Sleeper 105

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

RH GUESTHOUSE – NEW YORK • THE STANDARD – BANGKOK MAHANAKHON • THE JULIUS – PRAGUE

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CONTENTS ISSUE 105 086

HOTEL REVIEWS

113

Regent

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Adler Spa Resort

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Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay

076

Immerso

083

The Standard

086

The Julius

095

Phu Quoc Sicily © Ica Studio

Singapore Ericeira

095

Bangkok Mahanakhon Prague © Gionata Xerra

101

25hours Hotel Indre By

101

Bethlen Estates

106

Lost Property

113

Copenhagen Transylvania London

FEATURES Meeting... Gary Friedman

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Meeting... Teddy Mayer

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As RH opens the doors to its much anticipated Guesthouse, the furniture-maker’s Chairman and CEO tells of humble beginnings to scaling a global luxury brand.

© Stephan Lemke

Following Virgin Hotels’ debut in the UK, Creative Director and Vice President of Design Teddy Mayer reveals how the brand is retaining a playful identity while tapping into the locale.

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CONTENTS ISSUE 105 FEATURES

076

Design Details

118

Challenging the Status Quo

123

Radical Innovation

146

AHEAD

135

From a timber-infused suite in London to a South Tyrol spa that appears to defy the laws of gravity, Design Details focuses on the specifics that contribute to the overall experience.

Having disrupted the traditional hospitality model since its inception, Yotel hopes to shake up new markets during its next phase of growth.

The future-forward competition that challenges visionaries to pioneer innovation in travel and hospitality, names its winner.

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Spanning the lengths and breadths of their regions, from the verdant uplands of Bali to the concrete jungle of New York City, the AHEAD Asia and Americas winners showcase the very best in hospitality experience and design.

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REGULARS

© Philip Vile

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165

Check-In

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Drawing Board

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The Lobby

053

Business Centre

152

Fabrics, Surfaces & Wallcoverings

165

Beds, Mattresses & Linens

177

Specifier

181

Check-Out

© Alex Filz

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202

SHADOW by CHELSOM EDITION 27 CHELSOM.CO.UK

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

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L O N D O N

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26/09/2022 13.46

The Human Side of Guestroom Design The guest room plays an essential role throughout a guest’s stay. It’s typically the first place they go upon arrival and the last place they’ll be prior to departure. In between, it serves as their home base: a sanctuary to which they can return for comfort, rest and relaxation. And, as such, it can also ‘make or break’ their stay and leave them with a lasting impression of the property.

That’s why hoteliers invest in making guest rooms both inviting and memorable using, for example, high-quality bedding, bathrooms with spa-like amenities, local artwork, turndown treats, and the latest digital technologies. With themed rooms – and some offering grand pianos, cocktail stations, arcade games, or even campsites for kids – nothing is off limits.

However, the effect of these ‘extras’ is greatly reduced if the room doesn’t cater to its occupants’ basic needs.

In other words, while it’s important to create unique experiences that help guests break from the monotony of everyday life – and a property to stand out from the crowd – it’s equally important not to lose sight of the ‘human side’ of guestroom design. This necessity has been highlighted in recent years by initiatives such as StayWell™

by Delos, which call attention to the need for the built environment to support occupants’ physical and emotional well-being.

To make a space comfortable and responsive to guests’ needs, designers must draw on multiple resources, including psychology, sociology, anthropology – and an understanding of sensory perception. While hoteliers have often led the way when it comes to designs that appeal to more than just sight (e.g., introducing signature scents to trigger olfactory memory, adding textures to provide a more tactile experience), hearing is an often overlooked or misunderstood sense and, unfortunately, noise remains a top complaint across all property types.

Whether they intend to relax, work, receive an in-room spa treatment, or simply get a good night’s rest, guests need an acoustically comfortable room that supports their expectations for its use. Many are also paying greater attention to their personal health and are aware that the

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negative impact of noise goes beyond irritation and sleep disruption; it has also been linked to variations in heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism – physiological effects that can result from volumes far lower than those associated with hearing damage.

Attempts to reduce noise itself (e.g., through quiet floors) have been largely unsuccessful given the variety of sources to which guests are exposed, including in-room equipment, occupants in neighboring rooms and corridors, bars, restaurants, and external traffic, to name but a few. To mitigate their impact, hoteliers must turn to acoustical design strategies. While many are aware of methods used to absorb and block noise, what often surprises those unfamiliar with the physics of acoustics is the need to provide cover, particularly in environments like guest rooms in which the background sound level is rarely more than 28 to 33 A-weighted decibels (dBA). In these ‘library-like’ environments, just about any noise seems loud and disruptive to guests.

For decades, sound masking systems have been used to address this issue within facilities such as offices, banks and hospitals. Using a sound often compared to softly blowing air, this technology provides a higher and more consistent background level, covering up many noises, while reducing the disruptive impact of others. Overall, masking creates a less variable – and, therefore, more acoustically comfortable – environment in which occupants can enjoy improved noise control, speech privacy and acoustical comfort.

MODIO® Guestroom Acoustic Control brings this commercialgrade technology to hotels.

Unlike ventilation or ‘white noise’ apps, its masking sound follows a spectrum specifically developed by the National Research Council (NRC) to balance the need for acoustical control with that of occupant comfort. Data collected from a wide variety of properties shows MODIO can reduce noise complaints by up to 85% and dramatically improve guest scores for comfort and quality of sleep.

This solution is also quick to install, meaning no lost room nights.

While the ‘human side’ of guestroom design can easily be forgotten, it can just as easily be successfully addressed.

A high-quality acoustical environment is calming, physically and psychologically restorative, and paves the way to better sleep—benefits that improve guest experience and, ultimately, lie at the very heart of hospitality.

THE LAST THING THIS GUEST NEEDED WAS A WAKEUP CALL

Make sure your guests wake refreshed and ready to face the day – with MODIO, the only sound masking device specifically designed to let them control their room’s acoustics, just as they do temperature and lighting. The result? Fewer sleepless nights for them. Fewer noise complaints for your hotel.

And a lot of praise for MODIO. It’s a win-win-win situation.

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

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10/12/2019 09:14:27

WELCOME

ON THE COVER RH Guesthouse, New York

Shop ‘Til You Drop

A

long with hospitality, retail is one of the sectors

items that furnish the rooms, from furniture to artwork to

that has suffered most through the pandemic, with

accessories. A new venture called LiBi also offers a similar

shuttered shops and deserted high streets taking

service, making a hotel shoppable through the use of QR codes.

their toll, further accelerating a move towards e-commerce.

It’s an interesting idea, particularly when you consider the

But with excessive use of devices comes digital fatigue, and

desire for brands to cultivate a lasting connection with guests.

many consumers are once again craving real life shopping

But what of the hotels seeking to offer a more traditional

experiences, having missed the delight in happening upon the

shopping experience? In this issue of Sleeper alone, a number

perfect gift while browsing.

of the properties featured incorporate retail into their public

New developments meanwhile are increasingly mixed-use,

spaces. At 25hours Hotel Indre By in Copenhagen, a lobby

blurring the lines between retail, residential, workspace and

store selling souvenirs encourages guests to bypass the

hospitality – each component supporting another in attracting

mass-produced knick-knacks in favour of a locally-made

footfall, keeping visitors on site for longer and encouraging

memento, while The Julius in Prague will soon cater to the

spend. This convergence has led brands to venture into

local community through an outlet stocked with gourmet food

new markets; notably, fashion and luxury goods companies

products from House of Julius Meinl partners. And at The

including Bulgari, Armani and Baccarat, as well as automobile

Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, a curated collection of Thai

manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Porsche and Bentley

design pieces are on sale in the boutique, where the vibrant

have all added hotels or private residences to their portfolio

interiors are reason enough to stop by.

of stores and showrooms, cementing their bid to evolve into a comprehensive lifestyle offers.

Such concepts have benefits for all. Partnerships with local businesses support the community and offer a platform

The same is happening amongst furniture manufacturers

for artisans to showcase their crafts. For the operator, it’s

too. Bedmaker Dux has its own hotel close to its factory in

an opportunity to monetise an underutilised space, not to

Malmö, ideal for clients wanting to test mattress comfort

mention the positive impact on brand awareness as the guest

before specifying in their projects, and now RH has entered the

recalls the hotel experience every time they see or use their

realm, complementing its collection of galleries, restaurants,

purchase back home. And for the guest, it harks back to the

private jets and yachts with a guesthouse in New York City

all-important desire for an authentic experience. Plus, with

– the idea being that they’re not only selling a product, but

a comfy bed waiting just a few steps away, they can quite

an experience. Guests who stay at these types of hotels could

literally shop ‘til they drop.

well become so enamoured by a particular chaise longue or cabinet, that they find themselves hotfooting it to the nearest store to purchase their own.

Some have taken the approach a step further; The Audo in Copenhagen for example is a hybrid hotel and concept store, where guests can stay overnight then buy any of the

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

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GUEST BOOK

086

120

140

095

© William Hereford

© Thom Atkinson

120 Jan Hendzel

086 Verena Haller

095 Julius Meinl VI

140 Adam D. Tihany

A furniture-maker by trade, Jan Hendzel uses both traditional and digital techniques to craft oneoff pieces from his workshop in London. Expanding his repertoire, he has recently completed the design of two suites at Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green. “With this project, we were able to consider how guests experience the furniture as well as how they experience the space,” Hendzel explains, adding that his concept is a feast for all the senses. “It’s visual, but there’s as much for the hands as for the eyes.”

“Our brand is in a constant state of evolution,” says Verena Haller, Chief Design Officer of The Standard. “We strive to create places that are at home in their surroundings while also being distinctive and unique.” Distinctive and unique can certainly be used to describe the group’s new opening at Bangkok Mahanakhon, where interiors by Hayon Studio, Ou Baholyodhin and CAP Atelier combine tongue-in-cheek exuberance, vintage styling and organic forms to create a variety of energetic and eclectic spaces.

“My family originates from the Czech Republic, so it was a natural choice for our first venture into hospitality,” says Julius Meinl VI, sixth generation member of House of Julius Meinl, on the group’s new serviced residences in Prague.

As the driving force behind the Julius Meinl Living brand, which is now expanding across Central Europe, the entrepreneur enlisted Matteo Thun to execute his vision of bringing “accessible luxury to an underserved market”, all the while ensuring the property contributes to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Widely regarded as the founding father of restaurant design, Adam D. Tihany has built a successful career in hospitality, creating interiors for dining spaces before taking on full hotel projects, cruise ships and product design. Career highlights include Four Seasons Hotel at Dubai International Convention Centre, The Breakers Palm Beach in Florida, and a role as Creative Director for Costa Cruises. Tihany was recently honoured at AHEAD Americas in New York, picking up the coveted Outstanding Contribution Award.

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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

o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

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

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© Ki Price, Emulsion London

CHECK-IN

Rami Fustok Having made his mark on London with an eclectic hotel in Fitzrovia, the owner of The Mandrake escapes to Thailand for a seductive fantasy break.

Where are you?

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

Montrachet to go with our first two courses,

On a remote Thai island.

We’re staying in a bungalow with an exclusive

and a glass of Château Margaux red wine to

pool and private beach. The design exudes

accompany dessert.

How did you get there?

a Bohemian feel with natural materials and

We flew in by private jet and upon landing

atmospheric mood lighting.

were picked up by a black Land Rover SUV.

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

Aphrodisiac drinks.

Who designed it?

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Someone with a strong design aesthetic... like

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

Ian Schrager, together with my personal

Frida Kahlo or Alexander McQueen.

Anything by Brazilian novelist Paula Coelho.

wellness healer for the duration of the stay.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

What’s your essential travel companion?

And who’s at the concierge desk?

The restaurant is rustic and warm, serving

Music and crosswords.

The VIP concierge from Wynn Las Vegas.

French and Thai dishes by candlelight. Adding to the ambiance is the enchanting sounds of a

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in

Who are you sharing your room with?

singer and pianist. The relaxing bar opposite

the morning?

My partner Silje Vallevik. And if she’s not

features comfy sofas and plants scattered

A trashy Hollywood gossip paper please.

available, then Barbarella.

around original sculptures.

Is there anything you would like waiting for

Who are you dining with this evening?

you in your room?

Our guests include Jesus, Leonardo de Vinci,

Fresh mixed juices and herbal teas, as well as

Cleopatra, Caligula and Bruce Lee. Also on

Early morning alarm call or late check-out?

beautifully smelling candles and flowers.

our table are Raquel Welch, Freddie Mercury,

Late check-out.

What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?

Aromatherapy Associates.

Gautama Buddha and Mohammed Ali. Bath or power shower?

Who’s manning the stoves?

Both.

Joël Robuchon and Thomas Keller.

Full English, continental breakfast or

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS The Mandrake, London www.themandrake.com

And what’s on the menu?

something different?

Fried langoustines and foie gras pâté to start,

Croque Madame followed by Middle Eastern

followed by a fresh goat cheese and pear salad,

dishes like manakeesh za’atar and labneh. To

scallops and a chocolate dessert to finish.

finish, a mix of avocado and tropical fruits.

Would you like something to drink with that?

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

A buttery, Burgundy white like Puligny-

Spa, as we already have a pool in our room.

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DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Life Tree TULUM

DNA Barcelona has unveiled Life Tree Tulum, a bird’s nest-inspired development in Mexico’s Yucatan region. Slated for completion in 2024, the project comprises 20 hotel suites and 10 villas surrounded by vegetation.

The communal areas, including natural pools, a gym, spa, restaurant and lounge bar, have been designed with the surroundings in mind, while the arrangement of the cocoonlike accommodations above offer privacy and maximum visibility of the landscape.

“Life Tree bases its design on the communion between the natural environment and naturally inspired geometry,” says the studio. “The set of volumes are therefore arranged in a way that promotes the inclusion of green space, allowing the architecture to coexist with Mother Nature.”

In its approach, DNA also looked to mimic organic forms and materials, embracing the setting and conceiving a tree of life that sits at the heart of the resort; guests can wander across elevated walkways to central shared spaces before reaching the privacy of their own nest.

“From a conceptual point of view, we always aim for a fusion between art and technology and in this case, we sought the fusion between nature and architecture, which generates the word ‘Archi-Nature’ as we call it at DNA,” the studio explains. “The project was born from the client’s desire to generate a unique hospitality offering, because today’s traveller wants to return home feeling nourished by a unique experience that is aligned with nature.”

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

The West

Salt Hotels has revealed it will open a new

Beard award-winning chef Tim McKee, whose

hotel, The West in Minneapolis, in late 2023.

restaurant will offer Basque-inspired food

MINNEAPOLIS

A collaboration between local developer

drawing from the cuisines of northern Spain,

Commutator, Snow Kreilich Architects and

with a particular focus on regions like San

Shanghai-based design studio Neri & Hu,

Sebastián, Bilbao and Pamplona. McKee will also

the 123-key property occupies four historic

be launching an Eastern Mediterranean bakery

buildings in the city’s North Loop.

as well as taking charge of events catering and

Inside, Neri & Hu’s scheme – marking one

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Commutator Operator: Salt Hotels Architecture: Snow Kreilich Architects Interior Design: Neri & Hu Main Contractor: Greiner Construction www.salthotels.com

030

the in-room dining programme.

of their first hotel projects in North America –

“I fell in love with Minneapolis the first

combines bespoke furniture, sumptuous fabrics

time I visited,” explains David Bowd, CEO

and specially commissioned artwork with an

of Salt Hotels. “The people are incredible,

industrial-style backdrop of exposed brick and

and the beautiful architecture, along with its

metal trusses.

strong creative culture and appreciation for

The hotel’s lobby meanwhile is housed in a

service and design – both cornerstones of Salt

former brass foundry and comprises communal

Hotels – solidified the city as the destination

workspaces, a fireside lounge, library and bar.

for our latest venture. We’re excited to be

There will also be a stone cellar cocktail bar,

expanding here during a time when so many

a rooftop bar with terrace offering sweeping

transformational developments are opening.”

views of the city, an outdoor dining patio and six flexible events spaces.

Spearheading the F&B programme is James

The West adds to a strong pipeline of openings for Salt Hotels, which includes developments in Nantucket, Newport, Litchfield and Mexico.

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DRAWING BOARD

Luxnam*

The Lux Collective and P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock

destinations with its unique overwater design

Company have signed a management agreement

and extraordinary experiences,” explains Duy

PHU QUOC

for a luxury overwater resort in Phu Quoc,

Tran, CEO of P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company.

Vietnam. Operating under the Lux* brand, the

“The Tropical Modernist resort, designed

126-villa Luxnam* Phu Quoc is expected to

around sustainability, will showcase natural

open in late 2024.

beauty from every room to inspire the most

Nestled between beach and jungle alongside the coral reefs of the UNESCO-listed Kien

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company Operator: The Lux Collective www.theluxcollective.com

032

discerning traveller looking for a natural escape, exquisite design and conscious travel.”

Giang Biosphere Reserve, the resort comprises

Thought to be a first for Vietnam, the resort’s

on-land and overwater wings connected by a

accommodation offering will include 109

4km jetty extending over the lagoon. Though

overwater villas – the majority of which feature

Maldivian in concept, the resort is designed

a private pool – as well as 13 beach pool villas,

with elements of Tropical Modernism, and

two penthouses and two beachfront mansions.

draws inspiration from Vietnamese traditions

Communal facilities will include several bars

reimagined with a Minimalist twist. The

and restaurants – one with individual dining

group’s commitment to sustainability will also

pods perched above the waves – a spa, fitness

be incorporated throughout, building harmony

centre and four swimming pools.

with the surrounding nature and biodiversity.

Luxnam* is one of 12 hotels currently in the

“Collaborating on the Lux* flagship brand,

development pipeline for The Lux Collective

we envision Luxnam* Phu Quoc to become

across Southeast Asia, China, Europe and the

one of Southeast Asia’s top luxury resort

Middle East.

P h B e r n a r d T o u i ll o n

S HO P ON - L INE : e t h i m o . c o m

Showroom

L o n d o n , d e s i g n c e n t r e C h e ls e a H a r b o u r

M i l a n / Pa r i s / R o m e / C a n n e s / C o l o g n e

G r a n d L i f e b y C h r i s t o p h e P i ll e t

DRAWING BOARD

Room2

Room2, the hometel brand conceived by

suppliers is also an integral brand pillar for

Lamington Group, has announced plans to open

Lamington Group, and bespoke fitted joinery is

BELFAST

a fourth property, following in the footsteps of

therefore being sourced from a family business

its groundbreaking net zero venture in Chiswick.

just 35 miles away. Local art students are set

Situated on Queen Street in the heart of

to take over the interior space too, using it as a

Belfast, the 175-key hotel will be spread across

canvas to display their works, while guestroom

nine floors and comprises a restaurant, coffee

wallpapers are being made at a nearby factory

roastery and bar, together with a lounge, 40m2

that uses 100% renewable energy with recycled

gym and laundry room. On the first floor, four

plastic acting as a base for the prints.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Lamington Group Developer: Oakland Holdings Operator: Room2 www.room2.com

034

meeting rooms will provide flexible space for

“Lamington Group strives to push the

events and networking, while a large kitchen is

boundaries of net zero in the hospitality

available to host cooking masterclasses.

industry,” says Managing Director Robert

In line with the Room2 approach, recycled and

Godwin, who reveals that properties in York,

reclaimed materials will be used throughout:

Glasgow and Manchester will follow Belfast

the reception desk is being constructed from

as the company looks to expand its vision

reclaimed oak with recycled plastic bottles

across the UK and reach 5,000 keys by 2030.

making up the countertop; carpets of repurposed

“At the heart of each new property remains

fishing nets line the corridors; and pendant

our commitment to social values, community

lampshades crafted from recycled coffee

engagement, collaboration and the promotion

grounds will illuminate the co-working area.

of sustainable values to educate guests on the

Championing local producers and FF&E

importance of the sustainability agenda.”

Low Lounger by Jaime Hayon 2001 side table by Úbeda & Canalda bdbarcelona.com

DRAWING BOARD

1 Hotel

Melbourne-based studio One Design Office

“We’ve taken trips to various timber yards

(ODO) has revealed further details about its

to explore the possibilities and have found an

MELBOURNE

involvement in the AU$550-million Seafarers

appropriate partner who has collected materials

development, housing a 277-room 1 Hotel and

from 100-year-old demolished bridges,” says

123 branded residences that will launch in 2024.

ODO Director Samson Tiew. “We’re using these

Tasked with designing the guestrooms as

materials as backdrops and bedheads in the

well as common areas including the lobby,

guestrooms to reinforce not only the stories of

bar, signature restaurants, swimming pool and

nature but the maritime history of the site.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Riverlee Operator: SH Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Fender Katsalidis Architects Interior Design: One Design Office (ODO) Landscaping: Oculus www.1hotels.com

036

day spa, ODO is taking inspiration from the

Tiew continues: “Sustainability is our

local natural environment to fuse luxury and

responsibility as designers, and we have a

sustainability. The development incorporates

toolkit of sustainable elements that we can

a number of 1 Hotels’ signature initiatives,

introduce to a project. It takes effort to pitch

from intelligent energy management systems

these ideas to clients, and requires receptiveness

that reduce consumption by an average of

from the clients themselves, but if we can start

17%, to in-room water refill stations that are

by winning with small-scale initiatives, then

estimated to save 1.2 million plastic bottles in

there will be a general market uptake of these

one property alone. Repurposed materials will

sustainable concepts in future. It’s been a joy to

also be a common thread throughout, while

be part of the 1 Hotel process, as it has given us

other elements like wharf timbers, roof trusses,

the chance to redefine what hospitality means

purlins and columns are being sourced from

and express what we believe in. A luxurious

Melbourne’s heritage-protected Goods Shed 5.

space doesn’t have to harm the environment.”

WWW.GOMMAIRE.COM

DRAWING BOARD

Locke

Edyn will take lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke

arrondissement, the architecture of the building

to Paris in 2024, following the acquisition of

and the ethos of the Locke brand.”

PARIS

a historic property in the 5th arrondissement.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Edyn Operator: Locke Hotels www.lockeliving.com

038

The opening continues Edyn’s growth

The redevelopment of the former mansion

across Europe, following the acquisition

will result in a new flagship with 1,000m2 of

and redevelopment of NH Hotel in London’s

social spaces, including a winter garden, high-

Kensington and the launch of Wunderlocke in

concept restaurant and bar set under a restored

Munich, with Berlin’s Locke at East Side Gallery

glass atrium, as well as a coffee shop, co-

next on the list. The group has also announced

working and a gym. Spread over seven storeys,

plans for Locke properties in Zurich and Lisbon,

the property’s 145 studio apartments will be

due to open in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

housed in a new building to the rear of the site.

Stephen McCall, CEO of Edyn, comments:

“The hotel will consist of three distinct

“Locke will be the first design-led lifestyle

architectural elements, each representing a

aparthotel in Paris, and we’re thrilled to

different era,” says Eric Jafari, Creative Director

introduce our forward-thinking brand to such

at Edyn. “A classic 18th century Haussman

an iconic city. After establishing ourselves as

mansion house at the front leads to a 19th century

one of the most innovative hybrid hospitality

industrial factory at the heart of the site, while

groups in Europe, this flagship property further

a newbuild element is being built at the rear.

extends the reach of our Locke portfolio across

Both historical elements are heritage-protected

the continent, at a time when awareness of

and will be brought back to life through a design

extended stay is translating into record levels

approach that draws on the history of the 5th

of consumer demand.”

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17/10/2022 14:53

Meeting…

Gary Friedman As RH opens the doors to its much anticipated Guesthouse, the furniture-maker’s Chairman and CEO tells of humble beginnings to scaling a global luxury brand.

Words: Ayesha Khan

R

etail brands venturing into hospitality is

retailer Mickey Drexler, who is credited with taking

no novel concept, but how many design

the Gap brand to its now-ubiquitous status, taught

brands that started as mere tchotchke

Friedman what it meant to grow a brand. “To this

shops have ventured into the world of

day, I call him one of my mentors. He led Gap through

jets, yachts and luxury guesthouses? That

a complete renaissance, pointing it in the direction

is the very trajectory of RH, originally

of a high-quality product in a cohesive and singular

known as Restoration Hardware, a little company from

way. He was the inventor of vertically integrated

Northern California that has, ever since going public

retail where the store is the brand,” Friedman recalls,

in 2012, peaked at a stock appreciation of 3,000% and

foreshadowing his own approach.

is now worth nearly US$6 billion.

040

Friedman then went on to take a job at Williams-

The man behind the brand is the first to admit that

Sonoma, attracted first by the prospect of moving

his humble beginnings belie the haute aspirations

back to his native Northern California. “It gave me the

of the brand. “I’m the least likely guy to be doing

opportunity to be close to my friends and my mother,

what I’m doing,” says Gary Freidman, as he sits by a

they offered me this big job and doubled my salary

burbling fountain at RH Marin, a 60,000ft2 gallery in

– those things were important to a 29-year-old,”

California that blurs the lines between residential and

he notes. Over 14 years he grew Pottery Barn from

retail, indoors and outdoors, home and hospitality.

a retailer of tabletop and décor to the multifarious

“We didn’t have furniture growing up, I always

outfit it is today, and went on to develop the West

tell people that I was a stamp collector as a kid –

Elm brand, which saw design through a well-crafted

government food stamps!”

