Sleeper 109

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

VERMELHO – MELIDES • SONU SHIVDASANI AND EVA MALMSTRÖM SHIVDASANI • BAB AL SHAMS – DUBAI

Ortona Twin wall light in Matt Black

astrolighting.com

CONTENTS ISSUE 109 HOTEL REVIEWS

082

088

Bab Al Shams

058

Hotel Telegraphenamt

069

Maison Brumell Majorelle

074

Vermelho

082

The Carlton, A Regent Hotel

088

12 | 14 Stradom House

094

Artsy

099

Zambezi Sands

103

UAE

© Ambroise Tézenas

Berlin

Marrakech Melides

094

Cannes Krakow © John Athimaritis

© Amaury Laparra

Cascais Zimbabwe

074

FEATURES Meeting...

Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström Shivdasani

038

Meeting...

Davide Bertacca

050

Pioneers of sustainable luxury, the founders of Soneva discuss waste-towealth initiatives and having an impact well beyond their shores.

As London’s hotel market evolves, the new Associate Principal of Hospitality at Arcadis discusses his passion for giving new life to historic structures.

© Ely Sanchez 003

CONTENTS ISSUE 109 FEATURES

058

Reimagining Retail

114

Design For All

118

AHEAD

137

Sleeper Sessions

146

Making its debut in the heart of a historic country estate, RH England blends the worlds of retail and hospitality.

As the global travel market continues to evolve, hospitality experts reveal why inclusivity and accessible design is much more than simply a box-ticking exercise.

© Natelee Cocks

038

103

Having received over 350 entries from over 35 countries, AHEAD has revealed the shortlists for Asia, MEA and the Americas, with projects spanning city retreats to beachside hideaways.

Sleeper Sessions lands in Croatia, bringing hospitality trailblazers together for a programme of networking, inspiration and learning.

REGULARS

© Roger Moenks

069

158

© Florian Groehn

004

Check-In

022

Drawing Board

024

Design Details

108

Business Centre

126

Indoor Furniture

151

Specifier

163

Check-Out

178

TRIBU.COM

TRIBU_ADV_SLEEPER GB_236x275_SENJA.indd 1

23/06/2023 11:29

RH.COM/CONTRACT Mt. Isthmus Luxury Lodge Wanaka, New Zealand

Sleeper _ 20230619-outline.pdf 1 2023/6/19 下午12:55

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

.

Sandua collection

designed by Robin Hapelt

Manutti_Sleeper_472x275.indd 2

outdoor luxury

@manutti_official

manutti.com

31/01/2023 16:27:54

Search.

Sample.

Specify.

200+ leading brands.

One site. One box.

Overnight delivery.

Free for Architects and Designers materialbank.eu

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

AP_236X275_HOTEL_DIEU_SLEEPER_LRC.indd 1

10/12/2019 09:14:27

WELCOME

ON THE COVER Vermelho, Melides © Ambroise Tezenas

Infinite Inspiration

I

n the 25 years that Sleeper has been in publication, we’ve

Beijing and The West Hollywood Edition – all featuring their

covered somewhere in the region of 1,000 hotels, their

own unique take on the spiral staircase.

architecture and interiors displayed in all their glory on

And the platform offers more than inspiration; it’s a source

these very pages. Each new opening comes to us with a full

of information too. There’s listings of the key parties involved

set of photography – its quality being one of the key factors

in each development, including the names of lead designers

in selecting which projects are featured in print. But with

and their contact details, while suppliers can show project

only so many pages to fill, we’ve long been faced with the

references and affiliate themselves to hotels on the platform.

dilemma of what to do with the surplus. It’s a shame that so

Ultimately, Sleepifier exists to support specifiers and

many print-worthy images end up sat on our servers, or back

suppliers alike with their future hotel projects, but rest

in the day, burned onto CD – there’s even a hoard of floppy

assured it will by no means replace the printed magazine.

discs somewhere deep in the basement.

While Sleepifier brings infinite visual inspiration, Sleeper will

However, our acquisition of TopHotelProjects last year

continue to bring detailed editorial commentary and insight

presented a new opportunity: a digital showcase. Building on

from those behind the projects. Naturally, they complement

the existing TopHotelDesigns platform – originally created

one another, and from this issue forwards, you’ll notice a nifty

using our archive, and augmented with additional projects

QR code at end of each hotel review; click on the link and it

from the industry’s leading design practices – the service has

will take you directly to the full gallery of photography – the

now been refined and rebranded. The result is Sleepifier – a

restaurants, bars and guestrooms that we don’t always have

highly curated gallery of outstanding hotel design.

space for in print, published to give the full picture. You will

The new website is now live at sleepifier.com, and there

also increasingly see links to Sleepifier through our online

you’ll find a library of tens of thousands of images collected

content at sleepermagazine.com, giving exclusive ‘First Look’

from Sleeper’s archive of content, as well as projects

access to full imagery of just-launched projects.

entered into AHEAD across all regions. It’s fully indexed

If you would like to find out more about Sleepifier and its

and searchable, meaning you can scroll, select and save your

benefits, turn to page 81 and follow the teasers, or better still,

favourites, adding images to a personal album to refer to when

log on at sleepifier.com and get inspired.

in need of inspiration. There’s a vast range of categories to explore; whether you’re brainstorming boutique beach bars in the Middle East or seeking Scandi-style suites in Central America, then look no further. Sleepifier’s toolbar allows you to search by location and market segment, as well as by style.

You can even search for specific terms. Spiral staircases, for example, generates a bespoke gallery of images that includes CitizenM London Shoreditch, Shangri-La Shougang Park in

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

017

Freifrau_Sleeper_Anzeige_06-2023-ES.indd 2

16.06.2023 12:52:53

GUEST BOOK

082

088

094

© Amaury Laparra

074

082 Christian Louboutin

088 Tristan Auer

074 Bergendy Cooke

094 ADC Atelier

The signature glossy-red sole of Christian Louboutin’s footwear collections has gained iconic status, so when the French fashion designer decided to venture into hospitality with a 13-room property just south of Lisbon, Vermelho – Portuguese for red – was a fitting name. Hidden behind unassuming white walls in the centre of Melides, the former fisherman’s shack is a now storybook world of whimsical interiors, featuring a kaleidoscope of colour and pattern envisioned by Louboutin and his closest collaborators.

Paris-based designer Tristan Auer is a master at sensitively restoring heritage buildings, counting a number of high-profile renovations in his portfolio. The Frenchman’s know-how with historic properties made him a sure-fire choice for the transformation of the former InterContinental Carlton Cannes, now flagged as a Regent. Having reimagined the hotel’s beach club in 2020, Auer once again drew on the original décor, retaining and enhancing it to reflect the building’s personality and celebrate the stories of its past.

After a decade of residing in Europe and North America – working with Zaha Hadid, David Adjaye and Peter Marino – New Zealand native Bergendy Cooke returned home in 2008 to set up her own studio. With a passion for buildings that take a sculptural form, she has recently completed the design of Maison Brummell Majorelle in Marrakech, where a curving tadelakt staircase runs through the centre of the house, and half-moon windows and organic sinuous lines make for a striking architectural identity.

Founded by Aaron David Clarke – formerly of Soho House and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio – together with Marta Tuneu, with previous positions at Calvin Klein and Louis Vuitton, ADC Atelier blurs the lines between interiors and fashion. Two years after the atelier’s inception, the Barcelonabased duo have completed their debut hotel project, converting a 15th-century monastery in Krakow into a hotel and members’ club, where interiors translate elements of traditional Polish craftsmanship into contemporary design details.

019

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

d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Catherine Martin

c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Deputy Editor Ben Thomas

PORTFOLIO

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi

b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

EVENTS & MARKETING

Editorial Assistant Cara Rogers

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme

c.rogers@mondiale.co.uk

l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Dolan k.dolan@mondiale.co.uk

k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

Events Co-ordinator Olivia Mavers

CORPORATE

Content & Research Ellie Foster

Chairman Damian Walsh

o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk ADVERTISING

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

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

e.foster@mondiale.co.uk

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

POWERED BY

Subscriptions

enquiry@sleeper.media

Account Manager Holly Huish

h.huish@mondiale.co.uk

Annual subscription (6 issues): £120.00. Subscription records maintained at Sleeper Media. Sleeper (ISSN: 1476-4075 / USPS: 21550) is published bi-monthly by Mondiale Media Ltd and is distributed in the USA by RRD/Spatial. Pending periodicals postage paid at South Hackensack, NJ. Send USA address changes to Sleeper, c/o RRD, 1250 Valley Brook Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA. Mailed by Spatial Global • Printed by Buxton Press

Strawberry Studios Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8390 www.sleeper.media

STYLING STUDIO SALARIS - PH. MATTEO IMBRIANI

2 0 2 3 Te x t i l e s C o l l e c t i o n : Fr a m m e n t i Ve n e z i a n i - r u b e l l i . c o m

xxx

CHECK-IN

Jacu Strauss Seeking inspiration for his next hotel project, the Creative Director of Lore Group takes a fantasy break at a monastic retreat in the Namib Desert.

Where are you?

during the day, while the finishes and textures

a citrus and coriander kick, and I love spicy

The rural, arid and dramatic Namib Desert.

are all natural and imperfect. The rooms feel

flavours. Our main course is beef and lamb,

effortless, bringing together a collection of

chargrilled over natural wood fire for a smoky

How did you get there?

vintage and objet trouvé as well as exceptionally

flavour. And for dessert, a passion fruit pavlova

I’m intrigued by the concept of slow travel, so

comfortable bedding; everything is low-tech.

– the perfect pudding and my favourite!

I board a ship for a week and arrive rested and

The view is of the vast expanse beyond, with

prepared. We then travel from seaport to desert

the light changing dramatically at dawn and

Would you like something to drink with that?

in an old-school, open-air Land Rover.

dusk, when surreal vistas of the Milky Way are

Gin and tonic to begin with, followed by Chablis

on display.

Champagne for supper; nothing beats a good

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Model, actress and singer Grace Jones.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

white Burgundy.

Who designed it?

Adalberto Libera, who designed Casa Malaparte

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

in Capri – my favourite house in the world.

A peaty Scotch, like the 16-year-old Lagavulin.

Any of the amazing concierges from Lore hotels.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

Who are you sharing your room with?

It’s all about low energy with a gentle buzz.

A carafe of sparkling water and a nightstand

A dog; sadly I do not have my own so will need

The restaurant and bar offer a cool and

lamp by designer Georgia Jacob. I like to fall

to borrow the resident hotel pup.

intimate setting indoors, and there are calm

to sleep listening to BBC Radio 3, 4 or Radio

outdoor spaces for when the temperature is

France’s FIP network.

