Sleeper 103 by Mondiale Media

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

ACE HOTEL – SYDNEY • K-STUDIO • HOTEL MARCEL – NEW HAVEN

CONTENTS ISSUE 103 084

HOTEL REVIEWS

076

Ace Hotel

056

Inhabit Queen’s Gardens

062

Sydney

London © Patricia Parinejad

Chateau Denmark

071

Wilmina

076

The Standard

084

Hotel Marcel

088

Six Senses

094

Kalesma

100

Zulal Wellness Resort

108

London Berlin

100

Ibiza

New Haven Shaharut © Salva Lopez

Mykonos Qatar

056

FEATURES Meeting...K Studio

038

Meeting... Marriott International

044

Fresh from putting his work into context at the inaugural Sleeper Sessions, the co-founder of architecture and design firm K-Studio delves deeper into the art of crafting architectural experiences.

As Marriott celebrates its 95th year in business, CEO Tony Capuano discusses how the company plans to capture the entire travel wallet, providing experiences that go beyond just bed-and-board. © Anson Smart 003

CONTENTS ISSUE 103 FEATURES

094

The Hotel of Tomorrow

117

AHEAD

131

Sleeper Sessions

138

Spotlight... Paolo Moschino

144

The Gettys Group takes to the metaverse for the latest edition of its global think-tank, discussing the future of hospitality design and service aboard a virtual airship. From an eco-friendly no-walls, no-doors retreat nestled in the Balinese jungle to an artistic haunt in downtown Brooklyn, the AHEAD Asia and Americas shortlists showcase the very best in hospitality experience and design.

038

The hospitality industry descends on Mykonos for the first Sleeper Sessions, where an immersive programme journeys from Ancient Greek architecture through to modern day design. Having built a reputation in the retail and residential sectors over the past 26 years, Paolo Moschino Ltd is making its mark on hospitality.

088

REGULARS

062

147

004

Check-In

024

Drawing Board

026

The Lobby

047

Business Centre

120

Furniture

147

Uniforms

160

Specifier

163

Check-Out

178

Sleeper_FullPage.indd 1

28/06/22 15:16

RH.COM/CONTRACT Six Senses Ibiza, Spain Winner of two AHEAD Europe Awards (2021)

Sleeper _ 20220520_outline.pdf 1 2022/5/20 下午5:02

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DESIGNED IN BRITAIN

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INTERCONTINENTAL LYON – HOTEL DIEU. FRANCE Studio Jean Philippe Nuel.

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER Ace Hotel, Sydney © Anson Smart

Taking Care of Business

sk anyone in the midst of the pandemic as to whether

and Sleeper will be there to reconnect: you can find the team

they would ever attend a large-scale event again and

hosting panel discussions and conducting on-stage interviews,

I can guarantee the answer would likely have been

sharing insight from hospitality leaders; we’ll be walking the

a resounding no. Being packed into an airless convention

aisles of trade shows, on the lookout for new product launches;

centre and meeting-and-greeting with a handshake aren’t

and celebrating the best in hospitality experience and design

particularly appealing when a highly-contagious virus is at-

at our AHEAD ceremonies, taking place in Singapore, New

large, leading to questions over the future of business travel.

York, Dubai and London.

Along with the mass-cancellation of trade shows and

So although technology is good for replacing some forms of

conferences, many hospitality groups imposed outright bans

communication, it’s becoming increasingly clear that there’s a

on overseas travel, meaning everything from roundtables to

need and an appetite for in-person events. The age of business

tête-à-têtes pivoted to an online format. In-person client

travel isn’t over, but it is evolving, which is exactly the

meetings were no longer possible and site visits were halted

thinking behind Sleeper Sessions. It may have been considered

altogether; plenty of designers have recounted tales of

foolish to develop a networking event at a time when face-

selecting FF&E or putting the finishing touches to a hotel

to-face meetings were’t possible, but we were steadfast in

project via video call.

our belief that there’s no substitute for in-person encounters,

But all is not lost. Although business travel has been slower

particularly in the creative industries. However, we sensed

to return than leisure, the recent slate of events catering to

that there was a shift in mindset, and people no longer wanted

the hospitality community show that there’s appetite for in-

to return to their former business travel habits. So having

person meet-ups. The International Hospitality Investment

listened to our community, we set out to do things a little

Conference in Berlin was back to its pre-pandemic best,

differently, creating an event that champions healthy body,

attracting 2,400 professionals, while Salone del Mobile in

healthy mind. Many of the break-out events took place on al

Milan exceeded expectations drawing over 262,000 visitors

fresco terraces, while uplifting activities such as sketching,

across the six days – crowds that were unthinkable just 12

pottery and yoga accompanied a programme of talks and one-

months ago.

to-one meetings. In all, it made for an event that takes care of

The return of such events is reflected in hotel performance

personal wellbeing as well as taking care of business.

too, with major cities reporting their highest occupancies mid-week rather than at the weekend, signifying increased corporate demand. And if you’ve tried booking a hotel room in London on any given week-night in recent months, then you’ll have a sense of the upturn. Looking ahead, the autumn events calendar is just as busy

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

019

H Y B R I D b y C H E L S OM EDITION 27 CHELSOM.CO.UK

GUEST BOOK

056

076

062

088

076 Grüntuch Ernst Architects

056 David Flack

088 Dutch East Design

062 Nadira Lalji

Since founding their own studio in 1991, Armand Grüntuch and Almut Grüntuch-Ernst have built a portfolio of projects spanning residential, office and educational institutions. Their latest venture however, sees the husband-andwife team become hoteliers, taking on the ownership and operation of a former courthouse and prison in Berlin, and transforming it into a place of tranquillity. A decade in the making, Wilmina combines sensitive architectural interventions with historic preservation to create an oasis in the city.

“We weren’t given a set of rules, instead we travelled and experienced many Ace Hotels, and saw that the focus was always on community engagement – that experience became our brief,” says David Flack of his design scheme at the newly-opened Ace Hotel Sydney. Having founded Flack Studio in 2015, the creative collaborated with Atelier Ace and Fiona Lynch Office to help redefine the local understanding of what a hotel can be, envisioning a collection of spaces that encourage togetherness.

Founded by William Oberlin, Larah Moravek and Dieter Cartwright, New York-based branding and interiors studio Dutch East Design has built a reputation for its artistic approach to hospitality. For its most recent hotel project, the firm partnered with architect and developer Becker + Becker to convert a Marcel Breuerdesigned landmark in Connecticut, reimagining the Brutalist building as a Bauhaus-inspired hotel in which every piece of furniture and fixture was considered for its sustainability credentials.

“We engaged in a more ecological construction process, ensuring that next to no waste was sent to landfill, as well as using organic materials, and collaborating with local suppliers and artisans,” says Nadira Lalji, co-founder of Inhabit Hotels on the design approach for the group’s second property in London. Building on its successful debut, the eco-conscious operator called on architecture firm Holland Harvey and interior designer Caitlin Henderson once more, converting a row of Paddington townhouses into an urban wellness retreat.

021

FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

FINANCE

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner

Design Manager David Bell

Finance Director Amanda Giles

Production Dan Seaton

Group Financial Controller Sarah Healey

m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Catherine Martin

c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Ben Thomas

b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard

e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

PORTFOLIO

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi EVENTS & MARKETING

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme

l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney

k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Event Manager Vicky Cruse

CORPORATE

Content & Research Olivia Mavers

Chairman Damian Walsh

v.cruse@mondiale.co.uk ADVERTISING

Business Development Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development Charlotte Gowing c.gowing@mondiale.co.uk

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Data & Marketing Lauren Blain l.blain@mondiale.co.uk

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CHECK-IN

Kimberley Cohen The co-founder and Artistic Director of Maisons Pariente takes a fantasy break at a private island near Zanzibar, where a remote retreat celebrates the locale.

Where are you?

Describe the hotel, your room and the view...

And what’s on the menu?

On a private island off the coast of Zanzibar.

The architecture uses local materials and creates

The menu is about sharing. There are different

a sense of privacy, while the interior design is

starter options such as salads and croquettes,

How did you get there?

simple yet comfortable with barefoot luxury

while the main is a whole grilled fish. For

We took Air France’s La Première service direct

in mind. Our room overlooks white sand and

dessert, we are served an enormous platter of

from Paris to Zanzibar, where a convertible

clear turquoise water with the most incredible

fresh fruit and a warm chocolate soufflé.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class is waiting; for the final

sunrises, and we have bicycles to make our way

leg, we take the resort’s speedboat to the island.

around the island. In the morning there are yoga

Would you like something to drink with that?

and pilates classes, and in the afternoon we

The most delicious wine.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

go scuba diving directly from the hotel beach

Richard Branson.

and discover the most amazing sea life. After

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?

a day of activities, we test out the treatments

M&M’s and Haribo candy.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

at the hotel’s spa located in a treehouse, before

Monsieur Gustave H of course, from Wes

heading for dinner. At night, the island lights

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.

up like a scene from a fairytale, it’s magical.

A tablet with a local music playlist.

Who are you sharing your room with?

Who designed it?

Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

My husband.

Robinson Crusoe.

No, just a programme of activities for the day.

Is there anything you would like waiting for

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?

you in your room?

There are three restaurants to choose from; my

Tata Harper products for the face and body, and

Music is playing and there’s a selection of

favourite is Sand Bar on the beach – diners must

Sisley for the hair.

chilled local beers and fresh fruit. There’s also

be barefoot to enter. It serves freshly-caught

a plan of the different activities I can experience

grilled fish with a choice of seasoning. Later

Early morning alarm call or late check-out?

during my stay.

on, a local band plays and guests and staff come

Late check-out.

together, there’s a great ambiance. Bath or power shower? Who are you dining with this evening?

Bath.

I love music, so singers Celine Dion, Nina

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez; Le Coucou, Méribel; Le Grand Mazarin, Paris; Crillon le Brave, Provence www.maisonspariente.com

024

Simone, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye and Whitney

Full English or continental breakfast?

Houston are at my table.

A generous buffet.

Who’s manning the stoves?

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

My late grandma, Mamie Poupée – she used to

Spa.

make the best dishes.

DRAWING BOARD

Eco-Wellness Resort DAKHLA

Global architecture firm Scott Brownrigg has revealed its vision for a new eco-wellness and sports tourism destination on the Atlantic coast of the Sahara in Western Morocco. Developed for investment firm ESE Capital, the 2.9km2 resort seeks to enhance Dakhla’s reputation as an international tourist destination by offering a range

introduce infrastructure that supports existing expat

of luxury experiences including a Michelin-starred

communities through the creation of 1,400 jobs, a new

restaurant, spa facilities and an events space, as well

hospital, international primary school, business and

as art galleries, an equestrian centre and activities like

management school, and a multi-faith building.

hang-gliding and zip-wiring.

“We have been deliberate in our design moves to

Connecting the desert and the sea, the project

ensure we place – and generate – similar and equal

synthesises traditional passive Moroccan techniques

value on the waterfront and desert environment,”

in response to climate whilst maintaining a clear

explains Neil MacOmish, Board Director at Scott

contemporary

Visitor

Brownrigg. “The response is to put climate and culture

accommodation is scattered along an existing sandbar,

– not just architecture but art, agriculture, language

its form untouched to allow for the continuous and

and the genius loci – front and centre, and to generate

natural change in shape.

an authentic, rich experience with a local economy and

architectural

language.

As well as appealing to tourists, the project will

ecology that is of international significance.”

DRAWING BOARD

Pillows Maurits at the Park AMSTERDAM

Pillows Hotels is on track to open its seventh

“We are adding the hotel to the park; usually,

property with Pillows Maurits at the Park in

it is the other way around,” explains Uri Gilad

Amsterdam. Debuting in Q4 2022, the 88-

of Office Winhov. This is particularly evident in

key development will occupy a 20th century

the hotel’s new wing, where different types of

university building that has been given a new

windows connect indoor with outdoor, and old

lease of life by Dutch architecture firm Office

and new have been intertwined harmoniously.

Winhov and interior designers Studio Linse.

is also being applied to the interiors, which,

Oosterpark, the nearby Tropenmuseum and

according to Studio Linse founder Paul Linse,

Artis Amsterdam Zoo, the hotel will comprise

channel “noble simplicity” through tactile

a fine-dining restaurant helmed by rising star

materials and a warm, earthy colour palette.

chef Floris van Straalen, a brasserie, two bars, a private lounge and several meeting spaces.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Pillows Hotels Architecture: Office Winhov Interior Design: Studio Linse www.pillowshotels.com

028

The consideration of the building’s heritage

Drawing inspiration from its position in

Guestrooms range in size from 16-50m2 and fuse Parisian elegance with Dutch sophistication,

Office Winhov has envisioned the property

setting an understated, inviting tone that is

as an indispensable part of the neighbourhood,

offset by specially commissioned works from

with over 4,000m2 of parkland being returned to

native artist Raphaël Hermans.

the people of Amsterdam through the removal

“We couldn’t find a more fitting way to

of existing partitions and fences. The open

celebrate our fifth anniversary than to return to

invitation extends to Oosterpark’s gardens

Amsterdam, the city where it all started, with

and feathery friends, thanks to nesting boxes,

the first five-star property in our portfolio,”

feeding areas and an aviary to protect birds.

says Loes Dingemans, CEO of Pillows Hotels.

W W W.V I N C E N T S H E P PA R D.C O M

DRAWING BOARD

Le Meridien KUNMING

Rocco Design Architects (RDA) has revealed designs for the second OCT headquarters in Kunming, a mixed-use project featuring a Le Meridien hotel, contemporary apartments, office space, a floating exhibition hall and a sky lounge. Currently under construction, the vertical garden structure comprises two towers flanking a central void with floating public spaces – including a soaring triple-height, fully glazed exhibition hall, a social club, conference centres, and hanging outdoor gardens – cantilevered off the towers, lending the complex its distinctive H-shaped silhouette. Occupying the lower floors, the hotel faces east while the apartments face west to establish a sense of privacy from one another, as well as offering unique views out over the surroundings. Where the east tower meets the ground, the mullions peel away from the building to form the roof of the hotel lobby and a restaurant. The base of the residential tower meanwhile is defined by a low-slung glasslined commercial space that projects into an adjacent park, anchoring its edge. With core design principles surrounding sustainability and ecological integration, the towers’ façades are designed as green walls, supporting climbing plantings and creating a green presence on the skyline, while the hanging gardens bring outdoor access to the upper floors, incorporating nature as central to the experience of the building.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Kunming OCT Investment Operator: Marriott International Architecture: Rocco Design Architects Interior Design: Wen Ge Space Design Landscaping: Sichuan De Lan Landscape Planning & Design www.rocco.hk

030

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DRAWING BOARD

Aman Beverly Hills

Aman has been appointed as the flagship

Bangkok (2023) and Aman Miami Beach (2024)

operator for the One Beverly Hills development

joining the portfolio over the next two years.

CALIFORNIA

in California. Comprising a hotel, branded

“The announcement of Aman Beverly Hills

residences and members’ club, the project is

further demonstrates our commitment to this

expected to welcome its first guests in 2026.

strategy and long-term vision,” says Chairman

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Alagem Capital Group, Cain International Developer: AECOM Operator: Aman Architecture: Gensler, Foster + Partners Landscaping: Rios www.aman.com

032

The properties will form part of the wider

and CEO Vlad Doronin. “Staying true to our DNA

17.5-acre project, situated at the intersection

and the Aman lifestyle, Aman Beverly Hills will

of Los Angeles’ Wilshire and Santa Monica

capture the legacy and heritage of the brand

Boulevards, less than a mile from Rodeo Drive.

while connecting our guests with a new urban

One Beverly Hills will involve the revitalisation

environment. We look forward to delivering

of disused land to create a unified proposition

another world-class hospitality destination

focused on health and wellbeing, surrounded

on our continued mission to curate hotels and

by botanical gardens that showcase native plant

residences of architectural distinction.”

species. As with Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok,

Aman Beverly Hills will be the brand’s fifth

which will be set within the capital’s Nai Lert

property in the United States. It currently

Park, Aman Beverly Hills will be the centrepiece

operates Amangani in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole

of the new urban green space.

and Amangiri in Utah’s Canyon Point, with

Aman has evolved its positioning in recent

developments in New York and Miami Beach

times to bring its lifestyle offer to the city,

to follow soon. The company’s global portfolio

with Aman New York (August 2022), Aman

includes 34 resorts and hotels in 20 countries,

Residences Tokyo (2023), Aman Nai Lert

15 of which are within or close to UNESCO sites.

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DRAWING BOARD

Ostrava Tower

Czech architecture firm Chybik + Kristof

and surroundings while retaining privacy.

(CHK) has unveiled plans for Ostrava Tower,

Echoing the region’s industrial heritage and

CZECH REPUBLIC

a 56-storey skyscraper in Ostrava’s city

utilitarian architecture, the development also

centre. Along with a rooftop café, restaurant

expands outwards to offer panoramic views

and bar, which will be open to the public, the

from its sky garden, while simultaneously, level

development will also include a luxury hotel.

zero connects the lobby to a new public square

Due for completion in 2027, the 98,000m2 site

that has been designed in a way that correlates

responds to the rejuvenation of the city and its

to the scale and purpose of the interior spaces.

social needs, underlining the studio’s dedication

CHK purposely envisioned the two widest

to rehabilitating the area and activating

venues – the lobby and sky garden – as

surrounding public spaces.

recreational areas, inviting locals and tourists to

The X-like shape of the structure and its diagonal geometry unifies the entire building,

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: RT Torax Group Architecture: Chybik + Kristof www.chybik-kristof.com

activate the public spaces. Additional facilities include offices, retail and a congress centre.

allowing the different levels of publicly

“Rethinking the typology of the skyscraper

accessible functions and private facilities to

and its function to serve the public and activate

act in harmony. Shifted on its own axis, the

the urban environment, one of our core

design of the new skyscraper also comprises

missions was to create a positive social impact

a complex set of alternating walls that create

in the heart of Ostrava,” says Michal Kristof,

generous living space, while a glass façade

Co-Founding Architect at Chybik + Kristof. “Our

supports its mixed-use nature, providing

intention was to create a simple but powerful

residential apartments with vistas of the city

form that acts as a beacon into the city centre.”

034

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DRAWING BOARD

The Raleigh

New York-based real estate development and

Taking cues from Marino’s commissions

investment firm SHVO has partnered with

for Chanel meanwhile, the new tower’s façade

MIAMI

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to write the next

features white columns and black mullions that

chapter for iconic Miami Beach property, The

evoke rhythm and movement, as well as large

Raleigh. Located at 1775 Collins Avenue in the

windows for maximum light, air and ocean

city’s Art Deco district, the reimagined retreat

views. Inside, a calming material palette with

will comprise three distinct components

artisan plasters, handpainted millwork and

noble stones will create a serene living space.

The hotel is set to be entirely restored and

“Our renovation joins a private beach club

modernised with 60 guestrooms and suites,

with a Latin beat and elegant residences of

while a newly constructed 17-storey oceanfront

demure black, white and ivory,” says Marino.

tower will house 44 residences, and a private

“The mixture is like the best Miami cocktail.”

member’s club offers beachfront dining.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: SHVO Operator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Peter Marino, Kobi Karp Architecture Interior Design: Peter Marino www.rosewoodhotels.com

036

Originally constructed in the 1940s by

Marino is helming the redesign in close

architect Lawrence Murray Dixon, The Raleigh

collaboration with Miami-based Kobi Karp

will be complemented by the addition of its two

Architecture, enlisting a team of artists and

historic neighbours, the Richmond and South

craftsmen to envision the contemporary

Seas Hotels, which were acquired by SHVO

scheme. Keeping the hotel’s history in mind,

and Deutsche Finance America in 2019. Each

gathering places the Martini Bar and Tiger

building’s Art Deco façade is set to be revived

Room will be reborn with an eye for Miami’s

and integrated within the hotel in line with

Art Deco elegance as well as its modern roots.

Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy.

Meeting… Dimitris Karampatakis Fresh from putting his work into context at Sleeper Sessions in Mykonos, the co-founder of architecture and design firm K-Studio delves deeper into the art of crafting architectural experiences. Words: Guy Dittrich • Portrait Photography: © Strange Company

ver the course of several meetings, both

Karampatakis. “They stretch out to stitch themselves into

on video call and in real life, Dimitris

the surrounding landscape so it’s difficult to define the

Karampatakis talks of his overriding joy

boundary between what is internal and what is external.”

for life and about taking pleasure in the

The buildings may blur boundaries but the drawings are

simple things. Such humility, along with

astonishingly clear, making for easily understood projects.

his charm and humour, make him more

“We use a holistic approach that allows us to apply it to

and more engaging. Down-to-earth yet ambitious, Dimitris,

any scale,” Karampatakis continues, meaning that complex

along with his brother Konstantinos, officially co-founded

works can be treated as a collection of smaller studies.

