out shades and sleep-enhancing amenities, including Miraval’s signature cell phone sleeping bag.

Image credit: Miraval Austin/Hyatt Hotels

Conceptualised by renowned designer Clodagh, the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Austin draws inspiration from the surrounding Balcones Canyonlands Preserve to create a serene environment that promotes relaxation, balance and a sense of wellbeing. The 20,000 square foot Life in Balance Spa boasts 30 treatment rooms, a spa pool, relaxation rooms, salon, sauna, steam room and spa retail boutique.

Developed at Miraval Arizona over 20 years ago, the brand’s famed equine programming will also be central to the Miraval Austin experience. The Cypress Creek Ranch at Miraval Austin offers an expertly developed curriculum that expands upon Miraval Arizona’s original programming with new workshops.

Main image credit: Miraval Austin/Hyatt Hotels

Hotel to open largest seafront pool in Crete

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Elounda Peninsula all-suite hotel introduces the largest seafront pool on the Greek island of Crete…

Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel has introduced new seafront pools for 2019, which will include the largest on the island of Crete. The new main pool and accompanying children’s pool have been introduced to open in May 2019 by the Kokotos family at a cost of €700,000. Collaborating with London-based designers, WATG, the hotel has produced a new pool concept that will undoubtedly amaze.

Part of Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts, the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel enjoys beautiful views across the iridescent Aegean Sea and Sitia mountains. Perched on the water’s edge, the hotel has been famous over the years for having the finest beach area on the island of Crete, flaunting crystal clear waters and smooth sandy shallows. Situating the pools right next to the beach, along with the hotel’s restaurants and bars, has created an ideal summer holiday combination of pool and beach relaxation.

The new main pool will be the largest seafront pool on the island of Crete, with 420 square metres of gentle curves winding through native trees. Features include a hydro-massage area, loungers in the shallows and wide steps for easy access. A new children’s pool of 80 square metres will be separated from the main pool and features the ideal layout of shallow and safe waters. Finished with a silky-smooth ‘pebbledeck’, both new pools can also be heated up to 27C, if needed.

From a sustainability perspective, the new pools have been purposefully designed around the trees in the area that could not be re-located, involving them in the design. As carob trees cannot be transplanted, the pools were constructed around the two carob trees by the seafront in an effort to preserve the existing nature.

Taking advantage of the kids’ pool’s new location, the design firm has created a variety of levels and niches to create more privacy for poolside day-beds and cabanas and to allow for unobstructed sea views from all corners. Rich vegetation, vibrant night-time lighting, contemporary shading solutions, as well as a much-improved flow around the pools and between the restaurants and bar, will ensure that the new beach scene will have something for everyone.

The hotel offers a selection of premium accommodation including suites, villas and residences to create the perfect getaway. Premium accommodation comes not only with a lounge area and terrace featuring a private waterfront pool, but also direct access to private jetties or the hotel’s private sandy beach, being the only hotel in Europe offering this.

Could this be 2019’s hottest new wellness spa hotel?

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As we continue to focusing the spotlight on Hotel Openings and Spas, a new spa hotel in Alvor, slated to open in June 2019, merges the two topics together by hailing itself as the hottest wellness hotel to open in 2019… 

Longevity Wellness Worldwide will open the five-star Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, in June 2019 in Alvor, Portugal. The state-of-the-art wellness centre will be the first of its kind embracing modern integrative and regenerative medicine with the most advanced wellness and preventative diagnostics, therapies and programmes, meaning it is set to be 2019’s hottest new wellness property.

Image credit: Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel

The hotel will offer a wide selection of impactful programmes from light programmes for beginners including relax and spa or detox to intensive longer specialised programmes around women’s health optimisation or intense detox and reshape. Such is the dedicated wellness offering that more specialised programmes are also available such as exclusive hyperbaric treatments for intense tissue oxygenation, in-depth diagnostics, advanced detoxification and health regeneration therapies, cardio-vascular repair and prevention programs, diabetes, metabolic and sleep optimization programs, obesity management programs.

“Through continuous research, development and innovation, Longevity Wellness Worldwide is the ‘Source to Wellness.”

“Longevity has learned over the years the wide range of clients’ issues and needs when they are looking for a health and wellness holiday,” said Nazir Sacoor, CEO of Longevity Wellness Worldwide. “Our upcoming flagship Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, is aimed at being a world class product with 360º solutions in health and wellness to meet all such needs.”

Modern guestroom with dark tones in the flooring and light, bright spots

Image credit: Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel

A ground-breaking adults-only health and wellness property set in the western Algarve with panoramic views of the bay of Alvor, the property will offer a world class dedicated wellness and medical spa over two floors focused on a full array of medical and non-medical state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapies for optimal health and wellness. The hotel will have a total of 70 bedrooms and suites offering standard Longevity rooms, junior suites, Longevity thematic suites and one premium Longevity ‘The One’ suite.

Through continuous research, development and innovation, Longevity Wellness Worldwide is the ‘Source to Wellness’ for guests looking for a relaxing spa or wellness break or a more intensive high impact health and wellness programme.

In addition to the innovative wellness and medical spa offering, Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel will have two restaurants, including a rooftop Pure Cafe by Longevity with a panoramic view over the stunning bay of Alvor. The Mediterrânico Restaurant by Longevity and the Chill Out & Relax Tea Lounge will be located on the ground floor. Staying true to the core of the Longevity brand the food will be fresh, delicious and colourful focusing on local and functional, alkaline and anti-inflammatory foods.

 

1507547710-Vitality-BNW_Gleneagles_Aug2016-179_R-1080x658

SPOTLIGHT ON: Hotel Openings and Spas (January 2019)

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Kick-starting 2019 with a bang, throughout January Hotel Designs’ Spotlight On will look ahead to the most anticipated hotel openings for 2019 as well as relaxing you back into the year by shining the spotlight on Spas… 

Creating a sense of balance between anticipation and relaxation, Hotel Designs is starting next year by shining the spotlight on both hotel openings and spas.

Hotel openings

Image credit: Savoy Palace

Starting in January, we will be looking ahead to all the hottest and most-anticipated hotel openings that we should expect over the next 12 months. From modern metropolis’ to far-flung destinations that exude luxury, we will discover all the latest hotel design hotspots and all the unassuming gems that should be on your hotel design radar.

Spas

Image credit: The Gainsborough Bath & Spa

With the wellness trend showing no time of stopping any time soon, there is now arguably more attention as a consumer towards the hotel spa than there is on the guestroom. Throughout January we will be checking out the best spas from around the world and understanding what is it that makes a spa experience spectacular.

If you wish to find out more, or know of a product that we should be talking about, please contact Zoe Guerrier on 01992 374059 or z.guerrier@forumevents.co.uk

Main image credit: Gleneagles, Scotland

Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa completes final stages of £10m redevelopment

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The newly redevelopment of the hotel & spa unveils contemporary design that blends Scandinavian style and British countryside sophistication… 

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District’s beautiful Borrowdale valley, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is excited to share the luxury design details of its multi-million-pound redevelopment, including a new state-of-the-art spa and 18 new Spa Suites. The 87-bedroom hotel received a full ground-floor refurbishment in 2017 and in April 2018 opened a pan-Asian restaurant, Mizu. The final phase of the redevelopment is now complete, opening a new destination spa and accompanying spa suites.

The new Falls Spa has been designed with guests’ comfort and relaxation in mind, featuring Scandi-inspired décor, bespoke designer furniture, luxury bathrooms and cosy seating areas. The purpose, style and mood of the spa according to each room’s function have been carefully considered. Furnishings and light fixtures by Tom Dixon and Moooi help blend streamlined Scandinavian style and British countryside sophistication.

The overall ambience of the spa’s Champagne Bar is a moody, Scandinavian revival, reflected through its elegant light fixtures exclusively designed by George Cawardine for Anglepoise, Chen Bikovski for Compagnie and Terence Woodgate. The upholstery is all bespoke leather and fabric sourced from Skai, Warwick, Osborne and Little and Casamance. Soft furnishings have been meticulously chosen to entice spa goers to truly relax into their depths, leaving behind the stresses and strains of everyday life.

“The Falls Spa is a natural haven where water inspires the fluidity of the spa design.”

Guests are welcomed into the spa reception by stylish upholstered furniture, designed by Tom Dixon and Graham and Green, boasting  custom-made velvets, tweeds and dobby weaves, showcasing the best of elegant British design. Guests feel the harnessing power of nature as the earthy hues of the spa bring the outside in. The Khaki/Aqua/Chartreuse colour pallete is intended to compliment the environment whilst remaining fresh and contemporary.

The spa’s Relaxation Room bridges the gap between interior and exterior through its floor to ceiling windows that fill the room with natural light and offer guests breath-taking panoramic views over the stunning fells, forest and lake. This room is designed to be more soothing and restful, with Anthracite panelling, Faux Shagreen ceiling and grey carpet, lifted by gleaming copper wall lights and plush loungers. The Relaxation Room loungers are bespoke for the spa, upholstered in Osborne and Little Velvet, complete with a custom-made cushion in reversible fabric from Zinc Textiles

The treatment rooms complete the Scandinavian revival and Nordic retreat feel. Taking great inspiration from the beautiful surrounding nature and the hotel’s gorgeous grounds, the outdoors seamlessly blend with the spa interior. The Falls Spa is a natural haven where water inspires the fluidity of the spa design and treatments; from the soothing rhythm of the Lodore Falls waterfall, to the reflective tranquillity of Derwentwater. The walls and floor have a modern, functional take on lime washed wooden planks and Faux Shagreen ceiling to associate with the Relaxation Room. The treatment rooms feature ambient lights designed by renowned designer Moooi, with adjustable settings to tailor the mood of the room with the treatment being offered.