Is there anything you would like waiting for

less scorching. The style is consistent with

you in your room?

the overall look and feel of the hotel, with the

What’s your essential travel companion?

Homegrown fragrant roses or eucalyptus.

occasional accent piece of furniture collected by

Tea and bottle of hot Tabasco.

the owner, while the food and drinks are simple Describe the hotel, your room and the view...

and the service execution is fuss-free.

Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

Yes. There’s nothing more satisfying than being

The hotel is designed to embrace the desert surroundings with a sense of permanence. The

Who are you dining with this evening?

the first to open a freshly printed newspaper –

monastic and vernacular architecture, with

Rock royalty Freddie Mercury, Hollywood royalty

the best smell in the world!

thick solid walls, mean the building is cool

Elizabeth Taylor, African-American fashion designer Ann Lowe and Italian Renaissance

What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?

architect Palladio, as well as friends and family.

Swedish Dream Sea Salt Soap – I love its texture and smell – and a travel shampoo bar; such a

Who’s manning the stoves?

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Pulitzer Amsterdam; Lyle Washington DC; One Hundred Shoreditch, London www.loregroup.com

genius and environmentally-friendly concept.

Israeli-born British chef Yotam Ottolenghi.

Full English or continental breakfast?

And what’s on the menu?

Full English. I rarely have breakfast so when I

Something fresh to start; I like anything with

do I want it to be a naughty treat.

023

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Nujuma a Ritz-Carlton Reserve SAUDI ARABIA

Slated to debut in Q4 2023, Nujuma, a RitzCarlton Reserve will form part of the highlyanticipated Red Sea development in Saudi Arabia.

The property marks the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, and will be situated on a series of private islands across the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster, with 63 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas harmonising with the environment. The destination will also include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences.

Amongst the culinary outlets announced so far are a specialty seafood restaurant, with plans for several more F&B venues to be revealed soon.

Further facilities include a spa, swimming pools and retail, with entertainment offerings such as a conversation centre rounding out the proposal.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide, with other sites in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Built on an archipelago of more than 90 undeveloped islands on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, The Red Sea Project is designed to bring hotels, residential properties, commercial spaces and entertainment venues to the largely undiscovered destination. Phase One alone is set to comprise a luxury marina, an 18-hole championship golf course and an international airport expected to accommodate one-million visitors per year by 2030. On completion, the destination will include a total of 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 guestrooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Waldorf Astoria

SB Architects has been appointed to lead the

water beyond, which we achieved by elevating

design of Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe, a resort

the lobby to capture expansive views of the

LAKE TAHOE

and mountain club that pays tribute to the rich

lake,” explains Keith Houchin, Vice President

history of the Nevada state. The luxury property

and Associate Principal at SB Architects. “The

will comprise 76 guestrooms, 61 branded

lobby terraces down to an existing grove of

residences and 25 private residences spread

trees, immersing guests in the landscape and

across a 15-acre mixed-use development.

creating a seamless flow between spaces.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: EKN Development Operator: Hilton Worldwide Architecture: SB Architects www.hilton.com

026

Evoking an alpine elegance, the design is a

“By designing a series of communal areas

modern interpretation of the region’s traditional

to allow for year-round indoor/outdoor

mountain vernacular. The architectural

connections, guests can enjoy direct access to

language is set to bring together clean lines,

the lake from the comfort of the resort and the

pitched roofs, deep terraces and balconies,

surrounding idyllic setting.”

alongside a material palette of warm wood tones

The hotel will also be home to a range of

and rugged natural stone with complementary

amenities: F&B venues are set to include an

metal accents.

all-day dining brasserie, the brand’s signature

Amenity decks with pools across multiple

Peacock Alley lounge, a poolside restaurant

levels will emulate the stepped terrain, setting

and speakeasy, while guests will also have the

the resort into the hillside and layering

option to unwind at the Waldorf Astoria Spa.

elements in a way that resonates with the

Finally, an upscale casino will pay homage to

surrounding landscape. “A primary goal was

Nevada’s popular gaming history, alongside

to create a natural, direct connection to the

additional live entertainment.

EDITION 28

New Lighting Collection

CHELSOM.CO.UK

Sleeper full page edition 28 6.6.23.indd 2

08/06/2023 16:05:08

DRAWING BOARD

Zannier Hotels Bendor PROVENCE

Zannier Hotels has been appointed to transform

perfectly understood the soul of Île de Bendor,

and operate Île de Bendor, the Ricard family’s

and because our family shares their approach

French private island resort facing the city

to luxury, valuing authenticity, simplicity

of Bandor in Provence. Described by founder

and emotion.” Zannier Hotels, along with the

Arnaud Zannier as “a laboratory of conviviality,

Ricard family, Hardel Le Bihan Architects and

creativity and pleasure”, the reimagined island

Niez Studio Paysagistes will oversee the island’s

is set to officially launch in 2026, and will be

evolution, including architecture, landscaping

home to Zannier Hotels Bendor.

and interior design.

Zannier Hotels was selected by the Ricard

Île de Bendor will undergo a three-year

family to reinvigorate the destination, first

transformation, after which it will emerge as a

brought to life by pastis pioneer Paul Ricard

Provençal-style village, rooted in the old-world

70 years ago. Ricard’s great grandson Marc

charm of the French Riviera. The glamour of

de Jouffroy led the search for an operator who

the Cote D’Azur in the 1960s will be channelled

would “create magic on a day-to-day basis and

on the east side of the isle, with a more classic

respect the DNA of the island”.

Provencal style coming to life in traditional

“Given that the property will remain under

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Société Paul Ricard Operator: Zannier Hotels Architecture: Hardel Le Bihan Landscaping: Niez Studio Paysagistes www.zannierhotels.com

028

fishermen’s cottages.

our family, we wanted to ensure the partner

Promising more than accommodation, the

we chose to embark on this journey with was

destination is set to become a creative village,

completely aligned to the ethos and vision

also including bars, restaurants and ateliers, as

of our founding father, Paul Ricard,” says de

well as a bakery, spa, diving centre, theatre and

Jouffroy. “We chose Zannier Hotels because they

events spaces.

Origin Collection

by Mario Ruiz

Sleeper_242x281_JULIO2023.indd 1

point1920.com

04/05/2023 8:41:08

DRAWING BOARD

Palm Beach Hotel

Plus Architecture has been appointed for

to reference coastal forms and colours, ranging

the design of a 126-key hotel in southern

from rolling waves and surfboards to the sandy

QUEENSLAND

Queensland, which seeks to encapsulate the

hues of the beach.

essence of the neighbourhood and the broader Gold Coast region.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Steer Developments Architecture: Plus Architecture www.plusarchitecture.com.au

030

“The hotel’s façade offers many visual interpretations, with coastal-inspired accents

Working closely with Steer Developments

and striking arches that impart a sense of

on the AUD120 million property, due for

grandeur to the Palm Beach foreshore,”

completion in Q1 2025, the practice took

explains Chrisney Formosa, Principal at Plus

inspiration from the coastal surroundings,

Architecture. “The combination of these

designing two different façades defined by

elements creates a built form that continues

parabolic curves and framed balconies offering

the same design journey through its interiors,

ocean and hinterland views.

detailing and overall branding.”

Facing the beach, soft curves encase a double-

Steer Developments Director Rob Steer

height arcade and porte cochere at street level,

believes the design invites a cohesive end-to-

while the highway-facing façade provides an

end user experience: “The property exemplifies

emblematic design statement.

a fresh and progressive offering while

Showcasing Plus Architecture’s ambitious

understanding and appreciating the Gold Coast’s

conceptual and research-based approach,

unique lifestyle. Amid a shortage of luxury

the hotel immerses guests in an aspirational

accommodation in southeast Queensland, Palm

narrative of place, with the firm studying the

Beach Hotel is reinvigorating the area with a

Palm Beach coastline and community in order

bespoke design that stands out.”

W W W.BAGNODESIGN.IT

Sleeper_Chiasso_236x275mm_FP_v1.indd 1

06/06/2023 4:32 PM

DRAWING BOARD

Envi Al Nakheel

Opening in early 2024 in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahsa

appointed to design the interiors, which are

Oasis, the debut property from Envi Lodges

inspired by the landscape and local architectural

SAUDI ARABIA

will comprise 25 eco pods, each with up to two

heritage of the Al Ahsa region. In line with Envi’s

bedrooms. The standalone units will be framed

commitment to sustainability, the interiors have

by triangular structures that provide shade and

also been developed with the environment in

privacy while creating a unique aesthetic.

mind, with the use of eco-friendly and organic

Designed

by

Thailand-based

Fractal

materials key. The aim is to integrate natural

Architects, Envi Al Nakheel will feature plant-

elements common to the area, including palm

based architecture that honours the region’s

leaves and bark, Athel plant straw, together

traditional crafts and vernacular as well as its

with locally derived paint and texture finishes.

agricultural history.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Tourism Development Fund Operator: Envi Lodges Architecture: Fractal Architects Interior Design: Kristina Zanic Consultants www.envilodges.com

032

Built on a working palm plantation, the

A design highlight is the circular arrival

development will also be home to an arrival

pavilion, featuring a ceiling crafted from woven

pavilion, a farm-to-table dining venue and

palm leaf louvres, sugarcane bamboo and palm

a café, together with a wellness sanctuary,

wood. The space boasts a radial layout, with

banqueting area and private pools.

a stone and terrazzo floor. At its centre lies

“The farm is split between two plots, which

a water feature made from palm trunk slabs,

gave us the opportunity to designate one as

paying homage to the nearby farm streams and

‘passive’ and the other as ‘active’,” say Fractal

referring to the original meaning of ‘Ahsa’ – the

Architects. “This was achieved by distributing

sound of water flowing underground.

function between the adult-focused passive side

Dubai’s Kristina Zanic Consultants has been

and the family-orientated active side.”

The Municipal Hotel, Liverpool // © Gunner Gu // northern-lights.co.uk

DRAWING BOARD

Hylla Mansion

London-based interior architecture studio

have a deep understanding of the local culture

Holloway Li has been appointed by Chinese

and historical influences.”