Mid-Century lens. But with great success came

The young retailer got his start working as a stock

great disappointment; in a career loss he still calls

clerk at Gap when a community college stint fizzled

“heartbreaking” Friedman was passed up for the CEO

out – “the counsellor told me I was wasting taxpayers’

position in favour of a more conventional choice.

money by going to college,” he quips. He quickly rose

But the ever-tenacious Freidman didn’t skip a beat.

through the ranks, first to store manager, then to

He owes his success in the retail world to his work

district and regional manager. Working with visionary

ethic. “I was just a kid who didn’t know what couldn’t

The brand’s galleries in Chicago, Marin and San Francisco (above) are designed as engaging hospitality experiences, while the newly launched RH Guesthouse in New York (opposite), features interiors clad in European white oak and veinmatched Italian travertine

042

be done, I out-worked everybody,” he says. “People

expanded to 14 locations. To this day, a table at RH

say I had great vision; I don’t know if I’ve had a great

New York’s Rooftop Restaurant, opened in late 2018,

vision, I just stay curious, keep learning and keep

is a hot commodity.

looking around the corner. I’m always on the move.”

So how does such a successful brand continue to

The opportunity to join Restoration Hardware

flourish? For Friedman, it’s all about ambition. “Most

quicky reinvigorated Friedman, and he subsequently

luxury brands were born at the top of the luxury

developed the brand to signify more than just a rustic-

mountain,” he compares. “We believe we can be the

inspired furniture-maker. One of his first initiatives

first brand to climb to the top. We have to work hard

was to build awe-inspiring galleries in historically-

to get there, and do something that is so extraordinary

significant buildings around the US, from San Francisco

and so remarkable that it forces others to tip their hat

to New York City, pushing the task of home furnishing

and respect us.” One of those remarkable achievements

and design to an elevated experience rather than an

was to create RH-branded jets and yachts, available

intimidating one. With the growth of RH’s interior

for charter by the world’s elite. Featuring a slick

design service, Friedman soon thought of offering

phantom grey and metallic champagne-toned exterior

RH’s clients an engaging hospitality experience.

and an interior lined entirely in European oak, RH One

“Our business progressed from selling products to

and RH Two are aviation masterpieces that truly push

selling projects,” he explains. “We arguably have the

the envelope, even for reputed jet-maker Gulfstream.

largest residential interior design firm in the world;

“We built the first all-wood jet interior,” Friedman

people are spending hours, days, weeks and months

explains. “Gulfstream told us that it couldn’t be done,

in our galleries, so how do we make that experience

but we took the risk and it paid off.”

more hospitable? Why should they have to leave to

RH Three, the brand’s 130ft expedition yacht is

eat lunch or dinner?” The first gallery to integrate

equally impressive, featuring four guest cabins and

F&B was Chicago in 2015, and the concept has since

a lounge inspired by the subtle hues of the sand, sea

MEETING…

043

MEETING…

“People are spending hours, days, weeks and months in our galleries, so how do we make that experience more hospitable?”

RH Three is the brand’s 130ft expedition yacht that is available for charter, featuring four guest cabins and a lounge inspired by the subtle hues of the sand, sea and sky

044

and sky. Entirely self-contained, the yacht

Bar and a rooftop swimming pool with daybeds

features its own tenders, jet skis and snorkelling

sculpted entirely from travertine; it’s a veritable

gear – enough to keep the Caribbean and

sanctuary in the middle of the urban bustle.

Mediterranean sailing elite occupied.

The next RH Guesthouse is slated for Aspen

For his next venture, the newly launched

and will include a branded Bath House &

RH Guesthouse in New York’s Meatpacking

Spa. And having reached the heights of the

District, Friedman scouted a historic building

US luxury mountain, Friedman soon plans to

and filled it with RH glamour. “This is the

scale up internationally. The first project is RH

biggest flag we have planted atop the luxury

England, The Gallery at the Historic Aynho Park,

mountain,” he proudly states. “There isn’t any

a 17th-century country estate some two hours

sheet rock or a drop of paint; it’s built entirely

from London. This will be followed by a host of

in European white oak and vein-matched

openings in Paris, Milan, Madrid and even the

Italian travertine,” Friedman says of the

French countryside.

groundbreaking hospitality concept. The street-

To the naysayers who argue that RH’s

level restaurant, The Dining Room, features a

development is too aggressive, Friedman simply

charming Parisian-style indoor-outdoor patio

explains his theory of scaling taste. “We always

and stunning timber-clad coffered ceilings.

thought the idea of scaling taste was a large and

Upstairs, the six guestrooms and three suites

far-reaching opportunity, and when you look at

feature sculpted furniture, no fewer than

the top of the market, it is very fragmented,”

52 integrated lighting points per room, two

he says, alluding to the opportunities for an

bathrooms, a gym, gourmet pantry and a state-

integrated design brand whose development

of-the-art thermoregulated FreshBed sleep

knows no bounds. “There are those with taste

system. There’s also a Champagne & Caviar

and no scale, and those with scale and no taste.”

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24/06/2022 12:04

MEETING…

Meeting…

Virgin Hotels As Virgin Hotels arrives in the UK, the group’s Creative Director and Vice President of Design Teddy Mayer reveals how the brand is retaining a playful identity while tapping into the locale.

Words: Ben Thomas

PROFILE Teddy Mayer Creative Director and Vice President of Design, Virgin Hotels

Over the past 50 years, Virgin Group has built

Matisse’s book Jazz, in keeping with New

a reputation for disrupting the travel market,

Orleans’ French Quarter.

stamping its signature red on trains, planes and

“Virgin Hotels New Orleans has become our

more recently cruise ships and spacecraft. And

gold standard,” says Creative Director and Vice

Since joining Virgin Hotels’ Miami office in 2015, Teddy Mayer has overseen the vision and execution of the group’s portfolio, working closely with creative consultants to bring its properties to life.

though Sir Richard Branson didn’t open his first

President of Design Teddy Mayer, who partnered

hotel until 2015, the group has since made its

with local firm Logan Killen Interiors to create

mark, bringing a distinctly playful style to the

a sense of authenticity through contextual

hospitality industry.

references. “The spirit of collaboration has

Recent Openings: Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

But alongside the whimsical sculptures, eclectic

always been woven through Virgin’s design

artworks and ever-present splashes of scarlet,

process, but in recent years we have shifted our

the brand is in fact taking a hyperlocal approach,

strategy to focus on local creatives with their

Upcoming Openings: Virgin Hotels Glasgow (2023); Virgin Hotels New York (2023); Virgin Hotels Miami (2023)

ensuring its projects fit within the cities they

finger on the pulse of a community.”

call home. In Chicago for instance, where Virgin

Considering the New Orleans property is a

purchased a 27-storey former bank in the Loop

newbuild, this insider knowledge of the city’s

neighbourhood, many of the structure’s original

culture was fundamental in developing interiors

design features influenced the look and feel of

that channelled the same easy-going, laidback

the hotel; in the lobby, polished brass elevator

attitude of local jazz clubs. “Logan Killen

doors, a limestone staircase complete with an oak

understood our brand but more importantly how

banister, and a 1920s cigar bar – now used as a

to weave that into the story of the hotel without

reception desk – all hark back to the building’s

beating guests over the head with it,” explains

former life. This contextually aware ethos has

Mayer of the practice, which brought a fresh

been applied to the design scheme of every

perspective to the project having never designed

property since, from the Mojave Desert-inspired

a hotel before. “Richard Branson has famously

décor of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – which pays

supported entrepreneurs, but we forget that

homage to the surrounding landscape of cacti,

architects and designers are entrepreneurs too.

Joshua trees and red rock mountains – to the

We want to support up-and-coming creatives

southern residential feel of Virgin Hotels New

and those that haven’t worked on hotels; we

Orleans, where tropical architectural motifs

know what works and what doesn’t work in our

mirror the plant life that thrives in the region.

properties, so we can bridge the gap.”

Even the corridor carpets take cues from Henri

The resulting scheme is a marriage of

047

“The spirit of collaboration has always been woven throughout Virgin’s design process, but we have shifted our strategy to focus on local creatives with their finger on the pulse of a community.”

soft textures, channelling the Virgin spirit through an Edinburgh-inspired lens. “The design scheme is very much heritage driven, as there’s such a rich history and context to draw from,” says Mayer, adding that local partners Ica, Four-by-Two and Joelle Reid Interiors were brought in to help preserve the original structure’s notable elements while adding touches of luxury. “We could have hired any set of designers from around the world but they would have given us an outsider’s interpretation of Edinburgh. By collaborating with

048

homegrown art, historic detailing and Art Deco-inspired

native firms, we’re able to understand what resonates

elements, with abstract works by New Orleans natives

with both travellers and residents, especially given the

Ansley Givhan and Jane Talton hanging above rattan

latter form a major part of our F&B strategy.”

tables and rug-covered ottomans, and panelled doors

Adapting its signature spaces to Edinburgh, Virgin

reflecting the French style commonly seen across the

positioned flagship restaurant Commons Club in the

city. The design team also referenced the beads worn by

once sealed-up cellars below street level, honouring

Mardi Gras Indians during their parades, collaborating

the history of the structure by building around exposed

with another native artist to create a wall mosaic of

stone arches and converting some into wine cabinets.

indigenous patterns. “We always like to include a little

The group also wrapped the ground-floor bar in

tongue-in-cheek – that’s the Virgin way – but also

preserved timber panelling and retained an original

want to be the best neighbour on the block, tapping

fireplace, which roars away to create an atmospheric

into the surrounding artistic talent,” Mayer affirms.

retreat from the busy capital. But don’t worry,

“Our approach is neighbourhood-focused because no

there’s still plenty of signature elements to be found

city is the same in every district.”

throughout, from the double doors on entry – painted in

Local influences are aplenty at Virgin Hotels

the group’s trademark colour – to an internal walkway

Edinburgh too, which opened earlier this year and marks

clad entirely in red marble. Then there’s The Scarlet

the group’s first property outside the US. Occupying

Lounge, known as The Shag Room in the States, where

the historic India Buildings in the Scottish capital’s

fringed curtains and sumptuous curving sofas – all red,

Old Town, the 222-key development blends Victorian-

of course – provides the ideal spot for throwing a party,

era details with a surprisingly pared-back palette and

which Virgin knows how to do all too well.

MEETING…

“We always try to build a timeless experience, which may come as a surprise for those new to the Virgin Hotels brand. Our aim is to create sensitive and soulful spaces that add to the culture of a city.”

At Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the ground-floor bar is wrapped in preserved timber panelling framing an original marble fireplace

050

Across the interiors, eclectic artworks

Across the Atlantic in New York’s NoMad

curated by Visto take cues from the character of

neighbourhood, the visual narrative will be

Scotland, with cultural icons like Mary Queen

closer to that of a contemporary loft, with local

of Scots depicted alongside seductive rouge

firm Mark Zeff Design injecting the light, airy

lips, successfully intertwining tradition and

ambiance of residential apartments into the

playfulness in equal measure.

décor of signature Virgin venues like Commons

The history of the destination played a key

Club, Funny Library Coffee Shop and The Pool

role in developing the scheme for Edinburgh

Club – a staple introduced at some of the group’s

and does so across the board for Virgin, with

North American properties. “In New York, our

Mayer highlighting the importance of cultural

Commons Club features a large terrace and lots

references in differentiating its signature spaces.

of natural materials,” says Mayer. “But then we

“Our Commons Clubs are consistent across the

have a bright-red staircase to connect the two

portfolio and draw people into the hotel’s activity,

levels. Sometimes, a little red goes a long way!”

but each has its own identity. Guests always

While Virgin’s design approach has evolved

understand what the experience is, though they

to become more in tune with the surroundings,

see it through the eyes of the location.”

the brand doesn’t plan on toning down its

The same will be true of Glasgow and New

spirited style anytime soon, so expect to see

York, both due to launch in the coming months.

splashes of red for years to come. “We always

Despite its proximity to Edinburgh, Virgin

try to build a timeless experience, which may

Hotels Glasgow will take on an entirely different

come as a surprise for those new to the Virgin

aesthetic, with interiors by Four-By-Two

Hotels brand,” Mayer concludes. “From a guest

referencing the city’s metal and shipbuilding

perspective, our aim is to create sensitive and

industries as well as its design and art heritage.

soulful spaces that add to the culture of a city.”

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THE LOBBY

On The Move With one-of-a-kind experiences in remote destinations topping

lounge while outdoor facilities include a wraparound deck,

the wish-list for today’s discerning travellers, architects and

plunge pool and fire pit. There’s also the option of a retractable

designers are dreaming up novel accommodation concepts

canopy roof for camping out beneath the stars.

that enable hoteliers to develop in previously inaccessible locations, without impacting the landscape.

Not only is Habitāre an environmentally conscious proposal, it is also economically viable, dramatically reducing costs,

Leading the charge, visionaries at OBMI have designed

approvals and timelines. According to OBMI, the luxe units

Habitāre, a moveable hotel that fuses luxury with

can be assembled within a quarter of the typical construction

sustainability. Perched atop a frame that limits disruption

timeframe and at less than one-third of the cost.

to the land, the modular unit comes in two distinct models

Muhammad Moussa, Design Director of OBMI MENA,

for different settings, amenities and aesthetics. Habitāre S is

comments: “As travel trends uptick to lean into remote,

suitable for more compact sites while the larger Habitāre W

disconnected experiences, Habitāre is a portable, lightweight

optimises panoramic views thanks to a glass façade. Inside,

design solution that provides travellers access to some of the

each structure features a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and

world’s most awe-inspiring, natural landscapes.”

THE LOBBY

Fashioning Design

Written in the Stars In celebration of Cora Cora Maldives’ first

natural, sustainable materials such bamboo,

anniversary, the sustainable resort is taking

coconut rope and locally sourced timber, thus

guests to new heights with the introduction of a

emulating the aesthetic present across the island.

Star Gazing Tower.

054

This approach neatly aligns with the overarching

Nestled amongst swaying palm trees close to

philosophy at Cora Cora Maldives. Since opening,

the beach, the tower serves as a viewing deck by

the resort has prioritised environmental

day – an ideal spot to take in the Indian Ocean –

conservation, creating sustainability policies to

while at night, guests can get close to the stars,

protect the pristine Raa Atoll. Energy-efficient

observing constellations via the resort’s powerful

lighting, waste-reduction practices and limiting

new telescope. The multi-platform venue can

single-use plastics are amongst the initiatives,

also be booked as a unique dining destination,

while financial support for the Atoll Marine

where guests sip on champagne before heading

Centre helps rescue local wildlife and promotes

up to the roof to feast on local delicacies.

the awareness of turtle conservation.

The structure has been designed by Topo, a

“We are excited to continuously improve

Singapore- and Bangkok-based firm responsible

our guest experience through the creation,

for a number of resorts across the Maldives.

improvement and introduction of new facilities

As such, the studio is well-versed in creating

and activities,” comments Martin Van Der

concepts that are at-one with nature, merging

Reijden, Managing Director of Cora Cora

environmentally-sound ideas with thoughtful

Maldives. “We will strengthen the Cora Cora

guest experiences. At Cora Cora, the aim was

brand and eventually will begin work on the next

to bring the outside in, so the team opted for

Cora Cora!”

“Ultimately, what Lee designs is not just a lamp or just a chair, but an object created with a unique character of its own,” writes Stephen Jones in the foreword to Fashioning Design, the first illustrated monograph presenting the work of British designer Lee Broom.

Published by Rizzoli, the 224-page hardback explores the influences and ideas behind Broom’s portfolio of products, installations, exhibitions and films. Written by Becky Sunshine, the book is divided into four sections, each focusing on a defining aspect of Broom’s design personality: Art Form explores his relationship with architecture and silhouette; History Repeats Itself delves into the designer’s techniques in looking to the past to inform the future; Material Boy focuses on Broom’s approach to the process of making, as well as his use of materials and the art of collaboration; and Drama of Design is a study of his background in theatre and fashion, reflecting on how both have influenced his creative thinking. Along with contributions from Kelly Wearstler, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Louboutin, Fashioning Design features insight from Broom himself. “I consider myself a storyteller and have always designed emotionally since my time in fashion,” he explains.

“It’s visceral, but balanced with a focus on materiality, form and function.”

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10/10/2022 11.23

© Four Seasons Private Residences at Sharm El Sheikh

F

rom Rosewood Residences in Beverly Hills

the traditional powerhouse brands of the luxury

to One & Only Private Homes on Malaysia’s

hospitality sector,” Sykes continues. “However,

Desaru Coast, branded residences are

the tide is turning. As the global economy has

increasingly becoming a key component of hotel

shifted, we have seen development momentum

projects worldwide. For developers, the mixed-

move towards Asia and the Middle East.”

use model boosts viability in a challenging

Delving into regional hotspots, the report

climate, while operators benefit from deepening

names Vietnam as one of the most active markets

relationships with their customers – not to

in Asia, while in the Middle East, Dubai leads

mention creating an additional revenue stream –

the way, rivalling Miami for the title of world’s

and loyal guests get the opportunity to call their

leading branded residential destination. Behind

favourite hotel home, making use of the luxury

Miami and Dubai, the global rankings reveal

amenities on offer.

a diverse mix of destinations adding to their

The sector has experienced significant growth

inventory; Cairo, Istanbul, Los Cabos and the Red

over the past two years thanks to new ventures

Sea are amongst the top ten, demonstrating that

from Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, Aman and

both gateway cities and resorts are of interest.

Four Seasons, some forming part of a hotel

In Europe, WATG Strategy counts 70 branded

Welcome Home Increased appetite for branded residences is paving the way for global growth, according to a new whitepaper from WATG Strategy.

Words: Catherine Martin

056

scheme, others as standalone concepts. With

residences in the pipeline, 55% of which are in

this in mind, multidisciplinary design firm WATG

resort destinations. “European markets were

has released a new whitepaper entitled Branded

initially tentative to embrace the concept, but this

Residence Atlas, tapping into its expertise across

has given way to unabated enthusiasm,” Sykes

a range of geographies and settings to provide

notes. “The region now has a strong pipeline that

insight. Having published the first edition in early

far outweighs the current inventory, especially in

2020, the firm has continued to track new supply

the heavyweight destinations of Portugal, Spain

– 700 projects accounting for 100,000 completed

and Greece.”

and planned units, to be exact – helping build

There’s no let-up in demand for branded

a picture of key players, regional trends and

residences in North America either, with 68

emerging markets. “Since early 2020, 84 new

new projects recorded, 15 of which are in Miami;

projects have opened and 123 deals have been

notable additions are set to come from The

signed,” states Rob Sykes, the report’s author

Standard in 2023 and NoMad in 2024.

and Director of WATG Strategy, adding that “the

Across its masterplanning, architecture and

global pipeline is set to double the number of

interiors divisions, WATG is working on a number

branded units in the market today”.

of mixed-use projects that incorporate both hotel

To put a figure to it, the report cites 363 existing

and branded residences. Such growth in the sector

branded residences globally and a pipeline of 377,

further blurs the boundaries between home and

equalling 61,100 new units. By region, Asia Pacific

hotel; according to the whitepaper, success lies in

boasts the largest pipeline with 94 projects on

developing synergies between the two functions

the boards. “Branded residences have historically

operationally, while ensuring market appeal

been a North American phenomenon, driven by

through the creation of exceptional destinations.

R

eturning to Manchester with another

practices can increase asset value and long-term

action-packed programme in October,

ROI, and why conscious construction should be

The Annual Hotel Conference delivered

prioritised going forward. “Sustainability doesn’t

valuable insight on pertinent topics facing the

have an exact definition that enables those of

hospitality sector, with hotel leaders, economists

us working in the design industry to focus our

and analysts sharing their top tips on how to

thoughts,” said Patrick Reardon, Chairman at

chart the course through uncertain times.

Reardon Smith Architects. “But in our view, we

Those seeking greener economic solutions

believe that projects should be built once and

were given actionable advice through sessions

loved forever.” Zeal Hotels’ Managing Director

across both days, with the agenda doubling down

Tim Wheeldon agreed, stating that the market

on sustainability and ESG. Speaking in a one-on-

is calling for developments that are as close to

one interview focused on leadership in pivotal

net zero as possible. “We must remove carbon

moments, Kenneth Macpherson, CEO for EMEAA

from both the construction phase and day-to-

at IHG Hotels & Resorts, explained that while

day operations,” he emphasised. “Investors are

some owners and developers may have shifted

pushing for it and more importantly the guests

their priorities away from ESG initiatives in

are too. And they’re the ones paying the bills.”

Forging a Greener Path The AHC doubles down on ESG and sustainability, offering actionable advice for those striving towards more conscious hospitality.

Words: Ben Thomas

058

light of surviving the pandemic, current market

On the subject of net zero, it was perhaps Robert

challenges are in fact driving the argument for

Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group

long-term investment in such practices. Noting

who provided the most impassioned call to action

the recent shift, Macpherson pointed out that

of the conference. With the group set to open

spiralling energy costs for example could be

three new properties across the UK, the hotelier

alleviated through policies that focus on energy

outlined how others can follow in the footsteps

efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

of Room2 Chiswick. By avoiding, reducing and

The CEO also stated that eco-friendly assets

offsetting, he urged the audience to fully embrace

are commanding a higher market value – a result

rigorous carbon reduction programmes within

of ESG-reporting requirements on businesses –

their businesses, drawing on initiatives like the

while guests are now willing to pay more for

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

hotels with sustainability credentials, marking a

“Why should you care?” he asked. “Well, an

major shift in mindset from a decade ago. With

increasing number of your stakeholders care

that in mind, IHG is targeting a 46% reduction

and their awareness and education is rising.

in emissions from the energy used across its

They will demand more and more. Your lenders

owned, managed, leased and franchised estate

and investors care. Your team cares. Your

by 2030, towards which it has been establishing

customers care.” Godwin also stressed that for

partnerships to support its hotels to secure

one of the most energy-intensive asset classes,

financing for energy-saving alterations.

sustainability benchmarks had been set far too

The same sentiment was shared in Planning

low for too long. “The world doesn’t need any

for Longevity: Good for the Planet, Good for the

more lip-service and baby steps. It needs action.

Asset, which considered how lifecycle design

And it starts with taking responsibility.”

Regent PHU QUOC A new flagship for Regent Hotels & Resorts captures the soul of Vietnam’s island life while cosseting guests in sybaritic living and understated majesty.

Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: © Owen Raggett

T

he serene and sensual experience that characterises Regent Phu Quoc has all the requisite touchpoints to catapult this property into the top flight of Southeast

Asian resorts. The island that it calls home is part of a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve found on the southwest coast of Vietnam. This brings a richness and vibrancy to land and sea alike so that Phu Quoc’s landscape varies from dense tropical rainforest to coral reefs to the white-sand Long Beach on which the resort is located. Life here is truly indoor-outdoor, with the resort’s generous openings and thoughtful orientation ensuring that guests are always connected to the natural environment beyond their private havens. Lush foliage lines the walkways while water meanders through the koi-filled pools and channels, flowing into central lagoons from where lotus flowers bloom.

But there’s an added layer of detail to the generous vertically and horizontally stacked spaces that ensures the new resort succeeds as a flagship for the brand, which – under the remit of IHG Hotels & Resorts since 2018 – is making a strong comeback at the luxury end of the market.

Tasked with architecture and interiors, Blink Design Group tapped into its strong track record of placemaking to identify the cultural elements, indigenous materials, traditional craftsmanship and local artworks that would inform its approach. “The goal was to create a luxury resort experience, set in an enviable location on the island’s most beautiful beach, imbued with the soul and culture of Phu Quoc,” says founder and Creative Partner Clint Nagata. As always, the

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Tiles, brickwork, screens and shutters inject intimacy and rhythm to public spaces and guestrooms

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firm invested time in the preliminary phase

trusses occasionally replicated in modern form,

of research, exploring ideas that would reflect

but the shape of the brackets forms the basis of

the fundamental qualities of Phu Quoc, as seen

all cast-metal screening as well as appearing

through the eyes of locals. “While we strive to

on rugs, accent fabrics and the flickering candle

source materials that help to convey a sense of

holders in private villa bathrooms. Then there’s

the locality, we always use them in a different

the considered use of lacquerwork, a staple of

manner or highlight a common pattern in a

the Asian resort experience, which is rendered

modern way,” he continues, adding that “design

here as delicate eggshell inlay on luminous

should be reflective and respectful of the past”.

room dividers to nod to the island’s penchant

Vietnam’s architectural vernacular is

for duck eggs. The tradition of fishing too is

referenced through the reinterpretation of water

recalled through decorative design details,

gardens, courtyards and tropical landscaping,

with swirling nets the inspiration for lighting

all of which, in combination with strong axial

fixtures, art and printed fabrics.

spaces to frame views, serve as the building

Standout moments include the arrival

blocks of the masterplan. The slick use of

experience, where an alluring corridor of grand

natural materials such as basalt stone, Asian

proportions points the way, its flanks adorned

marble and wood species including cypress,

with plinths from which porcelain and ceramics

ash and natural teak, provide the backdrop

rise. This is the first glimpse of the “framed

for recurring patterns and motifs that gently

views” that Blink has achieved throughout

remind visitors of the locale in which they are

Regent Phu Quoc, maximising the volume of

situated. Take the ‘bovi’ brackets typically

space in corridors where vanishing points play

found in traditional Vietnamese timber-frame

with perspectives, almost as if the architecture

construction for instance; not only are wooden

is replicating the shutters of a camera. It’s an

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The centrepiece at Regent Club is a bar counter with a handpainted custom wallcovering by de Gournay, inspired by the native plants and animals of Phu Quoc

effect that instantly engages visitors, teasing

the lounge and library providing a sophisticated

them with hints of discovery ahead. “First

oasis in the sky. “While the general theme of

impressions are important,” confirms Nagata.

neutral undertones is reflected in all public

“A processional staircase leads guests to the

areas, there are still clever twists in each

lobby where they are greeted by an iconic

venue,” notes Nagata. “At the Regent Club, the

space, featuring a crystal installation designed

centrepiece is a bar counter with a handpainted

by Lasvit.” Petra Junova of Lasvit turned to the

custom wallcovering by de Gournay, inspired

underwater environment of Phu Quoc to create

by the native plants and animals of Phu Quoc.”

her glass artwork called Charming Deeps. “I

Sharing the rooftop, Fu Bar features a dark

love scuba diving and I observed the corals

blue feature wall dotted with gold accent pieces,

very closely,” she describes. “The sea around

similar to the rays of a sunset. Suites and villas

Phu Quoc is undoubtedly rare – it’s hard to find

meanwhile offer new-age comforts, with

such beauty anywhere else.” With the reefs as

salubrious pools extending accommodation

her muse, Junova treated the vibrantly coloured

out to terraces on high, garden courtyards

handblown glass in different ways from rods

and verandas. “Our design goal was to create

with components either silvered, sandblasted

a guest experience in which spaces feel more

or crackled to slumped glass adorned with frits

like an extension of the outdoors,” explains

and lacquers. Externally lit with water-surface

Nagata. “Even the bathrooms filled with natural

projections and floating in phosphorescent

light are retreats in themselves, complete with

powder, the installation changes appearance

private landscaped tropical courtyards.”

throughout the day.