K-Studio – a multi-disciplinary architecture and interior

This elemental method to composition is illustrated by

design practice based in Athens – in 2010, having started

Helios, the restaurant at Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens.

their first projects six years earlier. The output of K-Studio

Here, the architectural components of the existing Modernist

is one of increasingly crafted architectural experiences

hotel up the hill are treated figuratively by Karampatakis as

informed by tradition, enriched by materiality and inspired

a series of drawers, which are pulled out and allowed to drop

by contemporary life.

down on top of the restaurant plan. “There is a nakedness

The brothers studied together at The Bartlett, part of UCL

to Modernist architecture, in which construction techniques

in London. “The university’s makers studio idea resonated

and materials can be seen for what they are,” expands

with Konstantinos and I,” says Dimitris, adding that setting

Karampatakis. At Helios, the existing trees and rocks were

up their own shop didn’t best-please their father, who was

respected and built around, whilst a pergola connects spaces

keen that the boys join his construction business. But it was

and different floor heights separate them.

this idea of making that saw lots of small building sites in the garden grow into a hands-on approach.

K-Studio’s hands-on, Bartlett-style approach is illustrated in an apparently simple technique for providing shade at one

The practical nature of K-Studio’s methodology is seen

of its earlier projects Alemagou, a Myconian restaurant on the

in the clarity of its axonometric, 3D perspective drawings.

windier, north side of the Greek island. The vernacular way

The physicality of the earth and site are drawn along with

of shading pergolas is with horizontal layers of local grass.

the direction of prevailing winds, the arc of the sun and the

K-Studio reinterpreted this by hanging the grass vertically,

views. On top comes the so-called hardscape design with

retaining the shading benefit and local connection but adding

various layers of the construction – the walls, paths, pergolas

the rhythm of the island’s winds to rustle the grass. A similar

and pools. “We design buildings that unfold, describes

development of this wind-inspired idea is seen at beach bar

039

MEETING…

At Alemagou (far left), Casa Cook Chania (left) and Dexamenes Seaside Hotel (bottom) linear architecture and materiality take centre stage

Barbouni, a raised timber construction in front of Marriott’s The Westin and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort at Navarino Bay. Here, the pergola is strung with suspended canvas flag strips that provide shading but also a kinetic art installation in the breeze. The effect does not come by chance. “We used various materials and weighting techniques, and by hanging the prototypes across the studio we found the best solution,” explains Karampatakis. The central Athens studio is home to some 70 staff, who exude a collectiveness perhaps created by the camaraderie of a weekly ‘diet’ of

“We design buildings that unfold. They stretch out to stitch themselves into the surrounding landscape so it’s difficult to define the boundary between what is internal and what is external.”

through 5,000 years of ancient and classic Greek architecture – Minoan, Cycladic, Classical, Byzantine, Ottoman – right up until the Neoclassical, Art Deco and Modernism eras. He explained that the variety of architectural styles is due in part to the huge diversity of the country’s geographies. Modern Greece has a coastline of almost 14,000km with around 6,000 islands and islets, and 4,000 mountains that cover over 80% of the land. Karampatakis also put the studio’s work in context, starting with Plane House on the island of Skiathos, where a series of striking

lunchtime yoga, kick-boxing and HIIT training.

horizontal elements are inserted into the

Healthy bodies, healthy minds. Creative minds

hillside. Explaining how common this style

too. Whilst the studio’s focus is on hospitality

of architecture is in the region, Karampatakis

projects, including restaurants in London,

almost apologises for the linear override,

Detroit and New York, there is an extensive

jokingly referring to a maxim of his former

body of high-end private residential projects

tutor and first employer Will Alsop, “if in

plus a smattering of commercial, cultural and

doubt, go straight ahead”. Subsequent projects

retail spaces.

show K-Studio’s identity developing as more considered, connected and crafted.

Published in 2020, its monograph entitled ‘Experience’ presents a number of key projects

Newer projects include two on Mykonos, with

from the last decade. Amongst them are three

Kalesma reflecting all three attributes. A series

hotels that have been recognised with wins at

whose comments included: “Dexamenes

of 25 standalone suites in bright white blocky

AHEAD Europe. These came in consecutive years

respects both its past and its surroundings. The

volumes, with a typical Cycladic vernacular

starting in 2018 with Vora, a boutique hotel

reuse of materials and space allows the hotel

style, cascade down the hillside overlooking the

that tumbles down the side of the Santorini

to evolve and continuously grow. There is no

Aegean. By contrast are dark, moody interiors

volcano. The next year saw Dexamenes Seaside

embellishment. Just a celebration of truth.”

by Vangelis Bonios of Studio Bonarchi. The

Hotel win best Suite and in 2020 came Domes

The studio’s monograph also includes a

forthright praise for K-Studio’s partner on

Zeen Chania, a Modernist village in Crete that

project that helped put K-Studio on the map,

this project and others with whom they have

took home the Resort accolade for its true

Scorpios Mykonos – a harmonious collection

worked, and are always quick to complement,

sense of place. Dexamenes went onto win both

that includes a bar and lounge, open-air

is another of admirable feature of Karampatakis.

the Creative Conversion Award and Ultimate

restaurant, and beach and event venues spread

Nearby, lost amidst the narrow lanes of

Accolade at AHEAD Global 2020.

across a steep and rocky site that together

Mykonos Old Town is the transformation

Dexamenes sits on an unspoilt stretch of

cleverly reimagine the agora – or meeting space

of a former open-air cinema into an upscale

coastline in the western Peloponnese and is

– of Ancient Greece. “A total experience that

restaurant, Nōema, also part of the Scorpios

the extraordinary adaptive reuse of a derelict,

submerges the visitor from the masterplan to

group. Delicious re-interpretations of classic

industrial building. Abandoned wine storage

its every little detail”, says the book.

Greek dishes using locally sourced and preserved

facilities had been left untouched since the

Guests of Sleeper Media’s meetings forum,

ingredients are served under the stars. Around

1920s until K-Studio breathed new life into

Sleeper Sessions in May 2022 were fortunate

a central courtyard, the surrounding structures

them. The brutality of the existing structures

enough to experience Scorpios on the final night

have been re-purposed into private dining areas,

and their austere functionality have been

of the event. An event that was kickstarted by

a retail space that includes signature clothing

transformed into a place of calm and comfort.

Karampatakis’ opening keynote presentation,

line Prao, and an urbane, deep-set bar. A bar

The passionate video submission of the project

for which he was tasked with putting Greek

that makes use of its dried herbs and botanicals

by Karampatakis won over the AHEAD judges,

design into context. The full house was taken

in the creation of new spirits with purpose.

041

MEETING…

“We try to go beyond form follows function. We consider the emotional experience of being somewhere. It’s about form follows emotion.”

The conversion of an open-air cinema into an upscale restaurant, Nōema is configured around a central courtyard with private dining areas, a retail space and a bar that uses dried herbs and botanicals

Besides its regional portfolio of hotels and

Riviera at Asteria Glyfadas is another project

the like are travel-related projects such as

that builds on an existing development. This

the Aegean Airlines lounges at Athens and

time from the 1950s when, in an attempt to

Thessaloniki airports, as well as the new

reinvent the identity of Greek Tourism, several

Mykonos airport itself. Here, parochial touches

Modernist architects were commissioned to

such as the triangular wall openings – a

construct a project mainly from wood. “This

reimagination of traditional Greek dovecotes –

gave us the chance to design a fairly large resort

inform the building’s exterior.

on one level,” explains Karampatakis of the new

Upcoming work is wide in its scope, from

One & Only property. “A great challenge, and an

the mountains to the city. In something of a

important exercise towards building with less

departure for K-Studio is Manna, an inland

concrete.” Further afield are new hospitality

project in the Arcadia region of the central

projects in Tenerife, Thailand and Panama, as

Peloponnese. At an altitude of 1,500m above

well as residential work in Doha and Israel.

sea level and surrounded by woodland, its

K-Studio does the hard yards. Designing

ambitious owners have enlisted K-Studio to

appropriately for the location. As a practice, it

bring a contemporary touch to a former 1940s

feels responsible to understand in-depth the

sanatorium. Heading to the southwest coast of

natural features of the site or existing building,

the Peloponnese meanwhile, all 99 rooms at

which then allows the firm to respond in a

Mandarin Oriental Navarino Bay have sea views

contextual way that doesn’t just follow the

and planted roofs, with the project – due to

age-old mantra. “We try to go beyond form

open in Spring 2023 – building on the Barbouni

follows function,” concludes Karampatakis.

restaurant for owner and developer Temes.

“We consider the emotional experience of being

Just south of the capital on the Athenian

somewhere. It’s about form follows emotion.”

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WWW.GOMMAIRE.COM

Meeting… Marriott International As Marriott celebrates its 95th year in business, CEO Tony Capuano discusses how the company plans to capture the entire travel wallet, providing experiences that go beyond just bed-and-board. Words: Ben Thomas

PROFILE Tony Capuano CEO Marriott International

When Sleeper sat down with Tony Capuano last

long-term consideration,” Capuano confirms,

September, the Marriott CEO was cautiously

adding that the company aims to expand its all-

optimistic about the state of the hospitality

inclusive platform into coastal and mountainous

Having overseen Marriott’s global design team in his previous role as Group President of Global Development, Design & Operations Services, Tony Capuano has brought his expertise to the position of CEO, spearheading the growth of the company’s resort and all-inclusive portfolios in recent years.

sector, noting that the corporation was taking

regions across Southern and Eastern European

things day-by-day, week-by-week. Fast forward

markets like Croatia, as well as some areas in

ten months and the watchful approach remains,

South Asia. “I ran our development function for

with steady progress being made in both the

a while and used to tell people that our growth

leisure and business markets. “We’re encouraged

strategy was simple; we listen to our customers,

on a macro-basis about the resilience of travel,

where they want to visit and for what type of

and from a more granular perspective about the

purpose, whether that be holidaying at a luxury

pace at which pricing power has come back,” he

coastal resort with friends and family or taking a

explains, sipping an espresso in the Presidential

one-day business trip. Our goal is to capture their

Suite at The Westin London City – Marriott’s

entire travel wallet and every trip they make.”

Now, the industry veteran has revealed his ambition to give Marriott a presence across all sectors, from safari lodges to luxury yachts.

044

1,000th opening – having just flown in from

With this in mind, Marriott has announced

Washington. “After the last two major shocks

plans to enter the safari segment next year,

Recent Openings: Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort, Paros; The Madrid Edition; W Rome; The Westin London City

to travel and tourism, those being the Great

signing an agreement with Baraka Lodges for

Recession and the post-9/11 period, it took four

a 20-tent dwelling in Kenya’s Mara National

to five years for rate to come back, while here

Reserve. Operated by JW Marriott, the resort will

Upcoming Openings: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (Q3 2022); The St Regis London (Q1 2023); JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Kenya (Q3 2023)

it’s only taken two. So that’s great news for us.”

focus much of its efforts on the conservation of

DIVERSE DEVELOPMENT

the land and the Masai community through a programme of cultural activities and learnings –

Such recovery has enabled Marriott to sharpen its

something Capuano believes is crucial given the

focus on some of the projects that had been in

shifting mindset of guests: “Today’s travellers

the works pre-pandemic, including the growth

are more focused on acquiring experiences than

of its resort portfolio and entrance into the all-

acquiring goods. When we talk to customers

inclusive space, within which it now counts 30

about their aspirational experiences, high on

properties almost entirely in the Caribbean and

that list is an African safari, so it was a natural

Latin America region. “We don’t make strategic

growth of our portfolio to venture into that space.

growth decisions based on what is happening

Looking ahead, I expect we will continue to

today or over the next quarter or two; it’s a

strengthen our brand offering in the segment.”

MEETING…

Another submarket that Marriott has its eye

that engages with the locations visited along the

to ensure they understand the breadth of the

on is branded residences, with Asia Pacific now

route. “At 623ft long and with only 149 cabins,

portfolio and the distinct brands that sit within

one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a product

it. “Marriott Bonvoy is the mother brand if you

the sector, led by significant development in

that will have some inherent advantages,”

will,” explains Capuano. “It’s also a platform for

Vietnam. Despite longer gestation periods and

according to Capuano. “In destinations like the

developing business adjacencies, to help not just

supply chain challenges, the operator is pushing

Grand Cayman, where we recently re-launched

with hotel stays but the entire trip experience.”

ahead with its strategy in the hope that an influx

our Ritz-Carlton hotel after the islands were

of demand will be created once China opens its

closed for two years, the tourism ministers are

This train of thought aligns neatly with Marriott’s

borders for outbound travel. “We’ve got a robust

keen to attract our vessels due to the way they

steadfast ambition to explore new avenues over

pipeline and want to be prepared,” says Capuano,

have been programmed around community.”

the coming months, and while unpredictability

noting that 2024 will be a big year for Marriott’s

Naturally, the operator will also look to expand

remains a concern, Capuano is determined to

branded residences in Vietnam, with the opening

its portfolio of port-side stays, again feeding into

bolster the portfolio. “I’m often asked when

of a 4,200-key dual-branded residential and

the idea of a one-stop-shop for travel.

the market will return to normality. That’s the

officetel in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the debut of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Hanoi.

PRUDENT PARTNERSHIPS

magic question and I wish we had the answer,” he concludes. “All I can say is that based on the

Where it doesn’t make sense to develop its own

recovery we’ve seen in submarkets around the

services, Marriott is partnering with industry

world, we have a high degree of confidence that

The broadening of the company’s horizons

leaders to enhance the travel experience. In

during this year we’ll continue to close the gap

goes beyond the traditional hotel model too,

the US for instance it has teamed up with

on 2019 levels.”

reinforcing an ambition to be present in a variety

Uber, meaning members can earn points when

of sectors. This summer will see The Ritz-Carlton

ordering food deliveries or requesting rides. And

brand take to the seas with a new yacht collection

for travel insurance, a collaboration with Allianz

that aims to combine the touchpoints of its

Partners makes for seamless hotel bookings via

land-based hotels with the freedom of sailing

Marriott.com and the iOS version of its Bonvoy

the ocean. Feeding into a wider trend for hotel

app. “From an aspirational perspective, we want

brands to create seamless travel experiences that

people’s travel exploration to start on the app,”

transport guests from door to door – without

says Capuano, noting that the company hopes

the need for multiple bookings – the yachts,

to foster a sense of community by ramping up

much like Marriott’s safari programme, are

efforts to communicate more effectively with its

being geared around a more conscious itinerary

160 million Bonvoy members – the goal being

SETTING SAIL

“Today’s travellers are more focused on acquiring experiences than acquiring goods.” 045

City Collection by Christophe Pillet

point1920.com

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27/04/2022 9:14:38

THE LOBBY

Live Better Supporting biodiversity is high on the list of demands for

Pasteur Mutualité, comprising a hotel with a restaurant and

most – if not all – new urban developments, with more

bar, co-working spaces, a conference venue and showroom,

organic and eco-friendly architecture sprouting up across the

though its main objective is to support professionals in

planet as cities look to improve their environmental footprint.

discovering and testing the latest innovations in healthcare.

In Paris, Villa M is helping to do just that.

So it seems fitting then that the building itself is abundent

Designed by Philippe Starck, French-Brazilian architecture studio Triptyque and landscaping practice Coloco, the building

with plantlife – widely-regarded as being beneficial for both psychological and physical wellbeing.

is clad in a lightweight structure that supports a vast vertical

“Villa M gave me the opportunity to do what I always

garden, where ferns, shrubbery and creepers have been

wanted, but couldn’t do with design,” says Starck. “Where

encouraged to grow around the floor-to-ceiling windows.

design can embellish life, it cannot save it. Here, I had the

The façade fronts a mixed-use development from Groupe

honour to work on a machine around life, a vital machine.”

THE LOBBY

The Levenverse Following its debut in Manchester, lifestyle hotel brand Leven is venturing into the virtual realm with a new plot in Decentraland.

This time last year, few of us had even heard of

talent through collaborations, exhibitions and

the metaverse, but thanks to some high-profile

pop-ups – the venture will offer a platform for

endeavours, there’s now a discernible curiosity

makers, creators and innovators to showcase

about the fictional universe, particularly in the

their work through commissioned NFTs and

world of hospitality.

digital experiences. Furthermore, virtual

Millenniun Hotels and CitizenM were amongst

wellness sessions will be linked to real-world

the first operators to enter the virtual realm,

programming, while cryptocurrency will provide

while Dubai-based design studio Roar purchased

scope for elevated e-commerce.

two plots for use as a showroom and gallery.

into a reality, every industry disrupted by the

the leap is Leven, a lifestyle brand launched

digital era will feel its impact,” says Leven co-

by Wellbrook Hospitality and Branco Capital.

founder Joshua Senior. “We believe the potential

Following its real-world debut in Manchester

for creative hospitality brands is limitless and in

last November, Leven has announced it will

building the Levenverse, we will be one of the

open a second site in autumn – this time in the

first lifestyle brands to blaze a digital trail in the

Fashion Estate of Decentraland. Billed as The

early metaverse.” He concludes: “We have some

Levenverse, the concept aims to bring together

exciting partners lined up as we connect our real-

likeminded people in an immersive virtual hotel

life presence with the online world, launching a

environment, expanding on Leven’s physical

digital amenity space for our customers. We’re

property to reach a broader global audience.

excited to push traditional boundaries, bring the

In keeping with the spirit of the brand – known for supporting local creative and artistic

048

“As the Metaverse evolves from a sci-fi concept

The latest hospitality innovator to make

Leven brand to new audiences, and explore the opportunities that the digital future holds.”

NANA designed by HANNE WILLMANN – Handmade in Germany by FREIFRAU MANUFAKTUR GmbH – www.freifrau.com

Freifrau_Anzeige_Sleeper_042022.indd 1

21.04.22 15:43

THE LOBBY

In the Driving Seat B’mine Hotels takes valet parking to new heights with the introduction of CarLoft at its new Frankfurt property.

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In the modern world, valet parking has become

their lodgings. Inside, where interiors by Geplan

a highly convenient service that enables hotel

Design showcase a soothing colour palette

guests to simply drop their keys at reception on

of cream and caramel, guests can relax in the

arrival before getting on with their day, safe in

spacious lounge, kicking back on bespoke Rolf

the knowledge that their vehicle will be there

Benz furniture such as the shapely Freistil 173

when they return. But what if travellers could

armchair or the Freistil 136 sofa with its generous

park directly outside their guestroom, and better

seat depth.

still, fully charge the battery during their stay?

“I was approached by CarLoft about a joint

Enter CarLoft, a patented lift system conceived

project more than ten years ago, and during our

by German architects Manfred Dick and Johannes

collaboration the idea took shape for a simple

Kauka, which enables cars to be transported to

building structure with only a few room types,”

the upper levels of a multi-storey building.

says Cord Glantz, Managing Director at Geplan

Applying their innovation to large-scale

Design. “The rooms offer everything that guests

hospitality projects, CarLoft has now partnered

need, with well thought out furniture by Rolf

with B’mine Hotels to introduce the system at its

Benz complementing the concept superbly.”

new Frankfurt Airport property, where 40 of the

As B’mine Hotels expands its portfolio across

241 guestrooms are kitted-out with the system.

Germany and into Europe, the brand hopes

Once a driver pulls-in to one of the loggias

to incorporate the CarLoft concept at further

– each illuminated in coloured LEDs to add

sites. And with door-to-door experiences in

interest to the façade – the CarLoft whisks them

high demand, the collaboration is expected to

up to their guestroom, bypassing the queue at

accelerate in the future, putting travellers well

reception and delivering weary drivers directly to

and truly in the driving seat during their stay.

www.sanipexgroup.com

Sleeper Chosen adverts.indd 1

6/23/22 2:13 PM

s analysts raise their forecasts to reflect

of generating memorable experiences beyond

stronger-than-expected performance,

four walls. As part of the Great Upload that saw

the signs point to a long-awaited

fashion, retail and tech companies enter the

post-Covid recovery for the hotel industry.

metaverse, hotel operators are now exploring the

Operators are reporting full houses, designers

potential for shared digital environments to open

find their drawing boards populated with a slate

up new streams of engagement and interaction.

of ambitious new projects, and investors are

The sector now finds itself at the edge of this new

loosening their belts and looking for the next

experiential realm of technology, but beyond the

big thing to get behind. All in all, the mood is

buzzwords, what will this mean for guests?

one of invigorating optimism. While this return to regular programming is

THE NEW METROPOLIS

more than welcome, the last few years haven’t

The form and function of urban space is in

been without consequence, the reverberations

flux, as nomadic workers eschew the office

of which will be felt for decades to come. As

and a cost-of-living crisis sees many city-zens

such, if the market wishes to move forwards,

reconsider their place in the new metropolis.

then developers, operators and designers will be

In this reimagined setting, hotels can reinvent

Great Things Will Grow As the hospitality industry rebounds, organisers of HIX – London’s Hotel Interiors Experience event – reveal the key themes set to be explored at this year’s show. Words: Kristofer Thomas

required to navigate the waters of innovation; be

themselves as anchors for entire communities.

this the blurred lines of work, play, live and buy

The city hotel is no longer just a base to explore

or the proliferation of communal digital meta-

from, but how can designers work to authentically

concepts. This challenge will be monumental,

address both local and global demands?

but the rewards will be an evolved hospitality medium that is both resonant and robust.