After a dip in the infinity-edge vitality pool guests can make their way to their luxurious room, choosing from 18 brand new spa suites, allowing guests to maximise their time at The Falls Spa. Guests booking into the new Spa Suites enjoy complimentary access to The Falls Spa, while all other hotel guests can visit the spa for £25 for a four-hour experience. Most suites boast spacious balconies and panoramic views of the lake or surrounding forests. All suites are Scandi-inspired in their aesthetic and are fitted with modern, high quality amenities meaning that guests can settle down in a comfortable chair while reading a book or watching the large flat screen TV. When it comes to bed time, guests can look forward to a restful night’s sleep between crisp white sheets on luxurious Sealy beds.

Room schemes are paired back, with textured wallpaper, whitewashed oak and teak cladding, while pops of colour in fabrics, carpets and abstract prints sourced from King & McGaw bring the rooms to life. Several of the bespoke upholstered sofas are fun redesigns of chaise lounge sofas, paired with cushions from Romo, Osborne and Little and Rubelli.

This historic property is filled with understated yet luxurious touches such as muted tones of leather, tweed and rich velvets and a strong focus on modern design and high quality finish. Designed through a contemporary lens, these new design details blend seamlessly with the property’s traditional elements and offer guests an unforgettable stay in a luxurious and stylish hotel.

Westin Hotels & Resorts heads to the Maldives

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The opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort signals a new wave of well-being in the heart of the Maldives…

Westin Hotels & Resorts has expanded into the Republic of Maldives with the opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

Developed by Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan and Asia Capital PLC, Sri Lanka, the hotel signals the brand’s wellness positioning in the Maldivian oasis.

The resort has taken inspiration from the ocean, as award-winning Milan-based architects PEIA Association has created a visionary approach towards environmental sustainability.

An aerial view of the new resort also reveals an outline in the shape of a fish, reinforcing its approach to sustain the environment.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Westin brand to the Maldives, strengthening our presence in Asia Pacific,” said Mike Fulkerson, VP of brand and marketing at Marriott International Asia Pacific.

Inside, the resort boasts 70 villas and suites, 41 on island and 29 overwater, which all feature an eco-friendly double roofing to create a natural ventilation system.

On-site, the hotel also offers its guests three unique dining experiences; The Pearl, which specialises in Japanese cuisine and Island Kitchen which stays true to the Westin brand’s Eat Well brand pillar through a balanced menu combining Chinese, Indian and Maldivian fare. Lastly, guests can sample authentic Asian street food with a live kitchen inside the Hawker.

Fulkerson added: “The opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a significant addition to our portfolio underscoring a transformative and meaningful wellness proposition for travellers, who are increasingly prioritising well-being even while on the road.”

The resort also comes equipped with Westin’s signature branded spa concept, the Heavenly Spa by Westin with the latest in beauty treatments for guests to indulge in.

indoor outdoor theme at Istanbul hotel

New design hotel opens as tranquil retreat above bustling city of Istanbul

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Autograph Collection Hotels has welcomed Sofa Hotel Istanbul to its portfolio of boutique design-led hotels… 

Challenging the design of existing hotels in the area, the newly opened Sofa Hotel Istanbul is a chic retreat situated in the historical heart of Turkey. Boasting contemporary interiors and a private collection of thoughtfully curated artwork, the 82-key hotel evokes its enviable location in the heart of Istanbul’s chic shopping district, Nişantaşı. The boutique property joins Autograph Collection Hotels’ unique portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels around the world that share the brand’s values of vision, design and craft.

“As Autograph Collection Hotels’ first property in Turkey, Sofa Hotel Istanbul proudly exemplifies our commitment to providing guests with exactly like nothing else experiences,” said John Licence, VP Premium & Select Brands Europe at Marriott International.” As the official sponsor of Istanbul’s Contemporary Art Fair, Sofa Hotel celebrates the city’s art scene, showcasing the works of local and international artists throughout the building for guests to enjoy.”

modern guestroom with dark interiors

Designed by renowned Turkish architect, Hakan Kiran, the hotel’s interiors are tranquil and relaxing, offering a contrast to the city’s bustling streets. Sleek lines, custom-designed furniture, bespoke artwork and modern light fittings complete the 82 guestrooms, which are decorated in grey tones with splashes of deep red, mustard and copper throughout. Five suites and a selection of terrace rooms with private balconies offer more space as well as stunning city views. Each guestroom offers a large marble bathroom with standing shower and luxurious separate bathtub.

Alongside bespoke pieces of artwork throughout the hotel reception rooms and guestrooms, Sofa Hotel hosts Turkey’s leading annual art fair, Contemporary Istanbul. Now in its 13th year, the prestigious art fair in September offers a platform for the city’s thriving art scene, as well as access to the best contemporary art from the wider region. As part of a permanent exhibition, the hotel also offers art-enthusiasts the opportunity to view exclusive works by celebrated Turkish artist, Ekrem Yalçındağ during their stay, truly showcasing Sofa hotels support of the art world and commitment to its ‘mark of craft’ celebrating the hotels individuality.

Located on the first floor, Sofie Restaurant is a 24/7 hotspot providing gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Highly acclaimed Frankie Istanbul, one of Istanbul’s hottest rooftop destinations, offers an elegant and energetic ambiance alongside a unique fusion menu of innovative Mediterranean dishes and local cuisine. Guests can also soak up spectacular views of the city at the stylish bar and lounge area, and enjoy the impressive wine list on offer.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Green Spa is an oasis of wellbeing and tranquility utilising the latest Asian and European wellness therapies. Spa-goers can chose from an array of body and beauty care, from Indian healing massages to hot stone therapy and traditional Turkish Hammams. The signature treatment – the ‘Sultans Special’ – is a traditional Turkish scrub that originates from the Ottoman era. As well as personalised treatments, guests can revive in the relaxation pool, Jacuzzi and luxurious Turkish bath.

Meetings and events are expertly catered for in the hotel’s two meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. A flexible area for bespoke events, 300 people can be accommodated throughout the meeting space.

Top design hotel spa concepts in Britain

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Following on with this month’s ‘Spotlight On’ theme focusing on Hotel Concepts – and with this year’s Brit List fast approaching – Hotel Designs investigates Britain’s best spa concepts…

Between the years of 2013 and 2015, Global Wellness Institute (GWI) concluded that the wellness travel market grew by a whopping 10.6 per cent to be worth an estimated US$563.2 billion. With that trajectory expected to rise even further, as GWI predicts that the wellness tourism will grow to be more than a US$800 billion industry by 2020, spa concepts and the core designs around spas are arguably the windows to new clientele.

As a result, spa design within the hotels to reach that ambitious five-star status is hot on the mind of designers, architects and hoteliers – and rightly so. As the spa becomes the spirit of the hotel, here are some awe-inspiring hotel spa concepts that have the ability to transform guests into another world whilst checked in.

Gleneagles, Scotland 

ESPA at Gleneagles, Scotland

In its majestic position underneath Scotland’s Ochil Hills, Glenagles’ escape doesn’t get much better than its spa. Designed by the great Sue Harmsworth, ESPA at Gleneageles was named last year as Britian’s best spa by The Good Spa Guide. As Scotland’s pre-eminent destination spa, it has been designed symmetrically to keep male and female areas separate.

Visitors to the spa can de-stress in the soothing surroundings of the central courtyard, enjoy indulgent heat and thermal experiences before or after their treatment, or enjoy a snack at The Spa’s café. Considering the majestic settings and the grand 1920s main building, the hotel is surprisingly modern with all the right levels of luxury.

The Gainsborough Spa, Bath 

Image credit: The Gainsborough Spa, Bath

As Bath’s only hotel that taps into the city’s natural thermal springs, The Gainsborough is in a league on its own in the South West.

The spa’s design fuses modern elements with traditional architecture typical to surviving examples of Roman Baths. At its heart are three healing pools of warm thermal water beneath a contemporary glass atrium. The spa is spread over two levels. On the lower level there are treatment rooms, an ice room, infra-red sauna, traditional sauna, steam room, luxurious men’s and ladies changing rooms and the thermal pools. Respecting the historic Roman tradition, each pool is a few degrees warmer or cooler than the next and are to be experienced – as they were in Roman time – in sequence.

Between the columns of the Romanesque colonnade and feature wall surrounding the largest of the pools of the Bath House, are niches clad in custom glass mosaics in blue and grey. Designed to reflect the thermal water and the Bath sky beneath the glass roof above, bathers will sit amongst the columns enjoying massaging jets of therapeutic water. Above, three contemporary interpretations of Georgian lanterns illuminate the Bath House, adding another contemporary edge to the spa’s design. Elsewhere, a Roman mosaic floor, uncovered during 19th century archaeological works and sealed beneath the surface, has been replicated above.

On the second level, linking the Gainsborough to its sister YTL property, Green Leaf Niseko Village, in Japan, a Tatami and a VIP room complete with an Ofuru-style tub (a wooden Japanese soaking tub accented with river rocks) is a feature element honouring the Asian hydrotherapy tradition. Ensconced further within is a cloistered space called the Fountain Room where guests are invited to taste the mineral-laden thermal water – a practice known to Roman bathers in Bath – and to meditate on a waterfall in contemplative solitude.

ESPA at Corinthia, London 

Spa at Corinthia London

Image credit: ESPA at The Corinthia London

Another Harmsworth-inspired retreat, the ESPA at The Corinthia London is the largest hotel spa in London and is, bizarrely enough, located just metres away from one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Trafalgar Square. Arguably, that’s what makes the experience that much more special and surreal.