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Examples of how villas cater for every desire

From its rooftop position, Regent Club also

range from fully equipped kitchens and utility

captivates, its long pool suspended in the air,

rooms to beautiful millwork display cabinets

YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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decorated with artefacts, wildlife sculptures and

some of the other design highlights at Oku,

gorgeous coffee-table books. Dressing areas

Nagata says: “We have reinterpreted classic

are so ample that there’s room for hat boxes

elements of the brasserie from globe lights,

and woven laundry baskets in the wardrobes.

patterned floors, cosy banquettes and modern

Handwoven abaca wallcoverings complement

ironmongery details while Japanese woodwork

stone flooring and stunning timber doors,

hints at Oriental nuances.”

with the layouts of the villas borrowing from

A secret door in Oku leads to the intimate

the concept of compartmentalisation seen in

speakeasy Bar Jade, which pays tribute to the

traditional Vietnamese houses.

rich tradition of jade in Vietnamese family

Equally offering a glimpse into local life, all-

culture. The regal colour naturally plays a

day dining restaurant Rice Market invites guests

leading role in silk wall panels and tiling, while

into a central courtyard where subtle decorative

the choice of club seating and bronze filigree

flourishes include twists on rice mills and water

detailing lend an old-world feel. The dining

wheels while fabric textures borrow from burlap

choices keep coming, with the beachfront Ocean

rice bags. Tiles, brickwork, screens and shutters

Club affording stunning views of the Gulf of

inject intimacy and rhythm to the generously

Thailand, both from the main restaurant and

sized venue, which also includes open kitchens

the chaise longue-lined beach pool. There’s

and display counters laden with fresh food.

extensive spa and wellness facilities, a kids club

The signature dining restaurant at the resort

and events spaces, but the final mention must

is Oku, a Japanese-French Omakase atelier and

go to the resort pool that unfolds as a central

salon de boeuf with a handsome sculptural

jewel, its swathes of waterproof fabric providing

metal installation at its heart, suspended over

shade to sunbathers and bringing to mind the

the monumental chef’s counter. Describing

sails of Vietnamese ships of old.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: BIM Group Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Blink Design Group Lighting Design: LPA phuquoc.regenthotels.com

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Adler Spa Resort SICILY The Sanoner family expand their portfolio with a new resort that is designed and built to the principles of bio-architecture.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © Alex Filz

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erched atop a coastal plateau overlooking

with ecological sustainability, a pledge that

the pristine beaches and crystal-clear

extends across the portfolio, from the low-

waters of Sicily’s southern shores, Adler

impact chalets of Adler Lodge Ritten in South

Spa Resort stands out for only the right reasons.

Tyrol to the timber and stone façade of Adler

Its location, wellness facilities and cuisine

Spa Resort Balance in the Dolomites.

together offer a memorable guest experience,

With six properties in total, the group is now

but its physical form is intentionally designed

run by the seventh generation Sanoner family,

to blend into the background, so much so that

whose history with hospitality spans centuries

from a distance, the sprawling resort looks as

– they still operate the very hotel that Josef

if it’s part of the landscape.

Anton Sanoner established in 1810. And while

Operated by Adler, a family-run company

the coastal retreat may seem like a change in

with a collection of spa resorts and lodges

direction from the mountain lodges for which

across Italy, the new development occupies a

it is known, Adler Spa Resort has in fact been a

plot of land that borders the Torre Salsa Nature

decade in the making. The family acquired the

Reserve, a 760-hectare expanse of beachfront,

site back in 2008, and have since been steadfast

sand dunes and chalky white cliffs that is home

in their commitment to the environment.

to an array of flora and fauna. As such, it was

“From the beginning we were aware that this

imperative that the resort be in harmony with

place, more than any other, requires a prudent

its surroundings, not only for the sake of strict

and sustainable design approach,” say the

environmental regulations imposed by the

family. “Protecting the natural treasures around

municipality, but to keep a promise made to

us is important, so sustainable supply chains

the former landowners to preserve the setting.

and construction methods as well as natural

Fortunately, this promise already aligned with

regional materials and careful use of resources

the Adler approach of combining hospitality

are inherent to our methods.”

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Timber is used generously across the resort with locally sourced cedar framing floor-to-ceiling windows and providing shaded terraces for public spaces

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With this in mind, the Sanoners turned to

block. The volcanic tuff is sourced from Mount

longstanding collaborator Demetz Arch, a

Etna while walls are clad in unbaked Sicilian

Bolzano-based practice founded by Hugo and

clay and flooring is opus signinum, a material

Alessia Demetz. Having worked on all of Adler’s

used in ancient Rome comprising minutely

properties, the duo were well-versed on the

crushed tiles. Timber is used generously across

group’s approach, and set about designing a

the resort with locally sourced cedar framing

resort that was appropriate for the site. “We

floor-to-ceiling windows and providing shaded

started the initial architectural concept 10 years

terraces for both guestrooms and public spaces.

ago and it has been a special journey for us,”

It can also be seen inside as panelling, often

explains Hugo, adding that the challenges they

handcarved with decorative patterns or subtle

overcame – such as constructing on difficult

motifs of Adler’s signature eagle.

terrain and complexities surrounding building

Aligning with the idea of ‘a resort in nature

permits – contributed to a successful end result.

and nature within the resort’, water channels

“We used natural materials such as washed wood

and reflection pools are integrated into the

and volcanic tuff; simple materials combined

scheme, while roofs are covered with vegetation

into a luxurious ensemble without the need for

and wild grasses and scented heather grows

gold and marble. Everything we have designed

between the buildings. Furthermore, vineyards,

blends harmoniously with the surroundings and

olive groves and fragrant herb gardens are

enhances it even further.”

taking shape as the landscaping beds in.

Indeed, the material palette is key to the

The guest experience is designed around

approach of being in harmony with nature, as

a connection to the surroundings too. All 90

is the decision to construct clusters of low-

suites face the expansive gardens and offer

rise buildings rather than a single monolithic

views of the Mediterranean beyond, while

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

Interiors feature natural materials that pay homage to the landscape, enhanced by pops of lemon and burnt orange in the guestrooms

al fresco living is aided by sliding doors that open out to a private terrace. Natural materials once again pay homage to the landscape and are enhanced here by pops of lemon and burnt orange in the soft furnishings, selected to reflect hues of the Sicilian sunset.

In the main resort building, a restaurant, bar and spacious lounge follow the same aesthetic and showcase the overarching concept of ‘leggerezza’, literally translated as lightness and referring to both the light touch of the resort on the landscape and the use of light throughout the interiors. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glazed ceiling allow sunlight to filter through horizontal timber slats, which are functional in limiting heat radiation yet also showcase the dramatic interplay between light and shadow.

The slats are used to great effect at Osteria too, a casual al fresco eatery housed within a simple timber structure. Cuisine here and at the main restaurant focuses on Sicilian produce, with fresh ingredients harvested from the resort’s gardens and other delicacies sourced from local

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Decorative Collection Circular by Benedito Design

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farms and fishmongers. Rounding out the F&B

in the natural world. Inside, all 15 spa cabins

offer is the bar – its outdoor terrace perfectly

offer uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean

positioned to watch the sunset – where guests

while treatments are given a Sicilian twist

can sample volcanic wines from nearby Etna.

through the combination of local essential oils

For those wanting to experience more of what

and volcanic dust. The feeling of being close

the region has to offer, there’s excursions to

to nature continues throughout thanks to an

neighbouring producers – cheese-tasting in the

earthy palette that grounds body and mind.

pine forest with Azienda Agricola Todaro is not-

And guests are quite literally amongst nature

to-be-missed.

as they take the short stroll along the hillside

For most however, it’s the spa that is the main

to the trio of Swedish saunas, each occupying

reason for their stay. Facilities are extensive and

a timber cabin and overlooking the landscape.

programming ranges from active to the more

Harnessing its healing powers, water is used

sedate, curated to nourish mind, body and soul

in both the design of the spa and the wellness

and leave guests feeling their own sense of

experiences. Treatment rooms are accessed via

‘leggerezza’. There’s a large gym kitted out by

small footbridges across a water channel while

Technogym, an outdoor yoga platform and a lap

a secluded Thalassotherapy pool amongst the

pool as well as hairstyling, beauty services and

wild grasses soothes away aches. Even the main

a relaxation room with luxurious tilting beds.

pool, in which guests can swim from indoors

Traditional spa treatments such as massages

to out, is fitted with therapeutic jets, and it’s

and facials take place in a separate building

from here that the Adler philosophy can be seen

that nestles into the hillside, its location

in all its glory. A combination of nature, bio-

intentionally set away from the main resort

architecture and wellness facilities will surely

to encourage guests to begin their spa journey

leave guests feeling a little lighter.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Sanoner Family Operator: Adler Spa Resorts & Lodges Architecture: Demetz Arch Planning of Execution: G22 Projects Lighting Design: Studio L Plan Landscaping: Radicepura www.adler-resorts.com

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18/10/2022 14:47

Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay SINGAPORE FDAT injects nature into Singapore’s former Marina Mandarin hotel, breathing new life into John Portman’s vertiginous structure.

Words: Matt Turner Photography: Courtesy of Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay

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pened in 1987, Marina Mandarin was one of a triumvirate of Singapore hotels, with a soaring atrium designed by American architect John Portman

in the mid-1980s as part of his Marina Square development.

Now, the property has been extensively refurbished and relaunched by Pan Pacific Hotels Group under its Parkroyal Collection brand.

This was not Portman’s first Neo-Futuristic building – for that you must look closer to his hometown of Atlanta, where his design for the Hyatt Regency, opened in 1967, broke the mould for hotel lobbies. Previously enclosed spaces were opened to the skies, with towering tiers of guestroom corridors wrapped around an open central core, and glass elevators whooshing their guests smoothly between floors.

But it was arguably in Singapore, with the opening of Marina Mandarin, Pan Pacific and Mandarin Oriental, following on from his first international hotel project, Regent Singapore, which saw Portman’s lobby design reach its apogee.

Now rebranded as Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, the vertiginous structure of Portman’s original design remains intact, brought back to life by the interventions of Singapore-based architects FDAT. Standing at the foot of the

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Natural forms feature throughout FDAT’s scheme, from a 13m-high green wall to a moss-like rug that reflects onto a mirrored ceiling above the reception desks

atrium looking up, one can’t help but wonder

New elements include a set of lush, biophilic

how many developers would back such a scheme

structures that have been inserted across the

today, when all that open space could be infilled

lower floors of the atrium, creating what Pan

with revenue-generating guestrooms, extra F&B

Pacific Hotels Group describe as Singapore’s

outlets, or a floor or two of events space. Yet

first ‘garden-in-a-hotel’. A sky-bridge

it remains the very definition of an Instagram

spanning four levels links these areas, providing

moment, even though Portman created it long

various vantage points for guests to immerse

before the invention of the digital camera, let

themselves in the rainforest-like environment.

alone the smartphone or social media.

And a 13m green wall in the lobby, with its

In a 1975 interview, Portman explained his approach to hotel design thus: “I had thought

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cloud and mountain abstracts, is evocative of a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

a lot about hotels – dim, dark lobbies with a

As FDAT explains: “Greenery features

desk and newsstand. I wanted to do something

prominently from the moment guests enter the

different. I wanted to create almost a resort – a

hotel. The rear of the lift-core is transformed

change of pace to bring in nature.”

into a three-storey-tall green wall, while

And nature has certainly been brought

180-degree ascending planters, clad with

into the property by FDAT, who oversaw the

lightweight screens, bring the gardens up into

refurbishment. Some original features have

the main atrium. Guests then enter the atrium

been retained; Orchidea, a floral sculpture by

via a treetop bridge, flanked by 6m trees below.

wire artist Richard Lippold, which was installed

The firm continues: “Garden pavilions,

in 1986 and likened to a windfall of coins falling

playfully called Bird’s Nests, perch on the edge

into cupped hands, still hangs proudly in the

of the stepping planters to produce a more

atrium, signifying the hotel’s prosperity.

relatable scale. These lightweight organic

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The hotel’s biophilic design style extends to the guestrooms, where a palette of earthy tones combines with timber panelling and large box windows

structures create delightful focal points within

forest – an area larger than all of Singapore’s

the gardens and were inspired by songbirds

nature reserves. Retaining the elder building

that the hotel was renowned for. The atrium

brought about many challenges – internal spaces

floor was designed as a plaza with green spaces

had rather low headroom crowded with existing

inhabiting the nooks and edges, interspersed

services. This was contrasted unfavourably with

with lounge spaces and garden pavilions.”

the open atrium space, which at 21 storeys tall,

This phased SG$45-million renovation is

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was urban-scaled and intimidating.”

testament to the way an existing, somewhat

The new property has seen the very opposite

dated hotel can be refurbished and renovated into

of tree-felling with some 2,400 trees, shrubs

a modern, urban property with sustainability at

and plants introduced to the space, aligning

its heart. Indeed, the very fact that the building

the hotel with Singapore’s ‘OneMillionTrees’

has been retained rather than razed to the

movement that aims to restore nature back into

ground to make way for a newbuild structure

the city over the next ten years: “The extensive

is sustainable in itself.

foliage softens hard surfaces and improves

“The decision to retain the building felt

indoor air quality,” FDAT explains. “We also

right on many fronts, economically as well

believe in its psychological effects, helping to

as ecologically,” says FDAT. “One tenet of

bring people closer to nature, showing that large

sustainability is not to first create unnecessary

scale greening is not only possible in newbuild

waste, which applies to buildings as well as

projects, but also in older repurposed ones.”

plastic bags. Pre-eminent engineer Dr Hossein

The F&B spaces throughout – including

Rezai describes the demolition of a typical high-

all-day dining space Peppermint, elevated

rise, which emits 51,300 tons of carbon dioxide,

Cantonese cuisine at Peach Blossoms, Ruth’s

as equivalent to wiping out 10,000 hectares of

Chris Steak House and Japanese spot Sushi

paolomoschino.com

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Jiro – also embrace the garden concept. Private

plethora of wellness options accessible from the

dining rooms are expressed as glass-encased

fifth floor. Fitness-focused patrons can enjoy

greenhouses that extend into the atrium

the two-studio gym with a spin bike studio and

gardens, allowing in natural light, and for

fitness centre, while the adjacent St Gregory spa

diners to see and be seen.

offers a range of treatments and therapies.

Unused rooftop areas adjacent to the

Outdoors, alongside the club lounge, a

restaurants have been transformed into an

mineral-water swimming pool is fitted with

urban farm, whose ingredients make the short

1,380 fibre optic lights, transforming it into

journey from farm-to-table with herbs, edible

a galaxy-themed experience at night with

flowers and vegetables used as garnishes and

expansive views over the Marina Bay skyline.

aromatics in many dishes and cocktails. In a

As FDAT concludes, Parkroyal Collection

nicely circular process, an on-site food digester

Marina Bay has seen the reinvigoration

breaks down food waste to provide nutrient

of a 30-year-old building on a prime city

water for the gardens.

site in land-scarce Singapore, one of the

This commitment to the environment and

redevelopment capitals of the world where older

sustainable operations extends to the 583

buildings are often torn down and replaced

guestrooms, where glass bottles and a filtered

on a daily basis. “The existing structure was

water system assist with the reduction of

robust and interesting, and our challenge was

single-use plastic bottles, and amenities come

to craft a new hospitality experience within this

in biodegradable packaging.

framework, capitalising on its strengths,” they

According to its developers, the new hotel

reflect. “Our design focuses on repurposing and

provides a harmonious balance of “iconic

transforming the experience of this significant

design, eco-friendliness and wellbeing”, with a

structure through a biophilic approach.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: UOL Group, Singapore Land Group Operator: Pan Pacific Hotels Group Architecture: Portman Architects (1987) Architecture and Interior Design: FDAT Architects Lighting Design: Light Collab Visual Identity: Blak Lab Landscaping: Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl Main Contractor: TG Decor www.panpacific.com

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Mirja Lilja Hagsjö, General Manager Pater Noster Hotel, Hamneskär, Sweden

DUXIANA is one of the differentiators of the sleep experience we offer here at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a respite from the hustle and bustle of life through the most luxurious experience possible, and that begins and ends with the quality of the sleep they experience with us. Thanks to DUXIANA, we know that our guests get the best rest they possibly can in the ‘city that never sleeps’.

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BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Immerso ERICEIRA Emphasising the connection between outside and in, a new hotel in a Portuguese surf town aims to immerse guests in their surroundings.

Words: Elly Earls Photography: © Francisco Nogueira

A

t Immerso, a new hotel that has opened

translated as ‘I dive in you’ – by João Noutel,

in the small surf town of Ericeira, some

which sees a gigantic diver’s head complete

40 minutes north of Lisbon, the valley

with snorkelling gear seemingly emerge from

site is the protagonist. In the style of southern

an underwater adventure. Nearby, a colourful

Iberian architecture, the main building is at

ring bench crafted by Los Pepes Studio, sure to

the highest point, while the three others follow

be popular amongst Instagrammers, overlooks

the contours of the land. “The guestrooms and

the ocean.

restaurant are positioned to make the most

Every element of Immerso is designed to

of the view, taking in the valley and the sea,”

make use of the site and connect guests to

explains Portuguese architect Tiago Silva Dias.

their surroundings. A wooden walkway leads

“That was the first and most important aspect

to a yoga platform with panoramic views,

to our approach.”

while interiors are a multi-sensory experience.

Silva Dias was involved not only in the

Elvis Veiguinha was tasked with producing a

architecture of the buildings, but also in the

distinctive soundscape for the hotel, while

furniture design and, together with the hotel’s

Lourenço Lucena – the only Portuguese member

co-founder Alexandra Almeida d’Eca and Bárbara

of the International Society of Perfumer-

Neto from Lemon Variance, the recruitment

Creators – developed an olfactory identity,

of local artisans. Both guestrooms and public

translating the scent of the ocean into an aroma

spaces feature pieces by contemporary artists,

that stays with guests long after they leave.

primarily Portuguese, spanning decorative

Inside, the foundational elements of the design

vases and mirrors to artisanal rugs and lighting.

use the rawest of raw materials – concrete,

Outside, the site is dotted with sculptures, the

wood and steel. “Again, it’s to emphasise the

most striking of which is ‘Mergulho em Ti’ –

connection with the environment,” confirms

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Silva Dias. These are paired with softer elements

its own skillet and tastes even better than it

like the cotton and rope used on the lighting

looks, while local prawns are served on a bed

fixtures and the carpets braided with cork and

of the freshest algae. Even some of the cocktails

recycled materials, bringing the outside in.

contain sea foam. When the weather is right,

Plaster sculptures – including a replica of the

Emme extends beyond the veranda to a fire pit

hotel’s site in miniature, demonstrating just

level built into the valley. It is conceived for

how snugly it fits into the valley – give form

shared community experiences, although guests

and volume to the walls. Each of the 37 rooms

may end up fighting for the seats at the table

also features plastercasts of a different section

built around a tree.

of the property, while ceilings are gently curved

The team has further optimised the site by

to evoke the silhouette of the waves, resulting

positioning the pool deck atop one of the four

in a cocooning effect. “The idea is that you feel

buildings, and unsurprisingly, the view across

protected, with the curve then drawing the eye

the valley takes centre stage. Pool time is best

to the view,” Silva Dias describes.

followed up by a trip to Immerso’s spa, which

The property’s F&B is similarly ‘immersed’ in

includes a sauna, steam bath, sensory bath and

its location. Overseen by Portuguese Michelin-

three treatment rooms, all offering therapies

starred chef Alexandre Silva, Emme – the main

in partnership with organic vinotherapy brand

restaurant occupying a significant part of the

Vinoble Cosmetics.

ground floor – draws its main inspiration from

For Silva Dias, designing Immerso was an

what the nearby ocean provides, supplemented

exercise in bringing the atmosphere of the

by goodies from the hotel’s organic vegetable

locale inside and emphasising the connection,

garden. The grilled octopus, a staple of most

everywhere, between outside and in. The hotel

Portuguese seafood restaurants, is presented in

truly lives up to its name.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Alexandra Almeida d’Eca Architecture and Interior Design: Tiago Silva Dias, Lemon Variance www.immerso.pt

085

The Standard BANGKOK MAHANAKHON The Standard’s Asian flagship is a creative stage on which Bangkok’s tongue-in-cheek exuberance meets vintage styling and organic forms for sensory experiences galore.

Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: Courtesy of Standard International

O

086

ur brand is in a constant state of evolution,” says

Rather than overwhelm with size and grandeur, the

Verena Haller, Chief Design Officer of The Standard.

ground-floor lobby welcomes visitors into a green oasis that

“It’s important to create destinations that appeal

acts as a foil to the height and dimensions of the building.

not only to the international traveller, but to the local

Oversized rattan lamps, made in Thailand, sway above stone

community too. We strive to create places that are at home

flooring depicting a couple in an embrace, while textural

in their surroundings while also being distinctive and

inlays and curves, tactile banquettes and tropical planters

unique.” Delivering on this vision in spades, the brand’s

inject warmth and an enveloping quality. The lobby shop is

flagship property in Asia breathes fresh life into the Thai

a treasure trove, filled with a selection of luminous lanterns,

capital’s hospitality scene with multidimensional, energetic

contemporary jewellery and take-home objects made by

and eclectic spaces that serve as a magnet for Bangkok’s

local artisans. There isn’t a straight edge in sight – and

bright, young things as well as the world’s digital nomads.

there rarely will be in the journey yet to unfold.

Set in the 78-storey Ole Scheeren-designed Mahanakhon

Elevators hint at the audiovisual aspects to come,

tower, a spiralling intrigue of a building that makes its

the graded glass giving the appearance of a mirror that

mark on the skyline, The Standard’s second Thai property

stretches to eternity while curated music by DJ Rui plays

has been conceived by the brand’s in-house design team

– the soundtrack morphing from venue to venue. With the

in collaboration with Jaime Hayon of Hayon Studio, as an

arrival experience continuing up on reception level, all the

ultra-social urban retreat in the heart of the Central Business

senses are engaged. The eyes are drawn to displays of curios,

District. Here, the cultural vocabulary of the city is translated

collector items and porcelains while art pieces include the

into a backdrop for a sequence of immersive experiences,

bronze Personnage sculpture by Joan Miro, located in a niche

from art installations to sky-high cocktails, culinary

near the elevators, and a kaleidoscopic Marc Quinn painting

programming rich in contrasts to one-of-a-kind meeting

in the lobby – both from the collection of owning company

spaces. “Visible from all parts of Bangkok, the architecture

King Power. Installed behind the reception desks, Heaven’s

of the building is stark and prominent,” Haller notes. “We

Gate by video artist Marco Brambilla nods to the brand’s New

wanted to create interiors that are warm and filled with

York flagship, and elsewhere, further pieces come courtesy

landscape, life and colour to complement it.”

of Saatchi Art.