As the entertainment industry has so lucratively

Will Grow, a reminder that for all the disruption

demonstrated, subscription-based services are

of the 2020s so far, the hotel has demonstrated

the future for any business with ambitions of

a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve. This

worldwide scale. Regular payments to access a

thinking will be explored across two days of talks,

service not only guarantees a certain amount

installations and social sessions at London’s

of profit during periods of instability, but also

Business Design Centre in November, bringing

encourages more frequent use and consistent

the hospitality design community together to

engagement. In the lifestyle sector especially,

celebrate the concepts set to redefine the guest

guests are turning away from the impersonal

experience. Here’s three of the big issues that

exchange of transactional models in favour of

will be top of the agenda:

something more personal. And for hotels, this has

DIGITAL FRONTIERS

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SUBSCRIBE & SURVIVE

The theme of HIX 2022 then, is Great Things

resulted in a surge of members’ clubs and global passes that allow access wherever, whenever.

When Covid-19 saw guests unable to visit

As operators push to generate an organic sense

hotels in person, the industry was forced to

of community among disparate guests, what

think outside the box and find a new means

strategies will win the doubters over?

eople. Planet. Profit. Those were the words

on the guest: “If you truly want people to give a

on everyone’s lips at the International Hotel

great experience front-of-house, then you have

Investment Forum (IHIF) in May, with

to be able to offer the same back-of-house.”

industry leaders gathering in Berlin to explore

The ‘planet’ focus meanwhile was a topic of

the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

discussion throughout the two-day programme,

Attended by 2,400 delegates ranging from

with leaders making a passionate plea for more

investors and owners to developers and operators,

sustainable practices, both throughout the build

the event was back to its pre-pandemic scale –

and development process and in operations.

itself a sign of renewed optimism – while talk

Rapidly rising energy costs and ambitious targets

was very much focused on looking forward,

for net zero have propelled sustainability into the

rather than back.

spotlight once again, but the drive for doing better

The overarching theme of People, Planet,

for the planet came with a warning. “Regulation

Profit was covered across panels and interviews

is here and we need to take action, but it is

on both the main IHIF stage and as part of the

important that action is meaningful,” explained

Adjacent Spaces programme, and although there

Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of Energy & Environment

was no denying the impact of Covid-19, many felt

Alliance. “The industry has been damaged by

People. Planet. Profit. Hospitality leaders take to the stage at IHIF to discuss the environmental, social and governance factors that are now at the heart of decision-making. Words: Catherine Martin

054

that the events of the past two years has given

greenwashing so don’t promote something

them a fresh perspective.

unless it is genuinely making a difference.”

The topic of ‘people’ has long been on the

Making up the final strand of IHIF’s theme,

agenda in the hospitality industry, but is now

‘profit’ was covered in a variety of ways, most

more prevalent than ever owing to current staff

notably in the efforts being made to drive a return

shortages. Attracting and retaining talent is one

to profitability. Adapt, innovate and evolve was

of the greatest challenges hotels are now facing,

the mantra shared by many of IHIF’s speakers

leading to a call for change in hours, pay and

this year: Soho House Group’s Nick Jones stated

perks. David Bowd, co-founder of Salt Hotels

that people want “a hybrid version of the life they

– which also runs its own hospitality school –

had before the pandemic” and hospitality will

explained that increased competition on the job

have to evolve to survive, while Sharan Pasricha,

market has led to interviews becoming more of a

co-CEO of Ennismore, said that its hotels are

two-way conversation, with the employer being

adapting to the needs of the guest by offering

asked what they can offer in terms of company

flexible check-in and -out times.

culture and career development. Bowd also

Tying the key themes together and emerging

pointed to the design of back-of-house facilities

as the buzzword of the event was ESG, with the

– which rarely see the same attention as the guest

Environmental, Social and Governance factors

spaces – as an area for improvement in helping

now said to be considered in every decision. That

to attract people. He stated that hospitality

Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin acknowledged ESG to

should follow the lead of major tech companies

be more important than brand standards, is a

when it comes to the workspace, adding that an

clear indication that the hospitality industry’s

employee’s job satisfaction has a positive impact

focus is very much on people and planet.

The Factory Collection | Ramón Esteve

VONDOM.COM

Ace Hotel SYDNEY Designed to channel Seventies suburbia, Ace’s new Surry Hills haunt is redefining the local understanding of what a hotel can be. Words: Mandi Keighran • Photography: © Anson Smart

t the edge of Sydney’s creative Surry Hills neighbourhood, the historic Tyne House brick factory on Wentworth Avenue has been transformed into a

much-anticipated destination that looks set to redefine the harbour city’s perception of hotels. Wander inside and guests are greeted by an inviting space that combines home comforts with Seventies style and hints of Australian Modernism – think sumptuous caramel leather sofas, lush staghorn ferns adorning raw brick walls and formwork concrete, a library of books on Australiana, and a menu that champions local wine and produce. While Sydney isn’t known as the kind of city where locals frequent hotels for a drink, the opening of its new Ace Hotel is changing that for the better. The first Ace property in the Southern Hemisphere is a collaboration between Atelier Ace, Flack Studio and Fiona Lynch Office. The result epitomises the now-familiar Ace vibe, with an impressive collection of spaces that encourage togetherness while recognising the history of the site and celebrating a uniquely local perspective. “Atelier Ace has a lot of trust when working with designers,” explains David Flack, founder and Principal of Flack Studio. “We weren’t given a set of rules, instead we travelled and experienced many Ace Hotels, and saw that the focus was always on community engagement – that experience became our brief.” The team decided to approach the project in the same way they would a residence, by creating a home rather than a conventional hotel. In doing so, they wanted to challenge the way Australians engage with hotels, crafting a communitydriven space that would appeal to locals and guests alike.

056

057

Designed by Flack Studio, the ground floor is anchored by all-day restaurant Loam, which brings together natural woods, planting and shades of green

Perhaps the clearest expression of this is the Lobby Bar & Lounge, which opens directly out to Wentworth

record boasting Afro-Cuban jazz rhythms.

Avenue and beckons passers-by through inviting

In every aspect of the design, there’s a clever nod

spaces that evoke both the great Sydney pubs of the

to the history of the site and Australia itself. In the

Seventies and suburban Australian family kitchens.

1820s, the plot was the location of Australia’s oldest

“We didn’t design specifically for the public or hotel

kiln, which is reflected in the colourful bespoke

guests, but rather as spaces that would continually

ceramic reception desk and handmade clay signage

draw people back and feel great to spend time in,”

throughout. The building itself dates back to 1916 and

Flack confirms. The main bar sits alongside a ground-

was originally the factory and distribution centre for

floor restaurant, Loam, while a laneway-style café

a major pharmacy, a fact playfully referenced in the

opens onto Foy Lane at the rear of the property.

name of the Good Chemistry café. Even the colour

Each of the 257 guestrooms are also designed to feel like home. “They have a familiarity to them

palette has been inspired by a watercolour by First Nations artist Albert Namatjira.

that allows people to drop their guard,” says Flack.

“We started our design process by imagining the

“They’re non-precious and warm.” In practical terms,

emotion of Australia,” Flack recalls. “We also spent a

this translates to carpet-wrapped sunken lounges,

lot of time researching the building and its rich past,

cosy beds with tartan blankets and timber bedheads,

which helped us to create storylines that we could add

hand-glazed ceramic tiles and acoustic panelling with

to through design.”

a softly industrial aesthetic.

058

generated – say, ‘spin it and trip to Havana’ for a

This approach carries through to the top floor of

In typical Ace style, there are in-room guitars and

the 18-storey hotel, which is home to a soon-to-

record players with a selection of vintage vinyl curated

open rooftop restaurant and bar, Kiln. Led by Chef-

by Michael Kucyk of Efficient Space. Each record is

Partner Mitch Orr and designed by Fiona Lynch

labelled according to its sounds and the feeling

Office, the restaurant again draws inspiration from

059

the site – most notably in the columns, which

This kind of collaboration with Australian

are wrapped in Belgian linen patterned with a

artists and creatives is another recurring

splattered pigment created from the original

theme throughout. As well as interior design,

stone, bricks and ceramics that were removed

Flack Studio curated the extensive collection

from the building during construction.

of contemporary Australian art, with work by

From the rooftop restaurant, Sydney reveals

Tony Albert, Glenn Barkley, Karen Black, Julia

itself in subtle and unusual ways. Rather than

Gutman, Nadia Hernandez, Joanna Lamb, James

the dramatic harbour views that the city is so

Lemon, Nell, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and

well known for, Ace Hotel Sydney celebrates

many others. Soon, the hotel will also play host

a different perspective – a single sail of the

to an artist-in-residence programme, in which

Sydney Opera House glimpsed through high-

a local creative will exhibit their work at the

rises; Central Station’s handsome sandstone

Good Chemistry café.

façade and the train tracks snaking through

And it’s this sense of community and

the city; and a layered, Mondrian-style grid of

togetherness that characterises not only Ace

skyscraper windows.

Hotel Sydney, but the entire global collection

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Ace Hotel without

of ten outposts from Palm Springs to Tokyo.

the lobby retail space. In a tradition that dates

“Working on this project was a dream,”

back to 1999 and the brand’s original property

concludes Flack. “We started as a large group

in Seattle, one of the signature items is a

of strangers, and in the end, created something

bespoke robe designed specifically for the new

that is truly unique for Sydney and Australia,

Sydney outpost by Australian sleepwear label

becoming family and friends along the way. It’s

Deiji Studios and featuring motifs by Sulman

our new home when we’re in Sydney.”

Art Prize-winning artist Jason Phu.

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Golden Age Group Operator: Ace Hotel Architecture: Bates Smart Interior Design: Atelier Ace, Flack Studio, Fiona Lynch Office Art Consultant: Flack Studio Main Contractor: Hickory Group www.acehotel.com

Any color, any time, any place

GERMAN HOSPITALITY TRADITION Since 1985

www.aliseo.de

Hotel Hair Dryers Cosmetic Mirrors Bathroom Accessories Kettles & Trays Luggage Racks Ironing Centers Scales

Inhabit QUEEN’S GARDENS – LONDON An evolution of its Paddington predecessor, the second Inhabit hotel is a paragon for environmental and socially-conscious hospitality. Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Jack Hobhouse

he brainchild of hotelier Nadira Lalji and her cousin Rahim Lalji, Inhabit Hotels made quite the impact when it arrived on London’s hospitality scene in 2019,

introducing what was described as ‘urban wellness’ to the British capital with a concept centred around health, social connection and environmental responsibility. Three years later, with wellbeing and sustainability at the forefront of people’s minds following the pandemic, the brand has planted a second flag in London, just a stone’s throw from its debut on Paddington’s Southwick Street. Following the success of the first property, the Lalji family turned to familiar faces for the renovation of several neighbouring townhouses on Queen’s Gardens, re-enlisting architecture firm Holland Harvey and interior designer Caitlin Henderson to transform the 19th-century crescent. While the design tenets, wellbeing ethos and environmental initiatives carry through from Inhabit Southwick, the new outpost has been moulded to capture a slightly different demographic thanks to its larger, and in some cases interconnected family-friendly rooms. “The hotel is an evolution of the original, with generous public spaces and almost twice as many guestrooms,” says Maria Gutierrez Vargas, Senior Architect at Holland Harvey and Project Lead. “We used this as an opportunity to drive the core brand ideas into every element of the property.” Infusing such ideas into the fabric of the Grade II-listed Victorian buildings was helped by the fact that much of their original character had been stripped out during previous refurbishments, meaning Gutierrez Vargas had something of a blank canvas to work with and could be bolder in her

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Channelling calm and tranquillity, guestrooms incorporate plantlife and soothing tones such as sage green, while technology has been tucked out of sight

approach. The first task was removing a large concrete

peaceful ambiance. “We diverted from the first hotel

staircase that had historically led to a restaurant in the

by adding more impactful hues, especially in the

basement and divided the main lobby area in two. The

guestrooms, where we strived to make each unique.”

second was to increase the ceiling heights to reveal the

Across both the public and private spaces, a

original windows in all their glory, reinstating a sense

strive towards sustainable hospitality knits the

of grandeur that feels appropriate even alongside more

entire scheme together. The team took advantage of

contemporary interiors. The overhaul continued into

lockdowns to develop the design, looking for ways to

the structure’s stucco render and ironwork, which

integrate nature in the materials, furniture and fit-out

were repainted in fresh, neutral colours, while the

– Gutierrez Vargas and Henderson were able to source

roof was repaired to allow for modern plant equipment

more sustainable products, including Rén chairs by

and photovoltaic panels that feed into the brand’s

Stellar Works for the public spaces, which align with

sustainable vision.

the hotel’s colour scheme, material requirements and

The resulting hotel is anchored by an open-plan

responsible ethos. There’s organic mattresses from

lobby that teems with life during the day, encouraging

Naturalmat, and sustainable Vegan Down duvets,

guests to leave their rooms while drawing in the local

mattress protectors and pillow protectors by The

crowd, which Gutierrez Vargas confirms was a key

Fine Bedding Company. The pair also oversaw the

driver in the design. “We made the ground floor feel

installation of water and air purification systems

as welcoming and inclusive as possible,” she explains.

within the infrastructure of the hotel, and built on

“The lounge, bar and dining spaces all blur into one,

the East-meets-West style that defines the brand.

with the reception tucked away in the far corner.”

“We engaged in a more ecological construction

When visitors do want to escape, there’s a library

process, ensuring that next to no waste was sent

stocked with thought-provoking reads, while the

to landfill, as well as using organic materials, and

158 guestrooms offer sanctuary, rest and relaxation

collaborating with local suppliers and artisans,” says

through a scheme that channels calm and tranquillity.

Nadira, who called on social enterprise Goldfinger

Technology has been concealed – or removed

– which teaches carpentry and design skills to

altogether where possible – meaning phones can be

disadvantaged people – and art curators Culture A

tucked away out of sight in the bedside tables, while

to help bring the interiors to life, having previously

TVs are hidden behind bespoke cabinets, and lighting

joined forces with the firms at Southwick Street.

controls are simple and intuitive. For the bathrooms,

Demonstrating that luxury design can, and should,

Gutierrez Vargas rethought the layout entirely, in

be people- and planet-positive, Goldfinger produced

some cases bringing the vanity unit or bath into

bespoke joinery in the public areas and guestrooms,

the guestroom itself to create a generous sense of

as well as introducing ethically crafted homewares

space, and in others using frosted glass partitions to

from Kalinko and Studio 306 cushions from Aerende,

introduce natural daylight whilst retaining privacy.

which are made by people recovering from or living

“Our goal was to maximise light, incorporate plants

with a mental illness. In a similarly collaborative style,

and employ soothing colours,” Henderson reveals,

Culture A teamed up with Somerset House Studios

adding that salmon, terracotta, sage green and denim

and Makerversity to source works by artists like Anne

were amongst the tones introduced to achieve a

Mette Beck, whose multi-textural installation is a

065

On the ground floor, an open-plan lounge, bar and dining space blur into one, encouraging guests to leave their rooms while also drawing in the local crowd

focal point in the lobby. The consultants also

for, but the process by which we got to that end

commissioned light drawings by Hugo Dalton

point,” Gutierrez Vargas recalls. “In the future,

that encourage guests to consider nature from

the carpet can be removed and sent back to

a new perspective, and opted for Freya Bramble

the manufacturer to be recycled again, as can

Carter’s tactile ceramics in the guestrooms.

the bathroom tiles. We considered the whole

Ceramics play an important role downstairs

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lifecycle of every single product specified.”

too, with some salvaged from the previous

Beyond the hotel’s impact on the planet,

property during the building’s transformation.

Nadira wanted the experience to positively

Highlights include a new fireplace crafted from

impact the guest’s health and wellbeing. As

Granby Rock – a bespoke, 70% recycled terrazzo

such, a workshop with a biophilic design expert

– by Granby Workshop, a social enterprise and

was established from the outset as a means of

ceramics manufacturer based in Liverpool.

educating the entire team on fostering a closer

“Our goal was to partner with as many social

connection to nature through interiors. The

impact collectives and sustainable businesses as

bespoke reception table, a sustainably sourced

possible,” Henderson explains, with Gutierrez

oak piece resembling pebbles, for instance,

Vargas adding that obtaining eco-friendly

went through several iterations before the

materials was fundamental throughout the

owner was satisfied with its form. “Without

design process, whether that meant sourcing

Nadira’s vision, the design wouldn’t have had

carpets made from recycled fishing nets, tiles

these elements of surprise or nods to the natural

crafted from 45% recycled content, or crushing

world,” says Henderson.

up the original reception desk to form a feature

Nadira’s eco-conscious ethos also feeds into

fireplace in the lobby. “It wasn’t just the finished

the hotel’s wider offering, from The Kitchen at

product that we needed to consider our impact

Inhabit – a 70-cover, plant-based restaurant

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3/3/22 16:05

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conceived in collaboration with Devon-based

creating inclusive cultures. “These themes

health retreat Yeotown– to Inhale, a soon-to-

are all front-of-mind for me personally and I

launch spa and wellness brand that hosts daily

hope they not only benefit our teams, but also

activities such as vinyasa flow, Hatha and yin

contribute to an improved guest experience,”

yoga, as well as bespoke sleep rituals designed

says Nadira, who reveals that plans are in

in collaboration with natural skincare brand

motion for Self Space to provide an on-demand

Gaia. “I find exercise and guided meditation,

counselling service to hotel guests in the

even in the shortest bouts, beneficial to my

months ahead.

wellbeing,” Nadira confirms, noting that the

With two sites up and running in London,

new brand will align with her own personal

the next step for Inhabit is to venture beyond

values. “Given the onslaught of new initiatives

British shores, though the owners are enjoying

being introduced in the wellness sector, we are

a much-needed break after what has been a

incorporating fresh ideas into our development

five-year process from concept to completion.

programmes.”

“Following the launch of Queen’s Gardens, we

One such idea builds on an ad-hoc mental

are taking a deep breath,” Nadira concludes.

health workshop, Self Space, that Inhabit

“That said, other cities like Berlin and Paris are

debuted at its Southwick Street property in

firmly on our radar.” So too is a rural retreat,

2019 to help tackle loneliness. The group is

with the family contemplating what would be a

now expanding its initiative to build a mentally

departure from its current focus on spaces for

healthy workplace through sessions on how to

personal restoration in urban settings. Given

set work-life boundaries, combatting imposter

the popularity of its hotels in the capital, there’s

syndrome, forging connection, navigating

no doubt that an addition in more bucolic

burnout, being agile in times of change and

surrounds would be just as well received.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Precis Group Operator: Inhabit Hotels Architecture: Holland Harvey Interior Design: Holland Harvey, Caitlin Henderson Lighting Design: There’s Light Art Consultant: Culture A Graphic Design: Studio AS-CC Main Contractor: County Contractors Project Manager: Chandler KBS www.inhabithotels.com

JUNG_AZ_KNX_Hotel_236x275mm_01_EN_Paths.indd 1

15.06.22 10:02

TIMOROUS BEASTIES Surreal and provocative design for interior spaces

Moire Damask Foil Wallpaper

Glasgow +44 (0) 141 337 2622

London +44 (0) 20 7833 5010

Berlin +49 (0) 1520 4855316

www.timorousbeasties.com

Chateau Denmark LONDON CAW Ventures enlists Taylor Howes to revive a set of historic townhouses on Denmark Street, honouring the hedonistic musical heritage of the Sixties with punkish attitude. Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © Mel Yates

enmark Street was the epicentre of

in collaboration with the British Phonographic

London’s rock’n’roll scene throughout

Society; a relaunched 12 Bar club venue; licensed

the Sixties. Over the preceding decades

busking points; and Tattu – the first of several

it had established a reputation as Britain’s

new restaurants planned for the site.

equivalent to Tin Pan Alley in New York City,

Consolidated Developments have worked with

thanks to the numerous music publishers that

London-based architects Orms to transform the

called it home. As guitar shops and studios

St Giles Circus district, which greets travellers

gradually colonised the street, many of the

departing Tottenham Court Road tube station

most famous pop stars of the era rehearsed and

from the newly constructed exit for the

recorded in its townhouses.