HONG KONG

hospitality group Hylla to develop the design

As such, public areas feature furniture and

strategy for a new branded residence on Hong

artworks that nod to native craftsmanship,

Kong’s Sai Kung Peninsula.

embracing natural materials, earthy tones and

Scheduled to launch in Spring 2025, Hylla

textures such as clay, teak and aged brass. Each

Mansion will comprise indoor and outdoor

of the three split-level villas meanwhile will

gallery spaces, living and dining rooms,

combine warm fabrics and diffused lighting

along with three private residential villas

with richly-textured oak across the floors,

and a teahouse nestled within a naturalistic

walls and joinery. “We opted for an organic

landscape, designed to provide a rejuvenating

colour and material palette to evoke a sense of

and restorative experience.

calmness and inward contemplation, playing

Taking cues from Hylla’s ethos – centred around creating harmonious, introspective

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Hylla Architecture: GAD Interior Design: Holloway Li Landscaping: Z’scape www.hollowayli.com

034

with patterns and shadows using natural daylight and apertures,” Li explains.

spaces rooted in local traditions and philosophy

The teahouse has also been designed as

– as well as Sai Kung’s landscape and

a serene retreat, with reclaimed materials

topography, the development aims to connect

echoing the sustainable philosophy of the

guests to its cultural and natural beauty.

mansion. Taking cues from wabi sabi and Mid-

“Hylla is our first hospitality project in

Century philosophies, which value simplicity,

China,” says Na Li, co-founder of Holloway Li.

imperfection and the passage of time, the venue

“I am originally from China, so as a studio, we

is set to feel simultaneously rustic and refined.

SNOWROOM The highest form for a holistic cool down.

indoor.technoalpin.com

DRAWING BOARD

Fairmont St Andrews SCOTLAND

Having brought his designs to the likes of The

says Sage. “Collaborating with local makers,

Savoy, Zetter Townhouse and The Fife Arms,

creators and craftspeople, we embrace the

Russell Sage is making his mark on Fairmont

local community, bringing their expertise and

St Andrews, where he is reimagining two of

craftsmanship into the Fairmont family. This

the resort’s Manor Homes. The new interiors

allows us to establish a genuine connection

promise to combine quintessential modern

between our guests and the rich heritage and

Scottish luxury with acknowledgments to the

unique character of the region.

historic town of St Andrews, the surrounding wild landscape and the Fairmont brand.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Great Century Operator: Accor Interior Design: Russell Sage Studio www.fairmont.com

036

“Our commitment to sustainability also guides our choices, as we repurpose antique

With interiors taking inspiration from the

furniture pieces and curate object collections

Scottish concept of ‘coorie’, traditionally

that reflect the area’s rich history, sense of place

meaning to snuggle or nestle, the design of

and extraordinary landscapes.”

the Manor Homes aims to bring guests closer

Accommodating up to eight guests each, the

to the unique personality of the countryside

Manor Homes are equipped with a farmhouse

resort, providing an intimate getaway within

kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room and

the grounds of the hotel.

separate formal dining area. Those staying in

“We delve into the essence of authentically

the new accommodations, which will be located

modern Scottish luxury, drawing inspiration

within walking distance of the main hotel, will

from the captivating stories of St Andrews -

have access to all of the property’s amenities,

its wild landscapes, prestigious golf heritage,

including restaurants, bars, spas and two

renowned university and fascinating museums,”

Championship golf courses.

Meeting…

Sonu and Eva Pioneers of sustainable luxury, the founders of Soneva discuss waste-to-wealth initiatives and having an impact well beyond their shores.

Words: Catherine Martin • Portrait Photography: © Matt Porteous

I

t could be a photograph lifted from the pages of a holiday brochure; a carefree couple strolling barefoot along the beach, the turquoise ocean and pristine sands promoting an idyllic resort in some far-flung paradise. This is the Maldives, and it is indeed paradise. But beyond the shoreline is an island that offers more than good looks,

and pictured are a couple who have created so much more than a resort.

Meet Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström Shivdasani, the husband-and-wife team behind Soneva. They need little introduction, having built a solid reputation over 30 years in the hospitality industry, first founding Six Senses, before selling up to focus solely on Soneva under the ‘One Owner, One Operator, One Philosophy, One Brand’ strategy.

The portfolio, comprising Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand, in addition to a charter yacht sailing the Indian Ocean, is undeniably luxury, yet the way in which the resorts are developed, designed and operated is unlike anything else.

The duo’s journey into hospitality wasn’t exactly textbook either; UK-born Sonu met Swedish model Eva while studying English Literature at Oxford University. At the time, Sonu had little idea of what he wanted to do with his life, but in 1987, a trip to the Maldives with his new girlfriend – who had visited the archipelago for fashion shoots – changed all that, and the pair immediately fell in love with the idea of building a life there. However, the nation’s government granted leases to foreigners only for tourism

MEETING…

© Stevie Mann

MEETING…

purposes, not residential, so with a loose plan to run a guesthouse, they set about finding a site. A failed bid to lease an island left them disheartened, but not discouraged. “We kept on coming to the Maldives, and then we came across this island,” Sonu explains, gesturing to our surroundings. “So that’s how we became hoteliers – by default.”

We meet on the rooftop of Out of the Blue, one of 11 dining concepts at Soneva Fushi, which occupies its own island in the Baa Atoll.

“I believe that companies must have a purpose beyond simply enriching shareholders and paying employees a salary.”

SONU SHIVDASANI

Other aspects of the design-and-build process came by necessity. New hoteliers on a limited budget couldn’t afford to fly consultants or specialists in, so locals were employed and many methods were trial-and-error. Sonu recalls an occasion where he forgot to order the materials for the ceiling, so, unable to wait the six-month lead time for delivery on site, opted to use timber offcuts that might otherwise have gone to waste. Now, the ceilings inside the villas and dining spaces are a feature, made up

The island has been home to Sonu and Eva

tessellating shapes, and the group has its own

for almost three decades, and having built the

team of builders and architects reporting into

resort from scratch using the foundations of a

Sonu, as well as a squad of interior designers

long-since closed property on the site, it is still

and tailors working to Eva’s directive. By all

very much, in the words of Eva, “our baby”.

accounts, there’s always something to be done, with continual upgrades or enhancements.

Catering primarily to families, the resort comprises 64 villas dotting the coastline, along

Since it opened in 2016, Soneva Jani has seen

with tennis courts, a water sports centre and

multiple new additions including a further

extensive kids’ club. The island itself is a verdant

27 overwater villas and a full-service spa. A

expanse of rich jungle, where nature has been

20-minute seaplane from Soneva Fushi, the

left to grow at will and only a small proportion

resort is located in the tranquil waters of Noonu

of land is given over to human use – even

Atoll and brings an entirely different experience.

then, the vegetation takes priority. The raw,

Its signature water retreats – which have their own slide into the lagoon – offer the finest in

unrefined beauty of the island – a stark contrast from many of the neatly manicured resort

Sonu, citing the recently refurbished two-storey

indoor-outdoor living. There’s a retractable

landscapes today – are what first prompted

Crusoe Villas that still stand, each with private

roof over the master bedroom that opens at

Sonu and Eva to consider the environment in

pool and direct beach access. Eva was adamant

the touch of a button, while sliding doors lead

their scheme. That, and having witnessed the

that the build be sensitive to the environment,

out to the spacious deck, furnished with a

practices of early Maldivian resorts. “It was very

and so construction materials included telegraph

sunken dining area alongside swinging chairs,

basic,” Sonu recalls. “Plastic chairs and neon

poles and pine from plantations. “If you go to

catamaran nets and daybeds around the private

lights. Saltwater was pumped from the ocean

the bar today, you will still see those poles,” she

freshwater pool. There’s an outdoor bathroom

to the showers and waste was just discarded

quips. “Every time I look at them, I remember

with a shower and tub, where bathing beneath

into the lagoon. When we first visited, we didn’t

we saved so many rainforest trees.”

the night sky forms a lasting memory. These

have a very sustainable or attractive experience.

It’s a practice that continues through all new

lasting memories are what Sonu constitutes

We were coming here for the beauty of the

construction and has come to inform the look

as true luxury. Acknowledging that the term

environment and so wanted to protect it; we

and feel of the resorts. “This was one of our

is often misused, he explains: “Today, the

felt we could do something more luxurious that

first sustainability initiatives; we want to prove

majority of our guests live in cities, where fresh

was sustainable too.”

that you don’t need to use tropical hardwoods or

air, space and privacy is either impossible or at

Despite having no formal design or

endangered species to create a beautiful setting,”

a premium. That’s why spending a week here

construction training – only a handful of

Sonu continues, adding that villas are often built

barefoot, dining on a salad that’s picked fresh

refurbish-and-re-sell projects in Europe –

around the jungle, with changes made the to

from the garden or simply having a shower

Sonu and Eva began building their resort. “We

architecture rather than chopping down a tree.

beneath the moon is luxury, and quite often,

wanted to restore the reality of the destination

Even their own home was remodelled to make

it’s the most sustainable option too.”

and create this Robinson Crusoe idyll,” explains

way for a cluster of screwpine.

Every aspect of the resorts aligns with

041

MEETING…

“I like this idea of throwing pebbles in a pond and the ripples having an impact well beyond our shores.”

SONU SHIVDASANI

Soneva’s core purpose of sustainability, from the

principles that have multiple benefits. A brood of

guest experiences to the back-of-house. For guidance,

chickens for example lay eggs for the kitchens, and,

there’s a “no-nos list” that extends from construction

allowed to roam free, they also till the soil as they go,

materials to interior furnishings to cuisine. Plastic is

their excrement serving as a nitrogen-rich fertiliser.

banned and leather finishes avoided – there’s ongoing

Different types of bees have been introduced, both

experimentation with mushroom and cactus leather

for their honey and as natural pollinators. And the

– while seafood is sustainably sourced and beef is off

thousands of coconuts harvested each month are used

the menu because of the impact its production has

in their entirety – the flesh to produce oil and the

on the environment. Naturally, plastic straws and

husks to make cocopeat, which is returned to the soil

water bottles are a no-no, but it’s worth noting that

as an additive. In fact, so much cocopeat is produced

Soneva made this move back in 2008, long before

at Soneva that it has become revenue-generating,

sustainability was a common concern. Furthermore,

with the surplus sold to neighbouring islands. Food

the resort has been carbon neutral since 2012, and

waste too is part of a closed-loop system, manually

in 2016 it launched its Total Impact Assessment to

separated before entering a meticulous composting

measure social and environmental impact – a first for

process to become a valuable resource for gardeners.

the hospitality industry.