087

Designed by Ou Baholyodhin, Ojo is a study in rose-gold glamour, where a feminine rose-quartz-inspired circular bar takes centrestage

088

Reception wraps around to the first of six

develop a monochromatic scheme of symmetry

food and beverage venues, which really draw

and whimsy, the graphic black-and-white

in the crowds. The airy Parlor spills from

furniture complemented by quirky papier-

inside to outdoor terraces and features a

mâché models. “We look at each F&B outlet as

range of vintage-styled banquettes, sofas and

its own destination,” confirms Haller. “They

armchairs while greenery drips from the top of

are not just hotel outlets but rather distinctive

the oversized DJ booth and attractive marble-

venues where people go to be social. The Parlor,

lined bar. The palette plays on primary colours

with its sound booth and lounge furniture,

yet each shade is given a twist to add depth or

offers a place to hang-out, work through the

rounded to a sophisticated hue. The mischievous

day and socialise into the night. Then there’s

character of Bangkok emerges in painted red

Tease, with its Viennese-inspired patterns –

lips that adorn prints or are smacked all over

each one tells a story and can stand alone.”

busts. “Our guests can mingle or hide away,

This intention is never lost. In homage to the

they can move from one area to the other, and

iconic Standard Grill in New York, the Bangkok

enter new pockets of energy complemented by

version melds notes of the original – take the

entertainment,” explains Haller. “There will

subway tiling, vaulted ceiling and penny-strewn

always be something that inspires.”

flooring – with motifs more familiar to Thailand.

This energy shift continues as guests move

Hayon’s hand-drawn graphic frieze adorns the

from The Parlor through a set of doors into

soft furnishings, as do fantastical depictions of

Tease, a tearoom with the vibe of a Mad Hatter’s

local wildlife printed onto fabric dividers, while

tea party. For the interiors, the team turned

the outdoor sections of the all-day brasserie are

to Vienna, specifically the work of Austrian

reminiscent of a greenhouse. Back inside, rattan

architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, to

dining chairs to Hayon’s own design and made

Ona Collection

Simple as Nature Inspired by the Mediterranean, the warm spirit of Ona makes your guests feel at home.

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by Expormim accompany sociable booths, with additional seating available at the slick metalaccented bar with bold checkerboard backdrop.

Each venue also benefits from its own set of staff uniforms, which never fail to impress, the collection designed by Fah Chak Woman.

Up on the 76th floor, the culinary adventure continues. Bringing the contemporary Mexican cuisine of Chef Francisco Paco Ruano to Bangkok, Ojo is a study in rose-gold glamour.

Design here is by Ou Baholyodhin, who drew on the mysticism of Latin American civilisations and the long tradition of mining precious metals and gemstones to develop the aesthetic. Deeply rooted in Mexican folklore, the all-seeing eye (Ojo de Dios) from which the restaurant takes its name is translated into a structural entrance feature while the Mexican art of macramé informs wallcoverings. Sculptural uplighters take the form of yucca trees, sprouting from golden dining booths complemented by a feminine rose-quartz-inspired circular bar. The hotel’s fifth dining venue delivers the food of

090

You are welcome to visit us at: JUNG UK Showroom · 6 / 7 Albemarle Way · Clerkenwell · London Visit by prior arrangement: jung-group.com/london

JUNG.DE/LS-TOUCH

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Photographer: Constantin Meyer, Interior: Design Post Cologne

MADE TO TOUCH. DESIGNED TO CONTROL. THE SMART KNX ROOM CONTROLLER.

17.10.22 08:59

Hong Kong’s celebrated Cantonese restaurant,

Century Modern styling, expressed through the

Mott 32, to Bangkok. Design studio CAP Atelier

organic lines of banquettes, chairs, wardrobes

has evoked the feel of a modern and sensuous

and mirrors. There’s no high-shine gloss.

conservatory rooted in shutters, metal accents,

Glass sits over matt finishes while textured

neutral-toned furniture and handpainted

stone bathrooms are soothing and carefully

murals of bygone Chinese and Thai lifestyles

considered for the utmost functionality, from

that illustrate columns, walls and bathrooms.

the generous shelf niches to the deep soaking

At the heart of the venue is a hexagonal island

tubs. Adds Haller when describing the rooms:

bar while private dining rooms are influenced,

“The minibar is stocked with anything you

in turn, by Chinese and Thai music cultures, the

desire, the lounge chair in the corner makes

silk trade and teak. Public spaces are completed

you forget the time and just relax and read.”

by the open-air rooftop bar Sky Beach and the

With such an array of unexpected and

chic Standard Pool, its sorbet-shaded loungers

meticulously-designed spaces, do Haller and

and striped umbrellas overlooking the cityscape.

her team have any standout moments? “There

Introducing a more restful design rhythm,

are so many. I love our carefully collected styling

The Standard’s accommodation makes the most

elements and the shelves filled with items from

of city views and home comforts. “You can relax

around the world, it’s our own version of a flea

on your bed, invite friends to sit around the

market,” she responds. “I hope that guests

table and catch up or, if you need to, work in

find it difficult to choose a favourite too, there

peace and quiet up in the sky,” observes Haller.

shouldn’t be just one aspect of the design that

“It’s about slowing down and letting go.”

they love or are inspired by. One informs the

Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, the 155 guestrooms and suites touch on Mid-

092

other, it needs to be a symphony – only then have we succeeded.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: King Power Group Operator: Standard International Architecture: Büro Ole Scheeren Interior Design: Standard International in-house design team, Hayon Studio, Ou Baholyodhin (Ojo), CAP Atelier (Mott 32) Brand Identity: Be Our Friend Lighting Design: Light Collab Landscaping: Landscape Collaboration Main Contractor: Ritta Project Manager: CM49 www.standardhotels.com

B AY M A S T E R M 1 F I B E R - F L E X

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The Julius PRAGUE House of Julius Meinl brings its retail expertise to the hotel sector, opening a serviced residences designed by Matteo Thun.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Gionata Xerra

M

y ancestors originated from the Czech

Given the anticipation surrounding the

Republic,” says Julius Meinl VI, sixth

new endeavour, not to mention the historical

generation member of the House of

significance of the structure, Meinl needed

Julius Meinl, as he sips a fresh cup of coffee at

someone he could trust to execute the brand’s

the group’s debut hotel in Prague. “We have

vision. Enter Matteo Thun & Partners, with

roots here, so it was a natural choice for our

whom House of Julius Meinl has partnered on

first venture into hospitality.”

retail outlets for over 15 years. “Matteo knows

Breathing new life into a Neo-Renaissance

what we’re about, so the brief was brief,” he

building on Senovážné Square in the city’s New

confirms. “The fundamental objective was to

Town, the 168-key property looks to bring

preserve and enhance the building’s heritage

“accessible luxury to an underserved market”

while at the same time weaving a contemporary

according to Meinl, who is the driving force

narrative into the fabric of the city. Rather than

behind Julius Meinl Living. With the family name

removing a sense of community, we wanted to

known as a manufacturer and retailer of coffee

create a space that respected the shared history,

and gourmet foods, the new-generation Julius

whilst catering for future generations.”

Meinl has ventured into hospitality, leading

In practice, this meant working with Prague

the development of an accommodation offer.

City Hall Heritage Department to retain original

“A hotel wasn’t the only option we considered

elements, from the façade colours to the paved

after acquiring the site several years ago, but

flooring outside the hotel’s entrance – though

following lengthy conversations, we landed on

Meinl did convince the council to inscribe its

hospitality, specifically serviced residences,” he

name into the footpath. “It was important to

explains. “Our goal is to offer a temporary home

meet aesthetic standards but also transform the

for those travelling to Prague.”

site into a luxurious space,” he reflects.

095

For the guestrooms, Thun took inspiration from the works of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha to curate a pared back aesthetic with organic materials and a warming palette of caramel and terracotta

096

Granted creative freedom thanks to his relationship

Kupka’s abstract pieces to channel a more energetic

with the family, Thun set about devising an interior

atmosphere through vibrant tones and the ambient

scheme that worked within the parameters of the

glow of bohemian glasswork.”

building yet injected fresh energy, much of which was

For the guestrooms meanwhile, of which there

influenced by the Czech Republic’s artistic heritage.

are 40 varying shapes and sizes due to the existing

“We wanted to design a timeless scheme in tune with

floorplate, Thun took cues from Mucha’s works to

a contextually aware, nomadic way of living,” Thun

curate a pared back aesthetic with organic materials

reveals, noting the importance of meeting various

and a warming palette of caramel and terracotta.

needs through a modern-day formula.

Homely touches come in the form of artisan rugs,

On the ground floor, the guest journey begins

cosy armchairs and soft textiles, echoing a distinctly

in a sleek lobby, where a series of stainless steel

residential style. And in the bathrooms, marble-

archways are offset by bold turquoise walls and burnt

effect ceramic tiles from Italy – which also serve as

orange furniture. From here, a mirrored walkway

flooring in the in-room kitchens and public areas –

leads to the Emporium bistro and bar at the centre

were used to clad the walls and vanity units, bringing

of the complex. Lit by statement lighting from Czech

a luxurious feel alongside freestanding bathtubs and

brands such as Preciosa, the venue takes on a more

fittings by Zucchetti. Throughout the hotel, Thun’s

autumnal colour palette, combining shades of green

custom-made pieces ensure every space “arouses

and orange with natural materials like timber and

curiosity” – from the reception desk and black-tiled

stone. “The idea was to channel a local feel through

bar to the benches, upholstered headboards and

urban materials, reflective surfaces and Modernist

bedside tables in the guestrooms.

colours,” says Thun, citing the works of Czech artists

With apartment living in mind, the design team

Alphonse Mucha and František Kupka as key sources

also decided to separate the bedroom from the open-

of inspiration. “In the communal areas, we drew on

plan kitchen and lounge. The residential feel comes

097

across in the use of technology too, with services

inspiration from the architectural, artistic and

available via an app to save guests the hassle of

cultural history of their location, designed in

traipsing down to reception when in need of

a way that aligns with the fabric of the city.

assistance. “The key was to offer flexibility and

“We’re flexible and we’ve shown that with this

convenience, as well as the ability for people to

particular building,” says Meinl. “What we will

help themselves,” Meinl explains, stressing that

not compromise on is our accessible luxury

while the property does offer a service element,

concept and the location, as we believe those

digital initiatives are geared towards evolving

two things are key for the customer experience

travel habits. “Nowadays, most people own a

and the long-term value of the asset. As an

smartphone. We use it to order food, reserve

integrated owner, developer and operator, we

restaurants and book taxis. Why should things

must take a long-term view.”

change when we travel?”

098

Before Julius Meinl Living expands its offering

The same ethos will be applied to future

across Central Europe, the brand is set to bring

developments, with the family already on the

its retail expertise to The Julius Prague, opening

hunt for prime European locations to grow

an adjoining outlet where guests and locals can

its hospitality division; Warsaw, Budapest,

purchase gourmet food products from House

Vienna have all been touted as possible

of Julius Meinl partners. Something of a full

destinations along with Rome, Paris and

circle moment, the move feeds into the group’s

London. “The ultimate goal is for 15 assets in

philosophy of giving back to the places it calls

city centre locations, with a focus on historic

home, as Meinl concludes: “We build businesses

buildings,” Meinl confirms, though is realistic

with the view of multiple generations down the

in the challenges of finding such properties.

line, making sure that everything we do adds to

Much like Prague, the new ventures will take

the surroundings.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: PPH Nove Mesto Operator: Julius Meinl Living Architecture and Interior Design: Matteo Thun & Partners Visual Identity: Studio LP, Something More Near www.thejulius.eu

Sitting pretty

TOPFLOOR BY ESTI, 206 DESIGN CENTRE CHELSEA HARBOUR, LONDON SW10 0XE WWW.FORMITURA.COM TEL: +44 (0)20 7795 3333

25hours Indre By COPENHAGEN Martin Brudnizki combines old and new at 25hours’ first hotel in Scandinavia, exploring the idea of coming of age at a time when the brand is doing so itself.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © Stephan Lemke

T

he first 25hours hotel in Scandinavia

literature based around “the conflict between

has opened its doors in a converted

knowledge and passion”.

porcelain factory turned paper mill in

Having researched the neighbourhood’s

the heart of Copenhagen. And as you’d expect

heritage, MBDS created a concept that blends

from the eclectic, ephemera-filled designs of

old-school academia with the raw edge of

other properties in the brand’s portfolio, its

industry. Colour and pattern is used to bring

interiors offer a marked contrast to the Nordic

the building alive and ensure a cohesive thread

minimalism of most other lifestyle hotels in the

throughout. With sustainability in mind, and

Danish capital.

mindful of global supply chain issues, the studio

This 1885 building, most recently used by the

partnered with local brands and manufacturers

university, is centrally located close to many of

on a number of pieces, making the most of

Copenhagen’s educational institutions as well as

Copenhagen’s rich design scene.

its main shopping district, and the Rundetaarn

The studio also built on the idea of the

astronomical observatory with its spiralling

hotel being like a campus, where everything is

helical corridor. Local architects BPP Arkitekter

available in a central location. “Not only did

worked with Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

this provide the backbone to the project, it

(MBDS) on the project, and their combined

also helped create a clear flow that ensures a

efforts have reinvigorated the architectural

smooth ride for operations,” says MBDS. “There

quality of the building with a design described as

is an intuitive sense to the layout, having been

“a fascinating, dichotomous arena that delivers

designed on a long linear formation. As soon as

a wealth of contrasting experiences”. Old and

guests arrive at the front desk, there is a clear

new elements have been carefully juxtaposed in

and seamless path to lead them on an adventure

a scheme with abundant references to art and

to discover the rest of the property.”

101

The Vinyl Lounge plays host to a pair of analogue turntables and a collection of LPs that sit beneath a neon sign declaring ‘Oh You Pretty Things’ in homage to David Bowie

102

That linear journey includes a series of recessed lounge spaces and literature-lined

its Levantine roots with a mural showing Tel Aviv from a variety of perspectives.

bookshelves along the corridor from the

Neni is one of two large F&B spaces located

entrance, with its foliage-filled Assembly Hall

at the front of the property, situated either

central bar, through to the circular lobby area

side of the Assembly Hall. The Israeli-inspired

where a spiralling, gravity-defying sculpture

restaurant is a familiar hallmark of several

comprised of second-hand books references the

25Hours hotels including Berlin, Paris, Zurich

hotel’s educational heritage. The Vinyl Lounge

and Vienna. Café Duse meanwhile is a new

plays host to a pair of analogue turntables

concept created for the Copenhagen site by

and extensive collection of ‘70s and ‘80s LPs

Italian pastry chef Melissa Forti, who named

beneath a neon sign declaring ‘Oh You Pretty

the café after acclaimed theatre actress

Things’ in homage to David Bowie. The Love

Eleonora Giulia Amalia Duse, aka ‘La Duse’. The

Library features risqué artworks by South

Boilerman Bar in the basement below is another

Korean illustrator Henn Kim on the walls, and

signature concept, developed in collaboration

an eclectic array of books on the shelves. A set

with celebrated mixologist Jörg Meyer, and one

of vintage typewriters are on display alongside

that will be familiar to anyone who has visited

Mid-Century Modern chairs by the entrance

the 25hours Altes Hafenamt in the brand’s

to the tuck-shop with its tastefully curated

Hamburg hometown.

collection of artefacts and travel essentials.

On the upper floors, 243 guestrooms

Visual diversity is a constant feature throughout

traverse two design schemes – Passion and

too. The Assembly Hall is decorated with

Knowledge across a range of room sizes from

jacquard fabrics by Finnish artist Kustaa Saksi,

Small to Gigantic. Some offer a small terrace

while the hotel’s Neni restaurant acknowledges

– a rarity in Copenhagen – and access to a

103

Secret Garden within. The Passion rooms

Feeding into this notion of being creative,

feature richly patterned furnishings, geometric

the hotel’s art collection is centred around a

tiles and vibrant artwork, whilst the walls

concept of coming of age. Art consultancy Visto

in the Knowledge rooms are adorned with

assembled a series of over 100 artworks, all of

reproductions of notes inscribed by Danish

which express a variety of styles around the idea

astronomer Tycho Brahe and English naturalist

of growing up. And although the sign above the

Charles Darwin.

door says, in inimitable 25hours-style, ‘We Will

“This project was a lot of fun to work on,”

Never Grow Up’, 25hours Indre By Copenhagen

says Martin Brudnizki. “We’ve really pushed the

– along with other recent openings in Dubai,

boundaries with the design, mixing high and

Florence and Paris – seem indicative of a hotel

low materials and incorporating expressive

brand that is itself coming of age under the

artwork, colours and pattern.”

new stewardship of Ennismore, following its

Brudnizki adds that his studio always tries

104

acquisition by Accor.

to ground a project in its location; in this

As 25hours spreads its wings outside the

case, the colourful buildings of Copenhagen

Germanic locations that shaped its earlier

emanated a certain warmth and playfulness that

years, the brand’s expansion will continue

he wanted to bring into the hotel. “There is a

with a second Copenhagen property – opening

riot of different shades, but they hang together

in 2024 with 128 guestrooms – on the island

peacefully because each colour has a similar

of Christiansholm, colloquially known as Paper

tonality. Buildings are another starting point.

Island due to the giant rolls of paper that were

Here, we were presented with a fascinating

stored there for printing of Danish newspapers.

structure that has had a number of functions

While new in its construction, the hotel will, like

and gave us the opportunity to be creative.”

Indre By, turn to history for inspiration.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Hines Nordics Operator: 25hours Hotel Company Architecture: BBP Arkitekter Interior Design: Martin Brudnitzki Design Studio Art Consultant: Visto www.25hours-hotels.com

Proud to play our part in the conversion and restoration of some of London’s most significant hospitality projects

Clockwise from top: The OWO / Raffles London, Rosewood London, NoMad London, Kimpton Fitzroy and The Ned www.epr.co.uk

Bethlen Estates TRANSYLVANIA A clutch of guesthouses in the Romanian countryside embody one family’s decades-long mission to preserve their cultural heritage.

Words: Lizzie Pook • Photography: © Philip Vile

O

ur builder wanted to get rid of that 90-year-

the Saxon-style Depner House and the new four-bedroom

old walnut tree,” says Countess Gladys Bethlen

Corner Barn – look as if they have been untouched by wear

as she strolls around the manicured gardens of

or weather since they first stood centuries ago. They have,

Transylvania’s Bethlen Estates. “I told him: ‘Over my dead

of course; the mother-and-son team worked tirelessly to

body!’ So here we have it. It remains.”

ensure they were all restored with pin-sharp historical

The majestic walnut tree isn’t the only mark of the past,

accuracy. “You have to look around and be patient if you

having stood the test of time. Bethlen Estates – nestled in

want to build with old materials,” says Gladys. “If I hear

the traditional hamlet of Criș – is a relic of a forgotten way

of a roof being demolished in the village, I’ll send a builder

of life. Bears roam the surroundings, valleys are shrouded

to save the tiles. I’ve salvaged old beams and hand-forged

in mist and the tinkle of cow bells mixes with birdsong and

nails, and taken original hinges and locks to local artisans

the meditative clip-clop of passing horse-drawn carriages.

to ask them to reproduce the exact design.”

The land here is dotted with fruit trees – mulberries, apples,

The aim, she explains, is to maintain the precise look of

pears and mirabelles – which are gathered and used to make

the structures as they would have appeared from the outside,

after-dinner brandy for well-heeled guests who stay in the

using traditional lime plaster and paint, as well as retaining

finely restored, exclusive-use properties on the grounds.

the proportions of the buildings – raising the height of

Criș is the ancestral home of Count Milós Bethlen, who

certain parts of the roofs where, hundreds of years ago, a

was forced to flee from Transylvania in 1948 as communist

farmer would have entered with his cart. Even new additions,

forces encroached. But the count never cut ties with the

such as mosaic floorcoverings from Mandarin Stone, appear

village in which he grew up and was endlessly committed

as if they’re part of the fabric of the building.

to supporting the community and reviving its historic

It’s been a real labour of love for the countess who,

buildings. When he died in 2001, his wife Gladys pledged

during early winter renovations, lived in the then-derelict

to continue his legacy. She and her son Nikolaus ploughed

Caretaker’s House, where the pipes burst so often she had

their savings into buying up derelict and abandoned houses

to shuffle through the thick snow to a neighbour’s building

in the village, with the aim of restoring them to their former

in order to shower. “It’s getting harder and harder,”

glory, providing enticing tourist accommodation as well as

she admits. “The biggest challenge now is finding local

employment opportunities for the local community.

plumbers, electricians and carpenters who can work to our

The resulting buildings – the luxurious Caretaker’s House,

106

standards.” As such, the Bethlens have begun sourcing

107

fixtures and fittings from Germany and the Czech Republic, and specified products from Tom Dixon, Miele and The White Company to deck out the Caretaker’s House.

The family also brought in Stefanie de Castelbajac to oversee the interior design. And once guests step through those historic doors, they’ll find a far more contemporary aesthetic.

In the recently completed Corner Barn – the only property that can be booked on a roomby-room basis – a palette of nude, cream and grey makes for an elegant, restful space. Danish Douglas fir floors meet wicker, tan leather and jute accents; bathrooms are adorned with pale marble and terracotta tiles imported from Spain; brass fixtures have been shipped in from Italy; and sumptuous fabrics come courtesy of Romo and Designers Guild. But still, these modern touches have to hold up against a sometimes hostile natural environment, and so snowresistant copper guttering and chimneys have been implemented, red larch panelling protects against the rain, and windows throughout the

108

Lara Gabrielle Interiors | Jaysam Contractors | Marco Joe Fazio Creative Agency

#stoneexperts #bringingstonetolife www.stone-circle.com

bespoke stone fabrication for over 50 years

estate are double-thickness to endure winter

heliskiing and e-bike cycling tours. In the long,

temperatures that can plummet to a bone-

lilac-washed summer evenings, horse rides,

numbing minus 28 degrees. Rooms are warmed

bear spotting and bird watching tours take place

with underfloor heating as well as traditional

in the surrounding area, while the centuries-old

wood-burning stoves, for which Gladys worked

forests of Transylvania form the perfect location

with a small company in nearby Medias, visiting

for a spot of truffle hunting and picnicking.

them multiple times over the years-long project

Looking ahead, the Bethlen family has plans

and saving them from the brink of bankruptcy

to tear down the old Saxon school house on

on more than one occasion.

site and rebuild it – accurately, of course – as

Given the chilly winters, the food overseen

new accommodation with a restaurant and

by Chef de Cuisine Robert Tordai at The Kitchen

swimming pool. The family will also continue

Barn is hearty and belly-warming, focusing

to support scholarships at a school in nearby

on traditional Romanian and Hungarian fare;

Sighișoara and raise funds for the medical

beef goulash is cooked over an open fire on the

treatment of local children with disabilities.

terrace, while pressed duck and beef cheek are

What’s clear is that this will be a life-long

served with baked beetroot salad and pillowy

passion project for Countess Bethlen and her

papanasi doughnuts. Breakfast is a spread of

son. “Before my husband died, he knew every

homemade bread, local cheeses and meats, and

water pipe, every stone and every brick on

help-yourself fridges are stocked with up-and-

this estate,” she recalls. “Now, Nikolaus and

coming Romanian wines sourced from nearby

I are mentally, spiritually, emotionally and

Cetatea de Balta.

financially invested in this project. But it’s

Activities are offered year-round, and the team can organise snowshoe adventures,

110

not just for us, it’s a product for the future generations. It’s for everyone.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Gladys and Nikolaus Bethlen Operator: Bethlen Estates Interior Design: Stefanie de Castelbajac www.bethlenestates.com

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© Ica Studio

Lost Property LONDON Curio Collection expands its presence in the capital, opening an escapism-inspired hotel where being lost is all part of the fun.

Words: Ben Thomas Photography: © Viktor Kery

C

onverting an existing structure in the

six storeys above ground and descending several

City of London is no mean feat, but to

levels below, with an exterior that combines

do so within a conservation area like St

precast brick and stone panels, curtain walling

Paul’s requires even greater perseverance, as

and mansard roofs. And while the construction

hotel investment firm and developer Dominvs

process did involve the demolition of existing

Group found out with its most recent project.

buildings behind a Grade II-listed façade, the

Following

three

years

of

planning

partial retention of the latter – specifically the

negotiations, the company was given the green

section facing Ludgate Hill – ensures that the

light to begin transforming a site on Ludgate

hotel remains in keeping with the vernacular.

Hill – the main thoroughfare leading to St

Inside, the layout has been largely dictated

Paul’s Cathedral – between narrow one-way

by the existing floorplate – meaning no two

streets Creed Lane and Ludgate Square. Owing

guestrooms are alike – however the designers

to the compact footprint, construction company

were afforded more creative freedom with

McAleer & Rushe knew it would be a challenge

the interiors and branding, helped in part by

to revive the former office building, especially

the relaxed brand standards of Hilton’s Curio

given that the new hotel was to follow the

Collection label. With that in mind, London-

same massing as its predecessor, abutting the

based design agency Yard Creative set about

neighbouring structures on two elevations.

developing an identity that captures the feeling

Despite the complexity of the development,

of being lost, settling on the name Lost Property

as well as disruptions caused by a slew of

after considering the hotel’s location, somewhat

lockdowns later in the build, McAleer & Rushe

hidden between the two lanes.

persisted with construction and the BREEAM

Permeating through the collateral and into

Excellent property was soon complete, rising

the interior scheme, this sense of escape informs

113

Centred around the theme of being lost, the hotel’s design brings together an eclectic mix of artwork, motifs and materials

114

everything from the colour palette to the choice

by Ahluwalia herself, the ornate sculpture

of materials throughout. “The branding sets

was crafted in Italy from Murano glass and

the tone for the design narrative,” explains

features a flock of extinct birds – or lost natural

Ashley McCabe, Lead Interior Designer at Ica

treasures – that together form the silhouette of

Studio, who worked closely with Rani Ahluwalia

a two-metre-long hovering eagle.

of Dominvs Group and Key Interior & Designs

The idea of lost treasures continues through the

during the creative process. “Rani had a clear

public spaces. Bespoke wallpaper by Timorous

vision from the get-go and brought a great deal

Beasties showcases more birdlife, while a tactile

of energy. Working with a client who is also

wall installation behind the reception desk

an interior designer meant the brief was more

plays out the moment Prime Minister Winston

of a journey than a challenge, opening up new

Churchill met Queen Elizabeth II. Designed by

possibilities and resulting in prompt decisions.”