The spa which spans across four floors (reception and spa lounge, thermal floor, treatment floor, gym) is the perfect escape from the city above. The gateway to luxury starts at the reception area. Deliberately narrow corridors leading towards the thermal floor evoke the feeling of escaping into an underground world. Seamless ceramic doors camouflaged in the walls make every turn feel like an exclusive experience. Meanwhile, the roaring fires placed around the venue compliment the dark hues of blues and blacks. As well as creating drama, the concept of fire also cleverly breaks up the space without using walls.

Located underneath the hotel, and the busy streets of the capital, the spa includes a swimming pool – which sits below a large glass amphitheatre sauna, an ice fountain, a vitality pool, heated marble sun loungers and private sleep pods.

Lime Wood Hotel

Herb House Spa

Image credit: Lime Wood Hotel

Located on an original medieval hunting grounds, Lime Wood Hotel shelters a three-floor spa, Herb House Spa.

Dedicated to natural wellness and inspired by its forest surroundings, Herb House instils a sense of calm, well-being and serenity – it’s the perfect chilling retreat.

Herb House has a largeSauna and indoor Hydro Pool with stunning forest views, a mud house, a steaming outdoor hot pool, eight spacious single treatment rooms and two magnificent double treatment rooms – the perfect place in rural England to escape from the world in the heart of the New Forest.

Cowshed Spa Babington House

Cowshed Spa Babington Hotel

Image credit: Babington House

Set in the heart of Somerset, Babington House was designed with the stressed-out city goers in mind. The relaxed and typical ‘Soho House’ colour scheme of green and white stripes marries nicely with the honey-coloured facade of the main building that sits behind. The ‘rustic-chic’ Cowshed spa is surrounded by stunning vistas of the Somerset countryside. Facilities include two heated pools (one inside and one outside), sauna and steam room.

To celebrate the best of British in the hotel design industry, Hotel Designs has now opened up nominations for this year’s Brit List. The Brit List will amplify Britain’s top interior designers, hoteliers and architects. Click here for more information. 

Main image credit: ESPA at The Corinthia, London

Render of the spa at The Langley

Sneak peak of the spa goals set to open late 2018 at The Langley

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The cutting-edge design of the spa at The Langley is envisioned by award-winning interior design company Dennis Irvine Studio…

Opening late 2018, The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire, which will join a growing ensemble of over 100 Luxury Collection hotels and resorts around the world, will open what is billed to be a world-class spa.

Creating a new design gem in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, The Langley, which is the sister hotel to The Wellesley Knightsbridge, will be owned and managed by City & Country Hotels Ltd.

Render of the beauty room

Located within the Langley Park estate, the 41-key boutique hotel and spa is set within 500 acres of idyllic countryside. The hotel is comprised of two buildings, a historic Grade II* listed mansion that was the former estate of the Duke of Marlborough and a Grade II listed outbuilding that was formerly used as a stables and a brew house.

Encompassing an impressive area of 1,600m2, The spa will feature a number of distinct areas

Tasked to bring the vision of a cutting-edge spa to life is award-winning interior design firm Dennis Irvine Studio, which also created the design concept for The Wellesley and the two Wellesley yachts. A number of distinctive and bespoke design features will be evident throughout the striking space, with neutral hues and metallic elements that create a contemporary, luxurious feel.

“One of the unique elements of the project is that we have designed ‘a SPA within a SPA’ an expansive VIP suite which includes exclusive access and privacy with the following amenities – relaxation, steam & sauna rooms, experience showers, hydro pools, double treatment room and a modern interpretation of a traditional hammam,” said Dennis Irvine, the founder and Director of Dennis Irvine Studio. “All designed to exacting standards and a timeless luxury aesthetic.”

Encompassing an impressive area of 1,600m2, The spa will feature a number of distinct areas. Five spacious treatment rooms complete with individual changing areas will provide a comfortable setting in which guests can experience a number of authentic and personalised treatments, while two thermal areas, one of which is designated female-only, will boast features including a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, hammam and heated relaxation loungers.

A VIP suite which spa guests will be able to book exclusively will offer the utmost privacy, equipped with a private relaxation space, vitality pool, Juniper sauna, Amethyst steam room and hammam along with private changing facilities. A further standout feature at the centre of the spa will be a bespoke 16-metre indoor swimming pool with an infinity edge, designed by Aqua Platinum. A number of relaxation spaces will be available to guests, one of which will be designated female only, with other spaces including a manicure and pedicure studio, hair salon and lounge serving an array of nourishing dishes and drinks, creating a social hub for guests.

Once opened, the Langley spa and gym facility will be open to hotel residents, day guests and members.

Hard Rock Hotel Davos launches the highest spa in Europe

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Hard Rock Hotel Davos, which opened in late 2017 and is located in the highest town in Europe, has just launched its much anticipated Rock Spa…

Combining the power of music with an unforgettable wellness experience, Hard Rock Hotel Davos has launched Rock Spa. Bringing together key elements of spa, fitness, dance, and yoga, the new luxurious Rock Spa® will offer a 360-degree approach to wellness, encouraging guests to maximise their physical and mental potential in a fun and creative way.

By using natural materials such as stone and wood, the alpine environment is integrated into the Rock Spa®

Utilising the most evolved technology in wellbeing, the sumptuous 1000 square metre Rock Spa® will feature a series of thermal facilities. Including a 57 square metre main pool, the Kneipp Walk Pool, a whirlpool, several saunas, a steam bath and an exhilarating ice room.

By using natural materials such as stone and wood, the alpine environment is integrated into the Rock Spa®. The emerginC organic products used in the treatments are paraben-free and contain natural raw materials such as spirulina, kombucha, goji berries, white and green teas, aloe and food-safe algae.

The launch of the Rock Spa® will complement the hotel’s current wellness offering, Rock Om®, an in-room program yoga experience, energising the body and soul through the power of music. Rock Om® consists of three individual in-room yoga videos that will play on Hard Rock’s television systems across the brand’s portfolio, in addition to the Rock Om® landing page where guests and non-guests can follow along and flow.

With six treatment rooms, guests are encouraged to choose from the Rhythm and Motion signature treatments, the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa menu utilising amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns, as the foundation of its rhythmic centric spa journey.

Image credit: Hard Rock Hotels

SPA SPOTLIGHT: Opinion – Make a statement with your luxury hotel bathrooms

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As part of Hotel Design’s spotlight this month on spa products and services, Michael Gray, GROHE UK Product Manager, investigates the design possibilities offered to hotels by the latest shower, lighting, music and faucet technologies for bathrooms…

Luxury hotel bathrooms are designed to make a statement, using products that encourage wellbeing and promote a space of relaxation.

As a result, there is a huge array of wellness products now available for the hotel and hospitality industry, including showers with mood lighting, steam functions and music controlled by Bluetooth.

Oversized statement showerheads are also available, alongside products that offer a range of spray patterns designed to suit the user’s needs, with side shower sprays offering the opportunity for a massaging showering experience.

Solutions for all budgets

For smaller budgets, showering products are available that offer multiple spray patterns from an intense jet to a relaxing massage spray. This adds a simple but indulgent addition to your showering experience, offering you the choice to tailor the water flow to suit your mood.

Hotel bathrooms should offer the ultimate sanctuary in which to unwind at the end of the day.  Features like showers with multiple spray patterns and massaging function to statement taps designed to catch the eye will always impress clients.

Smart technology can also be considered for hotel bathrooms, particularly as more guests look to have a staycation to unwind and relax. Many smart products are now available in the bathroom from high tech toilets, to spa-inspired showers that help to create a relaxing bathroom sanctuary at the end of a busy day sightseeing or shopping.

Already a well-known feature in commercial washrooms, touchless taps are now gaining popularity in hotel bathrooms due to their unique combination of comfort and hygiene and convenient hands-free activation. Through the touchless sensor activated control, the taps minimise the spread of bacteria to contribute to a healthy bathroom. This also helps to keep the tap sparkling clean for longer, reducing maintenance and maximising product life. They also often come with a timer which automatically stops the water flow after a desired length of time to reduce wastage.

Stylish and hygienic

Shower toilets are the norm in Asia and now there is an increasing demand for these hygienic toilet systems in Europe, in both hotels and homes. Shower toilets feature an integrated bidet system and are designed to harness the gentle and effective cleansing benefits of water to help deliver optimum hygiene levels in the bathroom, and often come with a host of advanced features. Thanks to the gentle and natural cleansing process, the need for toilet paper is eliminated, thus the systems offer excellent eco-credentials.

Certain shower toilets offer smart technology, including extensive options that allow users to create a personalised cleansing routine, including adjusting the water pressure and position of the spray arm, to the preferred temperature, spray pattern and cleansing cycle.

The individual settings can be controlled intuitively using either the remote control or via an app which allows users to store all their favourite settings on a digital device. Some brands have also taken into consideration common annoyances for users, such as having to go to the toilet at night, and have combatted this by designing toilets with LED lighting.

GROHE are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

To work with Hotel Designs on our SPA SPOTLIGHT feature across April please contact Jennie Lane / 01992 374098.

SPA SPOTLIGHT: How Kaldewei helped Hotel am Meer to create a unique experience

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As part of Hotel Design’s spotlight this month on spa products and services, we take a look at how the family-run Hotel am Meer is leading the way when it comes to offering wellness and beauty treatments…

Located on the Baltic island of Rügen, Hotel am Meer has undergone extensive upgrading within the last 12 months, with innovative technology and modern design blending together to create a 21st Century spa experience like no other.