And chemicals aren’t used at all, even in cleaning

The initiatives and practices on site are vast, with

products or mosquito fogging, the pests now controlled

each making its own contribution to the operation of

by a simple yet effective homemade solution that has

the resort as well as the environment. Organic gardens

reduced the population by 95% without detriment to

grow vegetables, herbs and leafy greens – 18 different

other species.

types of lettuce, no less – and plans are under way for an

At the heart of the entire operation is Eco Centro,

orchard to strengthen the garden-to-plate approach.

an impressive facility that sees every scrap of waste

This is being led by the group’s own permaculturist,

reused or recycled. Wine and spirits bottles from the

who has been diligently introducing whole-system

bar are sorted by colour and crushed; aluminium cans are shredded; plastic containers are separated by type; and cardboard is flattened and compressed to be shipped back to mainland for recycling. Everything is considered. It’s a military operation, yet there’s little in the way of so-called state-of-the art machinery, proving that such practices don’t have to be costly.

Nor is Eco Centro hidden away behind the scenes.

Granted, uninformed guests will likely not have pictured waste disposal being part of their dream getaway, but a tour of the centre is compulsory for new arrivals, encouraging them to consider their own habits both at the resort and back home. The majority of waste at Soneva inevitably finds its way to Maker’s Place, where a team of artisans create works of art and interior objects such as door handles and frames to furnish the villas. The scheme, dubbed waste-towealth, also extends to the programming, with visiting artists invited to make their own pieces from Soneva waste, and experiential workshops available to guests.

The army of staff – known as hosts – are also educated in waste management with their induction including a day’s training at Eco Centro, the key message being that they too can make a difference.

Has it been difficult to find employees who are truly passionate about the approach? “Eva and I were very much in the minority in the first few years – people thought we were eccentric,” Sonu laughs. “But then we developed a reputation for what we do and started attracting like-minded people. Now, all our senior management are committed to sustainability and have joined us because of that.”

Noa collection, designed by Enrique Marti

jardinico_outdoor www.jardinico.com

MEETING…

© Sandro Bruecklmeier

For instance, Bruce Bromley, Deputy CEO

torn nation. He tells me about the mangrove

and Chief Financial Officer, is a former fund

restoration in Myanmar, which will see 2.5

manager specialising in corporate sustainable

million mangroves planted to support coastal

development; having regularly visited Soneva

ecosystems, mitigating 1.5 million tonnes of

as a guest, he questioned how the billed 2%

CO2. And he talks of his newest passion – coral

environmental levy is spent. His interest was

propagation, based out of a brand-new Science

so great that Sonu brought him into the fold,

Centre at Soneva Fushi.

and he’s since been instrumental in driving

Sonu is so passionate about each and every

new initiatives. The tax to which Bromley

project – and he’s clearly done his research on

enquired goes towards the Soneva Foundation,

how and where to invest the funds – that you

which invests in a variety of projects that have

begin to feel as if this is the primary business

a positive environmental, social and economic

rather than the resorts. “The Soneva Foundation

impact, offsetting direct and indirect carbon

has become a very large organisation,” he

emissions generated by resort activities and

admits, though is quick to add that it isn’t

guest flights.

actually funded by he and Eva. “The funds

Headed up by Sonu, Eva and Bromley with

have come out of small changes to the way we

Arnfinn Oines serving as Social & Environmental

do business. For example, we banned branded

Conscience, the foundation – a UK-registered

water in 2008, primarily for the ecological

charity – has raised over US$10 million for

benefit, but there was a financial saving too;

good causes. It’s clearly a venture that is close

our cost of water sales went from 20% down

to the hearts of all involved. Sonu speaks

to 2%, which funded clean water to around

at length about the Darfur Stoves Project,

600,000 people.”

which subsidises cooking stoves in the war-

044

In the Maldives, drinking water served at the

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

JUNG_AZ_LSZ_ALD_236x275mm_EN_RZ.indd 1

Photographer: Stefan Grau, Interior: Thatenhorst Interior GmbH

MADE TO TOUCH. DESIGNED TO CONTROL. LS ZERO – FLUSH-MOUNTED.

05.06.23 17:21

MEETING…

resorts is supplied by bottling plants on nearby

she returned home and built a business based

must have a purpose beyond simply enriching

islands – just one facility avoids the waste of

around sustainability; another is leading the

shareholders and paying employees a salary,”

10,000 bottles per month – an initiative that

way in eco-friendly property development in

he continues, adding that this belief played a

benefits locals through employment. Further

Europe; and there’s a couple who are so devoted

part in the move to be both owner and operator.

community-style projects come as part of

to the Soneva way that they have invested in

“We don’t have to make compromises, we have

Soneva Namoona, which started as a push to

their own private residence on the island. Some

a clear focus and can be true to our slow life

eliminate single-use plastic in the Baa Atoll

guests have made substantial donations to the

core purpose.”

and has grown to become a fully-fledged NGO

Soneva Foundation, others purchase credits to

The SLOW LIFE philosophy, representing

with both education and action at its core.

offset their carbon footprint – a simple online

sustainable, local, organic, wellness, learning,

“We’ve set up Eco Centros on local islands and

enterprise that raises US$1 million per year.

inspiring and fun experiences, reinforces the

created a syllabus on sustainable education for

Closer to home, the ripple effect is at its

schools,” Sonu reveals. “We’re also advising

greatest. Last year, a nationwide ban on single-

the government to take a more decentralised

use plastics as well as the import on bottled

As CEO and Creative Director – or Guardian of

approach to waste management, atoll by atoll,

water under 500ml came into effect, largely

the Culture, to give his official title – Sonu reveals

island by island.”

vision of placing purpose over profit, and touches every aspect of the group.

the result of Soneva setting the standard. The

that his focus changed after the disposal of Six

It’s this “ripple effect” that makes Sonu

practices at the resorts often find their way to

Senses, with his former roles centred around

particularly proud. “I like this idea of throwing

surrounding residential islands by unofficial

meeting investors and developers, and trying

pebbles in a pond and the ripples having an

means too, with Maldivian hosts becoming

to secure management agreements. “I enjoy the

impact well beyond our shores,” he surmises.

so engaged by the group’s core purpose, they

intellectual part of running the business but I

Conversations over dinner with Sonu, Eva and

spread the word. “They go to their home island

also enjoy design,” he explains, recounting how

a few of their regular guests is evidence of this

and if the community is talking about how

his initial sketches for the restaurant in which

ripple effect. One guest explains that her first

Soneva is helping, it makes them proud to work

we sit went through several revisions. “Today,

stay at Soneva had such a profound impact that

here,” Sonu describes. “I believe that companies

my role is about creating concepts where there’s

© Richard Waite

046

IMAGINE. DREAM. CREATE. D I S C O V E R U N L I M I T E D S H A D E C U S T O M I Z AT I O N .

S TA R T D E S I G N I N G T O D AY AT T U U C I . C O M / S H A D E S T U D I O

Tuuci_creative_Sleeper_May_2023.indd 1

3-5-2023 10:44:49

MEETING…

an opportunity to do something different. It’s

offer and launch Soneva Soul. Eva meanwhile

country he visits regularly. “We want to grow

nice to have an idea and spend time developing

has a captive audience thanks to her animated

at a pace that is fast enough to keep us ahead

it through to the finished product, that is a big

storytelling. She’s meticulous in her attention to

of our competitors, yet slow enough that we

reward for me.”

detail, often stopping mid-conversation to take

don’t run out of breath,” Sonu notes, adding

Eva’s role meanwhile is Creative Director and

note of a tarnished tabletop or poorly positioned

that existing properties will continually evolve

Conscience, a title that comes from her inherent

light. Ultimately, it’s their shared commitment

and improve, both in terms of design and

obligation to protect the planet. Ask her why she

to sustainability that impresses, along with

sustainability. Further solar panels are being

came to champion sustainable practices and she

the ability to subtly weave initiatives into the

added – “the return on investment is very

shrugs and answers simply, “I’m Swedish”. So

design of the propreties in addition to the

quick” – and a new pyrolysis machine to make

committed is she that notes are often taken on a

guest programming. The pioneering approach

their own charcoal will have just a two-year

scrap of paper that most people would have long

to responsible tourism saw Sonu awarded an

payback. Proof that being sustainable is not

thrown away – nothing goes to waste here – and

OBE in the 2023 King’s New Year Honours list,

only good for the environment, but makes good

items that can’t be recycled in the Maldives,

and later this year, Sonu and Eva will be the

business sense too, or in the words of Sonu,

such as lithium batteries, are dutifully packed

joint recipients of AHEAD Asia’s Outstanding

“ecology is economy”.

in her suitcase and disposed of responsibly on

Contribution accolade.

a visit back to Sweden.

048

What Sonu and Eva have created is a blueprint

Despite the awards – of which there are

for sustainable luxury, going far beyond the

Both Sonu and Eva are approachable and

many, many more – the duo aren’t resting

norm to have a positive impact. So what drives

warm, hospitality comes naturally and they take

on their laurels. A new resort, named Soneva

them? “We just love what we do,” they conclude.

a keen interest in the lives of the people around

Secret, will open before the end of 2023 to bring

“We believe that true luxury is about time well

them. Over dinner, Sonu opens up to a fellow

a remote and highly personalised experience

spent, so we strive to make every moment

cancer survivor on the alternative therapies he’s

to another island in the Maldives, and beyond

memorable for our guests without losing sight

using to treat his returning lymphoma, an illness

that, Sonu has aspirations to plant a second flag

of our intention to contribute to communities

that drove him to rethink the group’s wellness

in Thailand, and perhaps expand to Japan – a

near and far and protect our precious planet.”

GERMAN HOSPITALITY TRADITION Since 1985

www.aliseo.de

product concept + design: sieger design

LED MOON DANCE LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT

Hotel Hair Dryers Cosmetic Mirrors Bathroom Accessories Guestroom Accoutrements

The Rise of Refurbishments

DAVIDE BERTACCA PRINCIPAL OF HOSPITALITY ARCADIS GROUP

As London’s hotel market evolves, the new Principal of Hospitality at Arcadis discusses his passion for giving new life to historic structures.

Words: Ben Thomas

A

s an Italian, I grew up in a context where

championed by Italian design masters through the

history was a predominant element of my

ages, who celebrated history without mimicking it,

education,” says architect Davide Bertacca,

creating a dialogue between old and new. The same,

who studied in Milan before moving to Venice to

in his eyes, has and will continue to be present in

kickstart his career. Having cut his teeth in the

the London market.

floating city, Bertacca then headed for the British capital, where his fascination with architectural

MEDIATE OVER MANDATE

heritage was immediately heightened. “When I

With many parties involved in heritage projects,

arrived in London, I soon noticed that the city was

Bertacca also emphasises the role of architects as

rich with historical buildings, which for me, presents

“cultural mediators” who understand each and

as many opportunities as it does challenges.”

every detail of a property. “Hotels in particular

Fast forward 15 years and Bertacca has worked

challenge our design skills and understanding at a

on numerous heritage projects in his adopted

multicultural and multidisciplinary level. We have

hometown, garnering expertise and know-how

a responsibility in our position to supervise the

that he hopes to apply in his new role at Arcadis.

process and realise the potential of the building.