Artistic Licence, the piece comprises a series

Bringing Ahluwalia’s vision to fruition,

of 3D panels and also features local landmarks

McCabe and the Ica team curated an eclectic

such as the British Museum, Westminster Abbey

mix of art installations, motifs and tactile

and Bank Underground Station. “We brought

materials that allow each space to develop its

Rani’s ideas to life by sketching, designing and

own identity. Nowhere is this more prevalent

producing the panels in bas-relief,” says the

than at Found, the aptly named restaurant and

Nottinghamshire-based studio, adding that

bar that anchors the ground floor. While a bold

many of the individual elements were sculpted

resin bar and Art Deco-style lighting catch the

in clay, with moulds and casts created using

eye on arrival, it’s the glass chandelier hanging

Jesmonite resin. “We carved and inscribed

above an iridescent blue epoxy table that soon

details from various materials, wrapping them

takes centre stage. Specially commissioned

all with a stone finish.”

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Artistic installations also play a key role at

locale; carpets by Ulster for example draw from

ground-floor coffee house Tattle, which has

the black and white tiles that line the floor of St

its own separate entrance to offer direct access

Paul’s. “Lost Property embodies the culture and

from the street. Drinks and pastries are served

spirit of the community in which it resides; it’s

against a backdrop of sage green and timber

a celebration of individual spirit defined by the

panelling, while shapely Murano pendants cast

uniqueness of the Curio collection,” concludes

a warm glow and a display of mounted teacups

McCabe. “Several instances throughout the

feature handpainted quotes that subtly reflect

design therefore mimic the architectural forms

the narrative.

and aesthetic features of St Paul’s Cathedral; the

Like Tattle, many of the Ludgate Hill facing

116

building was of great inspiration.”

guestrooms – particularly those on the upper

With London’s oldest district sparking

floors – catch glimpses of the nearby cathedral

the imagination, the design team felt it was

and its iconic spires. Here, the interiors take

only right to explore the history of British

on a bolder identity, with the 150 rooms

craftsmanship along the way, tapping into

alternating between a vibrant red or deep blue

the bygone techniques that had perhaps been

colour palette. Art Deco and Mid-Century

lost over time. And it’s this fusion of past and

inspired shapes accompany English brass

present that gives the newly constructed hotel

fittings, while lighting has been supplied by

its authenticity and charm, complementing the

Chelsom and marble bathrooms are kitted-out

immediate vicinity while forging its own path

with sanitaryware from Kohler. There’s playful

through a series of intimate, multi-layered

touches too, such as the abstract prints of bowler

spaces. Guests may well find themselves getting

hats that nod to those originally produced by

lost amongst the many design details here, but

London hatmakers, as well as references to the

that’s all part of the fun.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Dominvs Group Operator: Madison Group Architecture: Consarc Design Interior Design: Ica Studio, Key Interior & Designs Graphic Design and Branding: The Yard Creative Lighting Design: Nulty Art Consultant: Wrapped LA, Artistic Licence Main Contractor: McAleer & Rushe www.lostpropertyhotel.com

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DESIGN DETAILS

SPA & WELLNESS

Hub of Huts

© Alex Filz

Drawing inspiration from the reflective nature

the upper platform, down to the heated areas

of water, Network of Architecture (noa*) has

below. Though the upside-down structure is

returned to Hotel Hubertus in South Tyrol to turn

an eyecatching feat, its rotation through 180

the wellness experience on its head, creating a

degrees is partly motivated by function, with

new spa that appears to defy the laws of gravity.

the inverted pitched roofs making space for the

Designed to evoke the architecture of a mountain

installation of a water purification system. On

village, the structure plays with the horizon line

the lower level, the angle of the pitch also allows

to create the perception of a dwelling mirrored

for tiered seating, so that the mountain vistas

on water. Hovering 15m above the rolling hills,

– the real centrepiece, according to noa* – are

the aluminium-clad cabins are supported by

visible from every viewpoint. “The essence of

towering pillars of larch, the same material

this project is the overturning of horizons, with

that punctuates the hotel façade and forms a

the resulting effect of wonder for the observer,”

brise soleil system to screen the windows of

explains Lukas Rungger, the studio’s founder.

the spa. Inside, the skyward village features

“Changing perspectives is a common exercise in

whirlpool baths, an ice-mist shower, a Finnish

wellness areas, where, depending on whether you

sauna and relaxation room, with the experiences

are lying in the sauna, sitting in the relaxation

arranged so that guests descend from the cooler

area or diving headfirst into the pool, the views

waters of the cantilevered swimming pool on

are constantly changing.”

DESIGN DETAILS

SUITE

Town Hall Hotel x Jan Hendzel

© Fergus Coyle

120

Creating a calming, serene environment in a bustling

carved, straight lines intersect with softly curved edges,

city centre location is one of the great challenges of

natural ripples and cracks remain, and the studio’s

urban hotel design, but it’s a feat that Jan Hendzel

signature loose-tongue joinery is seen in armchairs

has successfully accomplished in his renovation of

and dining tables. Tactile grooves, scallop detail and

two suites at London’s Town Hall Hotel. Marking his

brushed grain further encourage touch. Alongside pieces

first interiors project, Hendzel was enlisted to redesign

such as the Bowater Chest of Drawers and Wharf Coffee

the spaces after hotelier Loh Lik Peng visited his

Table – notable for its textured domes in reclaimed pine

London workshop, where the furniture-maker uses

– Hendzel has designed the new Peng Dining Chair,

both traditional and digital techniques to craft one-off

named in honour of the hotel’s owner. Made from ash,

pieces. Hendzel has optimised natural daylight through

the seat and backrest are digitally created before being

original sash windows and opted for a soothing colour

hand-carved with a knife and buffed with beeswax

palette of blush and olive in custom shades mixed by

to accentuate the faceted edges. “Typically we’re

eco-friendly Pickleson Paint. The star of the show

furniture-makers, but with this project we were able

however is the timber, with locally sourced ash, elm and

to consider how guests experience the furniture as well

London Plane used to craft headboards, mirror frames

as how they experience the space,” explains Hendzel.

and sculptural furniture pieces. Hendzel’s timber-first

“The concept is to offer a place of calm and wellbeing

mentality permeates every space, inviting guests to

that is a feast for all the senses – it’s visual but there’s

explore the varying characteristics and finishes. Hand-

as much for the hands as for the eyes.”

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Challenging the Status Quo Having disrupted the traditional hospitality model since its inception, Yotel hopes to shake up new markets during its next phase of growth.

Words: Ben Thomas

“Small spaces can work if they are well designed and utilise tech effectively.”

HUBERT VIRIOT

124

L

ike all great ideas, the original vision was

were getting connected to the Internet, so Simon

simple and came from someone outside of

decided that rather than fearing technology, he

the industry,” says Hubert Viriot, CEO of

would embrace it in the same way that airlines

Yotel, as we sit down during The Annual Hotel

had. Back in the day, that certainly wasn’t

Conference to discuss the group’s evolution over

part of the hospitality spirit, but the tech was

the past 17 years. That someone who Viriot is

only going to facilitate and improve the guest

referring to is serial entrepreneur and Yo! Sushi

experience,” explains Viriot.

founder Simon Woodroffe OBE, who on his many

Having applied its founding pillars to sites

business trips was struck by how slowly the

at Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol that

hospitality industry was moving in comparison

were again cleverly designed and packed with

to other sectors. Looking to first-class airline

advanced features, the brand took a leap of

cabins for inspiration, Woodroffe conceived a

faith in 2011 by stepping into the city. And

product that offered all the necessities of a hotel

not just any city, but New York City. “The

room – a comfortable bed, en-suite bathroom

company was trying to prove something more

and free Wi-Fi – within the compact footprint

fundamental, that small spaces can work if they

of 11m2. “Simon’s objective was to disrupt the

are well designed and utilise tech effectively,”

star-rating system in which the more guests

says Viriot. “For the first time in Manhattan,

pay the more they get,” Viriot explains. “His

a hotel was built with intentionally small

moment of genius came when he realised that

rooms.” While the key principles remained the

airlines were doing it pretty well, ticking every

same, with computerised kiosks and a robotic

department in a small space but with one caveat

concierge greeting guests as they strolled in

– the price. He recognised that if he could do

from Times Square, the hotel was to cater

the same in hospitality, whereby the customer

for urban dwellers, who weren’t staying six

is offered everything they need at an affordable

or seven hours but rather one, two or three

price, then he could strike the jackpot.”

nights. Rooms were therefore expanded to 16m2

Gatwick Airport proved the ideal testing

– still smaller than most in the Big Apple – and

ground for Woodroffe’s in-transit hotel concept

communal areas were incorporated to service

and the launch of its first-ever Yotel in 2007

those occupying its 713 keys, with Rockwell

won praise from the industry, customers and the

Group designing lounges, events spaces and a

press, despite having no windows. Reinventing

restaurant and bar offering a sprawling terrace

the guestroom by removing unnecessary items,

and the same panoramic views as the uber-

the Japanese-style capsules were revolutionary

luxury properties adjacent. While the move

at the time, delivering a taste of what future

marked a step up from the vending machines

hospitality could be by pushing the boundaries.

found in the brand’s airport hotels, there was

London-based practice PriestmanGoode – a

much debate as to whether this new direction

savvy choice given its specialism in aviation

would upset its core philosophy. “It took time

and transport design – kitted the pods out with

for us to agree on what was required for the

high-tech amenities like MP3 connectivity, a

public facilities as there was a lot to consider,

techno wall equipped with a flatscreen TV, a

from both a design and operational perspective,”

space-saving desk with charging points and a

Viriot reveals. “The lounge space needed to

double bed that became a sofa at the touch of

be a multifunctional for both guests and the

a button. “The world was evolving and people

community, morphing from a breakfast bar in

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“Understanding guests’ needs has determined the design direction of our three brands.”

the morning to a co-working spot during the

Viriot, highlighting that today, the group’s

day and an entertainment venue after work.”

three brands each brings a different offer –

MARK HENDERSON

The process prompted an entirely new

YotelAir with compact cabins and limited public

way of thinking for the brand, who knew its

spaces; Yotel, the urban offering that makes up

future developments would present individual

around 70% of the portfolio; and YotelPad, an

challenges depending on size and location. As

extended-stay venture.

such, the team paused and took stock of its

Joining our conversation, Vice President of

offer. Only then did they conclude that they

Technical Services Mark Henderson, who is

would need to explore collaborations with local

responsible for supporting all projects from

designers and F&B operators, briefing them

design feasibility and interiors to construction,

on Yotel’s brand guidelines before coming up

handover and operation, notes that after 2011,

with a concept that worked in harmony with

the group realised it could no longer work with a

the building and community. “We had a clear

single interior design company when expanding

design strategy but soon realised that with our

worldwide. “The location is hugely important

global expansion plans, we couldn’t just turn

to the design of our public spaces and was the

up with a one-size-fits-all solution,” says

primary reason we began working with local partners. We don’t repeat our schemes, so while residents can count on the same room concept wherever they travel with us in the world, they will see a communal area bespoke to that setting.”

Since its arrival in New York, Yotel has collaborated with a roster of studios when opening properties in different parts of the globe – from Studioninedots in Amsterdam to DP Design in Singapore – curating a list of musthaves to ensure they are delivering a product that is consistent with the brand DNA, while at the same time suited to its environment.

“I’m a firm believer in the idea that hotels are constructed in phases and everybody contributes,” Viriot affirms. “For a long time, we focused on what we were doing and weren’t influenced by external factors, plugging away

© Christopher O’Grady

in our own little bubble. But to reach the next

126

level, we knew we needed to open up and bring in fresh pairs of eyes, especially as we moved into new markets.”

And with expansion comes caution, with Chief Development Officer Rohan Thakkar revealing that the group’s considered methodology

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“We must remain flexible on our standards and find ways to apply the Yotel ethos to a specific location.”

involves analysing several key factors when

ago “demonstrated that Yotel can work in any

determining a new location, including the

environment” according to Viriot, who stresses

proximity to local demand generators, access

that if the company hadn’t challenged itself and

to public transportation and the surrounding

simply stuck to newbuilds, it may have been

offerings. “Our team prepares a detailed market

viewed as “the strange piece of real estate”

feasibility report for potential destinations to

amongst the skyline. The first conversion came

KATIE EDGAR

ensure they align with our ambitions,” he

in San Francisco with the transformation of the

confirms, stating that YotelAir’s strategy is

city’s historic Grant Building, and has since

slightly different in that the focus is on major

been followed by adaptive re-use projects in

transit hubs with significant passenger numbers;

Edinburgh, Porto and Glasgow.

Singapore’s Changi Airport, for instance, was

Then came the conversion of an existing hotel

seen as the ideal spot for the company’s first

in Washington DC, which sent a clear message

airport hotel in Asia, which opened in 2019 with

to owners that their underperforming stock

130 cabins and a two-level social hub featuring

could be better utilised as a Yotel. “In today’s

co-working and dining space.

environment, as the demands and travel habits

Having typically built its properties from the

of customers have evolved, many owners have

ground up, a venture into conversions five years

realised that their concepts are not exactly in line with what the market wants,” says Viriot.

“It’s a timely opportunity for conversions.”

Using DC as a blueprint, Yotel has transferred its expertise to Shoreditch and now Manchester, expanding its in-house capabilities to create a rounded portfolio. “We’ve learnt a lot and know where to be flexible, so it gives us more opportunities and in the short- to- mediumterm, we believe there will be many in this area,” adds Viriot. “Most cities don’t need more hotels, they just need better hotels. There are plenty of assets in great locations, but with the wrong concept. The goal should be to convert them, not build another hotel.”

In Manchester’s Deansgate, the former Qbic property has been undergoing a redesign while operational, with newly appointed Director of Interior Design Katie Edgar taking charge

© Christopher O’Grady

of refining the look and feel. “I see my role

128

as a brand guardian,” she explains, having worked for architecture and design practices prior to joining the operator. “When working on conversions in particular, we must remain flexible on our standards and look at the bigger picture, finding ways to apply the Yotel ethos

Ritz Carlton - Maldives, Fari Islands

“Our team prepares a detailed market feasibility report for potential destinations to ensure they align with our ambitions.”

ROHAN THAKKAR

to a specific location. It’s not just a copy-

of the building and help designers to see that,”

and-paste job, so smart thinking is crucial.”

she explains. “With our public areas, it’s about

Viriot agrees, noting that while the property

providing a brief of what we want the space to

in Manchester doesn’t follow the traditional

achieve before letting local designers bring their

brand standards, minimal alterations are being

expertise. We must take on board their advice as

made to the predecessor as a result of customer

having a knowledge of the area is invaluable.”

satisfaction. “We haven’t changed much, apart

Determining which solution is right for which

from a few operational tweaks, because people

location also led Yotel to enter the extended-

love the hotel and it’s successful. We’re learning

stay sector, after the company spotted an

and finding solutions with every project, which

opportunity – particularly in the US market

is the beauty of what we do.”

– to disrupt the segment in the same way it

The same will be true of future conversions,

had done with conventional hotels. “Airbnb has

with Edgar weighing up the pros and cons of

changed what people book and how they book

existing spaces before deciding how much to

it,” says Viriot. “The problem however remains

revise – a refreshing change in an industry

that there is limited service; travellers have a

where designs are often renewed for renewing’s

host, but they simply hand them the key. With

sake. “The task is to work within the parameters

YotelPad, we’re delivering a service element – through F&B, housekeeping and fitness centres – together with 22m2 accommodations that offer the same facilities as a two- or three-bedroom apartment.” The move not only allows the brand to cater for remote workers and nomadic travellers – of which there are plenty following the pandemic – but also means it can build a presence in leisure areas where a YotelAir or Yotel might not work. “For our investment partners, YotelPad can diversify their portfolio so they are not reliant on a single use,” Viriot continues, pointing to Utah’s Park City as the perfect example of a year-round destination that can provide steady occupancy through the seasons. “Suddenly it opens up new real estate avenues and instead of a traditional hotel, we can create an attractive mixed-use project. They can be more complicated to design, but they also have a greater USP.” While YotelPad follows the same philosophy

© Viktor Kery

as Yotel and YotelAir, the key difference comes

130

in room size and service offering, according to Henderson: “We always provide an efficient stay but also acknowledge that the requirements of our YotelPad guests vary, be that with enhanced

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workspace or additional storage, relaxation areas and kitchen facilities,” he observes.

“Understanding their needs has determined the design direction of our three brands.”

And though Yotel has looked at other segments, the focus remains on growing its three core brands, consolidating existing markets and entering new ones. “We’ve explored things like co-working and hostels, but it made us realise that we need to execute what we have thoroughly,” says Viriot. “The brand is so unique that we want to occupy a global territory.”

For now, at least, the group is on a mission to strengthen its trio of solutions, taking a considered approach to ensure each new site is fit for purpose. And though YotelAir has a slower growth rate due to the complexities of working within airports, from vetting to shifting

to be worthwhile. “I know what it takes,” he

passenger needs, Yotel’s urban portfolio is

reflects. “Entering a new market is a huge step

picking up pace. “Right now, we’re pushing into

and can be challenging for the entire team, so it

Western Europe as there is still space for us to

is never a decision taken lightly.” An approach

exploit,” Viriot explains, adding that on top of

that means being realistic, not just aesthetically

Geneva and Porto, the brand is also expanding

but operationally too, in the words of the CEO.

its reach in markets like Japan, where a new

“We’re not in a race, we’re growing with high

flagship is set to open in Tokyo in 2024. “Japan’s

objectives. Every project is a flagship and has

focus on technology and innovation has been an

to be perfect. We owe it to our stakeholders.”

important source of inspiration for us ever since

As well as the properties in the pipeline, there’s

our inception,” he reveals, describing the move

also existing stock that needs refreshing – a

as a full circle moment given that Woodroffe’s

constant undertaking that ensures the group’s

initial concept derived from his travels to the

hotels retain their touchpoints wherever they

country. “The Yotel concept is perfectly suited

are in the world, whether that be a YotelAir in

to the Japanese market, so the Tokyo hotel will

Paris or a YotelPad in Miami. “17 years on, our

be a stepping stone for our roll-out in key cities

key pillars remain the same,” Viriot concludes.

like Sapporo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka

“We’ve polished our room designs and

and Kobe.”

improved our technology, but fundamentally be

we’ve followed the same approach since the

opportunities for conversions, with the design

very beginning. Simon changed the face of

team minimising disruption by working

hospitality and we’re now seeing others adopt

floor-by-floor. Despite labelling himself as a

our methods. But we’re not looking over our

“growth junkie”, Viriot is cautious that it has

shoulder, we’re looking forward.”

In

132

between

new

openings

will

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10.05.22 10:36

www.aheadawards.com

Shangri-La and Lissoni & Partners reign supreme at AHEAD Asia, taking home three awards for their 20th century factory turned luxury hotel.

AHEAD Asia made a triumphant return at Andaz Singapore in September, bringing together owners, operators, architects and designers for the first time in three years to celebrate the region’s best new hotels.

In the Bar, Club or Lounge category, The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong emerged victorious with Silverfox Studios applauded for “delicately illustrating a strong East-meets-West narrative”. Demonstrating that the Singapore-based firm knows a thing or two about hotel F&B design, they went on to scoop a second award later in the night for their work on the same hotel’s restaurant Man Wah. The panel commented: “This is a very thoughtful design that respects the history of the restaurant with a new modern take on luxury Chinese dining”.

Japanese hotels came up trumps with two different hotels receiving recognition from the 14-strong judging panel. The award for Event Spaces went to W Osaka, where Amsterdam-based studio Concrete left the judges wanting to host their next event at the hotel. In the next city over, Roku Kyoto – a 114key property designed by Blink Design Group – was commended for its spatial planning, as well as its “delicate and beautifully restrained” guestrooms that are “steeped in culture and a sense of place”.

Described by the judges as “a celebration of the Balinese jungle”, Buahan – A Banyan Tree Escape wowed in the landscaping and outdoor spaces category. Another project that put nature at the forefront was Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, winner of the Hotel Renovation & Restoration prize. The panel stated: “The conscious decision to preserve

instead of rebuild is fundamental to the success of this transformation, but the nature of the transformation sets a benchmark in the region for biophilic elements, and bringing the outdoors inside on such a scale in a downtown, urban environment.”

Maldivian resorts also fared well on the night, with previous Sleeper cover star Joali Being – a 68-key first-of-its-kind wellbeing retreat designed by Autoban – recognised for its Spa & Wellness offering, which uses biophilic design principles that harmoniously integrate the architecture and design into nature enhancing the flow of energy, while The Ritz Carlton Maldives stood out in the Resort category by “taking the over-water villa concept to another level, with a necklace of accommodation laid over the marine environment, supplemented with a collection of diverse yet equally exacting spaces and facilities”.

Taking home the trophy in the hotly contested Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category was Raas Chhatrasagar in Rajasthan, with judges praising the ingenuity of creating a hospitality experience above a centuriesold dam, likening the project to “a bird on the back of an elephant”. The tented camp also received the inaugural Sustainability award for its ecological conservation efforts, rewilding the once agricultural landscape of the rural camp and protecting the natural wildlife that occupies it. Reflecting on the eco-credentials of the property, the judges commented: “Raas Chhatrasagar is a unique project built on an existing dam; the sensitivity to the existing structure and maintaining of the integrity of the embankment was well addressed. Engaging

the community with using local material and craftsmanship really completes the full circle of sustainability.”

Fresh off the back of his work on the buzzworthy Aman New York, Jean-Michel Gathy flew in from Kuala Lumpur to receive the AHEAD Asia Outstanding Contribution award in honour of his work over the past 40 years revolutionising the sector with his multi-disciplinary firm, Denniston. Having worked alongside previous recipients Adrian Zecha and Kerry Hill, the Belgian designer is no stranger to AHEAD, with several of his past projects being shortlisted.

The big winner of the night however was Shangri-La Shougang Park, scooping up three awards in total including the highly coveted AHEAD Asia Hotel of the Year. When picking their Lobby & Public Spaces winner, the judges applauded Lissoni & Partners’ “sophisticated and spectacular shared spaces that create a bridge between the industrial architectural fabric and the new function of the space as a hospitality destination”. Ultimately, what set the Beijing-based project apart from its competitors, both in the Conversion category and overall, was the exceptionally sensitive approach taken by both the operator and designers: “It’s admirable when the choice is taken to retain an existing industrial structure, work within the constraints and be able to create a memorable experience out of the volumes – Shangri-La Shougang Park is a rare, well-executed example of this. The intimate luxury spaces are very smartly carved out of the vast factory space with human scale and function. The project is a credit to the owner, operator and designers’ shared vision.”

AHEAD

© Macro Studio

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

RESORT

The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – China Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Wilkinson & Cilley / Silverfox Studios

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands – Male, Maldives Pontiac Land Group / Marriott International / Kerry Hill Architects / WATG

E V E N T S PA C E S W Osaka – Japan Sekisui House / Marriott International / Nikken Sekkei / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates / Concrete / Nikken Space Design

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

R E S TA U R A N T Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – China Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Wilkinson & Cilley / Silverfox Studios

S PA & W E L L N E S S Joali Being – Bodufushi, Maldives Gurok / Autoban / Atolye4n

HOTEL CONVERSION

SUITE

Shangri-La Shougang Park – Beijing, China Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts / Lissoni Casal Ribeiro

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

HOTEL NEWBUILD

VISUAL IDENTITY

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon – Thailand King Power International / Standard International / Hayon Studio

Carlyle & Co. – Rosewood Hong Kong – China Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Studioilse / Yang Rutherford

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

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

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

RAAS Chhatrasagar – Nimaj District, Rajasthan PTT Family / Oma / Andra Matin

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

O U T S TA N D I N G C O N T R I B U T I O N

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

Jean-Michel Gathy

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

HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Shangri-La Shougang Park – Beijing, China Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts / Lissoni Casal Ribeiro

Shangri-La Shougang Park – Beijing, China Shougang Group / Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts / Lissoni Casal Ribeiro

LO D G E S , C A B I N S & T E N T E D C A M P S RAAS Chhatrasagar – Nimaj District, Rajasthan Walled City Hotels / Nikhilendra Singh / Studio Lotus

AHEAD

Clockwise from top left: RAAS Chhatrasagar; Joali Being; Roku Kyoto; Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong; Shangri-La Shougang Park; The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

The AHEAD community reunites in New York for an evening of celebration, with “a true urban oasis” scooping the top prize for the Americas region.

Following two years of virtual ceremonies, AHEAD Americas finally touched back down in the US last month, moving up the coast from its traditional spot in Miami for an evening of celebration at Weylin in Brooklyn, New York.

After receiving over 200 regional entries spanning 11 countries, AHEAD’s regional judging panel selected their winners in 18 categories, including a new prize for a hotel project that has demonstrably followed principles of sustainability in its development and delivery.