‘Meerspa’ offers three unique wellbeing experiences – the Sound Wave bathtub audio system, the Skin Touch cosmetic treatment and Vivo Turbo Plus whirl system, all by premier German bathroom solutions manufacturer Kaldewei.

Working with Kaldewei, the 4-star hotel can now offer all of its guests a cosmetic bath with a rejuvenating effect while they immerse themselves in their favourite music, or enjoy the benefits of a massage in the whirl bath.

Speaking the same language

Owner Wolfgang Schewe made the decision to invest in the innovative technology for the spa treatments after listening to the wishes of his guests and talking to staff. Schewe realised there was less demand for ‘classic’ bath treatments, and more of a requirement for a boutique approach, offering a modern experience and utilising the range of individual pampering treatments now available.

The ‘Meerspa’ has proved to be an instant success with new and existing customers using the services, according to the hotel, particularly the use of the Kaldewei Skin Touch treatment in a hotel, which is a world-first. During a Skin Touch treatment, the bathwater is enriched with millions of microbubbles of air.

“Our spa guests particularly like the new Kaldewei Skin Touch system: the microbubbles of air enrich the skin with oxygen, leaving it smooth and supple,” explained Schewe. “Guests really enjoy using this new kind of beauty treatment and appreciate the long-lasting effect of Kaldewei Skin Touch.

“Our guests are very happy to use this new kind of beauty treatment and particularly appreciate the benefits of Kaldewei Skin Touch,” commented Schewe. “For us too, this investment makes sense because we can offer our guests completely new and attractive treatments, thus recouping a part of our additional costs.”

Kaldewei are one of our recommended suppliers. To keep up to date with their news click here. And, if you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, click here.

To work with Hotel Designs on our SPA SPOTLIGHT feature across April please contact Jennie Lane / 01992 374098

Kohler

Kohler Spa at Old Course Hotel set to reopen following multi-million renovation

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The Kohler Waters Spa at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews will reopen in early 2018 following an extensive multi-million refurbishment. Opening up to the public for the first time, it will offer a luxury spa retreat in the heart of Scotland with a focus on hydrotherapy.

As the only Kohler Waters Spa outside the USA, the renovation will see the spa separated into two distinct areas; one dedicated to the guests’ spa journey and the other to leisure and fitness.

Designed by Sedley Place, the extension and refurbishment of the existing space will create a total of 25,000sqft, featuring 13 treatment rooms including two couple’s rooms, as well as two wet treatment rooms offering Kohler bathing experiences. There will also be a steam room providing deep muscular relaxation and detoxification, a Finnish sauna and a rooftop garden with hot tub.

The renovation will see the addition of a new 20m lap pool as part of the large health and fitness centre, as well as a gym area with cardio and resistance stations, a functional fitness space and a group exercise studio, with instructor led classes along with innovative virtual training.

Bordering the renowned 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, the Old Course Hotel is situated in a prime location overlooking the famous links courses, the West Sands Beach and the beautiful Scottish coastline. This prestigious AA five-star awarded hotel features 144 rooms designed by French designer Jacques Garcia, including 35 suites. The hotel has also recently undergone a complete refurbishment of its bedrooms.

Gleddoch

Glasgow’s Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf joins BW Premier Collection

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Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf just outside Glasgow is the latest upscale hotel to join Best Western Great Britain’s soft brand the BW Premier Collection.

Set in 360 acres the 75 bedroom Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf is the second BW Premier Collection property to join in Scotland, following the recruitment of Ten Hill Place in Edinburgh.

GleddochChris Davis, Head of Corporate Sales, Gleddoch, BW Premier Collection says: “We’re incredibly pleased to have joined BW Premier Collection. We see this as the ideal way to partner with a widely respected brand, to gain access to more corporate business while maintaining our hotel’s individuality. Since our refurbishment programme was complete our hotel business has performed extremely well and we look forward to taking that to the next level with BW Premier Collection.”

GleddochBest Western Great Britain’s Managing Director, Les Asplen comments: “We are delighted to welcome Gleddoch Hotel Spa and Golf to BW Premier Collection. It is a wonderful property with fantastic facilities making it a destination in its own right for leisure and corporate guests. Best Western is going from strength to strength, increasing and improving the variety of properties in its collection of independent hotels and we look forward to welcoming more hotels into brand in the next few months.”

GleddochGleddoch was purchased by the Johal family in late 2015, when they set in motion a full refurbishment programme, which was completed in May 2017. The hotel caters for both leisure and business guests, with conference facilities able to accommodate up to 150 delegates.

Conveniently located 15 minutes away from Glasgow International Airport and 20 minutes from Glasgow City Centre, the hotel features a championship 18-hole golf course and a luxurious spa, with facilities including a 17m heated indoor pool, eight tranquil treatments rooms, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a conservatory with heated day beds overlooking the River Clyde and the Renfrewshire hills.

www.gleddoch.com

www.bestwestern.co.uk

Terre Blanche

Terre Blanche triumphs at World Luxury Spa Awards

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Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort has been awarded ‘World’s Best Luxury Golf Resort Spa’ and ‘Western Europe’s Luxury Hideaway Spa’ in the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards.

Focusing on rewarding and praising spas that have outshone beyond the normal means necessary, these recent accolades pay homage to Terre’s Blanche’s five star service and extensive spa facilities.

Terre Blanche’s two-story spa is home to 12 treatment rooms, 2 private suites, an Infusion Tea room, a spacious 20m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, laconium, hammam, fitness centre and relaxation room with a tropical shower and ice fountain, suiting to every spa goers needs.

New for 2017, Terre Blanche recently announced a new spa partnership with luxury organic cosmetics brand KOS PARIS, reinforcing the hotel’s dedication to eco-solutions and protection of the surrounding Provencal countryside.

en.terre-blanche.com

Wolfscastle Country Hotel

Wolfscastle Country Hotel unveils new ‘Beauty and Wellness’ Spa

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Wolfscastle Country Hotel, member of The Great Inns of Britain, is proud to announce the opening of a new on site Beauty and Wellness Spa. The hotel’s newest addition is part of the 40th anniversary celebrations which are taking place throughout 2017.

The spa offers a high quality experience for guests to indulge in, with three new treatment rooms, a relaxation room and nail bar.

Wolfscastle Country Hotel has undergone various reincarnations over the ages to become one of Wales’ leading hotels and restaurants. Located in rural Pembrokeshire, the hotel has the advantage of being closely situated to countryside and the coast and boasts the 2 AA Rosette Allt yr Afon restaurant which offers culinary excellence in a Victorian style dining room.

The hotel is famed for their enviable wine list and with over 200 years of experience in wine trading, Wolfscastle Country Hotel is the perfect place to escape, relax and unwind.

greatinns.co.uk

Rudding Park Spa - Pilkington glass

Luxury hotel invests in Pilkington glass for new spa complex

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Rudding Park near Harrogate is one of the most highly regarded hotels in the UK, offering luxurious accommodation in a Grade-I listed regency house, set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland.

So, when the hotel management decided to add a new luxury spa complex, the emphasis was on creating a world-class experience for visitors.

Architectural practice Enjoy Design was appointed to design the spa, and the result is a three-storey complex that includes 11 treatment rooms, a 17m swimming pool, a juniper log sauna, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a restaurant and shop.

Project: New spa complex at Rudding Park, Harrogate
Client: Rudding Park
Architect: Enjoy Design
Main contractor: Henry Boot Construction
Specialist glazing contractor: HW Architectural

A major feature of the design is its light-filled relaxation spaces, which can be used all-year-round, despite the colder winters and unreliable summers in the north of England. These include a ground-floor area surrounded on three sides by floor-to-ceiling glass, as well as a fully-glazed rooftop spa and garden.

The rooftop spa features an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, where guests can swim between the open and enclosed areas via a waterproof automatic door. A herbal steam bath, luxury steam room, panoramic experience showers and relaxing foot spa enhance the spa journey, whilst outside a spa bath and cabin sauna complete the experience.

Rudding Park Spa - Pilkington glassThe double-glazed sauna units incorporate Pilkington Suncool™ 66/33, a high performance solar control glass that helps to reduce transmission of energy from the sun to just 33 per cent, while allowing 66 per cent light transmission. This means that occupants can enjoy uninterrupted views of the grounds in a comfortable environment, whatever the season.

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RELATED: £9.5M SPA DEVELOPMENT AT RUDDING PARK NEARS COMPLETION
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The glass was installed using minimalistic aluminium frames from manufacturer Metal Technology, which sit flush together and give the appearance of frameless glazing externally.

Gregg Mitchell, director at Enjoy Design, said: “We set out to create a spa facility that is cutting edge, and which would impress the most seasoned spa visitors from around the world.


“Being able to relax on a lounger, looking out over an infinity pool at the stunning grounds beyond, in the depths of an English winter is something pretty special, and part of what makes this new spa genuinely world-class.

“The high performance solar control glass from Pilkington has allowed us to create this amazing space without compromising on the energy performance of the building.”

Michael Metcalfe, commercial sales manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “For buildings where much of the envelope is glazed, excessive heat build-up will always be a potential concern. Solar control glass can make a significant difference by cutting the amount of solar energy entering the space, allowing the climate to be controlled much more efficiently.

“As a result, occupants can enjoy the feeling of being bathed in daylight, whether it’s July or December.”

Spas in the UK

Five to Watch: Best UK spa hotels

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We’re halfway through the summer months, and judging by the weather we’ve had so far we’re in for a good one this year. With this in mind, Hotel Designs profiles five of our favourite spa hotels across the UK…

G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland
Situated at the intersection of some of Edinburgh’s most historic streets, The G&V Royal Mile Hotel invokes the city’s vibrant, creative and charismatic appeal – injecting new colour into a dramatic and storied backdrop.