“London is back pumping, but investors are being

If we unite our ideas, then our designs have the

cautious, scouting peculiar locations or properties

capacity to make people’s lives better.”

where they can add value,” he explains, pointing out

Collaborating closely with the teams on site

how refurbishments – of hotels as well as abandoned

enables Arcadis to grant such freedoms, with

retail and office spaces – are taking precedence.

Bertacca confirming that a close-knit relationship

RECRAFT AND RETHINK

process, enabling architects to become more agile

As refurbishments dominate the development

when challenges do arise – whether that be with

pipeline, Bertacca highlights how Arcadis’

the local authorities, structural engineer or designer.

‘Recrafting’ methodology will help hospitality clients to breathe new life into existing assets,

UNIFYING ETHIC AND AESTHETIC

adapting them in line with the needs of today’s

A collective mindset can also have an impact on the

traveller. “The market has changed dramatically in

environmental footprint of a renovation, especially

recent years, as has the way we use hotels. We’re not

those of historic structures, which often require a

just trying to fill space within a building, but rather

more surgical approach. “The responsibility lies

create a destination,” he reveals. “We must recraft

with everyone involved in a project,” says Bertacca.

and rethink; this is the beauty of the challenge.”

“It must be our will, passion and pleasure to do the

The architect goes on to explain that what

050

with those on the ground makes for a smoother

right thing, or at the very least the best we can do.”

fascinates him personally about historic buildings

In London’s case, the architect is hoping that its

is the wisdom they possess, having stood in some

existing buildings can provide more opportunities

cases for hundreds of years and played host to a

for hotel investors going forward, allowing Arcadis

variety of uses. As such, Bertacca stresses that there

to apply its eco-friendly ethos to new hospitality

must be a level of respect between the architect

projects across the capital. “Sustainability is not

and the building, achieved through listening to the

just about ticking boxes, it’s a holistic process that

structure. “It’s like having a conversation with a

involves unifying aesthetic and ethic, which is the

person,” he suggests. “If you pay attention, then you

root of our profession,” Bertacca concludes. “Great

understand what they are saying.” Referencing his

architecture is always sustainable. If we don’t strive

native Italy, Bertacca notes that this approach was

to achieve that, then we’re wasting our time.”

Custom Flooring. Integrated Millwork. Bespoke Furniture.

Design by Diaz + Alexander Studio Photography by Todd Goodman

Photography by Eric Petschek

Sleeper_JulAug.indd 2

maderasurfaces.com

New York | Los Angeles

6/16/23 1:21 PM

CUSTOM AREA RUGS AT DÍA RESTAURANT AT THE CANOPY HOTEL TORONTO, IN COLLABORATION WITH STUDIO MUNGE. CARPET DETAILS: 80% WOOL AND 20% NYLON, WOVEN AXMINSTER. MADE IN CHINA. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANDREA GIBSON

CREATIVEMATTERSINC.COM LABEL STEP PARTNER – IMPROVING THE WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF CARPET WEAVERS, AS WELL AS PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY METHODS OF PRODUCTION.

CM_SLEEPER MAG AD_JUNE 2023_FA.indd 2

2023-06-13 9:57 AM

THE LOBBY

Think Pink As far as picture-perfect partnerships go, the newly-

lions, as well as flora and fauna. Nods to the Dior brand are

announced collaboration between The Beverly Hills Hotel

plentiful, with sculptures shaped as Lady Dior emerging from

and Dior ranks pretty highly. Bringing luxury en masse, the

speckled sand walls, and a toile de Jouy-wrapped skylight

partnership sees the brands coming together in a move set to

offering a glimpse of the California sky.

elevate the already chic Beverly Hills experience for guests.

Continuing its ventures into the spa and beauty sector, the

In celebration of this year’s Dioriviera capsule collection

brand has also envisioned a new wellness space for the hotel.

– designed by Italian fashion icon Maria Grazia Chiuri – the

Exclusive to overnight guests, Le Jardin Des Rêves Dior Spa

fashion house has put its signature stamp on the Beverly Hills

Cabana offers four signature wellness treatments for those

landmark, reimagining the hotel’s pool area in style.

seeking an additional layer of luxury during their stay. The

The upper deck of the outdoor space has been transformed

indoor-outdoor cabana is adorned in Dior’s renowned toile

through the introduction of pink and grey Dior surf-inspired

de Jouy print, while rattan furniture and Dior Maison accents

cabins, umbrellas and lounge chairs, which frame the pop-

add to the natural feel.

up boutique. The interiors, where guests can shop the

The cherry on top? A Dior ice cream cart serving hourly

entire Dioriviera collection, has been designed to resemble a

refreshments to guests on the weekends. A match made in

sandcastle, with the space housing life-size sand giraffes and

Beverly Hills heaven.

THE LOBBY

Not a Uniform

Downtown Designs QR codes, smart technology and AI are all the

contrast between the two sides of the property,

rage when it comes to marketing, so one might

giving guests a taste of what’s waiting within.

be forgiven for thinking that the era of the

The Moxy animation, capturing the brand’s

humble billboard is over. But, as Moxy and AC

vibrant and exuberant energy, sees a hotel

Hotels’ new Downtown LA opening proves, a

hallway flooded with liquid, playful artefacts and

billboard can pack a punch when promoting a

design motifs like motorbikes, inviting guests to

hotel, especially when done in a way that forgoes

‘Come Play DTLA’.

the more traditional.

to step into a 3D view of the property as it unfolds

is generating chatter thanks to both its interiors

and transforms on-screen, with designs inspired

and exterior, with the building’s façade home to

by the AC Signature Gin & Tonic as well as the

the largest continuous full-motion digital display

serene lobby and guestrooms.

on the West Coast. The Branded Cities signage

With the building situated directly across from

offers passersby a glimpse inside each half of

the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.

the dual-branded hotel through a 15,000ft 2

com Arena, the billboard presents a unique

video display billboard, with the single screen

opportunity to showcase both hotel personalities

stretching 50ft-tall and 300ft-wide.

beyond a static graphic – particularly valuable

Dynamic 3D animations, brought to life by Cummins & Partners and Buck, showcase the

054

The AC graphic meanwhile allows bystanders

The new Yabu Pushelberg-designed property

in a location that is flooded with hospitality offerings jostling to make their mark.

They say if you look good you feel good, and that’s certainly the case for staff at Birch’s new hotel and members’ club in Selsdon, following a collaboration with independent clothing brand Universal Works (UW).

Having been inspired by Birch’s first outpost in Cheshunt, UW co-founders David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt were happy to help when the hotel brand approached them for an alternative take on its attire. Aptly named Not a Uniform, the partnership sees the Birch team wearing re-worked UW archive stock, which has been locally screen printed with Birch x Universal Works branding in five colours. A bold ‘B’ in the Birch typeface is subtly placed on the front of the garments, while an enlarged version on the back is underscored by a reference to the Universal Works partnership. The collaboration feeds into UW’s Re-Works initiative, the umbrella term for its activity dedicated to prolonging the lifecycle of products.

The iniative also mirrors Birch’s own responsible approach to the renovation of Selsdon’s 19 th-century mansion, which has seen furniture designer, maker and environmentalist Sebastian Cox mastermind the rewilding of the 200-acre estate. Cox has designed bespoke furniture for the bedrooms, suites and communal spaces too, using upcycled materials to minimise waste.

TO

REAL

O

Y

EPTS

TURNI N

SIGN C

NC

I

N

Follow us @dernier_hamlyn info@dernier-hamlyn.com www.dernier-hamlyn.com

DE

G

IT

tora esign, res d , e r tu c manufa Lighting llation and insta

tion

I

nterest in Africa from the global hotel

design and arts communities in many African

community has varied over the years, from

countries, and designers need to embrace these

Marriott International’s purchase of Protea

in order to help them create authentic projects.

Hotels to the Afrinord fund. However, recent

There has been a surfeit of past vanity projects

activity by big players such as Westmont and

in the region where return on ego has overridden

Kasada suggests a strong appetite for the future

return on investment, though wiser current

of hotels in Africa, where the per capita key

developers are taking seasoned advice from

count is a tenth or less than that in Europe or

specialist investment advisors, brands and design

the Americas, suggesting huge growth potential.

teams with hospitality experience, who welcome

The key to being successful in the region

local nuances with sound operational knowledge.

is to remember that Africa is not one country

Consultants with specialist experience will

but rather a strikingly diverse continent. Each

be aware of local variances and work closely

country has a unique set of opportunities and

with them to achieve the best results for both

design inspiration, which can help to create

investors and brands.

Our work on InterContinental Lusaka in the

memorable stays that enable guests to forge a connection with the surrounding areas.

Zambian capital exemplified the current trends in

Leaning On Local With a healthy portfolio of hotel projects in Africa, Studio Moren reports on the challenges and opportunities of working in the region.

Words: Dexter Moren and Janice Mitten

Economic data is becoming more plentiful in

the region and reflected our extensive experience

the megacities, which are growing and helping

in Africa. We wanted to create a vibrant,

to feed investor interest. Whereas development

cosmopolitan hotel that appealed to the Africa

has previously been stymied by a lack of

of today, using a contemporary, bold design that

infrastructure, investment into the area has

speaks to the continent’s past yet also offers an

meant that it is now possible to move people and

inspiring view of its future.

materials, ending the supply blocks that stood in

Our bespoke approach will also be showcased

the way of building hotels and filling them with

at a 125-key lifestyle hotel on Nairobi’s Waiyaki

guests once open.

Way, where we are set to reference Maasai

Business and leisure demand has evolved

warriors through a towering façade inspired by

beyond the plentiful wildlife and beaches too,

traditional cloth weaving. Taking cues from the

meaning hotels are following global trends and

context of the location, the design will seek to

taking on a variety of roles, offering F&B, co-

honour the city’s heritage in an abstract manner,

working and meetings spaces to locals as well

with staff also dressed in signature uniforms as

as guests. This provides the properties with

part of the wider narrative.

ancillary revenue, but also serves to embed them in their neighbourhoods.

056

At Studio Moren, we pride ourselves on our ability to tell stories and the flourishing hotel

Investors and developers are beginning to

sector in Africa is giving us the opportunity to

appreciate each African country’s unique assets,

do so, designing hospitality projects that we

and for architects and designers, the excitement

hope will not only become hubs for residents

of the continent is not just that of a new market,

and visitors, but stimulate the global hotel

but of new influences. There are rich and vibrant

development coterie.