With leading hoteliers, architects, interior designers and industry commentators all in attendance, the awards showcased some of the most compelling and original hospitality projects to debut across the Americas over the past year, from the mountains of Montana’s Big Sky to the shores of Mexico’s Bacalar Lagoon.

Mexican properties scooped several accolades on the night, from Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces to Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps, both handed to Playa Viva on the country’s Pacific coastline. Described by the judges as “completely immersive and perfectly executed”, the property gained plaudits for its visually striking structures – inspired by local mobula rays – that subtly integrate into their surroundings. “This property feels truly part of the landscape” said another judge, labelling the project as “nothing short of beautiful” with an inspiration, concept and execution that is extremely respectful to the location.

Mexico also triumphed in the Hotel Newbuild, Resort, New Concept and Sustainability categories – the latter of which was introduced this year. Taking home this special trophy was Hotel Terrestre, a solar-

powered resort in Oaxaca constructed using locally sourced materials. Judges praised Grupo Habita for being “bold, brave and spectacular” by combining pre-Hispanic design elements with Brutalist-inspired architecture to create an almost otherworldly aesthetic, with one noting that the site is “completely absorbed by the natural landscape yet absolutely contemporary”. Oaxaca produced another winner in Casa Silencio – a boutique hotel and working distillery set upon the agave plains of the Xaagá community – which collected the New Concept accolade for “spectacularly different” design by local architect Alejandro D’Acosta, who evoked both mythology and modern Minimalism to create what the judges called “a conceptually and aesthetically brilliant property”.

Projects in Massachusetts and California also fared well, receiving two honours respectively, while New York – owing to its plethora of luxury hotels – picked up a total of four prizes across the board. The Big Apple’s F&B venues in particular struck a chord with the judges, namely the recently renovated Dowling’s at The Carlyle – winning best Restaurant – and newcomer Nearly Ninth at Arlo Midtown, which was granted best Bar, Club or Lounge. “A visual feast peppered with rich detailing” in the words of the judges, tonychi’s scheme at Dowling’s was lauded for injecting new life into the beloved Upper East Side haunt, shedding its former décor in favour of a sleeker supper club look that marks “a step back into history seen through a fresh lens”.

Gerber Group and Meyer Davis’ collaboration at Arlo Midtown meanwhile creates a sense of “layered materiality” that resonated with

the panel, who described the result – a muted colour palette awash with shades of grey, sage furnishings and gold lighting accents – as “beautifully balanced, calming and inviting.”

F&B is also the calling card of this year’s Outstanding Contribution winner, Adam D. Tihany, founder of Tihany Design, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of restaurant design having revolutionised the sector for the past four decades with his multidisciplinary atelier. The studio’s relationship with AHEAD is longstanding, having scooped the coveted Hotel of the Year at AHEAD MEA 2017 for Four Seasons Dubai International Financial Centre, and being shortlisted in the Transport category at AHEAD Americas two years later for Seabourn Ovation. This year, Tihany’s work on the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus in Istanbul is also shortlisted at AHEAD Europe.

The ultimate prize on the night however was scooped by Rosewood Sāo Paulo, a former maternity hospital turned luxury hotel that the judges described as “a true urban oasis”.

Marking the brand’s first property in South America, the project was envisioned by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, while acclaimed designer Philippe Starck brought the interiors to life. With a striking new vertical garden tower that is an exception to the urban landscape of the sprawling South American city, the property was commended for “boldly bringing the outside in” with a design that “deftly references Brazilian modernism whilst confidently staying true to its own intentions”, evoking “an almost ethereal quality” within the bustling metropolitan surrounds.

AHEAD

© Aurora Rose Studios

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

R E S TA U R A N T

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

Dowling’s at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel – New York, USA The Carlyle / Rosewood Hotel Group / tonychi studio / Stonehill Taylor

E V E N T S PA C E S

S PA & W E L L N E S S

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

Piaule Catskill – New York, USA Piaule / Garrison Architects

GUESTROOMS Rosewood Sand Hill – California, USA Rosewood Hotel Group / NicoleHollis

HOTEL CONVERSION Hotel Saint Vincent – New Orleans, USA MML Hospitality / Zach Kupperman / Christian Strobel / Jayson Seidman / MetroStudio / Lambert McGuire Design

SUITE Rooftop Suite, The Modern Wing at The Drake Hotel – Toronto, Canada The Drake Hotel / Drake Hotel Properties / Diamond Schmitt / DesignAgency / +Tongtong

TRANSPORT Aqua Nera Aqua Expeditions / Studio Noor / DJC Studio

HOTEL NEWBUILD

VISUAL IDENTITY

Hotel Terrestre – Oaxaca, Mexico R&B+K Constructora / Grupo Habita / Taller de Arquitectura X / Fernanda Romandia & Diana Backal

Faraway Nantucket, Massachusetts Blue Flag Partners / Life House / Emeritus / LMNOP Creative

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N & R E S T O R AT I O N Park Lane New York – USA The Witkoff Group / Highgate / PBDW Architects / Yabu Pushelberg

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y Hotel Terrestre – Oaxaca, Mexico R&B+K Constructora / Grupo Habita / Taller de Arquitectura X / Fernanda Romandia & Diana Backal

L A N D S C A P I N G & O U T D O O R S PA C E S Playa Viva – Juluchuca, Mexico David Leventhal / Playa Viva / Nomadic Resorts / Jorg Stamm / Regenesis

NEW CONCEPT Casa Silencio – Oaxaca, Mexico El Silencio Holdings / Casa Silencio / Alejandro D’Acosta / Martina D’Acosta

L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S El Prado Hotel – California, USA Ferrado / The Ness Group / Crestline Hotels & Resorts / Carrasco & Associates / NicoleHollis

O U T S TA N D I N G C O N T R I B U T I O N Adam D. Tihany

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

HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Playa Viva – Juluchuca, Mexico David Leventhal / Playa Viva / Nomadic Resorts / Jorg Stamm / Regenesis

Rosewood São Paulo, Brazil BM Empreendimentos / CTF / Rosewood Hotel Group / Jean Nouvel / Philippe Starck

RESORT Habitas Bacalar – Mexico Habitas

AHEAD

Clockwise from top left: Playa Viva; Nearly Ninth at Arlo Midtown; Dowling’s at The Carlyle; Rosewood São Paulo; Habitas Bacalar; El Prado Hotel

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

SHORTLISTED IN

T H E P E A K F I T N E S S C L U B & S PA ,

‘ S PA & W E L L N E S S ’

T H E C A R LTO N TOW E R J U M E I R A H

Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to have been the main contractor on The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd: vbudd@beckinteriors.com

Radical Innovation The future-forward competition that challenges visionaries to pioneer innovation in travel and hospitality, names a vertical urban resort as its winner.

Words: Catherine Martin

F

ollowing a global search for new concepts that

traditional resort amenities on top of one another, with

fuel the future of travel and hospitality, Radical

districts for dining, retail and wellness culminating in a sky

Innovation has revealed Aera as its winner.

deck featuring a swimming pool and panoramic views of the

Designed by OBMI, the vertical urban resort was

city. “Our aim was to reinvent the typical resort, moving

conceived to meet the needs of a rapidly growing

from a horizontal format to a vertical one with a far smaller

domestic market, by offering an escape from the

footprint, thereby offering a solution that responds to the

city, within the city.

limited availability of urban real estate,” Peck continues.

The concept took first place at an awards ceremony in New

“The concept embodies the same unplugged escape one

York, in which a panel of experts heard from all three finalists

finds on a private island whilst providing the amenity-

– including Eco Floating Hotel by Hayri Atak Architectural

rich experience of an urban hub, marrying relaxation,

Design Studio and Merani by Contesi Design Company – and

convenience and connectedness.”

assessed each on design merit and feasibility. The judges’

Serving as an oasis away from the stresses of city life,

votes were then combined with a public ballot to determine

walking trails weave through the resort, with public areas

the grand-prize winner.

surrounded by greenery. The biophilic approach not only

This year’s finalists were all lauded for their forward-

enhances the visual qualities, it also works proactively

thing ideas, which consider sustainability, changes in travel

with air and water purification. “By providing wellness and

habits and the overarching guest experience, but it was Aera

relaxation through access to nature, the concept decreases

that came out top, deemed as the concept with potential for

the need for long-distance travel,” concludes Peck. “It’s an

having the greatest impact on the industry.

escape from the city, within the city.”

“Innovation is a part of OBMI’s DNA, and our designers

Ultimately, OBMI’s concept aims to enhance its

are continually thinking up ideas that address the challenges

surroundings and deliver positive value to people and places,

facing the hospitality industry,” OBMI Chairman Tim Peck

an attitude shared by many of the entrants over the years.

tells Sleeper. “Aera was conceived as an innovative response

Now in its 16th year, Radical Innovation has a good track

to a combination of factors, including the challenges posed

record for identifying future trends, with some finalists

by Covid, the carbon stress that long-distance travel places

developing into fully-fledged projects. Organised by The

on our environment and the search for creative ways to

Hardy Group, the competition also includes a product design

revitalise urban centres.”

award and categories open to students, winners of which can

The approach leverages vertical architecture to stack

be seen overleaf.

000

1ST RUNNER UP ECO FLOATING HOTEL Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio

Developed in collaboration with naval architects, Eco Floating Hotel combines travel and hospitality into a comprehensive resort experience, enabling guests to touch down by helicopter or dock at the private marina before making use of the many dining and leisure facilities on offer. The design of the concept is inspired by the movement of water, with guestrooms positioned around a central vortex glass roof that serves as an eye-catching visual feature as well as a functional one, harvesting rainwater that can be used for irrigation.

2ND RUNNER-UP MERANI Contesi Design Company

Enabling guests to travel around a region without having to pack up and change hotels, Merani is a hospitality concept that can be transferred from location to location by an airship. Each mini-hotel accommodates up to 20 guests as well as eight crew, and features a sundeck, rooftop swimming pool and forwardfacing lounge offering panoramic views. The zero-emissions vessel harnesses solar energy using photovoltaic panels, and can touchdown on any surface – even water – without ecological damage.

148

S U S TA I N A B L E L U X U R Y O U T D O O R F U R N I T U R E , M A D E I N B R I TA I N

NEW TAMARINDO COLLECTION - AVAILABLE FROM 2023 572 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW6 2DY, London • +44 (0)207 262 8614 • enquiries@cocowolf.co.uk

www.cocowolf.co.uk

STUDENT DESIGN WINNER 1. SHOPPING & CAMPING Kseniya Krepkogorskaya and Danil Nazarov

1.

With vast expanses of supermarket rooftops sitting unoccupied, two students from Kazan State University of Architecture & Engineering propose their reuse as campsites, with green spaces and entertainment amenities accompanying accommodation pods.

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT WINNER 2. FOLLOW ME Ocean Builders

Designed by Ocean Builders to make tedious tasks a little easier, Follow Me is a nearfield communication (NFC) wearable that automatically configures to any compatible smart home device on approach, meaning that temperature or lighting for example adjusts to personalised settings as soon as the guest enters their hotel room, wherever they are.

2.

3.

STUDENT PRODUCT WINNER 3. BSR+ Yu-Chieh Chien

Addressing the challenges of cleanliness, a student from Ming Chi University of Technology has designed a BSR+, a bathroom rail that can not only dry towels through an air purification system but disinfect them too thanks to the inclusion of a UV lamp.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD 4. URBAN AIR MOBILITY Aero AI

As the use of drones takes off, Aero AI proposes the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to transport guests and deliver anything they need during their stay. Requiring significant development of infrastructure, this project analyses sites for the feasibility of a vertiport on Las Vegas Boulevard, providing a starting point for a drone-driven tourist experience.

4.

150

FURNITURE | OUTDOOR | LIGHTING | ACCESSORIES

EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN UK & EUROPE palecek.com | paolomoschino.com

Hotel Construction Pipeline Europe There’s no let-up in the appetite to own and operate an asset in London according to the latest data from Tophotelprojects, with the UK capital topping the charts when it comes to the number of new hotels under development. Of the 94 projects in the city’s pipeline, a significant proportion fall into the luxury and lifestyle segments, with 1 Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Raffles and Rosewood amongst the muchanticipated openings to come.

Elsewhere in the UK – which has the largest pipeline in Europe – Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester are set to add to their inventory, with the latter introducing offers from Hotel Indigo, Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton by Hilton.

TOP CITIES LONDON Projects 94 Rooms 16,673

GLASGOW Projects 24 Rooms 4,042

As the second most-active development market in Europe, Germany is set to add 304 new hotels over the coming years, led by new additions in Hamburg. Ventures from Nobu Hotels, Moxy and Hyatt Centric are all in the works.

DUBLIN Projects 44 Rooms 6,711

HAMBURG Projects 23 Rooms 4,496

EDINBURGH Projects 23 Rooms 3,455

ROME Projects 22 Rooms 3,382

PARIS Projects 28 Rooms 4,295

MANCHESTER Projects 23 Rooms 3,958

VIENNA Projects 22 Rooms 3,654

LISBON Projects 21 Rooms 3,571

Also making the top ten are Spain, Portugal and Poland, while Europe as a whole lists 1,835 projects in the Tophotelprojects pipeline, accounting for new 294,397 rooms. By global comparison, the database details more projects in the UK and Germany than any other country after China and the USA.

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

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

152

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

UK 422 59,733

GERMANY 304 47,371

SPAIN 180 25,534

ITALY 103 15,291

FRANCE 92 13,934

6

7

8

9

10

IRELAND 70 10,107

SWITZERLAND 62 6,823

PORTUGAL 61 8,812

AUSTRIA 59 8,054

POLAND 52 10,364

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 294,397 rooms in the pipeline, 34% (99,750 rooms) are under construction and a further 41% (121,341 rooms) are in planning. It is within these phases that interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs are being planned and implemented.

VISION

Projects 34 Rooms 5,346

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

PRE-OPENING

Projects 265 Rooms 44,424

Projects 750 Rooms 121,341

Projects 634 Rooms 99,750

Projects 152 Rooms 23,536

GROUPS AND BRANDS Hilton Worldwide has the largest European pipeline as listed in the Tophotelprojects database, closely followed by Accor. Hilton is expanding with its Hampton and Garden Inn brands, while Accor is adding to its midscale portfolio with Mercure and Novotel.

101 98 78 77 56

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hampton by Hilton

33

5,666

Radisson Blu

23

4,468

Hilton Garden Inn

20

3,438

Mercure Hotels

17

2,570

Hotel Indigo

17

2,145

Novotel

15

2,510

Holiday Inn

14

3045

Radisson

14

2,578

Intercity Hotel

13

2,820

Radisson Red

13

2,677

YEAR OF OPENING

2022 (11%)

2023 (28%)

2024 (18%)

2025+ (10%)

UNCONFIRMED (33%)

153

FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH is a Project Management and Development Company based in Germany and specialised in 4 and 5 star projects for the Hospitality Industry throughout Europe. Our mission is to ensure the completion of the highest standard on time and within the budget.

SELECTION OF OUR PROJECTS: Ameron Hotel, Davos, Switzerland / Andaz Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands / Munich, Germany / Concorde La Fayette, Paris, France / Concorde St. Lazare, Paris, France / Dolce Hotel, Munich, Germany / Dolce La Hulpe, Brussels, Belgium / Doubletree by Hilton, Košice, Slovakia / Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras, Slovakia / Hilton Garden Inn, Davos, Switzerland / Hyatt Place, Frankfurt, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / Hyatt Regency, Düsseldorf, Germany / Mainz, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / InterContinental, Davos, Switzerland / Geneva, Switzerland / Jaz, Stuttgart, Germany / Jumeirah Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany / Mallorca, Spain / Kameha Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland / Kempinski Hotel River Park, Bratislava, Slovakia / Le Méridien, Barcelona, Spain / Munich, Germany / Split, Croatia / Stuttgart, Germany / Vienna, Austria / Le Méridien Domhotel, Cologne, Germany / Le Méridien Etoile, Paris, France / Le Royal Méridien, Hamburg, Germany / Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain / Bodrum, Turkey / Geneva, Switzerland / Munich, Germany / Paris, France / Prague, Czech Republic / Mövenpick Hotel & Casino, Geneva, Switzerland / Mövenpick Hotel, Basel, Switzerland / Stuttgart Airport, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / Radisson SAS, Rostock, Germany / Rosewood Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands / SOHO, Amsterdam, Netherlands / Swissôtel Bremen, Germany / Dresden, Germany / Geneva, Switzerland / Sochi, Russia / The Ritz Carlton, Berlin, Germany / Budapest, Hungary ...

FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH / Heinkelstr. 19-21 / DE-73230 Kirchheim u. Teck / +49 (0) 7021 73 60-0 / www.feuring.info Contact us at info@feuring.info The Circle Hyatt Place Zurich Airport / Photography: © Courtesy of Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Sticking on rate

a rate-led approach is serving it well, holding

maintain its EBITDA margin at 56%, despite

room rates an average 16% ahead of 2019

inflation pressures. The strong performance

Major hotel groups are continuing to confidently

levels. “This rate-led approach has allowed

enabled Motel One to pay down EUR48m of

hold room rates as they experience a strong

the group to better navigate the challenging

debt. Motel One will add nine hotels this year,

return of first leisure and then business travel.

cost environment,” the company noted in its

including its first US opening, in New York.

The strong rates are delivering RevPAR above

half year statement. Occupancy lagged at 48%,

2019 comparables, despite a relatively lower

substantially lower than the 76.8% recorded in

HA PERSPECTIVE

average occupancy. But occupancy levels are

2019, but reflected the slower return of business

By Chris Bown: With everyone staying in line, and

continuing to improve, building confidence that

to mainland European hotels as pandemic

no hotelier blinking it seems, hotel room rates are

the strategy is paying off – and that there is

restrictions eased.

staying strong. It’s a quite remarkable situation,

PPHE chief executive Boris Ivesha declared

allowing hotels to declare better RevPAR than

At Dalata Hotel Group, CEO Dermot Crowley

confidence in the coming months: “Whilst

before, albeit at lower occupancy rates. Guests seem

noted the challenge of maintaining strong

macroeconomic challenges remain, our

comfortable paying, demand is coming back – and

pricing: “We have taken a responsible approach

attractive portfolio, strong financial position

the margin is allowing hotel companies to recover.

to pricing during the strong market recovery.

and excellent team leave us well-placed to take

Our average room rate in Dublin during the

advantage of the continued recovery.”

more upside to come.

They are also bracing themselves for the bumpy road ahead. Inflation is here, costs are rising

four-month period from May to August was

UK budget operator Travelodge has also

unpredictably, and there are certainly concerns

strong but reasonable at EUR166 per night. We

pushed rate, with like-for-like RevPAR up 13.3%

about demand if a threatened recession takes hold.

value greatly the long-term relationships such

in the first half, compared with 2019 figures.

As ever, there is little forward view on how

as those we enjoy with our coach tour operators,

Underlying revenues were up 16% on 2019, at

business demand will return. But for now, the

corporate customers, sporting organisations,

GBP391.2m. The UK-based business was able

expectation that it will continue to tick up gives

event organisers and airlines.”

to push up rate, while also driving occupancy,

additional comfort to those staring at ever rising

which in the second quarter hit 83.4%, ahead

input costs.

Group RevPAR for the first half of 2022 was 5% ahead of 2019 levels, and up 18% in May and

of the 81.1% achieved in 2019.

HA PERSPECTIVE

June. This was despite occupancy being lower at

The better trading performance has prompted

69.8% against 80.2% in 2019. The performance

the group to increase spending on property

By Andrew Sangster: At the risk of repeating

delivered free cash flow of EUR56.6m for H1.

upgrades, with 65 properties in line to have a

ourselves, it is clear that this is a rate-led recovery.

The strong performance came despite the

makeover during this year. Travelodge expects

Rates are now well above pre-Covid lockdown levels

group adding 1,600 rooms to-date. It recently

to open six leased hotels and one franchised

and are continuing to strengthen (although the rate

signed its first mainland European hotel in

property in Ireland this year.

of increase appears to be slowing).

Dusseldorf, and has a pipeline including hotels

The group reported cost headwinds including

In the week to 10 September, on STR figures

under construction in Brighton, Liverpool,

a further rise in the UK minimum wage, due in

reported by Morgan Stanley, room rates were

London and Manchester.

April 2023, but noted it has hedged its energy

up 11% in the US versus 2019, up 17% in Europe

costs fully to March 2023.

(excluding UK) and up 6% in the UK. According to

Crowley was more candid than normal about costs. The group’s energy bill will increase

And German budget operator Motel One

the Global Business Travel Association, again via

from EUR13m to EUR21m from the first half

bounced back strongly in 2022, hitting

Morgan Stanley, 81% of companies expect to resume

to the second half of 2022, even though the

performance comparable with 2019 during the

domestic travel in the next three months and 56%

group has achieved a 17% reduction in energy

second quarter. Occupancy ramped up from

will resume international travel. These are both post

consumption per room sold over three years.

61% in April to 79% in June, and the company

Covid lockdown highs.

He also revealed that the interest rate on the

reported that “higher prices pushed TRevPAR to

Occupancy still has a bit to recover, it was (on the

group’s term debt to October 2024 is fixed, and

slightly above the 2019 equivalent”. Revenues

same week to 10 September basis), down 8pts in

that 60% of Dalata’s rents are fixed until 2026.

of EUR177m for the second quarter were 20%

Europe, down 11pts in the US, and down 6pts in the

European operator PPHE was also clear that

ahead of 2019, and the company was able to

UK, all compared to 2019. How you view this picture

155

comes down to how you see the future unfolding. If

the biggest contributor to the increase it added

restrictions have eased and others that are still

you’re a booster, you will argue that the ongoing

(which suggests that the global food price index falls

in place. On the positive side, we have seen a

rebound in corporate travel will bring occupancy up

has yet to feed through to consumers).

surge in recovery in the USA and Paris, with

while maintaining rate. If you’re a doomster, you

It does look as though the talk of 20%-plus

rates reaching historically high levels. Manila

will argue that the forthcoming economic recession

inflation early next year is overblown. There is

is also seeing a reasonable recovery, whereas

will halt the progress in its tracks and perhaps even

reasonable hope that we may already be close

Bangkok’s recovery remains muted, and Tokyo

reverse it. In other words, is the recovery tailwind

to inflation peaking. For all the current talk that

is experiencing a slower rebound.”

going to be enough to counteract the economic

hospitality businesses will be going bust due to

In contrast, the strict approach of the Chinese

headwind? Nobody has the complete answer to this.

energy costs spiralling, I have doubts that this is the

authorities is wearing: “The restrictions

One thing that is interesting right now is the

biggest challenge. Hotel Analyst asked HotStats to

continue to seriously affect our hotels business

strength of the biggest brands in the marketplace.

produce some numbers from its database of mostly

in Hong Kong and mainland China.”

Morgan Stanley looked at data from SimilarWeb that

corporate hotels in the UK. On year-to-date basis,

The group is pressing on with its new

showed searches for Premier Inn were at 161% of

utility costs were just 3.8% of turnover of the average

hotel developments. In Istanbul, a 177-room

pre-Covid lockdown levels while Travelodge was at

property. Labour, however, was 19.8%, the biggest

Peninsula hotel is expected to open in early

115%. If Premier Inn is outperforming Travelodge to

single cost.

2023. Construction of Peninsula London was

The UK Government has announced its Energy

brands is likely to be much bigger. This could be a

Price Guarantee. The exact details are still to be

sign that if the recovery does stall, stronger brands

clarified but businesses are being offered help in

At Thai group Minor, second quarter figures

will be better positioned to ride out the challenge.

a six-month scheme from 1 October. This will be

were boosted by a very strong performance from

now expected in the first half of 2023.

Another issue is the likelihood of corporate failure

reviewed in three months to see if it will be renewed

its European business, NH Hotels. But there

among small chains and individual outlets. Access

or made more targeted to the most vulnerable

was optimism, too, that the home market in

to capital is much harder and they typically have

industries. For consumers, the price of gas is being

Thailand is now starting to improve strongly.

weaker balance sheets to begin with. Closures of such

capped at 10.3p per kWh and at 34.0p per kWh for

And, with the Thai government seemingly keen

outlets will boost the performance of whoever is left

electricity. The Government says this intervention,

to promote its hospitality and tourism sector,

and present expansion opportunities.

which may cost it as much as furlough during Covid

that momentum is set to continue.

But this does depend partly on how bad things get.

lockdowns (although this is highly speculative

In its management outlook, the company

The latest data suggest there is some improvement.

given the hugely fluctuating price of gas), will

noted: “Tourism will continue to recover

Real pay for the period May to July 2022 fell by 2.6%,

“boost growth and curb inflation rises”. Boosters

strongly with rising demand from international

this was better than the 3.0% drop in the previous

have plenty of evidence to maintain their optimism.

travels as restrictions have been lifted globally

report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

But doomsters have no shortage of evidence either.

and confidence has regained momentum. In

Calling where the balance lies is not easy.

addition to restored leisure demand, corporate

The ONS also reported that inflation (CPIH, which

travel will be an additional key driver for

is consumer prices including housing costs) was up 8.6% in August, slower than the 8.8% rise in July.