G&VCotswold House Hotel & Spa, Gloucestershire
This award-winning luxury hotel and spa in the heart of Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, which has recently benefitted from a substantial refurbishment, will appeal to discerning travellers visiting the Cotswolds, looking for tranquility, sublime comfort, exceptional food and a stunning spa.

Cotswold HouseRudding Park, Harrogate – Yorkshire
The new Rudding Park Spa is one of the finest in the country and recaptures Harrogate’s spa heritage using natural waters from the grounds at Rudding Park. A privately owned luxury hotel, Rudding Park also has 90 bedrooms, two restaurants and a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and conference and events space. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is one of the most beautiful Harrogate hotels.

Rudding Park
Culloden Estate & Spa – Northern Ireland
Today the Culloden Estate and Spa is one of the finest and most distinguished 5 star hotels in the Province. The Culloden was built in 1876 by a Mr. William Auchinleck Robinson, JP and former MP. It took two and a half years to complete, and most of the stone came from Scotland by boat, arriving in the County Down fishing village of Portaferry and being brought to the site by horse and cart.

Culloden Estate
La Suite West – Hyde Park, London
Perfectly positioned on a quiet tree lined street on the edge of London’s magnificent Hyde Park and close to the West End and Paddington, this boutique hotel is the minimalist and state of focus creation by famed British designer Anouska Hempel.
La Suite West - Hyde Park

Culloden Estate

Culloden Estate and Spa completes £4.8m renovation programme

 750 445 Daniel Fountain
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The Culloden Estate & Spa has announced the completion of a renovation programme which has seen Hastings Hotels invest £4.8m in their leading 5 star property over the last three years.

This week, the Estate’s General Manager Eoin O’Sullivan was joined by the group’s Managing Director, Howard Hastings, to unveil the complete redevelopment of two floors of bedrooms which has seen a selection of the smaller bedrooms remodelled to be augmented in size, bringing the hotel stock to 98.

Also included in the renovation programme has been the extensive redevelopment of the Mitre Restaurant, the Stuart Suite and the Spa which has ensured that the Culloden remains one of the top hotels in Ireland.

Eoin O’Sullivan, General Manager of the Culloden Estate & Spa said: “We are thrilled to have completed a three year renovation programme which has seen almost £5m spent on Northern Ireland’s premier 5-star hotel. As part of this programme we now have a brand new facade to a wing of the hotel with larger rooms and magnificent bathrooms overlooking landscaped gardens, all with the aim of providing our guests with an even more enjoyable experience when they stay at the Culloden.

Culloden Estate“As well as the bedroom project, we undertook a complete redesign of the Mitre restaurant together with new menus created by Chef McKnight, and an upgraded spa with new quiet room, exclusive nail bar and remodelled gym facilities as well as a beautiful refurbishment of the Stuart Suite for our weddings, conferences, and banquets to enjoy. In addition we have installed a brand new lift allowing easier access to the new rooms and to the spa.

“It is continual investment like this that has enabled us to pick up prestigious awards throughout Ireland. Most recently, this year we were delighted to have been named Luxury Hotel of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards and highly commended at the first ever Georgina Campbell Breakfast Awards in the Best 5-Star Hotel category,” Eoin added.

Ophir PR will be taking a group press trip to visit the Culloden Estate and Spa to celebrate the renovations and 50 years of The Culloden from 3rd-5th June 2017.

www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa

The Galle Face Hotel will cut the ribbon on a new L’Occitane spa

Sri Lanka’s Grand Dame to unveil new luxury L’Occitane spa

 800 496 Daniel Fountain
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More than 153 years after first opening its doors, one of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, The Galle Face Hotel, will cut the ribbon on a new L’Occitane spa that pays tribute to the property’s glamorous association with Hollywood over the decades.

Adorned in a romantic palette of soft textures, alpine and iced teal hues, the spa’s clean and crisp interior will be accented by natural, dark ash-stained wooden floorboards, doors and window frames, recessed Oriental-style rugs, silk screens and exquisite upholstered furniture.

The Galle Face Hotel’s general manager Deni A. Dukic said the spa would stay true to L’Occitane’s traditions, including its essential oils, natural ingredients and traditional massage techniques, yet be distinct in character, inspired by the grandeur of the hotel’s historical association with some of Hollywood’s most recognizable icons.

“This is a spa that strives to transport you to an early Hollywood era, a gentler, more luxurious time when glamour reigned and time moved slower,” said Dukic. “We want to ensure that the services offered at the spa are equal to the standards guests from around the world have come to expect of The Galle Face Hotel.”

Spanning a palatial 1,115 square metres, ‘Spa L’Occitane En Provence’ will feature eight therapy rooms, including couples and Ayurveda rooms, as well as a nail spa, lavish indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, gym, steam rooms, dry saunas and Jacuzzis.

Situated adjacent to the hotel’s Pool Bar and Terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean, the spa’s lush outdoor area, replete with daybeds and tropical plants including fuchsia of rich pink bougainvillea designed to attract pockets of butterflies, will serve up a spa menu ranging from healthy snacks to specially created cocktails.

The spa will offer an ample choice of massages, facials and other treatments based on natural ingredients such as lavender from Provence in the south of France and shea butter from Burkina Faso in west Africa. First opened in 2001 in Brazil and Vietnam, L’Occitane spas are committed to socially responsible best practices, limiting water and energy use where possible as well as carefully selecting natural materials.

Both as a backdrop and as a place of respite post-filming, The Galle Face Hotel has hosted a number of stars over the last century and a half, including Laurence Olivier, David Lean, Gregory Peck, Carol Reed, Peter Finch, William Holden and Alec Guinness.

Bo Derek checked in for the shooting of Tarzan, the Ape Man in the ‘80s. In the same decade Harrison Ford was a guest when Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was filmed on the island. Steven Spielberg, Roger Moore, Carrie Fisher, Jean Simmons and Scarlett Johansson also figure on a guest list that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood royalty.

Due to open mid-2017, the spa’s emergence follows a 30-month restoration completed in late 2015 that brought the hotel’s rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, and lobby and ballrooms of the North Wing back to their original grandeur.

Spa Creators at Lygon Arms

Spa Creators secure contract for Lygon Arms

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Spa Creators has secured a new spa contract for the prestigious Lygon Arms, High St, Broadway. Spa Creators were selected for this project based on their great design credentials and ability to mix the older style property with a contemporary and fresh feeling spa environment. The brief is to breathe new life into this heritage building.

The new Lygon spa will include:
– 7 Luxurious Treatment rooms, a juice bar, a deep relax lounge, heat experiences with sauna and steam rooms, refurbishment of the pool hall and the additional of a new Jacuzzi and vitality pool
– The gym is also having a refurbishment and there will be new male and female changing rooms and a new fitness suite.
– The project is due for completion in the early summer of 2017 and is part of a total hotel refurbishment.

The four–star Lygon Arms is a country house hotel with 78 bedrooms and suites, and parking for 120 cars, that has been welcoming travellers since the 16th century.

Built of mellow Cotswold stone, the hotel has been lovingly restored while retaining many of the hotel’s original features. When not exploring the Cotswold villages and countryside, get pampered in the hotel’s beauty rooms or relax in the Health & Leisure Club.

As well as the 2 AA Rosette Great Hall restaurant, there’s now also Barrington’s Brasserie, an intimate all day dining eatery, serving quintessential English classics and modern European cuisine.

For more information on the Spa project call 01189471857 or email enquiry@spacreators.co.uk

Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel Unveils New-Look Spa

Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel unveils new-look spa

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Now open for the spring and summer season with a fresh, new look following a winter facelift, Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel looks and feels better than ever, and you will too after a visit to its new-look Spa.

The Amàre Marbella Spa by Germaine de Capuccini has also had a refresh this winter, emerging with calming interiors, a relaxing colour palate and subtle new lighting.

Enhancements to Amàre Marbella’s Spa include a restful new colour palate and lighting throughout public areas and treatment rooms, revamped changing rooms and reception area and new flooring in the water zone.

www.amarehotels.com

Ye Olde Bell Spa

New luxury spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel

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Stylish AA Four-Star Rosette hotel Ye Olde Bell, has announced the opening of a new multimillion pound luxury spa for late Spring 2017.

The new 17,000sq-ft spa will offer ten hot and cold experiences including a custom-made ‘snowstorm’ experience, the only one of its kind in the UK, Sabbia Med Sunlight therapy, steambath, salt cascade room, mud Rasul, Swiss pine sauna, mineralising stonebath, herbal laconium, shower walk and indoor-to-outdoor hydropool.

Located in the rural village of Barnby Moor on the corners of the three counties of Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, but with easy access just off the A1 and a direct train service to London, the modern and elegant spa will feature six treatment rooms, two of which are double, a hair boutique and express salon.

Built over two floors, guests arrive at reception through imposing double oak doors where they are greeted by a sweeping hand-carved oak staircase and glass panelling. Inside the spa, in addition to the experiences, there will be an open fire, numerous relaxation areas, luxurious changing rooms and a stunning bar and restaurant with theatre style kitchen. Outside will feature a garden and relaxation areas.

The spa itself has been designed in conjunction with Spa Vision by Spa Directors, Sadie Ardron-Levack and Lizzie Bath. The interior design has been led by Hilary Levack and designer Tonia Wynne of Homestead Interiors, both of whom did the full design refurbishment of the hotel.