T HE CAR LTON TOW ER JUMEI RAH

SCAN ME! 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

Bab Al Shams UAE A desert oasis enters a new age, with transformed interiors that balance heritage and glamour to capture the beguiling essence of modern-day Arabia.

Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: © Natalee Cocks

T

058

o reinvent an iconic destination takes

– a portfolio of hospitality addresses promising

sensitivity,

to encapsulate the essence of a place.

vision

and

gumption.

First opened in 2004 as one of the few

In translating the brief, to retain the desert

heritage properties to be found in the United

escape’s history and authenticity yet reimagine it

Arab Emirates, Bab Al Shams’ architecture is

for a contemporary age, Dubai-based LW Design

unmistakable, informed by the sand-hued

turned to a storytelling narrative around which

construction of the historic Al Bastakiya

it has balanced refinement and extravagance in

district and modelled after Arabian fortified

equal measure. Of the immersive destination,

villages. Spanning a resort area of 56,000m2,

LW’s Partner and Design Director Pooja Shah-

clustered adobe blocks – some terraced, others

Mulani says: “In the UAE, there are few and far

punctuated by arches – open up through narrow

between properties that have as much history as

pathways to courtyards of palm and ghaf trees

this. So, we wanted to personify Bab Al Shams

as well as reflective water pools adding allure

by giving the property a story that would return

to landscaped pockets of shade.

it to its former glory. With the brief revolving

It is not surprising then that since its original

around Arabian glamour, it made sense to

launch, Bab Al Shams has become a Dubai

introduce the narrative of a lost princess that

institution, the much-loved backdrop to family

had previously discovered the palace on her

celebrations, anniversaries and weddings.

travels. We picked eclectic elements that relate

Having closed down entirely for nine months to

back to her travels, unifying them as a central

enable a comprehensive interior transformation,

part of the redesign.”

the desert resort reopened in 2023 as the first

These elements have become the repeating

in Kerzner International’s Rare Finds collection

motifs of the resort. A notable example is the

059

traveller’s chest, which influences spaces large and small, public and private. Indeed, one of the most striking features of the lobby lounge is the unfolding back bar – reminiscent of a grand travel trunk – complete with backlit compartments housing botanical spirits, herb drawers and handcut crystal glasses. Meanwhile, in guestrooms, minibars are rendered in the style of luxurious leather luggage complete with stitched handles and stud detailing.

Another unifying element is the jewellery of the lost princess, with some original resort pieces retained yet reframed to be presented in a contemporary way. Appropriately, one of the first artworks to catch the eye upon arrival to the lobby is a textile piece by Iranian artist Mahsa Baraghani, who took her inspiration from the Bedouin jewellery and headdresses worn by Emirati women. This alluring representation of traditional Emirati culture acts as a focal point to the rest of the lobby, in which other textile and cultural art – think embroidered cloaks or local musical instruments – anchor

060

NEW

FROM PRACTICAL TO PURE PLEASURE

Elevate the style of your bathroom with the Reframe Collection pedal bin – a perfect blend of functionality and sophistication. Its sleek and minimalist design, coupled with hidden mechanics, adds a touch of refinement to any space. Designed to withstand the rigours of daily use, this bin boasts stability and durability, with a lid that opens smoothly and won’t collide with your walls.

Available in five metallic finishes to complement any décor.

Available this fall

unidrain.com/reframe

Clustered adobe blocks – some terraced, others punctuated by arches – open up through narrow pathways to courtyards of palm trees and reflective water pools

a scheme that invites discovery, whether in the mashrabiya screens that hide inviting seating niches or the entrance loveseat that beckons visitors with its gentle sway.

The jewellery references don’t stop in the public areas. Indeed, a special piece adorning guestrooms is a backlit etched-mirror artwork that showcases ornate necklaces belonging to the princess, the fringed pieces captured at the centre of the frame, which is also layered with glimpses of her veil set against a sand-filled desert landscape.

To continue building the narrative, ShahMulani explains how colour and texture play into the scheme: “We chose vibrant shades inspired by jewel tones to provide a reference to Arabian glamour, while artisanal patterns and tactile textures for the furniture and fixtures are an eclectic mix.” As the team wanted to ensure that sustainable heritage was married seamlessly with the more contemporary elements, they took care to repurpose items of furniture and accessories, and worked with consultant Capsule Arts to curate artefacts and artworks that support the narrative of a palace of lost treasures. Lending a contemporary

062

Oblique by Matthew Hilton

We are the first Climate Neutral certified rug company.

For more technical info visit nanimarquina.com or contact us at projects@nanimarquina.com

sleeper_juny_original.indd 1

We measure, offset and reduce our carbon footprint for a better future.

20/6/23 10:02

East Mediterranean eatery Zala is distinguished by its Appiani tile mosaics, Moorish-style lanterns and potted olive trees

depiction of the surrounding landscape, desert

understated colour palette, with accents of teal

photography of Mohammed Ahli also weaves its

and mustard complementing exposed wooden

way around the destination.

beams and double-stacked tactile headboards.

Of course, to truly follow a sustainable

While the majlis-style window seating remains,

approach, it was important to enhance the

upholstery is undeniably modern, the geometric

resort’s existing architectural aspects, an

patterns and jewel hues giving a contemporary

achievement perhaps no better exemplified than

twist. In the modest-sized bathrooms, now

by the resort’s entrance. Bal Al Shams means

unrecognisable, sand-coloured marble mosaics,

‘gateway to the sun’, so it is fitting that guests

hand-carved vanities with mother-of-pearl

arrive through a monumental pair of etched

inlays and chic valet stands complement sleek

wooden doors.

Kohler fittings. Lighting consultant Lumen

It is here that they are greeted with a lush oasis of palms, pools, planters and barasti-

to enhance the feeling of space.

style canopies, through which dappled sunshine

Signature suites ramp up the luxury, their

dances. “Entering the giant doors is the first big

palettes richer and deeper with tones of

arrival moment that needed to be maintained,”

burgundy and teal. Here, the interiors are

says Shah-Mulani. “However, the entire drop-

characterised by handcrafted furniture with

off layout was enhanced by raising the floor level

rope, tassel and intricate inlay details, as well

to match the hotel, creating a more ceremonial

as polished metal accents and metal-studded

and grand arrival experience.”

doors that open to sybaritic bathrooms. All

While many of the room layouts had to be retained too, the design team has succeeded in renewing guest accommodation through an

064

Studio has also paid extra attention to the rooms

together, these features blend harmoniously to evoke the decadence of a bygone era.

As a popular destination with locals and

The Monaco Chair and Bistro Table, designed by Eugeni Quitllet. sutherlandfurniture.com

066

travellers alike, F&B is integral to Bab Al Shams.

navigation. Meanwhile, lobby lounge Ya Hala

With the exception of refurbished Al Hadheerah,

exudes old-world elegance, with club seating

a multi-sensory Arabic experience that pairs

atop handknotted rugs offset by Ottoman coffee

entertainment displays of local heritage with

tables. Other highlights include wooden screen

outdoor dining, all the other outlets are new.

dividers that brings to mind an abacus and an

They include the East Mediterranean signature

apothecary-style marble counter floating above

eatery Zala, distinguished by its ceramics,

a metal-studded walnut wood base.

Appiani tile mosaics, terracotta colour scheme,

While relaunching the interiors in such a tight

olive trees and curved seating booths that

timeframe threw up obstacles for the team at

complement the immersive cooking stations

LW Design, there have also been unexpected

and open-flame oven. Its outdoor terrace,

surprises, as Shah-Mulani explains: “There are

punctuated with attractive Moorish lanterns,

always skeletons that come out of the closet

provides optimum views over the edge of the

with an existing building, not to mention one

sands that signal the start of the Al Marmoom

that had not been touched for at least 15 years.

Desert Conservation Reserve.

We met myriad structural and mechanical

Open only in the evenings for glorious views

challenges during the rapid construction

of the Arabian sunset meanwhile, rooftop

phase, with most of the mechanical, electrical

restaurant Anwā benefits from a new central

and plumbing systems replaced to allow the

bar alongside rattan-style seating sheltering

property to be fully upgraded.”

under barasti roofs. Here, Pan-Asian cuisine is

With a standalone spa building soon to be

served in a panoramic setting conceived around

unveiled, Bab Al Shams has been elevated to

the idea of the pre-Islamic Arabs, who would

new heights, transformed into a decadent desert

use the stars in the night sky as a means of

hideaway with newfound contemporary appeal.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Meydan City Corporation Developer: Nakheel Operator: Kerzner International Architecture and Interior Design: LW Design Art Consultant: Capsule Arts Lighting Design: Lumen Studio Landscaping: Square M Main Contractor: Khansaheb Project Manager: Mirage www.babalshams.com

View the full gallery on

EST. 2015

LONDON - BIRMINGHAM

E L E G A N C E , E N G I N E E R E D. W W W. JA DA M SA N D C O . C O M

Hotel Telegraphenamt BERLIN Germany’s former telegraph office is reborn as a luxury hotel, courtesy of native restaurateur Roland Mary and Augsburgbased design studio Dreimeta.

Words: Ben Thomas Photography: © Florian Groehn

P

ulling up to the cobbled driveway at

property combines a restaurant, bar, private

Telegraphenamt in Berlin, it quickly

members’ club and rooms, with Freiberger

becomes clear that this is a structure of

counting on restaurateur Roland Mary for its

historic might. Constructed between 1910 and

operation. Local architecture firm Patzschke

1916 at a reported cost of over three-million

Planungsgesellschaft was tasked with navigating

Deutschmarks – a small fortune at the time

the building’s envelope, while Augsburg-based

– the former telegraph station was the most

interior designers Dreimeta were brought on

modern in Germany when it opened, housing

board to breathe new life into the once buzzing

the then revolutionary telephone network

postal office.

and serving as a development centre for the

Working closely with Freiberger, Patzschke

country’s radio communications in the first half

Planungsgesellschaft reconstructed the façade

of the 20th century, even during World War II.

piece-by-piece, updating the structure whilst

The basement of the Neo-Baroque building

preserving its heritage. In line with this

was also home to one of the largest pneumatic

philosophy, elaborately crafted copper dormers

mail tube systems in Europe, stretching almost

were added to the roofscape, and glazing

400km, but after all operations shut down in

inserted above the internal courtyards – part

1992, the structure stood empty. That was

of the original sketches from 1910, yet never

until German entrepreneur Ernst Freiberger

realised – appearing as if it were the original

purchased the site in 2001, drawing up ambitious

build. Continuing the legacy of the telegraph

plans for an extensive restoration featuring

office, specialists were also employed to revive

offices, shops, restaurants and a hotel across

parts of the pneumatic tube network, which are

several wings.

now on display in the lobby.