Elizabeth Line. The firms had to work with great

Now, a new project is hoping to put the

precision and considerable difficulty around the

location back at the heart of the music and

transport infrastructure, much of it still under

entertainment world, with the launch of the

construction as Outernet took shape.

Outernet London – a multi-media development

To walk along Denmark Street today, still

combining The Now Building, wrapped in four-

dotted with many music stores, is to take a

storey 8K LED screens; an as-yet-unnamed

tour along a living, breathing rock’n’roll hall

2,000-capacity subterranean music venue;

of fame. Number 4? That would be where the

and Chateau Denmark, a new hotel concept

Rolling Stones recorded their debut album at

split across the upper floors of the historic

Regent Sound Studio. Number 9 – home to

buildings along the street, as well as newbuild

the La Giaconda café, where David Bowie and

elements constructed as part of the wider

Jimi Hendrix often hung out. The Sex Pistols

development. Other elements of the Outernet

even lived above Number 6 in the Seventies,

include a free-to-use recording studio, created

recording their early demos in the basement.

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Each apartment fuses dramatic design features, from black leather flooring to dark, Gothic furniture and a Skull Damask wallpaper by Timorous Beasties

Chateau Denmark sees the upper floors of

and mansion buildings. Design details include

these notable addresses converted to hotel

lighting by Chelsom and Northern Lights, as well

apartments, with other rooms housed in the Now

as evocative wallpapers by Timorous Beasties,

Building. In total there are 55 Session rooms

House of Hackney and Pierre Frey. Original

and apartments across 16 buildings, all exuding

timber beams combined with dark panelling

distinct design features inspired by the history

add to the Gothic feel, while bespoke rolltop

of the Soho location. Interior designers Taylor

baths by Hurlingham are deep red or gold, and

Howes have mined the rich seam of British pop

a sculpted fireplace atop a marble plinth is

culture through the decades, describing the

embellished with twisting serpent motifs.

overall narrative as one “where punk rock and

Working its way around the complex layouts

vintage gothic meet modern psychedelia with a

and heritage status of the historic building,

timeless grandeur”.

Taylor Howes has created surprises at every

It’s obvious upon arrival that this is no

turn. In the smaller rooms, hidden doorways

ordinary hotel. Guests are greeted in the street

lead to compact powder rooms. Maxi-bars

by BTLRs, a reimagined take on the traditional

reflect the more-is-more approach, with an

butler dressed in unmissable customised

array of artisanal spirits and bar-kit that would

couture uniforms by Studio 104. There’s no

put many full-scale cocktail establishments

lobby or reception area as such, though a lounge

to shame. Beds range from gold-trimmed

bar will open at Number 13 later this year, and

to graffitied, while bold colours and rounded

rooms are accessed via discreet doorways along

furnishings complement the aesthetic. And a

the streetfront rather than the usual corridors.

deliberately provocative art collection curated

The apartments occupy a collection of

by Artiq features a range of artists and creators,

Grade-II listed townhouses, a mews house

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including Magnus Gjoen and Radek Husak.

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The larger apartments by contrast have open-

experiences dotted along Flitcroft Street, which

plan layouts, and a punkish attitude evident in

takes its name from British architect Henry

their black leather flooring, spiky furniture –

Flitcroft. Located just off Denmark Street, the

made by Andy Thornton to a bespoke design for

short but storied avenue – itself a haunt for

Taylor Howes – and tartan blinds referencing

recording studios and music shops, many of

the skirts that became a signature element of

which remain operational to this day – overlooks

the punk look. Antique chairs and headboards by

the St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, with its

maximalist furniture designers Jimmie Martin

revival set to celebrate the Palladian masterpiece

are emblazoned with graffiti-style slogans.

and its weathered, Gothic stonework.

The duplex mews house situated behind

Chateau Denmark has been led by CAW

Number 6 Denmark Street meanwhile has been

Ventures, a new hospitality company established

designed in tribute to its former residents the

by well-known industry figure Carrie Wicks –

Sex Pistols, with the Murphy bed against the

latterly of Firmdale Hotels and Annabel’s private

wall and a DJ-friendly sound system suggesting

members club in London – and hospitality

this is as much a party pad as a place for a quiet

consultant Alan Petrie. With a black book to

night’s sleep. A Vivienne Westwood rug directly

envy, no doubt Wicks will plug the project into

references the hedonism of the era, while in true

the capital’s entertainment industry, so that it

punk spirit, the apartment has been turned

becomes a go-to for press junkets and album

upside down with the living space now located

launches as well as overnight stays. Inspired

upstairs, featuring Johnny Rotten’s storied

by “the street where nothing is done by half

caricatures of his fellow bandmates.

measures”, this is a hotel that fully delivers the

Coming soon to the development in something of an encore moment will be a series of dining

074

anarchic energy and “rare hustle” that put its location on the map of musical history.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Consolidated Developments Operator: CAW Ventures Architecture: Ian Chalk Architects Interior Design: Taylor Howes Lighting Design: Light IQ Art Consultant: Artiq Main Contractor: Cord, Skanska, 8 Build Project Manager: Gardiner & Theobald www.chateaudenmark.com

Wilmina BERLIN Grüntuch Ernst Architects convert a former courthouse and prison into a place of tranquillity, making sensitive interventions while retaining traces of the past. Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © Patricia Parinejad (unless otherwise stated)

hen it comes to adaptive reuse, there

There was talk of the cells being used as

are – in theory – few better building

storage units, but Grüntuch Ernst Architects had

types to convert to hotel-use than

grander ideas. “The investor soon lost interest,

a prison, with the floorplate already neatly

but our curiosity only grew,” continues Armand,

divided into individual cells that could serve

adding that they found financing and decided to

as guestrooms, and open-plan public spaces

develop the property themselves.

that are equally suited to destination dining or events spaces.

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Following the acquisition, the duo became more and more enamoured by the group of

Of course, in practice, adaptive reuse projects

buildings. “We sensed this ambivalence; there

are rarely straightforward, and making a

was a feeling of trepidation because the prison

detention centre feel like an inviting place to stay

was still evident, but it also had something

is no mean feat, as Grüntuch Ernst Architects

enchanted, almost fairytale-like about it,”

discovered during their transformation of

explains Almut. “The courtyard was completely

a former courthouse and prison in Berlin’s

overgrown and so quiet – the only thing you

Charlottenburg district. Having initially been

could hear was birds chirping. It was a place

commissioned by an investor to develop the

of tranquility beyond the bustling Kantstrasse

site, husband-and-wife team Armand Grüntuch

and had an emotional power that we wanted

and Almut Grüntuch-Ernst found a sprawling

to uncover.”

ensemble of buildings that had lain dormant for

This air of tranquility extends to every space,

decades. “Its volume was enormous but there

from the lobby to the guestrooms. Though

was little space to use,” explains Armand. “The

it could have been a very different story had

walls were incredibly thick and the windows too

Grüntuch Ernst not taken risks. They had

high, yet the building was listed so couldn’t be

originally hoped to get a major operator on

torn down. In short, it was beset with problems

board, but felt they couldn’t find the right

that couldn’t be solved immediately.”

match for their vision. “We kept being told that

077

In guestrooms and public spaces, the aesthetic is one of serenity, with natural, high-quality materials set against a neutral colour palette

078

we would have to market the eeriness of sleeping in a

we tried to hold back as much as possible through

prison, but that’s exactly what we didn’t want,” notes

targeted intervention.”

Almut. And so they decided to go it alone, juggling

As such, the imposing red brick walls remain, now

their endeavour with a variety of projects for clients, as

painted internally in off-white for a lighter touch. The

well as raising a family. In all, Wilmina has been over

well-worn stairwells and wrought iron balustrades

a decade in the making, with its acceptance into the

are also intact, as are the original window casements

Design Hotels collective a testament to the originality

complete with vertical steel bars – an unmistakable

of the concept.

reminder of the past. Perhaps the greatest indicator

While Grüntuch Ernst Architects didn’t want the

of the building’s former use is on reaching the

hotel to be gimmicky, they were conscious not to erase

guestrooms, with the solid steel doors of the prison

all traces of the prison. “The design process was a

– complete with bolts and now fitted with keycard

dialogue with the existing building as a material as

access – providing a memorable arrival experience.

well as a cultural resource,” explains Almut. “In our

The interventions that have been made are

architectural strategy, we defined authenticity as an

sensitive and considered. The windows for example –

honest compromise between historic preservation and

previously just small openings above eye-level – have

adaptive reuse, and within that process, we explored

been extended downwards to allow for more natural

how to expose the historic traces to the guest.”

daylight and views into the courtyard below. The

Armand continues: “We approached the project

most significant architectural intervention however

with a certain humility; it raised not only aesthetical

is in the removal of the roof over the cell block,

questions, but ethical and cultural ones too. For

now home to the 44 guestrooms. This has allowed

example, how much of the past should remain visible?

for a single-storey extension and the addition of a

How much intervention is necessary and appropriate?

spacious penthouse suite as well as a sauna and, come

The site itself was so dominant and formative that

summer 2023, a rooftop swimming pool served by its

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The four-storey atrium combines historic details such as well-worn wrought iron balustrades and original cell doors with contemporary interventions

own bar. A section of the roof has also been replaced with glazing to create what is one of the most captivating features of the hotel; the four-storey atrium bound by the guestroom corridors – where prisoners once filed back to their cells – is now a splendid lightwell, enhanced by clusters of Bocci’s spherical glass pendants suspended at differing heights. Inside the guestrooms, which include a cosy two-cell configuration and a larger version made from the joining of three cells, the aesthetic is one of serenity, with natural, high-quality materials set against a neutral colour palette. Timber floors and oak furniture are accompanied by framed plantlife, lovingly made by children of the Grüntuch family. “It was important to us that the rooms not be decorated with superficial opulence, but rather radiate a certain lightness, calm and openness,” says Almut. And in an ongoing dialogue with the building’s former use, some rooms bear scars of the past, such as graffiti etched into the wall, often only discovered by chance rather than being made into a feature. There are pockets of quiet throughout the public spaces too, such as seating areas at the end of corridors for a moment’s solitude, and a lounge bearing the same soothing aesthetic, where guests can cosy up by the fireplace and help themselves to complimentary snacks and fruit juices from the pantry. The main dining offer meanwhile comes in the form of Lovis, housed in a separate building that was formerly

080

www.kalmarlighting.com

the prison’s outdoor exercise yard. The red

outdoor areas, feeding into the desire to create

brick façades of the surrounding buildings wrap

a contemplative retreat. In the central courtyard

the perimeter of the restaurant, while large

– which every guest passes through on their

panoramic windows replace the gates and a new

way to the guestroom block – vast swathes of

roof has been inserted high overhead, lending

asphalt have been replaced with shrubs, hedges

an almost ecclesiastical feel. The roof itself is

and perennials, transforming the once-sombre

bathed in darkness, allowing the lighting to

space into an oasis. “We unsealed large parts

take centre stage; supplied once again by Bocci

of the courtyard, created a garden and planted

– who used part of the site as a showroom

greenery on all the roof surfaces,” confirms

up until its redevelopment – the canopy of

Armand. “This has created a surprising island

lights twinkling above is like a scene from a

of nature in the middle of the city block.”

fairytale. And the cuisine is equally memorable

Alongside the hotel, in a former courthouse

in both presentation and taste, with chef Sophia

facing the street, there’s also an arts and culture

Rudolph serving contemporary German dishes

space known as Amtsalon, and Grüntuch Ernst

made using regional produce.

Architects have plans to add long-stay

There’s also a newbuild section to the

apartments too, making full use of the site

restaurant that connects the court and prison,

that even locals weren’t aware existed. “The

though the use of bricks removed from elsewhere

detailed, sensitive transformation makes the

on site belies its newness. This addition allows

forgotten place a special experience in Berlin,”

for an enclosed courtyard planted with ferns,

concludes Almut. “Guests can now find a retreat

vines and an old birch tree, making a focal point

at the Wilmina that does not lead to isolation

for those seated outside the main dining room.

in the sense of punishment, but in the sense

Greenery plays a key role in the hotel’s

082

of reward.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Armand Grüntuch and Almut Grüntuch-Ernst Architecture and Interior Design: Grüntuch Ernst Architects Building Services: Ingenieurbüro Weltzer Structural Engineer: GTB Berlin, Studio C Landscaping: Atelier le Balto, Christian Meyer Landscape www.wilmina.com

It’s here. The ultimate upgrade to your guests’ sleep.

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The world’s most prestigious hotels choose DUX .

“DUX is a fantastic addition to the 2022 Brand Officials collection, which has been carefully curated to provide the best products, services and experiences for guests. DUX raises the bar in the sustainable mattress sector with a focus on providing seasoned travellers with the relevant luxury which they have come to expect from the star-rated properties.” Hermann Elger CEO of Forbes Travel Guide

We believe sleep is the ultimate luxury. The restorative nature of deep sleep to a person’s wellbeing is what drives our commitment to creating the world’s most comfortable beds. Hotels the world over choose DUX beds to complement their hospitality experience. Their guests are accustomed to the highest of standards, delivered confidently and with a natural sense of good taste. Our new range of beds, built for the demanding nature of hotels, are the culmination of decades of innovation and sleep research, and decades of close relationships built with the world’s best hotels. Our business is built on family values of trust and honesty. Efraim Llung started DUX in 1926, and today the fourth generation of the Llung family continue the long tradition of innovation and excellence – a renewed push towards greater degrees of sustainability, component-based modular designs and the art of creating comfort in the pursuit of sleep.

For an early preview: duxiana.co.uk/professionals /hospitality-collection

The DUX HF1 Our frameless mattress is ready to be coupled with your current bed frame. The design is based on the original DUX bed, first manufactured in 1926. The dynamic two-layer spring construction, made of 9cm and 12cm springs, is the perfect introduction to the DUX standard of comfort.

The DUX HF3 The unique combination of thousands of interconnected springs and the simple adjustment of comfort zones with our Pascal system makes the HF3 the ultimate frameless mattress. The removable Xupport top pad adds an extra layer of comfort.

The DUX H1 Made from natural, durable materials, the H1 is a componentbased bed designed for years of use. With a replaceable top on the upper side of the bed as well as a replaceable Xupport top pad and legs that can be configured to suit any room, our beds are made for the highest quality and sustainable sleep experience.

The DUX H3 Alone, our individual innovations elevate the sleep experience. Together, they are a level of comfort that results in deeper and longer sleep. A single Swedish steel wire is formed into thousands of interconnected springs, creating a harmonious support for your body. Pascal, interchangeable spring cassettes, add a personal level of comfort across three zones of the body.

The new DUX hospitality range has been over 90 years in the making. ®

The DUX H6 The H6 is the ultimate realisation of our innovations and decades of commitment in the pursuit of a good night s̓ sleep. Each layer comes together in perfect balance. A Xupport top pad sits atop our Pascal system of interchangeable spring cassettes. With an additional layer of springs in the form of a two-piece mattress and base configuration. Both with 12cm springs, made from Swedish steel, formed into thousands of interconnected coils.

For an early preview: duxiana.co.uk/professionals /hospitality-collection

It’s here. The ultimate upgrade to your guests’ sleep.

For an early preview: duxiana.co.uk/professionals /hospitality-collection

The Standard IBIZA Behind a gleaming white façade, Standard International celebrates the energy of Ibiza, with interiors that recall the playful, bohemian spirit of the island. Words: Agnish Ray • Photography: Courtesy of Standard International (unless otherwise stated)

un, sea and sand spring to mind when

Officer Verena Haller calls the “freeness of

talking about Ibiza, but while admiring

living” of its Seventies heyday.

the designer furniture and decoration by

The hotel was conceived by acclaimed Spanish

Bruno Munari, De Sede and Jasper Morrison at

designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, with interiors by

the latest hotel to open in the Old Town, it’s

Oskar Kohnen in collaboration with Standard

clear that a new kind of hip – more urban,

International’s in-house design team. Their

global, curated – has arrived on the island.

concept celebrates the energy that originally

The Standard Ibiza has already been called

attracted so many to Ibiza, with references

“the sexiest hotel in Europe” and stars are

to the signature styles of the era – Flower

flying in from near and far for a stay. The

Power makes an appearance, as do psychadelic

67-key property – which adds to the group’s

patterns and bold use of colour.

existing portfolio in the US, Thailand, London

The look is most prevalent at Jara, the ground-

and the Maldives – is championing music,

floor restaurant that opens out onto the lively

fashion and fun, while also looking to draw a

Vara de Rey boulevard, where residents and

more sustained kind of tourism to a destination

holidaymakers stroll in the sun. “We wanted

otherwise famed for fleeting summer thrills.

to create something for the neighbourhood,

Located in a former cinema, the interiors are spacious and airy. There is a cool white

allowing locals to come and have their morning espresso at the hotel bar,” explains Haller.

backdrop throughout, from the bedrooms to the

The space is filled with an eclectic mix of

building’s gleaming façade, while lush plants,

decor, including vintage furniture, a hotchpotch

bright fabrics and colourful lighting elements

range of cushions that Haller’s team scavenged

recall the playful, bohemian spirit of Ibiza –

from flea markets and wall murals by Bogota-

what Standard International’s Chief Design

born artist Nicolás Villamizar. Lighting pieces

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Interiors are spacious and airy, with a cool white backdrop, lush plants and colourful lighting elements that recall the playful, bohemian spirit of the island

along the bar are inspired by Verner Panton’s 1968

lifestyle,” says General Manager Christoph Venus

flowerpot pendant lamp, with shades crafted from

Antuña. “At night we like to move and dance.”

fabric found on the island.

doubt that cutting-edge fashion is at the top of The

from sea bass with red and green mojo sauce to rice

Standard Ibiza’s agenda too. This is also clear from

dishes like paella; there are plump prawns sizzling in

the staff uniforms, custom designed by SMR Days, the

garlic and a tangy tomato tartare with capers, mustard

London-based studio specialising in effortless holiday

and radish. The drinks menu includes organic local

wear and employing Indian craft traditions such as

wine made from Malvasia grapes, and three homemade

kantha embroidery, ikat weaving and leheriya dying.

variations of the Hierbas Ibicencas liqueur – Ibiza’s traditional herb-based digestif.

The studio’s bespoke capsule of handwoven cotton garments includes relaxed shirts and flowing kaftans

Diners at the rooftop bar Up enjoy views across the

designed with ajrakh block printing. “They’re more

Old Town and 16th-century castle while tucking into

hippy, floaty and sexy than what we normally do,”

Mexican-style dishes like shrimp tacos, cochinita

explains Gautam Rajani, one of the practice’s three

pibil and a flavoursome aguachile, along with several

co-founders, all of whom have visited Ibiza for years.

tequila-based cocktails. The rooftop also features a

“We looked to reflect the spirit of the island.”

15m swimming pool and hosts a spirited brunch event with live music every Sunday.

While the party spirit shines through in the public spaces, guestrooms are more pared-back in their

The venue made a splash with a star-studded launch

approach, designed as havens away from the buzz.

party in May, with a 500-strong crowd swaying to a

Natural materials such as timber, linen and jute make

performance by Róisín Murphy, former frontwoman

for a calming palette, while splashes of colour come

of Moloko, in between DJ sets by Maurice Fulton and

from the soft furnishings.

