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With one-of-a-kind experiences in remote destinations topping the wish-list for today’s discerning travellers, architects and designers are dreaming up novel accommodation concepts that enable hoteliers to develop in previously inaccessible locations, without impacting the landscape.

Leading the charge, visionaries at OBMI have designed Habitāre, a moveable hotel that fuses luxury with sustainability. Perched atop a frame that limits disruption to the land, the modular unit comes in two distinct models for different settings, amenities and aesthetics. Habitāre S is suitable for more compact sites while the larger Habitāre W optimises panoramic views thanks to a glass façade. Inside, each structure features a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and lounge while outdoor facilities include a wraparound deck, plunge pool and fire pit. There’s also the option of a retractable canopy roof for camping out beneath the stars.

Not only is Habitāre an environmentally conscious proposal, it is also economically viable, dramatically reducing costs, approvals and timelines. According to OBMI, the luxe units can be assembled within a quarter of the typical construction timeframe and at less than one-third of the cost.

Muhammad Moussa, Design Director of OBMI MENA, comments: “As travel trends uptick to lean into remote, disconnected experiences, Habitāre is a portable, lightweight design solution that provides travellers access to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring, natural landscapes.”

In celebration of Cora Cora Maldives’ first anniversary, the sustainable resort is taking guests to new heights with the introduction of a Star Gazing Tower.

Nestled amongst swaying palm trees close to the beach, the tower serves as a viewing deck by day – an ideal spot to take in the Indian Ocean – while at night, guests can get close to the stars, observing constellations via the resort’s powerful new telescope. The multi-platform venue can also be booked as a unique dining destination, where guests sip on champagne before heading up to the roof to feast on local delicacies.

The structure has been designed by Topo, a Singapore- and Bangkok-based firm responsible for a number of resorts across the Maldives. As such, the studio is well-versed in creating concepts that are at-one with nature, merging environmentally-sound ideas with thoughtful guest experiences. At Cora Cora, the aim was to bring the outside in, so the team opted for natural, sustainable materials such bamboo, coconut rope and locally sourced timber, thus emulating the aesthetic present across the island.

This approach neatly aligns with the overarching philosophy at Cora Cora Maldives. Since opening, the resort has prioritised environmental conservation, creating sustainability policies to protect the pristine Raa Atoll. Energy-efficient lighting, waste-reduction practices and limiting single-use plastics are amongst the initiatives, while financial support for the Atoll Marine Centre helps rescue local wildlife and promotes the awareness of turtle conservation.

“We are excited to continuously improve our guest experience through the creation, improvement and introduction of new facilities and activities,” comments Martin Van Der Reijden, Managing Director of Cora Cora Maldives. “We will strengthen the Cora Cora brand and eventually will begin work on the next 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.”

© Four Seasons Private Residences at Sharm El Sheikh

Words: Catherine Martin From Rosewood Residences in Beverly Hills to One & Only Private Homes on Malaysia’s Desaru Coast, branded residences are increasingly becoming a key component of hotel projects worldwide. For developers, the mixeduse model boosts viability in a challenging climate, while operators benefit from deepening relationships with their customers – not to mention creating an additional revenue stream – and loyal guests get the opportunity to call their favourite hotel home, making use of the luxury amenities on offer.

The sector has experienced significant growth over the past two years thanks to new ventures from Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, Aman and Four Seasons, some forming part of a hotel the traditional powerhouse brands of the luxury hospitality sector,” Sykes continues. “However, the tide is turning. As the global economy has shifted, we have seen development momentum move towards Asia and the Middle East.”

Delving into regional hotspots, the report names Vietnam as one of the most active markets in Asia, while in the Middle East, Dubai leads the way, rivalling Miami for the title of world’s leading branded residential destination. Behind Miami and Dubai, the global rankings reveal a diverse mix of destinations adding to their inventory; Cairo, Istanbul, Los Cabos and the Red Sea are amongst the top ten, demonstrating that both gateway cities and resorts are of interest.

In Europe, WATG Strategy counts 70 branded

scheme, others as standalone concepts. With this in mind, multidisciplinary design firm WATG has released a new whitepaper entitled Branded Residence Atlas, tapping into its expertise across a range of geographies and settings to provide insight. Having published the first edition in early 2020, the firm has continued to track new supply – 700 projects accounting for 100,000 completed and planned units, to be exact – helping build a picture of key players, regional trends and emerging markets. “Since early 2020, 84 new projects have opened and 123 deals have been signed,” states Rob Sykes, the report’s author and Director of WATG Strategy, adding that “the global pipeline is set to double the number of branded units in the market today”.

To put a figure to it, the report cites 363 existing branded residences globally and a pipeline of 377, equalling 61,100 new units. By region, Asia Pacific boasts the largest pipeline with 94 projects on the boards. “Branded residences have historically been a North American phenomenon, driven by residences in the pipeline, 55% of which are in resort destinations. “European markets were initially tentative to embrace the concept, but this has given way to unabated enthusiasm,” Sykes notes. “The region now has a strong pipeline that far outweighs the current inventory, especially in the heavyweight destinations of Portugal, Spain and Greece.”

There’s no let-up in demand for branded residences in North America either, with 68 new projects recorded, 15 of which are in Miami; notable additions are set to come from The Standard in 2023 and NoMad in 2024.

Across its masterplanning, architecture and interiors divisions, WATG is working on a number of mixed-use projects that incorporate both hotel and branded residences. Such growth in the sector further blurs the boundaries between home and hotel; according to the whitepaper, success lies in developing synergies between the two functions operationally, while ensuring market appeal through the creation of exceptional destinations.