Aptly named Hotel Telegraphenamt, the

For the interiors, Dreimeta reinterpreted

069

In the lobby, components of the pneumatic tube system are on display alongside lounge seating, greenery and lighting that nods to the cylindrical network

070

design elements from the Arts and Crafts

pointing out that Mary’s know-how as a

movement of the early 20th century, developing

restaurateur provided direction for his team and

an eclectic narrative that blends influences

resulted in a more coherent space.

from Art Déco, Bauhaus and Art Nouveau. “The

Resembling an orangery, emphasised by

building was completely empty when we began

the lush plants positioned across the black-

developing the design concept in 2017, so we

and-white chequered floor, the dining room

had a blank canvas to work with,” says Armin

comprises a variety of seating areas over

Fischer, founder of the studio. “With that being

multiple levels, which differentiate themselves

said, we still wanted to retain the spirit of the

through flooring and furnishings without

site, paying homage to the classic design styles

veering from the wider theme. And despite

of the 20th century.”

the volume and imposing height of the room,

Upon entering the lobby, the DNA of the

the experience feels somewhat cosy thanks to

development is channelled through lighting

custom-painted globe pendant lights – each

that pays homage to the cyclindrical network,

with a unique abstract pattern – creating the

with components from the tube system also

illusion of a starry nightscape hovering below

on display. Large glass windows beyond the

the glass canopy.

reception desk offer glimpses of the Root

The eyes are also drawn to a 3D-printed

restaurant and bar beyond, where Fischer and

octopus sculpture hanging on the original brick

Mary joined forces to ensure that the culinary

wall, which nods to the Japanese cuisine on the

concept not only looks the part, but functions

menu. For Fischer, it was important for the

effectively. “For Root, we came up with the

interior design and art direction to work hand-

design and worked closely with Roland on the

in-hand, resulting in what he calls a “rupture

operational flow and layout,” Fischer explains,

between old and new”. “The interior design

071

and art tell the same story but there’s also a

challenges. Thankfully for Fischer, Dreimeta’s

juxtaposition between the two,” he confirms,

previous work with heritage sites stood them in

citing how he he commissioned artists from

good stead for the conversion. “The façade, brick

Paris, Lisbon, Porto, London and Japan to

ceilings and telegraph tubes were all retained,

provide contrasting perspectives across the

but for us, the main obstacle was the windows.

hotel, combining the past and present.

Luckily, we’re experienced in handling such

This fusion of styles continues upstairs, where 97 guestrooms and suites marry raw

the hotel’s offering.”

and sleek details. Superfluous décor was

Also key to the success of the development,

deliberately avoided, with Dreimeta instead

rather fittingly, was communication, with

opting to expose the original brick walls and

Fischer revealing how the ownership was

barrel-vaulted ceilings, reinforcing its approach

involved in everything down to the materials

to merge the building’s historic charm with a

and surfaces. “During the early stages of the

fresh, sophisticated design. “We used classic

project, we sat down to ensure everyone was

materials like oak and stone out of respect for

on the same page. From then on, we worked

the structure, rather than introducing modern

under the direction of the client but were given

details that would look out of place in their

a degree of creative freedom.”

surroundings,” says Fischer, noting that each

Dreimeta will be hoping for the same freedom

room features bespoke and vintage pieces

when completing the hotel’s Japanese bakery,

sourced from across Europe. “The interiors

set to open imminently and combining the art

appear as if they were always this style.”

of sushi with that of baking. If the rest of the

As with many historic buildings, one would assume the conversion presented plenty of

072

structures, so developed solutions that enhance

design is anything to go by, then guests are in for a treat.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Freiberger Holding Operator: Roland Mary Architecture: Patzschke Planungsgesellschaft Specialist Architect: Zwo4Architekten Interior Design: Dreimeta Main Contractor: Baierl & Demmelhuber www.telegraphenamt.com

View the full gallery on

WE CHANGE LIVES WITH ART

farmboyfinearts.com / @farmboyfinearts

074

Maison Brummell Majorelle MARRAKECH Austrian hotelier Christian Schallert brings casual luxury to Morocco, collaborating with Bergendy Cooke and Amine Abouraoui on a modern retreat that honours artisanship.

Words: Nicola Chilton • Photography: © Emily Andrews (unless otherwise stated)

R

esiding on a tree-lined street next to Marrakech’s

in the 1980s and today is one of the city’s main tourist draws

Majorelle Garden, the new Maison Brummell Majorelle

– come with challenges. Looking to create a departure from

is an oasis of calm. Here, where the air is filled with

Marrakech’s more traditional riads, Schallert had initially

birdsong and the gentle whisper of running water, with light

intended to construct a hotel with a minimum of 14 rooms,

filtering through the branches of jacaranda trees to bounce

but stringent height restrictions meant he had to reduce his

off the house’s pink façade, the melee of the Medina feels

plan to eight. Even to reach that number, he had to dig down

far, far away.

almost a full storey below ground level to make it possible.

Behind this peaceful retreat is Christian Schallert,

Schallert worked with architects Bergendy Cooke and

an Austrian hotelier who ventured into hospitality via

Amine Abouraoui to bring his project to life. “Bergendy came

photography and apartment renovation and rental. His first

up with pencil and paper sketches, and the first presentation

project, the 20-room Hotel Brummell Barcelona, opened in

she made to me featured cocooned tunnels, curved edges and

2015, bringing a blend of Mid-Century design and Tropical

mysterious light entries to protect the house from the sun,

Modernism to the city’s El Poble-sec neighbourhood. After

playing around with interior balconies.”

finding success, he set his sights on a second location. “I

Cooke’s vision was for a contemporary take on Moroccan

was looking around Portugal and realised I was already too

vernacular architecture. The building’s sculptural form and

late for Lisbon,” he admits. “Then I was about to close a deal

pink colour scheme take cues from the walls of Marrakech’s

in Porto when someone snatched it away from me.” Being

centuries-old Medina, but with a modern mood in the form

a believer in destiny, he turned his attention to Marrakech,

of half-moon windows and recessed balconies that offer

where he found a plot so perfect, he assumed it had to be too

privacy and shade. Throughout the Maison, traditional

good to be true. “I wanted to make an impact with my next

materials take centre stage, including interior surfaces

hotel, and when a friend found this plot attached to the wall

crafted from tadelakt – polished lime plaster treated with

of Majorelle Garden, I couldn’t believe it,” Schallert explains.

soap to make it waterproof; handmade bejmat glazed floor

“What was fascinating for me was that it also allowed for

tiles; pies de terre – a mixture of earth and quicklime used

a newbuild.”

on the exterior walls; and terrazzo fabricated on-site.

But plots this special in locations this special – Majorelle

Everything has a tactile quality to it, from the roughness of

Garden was restored by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé

the exterior surfaces to the smooth tadelakt finish indoors,

075

the cool touch of the terrazzo and the organic, sinuous lines that curve through the house.

“From the outset, we looked to embrace the rich artisanal heritage of Morocco, but with no intention of trying to replicate it,” says Cooke, who used traditional materials in unconventional ways across the Maison. Grey and pink terrazzo not only features in flooring, but also in bathroom sinks, splashbacks and headboards. Tadelakt, traditionally used for walls, continues onto the ceilings here – a process that Cooke describes as having “necessitated some perseverance to achieve”.

It’s also the material of the sculpted staircase that runs through the centre of the house.

“Our aim was to create a seamless transition from the walls to the ceiling, incorporating the language of curves and accentuating the handmade feel of the materials,” Cooke explains.

“Challenges arose where we attempted to stray beyond the standard methods, like creating a dark tint for the lounge area, which took a few attempts to perfect.”

076

The interiors have been designed with tactility in mind, from the tadelakt finishes to the organic, sinuous lines that curve through the house

© Ely Sanchez

These were also challenges for Abouraoui, who worked closely with artisans to translate the visions of Schallert and Cooke. “We had to take time to explain the approach to our artisans with drawings and 3D models, and create samples to achieve the complex shapes,” he reveals. “We are happy that our client was aware of the importance of using locallysourced materials and craftsmanship.”

Spread across the property’s three floors, the eight bedrooms all feature recessed balconies or gardens with outdoor bathtubs. The lower floor is home to most of the Maison’s communal spaces, including the sleek grey terrazzo pool, an indoor dining room, outdoor seating and lounging spaces, and a traditional Moroccan hammam with heated marble treatment beds.

This floor comprises the main lounge, which, with its surfaces of dark, inky blue tadelakt, is a departure from the rest of the colour palette.

In summer, the lounge is a cool place to retreat from the sun; in winter, it feels comforting and cosy, with a fireplace providing warmth.

078

RAK-Petit Available in 4 colours

12331F - Sleeper Magazine - Full Page Ad - RAK-Petit.indd 1

30/06/2023 16:37

But with Marrakech being blessed with

Modernist details, including chairs by Egon

good weather year-round, most time is spent

Eierman, paper lamps by Ingo Maurer and

outdoors. Exterior spaces have the feel of a

doorhandles by Gio Ponti. Native carpenters

riad courtyard and remain full of light, despite

crafted the beds and bedside tables, wool sofas

effectively being subterranean as a result of

and brass furniture items were produced by

the excavation. The five-metre walls offer a

Marrakech-based Maison Nicole, and art was

sense of privacy and protection without feeling

selected and, in some cases, created by Schallert

oppressive, softened by layered vegetation –

himself, like the textile hangings fashioned

think tall trees, creepers and cacti – that, along

from traditional djellaba robes bought in the

with the grey terrazzo swimming pool, fill the

Medina. Bedding is by Barcelona-based Santa

space with life.

Living, with nods to the building’s structural

Throughout the property are numerous wall niches, nods to the traditional way of

080

form and semi-circular windows embroidered into the throws.

controlling temperature and airflow in local

The overall feel is of a contemporary

architecture. Some house objets d’art, others

retreat that shows great respect for Morocco’s

something completely different. “Birds made a

traditional artisanship. For Abouraoui, that

nest in one of our niches,” says Schallert with

marriage of concepts means a lot. “I hope

a grin. “They’ve flown away now but it must

guests will notice the overall feeling of warmth

have been a dream home for them, our first

and love in the Maison,” he concludes. “It is

long-stay guests.”

the result of so much attention to detail from

While most of the Maison is a showcase of

all those who worked on the project, especially

local artisanal talent, there are also a handful

the artisans who were so generous with their

of complementary classic statement items and

talent and craftsmanship.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Christian Schallert Developer / Operator: Brummell Projects Architecture: Amine Abouraoui Architecture and Interior Design: Bergendy Cooke Visual Identity: Phantasia www.maisonbrummell.com

View the full gallery on

30,000+ image archive built over 25 years publishing Sleeper Magazine and all AHEAD Awards shortlisted projects across the globe.

www.sleepifier.com

Vermelho MELIDES Bringing together influences and inspiration from around the world, Christian Louboutin’s first foray into hospitality is a testament to his artistic genius.