Benji B. “Music is an important part of The Standard

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The sharply-clad glitterati in attendance left no

Jara’s menu features varied Mediterranean dishes,

For Standard International’s first European property

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after London, the Balearic bastion of joy and

guest services team; Sheila Martínez came from

freedom seemed a logical choice. “If you want

Pacha Group and Berni Morales is accredited

to expand in Europe, opening a hotel in Ibiza

by the Clefs d’Or concierge association. Other

makes total sense,” says Venus Antuña, who

experiences on offer include jeep tours, yacht

previously ran two properties in his home city

outings and hot-air balloon rides.

of Barcelona and spent a stint in Brazil with

Unlike many of the island’s hotels that run

Palladium Group; he first came to Ibiza to work

for just the warmer months, The Standard will

at nightclub-cum-hotel Ushuaia, before joining

welcome visitors year-round, gambling on a

The Standard last November.

steady enough influx of travellers beyond the

He says that, following the first year of the

peak season. Around three-quarters of the

pandemic, 2021 was a surprisingly good summer

hotel’s staff are natives, according to Venus

for Ibiza’s hotel occupancy and F&B revenue. He

Antuña, who argues that the 12-month opening

attributes this to the fact that holidaymakers

contributes to a more sustainable local economy

felt brave enough to travel but still exercised

by providing stable jobs for residents.

caution while abroad; and with nightclubs

Offering a place to stay across the year is also

still closed, hotels reaped the benefit of those

part of shifting Ibiza’s image from a summer

looking to enjoy Covid-safe experiences.

party hotspot to a more serious destination. “It’s

If the return of Ibiza’s clubbing scene this

only the clubs that are closed during winter,”

year means partygoers are flocking back to the

Venus Antuña points out, whereas experiencing

island in droves, The Standard is well prepared.

the island’s history, culture and natural beauty

Its connections to venues like Pacha, Ushuaia

are for every season. While rejoicing in laidback

and Pikes mean guests get access to the best

Balearic living, it seems this new property also

parties in town, thanks to the expertise of the

points to a new way of experiencing it.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Standard International Architecture and Interior Design: Standard International in-house design team, Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Oskar Kohnen www.standardhotels.com

INSPIRED BY NATURE

DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF WORKSPACE FURNITURE Part of the

Portfolio

Gresham Sleeper Advertisement March/April 2022.indd 1

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21/02/2022 10:23

Hotel Marcel NEW HAVEN Becker + Becker converts a Marcel Breuer-designed landmark in Connecticut, partnering with Dutch East Design to reimagine the Brutalist building as a Bauhaus-inspired hotel with sustainability at its core. Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Seamus Payne

arcel Breuer had the privilege of being one of the

East Design. In the short time they were given to mobilise

most adored students of Walter Gropius, founder

– the firm was first contacted in early 2020 and delivered

of Bauhaus – the German art collective and school

the project in early 2022 – Dutch East Design planned the

that galvanised modern art, design and architecture as we

hotel’s 165 guestrooms – including a whopping 35 room

know it. When Gropius fled Germany in 1937, he brought

types – all public spaces and signature restaurant BLDG,

his protégé with him, and together they enjoyed a prolific

for which it also developed the brand identity. Dutch East

career in America, teaching at Harvard University and

Design’s modus operandi was to be as responsible as

building iconic structures as Germany languished under

possible in the sourcing and installation of every piece of

Nazi rule.

furniture and fixture that came into their remit. “We were

Much like his adored predecessor, Yale-educated

extremely specific in selecting vendors and the materials

architect and developer Bruce Becker compiled his own

they used,” explains co-founder Larah Moravek, adding

assemblage of creatives to fulfil a long-held dream: save a

that platforms such as Mindful Materials and Mind Click

Breuer landmark from demolition and re-purpose it into

were a useful resource in assessing the origins of items.

a bustling, burgeoning hotel. “It’s not environmentally

“90% of the lighting was custom-designed by us, but

responsible to construct new buildings,” says the ardent

we also worked with suppliers like ELA, HB and Rich

sustainability advocate. “It seemed like a good project

Brilliant Willing to source fixtures that could be wired

for me, but it was definitely daunting. The difference

for Power over Ethernet,” Moravek adds, referring to the

between building a hotel and an apartment block is like

solar-cell-compatible wiring system that was installed

chess and checkers. There are so many things you have

in the entire building.

to get right for it to work.”

be antithetic to the austere modular concrete façade.

for Hotel Marcel, which sits within Hilton’s Tapestry

“When we first came to site, we were very intimidated,”

Collection. The first was to respect and honour the

Moravek recalls. “Stepping through the doors, we felt

elegantly simplistic design ethos of his predecessors,

it was important to create a space that was intimate and

before surpassing sustainability initiatives – the building

welcoming. We wanted to carve out a palette that was the

is soon the be awarded LEED Platinum status, and is

softer underbelly to its exoskeleton.”

America’s first net zero hotel – becoming a test case for future developments.

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Aesthetically, the strategy was for the interior to

Like Gropius, Becker had his own set of mantras

Retaining the original triangular jet mist granite tiles and stairs of the reception, Dutch East Design complemented

In bringing his vision to life, Becker enlisted the help

the heavy materials with soft, light woods, earthy shades

of Brooklyn-based interiors and branding agency Dutch

of brown and orange, and soft sheer drapery. In an homage

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Dutch East Design’s strategy for the interiors was to be antithetic to the austere concrete façade, using natural woods and an earthy colour palette

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to the building’s original materiality, they also added

women who studied there, saying that they couldn’t

Bauhaus-inspired terracotta tiles to provide warmth.

understand the third dimension, so they were pushed

In the sunken lobby lounge and at BLDG, the rigour

into two-dimensional works,” Kraemer explains. “I

of the hotel’s Brutalist concrete 5ft-tall window bays

thought, ‘well, wait a minute, these women need to

suddenly become welcome pops of warmth and light

be celebrated!’ Like in many cases with women of that

clad in warm oak, while in the guestrooms, the team

time who were overlooked, it was later discovered

contended with the narrow 10ft typical room width

that they were doing things like industrial design

that the precast window modules dictated, by creating

and furniture design.” In celebration of Anni Albers,

a modular kit of parts. Closets, headboards, side tables

perhaps one of the most notable female Bauhaus

and desks are all deftly built-in to give the illusion of

artists, whose medium was textile, Becker solicited

space that belies the compact footprint. Each piece

Brooklyn-based quilter Cory Emma Siegler. Tying

of millwork is crafted to a tee, reflecting the same

the sustainability initiative into her work, Siegler

masterful techniques employed by students of the

produced quilted montages for the guestrooms using

Bauhaus. Breuer’s iconic steel framed Cesca chair

old fabric samples donated by Dutch East Design to

is an essential feature of every room, while modern

create Bauhaus-inspired, upcycled works of art. Other

additions come in the form of furniture by Stellar

notable players in Becker’s symphony of female artists

Works and sleek bathroom fittings by Kohler.

were Celia Johnson – who made a film about women

Also crucial to the project was Kraemer Sims Becker,

in the Bauhaus – and Howardena Pindell, one of the

Bruce’s wife and a celebrated fine artist. Her mission

first black women to receive a Master of Fine Arts

was to integrate meaningful art pieces into the project

degree from Yale.

as possible, tying infinite threads between the women

But perhaps the most valiant task in this great

of the Bauhaus and modern art in America. “The

renovation story was Bruce Becker’s ambition to

Bauhaus made an unflattering comment about the

convert the entire 110ft structure’s fossil-fuel-powered

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infrastructure to solar energy. “We have a one

Lotta, Vice President of Architecture & Design

megawatt-hour battery in the building, which

at Hilton Global Design Services, explains:

is the equivalent of 15 Tesla batteries,” he says

“Our collaboration fans the creative flames

as he opens the door to a room that stores the

of our partners to tell a unique story through

energy generated by some 1,000 solar panels –

design and architecture. We are thrilled to

more are planned. “We are currently generating

partner with such visionary teams to imagine

about 372kw of energy; the building is actually

how Marcel Breuer himself might transform

using 207kw, so this is a net positive day, and

this historic building into a hotel in 2022,

it isn’t even noon yet!” he confirms, illustrating

with an understanding of today’s guests. The

the stats through an app on his phone. “It’s

preservation of the Brutalist architecture icon

more important that buildings be all-electric

and its transformation into a hotel that evokes

than net zero, because as the city electrical

the spirit of 1969 were essential to preserve the

grids become 100% renewable, your building

record of Modernist evolution.”

will be carbon-neutral.” Becker certainly walks

As Becker gets into his brand-new Tesla Model

the talk; his own home is 100% solar-powered

S and drives off onto the adjacent highway, he

and he even enlisted California-based Maxwell

passes the large concrete block that once stood

Vehicles to convert a gas-guzzling Dodge Ram

dark and vacant in a non-descript Ikea parking

shuttle van into a fully functional EV to serve

lot. But it is now his concrete block, shining

as the hotel’s house car.

as a welcoming beacon and a fine example of

For Hilton Worldwide, the project is a

the forward-thinking, conscientious spirit that

major step in its ambitions towards net zero

once drove Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer,

hospitality, whilst adhering to the individual

and now drives him in a constant crusade to

design credentials of Tapestry Collection. Vito

improve architecture.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Bruce Redman Becker, Kraemer Sims Becker Operator: Hilton Worldwide Architecture: Becker + Becker Interior Design: Dutch East Design Lighting Design: Focus Lighting Procurement: Canoe Hospitality Main Contractor: Consigli www.hotelmarcel.com

Six Senses SHAHARUT Israeli businessman Ronny Douek makes his hospitality debut in the Negev desert with a restrained resort inspired by the Nabateans. Words: Emma Love Photography: © Assaf Pinvhuk (unless otherwise stated)

n hour’s flight south from Tel Aviv, Israel’s landscape couldn’t be more different. The arid Negev desert makes up more than half the country’s total land

mass and its most southerly point – the Arava Valley, which borders Jordan – has only 5,000 inhabitants. It’s here, in this remote region, with spectacular views of the Edom mountains, that Israeli businessman Ronny Douek has opened his first hotel: Six Senses Shaharut. “I have a strong affinity with the desert and was looking for many years to build a property here,” he explains. “At one stage I took a helicopter to see a piece of land on the Ramon Crater, but there was an existing development and I wanted somewhere totally isolated. On that same flight, the pilot told me about another 64 acres, which already had permission for a hotel – something that can take 10 to 15 years for approval.” He bought the land in 2008, spent the first four years securing planning and then another nine on construction before eventually opening the hotel in 2022, with the worst of the pandemic over. Taking inspiration from the nomadic Nabateans, who some 2,000 years ago would camp on the Incense trade route from the Persian Gulf to Gaza – they also carved Petra from the sandstone cliffs – Douek knew that he wanted the resort to blend in with the surroundings. He asked students from the architecture department at Jerusalem’s Bezalel University to prepare a white paper setting out their proposals, then ran a competition for local architects. “I asked the students to take into consideration our aim of reflecting the traditional Nabatean way of life,” he recalls.

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Artefacts and artworks are on display throughout the resort, including decorative plates by artist Rachel Elimelech Urbach in the spa’s relaxation space

“I wasn’t looking to build a monument, I wanted to

of building materials. “We invested in materials that

create something that integrated into the landscape.”

weren’t necessarily the cheapest, but the best from

The tender was won by Tel Aviv-based Plesner

an ecological and traditional point of view,” he

Architects, who came up with the idea of constructing

confirms, referring to the fast-growing eucalyptus

the 60 villas and suites by chipping out limestone

wood for the pergolas, reclaimed teak rescued from

and flint from the cliff so that from a distance, they

boats and buildings for the doors, and the tadelakt

are barely visible. The first two years were spent

plaster technique for the internal walls and floors of

excavating, then artisan families from the Palestinian

the rooms.

city of Hebron hand-chiselled the stones that are used

This level of effort extends to the lighting too: “The

for everything from the low walls around the terrace

sky is amazing at night and we didn’t want to disturb

of the bar and restaurant to the amphitheatre, where

it, so we created lighting that faces into the property

musicians from the nearby artists enclave of Shaharut

rather than outwards,” Douek reveals. “I did a lot

comes once a week to play the guitar at sundown.

of testing, standing on hills around the periphery to

“The design inspiration is the compelling infinitude

make sure that there was no light pollution.” Even

of the desert,” says Daniela Plesner, Partner at Plesner

the uniforms by Fashionizer – which has its own

Architects.“We wanted the stones, patterns, textures

sustainability initiatives, chiming well with the Six

and colours to be omnipresent, resulting in architecture

Senses ethos – are considered, as is the bedding,

that is woven in with the natural elements. Preserving

comprising organic mattresses by Naturalmat. Now

the spirit of the place was the primary design principle

the resort is up and running, eco measures include

of this resort.”

composting food waste, a zero plastic policy and using

Another of Douek’s concerns from the outset was

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a palm grove to absorb all grey water.

sustainability – the hotel is the first in Israel to achieve

The suites and villas range in size from 58-644m2,

LEED certification – resulting in a considered selection

the largest being a three-bedroom Private Reserve

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with its own spa treatment room, gym and

Feigin and the Great Rift Valley Relief, made

al fresco dining spaces. All have a similarly

from recycled cement and sand by Ilana Aviv,

restrained decorative style that reflects the

which spans the walls of the Experience Centre.

natural surroundings, with cosy wool rugs and

Alongside desert activities like hikes,

earthenware wall sconces by Mabua Studio,

e-biking trails and off-road 4x4 adventures, the

as well as a cream tasselled wall hanging that

other key pillars of the resort are the cuisine

covers the television by textile artist Erez

– a combination of Israeli and Mediterranean

Nawi. Sliding glass doors make the most of the

influences served with herbs and vegetables

mesmerising desert view beyond, and in the

from the onsite organic garden – and the spa

bathroom, brass taps add a warm accent to the

with its Alchemy Bar, outdoor yoga programme,

limestone sink.

and green-tiled swimming pool enveloped by

Artefacts and artwork are on display

rows of perfectly formed archways. Douek’s

throughout the resort, from a collection of

future plans include adding solar panels and

ancient camel saddle carpet bags – the hotel

gaining permission for another category of

has its own camels, which guests can ride –

glamping-style guestrooms.

to a framed Yemenite wedding dress in the

Whatever he does though, his commitment to

relaxation area of the spa and embroidered 18th-

causing minimal disruption to this expanse of

century Ottoman prayer carpet in reception.

desert remains. “The challenge has always been

“I visited Rajasthan and bought many objects

not to disturb what was already here. It took a

from there, while textiles are from the Ottoman

big effort not to be present,” Douek concludes.

Empire and Istanbul,” says Douek. New pieces

“From outside, the hotel looks very modest;

include decorative plates by artist Rachel

we’re not trying to impress, we’re trying to

Elimelech Urbach, glass vessels by Maayan

embrace. That’s the story of this place.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Ronny Douek Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Architecture: Plesner Architects Interior Design: Ronny Douek Uniforms: Fashionizer www.sixsenses.com

Fashionizer, has worked with Six Senses for nearly 10 years, providing uniforms for all the group’s spas. The Six Senses Shaharut introduced a new chapter in the collaboration when Fashionizer was invited to create the hotel uniforms as well. Fashionizer aligns all its couture design with the values of the client and the context of each property to create uniforms that are part of the narrative of the place. Sustainability and environmental impacts are also top of the agenda.

Why not ﬁnd out what the Fashionizer team can do for your staﬀ image.

www.fashionizer.com

info@fashionizer.com

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Kalesma MYKONOS K-Studio and Studio Bonarchi bring their innate knowledge of Greek culture and design to the Cyclades, creating a hotel that is in tune with its surroundings. Words: Guy Dittrich Photography: Courtesy of Kalesma (unless otherwise stated)

erched atop a steep, rocky spur on the southwest tip of Mykonos, just a short boat ride from the sacred island of Delos, Kalesma – which translates to ‘invitation’

in Greek – is home to 25 suites that combine beautifully curvaceous white volumes with cool, dark interiors linked by a private terrace and pool. This seamless duality between the architecture of K-Studio and interiors of Studio Bonarchi expands to include vernacular and contemporary elements, as well as a limited materials palette of contrasting textures. The overarching experience is one of true luxury – space, tranquillity and thoughtful design, from masterplan to details. Straddling the peninsula and looking down over Ornos Bay, the estate was home to the grandparents of siblings Sofia and Makis Kousathanas, who are co-owners alongside Aby Saltiel, with whom they also own two restaurants in Athens. Planning began some seven years ago, with K-Studio and Studio Bonarchi – both based in the nearby Greek capital – engaged from the start. And it shows. “The experience of each space was carefully planned,” explains Studio Bonarchi founder, Vangelis Bonios, of the organic process between the two firms. “The architecture was developed to be in tune

with the surroundings,” adds Dimitris Karampatakis, cofounder of K-Studio.

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In response to the bright exteriors, interiors are cave-like with dark ceiling beams and flooring, while natural textures such as linen and rattan add warmth

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Karampatakis takes up the historical story of

two parts of every suite are built with a slight

how when couples got married, they built their

taper to the external walls, feature curved

first home as the start of a village, to which

edges and are covered in white render. The

more and more buildings were added around

tapered walls mean shorter – and cheaper –

the main communal space, or plateia, as life

ceiling beams, while the round edges are easier

progressed. At the western end of Kalesma’s

to achieve. And the render comes from local

plateia is the aloni, a traditional stone circle

limestone. All speak to the humble origins of

for threshing wheat, which has been retained

this former farming-fishing island.

and restored. Centred in its middle is a firepit

Suite entrances are protected from the

and sitting around the flames, watching the sun

relentless prevailing northerly winds by

dip behind Delos, is a magical moment. Magical

courtyards, or avlis, where doors are intentionally

but there by design. The design, or rather

misaligned. Equally, small windows set high in

masterplanning of K-Studio. Karampatakis

north-facing walls funnel a manageable wind

explains: “The moment is captured by aligning

through each residence. Pergolas with sweet-

the main axis of the palatia along the sun’s

smelling jasmine also provide shading at larger

east-west path.”

openings and thick walls are sustainable in

The hotel village comprises cube-like volumes

moderating temperature. The entrance avli

supported by drystone wall terraces, which step

of each suite includes an outdoor shower and

down the hill following the contours of the land.

direct access to the super-sized bathrooms with

The drop between terraces is sufficient for each

large, semi-sunken tubs.

suite to have its own private pool and sea view.

Joining the bath and bedrooms are atriums

The construction elements also follow many

leading to verandas with dining areas and

of the island’s vernacular fundamentals. The

private pools. Some of the larger suites include

www.jardinico.com

Stone, marble and plaster feature prominently throughout Kalesma, while the curves of the exterior are repeated inside at the meeting of walls and floors

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outdoor kitchens too. The atrium walls are

lining the narrow streets of nearby Mykonos Old

made from open breeze blocks of a triangular

Town. Other notable marble work is seen in the

form, typical of local nesting towers for pigeons,

two under counter mini-bars – one for wines

which throw out unusual shadow patterns.

and the other for complimentary soft drinks –

The interiors meanwhile illustrate the

that feature book-matched stone doors. The

duality of Kalesma. In response to the bright

same treatment for bedside tables speaks of

exteriors, the dark interiors are like “elegant

quality and longevity.

caves” according to Bonios. Dark casework is

Much of the stone used was sourced from the

seen in headboards, ceiling beams and window

nearby island of Tinos and whilst the materials

and door frames. Solid wood shutters at the

palette may be concise, there is further contrast

full-height French doors ensure total blackout,

in texture. Circular stone dining tables are both

essential for early sunny mornings and given

smooth and hammered. So too are the stone

the sheer white linen curtains. Linen is part of

basins. Even the bathroom mugs by German

the limited materials palette and is used to add

brand Blomus are matte on the outside and

opacity to the shower cabins by sandwiching it

glazed on the inside. A high level of attention

between panes of glass.

to detail and consistency in application.