There was also good news on energy prices, with natural gas prices in the UK coming off their highs

Recovery heads East

continuous tourism recovery in the second half of this year. Although there are concerns over higher travel costs, there is still no sign of a

reached at the end of August and they are now less

Across Asia, hotel groups are enjoying

significant impact on consumers’ intentions,

than half of this peak, also well below the previous

contrasting fortunes, as the region’s many hotel

particularly in upscale and high-end segments,

peak that was reached following Russia’s invasion

markets return to business at differing rates.

to spend on travel.”

of Ukraine in February.

And the greater the connection to China, the

Global food prices fell by 1.9% in August, according

156

slowed by the pandemic, and a soft opening is

this extent, its lead over unbranded and even weaker

slower the rate.

In July, the company reported its Thai hotels saw an uptick in momentum as restrictions eased, hitting average occupancy of more than

to the UN index of food costs, the fifth straight month

At Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, a strong

of decline. The oil price is also back well under

performance at European and US properties

USD100 a barrel, currently closer to USD85.

in the portfolio lifted spirits, giving a boost

At Indian Hotels, CEO Puneet Chhatwal

The ONS said that the drop in the price of motor

to first quarter results. Managing director

reflected on the company’s best-ever quarter,

fuels made the largest downward contribution to

and CEO Clement Kwok commented: “The

with by far its strongest margin, at 31.1%. “It’s

inflation in its latest figures, helping to deliver the

difference in financial results is notable

a very strong swing, which is the fundamental

slightly lower inflation in the UK. Food prices were

between those locations where government

proof of our change in business model, our

50% for the month.

BUSINESS CENTRE

focus on new businesses, our investments in

of the company, Puneet Chhatwal has quietly been

Chhatwal has seen the last two companies he was

our iconic assets to reposition them, and also

instilling better operational practices and clearer

at – Rezidor and then Steigenberger – fall into

the kind of mix of properties that we have had.”

brand management, expanding the portfolio in

Chinese ownership (Rezidor with Jin Jiang as part of

Key Indian city markets have come back

smart ways. Taj was a surprise high scorer in

Radisson, and Steigenberger, renamed as Deutsche

strongly, and Chhatwal could not point to

recent global brand value surveys, as a result. With

Hospitality under Chhatwal, now with Huazhu /

any area of the business that was performing

the market reopened, the fruits of that hard work

HWorld). In his new role, Chhatwal leads an Indian

poorly. The Ginger brand hotels, which had not

can now be seen and, with a strong pipeline, the

company that might well outpace any Chinese

yet fully recovered previous occupancy levels,

company is set fair.

rivals in terms of relative growth. And it looks set

still delivered an improved RevPAR thanks to stronger room rates.

to reinforce dominant position in the increasingly

HA PERSPECTIVE

important Indian market.

The group is benefiting from a long-term

By Andrew Sangster: What is going on at IHCL?

approach to executing on delivery of a premium

It was not just the best-ever quarter (Q1 for IHCL

product, he said. “We finished with a robust

is April to June) but nearly twice as good as the

performance across all brands. We want that

previous record quarter, set back in Q1 2019. More

all of our brands which are associated directly

importantly, profitability has been transformed.

Hostels look to have shaken off the shackles

or indirectly with Taj, are perceived as premium

From profit before tax of INR280m (USD3.5m) a year

of the pandemic, as younger generations of

brands in their respective segments.”

ago for the same quarter to INR2.31bn (USD28.9m).

traveller make up for lost time.

Hostels packing them in

The company has also been more strategic in

Part of this has been the surging recovery in India,

The sector, which was hit harder than hotels

signings, notably for its brands subsidiary to Taj.

but IHCL has been outperforming the market and

due to its proportion of shared space rooms, has

“Managing the pipeline is very, very important

shifting to a higher return fee model. Management

bounced back with operators reporting strong

to us and our pipeline today of almost 8,100

mix in Q1 this year was 46% as against 39% three

trading that is building month on month. And,

rooms represents 28% of the total portfolio and

years ago. Fees have grown by 72%.

as with the hotel sector, a disciplined approach

almost 40% of the operational inventory.”

The goal is “to become South Asia’s most iconic

to pricing is yielding strong profit flow.

Chhatwal said that the strong performance

and profitable hospitality company” by 2025. The

First half figures from dedicated OTA

is set to continue, as one significant source of

aim is for a portfolio of over 300 hotels, 100 in the

Hostelworld demonstrated just how the return

business has yet to revive. “Inbound tourism

core Taj brand, 75 in SeleQtions and Vivanta, and

to hostels has accelerated. January’s bookings

is still more or less missing. And that for us

125 Ginger.

levels were 33% of the same month in 2019,

has been a very important segment, especially

The latest quarter saw corporate travel back

but by June the figure was 80%. Hostel booking

for our leisure and palaces and safaris.” He

strongly, with the three key urban markets of

values have increased, however, leading to net

expected to see inbound visitor numbers take

Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi topping 2019 levels

revenue in June at 104% of 2019 levels.

off from November, further adding to revenues.

by between 20% and 33%. The only key segment

“Booking demand into Europe, our largest

waiting for recovery is international travel which

destination in 2019, remains strong with our

IHCL expects to come in Q3.

top markets in Southern Europe exceeding

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Bown: The post-pandemic recovery graphs

IHCL talks about its “profitable growth

2019 levels,” reported Hostelworld CEO

are all heading in similar directions – apart, that

algorithm” of re-engineering margins and

Gary Morrison. “We also witnessed booking

is, from China. Optimism in India and Thailand

productivity; of reimagining brandscape and new

momentum slowly returning in Oceania and

contrasts with a resignation that hotel market

business models; and re-structuring the portfolio

Asian destinations from a very low level in

recovery in China will rely entirely on the Chinese

for asset light growth. So far, it is working. And

January, with booking demand in June at 43%

authorities declaring an end to Covid-19 restrictions.

with India poised to be the fastest growing of the

of 2019 levels. Finally, long-haul bookings

But when will that be? There are hints of an easing of

world’s top 10 economies, IHCL has strong cyclical

have reached 75% of 2019 levels in June, with

restrictions for visitors in Hong Kong, where a major

tailwinds behind the secular transformation it is

trips from the US and Canada into European

banking conference is due to take place this autumn.

creating. India is now firmly eclipsing China, with

destinations above 2019 levels.”

However, Greater China, for now, remains a heavily

the International Monetary Fund forecasting back in

The platform noted that it has seen a modest

restricted part of the world.

July growth this year of 7.4% against China’s 3.3%.

net reduction of 8% in the number of hostels

Next year is forecast to slow slightly to 6.1% but still

listing (excluding those lost in Russia and

be comfortably ahead of China’s 4.6% forecast.

Belarus), three years on – an indication of the

And the performance at Indian Hotels is, it appears, more than just down to the recovery of the Indian market. Since he took over leadership

It is interesting to observe that IHCL CEO Puneet

resilience of operators in the sector.

157

BUSINESS CENTRE

And those operators are, at large, reporting

an alternative to traditional hotel offerings,

However, stare a bit harder and one can imagine

strong trading too. At German group A&O,

with a marked increase in six- and eight-

Queensgate – which paid USD400m for Freehand

bookings through the first half were already on

bed dormitory bookings. Collectively, we have

in autumn 2019 – has also probably been challenged

a par with 2019 figures. The company says it

achieved 10% growth in the overall shared

with cashflow too. In contrast, TPG, backers of

saw an 80% year-on-year increase in unique

rooms revenue across Europe and 25% up in

A&O, appear to have found sufficient wherewithal

website visitors, and over 2,500 daily calls to

North America, compared to 2019 Q2.”

to double down on the brand – and are now

its reservation line.

In June, media reports suggested Generator

Founder and CEO Oliver Winter commented:

owner Queensgate Investments is once again

“Our occupancy rates for May 2022 averaged

seeking to dispose of the business, reviving plans

around 74%, rising to 85% in June, making

that were put on ice in 2020. The expectation is

the first half of this year one of our most

that best bids will be invited in the final quarter

successful to-date. We are expecting the success

of this year, for a business that, pre-pandemic,

to continue as we expect a summer occupancy

was expected to fetch GBP1bn.

rate of over 90% across our hostel portfolio.”

billion to bid for Generator?

Elsewhere, UK-listed operator Safestay has

A&O says bookings from families and groups

warned of a delay in publication of its 2021

have been particularly strong, and it expects

results, but provided a trading update at the end

full year revenues to come in at EUR160-180m.

of June. It reckons it will report 2021 revenues of

Efficiencies forced by the Covid-19 pandemic

GBP6.4m and gross profit of GBP5.1m from its

have helped streamline the operation, including

portfolio of 16 properties across Europe.

mobile or self check-in, digital breakfast check

From September 2021 to March 2022,

and digital room keys. The group has opened

Safestay conducted a strategic review, having

hostels in Warsaw, Budapest, Copenhagen,

been approached with an indicative bid for the

Edinburgh and Rotterdam since 2020, and is

business. Ultimately, there was insufficient

actively looking for more sites across Europe,

shareholder support for the offer made.

including conversion opportunities.

aggressively targeting growth. Do they have a spare

During 2021, Safestay sold two of its hostels,

And Generator and Freehand hotels, owned

in order to raise funds to support the business

by Queensgate Investments, have also revealed

as it struggled through pandemic shutdowns.

a record-breaking quarter, with profits running

These were a hostel in Barcelona, and its

11% ahead of 2019, at their highest levels to-

Edinburgh property, which was sold to A&O for

date. Business improved to the point that June

GBP16m.

profits were up 30% year-on-year with sites in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid leading

HA PERSPECTIVE

the charge.

By Chris Bown: As the pandemic bit, shared hostel

“We have seen a surge of demand for rooms in

rooms were the last place that scared travellers

both our shared and private accommodation,”

wanted to be, spending the night just a few metres

said Generator and Freehand CEO Alastair

from a coughing roommate. But as Covid-19 came

Thomann. “This trend can be seen particularly

to be revealed as little more than a nuisance for

amongst Gen Z and millennials who were

vaccinated younger generations, so they prepared

among the first to get back on the road once

themselves for travel, as soon as restrictions lifted.

borders reopened. These young, seasoned

And it appears that hostels have benefited

travellers currently make up the majority of our

from family staycations too, or perhaps just the

guests, favouring our community-driven and

realisation that a shared hostel room provides a

design-led offerings with a particular leaning

good atmosphere for families, at far less cost than

towards the affordable, shared accommodation

a Vrbo home.

on offer.”

158

The contrast between Safestay, which due to

Thomann adds: “There is also a new high

its stock listing shared a very public cash squeeze,

demand from families who now value us as

and its private equity-backed peers, is remarkable.

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

2.

1.

3.

4.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. Miami

August 2022 data shows that Abu Dhabi’s hotels recorded higher occupancy than the month prior, but lower room rates. Despite the increase, occupancy remained slightly below the prepandemic comparable (-2.8%), while RevPAR was 2.7% above. Though ADR surpassed the prepandemic comparable (+5.6%), it was the lowest level for any month since September 2021.

Occupancy 67.2% ADR USD184.02 RevPAR USD123.74

Occupancy 65.2% ADR AED335.49 RevPAR AED218.90

2. London

4. Singapore

Aligned with seasonal patterns, London’s hotel performance came in lower than the peak seen during the previous month, according to preliminary August 2022 data. Despite the decrease, both ADR and RevPAR levels remain well above pre-pandemic comparables at +19.4% and +6.9%, respectively. Occupancy however was 10.5% below August 2019.

Occupancy 77.1% ADR GBP179.49 RevPAR GBP138.37

160

3. Abu Dhabi

US hotel performance has continued to improve through 2022, with Miami amongst those posting the greatest gains. For August 2022, the coastal city reported an ADR of USD184.02, up 26.6% on the same period in 2019, while RevPAR rose by 18.6%. For the week ending 20 August, Miami posted an ADR gain of 33.4% over 2019 – the largest rise of any US market that week.

Hotel performance in Asia Pacific continues to vary wildly from market-to-market owing in part to ongoing travel restrictions. For August 2022, Singapore recorded an ADR of USD199.65, a rate that is on par with the prepandemic comparable. Occupancy however was down 21.2% on August 2019, while RevPAR declined by 20.5% to USD143.37.

Occupancy 71.8% ADR USD199.65 RevPAR USD143.37

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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SPOTLIGHT FABRICS, SURFACES & WALLCOVERINGS From nature-inspired patterns to sustainable finishes, we take a look at the latest innovations shaping the world of fabrics, surfaces and wallcoverings.

Kirkby Design Teddy Part of The Romo Group, Kirkby Design is a high-performance fabric resource library comprising collections with a sharp, contemporary feel in a well-balanced, sophisticated palette. The London-based textiles manufacturer has launched Teddy, a fire-resistant wool bouclé created through a steaming process on the loom, which opens the fibres to create a fuller, softer bouclé. The fabric is available in 33 warm, natural and rich colourways that enhance the nature of the wool, including the trend-driven colours of Amber, Chai and Fern. www.kirkbydesign.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

166

4.

1. Arte Tangram

2. Poltrona Frau Pelle Frau Impact Less

3. The Mural Source Panoramic

4. Elitis Moire

Arte has unveiled Tangram, a collection of wallcoverings named after and inspired by the dissection puzzle of the same name. The range comprises six designs – Caprice, Bounty (pictured), Intarsio, Dome, Splice and Myriad – each resembling an ingenious puzzle. Tangram is based on natural grasses, coarsely or very finely woven and inlaid by hand in various patterns. An interpretation of each design is then created using water-based inks printed on non-woven wallpaper. The high-quality inks contain a significantly high amount of pigment, giving the wallpaper depth and relief, whilst producing strikingly bright and fresh colours. www.arte-international.com

Pelle Frau Impact Less by Poltrona Frau is a leather tanned with sustainable components and is free from chromium.

The new sustainable material marks the introduction of the chromium-free tanning process and technologies to reduce the environmental impact of all the leathers that bear the name Pelle Frau by 2030. In fact, the entire series of Pelle Frau ColorSphere, in its 73 SC variants, will become Impact Less by the end of 2022. The newly launched leather aims to be the paradigm of a more ethical and conscious choice, representative of the concepts of innovation, design and craftsmanship and performance ingrained in Poltrona Frau’s indentity. www.poltronafrau.com

The Mural Source’s Panoramic Collection comprises digital prints of handpainted antique wallpaper murals from the fine French manufacturers of the 18th and 19th century, interspersed with newly created designs depicting natural environments, historical scenes and idyllic locales.

Available on several different materials including Type II and non-woven substrates, each mural is divided into 3ft-wide customisable panels. The scenes have been designed for standard wall heights up to 12ft and can cover up to 60 linear feet before the design repeats.

Scaling is also available to ensure the panels can accommodate any wall within an interior environment. www.themuralsource.com

Elitis has revisited the wave-like fabric Moire to produce an ultra-modern revival.

Breaking with convention, Moire has gained in scale, forgetting its demure origins to become maxi-waves that launch patterns skywards in graduated shades.

Manufactured entirely in France, the collection features a thicker weave for a resolutely raw and raised effect with a more minimalist and contemporary sophistication. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Moire is available in 23 colourways ranging from muted to powerful hues. Due to the randomised nature of production, each piece is unique; the size of the waves and their position vary indiscriminately. www.elitis.fr/en

Furnishing fabrics for commercial spaces

Introducing The new commercial fabric brand for upholstery, blinds and curtains Launching at HIX 2022 | Stand U34 www.warwick.co.uk +44 (0)1451 822383

SPOTLIGHT

2.

1.

168

3.

1. Timorous Beasties Spiky Ginger Faux Suede

2. Paolo Moschino Martinique Collection

3. iLiv Sustainable Plains 1 & 2

Timorous Beasties is known for unique wallpaper and textile collections that re-frame historic furnishing and decorative traditions from a contemporary and often satirical viewpoint, all created at its diverse Glasgowbased design and print studio. Continuously creating new products and collections that furnish the interiors and exteriors of cutting-edge residential and commercial spaces, the brand also collaborates with clients for a breadth of bespoke projects. Most recently, the company has launched Spiky Ginger Faux Suede wallpaper. A delicate, tonal camouflage background brings additional depth whilst showcasing the abundance of rich detail within the hand-drawn tangles of foliage adorning the pattern repeat. Not only is the suede wallcovering sumptuous in look and feel, it is also durable. Spikey Ginger Faux Suede wallpaper is 137mm wide and is available in two colourways: beige and pale yellow. www.timorousbeasties.com

Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen have been creating fabrics and wallpaper for over two decades, with the collection now comprising more than 60 designs in a range of signature colours. The Fabric Collection offers a mix of linens, silks, cottons and velvets sourced from Europe’s finest mills, manufacturers and artisans. The Martinique Collection comprises three patterns designed in-house – Riviere, Palmyra and Roche – all largely inspired by the work of French artist and designer Serge Roche. The range features a combination of soft earthy tones, which complement many of the company’s existing designs. Recently launched, the Martinique Collection is now produced and stocked to purchase as wallpaper by roll. Printed on a non-woven substrate, the wide-width (68cm) wallpapers are available with the strength and durability to meet the requirements of hightraffic hospitality spaces. www.paolomoschino.com

Founded by Salvador Monllor Domenech in 1987, SMD is a family-owned company specialising in interior textiles. In 2013, SMD Group launched iLiv, a brand equally focused on high-performance contract textiles for commercial projects as it is on fabrics for residential ones. Shortly after the launch of iLiv, SMD Contracts re-branded to iLiv Contract Fabrics, now carrying over 4,000 mostly flame retardant materials and over 30 coordinating fabric collections. iLiv’s Sustainable Plains ranges one and two comprise almost 300 environmentally-conscious fabrics designed and developed to minimise their impact on the planet.

Spanning 16 varying bases, from corduroy to herringbone waves, and using a variety of sustainable yarns including recycled polyester, bamboo viscose, BCI cotton, organic cotton and linen content, the collections offer a variety of fabrics that complement several interior settings. www.iliv.co.uk

All decors shown and mentioned are reproductions

Simple Swaps from Egger to add value to your projects

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03/11/2022 14:46

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

170

4.

1. Creative Matters Soft Wallcoverings

2. Spaghetti Wall Autumn

3. Egger Perfect Sense Premium Gloss

4. Fromental Contract

Having supplied imaginative yet practical floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 25 years, Creative Matters has added a wallcovering division to its offering, creating soft wallcoverings cleverly paired with the firm’s custom carpet designs or as standalone projects such as feature walls. The Toronto-based studio manages to capture the translucent qualities of the fibres, how they can be layered in a similar way to a painting and how seamlessly they blend through each handmade wallcovering. The London Fog design (pictured) from Creative Matters’ Tellurian collection not only adds artistry and warmth to the space but also offers the benefit of softening the acoustics. www.creativemattersinc.com

Earthy nuances combine with greys and burgundies to create the autumnal palette of Spaghetti Wall’s nine wallpaper collections, which offer graphics based on geometric or free motifs, textile or textural prints also with perspective dips inspired by autumn. The patterns are printed with a high yield on one of 11 substrates offered by the brand, which includes fibre glass – in various colours – for application even in contact with water, sound-absorbing or ecological fibres, gold gloss or with a wood effect.

Spaghetti Wall wallpapers are supplied on rolls with widths from 60cm and no height limits, and can be used for both residential and contract projects. www.spaghettiwall.it

Created to withstand high traffic hospitality areas, Perfect Sense Premium Gloss (PG) Laminate is characterised by a deep lacquer that provides superior scratch-resistance and a strikingly reflective surface. The surface is available in nine solid colour finishes and two polished marble reproductions with a coloured core option on offer too.

The latest addition to Egger’s evolving Perfect Sense portfolio, the Premium Gloss laminate joins Egger’s Topmatt (PT) laminate, matching Premium boards and complementing Perfect Sense Texture (TM9) boards to offer specifiers optimal value engineering opportunities in matte and gloss design. www.egger.com

Renowned for handpainted and handembroidered wallcoverings, Fromental also offers a more durable vinyl alternative specifically for the contract market. The company’s skilled design team works with clients to interpret any brief and provide design solutions to suit individual project needs. Compositions can be tailored to suit any space to create truly unique wallscapes. A popular design is Travertine, an understated yet mesmerising wallcovering that uses washes of iridescent metallic paints on silk to create a shimmering texture with a brushed and layered effect. Travertine is also available on a contract grade faux silk vinyl. www.fromental.co.uk

KASBAH COLLECTION WWW.ILIV.CO.UK HIX: Stand 57

SPOTLIGHT

2.

3.

1.

172

4.

1. Sicis Vetrite Onigem

2. Camira Main Line Twist

3. Wall & Deco Wet System

4. Linwood Omega III

Following the success of the Vetrite Gem Glass collection, Italian manufacturer Sicis has expanded the Vetrite line with Onigem, a range of 15 glass patterns inspired by the hues and veins of limestone onyx, available in both neutral colours such as white, beige or grey, as well as vivid tones of emerald, blue or yellow-green. Each slab comes in three to four variants, allowing designers to create larger compositions by placing the slabs side by side, without having to use bookmatch application. The Onigem collection is offered in solid, satin and opalescent finishes, the latter of which produces plays of light when applied over LET panels to allow backlighting. www.sicis.com

Contract fabric manufacturer Camira has launched Main Line Twist, a tweedstyle textile woven from pure wool and harvested flax. Designed and coloured to pair with the company’s popular Main Line Flax range, which has also been given a fresh look with the addition of 24 new colourways, the two textiles complement one another. Manufactured using an innovative twisted yarn, the small-scale pattern of Main Line Twist creates a homespun finish that is balanced by the uniform aesthetic of Main Line Flax. With both fabrics suitable for use on seating, panels and curtains, they can be used in a variety of ways in both commercial and residential interiors. www.camirafabrics.com

The Wet System from Wall & Deco is a patented, completely waterproof wallcovering dedicated to wet and damp environments, opening up a range of embellishing possibilities in areas ranging from showers and kitchens to gyms and spas. Printed using water-based, solventfree inks, the wallpaper combines a high decorative value with technical properties such as resistance to water and humidity, yellowing, abrasion and aggression from household chemicals. A valid alternative to traditional wallcoverings, its specific configuration makes it suitable from applications on vertical surfaces made from concrete, plaster, plasterboard, PVC, glass and directly on ceramic tiles. www.wallanddeco.com

Having debuted the Verde eco-cotton last year, Hampshire-based family business Linwood has relaunched its bestselling Omega plain velvet as Omega III, an eco-velvet woven with recycled polyester in the pile, removing 10 large plastic bottles from the environment for every metre woven. Four years in the making, the environmentally-friendly velvet is also inherently fire resistant, which removes the need for a chemical back coat for fire retardancy and produces a softer, low chemical, more luxurious velvet that is kinder to the environment. The innovative and sustainable velvet is available in 75 trend-driven colours from Mineral to Dusky Pink. www.linwoodfabric.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

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© Marco Joe Fazio

2.

3.

1. Skopos Fabrics Skopos Essential Voiles

2. Stone Circle The Carlton Tower Jumeirah

3. Warwick Contract Crib 5 Plains

The Skopos Essential Voiles collection pulls together favourite plain white and cream options from the Zephyr and Astraeus collections and includes three new designs in both white and cream that complete the offer. The new additions include: Muslin, a fine weave with an irregular crinkle slub; County, an open weave with a linen crosshatch effect; and a recycled option, Tranquility Eco, which features 50% recycled polyester – post-consumer – as a more eco-conscious solution for contract finishing touches, helping designers to achieve greener schemes.

Displaying the new Eco logo, the voiles are wide-width to maximise value when addressing large contract windows, while the new designs come with a weighted selvedge. Flame-retardant and washable, the Essential Voiles are also a key part of the broader Skopos offer for elegant voiles, which include specialist, decorative options and a broader colour palette. www.skoposfabrics.com

Working alongside contractor Beck Interiors, Stone Circle fabricated and installed marble and porcelain throughout the public spaces of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London. The onyx reception desk in the hotel spa took painstaking work to ensure that the veins matched exactly across the whole piece, including the drawers and doors that were faced in the same material. The company uses technology that allows it to photograph the available slabs and work out exactly how to cut them to achieve the desired effect, be that vein matching as described, book matching – where marble is installed with the veins of the slab mirroring each other – or simply the way to get the best out of the slab.

It then uses a mixture of modern CNC-equipped cutting machinery, including saws and waterjet cutters, as well as hand-finishing techniques to fabricate marble, onyx, granite and limestone for its teams to install. www.stone-circle.com

New brand Warwick Contract will launch a fully stocked Crib 5 Plains Collection at HIX this November, officially bringing its fabric expertise and industry know-how into the commercial sector for the first time. Comprised of heavy-duty upholstery weights – velvets Alpaka, Lovely and Plush feature alongside textures Dolly and Rouen in a wide variety of bestselling colours. From warm, earthen tones to classic neutrals, these predominantly easy-clean qualities offer high performance value at competitive prices. Complementing the Crib 5 Plains upholstery range, the FR-Wide collection will launch simultaneously at HIX, providing an array of drapery options across 19 brand new cloths – a compendium of sheers and semisheers in neutral to mid-tones. Combine both collections for a one-stop, off-the-shelf shop for complete contract furnishing solutions. Find Warwick on Stand U34 at HIX from 17-18 November. www.warwick.co.uk

DESIGN • EXPERTISE • SERVICE

CONTRACT FABRICS & SOFT FURNISHINGS FOR HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE INTERIORS

sales@skopos.co.uk

| Tel: 01924 436 666

| skoposfabrics.com

Luxury Hotel Collection

Since 1924, Sleepeezee continues to work in partnership with world-class hotels to provide the perfect sleep experience for their guests. www.sleepeezee.com/hospitality

Leave The Rest To Us

SPOTLIGHT BEDS, MATTRESSES & LINENS

2.