The spa will sit adjacent to the AA Four-Star Rosette Ye Olde Bell and will complement this historic hotel, yet at the same add 21st century contemporary style. Ye Olde Bell has been passionately restored by its private owners offering 59 individually styled plush rooms, stunning suites and luxury lodges.

yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

Rudding Park, Harrogate to unveil £9.5 million spa development in May

£9.5m spa development at Rudding Park nears completion

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Rudding Park, Harrogate’s leading luxury hotel, has announced that its £9.5 million spa development is nearing completion with a highly-anticipated opening on 2 May 2017.

Rudding Park Spa will bring a world destination spa to the heart of Yorkshire for the very first time, as well as re-capturing Harrogate’s spa town heritage by drawing natural waters from the grounds of Rudding Park.

Designed to capture and reflect the beauty of its natural surroundings, the spa will introduce an awe-inspiring Roof Top Spa and Garden, which promises to take guests to new heights of rejuvenation and relaxation.

Rudding Park Roof Top Spa Garden will be a UK first, a masterpiece of design curated by horticulturalist Matthew Wilson, an expert in his field who regularly appears on Gardener’s Question Time on BBC Radio 4. The Roof Top Spa Garden will provide a haven of peace and tranquillity for guests to enjoy the Garden Sauna Cabin, Sun Deck and Spa Bath, amongst beautiful trees, shrubs and plants. The Roof Top Spa will feature a Hydrotherapy Infinity Pool drawing guests outdoors and a Panoramic Sauna infused with seasonal scents of flora and fauna, which both overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens of Rudding Park.

Peter Banks, Managing Director, commented: “The philosophy of the owners is to continually invest in the business to ensure that the physical products offered to guests are of the highest quality, in keeping with our exceptional standards. We are immensely proud of what the revolutionary Rudding Park Spa will bring, not only to the hotel and our guests, but to both Harrogate and Yorkshire as leading UK tourism destinations. Rudding Park Spa has been twelve years in the making and I’m delighted to see the team’s hard work come to fruition”.

For further information, please visit www.ruddingpark.co.uk, call 01423 871350 and follow the developments on Twitter @RuddingPark, Instagram @RuddingParkHotel and Facebook (Rudding Park Hotel).

Hilton Dead Sea Resort

Hilton expands resort portfolio Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa

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Hilton has announced the official opening of Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa. The opening marks the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Jordan.

Strategically located at the lowest point on Earth on the eastern shores of the Dead Sea, the 285-room contemporary hotel is an exclusive resort of choice for the discerning international and local traveller.

Andreas Lackner, regional head, full service brand management, Hilton said, “The Dead Sea is one of the most unique places in the world and has evolved into a major hub of both religious and health and wellness tourism in the region. As the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in the country of Jordan, this project marks an exciting addition to the Hilton portfolio as we continue to deliver distinct hospitality experiences to travelers from around the globe.”

The hotel’s innovative facility provides exclusive direct beach access through two elevators that lead to a floating pool surrounded by a sun deck. The stylish guest rooms offer breathtaking views over the Dead Sea and feature terraces and contemporary amenities including Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and an infinity pool. The executive rooms and suites have access to the only Executive lounge in the area.

Click here for more information. . .

Grotta Giusti

Grotta Giusti, Tuscany, reveals plans for a stylish refurbishment

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The prestigious spa hotel, Grotta Giusti, Tuscany, part of hotel brand Italian Hospitality Collection, is delighted to announce a number of luxurious new upgrades for spring 2017. All 64 rooms, the bar, and restaurant will receive a lavish makeover and several exciting new additions will be made, including six dog-friendly rooms and a wine-tasting area.

The refurbishments in the 19th century property, will be unveiled when the hotel reopens on 9th March 2017. Home to the largest thermal caves in Europe, these improvements will serve to cement Grotta Giusti’s position as one of the most unique and exclusive spa hotels in the region.

In addition to a design makeover, the hotel’s 64 bedrooms will be equipped with high-tech touches, such as LED ceiling lights, improved Wi-Fi and more plug sockets for guest convenience, whilst staying true to the classical style the hotel is renowned for. Ten new, interconnecting rooms will appeal to larger families. Dog lovers will be delighted by the addition of six canine-friendly rooms, with special flooring creating a scratch resistant surface for man’s best friend to play on and the hotel’s sprawling 45-hectare grounds providing plenty of space to explore.

Grotta Giusti

Guests will be able to unwind at the end of the day over an indulgent wine-tasting session at the new area by the restaurant, sampling the very best local wines accompanied by mouth-watering canapés.

The interior design overhaul will breathe new life into Grotta Giusti’s guest rooms, bar and restaurant, creating light and airy spaces which reflect the tranquillity of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

With a decadent history as the former home of famed poet Giuseppe Giusti, Grotta Giusti is now a prestigious hotel that has maintained its historical air and natural charm with a backdrop of antique furnishings and paintings. It offers 64 lavish rooms with marble bathrooms, a large outdoor thermal swimming pool, a large summer pool in the garden and a private underground thermal cave and lake, where guests can scuba dive or indulge in a spot of floating therapy.

grottagiustispa.com/en/

Mansion House across lilypad covered canal - The Grove

The Grove, Hertfordshire

 1000 666 Daniel Fountain
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‘20 miles from central London…’.

Think of that radius and you likely imagine yourself still amongst the concrete jungle of Greater London. But with The Grove in mind, it’s time for a re-think. This 18th century country estate replete with championship golf course and world-class spa is as far removed from the hustle and bustle of the capital as is possible to imagine.

The historic mansion, formerly the family seat of the Clarendon earldom and which forms only part of The Grove’s offering, has a storied past – having at various points in time been a girls’ boarding school, a health centre and a riding school. These days, it’s better-known as a haunt for the famously wealthy and wealthily famous. But all of that’s to ignore its sublime mix of the traditional and contemporary – or as interior design director Martin Hulbert calls it; ‘grand and groovy’. For the most part, he’s done a good job of capturing both.

The luxury hotel is split into two very distinct (perhaps too distinct) parts – the original mansion and the new wing – and Hulbert’s latest work at The Grove has been concentrated on revisiting the event spaces, which within the modern West Wing definitely lean towards his ‘contemporary and groovy’ ethos. More than a decade on from his original vision for the 5-star luxury resort, Hulbert’s design group Martin Hulbert Design (MHD) has incorporated a two-fold brief of revamping and reinvigorating existing spaces with reconfiguring and reimagining to give each a unique identity.

Cedar Suite - The Grove

Of the venue, Hulbert himself says: “The Grove is an incredibly inspiring place for special events, full of wit and flair, wonderfully unexpected and naturally inspired – the original interiors had lasted really well, they just needed a shot in the arm, something to push them forward into the future.

“Coming back to The Grove, we knew that it still had to be quirky and interactive, but things have changed in the last 15 years, people now want a beautiful space to work with,” he adds.

The Grove

With the new suites – Cedar, Amber and Ivory – he has given the people exactly what they want. The two separate units of Amber and Ivory both now have a dedicated entrance with their own reception desks. Artwork plays an extensive role in the décor of the newly imagined suites; with much of it commissioned especially. What impresses me most is the way the feel of the spaces is maintained however they are used, with the flexibility of the spaces based on guests’ requests having also been well thought through in the design process.

The jewel in the crown of The Grove’s spaces, however, is the oval-shaped pavilion that houses the Cedar Suite – the first time MHD has led the architectural process. With the structure jutting out into the hotel’s gardens, Hulbert has incorporated the natural light from them perfectly with the walls of the pavilion being formed of floor-to-ceiling glass and its eco-green-roof. Inside, the wooden floor is outshone by a ceiling of what I’m told are ‘acoustic leaves’ – inspired by those in the Royal Albert Hall. For an event space, it makes for a refreshingly welcome visual treat.

The Cedar Suite - The Grove

From the pavilion, the Cedar Suite extends into the main building – with a new private entrance. The entrance canopy has also been specially designed, using Verdigris copper, uniting the spaces. And every element is bespoke, either commissioned by, or designed by, MHD. In the centre of the entrance room is a working sculpture – creating a focal point – namely a vast steel table, suspended between two steel columns, which moves up and down using a series of weights and pulleys. The result is a multitude of options: a table for dinner, a cocktail bar, a centrepiece to cover in flowers or a canopy to dance underneath, setting the elegant yet industrial feel that is evident throughout. And this is what Hulbert has done well with these spaces; there is a definite minimalist blend between industrial chic and natural inspiration, which gives The Grove a uniqueness in selling the spaces over other venues.

The Cedar Suite - The Grove

After my tour, I get a chance to check out the hotel’s renowned Sequoia spa, which itself has also recently been renovated. It is a spectacular example of a hotel wellbeing complex; being both state-of-the-art and thoroughly well-designed. During a short show-round, I’m told it has recently been recognised by the Good Spa Awards and it’s easy to see why.

Swimming Pool

I check into my Deluxe room in the more modern west wing – housing 191 of the hotel’s rooms – and am struck immediately by the excellent size of the room, which means having everything required of a room without it feeling cluttered; followed closely by the stunning views over the grounds from my balcony window. The nature-inspired design seen throughout the public spaces downstairs is prevalent in the rooms, with autumnal browns, golds and yellows strongly featured throughout.

The choice of furniture and textural finishes to the room are of an extremely high quality. The bathroom is just as luxurious, with a free-standing roll-top bathtub and a separate shower unit; the artwork and colour scheme continuing the theme from the living area. The workspace is suitably supplied with power sockets; the 50-inch smart, plasma TV is well placed; and if there was one negative to mark it was the modest wardrobe space – only an issue if more than one person was staying in the room.

Deluxe Room - The Grove

Deluxe Room - The Grove

Editor’s note: The aesthetics of these rooms – while clean, modern, defined and unfussy – might not be to everyone’s taste for a ‘country retreat’. For a more period, rustic and ornate feel, one of the 26 rooms in the original mansion might better suit this remit. The overtly contemporary elements of the west wing aren’t dominant here, instead rooms retain a traditional finish with antiques, deeper hues and opulent fabrics.