Stone, marble and plaster also feature

“The interiors show the coexistence of

prominently, while the curves of the exterior

contemporary and traditional values,” explains

are repeated inside at the meeting of the walls

Bonios. A decorative element of wheat sheaves

and floors – a radius of perfect proportions. A

in the entrance avli that references the threshing

similarly curvaceous and sturdy cantilevered

circle are opposite the automated sliding glass

vanity, underlit with LED striplighting, has a

doors to the hotel proper. Within the cocoon

stone inlay made from the same dark stone

of the suites, a large mirror pivots away from

D i s cove r how your C ontrac t Pr oject ca n be susta ina ble with high per for m a nce at fer r ei r ad esa.com

the wall to double as a flatscreen TV. Control is

monolithic stone slabs that step around large

via an iPad, which also regulates lighting and

existing rocks. A lengthy lap pool welcomes

air-conditioning. Sliding doors reveal ample

guests, whilst the adjacent mirror pool links

hanging space plus yoga mats and chrome

the wood-lined lobby and retail area with the

weights, and beneath the lobby is a gym kitted-

bar and Pere Ubu restaurant, which specialises

out by Technogym. The luxury of detail and

in mezze dishes and shared meals. All these

surprise within in a local envelope.

areas are indicative of the Cycladic rhythm of an

Local

connection

indoor-outdoor way of life. And whilst the bar,

furniture

restaurant and its show-grill are shaded by a

commissioned by Bonios, which makes up some

pergola, there is also indoor dining. Just behind

80% of all furnishings. Just looking at lighting

the kitchen is a terraced garden where vines

alone, bespoke bedside lamps with leather and

are developing, and a small church beautifully

metal detailing are reminiscent of a horse’s

hand-decorated with religious imagery

bridle, and wall lamps in the lobby feature

reinvented in a contemporary way. Nearby, two

decorative horsehair elements. The local area is

spacious villas complete the development.

complemented

through bespoke

design

called Alogomantra, the place of the horses, and

Once an island with limited prospects,

the hotel’s visual identity features Camargue-

Mykonos today is attracting a wealthy tourist

style horses and a logo, also embroidered into

crowd who will appreciate the virtues of

the pillowcases. Of the remaining lighting,

Kalesma. At all levels, its considered geometries,

the off-the-shelf pieces include lamps from

layout and luxury interiors are enticing. Even

Christian Liaigre and from Lumina, the sleek

more they feel so of the place, harmonious and

Daphine lamp family by Tommaso Cimini.

connected, allowing the natural beauty of the

The public areas of Kalesma are reached up

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Cyclades to shine through.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Sofia Kousathanas, Makis Kousathanas, Aby Saltiel Architecture: K-Studio Interior Design: Studio Bonarchi Lighting Design: CPLD Main Contractor: Azas Construction www.kalesmamykonos.com

bdbarcelona.com Gardenias collection by Jaime Hayon contract@bdbarcelona.com

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som QATAR A new wellbeing resort in the Middle East combines the sacred design proportions of Axel Vervoordt with an elemental elegance that references Qatari heritage. Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: © Don Loriezo

rom its location on the northern Qatari coastline, Zulal appears as if a mirage on the horizon. The same could be said of the sea that travels out for miles across the

site’s mangrove beach, producing a lunar landscape as the Gulf waters retreat, only to transform into a more familiar scene when the tide returns. Just as Al Khasooma Beach – home to migrating flamingos – plays tricks with the imagination to create intrigue and wonder at the natural landscape, so too does the geometric majesty of Zulal’s built environment. This is the first wellness destination from Msheireb Properties – Qatar’s premier real estate developer – designed to be a game-changer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by foregrounding Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) in a bid to establish it alongside other ancient healing practices such as Ayurveda & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), while reintroducing the wisdom regionally to new generations. The expertise of Thailand’s Chiva-Som – which has avoided venturing into new territory for more than 27 years, until now – adds wellbeing gravitas. This mission also feeds into Qatar’s National Vision 2030, under which environmental and human development are two of the key pillars. State-led Qatar Foundation, parent of developer Msheireb Properties, recognises that health

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Rooted in the sacred proportions of design, the resort’s Qatari stone entrance centres around a circular pool representing the circle of life

110

is a cornerstone of human development, so

would walk their camels for miles to this very

to encourage local families to engage with

spot to drink.

wellbeing from an early age, Zulal divides into

Spread over 9.6 hectares, the 280,000m 2

two properties immediately upon arrival. On

destination references traditional Qatari

one side, visitors find Zulal Discovery dedicated

building materials and techniques, with sand,

to families, and on the other, the adults-only

salmon and off-white stone and render creating

Serenity. Neatly, the Qatari stone entrance, with

dwellings that enclose gardens and courtyards,

its circular pool, discreetly supports this guest

whether water- or plant-filled. The architecture

journey while also giving a visual hint of the

partly delivers a sense of wellbeing through

internal spaces set to unfold.

voluminous spaces. Vervoordt’s additions to

Renowned Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt,

the interiors lend intimacy to the hierarchy of

who has a track record with the Qatar

spaces, closing openings to generate passages

Foundation and whose work on this project

while injecting different atmospheres to areas

has contributed significantly to Zulal’s story

of the masterplan, according to their function.

and soul, explains more: “With the round

Set against a foundational and organic

water acting like a circle of life, complemented

backdrop of rough-hewn stone, woods, metal

by a stone-framed opening that provides the

and glass, the resort features a collection of

first glimpse of the ocean and sky beyond, our

artworks, with some dating back to BCE and

idea was that the horizon should appear like

others very much 21st century. These sculptures,

a window of the void. This is the Japanese

paintings and textiles guide visitors through

concept of Ma, which literally means framed

a passageway and down a gently lit staircase

emptiness.” Appropriately, Zulal translates as

to an arresting space – the House of Wisdom,

‘pure water’ and local myth has it that Qataris

which also doubles as an informal lobby. At the

Award-winning outdoor furniture

Teak – Stainless Steel – Aluminium

www.teak.com

Taking its name from Iraq’s ancient centre of learning and intellect, the House of Wisdom features a library with a handwoven rug from Queen Elizabeth’s own collection

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centre of this soaring room is Anish Kapoor’s

creative Sadaharu Horio – a former member of

early sandstone sculpture, Void.

the Gutai art movement. To ensure a connection

Considering the choice of Kapoor, Vervoordt

to the destination, the resort has also partnered

says: “Our central cube, made of Qatari stone, is

with Yousef Ahmed, a pioneer of Qatar’s modern

undeniably a place for rest, peace and meditation

art movement.

– one that holds a powerful message. Conceived

As opposing forces, an alluring Tea House

and constructed in dimensions of 1 x 1 x 1 as a

and a smart Apothecary act as bookends for the

symbol of the first act of universal creation, the

cube while another boundary flows seamlessly

number one belongs to humanity and so the

into a library stocked with 2,500 tomes. This

cube represents a welcoming gesture as a source

is where the House of Wisdom takes its name

of energy, wisdom and healing.” He continues:

– from Iraq’s famed ancient centre of learning

“Within the cube, Kapoor’s strong and silent

and intellect, associated with the Golden Age

work embodies his ability to give body to the

of Islam. “For me, a library is an essential part

void, like an abyss or glimpse into infinity. It’s

of a house, but this can also be the case in a

an ideal concept for meditation.”

resort,” Vervoordt reveals. “It’s the room where

Other highlights of the collection, as selected

knowledge, wisdom and education reign, where

by Vervoordt, include a large painting by

different cultures meet, and where science,

Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, whose work “is as

philosophy, art, history and biology interact.

close to the forces of nature as one can be”

Our library, a warm, inviting place where guests

according to Vervoordt; a white marble sculpture

can sit at the table and read for hours, takes on

by Belgium’s Dominique Stroobant selected for

more meaning at Zulal because mobile phones

its precision and sensuality; and playful and

are not allowed in the public spaces.” As an

spontaneous cuttings of paper from Japanese

inviting addition to the monumental reading

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table, a handwoven rug from Queen Elizabeth’s

leather seating, while fine-dining venue Acacia

collection now finds a home here.

is a tonal play on grey, with light and shadow

Much like the understated character of the

used to sophisticated effect. It is the attention

Qataris, colour and pattern are used sparingly

to the smallest of details that belies the design

across the resort. The 74-treatment room

simplicity of Zulal Serenity, from the Safran

wellness centre features teal-coloured doors

Paris plates in Acacia – exclusively engraved

and woven lamp pendants to gently reference

with their own unique mangrove design – to

the local fishing community, while pebbles

the leaves of the Al-Sidr tree imprinted on the

act as natural borders in the hydrothermal

external walkways.

area, which also pairs striated marbles with

Rooted in Qatari heritage as well as the

lattice-work screens. With multiple wellbeing

sacred proportions of design associated with

and beauty modalities catered for at Zulal, it

Vervoordt’s team, Zulal Serenity cossets and

is the Qur’anic courtyard gardens that serve as

liberates visitors in equal measure through a

a unifying thread. Edibles and plants feature

confluence of intriguing and textural spaces that

heavily in TAIM prescriptions; fittingly, the

never forget the landscape in which they sit.

gardens are abundant with balancing, cleansing,

The natural landscape itself plays a pivotal role

moisturising and medicinal species from

in wellbeing practices from Earth-grounding

jasmine and olives to papaya and pomegranates,

walks to sustainability-learning activities for

tuberose to aloe vera and arrowroot.

families. All together, this connection to Mother

Forming the F&B offering of Serenity, all-day

Nature, heritage and healing means that Zulal

Al-Sidr restaurant invites light and air through

Wellness Resort is a considered an inspirational

its gentle curves and floor-to-ceiling windows,

destination for visitors intent on engaging with

complemented by Moorish tiling, screens and

their wellbeing in the Middle East.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation Operator: Chiva-Som Architecture: Goco Hospitality Interior Design: Axel Vervoordt, HBA Main Contractor: Al Sraiya Trading & Contracting Company www.zulal.com

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07/07/2022 15:51

Clockwise from top: NoMad London, Marylebone Lane Hotel, The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush, The OWO / Raffles London and The Ned.

We are proud to have played a part in the conversion and restoration of some of London’s most significant hospitality projects including the The Ned and NoMad; and look forward to the launch of our latest of these schemes The OWO / Raffles London along with the unveiling of our new build Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush and Marylebone Lane Hotels.

The Hotel of Tomorrow The Gettys Group takes to the metaverse for the latest edition of its global think-tank, discussing the future of hospitality design and service aboard a virtual airship.

What will the next generation of hotels look like?

city hotels, combining the traditions of ancient

How will they function? And what are the most

healing with technology-enhanced, multi-sensory

pressing challenges for the hospitality industry?

elements in an environment tailored to the needs

The Hotel of Tomorrow (HoT) – a global think-

of tired travellers.

tank launched by Chicago-based design and

In all, the eight-month collaboration brought

consulting firm The Gettys Group – seeks to

together more than 200 members – including

answer such questions.

representatives from Marriott International,

Having focused its efforts on developing

Hilton Worldwide and IHG – both in-person

responses to the pandemic during the 2020

and digitally to discuss and deliberate the topics

edition, this year’s HoT concentrated on some

at hand, culminating in three virtual reality

of the challenges that hospitality professionals,

gatherings and a closing summit aboard a custom-

technology experts and product developers are

built airship in the metaverse. More than 800 ideas

facing at present, from automation, personalisation

were generated through the process, six of which

and modularity to visualisation, sustainability,

have now been revealed (see overleaf).

wellness and community. Words: Ben Thomas

“We hope that we started or extended important

In a change to its traditional format, the 2022

conversations within the participating companies

programme enlisted 25 partners to determine

around ESG, technology’s place in hospitality

the subject of conversation, with hotel operators,

service and design, and the stewardship of

architects, designers and product manufacturers

hospitality within their communities, not to

chosen for their expertise and unique perspective.

mention health and wellbeing beyond the obvious

In addition, an international design competition

applications and integration,” explains Ron

entitled the HoT Ed Challenge was held with

Swidler, Chief Innovation Officer at The Gettys

universities and research groups, gathering the

Group, who leads the think-tank with a passion

thoughts of eight forward-thinking teams. The

for pioneering ideas. “We also hope that we

winning project, devised by a group from Haaga-

helped foster new relationships and collaborations

Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki,

between members of the HoT community, and

targets underutilised areas within hotels, tapping

inspired the next generation of hospitality leaders

into Finnish culture and tradition to create

to see our industry as one that is ready for their

immersive experiences. Billed as Spa-X, the

integration and innovation.”

concept is envisioned as a sanctuary within busy

www.hotel-of-tomorrow.com

1. ROBOTIC RESET

2. SENSE & SATISFY SUITE

3. A(R) WORLD IN PLAIN SITE

Robotic Reset (pictured on previous page) is

Championing personalisation, the Sense & Satisfy

An augmented reality overlay accessed

a flexible guestroom solution that integrates

suite anticipates the needs of its occupants through

through any smart device, A(R) World

automated and retractable furniture, as well

biosensors that monitor wellbeing, interacting and

in Plain Site is a data-driven system

as robot-delivered elements to meet changing

communicating via voice commands and holography.

that enhances hospitality experiences

guest needs. Smart furnishings incorporated

An anti-gravity sleep and mindfulness chamber

by offering select information, from

in the walls, floors and ceilings allow

observes vital signs and adjusts light intensity,

weather and air quality updates to hotel

residents to exercise, dine, rest and work

audio, temperature and air quality accordingly, while

programming. The information is also

within the same space, with the bed rising

an integrated smart window provides entertainment

available in a guest’s chosen language and

into the ceiling when not in use to provide

through AI-sorted data. Dietary requirements are

legibility scale.

room for exercise equipment. The concept

taken care of via waste analysis, and there’s even a

also features lounge seats that emerge from

holographic pet for those in need of a companion.

the floor to accommodate social gatherings.

118

THE RESULT: A personalised experience that serves

THE RESULT: A more efficient, dynamic

each guest individually, meaning they depart feeling

living environment aided by automation.

better than when they arrived.

THE RESULT: An entire layer of real-time and purposeful data accessed through a traveller’s own device.

THE HOTEL OF TOMORROW

4. RESTORATIVE RESORT

5. REBUILDABLE BUILDINGS

6. ENERGY CENTRE HOTEL

The Restorative Resort concept makes

A mechanised meeting room constructed using

Energy Centre Hotel is a building model

better use of under-utilised swimming

modular and mobile components, Rebuildable

that anticipates advances in localised energy

pools with the introduction of self-

Buildings can be assembled and dismantled via

collection, storage and distribution. The

contained, mini-lodging units. Developed

robotic automation. Programmed in advance, the

structure comprises a flexible, translucent

with the popularity of glamping in mind,

stage, tables and banquet chairs self-configure,

and photovoltaic skin tasked with absorbing

the mobile, prefabricated modules provide

while a modular chandelier can be encoded to

solar energy, which is then stored in the

a private retreat for two or even a small

assume a variety of shapes and visual effects, and

building’s basement and distributed to

group. Powered by solar energy with

holographic table monitors convey screen data from

neighbouring properties. The mixed-use

temperature controlled via geothermal

the stage to the viewer. There’s even a robot to set

development also twins with a virtual model

technology, they offer a unique guest

the tables.

to track and display real-time information

experience in a biophilic setting.

THE RESULT: A highly adaptable meeting

about the actual building performance.

THE RESULT: A new guest suite that

space, reset by automation, that utilises modular

THE RESULT: A hotel that better serves its

capitalises on indoor/outdoor spaces for

components to help reduce and reuse waste.

surrounding community through the supply

retreat and restoration.

of clean energy.

119

Construction Pipeline Global Hotel Groups Marriott International has the largest pipeline in the world, according to new data from Tophotelprojects, with the USbased group counting 993 four- and fivestar projects in the works, amounting to a total of 208,286 rooms globally. Since its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016, bringing the number of brands in its portfolio to 30, Marriott has continued to grow in all regions, though over 50% of its pipeline is in China and the USA, with the cities of New York, Xian and Sanya amongst the hotspots. Hilton Worldwide, meanwhile, is the second most-active group globally, with the greatest concentration of projects in New York and Nashville, followed by Dubai and London. For Paris-based Accor, construction pipelines are focused on Europe and the Middle East & Africa, where the group takes the top spot by number of projects. The cities of Dubai, Paris and Doha count the greatest number of Accor projects under construction, with Riyadh and Jeddah also in the top ten. Hyatt has its greatest concentration of projects in Asia Pacific, and IHG paints a similar picture with China being a key target market. And finally, Radisson Hotel Group is making headway in Europe and the Middle East & Africa, with the Radisson Blu brand set to debut in locations across the UK, Italy and Romania.

Tophotelprojects is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide. For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

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AMERICAS

Projects Rooms

MARRIOTT 389 71,124

HILTON 329 51,775

HYATT 122 24,573

IHG 118 17,072

ACCOR 79 12,734

ACCOR 181 28,512

MARRIOTT 112 19,344

HILTON 103 15,990

IHG 95 15,794

RADISSON 65 12,134

EUROPE

Projects Rooms

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Projects Rooms

ACCOR 129 33,699

MARRIOTT 100 23,318

HILTON 91 21,652

RADISSON 57 11,491

IHG 49 14,456

MARRIOTT 392 94,500

HILTON 282 61,681

IHG 278 61,781

ACCOR 228 50,125

HYATT 185 41,355

ASIA PACIFIC

Projects Rooms

BUSINESS CENTRE

THE GLOBAL PICTURE At a global level, Marriott International has the largest pipeline with 208,286 rooms across 993 projects. This is followed by Hilton Worldwide with 151,098 rooms (805 projects) and Accor with 125,070 rooms (617 projects). Honing in on individual brands, five of Hilton’s brands appear in the top ten, while Hyatt is ramping up development for Hyatt Place, and IHG for Hotel Indigo.

993 805 617 540 364

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

136

35,724

Hilton Garden Inn

122

21,779

Hampton by Hilton

110

15,967

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

106

29,709

Hyatt Place

15,806

Hotel Indigo

16,306

DoubleTree by Hilton

19,767

Courtyard by Marriott

14,440

Home2 Suites by Hilton

11,381

Holiday Inn Express

11,589

Data in this report is extracted from the Tophotelprojects database and includes only four- and five-star hotel projects. 121

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2022-06-08 10:36 AM

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Jo&Joe plans Chinese growth

Also in 2020, Country Garden signed a partnership with serviced apartment specialist

built out more than 66m2 of floorspace. Net gearing stood at 45% at the end of 2021.

Ennismore, Accor’s lifestyle division, has

Oakwood to launch a new localised brand,

Wyndham, meanwhile, continues to build

signed a partnership agreement that could see

Oakwood Beluxs, across China. The pair have

on its position as China’s largest international

more than 1,000 Jo&Joe branded hotels pop up

targeted 100 properties by 2030. Oakwood had

hotel franchisor. It has more than 1,500 hotels

across China. The move could take the lifestyle

previously expanded its eponymous brand in

across the country trading under 11 of its 20

brand to a scale not yet seen for anything in

the country, and currently has 11 sites in China.

brands, and finished 2021 with 153,800 rooms

the segment. It is the latest in a series of such

In early 2021, Funyard agreed a strategic

deals with Chinese group Country Garden, all

partnership with Minor International, aiming

promising to help deliver international hotel

to grow its Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana,

HA PERSPECTIVE

brands into the market.

Tivoli and NH brands across mainland China.

By Chris Bown: It is the breathtaking scale and

Accor and Country Garden say they have

No number targets were mentioned as the deal

pace of development that never ceases to amaze.

worked together previously for several

was signed. Ji Hongjun, president of Funyard

But, by and large, partnerships with local Chinese

years, “on hotel projects involving premium

Hotels & Resorts, commented: “The pandemic

developers look to be delivering for the international

hospitality brands”. And, with 500 hotels across

is further accelerating the process of the Chinese

brand groups.

Greater China, Accor has also used partnership

economy shifting toward the domestic market.

Country Garden/Funyard looks to be a good

agreements to drive growth, notably with

This means new opportunities in domestic

partner, already delivering for Hilton at a pace

Huazhu, which is delivering Ibis and Mercure

tourism and hospitality. We and Minor Hotels

that should give others confidence that it can get

hotels across the country.

are both convinced that China’s resort market

developments under way. The group appears to

is full of potential.”

have created its Funyard hotels division as a sensible

Country Garden, and its two-year-old hotel

in Greater China.

subsidiary Funyard, already have extensive

Reporting in January 2022, Funyard stated:

connections with international hotel brands,

“In just over a year since its establishment, it

But will Funyard have the resources to keep

effectively giving it several options when

has managed and prepared about 260 hotels and

delivering hotels? That exposure to the Chinese

considering a hotel development.

more than 55,000 guest rooms, covering seven

residential market is the biggest worry for the future.

major regions including South China, Central

Country Garden appears in the top three of Chinese

China, East China and Southwest China.”

real estate developers alongside Evergrande, which

In mid-2020, Country Garden and Hilton signed a strategic partnership under which

diversification away from residential real estate.

Country Garden would deliver up to 1,000

Hilton’s arrangement with Country Garden

in recent months has hit the headlines for all the

Home2 Suites across China. At the time, the

is a second successful partnership in China.

wrong reasons. Evergrande defaulted on debts last

pair were already collaborating on a half dozen

In 2014, the group signed a deal with Chinese

year, in a failure that has had knock-on effects for

hotels that Country Garden was developing.

partner Plateno to grow the Hampton brand

its peers, including their ability to tap international

“We know from our success with several

across the country. That agreement survived

dollar-denominated debt markets.

existing properties that Country Garden is one

Plateno being merged into the larger Jin Jiang

Concerns over Country Garden’s debt levels and

of the strongest players in the Chinese property

group. By 2020 the pair celebrated the signing

residential market exposure led ratings agency Fitch

market,” said Alan Watts, Hilton’s president,

of 500 projects, and extended the management

to downgrade the company to negative in early April

Asia Pacific. “We are thrilled to continue

license agreement to 2034. They set fresh goals

2022, noting “decreasing contracted sales and sales

working with them to introduce a new Hilton

of signing more than 1,000 properties and

collection since 3Q21, as well as a declining profit

brand to China and realise our shared vision to

opening at least 400 hotels in China by 2024,

margin of the sector. Country Garden has been

build more than 1,000 Home2 Suites together.”

and today have 250 Hamptons listed as open.

able to access the capital market, but the difficult

As of April 2022, Funyard reported it had

Country Garden has been established for 30

funding access and operating environment for

signed 150 contracts to develop Home2 Suites

years, and is a Hong Kong listed company with

Chinese property developers adds to uncertainties.

sites across the country, with nine listed as

a substantial residential development business

The company’s leverage is higher than that of most

trading and a further nine listed as coming soon

in China as its leading division. In the year to

investment-grade peers.”

on the Hilton’s booking website.

2021, it delivered sales of RMB558bn, having

Hilton, Accor and Minor will all be hoping Country

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Garden can shake off its woes and keep building

the weaker growth outlook there is now the huge

and by uniting Hyatt and AMR Collection’s

hotels.

change in geopolitics that makes autocratic regimes

complementary luxury all-inclusive portfolios

like that in the PRC much less attractive to Western

into the Inclusive Collection, we’re bringing

HA PERSPECTIVE

interests. There is a decoupling under way, and it

them world-class services under one portfolio

By Andrew Sangster: This story builds on another

would be a brave individual that claimed they know

with more all-inclusive resorts than ever.”

that painted a gloomy picture of the long-term

how far this will go. China looks unlikely to start

prospects in China. I say gloomy only in that the

sharing Western values anytime soon.

previous outlook had been so bullish: now it is much more moderate.