2.

1.

3.

1. Naturalmat Devon Oak Bed

2. DUX Hospitality Collection

3. The Fine Bedding Company Hospitality Division

Naturalmat has launched the Devon Oak Bed, encapsulating the company’s modern, back-to-nature aesthetic with a solid oak frame, slatted base and natural oil finish. Not only is every aspect of the design and construction rooted in Devon, where the company is based, the timber used can be traced to locally managed woodland. The Devon Oak Bed is also available with an upholstered, wool-filled headboard in one of Naturalmat’s natural and organic fabrics or the customer’s own choice of material. www.naturalmat.co.uk

Now into its 9th decade, DUX is launching a new Hospitality Collection offering a complete bespoke design and build service for hotels. The range incorporates each of the brand’s innovations, starting with Pascal – a system of adjustable comfort zones across the shoulders, hips and legs. A continuous coil of springs made from a single mile of Swedish steel, the effect of creating a seamless set of springs, also means the bed cushions every part of the body with each spring complementing and supporting the next. www.duxiana.com

Part of the certified B Corporation Trendsetter, The Fine Bedding Company produces mattress protectors, toppers and enhancers that combine supreme comfort with advanced protection and durability that will extend a mattress’ lifespan. The products also carry sustainability credentials; the family-run business takes a pioneering approach to product development, manufacturing each item in a purpose-built eco-factory in Estonia, whilst also working on its traceability and carbon reduction. www.finebeddinghotels.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

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4.

5.

6.

7.

4. Sleepeezee Hotel Edwardian 2000

5. Vispring Kew Headboard

6. Bellino Vicente

7. Hypnos Contract Beds Woolsleepers Pillow Top

Sleepeeze’s hospitality mattresses can be tailored to optimise any space, offering high standards of quality and craftsmanship to meet customer needs and budget specifications. The premium hospitality service offers door-to-door delivery with a professional installation.

The hand-tufted and double-sided Hotel Edwardian 2000 mattress combines 2,000 individual pocketed springs with a natural filling of wool, silk and cotton, that regulates body temperature whilst providing support. www.sleepeezee.com/hospitality

Inspired by asymmetric shapes, the Kew headboard has been designed by student Phoebe Leader; winner of a competition run in collaboration with Plymouth College of Art. Fusing the luxury bedmaker’s timeless aesthetic and craftsmanship with Leader’s modern design, Kew features an off-centre gathered seam with a thick layer of high-quality upholstery and lightly textured surface. All Vispring headboards can be upholstered with fabrics from the Vispring Timeless Collection or in a personal choice of material. www.vispring.com

Bellino has provided luxury linens for the bed, bath and table to the North American market since 1991. The hospitality division fuses expertise in styling and artisan craftsmanship with efficient logistics to create a product- and service-oriented organisation. Made from 100% long staple cotton which can be woven in 200TC percale, 300TC sateen and 400TC percale and sateen, the Vicente collection features a single line of embroidery – available in any colour – in the duvet cover and pillow shams. www.bellinofinelinens.com

The Woolsleepers Pillow Top is the next step on Hypnos Contract Beds’ sustainability journey. Made with 100% British wool from Red Tractorassured farms, the mattress is naturally breathable, antibacterial and responds to the body’s temperature fluctuations.

Designed with housekeeping in mind, the mattress requires no turning, offering a practical, time-saving solution and is available with zip-and-link, being easily converted from a super-king to two singles for ultimate flexibility. www.hypnoscontractbeds.com

C O M F O RT W I T H I N T E G R I T Y H O S P I TA L I T Y S L E E P S O L U T I O N S

Carbon Neutral, 100% sustainable and recyclable +44 (0) 1332 497111

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GOOD SLEEP IS OUR PASSION

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SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Morgan Bilbao British furniture-maker Morgan has unveiled Bilbao, its latest collection by Tim Rundle. A contemporary and curvaceous tub chair that offers generous sitting space amongst plump, pebble-like cushions, Bilbao combines crisp defined edges with gentle, organic surfaces that are reminiscent of the Frank-Gehry designed museum in the Northern Spanish city after which it is named. The collection is fully upholstered and planted on the ground, with shapes in cut foam – a handmade process that offers considerably more control. “Bilbao pays homage to 1920’s Central Europe,” says Rundle, adding that he has a “strong interest in how historical furniture typologies evolve over time”. www.morganfurniture.co.uk

SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

BD Barcelona The Barcelona Edition

Il Fanale The Emotion of Light Il Fanale has launched The Emotion of Light, a new catalogue for 2022 containing its recently revealed collections. Amongst the products is Lanterne Slim, a new interpretation of the brand’s classic outdoor lantern, made more minimal thanks to clean profiles and the absence of closing glasses. Within the range are wall lamp models in two sizes and three nonremovable floor lamps in three different sizes, which can be installed with an electrical connection to the floor. Next up is Dew, whose name refers to the shape – a drop of dew with a simple, contemporary line. The series comprises several models, from a cluster shape to more linear solutions, and is suitable for creating suspended compositions. It is completed by an adjustable spotlight and wall lamp. Il Fanale has also enriched some of its existing collections with new items; Drop integrates a new wall light in the same existing finishes, while Bloom sees the addition of a spherical wall light with natural brass structure and transparent grey Balloton glass. Girasoli has been given new items with fully adjustable spotlights too – including suspension models with five lights and a floor lamp with two lights – and Calmaggiore features a new suspension and wall applique with a cleaner arm and cable. For the London range meanwhile, crafted entirely from iron with transparent glass, the existing geometric shapes of the design were implemented within a new cylindrical shape, which comes in two different sizes for the suspended option and a half cylinder shape for the wall light. www.ilfanale.com

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Working with longstanding collaborators Carlos Ferrater and Lazaro Rosa-Violán, furniture manufacturer BD Barcelona has supplied a range of pieces to the recently opened Barcelona Edition, with iconic designs by the likes of Salvador Dalí, Antoni Gaudí and Oscar Tusquets all on display throughout the property. Amongst Dalí’s creations are the Leda armchair, a sculptural three-legged piece crafted from solid brass, as well as the Bracelli lamp, which features a pyramidal pedestal covered in gold leaf. Modernist furniture by Gaudí comes in the form of the Calvet stool, designed along with four other pieces – an armchair, a mirror, a chair and a bench – for the house of the same name. And in the hotel’s guestrooms, the Gaulino chair by Oscar Tusquets – also available in an easy style – is made entirely from wood and leather, with a solid ash frame and a choice of finishes and hides. The Gaulino Easy Chair was a natural evolution of the Gaulino Chair according to the brand, fulfilling the function of an armchair while being much lighter visually. “The challenge was to design a light armchair, not too high, using wood and leather. At the beginning, it was going in a different direction, but after making various models, prototypes and considering BD’s perspectives, the result has inevitably drawn toward what is now the Gaulino chair, which was designed nearly 30 years ago,” says Tusquets. “We did not envision it so, but the ergonomics and the aesthetic coherence of this piece has taken us toward a solution much like the Gaulino chair.” www.bdbarcelona.com

SPECIFIER

Q&A

SV Casa Niccolò Santi, Managing Director Having recently completed its 320th hotel project, SV Casa is far from done according to Managing Director Niccolò Santi, who is following in the footsteps of his mother Susanna Valerio.

How would you describe SV Casa’s design approach?

Every hotel project is different, so when we work with an owner, operator or interior designer it’s a very collaborative process, bringing to life aesthetics that meet the direction of the hotel.

What can SV Casa bring to hotel environments?

Our role is to continue and finish the story that the interior designer has started with bespoke OS&E and accessories. This means magnifying the experience through touchpoints and elements of surprise. By incorporating details from guestroom interiors into our accessories and helping to convey the character of a destination, we can support and strengthen the visual narrative.

Tell us about some of your most recent hospitality projects…

We recently completed our 320th hotel project and some of our latest partners include Rosewood Villa Magna, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Rosewood Vienna and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Each project is a chapter in the SV story and some are personal stories; Rosewood Rome is being built in the former headquarters of the Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro, where my grandfather worked for many years and his desk is still present, while Regent Hong Kong is a reincarnation of the Intercontinental where my parents would take my sister and I for lunch when we moved there in 1991.

How did your collaboration with Kelly Hoppen come about?

A mutual friend introduced us to Kelly Hoppen in Paris and we immediately began to explore a collaboration. We have always admired Kelly’s minimalist, modern aesthetic and the fact that it was different from our own design language made it even more compelling. It also gave us an opportunity to push our manufacturing capabilities and the result has exceeded all our expectations. The pieces fit seamlessly into various project types.

What’s next for SV Casa in the hospitality sector?

We have a number of exciting hotel projects in the pipeline, including Capella Sydney, Regent Hong Kong, Rosewood Rome and The Peninsula London. In many of these properties we are providing everything from the decorative accessories, soap dishes and tissue boxes to the coat hangers, laundry bags and umbrellas.

On the product front, we are equally excited about our upcoming collaboration with Yabu Pushelberg, launching in early 2023. www.sv-casa.com

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INFO@SV-CASA.COM WWW.SVINTERNATIONALDESIGN.COM

Instagram @sv_casa

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CASE STUDY

Parla Hotel Amano Covent Garden Working with Woods Bagot’s London Studio, Parla has furnished both the guestrooms and public areas at the newly opened Hotel Amano Covent Garden, pulling together natural elements such as aged bronze, polished brass and marble with fabrics from Kvadrat and Jab Anstoetz to produce bespoke pieces that sit alongside items from its own collection. At the property’s semi open-air rooftop bar, pictured here, guests can sit comfortably on Parla’s Arven bar stools while taking in views of the London skyline. “The challenge we addressed with this project was to make sure we designed and manufactured an assortment of furniture that did not take up too much space but were as practical as larger pieces, without compromising on comfort,” says Deniz Albayrak, Senior Project Manager for Parla in the UK. “As a company that thrives on solving design problems, the hotel gave us new perspectives on crafting furniture for city centre spaces.” www.parladesign.com

Point City Marking the third furniture collection to be designed by Christophe Pillet for Point, the City range comprises an armchair, a double sofa and a triple sofa, together with two coffee tables and two corner tables. Winner of the European Product Design Award, the series is characterised by a powder-painted aluminium structure with teak arms and plump cushions that can be customised in terms of both prints and colours. The seat and back cushions are made from high-resistance polyurethane foam, with the former featuring a Goodside slatted suspension method that is combined with the foam for maximum comfort. The cushions with this system include a waterproof cover too. “This collection is my contemporary take on the art of Mediterranean living, which is unconnected to time,” says Pillet. “It is a universe where the sun and the earth meet.” Catering for various design aesthetics, City comes in three finishes: Cream Sluminium 34 with Beige rope, Sand Aluminium 74 with Pearl Grey rope, and Metallic Grey Aluminium 56 with Graphite rope. www.point1920.com

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REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENT! TECEone – the new toilet with shower function.

It looks like a normal toilet, but there’s something about it: The integrated shower function cleans with a gentle, warm water jet, giving you a feeling of pure freshness. At the turn of a button. TECEone can be operated intuitively. No power supply.

No gimmicks. Perfect hygiene at an attractive price. www.tece.com/teceone

Looks good – and it’s easy to use, too: You can easily regulate the temperature and amount of water using the regulators on the side.

TECE GmbH | Hollefeldstrasse 57 | 48282 Emsdetten | www.tece.com | international-business@tece.de | T + 49 25 72 / 9 28 - 999

Anzeige_TECEone_Endv_EN_236x275.indd 1

17.03.22 17:50

SPECIFIER

Geberit Geberit One

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Geberit has expanded its One series, introducing a range of basin and cabinet solutions designed with aesthetic, smart solutions and ease-of-use in mind. The brand’s new washbasin cabinet and washtops incorporate a selection of individual design styles, including single or double options with either a cabinet or a minimalist washtop, or a combination of the two.

Three new washbasin variants also feature in the collection – a standard and slim washbasin, available in a variety of sizes, as well as a lay-on washbasin in two different designs; rectangular or bowl.

To save space, the washbasin designs are fitted with two options for waste. Washbasins with a classic waste feature a ceramic cover, while an innovative new waste design option includes a die-cast zinc integrated comb insert.

Both can be removed with ease to clean but the latter has been tailored to the design of the washbasins, meaning it is cleverly positioned at the back edge of the bowl to reduce water and limescale residue.

Thanks to space-saving technology, additional room is created in the upper drawer of the washbasin cabinet, with a hidden overflow further allowing the washbasin to be filled without the risk of water overflowing.

The new Geberit One cabinets are available in eight different colourways and finishes including white matte or gloss, sand grey, greige, lava, black and two décor finishes: oak and hickory wood textured melamine. Washtops are offered in a wide selection of finishes too, including black and white marble looks that make it possible to create functional, aesthetic unity between the ceramic basin, tap and the washbasin cabinet or washtop.

In Geberit’s Hotel Guest Experience Report 2022, produced in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading architects and designers including Cecilia Vodret and Balkaran Bassan, the brand addressed some of the touchpoints that can be seen throughout its One collection, from the emergence of smart technology to space-saving design. www.geberit.co.uk

Proud sponsors of Visit our Studio at the BDC on the first floor mezzanine.

01843 863571 • info@silentgliss.co.uk • www.silentgliss.co.uk

Leading global supplier of window treatments to the hospitality sector since 1952

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Unidrain Reframe Collection Unidrain has added to its Reframe collection with a new soap dispenser that features minimalist lines and complements the brand’s Unidrain HighLine Colour designer drain. One of the product’s most distinctive features is the uniquely angled nozzle, which distributes a specific quantity of soap to the hand of the user rather than landing on the washbasin. User comfort is also ensured by a non-slip base, robust construction and stable, unshakable operation. The dispenser is available in two formats – as a countertop model or a wall-mounted version – and five different finishes: brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, as well as PVD-coated brass, black and copper. www.unidrain.com

Tribù Tosca Designed by Monica Armani with a purposely feminine style, Tribù’s Tosca collection comprises a sofa, daybed, armchair and lounger, as well as a lounge chair, counter height chair and low dining chair – all of which feature rounded forms, tapered legs and an elegant seating shell with comfortable cushions. The furniture is upholstered with extra-wide braiding, crafted from a foam mousse and encased in a sheath of knitted textilene and polyolefine that makes the material weather-resistant but surprisingly soft to the touch. Accompanying the chairs are three table options that are water jetted in an oval shape and then CNC-milled, with powdercoated stainless-steel legs offering maximum stability. www.tribu.com

Crown International Welcome Trays Presenting amenities clearly using a sleek design, Crown International’s Kettle and Welcome Trays are manufactured using PU-leather and come in a variety of sizes, both with and out without a draw. Available in three finishes – Urban Shadow, Nomadic Desert and Reviving Espresso, which span from black to warm grey and brown respectively – the Tasman tray is suitable for a Nespresso machine and/or an electric kettle, with a drawer offering compartments for capsules, teabags and sticks. Carthago meanwhile features a melamine tray with inserts for a kettle base, teabags and sticks. The tray is offered in four different surfaces including Ebony Wood, Marble Black and Walnut Wood. www.crowninternational.nl

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Voco Milan, Fiere HNH Hotel

hospitality furniture for any location_

November events:

tableplacechairs.com @tableplacechairs / +44 (0)330 1222 117

Sleeper Ad Winter Edition 2022.indd 1

18/10/2022 16:24

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Peloton Interactive Peloton x Hilton Worldwide

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Hilton Worldwide has announced an industryfirst partnership with Peloton Interactive, becoming the first hospitality brand to feature Peloton Bikes across its entire US portfolio.

By the end of 2022, nearly all 5,400 Hiltonbranded hotels in the States – from Hampton

by Hilton to Waldorf Astoria – will feature at least one Peloton Bike in every fitness centre, providing access to Peloton’s instructors and expansive connected fitness content.

A recent Hilton survey of US travellers indicated that 98% of respondents are prioritising wellness activities while on the road, and within the Peloton community, 90% of members report that they are more likely to stay at hotels with Peloton Bikes.

“At Hilton, we understand the importance of a reliable and friendly stay that infuses wellness through all facets of the guest experience, including spa programmes, hotel design, guest room amenities, and food and beverage,” explains Matt Schuyler, Chief Brand Officer at Hilton Worldwide. “This unique and exciting partnership with Peloton – a brand so many

of our guests know and love – accelerates an important part of that equation, allowing us to enhance the stay with an innovative approach to fitness.”

Through this partnership, US-based Hilton Honors members who are first-time Peloton users can also receive a 90-day trial subscription to the Peloton app, which offers thousands of live and on-demand classes – all with no equipment needed. They will also receive preferred pricing on select Peloton connected fitness products for a limited time.

Betsy Webb, Global Vice President at Peloton Commercial, comments: “We recognise the importance for our members to maintain their wellness routines while on the road, with data showing over 1.6 million Peloton rides completed globally on Peloton Bikes in hotels in the past year. So, we are thrilled to be working with Hilton, allowing us to meet the needs of our current members, while also enabling potential new members to experience Peloton for the first time.” www.onepeloton.com

The Londoner: 16 Stories of luxury interior fit-out, by EE Smith Contracts

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SPECIFIER

Forest Group Forest Shuttle Forest Group – a manufacturer of drapery hardware systems installed at luxury hotels worldwide – has announced several solutions for the easy integration of its intelligent curtain motor, Forest Shuttle, in hospitality environments. With Forest Group’s products, hotel owners can make their rooms smart without having to connect data cables, making them an effective choice for renovations as well as newbuild projects. The company’s innovations allow for the seamless integration of the motorised curtain system with smart devices or most common building management systems, meaning guests can control the curtains using their mobile device, tablet or even by voice command. www.forestgroup.com

Wood Couture NFT Furniture While interior design in the metaverse may still be a foreign concept to some, Wood Couture is gearing up to enter the virtual realm, having revealed plans during Design Asia in Singapore to open a digital space where designers will be invited to view its NFT hotel furniture collection. Having completed over 100 hospitality projects in the physical world, the launch signals a move towards “the future of manufacturing and interior design”, according to the brand’s founders Paolo Della Casa and Filippo Sona. “Wood Couture Meta space will be an environment where creativity is protected and flourishes. The NFT strategy will also allow designers to monetise their work.” www.woodcouture.com

Hector Finch Acanto The Acanto Lantern by British lighting designer Hector Finch takes the shape of a vintage lantern and transforms it into glass, an idea presented by the brand’s Italian collaborators Manzi e Zanotti Design Studio (MZDS). Available in three finishes – antique brass, brass polished lacquered and brass polished unlacquered – the hanging pendant features a gold leaf Acanthus pattern that is painstakingly hand-applied before the lantern is fired for durability and longevity. “Acanto represents so many of the core values of a Hector Finch product: beauty, simplicity and craftsmanship, all offered in an elegant and understated piece of lighting design,” says the company’s founder, Hector Finch. www.hectorfinch.com

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Foto: Inger Marie Grini

Oslo Design Fair is a three-day trade fair which brings together designers, retail buyers, interiors designers, architects, and specifiers as well as design enthusiasts.

Norway’s most important and attractive meeting place for buyers in design, architecture, arts as well as crafts.

Welcome to Oslo Design Fair 25 – 27 january, 2023 oslodesignfair.no / @oslodesignfair

WATERBURY LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF MIRRORS

For decades Waterbury Bathroom Accessories has been the ‘go to’ supplier for wall mounted bathroom accessories. This is backed up by a long list of leading Hotel Groups that have

Waterbury as an approved or preffered supplier, an even longer list of Interior Designers that

specify Waterbury time after time and a longer list still of Hotels and Commercial projects around

the globe that are fitted with Waterbury products.

Please call the Waterbury Sales Team on 0121 333 6062 or 07881 361056 or sales@waterbury.co.uk

and one of the team will be happy to help you with a solution for your project.

Web: www.waterbury.co.uk | Email: sales@waterbury.co.uk | Phone: 0121 333 6062

STEP INTO THE…

The UK’s only dedicated lighting specification exhibition

REGISTER FOR FREE 22 & 23 November 2022 • Business Design Centre • Islington • London

www.lightexpo.london

LINE UP THURSDAY

FRIDAY

17 November, 10:00 – 21:30

18th November, 10:00 – 16:00

EXPO / A curated edit of 150 suppliers

EXPO / A curated edit of 150 suppliers

HIX TALKS

HIX TALKS

Nigel Coates // Baranowitz & Kronenberg // WeWantMore // Conran and Partners // Birch Community // Object Space Place // Sircle Collection // Sibley Grove // The Other House // Natalia Miyar // Room2

Tristan du Plessis // Edyn // Pallavi Dean // FranklinTill // Leven // Wunderman Thompson // Ramy Fischler // Tophotelprojects // Accor

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THURSDAY SOCIAL From 16:00 HIX MIX: DJ set Neil Andrew // WeWantMore presents: The Mush Room // Gin & Bollicine with Zonca // The Art of Chocolate with Table Place Chairs // Ligne Roset x Novotel x RF Studio // HIX Drinx with: Roca, Villeroy & Boch, Concept Contract // Champagne with Roman // Mixology with Duxiana // DJ set and Prosecco with Gessi

The ever-changing design experience that makes hotels incredible 06 HIX LineUp ad 275x236mm v1.indd 1

FRIDAY SOCIAL From 12:00 Next Gen & Tonic // HIX MIX: DJ set Yova Yager // Gin & Bollicine with Zonca // Accor Design Awards // Kindling Collective: Design for Ukraine // Networking Masterclass with Festival of Hospitality // Refuel at Havwoods Routemaster // HIX Thinx: Metaverse, The Power of Fiction, Our Time on Earth

Free tickets and full line-up at www.hixevent.com

www.hixevent.com @HIXevent HIX-event HIX_event

27/10/2022 18:32

Oliver Hemming

ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 105

AD Associates Astro

052 002-003

BD Barcelona

035

Mandarin Stone

059

Mass Mobilya

016-017

Minotti

012-013 018-019

Beck

145

Modio

Bellino Fine Linens

183

Morgan

Chelsom

107

Nanimarquina

067

Coco Wolf

149

Naturalmat

057

Cosentino

164

Oliver Hemming

200

Creative Matters

122

Oslo Design Fair

195

Crown international

203

Palecek

151

Duravit

133

Paolo Moschino

081

Parla

025

Preciosa

022

EE Smith Ege

193 014-015

Egger

169

Rak

EPR

105

RH Contract

161

127 008-009

Ethimo

033

Roca

Ferrerira de Sa

045

Roman

117

Feuring

154

Romo

075

Fine Bedding Company

180

Sanipex

094

FOH

065

Forest Group

131

089

Schluter Systems

115

Silent Gliss

189

Formitura

099

Skopos

175

Freifrau

104

Sleepeezee

176

Fw

198

Sleeper Sessions

Gommaire

037

SNS

Gresham

039

Sofa Company

Hector Finch

049

Stellar Works

162-163 100 055 & 111 010-011

HIX

199

Stonecircle

109

Hypnos

179

SV Casa

185

Ideal Standard

121

Table Place Chairs

191

ILIV

171

Tece

187

J.T. Kalmar

079

Timorous Beasties

112

JC Hospitality

129

Tophotelprojects

159

Jung

091

Tribu

031

Kohler

051

Tuuci

093

Laufen

204

Unidrain

125

Leds C4

073

Vincent Sheppard

071

Lemi Group

134

Warwick Contract

167

LiGHT22

197

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Channelling Curiosity

Marriott International looks to capture the next generation of travellers through its partnership with idea engine TED.

Customer loyalty is widely considered the holy

in San Francisco and Bangkok before being

grail for hotel operators, with major groups

introduced at London Marriott Hotel County

looking to capture the travel spend of every

Hall – invites young guests to exercise their

demographic through targeted offerings. Over

brain through a series of games and puzzles. The

the past decade, a plethora of new brands have

concept extends from the experiential through to

been launched, some catering to the needs of

the design details; everyday hotel items serve as

the ageing traveller, others tapping into the

‘keys’ to unlock clues while tricks, riddles and

rapidly-growing millennial market. Marriott

hidden messages are woven into the décor, each

International’s Moxy Hotels for instance, makes

uncovered by solving a puzzle. The immersive

no secret of catering to a hip, youthful crowd

space also features a locally inspired wall mural

with its playful aesthetic and trendy rooftop bars.

by artist Caleb Morris, seeking to connect

And now the operator is going one step further,

youngsters to their surroundings and encourage

targeting the next generation of travellers –

exploration beyond the guestroom – if they’re

those aged seven and over – with The Curiosity

successful in their escape, that is. According to

Room by TED, an immersive room developed in

Marriott, The Curiosity Room fosters the notion

partnership with the idea engine’s educational

of staying curious while on the road. Staying

arm. Conceived to spark the imagination, the

curious, the group hopes, while remaining loyal

escape room-style experience – first debuted

as they reach adolescence and maturity.

© Will Sfakiotakis

202

Crown mirrors & more.

VISUAL STAGED BY SNØHETTA ARCHITECTS

ILBAGNOALESSI design Stefano Giovannoni