The Grove - artwork

On my way down to dinner, I notice how much artwork plays a role in giving The Grove an edge. Even dotted around amongst the corridors, stairways and outdoor grounds are eccentric, conversation-starting fixtures and pieces – from modern representations of Margaret Thatcher to ornate chandeliers to black-and-white photography of giraffes – which gives off just the right amount of edginess. Indeed, in a nod to Hulbert’s philosophy of blending contemporary with traditional, the lounges and the fine-dining offering Colette’s – the ‘heart’ of the Mansion – retain the character and tradition with a period-style feel, grand ceilings and elegant furniture, while The Glasshouse and its connecting bar definitely represent the sleek modernity, with up-to-the-minute décor of blacks, reds and whites; while the gastro-pub-style Stables sits somewhere comfortably between the two.

The Grove - the lounges

View through the Lounges

Colette's - The Grove

I had heard of The Grove before my stay. Afterwards, I can now express first-hand why this is a unique venue. The levels of service are as expected from a 5-star hotel. The standard of the interiors, the amenities and produce cannot be faulted. But the dichotomous design approach in respecting the old and embracing the new makes this a ‘country estate’ with a difference, and a very good one at that.

Perhaps these dual personalities – you could stay in either section and rarely interact with the other – could bleed into each other slightly more without such stark division to truly show off the ‘grand and groovy’ ethos more seamlessly. Or perhaps that’s just me being too pedantic. In any case, kudos Mr. Hulbert, this is fine work…

Based on a stay in December 2016
Photos: Daniel Fountain // The Grove
www.thegrove.co.uk

Park Hyatt Mallorca - Serenitas Spa

Park Hyatt Mallorca unveils Serenitas Spa

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Since its opening on 1st June 2016, Park Hyatt Mallorca is now home to the Serenitas Spa, an exclusive day spa and wellness centre, at the heart of the resort.

Taking inspiration from the island’s azure seas, abundant nature, fragrant aromas and Mediterranean breeze, Serenitas Spa draws on Mallorca’s rich history and cultural heritage to offer guests an unforgettable wellbeing experience. Serenitas Spa is a peaceful oasis, surrounded by landscaped gardens and gorgeous views of the Serra de Llevant Mountains.

Embraced on arrival with aromas of lavender and rosemary, guests can choose from a wide variety of authentic treatments that draw on the hotel’s rural Balearic locale. Treatments incorporate the island’s minerals, herbs, fruits, salt and water, with ingredients such as pine, lavender, almonds, olive oil, citrus and aloe vera. Signature treatments are based on healing ingredients dating back thousands of years and all treatments are individually tailored to meet the needs of every guest. Each treatment is devoted to the complete wellbeing of the body, mind, spirit and soul.

Park Hyatt Mallorca - Serenitas Spa

Bespoke wellness programmes can also be created incorporating activities such as trekking, yoga, Pilates, fitness, water-based activities and nutritive food care.

Serenitas Spa features seven treatment rooms, including two couples treatment rooms, each with their own terrace and bath. Additional features include a room with an alpha quartz sand bed (the only one of its kind on the island), sauna, steam rooms, sensory showers and vitality pool. Guests can also enjoy the Serenitas Spa lounge, a calming relaxation room that opens onto a beautiful outdoor terrace with breath-taking sea and mountain views.

Park Hyatt Mallorca - Serenitas Spa

Dedicated to providing a truly memorable and holistic spa experience, Serenitas offers uncompromised attention to detail in an atmosphere of peace, calm and serenity. Every element of the spa has been created to evoke traditional Mallorcan authenticity and hospitality. Local traditions and philosophies are seamlessly integrated with acclaimed international brands such as ESPA, time honoured rituals and contemporary techniques.

Michael Schmid, General Manager at Park Hyatt Mallorca, says, “We are delighted to unveil our Serenitas Spa. Guests from all around the world can look forward to an enriching wellbeing experience. Serenitas will offer guests a genuine sense of place, the finest, locally inspired spa treatments, world renowned spa brands and exemplary personal service.”

For the more active, a state-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Centre offers the latest training equipment.

The Granary Bedroom Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa MR

Pennyhill Park launches new luxury suite, The Granary

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Pennyhill Park, an exclusive hotel & spa in Bagshot, Surrey, has launched a new luxury stand-alone suite, The Granary, to complement its collection of individually-designed bedrooms and suites.

Located adjacent to The Spa, the unusual hexagonal building is set within a bijou private landscaped garden and features exposed roof beams, a double height ceiling and a luxurious free-standing bath in the stunning master bedroom.

The interior design scheme, created by Trevillion Interiors, pays homage to the building’s original use as a granary, blending deep, warm rustic colours and sumptuous fabrics with stylish contemporary fixtures and fittings.

The master bedroom is located on the first floor and has been designed to showcase the original exposed roof beams, enhanced by a bespoke designed lighting scheme. The open-plan room incorporates the ultimate bath-time indulgence; a free-standing copper-lined timber-clad bath from which guests can enjoy a view of the landscaped surroundings. Behind the king-sized master bed is a walk in dressing area and the room also incorporates a desk / dressing table and a comfortable seating area.

The Granary Exterior Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa MR

The ground floor accommodation is comprised of a light-filled dining / study area with a sofa-bed, a desk and a seating area and includes a spacious luxury bathroom with walk-in shower and double basin.

A palette of stunning copper and aubergine fabrics, including velvet and tweed, flows through the furniture and soft furnishings, contrasted by a more muted paint scheme of warm dusky pinks and barley shades.

Julian Tomlin, General Manager of Pennyhill Park, commented: “We’re delighted to open The Granary for guests. Already the suite has been very popular with advance bookings and is a great addition to our portfolio of rooms. It’s the perfect place for an unforgettable stay, offering a luxurious home-from-home where guests can enjoy some privacy whilst being right at the heart of Pennyhill Park.”

Frances Blackham, Design Director, at Trevillion, commented: “The Granary has been a fantastic project for us. The building’s interesting heritage and stunning features led us to create a warm and welcoming interior that blends real luxury with the warmth and welcome for which Pennyhill Park is famous.”

The opening of The Granary is the latest milestone in Pennyhill Park’s ongoing programme of refreshing rooms and facilities to ensure it continues to deliver exemplary experiences for its guests. In the past two years, 18 suites have been refurbished, incorporating the very latest luxurious bathrooms including horizontal shower beds and glass baths offering ‘chromotherapy experiences’. The hotel has also opened a screening room for up to 24 guests, created a kitchen garden and developed The Spa’s pool bar and barbecue area.

Warwick Hotels adds The Mist Hotel to its collection

Warwick Hotels welcomes The Mist Hotel & Spa, Lebanon to collection

 1000 594 Daniel Fountain
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Warwick Hotels and Resorts is proud to announce a new addition to its collection, The Mist Hotel & Spa By Warwick, located in Ehden, Lebanon.

The luxurious 71-room hotel, situated in the northern mountains of the country, around an hour-and-a-half away from the capital Beirut, opened its doors last month. It boasts spectacular views of Ehden valley & the Mediterranean Sea horizon and benefits from Ehden’s famous location on the Mar Sarkis mountain.

This new property in Lebanon is not the first WHR property in the region. Since 2012, the brand has been implanted in this country and three other hotels of the Collection are located in Lebanon: the Warwick Palm Beach Hotel and the Warwick Stone 55 in Beirut, and the Warwick Pangea Beach Resort & Spa in Jiyeh.

Warwick Hotels adds The Mist Hotel to its collection

At a higher scale, this new opening increases the presence of WHR in the MENA region and completes the business and leisure offer in this area of the globe. WHR is also present in the UAE with the Warwick Dubai, in Qatar with the Warwick Doha and in Iraq with the Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad.

This new opening confirms the ambition of WHR to keep on increasing its presence in the region with new management contracts. Also two more Warwick Hotels are opening soon in Riyadh and Al Khobar in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel gets £250k facelift

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The Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel has undergone a £250,000 investment programme which has given the space a new fresh-faced look.

The popular spa at the 38-bed hotel is benefiting from two new treatment rooms, including a double room, a new hair spa and nail spa with luxury manicure and pedicure stations.

A new relaxation lounge has been designed for privacy with 12 loungers and four pod chairs hidden behind a central curtain, plus Tweed Mill blankets for extra comfort. The changing rooms and treatment waiting area have both been given a facelift and the Utopia Spa has boasts the addition of a new retail shopping area.

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange Hotel

Originally built in 1868 as the summer house for 18-year-old Alice Alexander, Rowhill Grange became the first property in the Alexander Hotels Group in 1994.

The hotel’s 38 bedrooms are surrounded by 15 acres of grounds and gardens and the hotel itself is also home to a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant.

James Perry, general manager, commented: “After a 10 week refurbishment to our Utopia Spa, we are truly delighted with the finish and feel we have achieved. The addition of our new facilities will further enhance our guest’s luxury spa experience and offer a truly unique spa experience within the Kent County.”

New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

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After an investment of 100 million Swiss Francs (£77 million) and a five-year complete renovation and expansion, the transformation of the iconic Hotel Royal Savoy is now complete. The 1500sqm Le Spa du Royal which opened this June is the latest addition to the hotel.

The new Le Spa du Royal features eight fabulous treatment rooms, two relaxation rooms, a ladies only spa, two private spa areas, an indoor and outdoor pool, a hammam, sauna, spa boutique, hair studio, and fitness centre.