China will remain a significant market for hotels but not quite yet at the level of North America or

programme, enabling members to earn and burn points at a broader range of resorts.

There are two issues with growth in China:

Europe, particularly for non-Chinese brands. The

At Accor, the group has launched a multi-

whether it will happen to the extent envisaged and

Western global major hotel brand companies need

branded All-Inclusive Collection, building on its

whether it will be profitable. Even when I was more

to start reframing their growth ambitions with more

experience with the Rixos brand. Rixos claims

bullish on China prospects, I had doubts about the

of a European lens. Europe is an already established

market leadership in Turkey, the Middle East

incredible numbers being talked about. But these

market, albeit one where they have struggled to

and Central Asia, with 24 resorts open and

have been largely confounded. The openings have,

make as much headway in.

a further 26 signed. Now, it will add similar properties under the Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman,

pretty much, happened. Typically, these master development deals create a flurry of interest for both the brand and the developer – which suits both parties – but then quietly fail to deliver on promises. But the fanfare does its job by

Sunbeds out for an inclusive summer

Swissotel and Movenpick brands. “The post-Covid travel market is witnessing a renewed desire for leisure stays,” said Gaurav Bhushan, CEO Accor lifestyle & entertainment

helping to secure debt and land opportunities, even

Hotel groups are waking up to the value of

and Co-CEO of Ennismore. “Accor’s strategic

if rarely to the extent that the bullish projections can

the leisure customer, reformatting their offer

decision to double down on the all-inclusive

be met. Except, it seems, in China. Will it be so again?

as resort business is set to boom through

segment, the fastest growing sector in this

I’m not so sure. Property developers in the PRC are

the coming summer. Major players are also

market and build upon its success with Rixos,

facing an existential crisis. Evergrande is just part of

responding to an uptick in consumer demand

capitalises on this opportunity.” Accor will

the story and there are many chapters to come in the

for all-inclusive holidays after two years of

look for opportunities in Europe, Middle East

property meltdown.

travel restrictions. Accor has just announced

Africa, Turkey, Asia and Central America and

There is much scepticism about official statistics

plans to develop a multi-brand collection of all-

the Caribbean, aiming to get to 100 all-inclusive

on the scale of the problem with independent

in resort offerings, while Hyatt is shuffling its

resorts within the next five years.

economists typically painting a much gloomier

portfolio after the acquisition of Apple Leisure.

Hyatt’s Apple acquisition has fundamentally

picture. The unofficial sources suggest that property

The leisure boost was also evident in first

shifted the Hyatt business, as was evident

development and related industries account for as

quarter figures from Minor International, and

in first quarter results, which CEO Mark

much as 30% of Chinese economic output and this is

from Spanish groups Melia and NH.

Hoplamazian presented with barely a mention

likely to contract to represent 15%. In most Western

At Hyatt, a new Inclusive Collection has been

of city centre hotels. The figures were, he said,

developed economies the property sector is more like

pulled together, giving guests a clear choice for

“the strongest demonstration yet of how Hyatt

10% of GDP.

those who prefer to pay an all-in price for their

is evolving as a fundamentally stronger and

Optimists will point out that the Chinese

stay. The collection pulls together six recently

better positioned company,” with transient

Communist Party is seeking to boost domestic

acquired Apple brands, with Hyatt’s existing

leisure now responsible for around half of

demand, moving away from mostly export-driven

Ziva and Zilara brands, plus a new brand yet to

current business.

growth. This will certainly boost hotel demand

launch, Vivid.

within China.

124

Over coming months, the AMR properties are also being brought into Hyatt’s loyalty

“Our

customer

base

and

portfolio

In total, the collection amounts to 107

concentration allow us to realise a consistent

Whether the CCP succeeds in shifting its growth

properties, both in the Americas and across

rate premium in this environment. The strongest

model from exports to domestic demand is

Europe. Amy Weinberg, Hyatt’s senior vice

demonstration of that was March and April,

questionable. Most likely there will be a significant

president for loyalty, brand marketing and

where we achieved a system-wide average rate

growth slowdown with the current 5% or less a year

consumer insights, explained the rationale:

of USD195 and USD199, respectively, the two

growth being the new normal, rather than the 10%

“We heard from our guests and members that

highest ADR months in Hyatt’s history.” With

plus enjoyed in the past few decades. Coupled with

they are looking for more all-inclusive options,

around 80% of earnings generated within the

BUSINESS CENTRE

Americas, the group benefited from the earlier

HA PERSPECTIVE

look forward to expanding our venture soon in

recovery of those markets, he acknowledged.

By Chris Bown: Leisure has returned faster than

locations such as these.”

“We have reached a new phase in this recovery,

business, that is clear – but its return has also

Cairn director Aneil Handa told Hotel Analyst

where actualised performance and future

encouraged hotel groups to refocus on what looks to

the joint venture “is a co-investment platform

bookings clearly validate our own confidence

have the best opportunity, and right now the lagging

- it enables us to have more firepower. And the

in the future. ALG is trending significantly

business and group segment is far less in favour than

aim is to create institutional assets”.

ahead of our expectations in every measurable

prior to the pandemic. Is this a fundamental shift in

The group, which reported revenues of

dimension. We’re making quick and meaningful

focus? Maybe for the next couple of years at least, as

GBP91.2m in the year to April 2020, operates a

integration progress and foresee reaching our

the world of business works out whether work from

number of food and beverage venues alongside

2023 earnings target significantly ahead of

home remains a thing, and online meetings shrink

its hotel portfolio, and is a major operating

schedule. We told you when we closed the deal

back as a phenomenon.

platform with around 3,000 staff. Eleven

that we expected to be able to demonstrate a

Meanwhile, Hyatt’s acquisition of Apple looks

properties operate under its Cairn Collection

low double-digit multiple by the end of 2023.

to have been a brilliant deal – either by luck or

banner, while there are also hotels under

We’ve already done it.

judgement, the timing could not have been better

Marriott, IHG, Accor and Hilton flags.

“It’s going to be difficult for me to moderate

and the buyer is enjoying far more upside than they

Cairn’s last major growth step was in 2016,

my enthusiasm, because the data is quite clear.

ever expected. And thanks to a war in Europe that has

when it acquired five hotels from the Hotel

The embedded ADR in our Q2 bookings for the

brought spiking inflation, consumers are coming to

Collection, with funding support from long-

AMResorts business is up 22% over 2019 levels.

love the assurance of all-inclusive pricing.

term banking partner HSBC.

And if you look at the Americas, outside of ALG

Cairn has previously joint-ventured with

for Hyatt, our leisure-focused business is up

Starwood Capital, rebranding one of its assets

38% in rates for Q2 bookings.” Spanish leisure resorts are also bouncing

Investors back operators

to provide a launch vehicle for Barry Sternlicht’s Treehouse brand in London. Cairn agreed in 2019

back, allowing CEOs to finally look forward

Investors are lining up to back UK hotels,

to refurbish its St Georges Hotel in Langham

with confidence. At Melia, CEO Gabriel Escarrer

confident that the market is returning strongly,

Place, to create the 95-room launchpad for a

Jaume commented: “The full recovery of resort

and setting aside short-term economic worries.

brand Sternlicht promised would be “a hotel

hotels is now expected, with a record-breaking

PGIM Real Estate has agreed a joint venture with

that revels in the fun of it all and doesn’t take

Easter in Spanish resort destinations and the top

Cairn Hotels, with the two working together

itself too seriously”. Having reopened after the

tourist destinations in the Mediterranean - we

on new acquisitions. And private investor

pandemic, the hotel is now trading well and in

expect a summer season with a higher RevPAR

Mactaggart Family & Partners has doubled down

May had its best month to-date.

and average rate than 2019.”

on its hotel commitment, buying the Sleeperz

Melia has been growing its business with travel

business and priming it for expansion.

Handa said Cairn had kept all its hotels open during the pandemic, enabling it to retain core

agencies and tour operators, particularly via its

Privately held Cairn, which currently operates

management teams and exploit blue collar

MeliaPro.com channel. The company has linked

33 hotels across the UK, is gearing up to

business from essential workers. That business

with almost 56,000 travel agency partners, and

acquire more properties. It has set up a new

demand has stayed strong, and in May the

has more than 131,000 travel agents signed up

arms-length division, Madison Cairn, to work

group averaged 80% occupancy.

to its Melia Rewards programme. In its earnings

with PGIM as a co-investor, as it seeks out

Madison Cairn intends to look at both

report, NH Hotels noted a strong rebound in

acquisition targets. The pair have already picked

standing assets in need of upgrading, but

the leisure market since mid-February. First

off their first acquisition, an as-yet unnamed

will also cast an eye over new developments,

quarter occupancy averaged 55%, growing to

hotel in Brighton.

perhaps providing funding to unlock stuck

70% in March. For April, NH said RevPAR across

“We are delighted to be working with the

projects. Cairn’s experience managing hotels

Spain as a whole beat the 2019 comparable. In

Madison Cairn team, who are one of the most

under a variety of major brands, as well as on

Italy, occupancy reached 54% in March, while

experienced operators in the sector,” said

their own, provides options when repositioning,

in Benelux the figure improved to 47%. “The

Charles Crowe, managing director and head of

said Handa.

Easter break, when we revisited pre-Covid

UK transactions at PGIM Real Estate. “We share

And seasoned hotel investor Mactaggart

levels, and the excellent trend in bookings,

their conviction that the prospects for selected

has acquired a majority stake in niche brand

lead us to believe that 2022 will mark a full

good-value domestic leisure markets have

Sleeperz, buying out investors Costain and

recovery,” said CEO of NH, Ramon Aragones.

strengthened in light of recent events, and we

Connection Capital. The deal gives it control of a

125

BUSINESS CENTRE

budget hotel chain with sites in Cardiff Dundee,

place to trade. Having successfully integrated some

the exploration of differentiated investment

Edinburgh and Newcastle - which it plans to

substantial assets from its Hotel Collection purchase

strategies. Higher risk and lower liquidity are trade-

expand quickly. Mactaggart already owns the

back in 2016 and 2017, Cairn clearly knows what

offs for opportunities that offer better returns.

Resident brand, which itself has four London

needs to be done to turn a newly purchased hotel

Investing in hotels and other forms of operational

hotels, one in Liverpool and a pipeline site in

into a profitably trading asset. It has visibility across

real estate have historically been perceived as higher

Edinburgh due to launch in 2024.

the branded landscape, from Holiday Inn to Indigo

risk relative to more established real estate asset

and DoubleTree, as well as knowing how to operate

classes. But the changing dynamics of real estate

some substantial standalone properties.

investment, where occupier markets are in a higher

“Sleeperz is a different but complementary guest product and investment strategy, alongside our Resident Hotels platform, and

With PGIM sitting alongside, it’s ready to go. But

state of flux than usual, notably in retail and office,

underlines our faith in the hotel sector and

it shares the same challenge as investor Mactaggart

is helping to change attitudes to other so-called

city-centre hotels in particular,” commented

as it seeks to expand Sleeperz and The Resident: all

alternative real estate segments.

Mactaggart CEO William Laxton.

that’s needed now, is to find suitable acquisition

The Sleeperz brand is set to come under

targets at the right price.

the management of seasoned hotelier David

it does right now.

Orr, who leads the Resident and recently

HA PERSPECTIVE

piloted the brand’s Covent Garden hotel to win

By Andrew Sangster: It used to be the preserve of

Tripadvisor’s best UK hotel award for 2022. “We

private equity to enter the market by buying up a

look forward to engaging with property owners

platform, adding to it and then exiting. But longer-

and institutions as well as securing sites direct

term money is now keen on platforms too, seeing

as we expand the brand,” commented Orr.

them as the way to buy-in expertise to make further

“There are aligned values and synergies between

investments in operational real estate.

Sleeperz and The Resident as a platform, as well

PGIM published a whitepaper at the end of March

as significant differences, and this brand gives

outlining its own thinking. Called ‘New Frontiers,

us the opportunity to access more destinations

finding the untapped opportunities in alts’ it said:

in the UK.”

“Private alternatives have the potential to unlock

Also hoping to tap into a market where investment funds are looking for major

substantial yields and longer-term credit protection over comparable public assets”.

hospitality assets are the owners of London’s

Back in 2020, PGIM also predicted that big

Hard Rock Hotel. Starwood Capital and

institutional asset managers might be a suitable

L+R jointly own the 1,017-room asset, with

home for investment styles that were previously done

Bloomberg reporting JLL and Eastdil Secured

by independent and niche investment managers.

have been hired to seek out potential buyers.

The relative outlook for hotel and operational real estate investment has rarely looked as benevolent as

The multi-affiliate model (sometimes called

However, any sale would also have to take

multi-boutique) combines the benefits of size with

account of the lease on the building, currently

independence. The appeal of this approach explains

held by GLH, who engineered the rebrand to

why the big names of investment are now dabbling

Hard Rock. The index linked lease has a break

in the ponds of hotels and other operational real

in 2031 but according to a recent assessment

estate asset classes.

by agents, is overrented to the extent that, as

PGIM’s deal with Cairn is also interesting in that

of February 2021, the leasehold interest had a

it combines what might be seen as a single family

value of minus GBP31m.

office with an institutional investor, albeit via a separate entity on an arms-length basis. Similar

126

HA PERSPECTIVE

combinations seem a likely outcome of the current

By Chris Bown: As with so many other UK hotel

environment.

businesses, Cairn suffered brutal losses during the

Equity valuations are close to all-time highs,

pandemic. But as one of those that kept on trading,

particularly in North America, but also in Europe. The

it is benefitting from the upturn as customers

highest inflation since the 1970s and rising interest

return but, more importantly, it has the staff in

rates is creating market volatility which encourages

Hotel Analyst is the news analysis service for those involved with financing hotel property or hotel operating companies. For more information and to subscribe visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk

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BUSINESS CENTRE

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. London

3. Jeddah

Occupancy 72.0% ADR GBP151.42 RevPAR GBP108.98

Occupancy 64.4% ADR SAR901.40 RevPAR SAR580.62

2. Berlin

4. Sydney

Owing to increased business travel and an influx of tourists through the Easter holidays, April 2022 saw London’s hotel industry report its highest monthly occupancy since February 2020. Daily occupancy stayed above 60% throughout the month, with the exception of Easter Monday (50.2%). The highest occupancy level was recorded on Tuesday 26 April (83.7%) indicating a return of corporate demand.

Berlin’s hotels reported their highest monthly occupancy and room rates since late 2019 according to preliminary data for May 2022, with music, sporting and trade events amongst those attracting travellers. Occupancy was the highest since November 2019, though it is still 6.7% lower than the pre-pandemic comparable (May 2019), while ADR and RevPAR exceeded 2019 levels.

Occupancy 77.9% ADR EUR114.19 RevPAR EUR88.90

128

As religious tourism rebounds and hotel developers look to new opportunities across Saudi Arabia, Jeddah has reported its strongest performance since September 2019. But despite the gains, each of the KPIs are still significantly lower than the pre-pandemic comparables from May 2019 – occupancy (-6.4%), ADR (-29.4%) and RevPAR (-33.9%).

Following Australia’s reopening of international borders, hotel performance in key markets is showing signs of improvement. According to data for May 2022, Sydney hotels reported steady occupancy, while room rates fell slightly from the prior month. The highest daily occupancy for the month (82.8%) came on 28 May, the first Saturday of Vivid Sydney, a city-wide music and light festival.

Occupancy 65.1% ADR AUD233.96 RevPAR AUD152.32

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors. For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com

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AHEAD, the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design, has revealed this year’s finalists for the Asia and Americas regions. From an eco-friendly no-walls, no-doors retreat nestled in the Balinese jungle to an artistic haunt in downtown Brooklyn, both shortlists demonstrate the wide variety of hospitality experiences on offer today, as well as the quality and originality of architecture and interior design concepts. This year also sees the introduction of a Sustainability award, open to hotel projects that have demonstrably followed principles of sustainability through the entire design-and-build process, from masterplanning and construction to fit-out and FF&E selection, as well as in day-to-day operations. “We first attempted to get a Sustainability category off the ground ten years ago, but at the time there weren’t

enough hotels that took the issue seriously enough to warrant an award,” explains Awards Director Matt Turner. “That has changed in significant measure now and we will be looking at our potential winners in forensic detail; beyond the usual certifications to company culture, operational policies and guest experience as well as design details.” Projects will be assessed by a panel of industry experts – chaired in Asia by Troy Hickox of Galaxy Entertainment Group, and in Americas by Gary Dollens of Hyatt Hotels Corporation – who will take into account both creative excellence and commercial viability. The winners will then be announced during live ceremonies in Singapore and New York, with owners, operators, architects and interior designers all in attendance. To secure your spot, tickets are available via the Sleeper Media store.

www.aheadawards.com

HOTEL CONVERSION Crystalbrook Kingsley – Newcastle, Australia Crystalbrook Collection / EJE Architecture / Suede Interior Design Osborn House – Bundanoon, Australia Adam Abrams / Linda Boronkay Design Studio / Mac Design Studio Shangri-La Shougang Park – Beijing, China Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts / Lissoni Casal Ribeiro Six Senses Fort Barwara – Rajasthan, India Espire Hospitality / Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas / Panika / Abhikram / Mitchell & Eades / ASA Design India

B A R , C LU B O R LO U N G E

HOTEL NEWBUILD

BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – Thailand Country Group Development / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Hamiltons International / AvroKO

Hyatt Centric Melbourne – Australia Little Group / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Architectus / Hecker Guthrie

Argo at Four Seasons Hong Kong – China Sun Hung Kai Properties / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / AB Concept The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – China Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Wilkinson & Cilley / Silverfox Studios Tease at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon – Thailand King Power International / Standard International / Hayon Studio

Sanya Sumei Skyline Coast Boutique Hotel – Shenzhen, China Sanya Sumei Skyline Coast Boutique Hotel / Songhua Liu / Chunlei Zhao / GS Design Taoxichuan Hotel – Jingdezhen, China Jingdezhen Taoyi Culture Development Co. / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / David Chipperfield Architects / AIM Architecture The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon – Thailand King Power International / Standard International / Hayon Studio

E V E N T S PA C E S

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N & R E S T O R AT I O N

Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City – China Hangzhou Aux Real Estate Co. / IHG / Interscape Design Associates

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an Qujiang – China Xi’an Qujiang Cultural Industry Investment Co. / Hilton Worldwide / Infinity Junction Design / HBA

Hilton Singapore Orchard – Singapore OUE / Hilton Worldwide / DP Architects / Avalon Collective W Osaka – Japan Sekisui House / Marriott International / Nikken Sekkei / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates / Concrete

Finolhu – Baa Atoll, Maldives Seaside Collection / Muza Lab Hilton Singapore Orchard – Singapore OUE / Hilton Worldwide / DP Architects / Avalon Collective

W Xiamen – China Powerlong Real Estate Holdings / Marriott International / Tongji University Architecture & Design / HBA

Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay – Singapore UOL Group / Pan Pacific Hotels Group / FDAT Architects

GUESTROOMS

L A N D S C A P I N G & O U T D O O R S PA C E S

Buahan – A Banyan Tree Escape – Bali Banyan Tree Holdings / Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts / Gede Kresna / Ramawijaya International Design / Studio Tana

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape – Bali Banyan Tree Holdings / Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts / Gede Kresna / Ramawijaya International Design / Studio Tana

Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden – Aichi, Japan Nagoya Railroad Co. / IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan / KKS Group

Patina Maldives – Fari Islands, Maldives Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotel Group / Studio MK27

Hotel Indigo Suzhou Grand Canal – China Longfor Properties Co. / IHG / UA Studio 7 / HBA

Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts – Japan Tokyu Land Corporation / Hilton Worldwide / Tokyu Architects + Engineers / 10 Landscape Associates / Blink Design Group

Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts – Japan Tokyu Land Corporation / Hilton Worldwide / Tokyu Architects + Engineers / Blink Design Group

V Villas Phuket – Thailand MGallery by Accor / Studio Gronda / OBA Architects

AHEAD

L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S

S PA & W E L L N E S S

Hilton Singapore Orchard – Singapore OUE / Hilton Worldwide / DP Architects / Avalon Collective

Joali Being – Bodufushi, Maldives Gurok / Autoban / Atolye4n

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui – Thailand Samui Vipat Co. / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / The Office of Bangkok Architects / August Design Consultant / P Landscape Co.

