World’s Highest Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA in Hong Kong

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HBA London has completed the interior design of The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, located in the International Commerce Centre (ICC) – the tallest building in Hong Kong and the fourth tallest in the world. The Ritz-Carlton occupies the uppermost 15 levels of the 118-floor building, qualifying it as the world’s highest hotel. The design of the spa on the 116th and 118th floors has made the ESPA a focal point of the city’s skyline and a jewelled urban escape atop Hong Kong’s crown of lights.Those who stay at The Ritz-Carlton or indulge in the over 900 m2 ESPA have the unique opportunity to view the sweeping panorama of the city from its highest vantage point, including the awe-inspiring vistas of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA is more than 300 metres above the frenetic streets of Hong Kong, allowing guests to simultaneously feel attached to the city with its breathtaking views yet totally insulated from the hustle and bustle below. To enhance the sense of being “cocooned amongst the clouds”, the space plan has been designed to have no sharp corners; walls are curved as if providing a protective embrace.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by soft forms and natural finishes. Overhead, a floating art installation is suspended from the ceiling; strands of “butterfly cocoons” delicately fashioned from porcelain introduce a calming connotation of renewal. The walls are clad with finely textured horsehair, while the bronze metal-infused timber of the floor’s perimeter contrasts with the central reception area’s cool ivory stone tiles. Plush seating and the curved alabaster reception desk, backlit to cast an ethereal glow, reinforce the feeling of being comfortably enveloped.

The treatment rooms are located on the 116th floor and provide floor-to-ceiling fenestration framing spectacular views of the cityscape. Suspended like streams of ribbons against the glass, gracefully twisted strips of ivory coloured metal act as screens and create a playful dialogue between light beams and shadows within the sinuous lines of the treatment room. A glass lighting pendant shaped like a raindrop glistens in contrast to the textured horsehair and brushed bronze wall treatments. Sliding doors hide the room’s amenities, resulting in a clean and tranquil style.

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Daniel Fountain / 22.09.2011

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

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Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
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