New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

The Royal Savoy Lausanne is a five-star hotel with a total of 196 bedrooms and suites, spread between the historic and the new contemporary building. The hotel also boasts a fabulous restaurant overlooking the private park, a stunning sky terrace with 360 panoramic views, and the largest ballroom in Lausanne.

New spa opens at The Hotel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

First opened in 1906, the Royal Savoy Hotel has been a prestigious symbol of Lausanne for many years; its architectural magnificence, and tradition of hospitality, rivalling the best luxury hotels in Switzerland, and it has consistently attracted aristocracy and famous personalities. Constructed in neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, the hotel was beautifully fitted out using the finest materials and quickly established itself as an essential part of Lausanne’s historic heritage.

Modulex - Bath Spa

Award-winning Bath spa works with Modulex’s signage

 1000 667 Daniel Fountain
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With a restrained and elegant range of environmental graphics Modulex complement the scheme created by New York based Champalimaud Design in collaboration with EPR Architects for the luxurious Gainsborough Bath Spa in Bath which opened last year and has since gone on to be awarded the prestigious Tatler Spa Awards 2016.

The period details of the elegant Georgian architecture in Bath have been subtly incorporated into the designs whilst adhering to the international brand concept created by Malaysian YTL Hotels for their first venture in the UK.

Although in classic Georgian and Victorian buildings the inspiration behind the overall scheme also come from its site on a former Roman Bath House and continues its original purpose with eleven treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, ice chamber, natural thermal water pools and a new double-height glass atrium roof enclosing the pool.

Working in collaboration with Champalimaud Design, Modulex have utilised their print technology to create subtle effects by printing to the rear of their standard Infinity Glass product and then applying a protective laminate in order that they maintain their appearance for many years complementing the harmonious architecture of this 5 star luxury hotel.

To contact the Projects Team email: info@modulex.com

Foxhills Club and Resort - Deluxe Suite

Surrey resort unveils elegant new Deluxe Suites

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After a two-year, £1.7 million revitalisation project Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey has unveiled its two new double-storey, 200-square-metre Deluxe Suites.

The Deluxe Suites are situated in the heart of the resort, close to the health spa and first tee of the Longcross Championship golf course. Interior designers Parker Liddell have drawn inspiration from Foxhills’ quintessential English country setting to meticulously create two elegant interiors, using mainly bespoke British furniture to retain the air of a country cottage.

Foxhills Club and Resort - Deluxe Suite

The soothing hues selected for the ground floor sitting rooms are a neutral palette of soft grey and deep blue in one suite, with olive green and taupe in the other. These colours are accented throughout each suite in the L-shape sofa and footstool from the Sofa Studio of Romsey, Hampshire. The wooden dining table from Bampton Design of Witney is complemented by a well-equipped drinks bar, whilst bespoke woollen carpets have been commissioned and woven in Denmark by Hammer Carpets.

Stairs lead up to the mezzanine level bedroom where the exposed beams and the original king truss ceiling scape are preserved. Wallpapered in a restful Bellflower design by Colefax & Fowler, with a super-king size Hypnos bed, the bedroom area features mirrors and pictures supplied by Quintessa Art in North London. Windows are adorned with handmade rick silk drapes in Harlequin fabric and Sanderson braids for a smart, contemporary touch.

Foxhills Club and Resort - Deluxe Suite

The sumptuous bathroom features a freestanding stone bath, separate shower with over-sized shower head, and an elegant double vanity unit.

Foxhills’ General Manager, Jason Adams commented: “Our new Deluxe Suites are a fitting enhancement to our 70 well-appointed bedrooms, taking the standard of accommodation to yet another level. We expect them to be particularly popular with couples celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a luxurious golf or spa break.”

Swinton Park Spa, Yorkshire (Patrick Goff)

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I try to look at different types of hotels in both Reviews (166 of them) and Miniviews (and there are over 150 of those), different qualities, national characteristics, different approaches to design. There are lessons for designers in all of them.

Namibian hotels like Damaraland, for example, shows how to maximise the use of eco-systems such as solar power, solar water heating and localised sewage systems. German hotels seem to handle luxury much more confidently than anywhere else I have been, epitomised by Steigenberger. Local vernacular too shows the evolution of the hotel from inns such as the Alma and the relationship to locality in a way that is alas so sadly missing from the megaliths that line the roads in Dubai.

Obviously I have a kind of mental check-list to work down, answers to which I find in some surprising places, such as leaders in technical innovation being Premier Inn with their approach to using technology epitomised by Burgess Hill. I have looked at hotels that reflect a history such as the high Victorian treatment in the Polish Noma Residences. In line with this I have always wanted to look at a castle conversion. Swinton Park is the closest I have managed to get to a castle yet.

Swinton Park Hotel & Spa

The building itself dates back to the sevententh century, indeed it may even date back further with the oldest bit of the current building dating from the reign of Henry VIIIth I’m told. I’ve looked at older (the Churston Court in Devon being built around a long barn reputedly 9th century in date) but none with a tradition of being a fortified place, so when offered the opportunity to stay at Swinton Park I jumped at the chance.

Owned by the same family for many centuries it is only in the 21st century that the decision was made to convert what had become an over-large expensive-to-maintain country house into an hotel operation. It is still a work in progress as a guided tour around the parts of the estate not yet put to use showed, but what a great job is being done in changing the rôle and use of the many remaining out buildings.

The evolution of the building into an hotel follows a long evolution into a large country house from the original fortified manor that it probably was when built in 1690’s England. The existing gothic version dates back to the 1760’s with additions continuing through into the nineteenth century, so todays adaptive reuse continues a long cycle of reinvention by the owners past and present.

Swinton Park Hotel & Spa

The current owners are being sensitive to the existing building as would be expected from a couple for whom this house is their family history at least in part. After a brief interregnum when it was used as a college, the house returned to family ownership and the refurbishment commenced at the turn of this century, the sixth for the property.

One of the attractions of older buildings is the amount of fine detail that is in them, and this one is no exception. With wonderful joinery (mill work to US readers) and some stunning plasterwork the inheritance enhances the generally large spaces. Included in this are two large safes now used for keeping guns and wine under lock and key. Guns because the hotel continues county activities in the form of shooting, hawking etc., but also runs a prestigious cookery school and trains staff.

The spaces themselves are large and enable a graceful and unflustered level of service, as the relationship of the scale of public spaces to bedrooms ensures that there is plenty of room for guests. The planned addition of the new spa and further bedrooms, together with the development of the business traffic will not stress these areas, except perhaps the bar, which is a smaller but equally interesting space that apparently used to be a private museum.

Swinton Park Hotel & Spa

However the public spaces are so large that there is potential to expand the beverage operation, and the possible addition of a further bar/wine area, perhaps a more ‘cocktail lounge’ feeling area, or ‘gentleman’s club’ leather and – but then that’s for others to think through…

The pinnacle of the restored spaces is perhaps the magnificent dining room. It is a grand traditional space with a stunning plasterwork ceiling. Large windows maximise daylight and the subtle use of candles in the evenings compliment the gentle light achieved by the gold linings to the traditional chandeliers. Cornicing and timber work emphasise the quality along with a dado rail below which the decorative plasterwork in reiterated. Through the windows the deer park is visible and I was delighted to see a hedgehog snuffling its way along the edge of the lawn besides myriad bunnies at play.

Adequate for the current number of bedrooms as the planned increase comes into play some consideration may need to be given to creating further bar and dining areas. As an experienced Accor executive observed to be me recently “30 odd bedrooms is basically a mom&pop operation”.
Whilst Swinton Park is 38 bedrooms currently, plans are afoot to add more to this total along with a new spa area. There is plenty of room for this expansion without spoiling the nature of the operation but it will need some thoughtful replanning of the public spaces to service the increased demand they will generate.

Swinton Park Hotel & Spa

Among spaces currently available are a second guest lounge and the library, currently used as a function room. Whilst the GM regrets the fact that the original library shelves have gone, and they must have been spectacular in a house of this period, what remains is in itself a stunning space. High clings and huge windows flood it with daylight and fireplace and plasterwork reflect the quality to be seen in the other rooms.

The quality of plasterwork continues through the corridor spaces, the culmination of which is perhaps the grand staircase that links the floor. Although there is a lift, it is so much more fun to reach the bedroom via this grand staircase, complete with reminders of bygone days. One the wall are hung portraits of past family members, and the oak of the banister rail and stair treads is offset by a rich red carpet and red walls against which the plasterwork looks even more stunning .

Bedroom corridors off the staircase are short and additional bedrooms are being created out of rooms on these wings, the latest the Bradford room, containing subtle Asian influences. Rooms themselves are large with large luxurious bathrooms generally having soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Views from the rooms are of course of the deer park — the estate has over 20,000 acres of land with rambler paths and walks.

Swinton Park Hotel & Spa

All bedrooms are individually designed, no two alike. However all share the same generous use of space. At a time when many UK urban up market hotels are shrinking their bedroom sizes to fit more in it is delightful to find a traditional country house hotel that is going out of its way to offer the last true luxury in our crowded world – space to swing your cat.

Traditional values dominate here – traditional values of service, and hospitality. Traditional interiors are an enormously variable feast, but the interiors here have a classical timeless English country house appeal. It is to be hoped that these traditional values can be maintained as the property grows. Certainly some careful appraisal of the public area provision needs to go hand in hand with expansion but the building has the scope for this to be achieved whilst maintaining the quality that is inherent to the building.

As it is said, ‘they don’t make ’em like this anymore’. Certainly this is one to watch developing with interest…

Swinton Park Hotel & Spa

From a visit by Patrick Goff in August 2014
©Words and Pictures Patrick Goff