Flow at Patina Maldives – Maldives Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotel Group / Studio MK27

Shangri-La Shuogang Park – Beijing, China Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts / Lissoni Casal Ribeiro W Osaka – Japan Sekisui House / Marriott International / Nikken Sekkei / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates / Concrete

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands – Male, Maldives Pontiac Land Group / Marriott International / Kerry Hill Architects / WATG Away Spa at W Osaka – Japan Sekisui House / Marriott International / Nikken Sekkei / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates / Concrete

LO D G E S , C A B I N S & T E N T E D C A M P S

SUITE

Buahan – A Banyan Tree Escape – Bali Banyan Tree Holdings / Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts / Gede Kresna / Ramawijaya International Design / Studio Tana

Presidential Suite at Hilton Singapore Orchard – Singapore OUE / Hilton Worldwide / DP Architects / Avalon Collective

RAAS Chhatrasagar – Nimaj District, Rajasthan Walled City Hotels / Nikhilendra Singh / Studio Lotus Silky Oaks Lodge – Mossman, Australia Baillie Lodges / Gary Hunt / Pike Withers SUJÁN Sher Bagh – Rajasthan, India The Sujan Life / AndBeyond / Anjali and Jaisal Singh

RESORT Joali Being – Bodufushi, Maldives Gurok / Autoban / Atolye4n Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts – Japan Tokyu Land Corporation / Hilton Worldwide / Tokyu Architects + Engineers / Blink Design Group The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands – Male, Maldives Pontiac Land Group / Marriott International / Kerry Hill Architects / WATG The Standard, Hua Hin – Thailand Sansiri / Standard International / Onion Architects / Shelley Kwok / Studio Freehand

R E S TA U R A N T Estate at Hilton Singapore Orchard – Singapore OUE / Hilton Worldwide / DP Architects / EDG Design Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – China Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Wilkinson & Cilley / Silverfox Studios Jampa at Tri Vananda – Phuket, Thailand Montara Hospitality / Habita / Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect / AvroKO Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Xiamen – China Xiamen Paragon Real Estate Co. / Hilton Worldwide / Aedas / AB Concept

The Beach House at Patina Maldives – Maldives Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotel Group / Studio MK27 André Fu Suite at The Upper House – Hong Kong, China Swire Hotels / André Fu Studio Extreme Wow Suites at W Osaka – Japan Sekisui House / Marriott International / Nikken Sekkei / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates / Concrete

HOTEL CONVERSION Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel – Los Angeles, USA The Kor Group / Proper Hospitality / Omgivning / Kelly Wearstler Hotel Saint Vincent – New Orleans, USA MML Hospitality / Zach Kupperman / Christian Strobel / Jayson Seidman / MetroStudio / Lambert McGuire Design Pendry Chicago – Illinois, USA Montage International / Rodina / Booth Hansen / Studio Munge Rosewood São Paolo – Brazil BM Empreendimentos / CTF / Rosewood Hotel Group / Jean Nouvel / Philippe Starck

B A R , C LU B O R LO U N G E

HOTEL NEWBUILD

Nearly Ninth at Arlo Midtown – New York, USA Quadrum Global / Gerber Group / Marvel Architects / Meyer Davis

Ace Hotel Brooklyn – USA Bond Street Lessee / Ace Hotel Group / Stonehill Taylor / Roman and Williams

Panorama Room at Graduate Hotel Roosevelt Island – New York, USA AJ Capital / Call Mom / Stonehill Taylor / Parts and Labor Design Desert 5 Spot at Tommie Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA Relevant Group / Ten Five Hospitality / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Steinberg Hart / Studio Collective / Bernadette Blanc The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans – USA The Buccini/Pollin Group / CallisonRTKL / Virgin Hotels / Mathes Brierre Architects / Logan Killen Interiors

Casa Silencio – Oaxaca, Mexico El Silencio Holdings / Casa Silencio / Alejandro D’Acosta / Martina D’Acosta Etéreo – Riviera Maya, Mexico GIM Desarrollos / Auberge Resorts Collection / Migdal Arquitectos / Meyer Davis Hotel Terrestre – Oaxaca, Mexico R&B+K Constructora / Grupo Habita / Taller de Arquitectura X / Fernanda Romandia & Diana Backal

E V E N T S PA C E S

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N & R E S T O R AT I O N

1 Hotel Toronto – Ontario, Canada Mohari Hospitality / SH Hotels & Resorts / The Architects Alliance / Rockwell Group

Fairmont Olympic Hotel – Seattle, USA Tamarack Capital Partners / Fairmont Hotels & Resorts / Accor / MG2 / Lázaro Rosa-Violán / Parker-Torres Design

Montage Big Sky – Montana, USA Lone Mountain Land Company / Montage Hotels & Resorts / Hart Howerton / BraytonHughes Design Studios

Park Lane New York – USA The Witkoff Group / Highgate / PBDW Architects / Yabu Pushelberg

The Langham – Boston, USA Great Eagle Holdings / Langham Hotels International / Dyer Brown / Richmond International

The Newbury Boston – USA Highgate / New England Development / Jeffrey Beers International / CBT Architects / Champalimaud Design / Ken Fulk / Major Food Group

Tommie Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA Relevant Group / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Steinberg Hart / Studio Collective / Bernadette Blanc

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman – Cayman Islands Dart Enterprises / Marriott International / Champalimaud Design

GUESTROOMS

L A N D S C A P I N G & O U T D O O R S PA C E S

Ace Hotel Brooklyn – USA Bond Street Lessee / Ace Hotel Group / Stonehill Taylor / Roman and Williams

Habitas Bacalar – Mexico Habitas

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans – USA Two Canal Owners / Woodwards Interests / Carpenter & Company / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Cambridge Seven Architects / Bill Rooney Studio / BRSS Studio Habitas Bacalar – Mexico Habitas Rosewood Sand Hill – California, USA Rosewood Hotel Group / NicoleHollis

Hacienda AltaGracia – Costa Rica Gencom Group / Auberge Resorts Collection / The Friedkin Group / Garnier Arquitectos / Nina Gotlieb / Greenplan Playa Viva – Juluchuca, Mexico David Leventhal / Playa Viva / Nomadic Resorts / Jorg Stamm / Regenesis Rosewood São Paolo – Brazil BM Empreendimentos / CTF / Rosewood Hotel Group / Jean Nouvel / Philippe Starck

AHEAD

L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S

S PA & W E L L N E S S

Ace Hotel Brooklyn – USA Bond Street Lessee / Ace Hotel Group / Stonehill Taylor / Roman and Williams

Habitas Bacalar – Mexico Habitas

El Prado Hotel – California, USA Ferrado / The Ness Group / Crestline Hotels & Resorts / Carrasco & Associates / NicoleHollis Etéreo – Riviera Maya, Mexico GIM Desarrollos / Auberge Resorts Collection / Migdal Arquitectos / Meyer Davis Fairmont Olympic Seattle – USA Tamarack Capital Partners / Fairmont Hotels & Resorts / Accor / MG2 / Lázaro Rosa-Violán / Parker-Torres Design

Hotel Terrestre – Oaxaca, Mexico R&B+K Constructora / Grupo Habita / Taller de Arquitectura X / Fernanda Romandia & Diana Backal Piaule Catskill – New York, USA Piaule / Garrison Architects Awana Spa at Resorts World Las Vegas – USA Genting / Hilton Worldwide / Marnell Companies / Rodrigo Vargas Design

LO D G E S , C A B I N S & T E N T E D C A M P S

SUITE

Arcana – Ontario, Canada Arcana / Leckie Studio Architecture + Design

Willow House at 1 Hotel Toronto – Canada Mohari Hospitality / SH Hotels & Resorts / The Architects Alliance / Rockwell Group

Inness – New York, USA Taavo Somer / Post Company / CBSK Ironstate / Michael Barry / Lee Pollock / Dutton Architecture / Miranda Brooks Piaule Catskill – New York, USA Piaule / Garrison Architects Playa Viva – Juluchuca, Mexico David Leventhal / Playa Viva / Nomadic Resorts / Jorg Stamm / Regenesis

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – USA Blackstone Group / Hilton Worldwide / PHX Architecture / Virserius Studio Rosewood São Paolo – Brazil BM Empreendimentos / CTF / Rosewood Hotel Group / Jean Nouvel / Philippe Starck Rooftop Suite, The Modern Wing at The Drake Hotel – Toronto, Canada The Drake Hotel / Drake Hotel Properties / Diamond Schmitt / DesignAgency / +Tongtong

RESORT Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – USA Blackstone Group / Hilton Worldwide / PHX Architecture / Virserius Studio

TRANSPORT

Etéreo – Riviera Maya, Mexico GIM Desarrollos / Auberge Resorts Collection / Migdal Arquitectos / Meyer Davis

Aqua Nera Aqua Expeditions / Studio Noor / DJC Studio

Habitas Bacalar – Mexico Habitas

Ponant – Le Commandant Charcot Ponant / Stirling Design International / Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio / Jean-Michel Wilmotte

Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Baja California, Mexico Grupo Questor / Marriott International / Abax / Uribe Krayer

R E S TA U R A N T The George at Fairmont Olympic Hotel – Seattle, USA Tamarack Capital Partners / Fairmont Hotels & Resorts / Accor / MG2 / Lázaro Rosa-Violán Dowling’s at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel – New York, USA The Carlyle / Rosewood Hotel Group / tonychi studio Seneca Trattoria at The InterContinental San Diego – USA CH Projects / AvroKo Primo at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando – USA Craig Lovett / Trinity Investments / Marriott International / Baker Barrios Architecture / Dutch East Design

Vidanta Elegant Grupo Vidanta / Rockwell Group Celebrity Beyond Royal Caribbean Group / Celebrity Cruises / Tom Wright / WKK / Kelly Hoppen CBE

20 SEPTEMBER 2022

6 OCTOBER 2022

10 NOVEMBER 2022

18 NOVEMBER 2022

ANDAZ – SINGAPORE

WEYLIN – NEW YORK

W THE PALM – DUBAI

EVOLUTION – LONDON

EVENT SPONSORS

www.aheadawards.com

C O M P L E T E R E N O VAT I O N O F T H E H I S T O R I C G R A D E I I L I S T E D B O W S T R E E T M A G I S T R AT E S ’ C O U R T I N T O A L U X U R I O U S B O U T I Q U E H O T E L .

Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to have been the main

contractor on NoMad London. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd: vbudd@beckinteriors.com

138

EVENTS

Sleeper Sessions 10-12 May 2022 MYKONOS The hospitality industry descends on Mykonos for the first-ever Sleeper Sessions, where an immersive programme journeys from Ancient Greek architecture through to modern day design. Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Strange Company

rchitecture and design have been

for specifiers and suppliers to share ideas

by Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich,

synonymous with Greece since ancient

and collaborate on active hotel projects. The

which saw design visionaries and thought

times, when landmarks such as the

event was first announced in the midst of the

leaders from across the region and beyond take

Acropolis of Athens rose to form monumental

pandemic, when it became increasingly apparent

to the stage for debates and deliberation; Sync,

citadels, with their distinct structural and

that the sector was in need of a new style of

a meetings schedule powered by an algorithm

decorative features going on to

event, one that would serve their business needs

matching specifiers with suppliers; Sustenance,

and take care of their wellbeing.

a celebration of authenticity and connection

influence

structures in the modern-day. While the mainland is home to temples and

The resulting Sessions has been designed

through local crafts and artisanal activities

amphitheatres, the Cyclades are better known

around connection, with scheduled meetings

like yoga, pottery and sketching; and Social,

for their whitewashed houses and blue-roofed

that enable delegates to do business on a more

bringing people together in informal settings

churches, with the island of Mykonos a striking

intimate scale, and a programme of artisanal

to strike up new friendships.

example of this architectural style. Nicknamed

experiences that get the creative juices flowing.

The Symposium programme saw the notion

The Island of the Winds due to the seasonal

For the inaugural event, attendees headed

of old meets new emerge as the overarching

gusts that whip up over the Aegean, the island

to the south of the island to Royal Myconian,

theme of conversation, a narrative that took

has gained popularity in recent years, with

where suites cascade down the hillside towards

attendees on a journey from Ancient Greek

tourists flocking to visit its famous windmills,

the crystal clear waters of Elia Beach. “Well, we

architecture through to modern day design. The

sandy shores and ever-growing collection of

made it!” said Matt Turner, Sleeper’s Editor-

voyage began with an insightful presentation

beach clubs, bars and restaurants.

in-Chief, as he welcomed the crowd from the

from Dimitris Karampatakis of Athens-based

As such, the island has become a hotspot

hotel’s Sunset Terrace against a sparkling

K-Studio, who put contemporary hospitality

for investment, welcoming dozens of luxury

Aegean backdrop. “Even during the darkest

in context by discussing the inspiration

hotels. In the past, the market has primarily

days of the pandemic, we were steadfast in our

for his landmark projects across the South

been dominated by local operators and small

belief that real-life hospitality events would

Mediterranean, from Kalesma in Mykonos to

independents, however major international

return, holding more intrinsic value than virtual

Dexamenes Seaside Hotel in Kourouta, winner

players are increasingly entering the mix,

alternatives. But we also felt that people were

of the AHEAD Global Ultimate Accolade in 2020.

seeking out prime seafront sites to plant their

going to want to do things differently.”

Speaking on Dexamenes, Karampatakis

flags. A fitting destination, then, for the first

Elevating the traditional conference format,

explained how his studio transformed the

instalment of Sleeper Sessions – a bi-annual

the Sleeper Sessions agenda was split into four

former wine factory into a hospitality venue,

design forum that provides a new opportunity

elements: Symposium, a talks programme hosted

complementing the brutality of the derelict

139

Celebrating authenticity and connection, the Sleeper Sessions programme incorporated talks, scheduled meetings and networking opportunities as well as artisanal activities such as sketching and pottery

structures with contemporary interventions:

and Katja Margaritoglou of Block722 Architects

meetings over the course of the two days.

“If a project has a story and layers of meaning,

revealing how they use materiality to link old

Amongst those in attendance were design

there’s immediately an attractiveness to it. A

with new. Telling all of the design process for

directors and specifiers from hotel groups

renovation usually involves returning to the

The Royal Senses and Numo Ierapetra, both

such as Edyn, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott

glory days of a property, but with Dexamenes

in Crete, Tsoutsikou explained how “the local

International, Six Senses and Puro Hotels, along

we aimed to retain much of the original site.”

way of life and human connection were the

with leaders from design practices including

Applying a philosophical lens later that

most important sources of inspiration” when

David Collins Studio, Anarchitect, Kelly Hoppen

afternoon, philosopher and author Massimo

selecting materials, with humble and modest

Interiors, AvroKo and Martin Brudnizki Design

Pugliucci discussed why Stoicism – which

finishes offset by sophisticated solutions – or

Studio. Meanwhile, the suppliers represented a

teaches the development of self-control

“smooth with rough, detailed with simple”

wide range of product categories and services,

and fortitude as a means of overcoming

as Tsoutsikou put it – to create interesting

with bathroom manufacturers like Laufen and

emotions – is experiencing a renaissance post-

contrasts. Margaritoglou, whose portfolio

Kohler, furniture-makers RH and Stellar Works,

pandemic and how it can benefit architects and

includes the newly opened Casa Cook Samos as

and fitness equipment brand Technogym

designers. “Stoicism is about redirecting our

well as Olea All Suite Hotel in Zakynthos, also

showcasing their latest collections.

inner dialogues to make them more rational,

uses contrast by fusing her own mixed heritage

Enabling

reasonable and efficient – creating a serene

– a result of growing up in Sweden with a Greek

conversation

mindset,” he revealed, before sharing anecdotes

father and Finnish mother – to generate multi-

appointments, the Sustenance workshops –

from his books The Stoic Guide to a Happy Life

faceted schemes: “When living in Sweden, I

led by yoga teacher Anastasia Kalargyrou,

and The Quest for Character, which reinterpret

wanted to visit Greece and discover its culture,

philosopher Massimo Pugliucci, pottery master

life lessons given by Epictetus – a philosopher

and now after 24 years here, I want to discover

Iasonas Damianos and Caroline Smith of Urban

and former slave in Ancient Greece – and

more about Scandinavia. It’s an ongoing

Sketchliner – explored the lessons that could

provide leadership ideas.

journey, but I’ve come to realise that much of

be learnt from ancient times and why the world

my work draws on my personal background.”

is returning to basic pleasures in light of the

Moving through the years, day two of the

140

delegates beyond

continue

their

the

one-to-one

Symposium focused on today’s world, with

Slotted between the Design Dialectics

global pandemic. And when evening fell, drinks

talk of how leading studios are reviving the

sessions, a quick-fire overview by Caroline

receptions, dinners and further networking

ancient techniques through their projects. Titled

List of Tophotelprojects delivered insight on

opportunities allowed guests to catch up with

Design Dialectics, the two-part conversation

Greece’s pipeline, signifying the growth that

industry colleagues over local fare.

began with Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design

is yet to come. List began by presenting data

In something of a full-circle moment, the

– whose projects include The Romanos at

on global markets, before shining the spotlight

closing party was held in the rustic surrounds

Costa Navarino, Mykonos Riviera and Electra

on Greece’s construction pipeline, pointing to

of Scorpios – a modern interpretation of the

Metropolis in Athens – and Ria Vogiatzi of

the 53 projects – accounting for 6,945 rooms –

ancient Greek agora, designed as spaces to

Elastic Architects, which counts Browns Hotels,

currently on the boards, which include Banyan

galvanise the artistic, spiritual and social life of

Aman and Sir Hotels amongst its clientele. “We

Tree Varko Bay and One & Only Aesthesis as well

their community, much like Sleeper Sessions

use history as inspiration but in a considered

as Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino and Raffles

itself. With the sun setting over the horizon,

manner, especially in Greece,” said Vafiadis.

Mykonos. Of the properties in the pipeline, 22

delegates gathered to enjoy a Greek feast cooked

“It’s all translated in the details.” Vogiatzi

are set to open before the end of this year, while

by chef Alexis Zopas and his culinary team, in

agreed, adding that “with every new hotel, we

a further 12 will arrive in 2023. Honing in on

what was a fitting end to a memorable debut.

examine which aspects of the vernacular should

key markets, Athens (7 projects) and Mykonos

be integrated or translated through our design,

(6 projects) have emerged as the hotspots for

Photography from the event, together with a mini

whether that be via architecture or interiors.”

new development.

documentary shot and edited by Strange Company,

Part two of Design Dialectics then delved

Projects were the subject of conversation

further into the resurgence of historic practices,

during the Sync schedule too, which saw each

with Constantina Tsoutsikou of Studio Lost

attendee given a minimum of 15 pre-selected

can be viewed online.

www.sleepersessions.com

EVENTS

141

“The line-up of speakers at The Lobby is on a different level. They are rich in ideas, thought-provoking and inspirational.” Jane Moyses, Director of Projects and FF&E – Hilton Worldwide

23rd August 2022 Villa Copenhagen – Denmark Welcome to The Lobby! The Lobby is an inspiring hospitality event with a focus on the Nordic countries. We bring the industry together to tackle key challenges affecting our planet and its people, offering attendees the opportunity to drive change in a meaningful way. The Crowd Meet the coolest crowd from Europe’s hotel world. We learn from each other – it’s as simple as that! The Lobby is a nourishing get-together where we network and exchange ideas for a better, more conscious hospitality industry. The Programme 22nd August 6pm-11pm Meet the Speakers – Exclusive Networking Location: Vipp Garage Sponsor Workshop During the Exclusive Networking Event, we host a workshop in which the sponsors discuss their sustainability efforts in forthcoming hotel projects. The specific subjects will be selected by friends of The Lobby, who are decision-makers from the European hotel industry.The workshop will be documented and the conclusions handed out to all guests.

23rd August 9.30am-5pm The Conference Location: Villa Copenhagen Throughout the day, speakers will include Serdar Kutucu of Slow; concept artists Riklin Brothers; Catherine Dolton of IHG; Werner Aisslinger of Studio Aisslinger; Cédric Etienne of Studio Corkinho; Marco Lemmers of Conscious Hotels; architect Reiulf Ramstad; and Guillaume Charny-Brunet of Space10, all of whom will discuss the environmental and social challenges faced and their impact on the hospitality industry in the years to come. After party 7pm-11pm Location: The Audo Stay in touch with regular updates on The Lobby website and social media channels. @thelobbycph

Book your ticket and get more info at www.thelobbycph.com

2022 Speakers

Serdar Kutucu CEO – Slow

Riklin Brothers Concept Artists – Zero Star Hotel

Catherine Dolton Chief Sustainability Officer – IHG

Werner Aisslinger Founder and Designer – Studio Aisslinger

Cédric Etienne Founder and Designer – Studio Corkinho

Marco Lemmers Founder and CEO – Concious Hotels

Reiulf Ramstad Founder and Architect – Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

Guillaume Brunet Co-Founder – Space10

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