Words: Elly Earls • Photography: © Ambroise Tezenas (unless otherwise stated)

E

082

xcited as one may be to reach Christian

architect Madalena Caiado, who Louboutin also

Louboutin’s debut hotel project in the tiny

collaborated with on his Lisbon home.

Alentejo village of Melides, it is almost as

Aptly L-shaped, the shorter, horizontal line

tempting to keep on driving. With the windows

of Louboutin’s second initial comprises the

down, the music turned up and the wind in

reception, restaurant and living room. Here,

your hair, it’s a dreamy part of the country to

guests are immediately thrown into the hotel’s

visit. But turn off the main road, manoeuvre

eclectic, maximalist aesthetic. Silver Indian

through winding narrow streets and travellers

panels usually reserved for palaces line the

will find something even better. Hidden behind

walls while Portuguese tiles cover the floors.

unassuming white walls in the centre of the

Paris-based Pierre Yovanovitch designed the

seaside haven is a storybook world, complete

asymmetrical armchairs in powdery hues

with armour-clad sentries, immaculately

of vermelho, which is Portuguese for red,

manicured lawns and a whimsical colour palette.

Louboutin’s signature colour that famously

Louboutin didn’t go small when deciding

lines the soles of his footwear collections. “If I’d

to venture into the world of hospitality. He

attempted this, it would be like Frankenstein’s

brought together his closest designer, painter,

monster,” laughs General Manager Rodrigo Leal,

architect and artisan friends, combined their

as he points out tables from the Philippines and

expertise with standout pieces of furniture,

tiles from Grenada. “But Louboutin’s genius is

artwork and materials, and deposited them

the ability to combine all this.”

in a once-rundown but now magnificently

The patio that extends from the living

converted former fisherman’s shack. Somehow,

room features one of the many bespoke art

it just works.

installations scattered around Vermelho. Dreamt

The reception is housed in the original

up by Spanish-Breton sculptor Elisabeth Lincot,

building, though almost every other part of the

Lagrima de Loros tackles her favourite theme –

13-room property has been built and designed

fragile beauty – depicted by one-hundred glazed

from the ground up, with the help of Lusitanian

ceramic bird heads. Anyone who has visited a

083

Powdery hues of vermelho, which is the Portuguese for red, are a reference to the signature colour that famously lines the soles of Louboutin’s footwear collections

084

Portuguese family home will be reminded of the ubiquitous decorative swallows.

When it comes to sourcing, the Louboutin name, apparently, goes a long way. The

And then guests descend the stairs into the

toiletries in every bathroom, provided by Kama

fairytale garden, where imagined creatures

Ayurveda in India, weren’t quite right in their

wearing ceramic armour guard the entrance

original form. So, the company redesigned

to the swimming pool. The Italian sculptor

their packaging just for Vermelho, and shipped

who designed them, Giuseppe Ducrot, is often

the products to Europe, where they had never

commissioned by the Catholic Church; at

before been sold. The wardrobe doors in some

Vermelho, Louboutin gave him carte blanche

of the bedrooms, too, were created by handmade

to trick out the entire property’s façades.

rattan furniture maker Maison Gatti, a company

The Baroque and Renaissance elements he

billed as the creator of the Parisian bistro chair

has integrated into the architecture, framing

but who had never designed doors. Together

windows and doors, look almost like they’ve

with Louboutin, they also envisioned a bespoke

been drawn on. Especially when contrasted with

canework chair for Vermelho’s candle-lit

the enamel blue of the restaurant building, the

restaurant XTian, inspired by a 19th-century

original colour of Portugal’s Palácio de Queluz.

piece from the archives.

As one guest couldn’t help gushing, every day

The overall feel of the property, including

she discoverd a new detail to delight. Another

the guestrooms, which make up the long

described the property as a museum of art. The

line of Vermelho’s L-shape, came from a

attention to detail really is exquisite, from the

conglomeration of Louboutin’s imagination and

doorknobs from Orfebre Seco in Seville to the

the talents and experience of his close friends.

marble pillars, whose shape is echoed in the

Carolina Irving advised on textile creations

stem of Louboutin’s new footwear collection.

and overall decor, and Seville-based Patricia

© Chiara Cadeddu

© Chiara Cadeddu

085

© Chiara Cadeddu

Medina was his liaison with Iberian artisans.

The man himself can often be found enjoying

No room is the same, but the majority feature

a drink or a meal with friends and collaborators

Portuguese azulejo panels, handmade by the

at Vermelho’s relaxed, bistro-style affair.

original Fabrica de Azulejos de Azeitão, which

Portuguese chef David Abreu, whose career

uses techniques practiced in Europe for the last

includes stints in Macau and the UK, where he

five centuries. Each space has its own colour

was mentored by Alain Roux, has devised a menu

palette and there are several different bathroom

that brings inspiration from his travels, but is

configurations. The most in demand – and

firmly rooted in the Alentejo. The, duck, rice and

Louboutin’s favourite – has an outdoor tub.

seared grouper are must-tries, followed by the

However, it’s the two guestrooms whose

delicate and fluffy mahogany goat cheesecake

walls were handpainted by Greek artist and

with Alentejo honey, all washed down with a

longstanding Louboutin collaborator Konstantin

light, fizzy glass of local vinho verde.

Kakanias that really stand out. In one, Kakanias

Vermelho will always be a work in progress.

has created a blue and yellow underwater

“Once in a while, I’m pretty sure he will drop

seascape. The other is based on the famous Villa

by and add some more items,” Leal smiles,

Kérylos in the south of France and nods to 17 –

admitting he still isn’t sure of the provenance

and 18th-century Italian villas with its delicate

of all the paintings across the property, just that

floral frescoes. Look up the original mansion

they’re from Louboutin’s personal collection.

in France and marvel at the resemblance. And

Within the next two years, the fashion icon will

don’t forget to appreciate the bathroom décor,

have more space across which to spread his

where swatches of the colours the painter was

belongings. Two more properties are planned

testing have been left as they are. Louboutin

in the region, though Vermelho will be a hard

couldn’t bear to have them painted over.

act to follow.

th

086

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Christian Louboutin Architecture: Madalena Caiado Interior Design: Christian Louboutin www.vermelhohotel.com

View the full gallery on

2,000+ hotel projects curated, catalogued and indexed with a wealth of information.

Identify who specified what and which other projects they have designed.

www.sleepifier.com

088

The Carlton, A Regent Hotel CANNES Architect Richard Levelle and interior designer Tristan Auer reimagine a grande dame on the French Riviera, celebrating its famed history in ways that are both subtle and unexpected.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Amaury Laparra

U

ndeniably a grande dame of the highest calibre,

have restored nobility to this icon and revealed its timeless

The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, has reopened

beauty,” he comments of the façade, “so beautiful it now

following an entire renovation and extension, the

seems unreal.”

first such transformation since its launch in 1913. Two new

The two new wings deliver an additional 20,000m2 of

wings flank an expansive courtyard garden that sits above

space, making room for two top floor suites – each over

substantial events spaces. The grandeur and opulence that

500m2, one having a further 400m2 roof garden – and a fully

has drawn aristocracy, statesmen and movie stars continues

loaded spa featuring a full-size boxing ring and cryotherapy

but unquestionably, the hotel has been brought into the 21st

chamber. Beneath the spa and courtyard garden is the largest

century, its heritage enhanced by subtle strokes of genius

column-free space in Cannes, Croisette Salon, plus other

from Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer.

meeting rooms. Reached via a monumental staircase, the

The hotel occupies a full city block on Boulevard de La

vast pre-function area is lined with mirrored walls, while the

Croisette, the beachfront promenade at the heart of the Cote

salon’s shimmering silver ceiling creates the feeling of more

d’Azur. Stepping up from Carlton Beach Club, reimagined

space. Lavelle has cleverly captured the natural daylight

by Auer in 2020, guests look between towering palms at

coming from the substantial fire escape stairwell and, in a

the imposing, Neoclassical style of the ornate façade, which

sublime moment of creativity, made a feature of it through

celebrates the spirit of the Belle Époque. Of today’s 369

the addition of a vertical green wall.

rooms, 72 have sea views – including top-floor suites –

Lavelle’s responsibilities extended to the gardens

whilst the new wings are home to 37 branded residences.

above and with good planning, a varied palette of mature

The project is the result of the 2014 acquisition by the

Mediterranean flora now greets guests with scents of

Qatar government-owned hospitality developer and operator

jasmine, lavender and citrus in a contemplative space. A

Katara Hospitality. Previous owners of InterContinental

raised pool is lined with daybeds by Janus et Cie, canopied to

Carlton Cannes had seen the potential offered by the large

provide some privacy. More prosaically – Cannes is an event

plot behind the hotel, formerly a car park, and under Qatari

city, and the hotel is synonymous with hosting the stars of

ownership, this potential has been realised.

cinema at its annual film festival – the garden includes a

Locally-based architect Richard Lavelle, with significant

sizeable lawn for tented galas. The Grand Salon, the ground

historic monument experience, led the seven-year project,

floor heritage-protected ballroom in the original building,

during which the hotel was closed for over two years. “We

has also been fully restored.

089

090

Drawing on the hotel’s original décor, Tristan Auer has created spaces that place old and new side-by-side, showcasing the best of French craftsmanship

This melange of history and modernity saw Carlton

eucalyptus trees common to the south of France. The

Cannes as a sure-fire choice for IHG’s Regent brand.

twisted shapes of the dried leaves give the pattern

Regent Hotels was founded in 1970 by Bob Burns

for both corridor carpets and the three-dimensional

who, with new ideas about luxury and Asian service

counterfront in Bar 58. A similar pattern is seen in

qualities, positioned his properties firmly alongside

backlit, glazed panels and the striking, crackled

Four Seasons. Under the ownership of several different

ceramic bar countertop made using the Raku technique

groups, the brand somehow lost its way before the

by Fabienne L’Hostis, based just 10km from Cannes.

portfolio of half a dozen Asian hotels and a handful

“Sustainable and artistically vibrant,” notes Auer of

in Europe were acquired by IHG in 2018. Of these, the

their work.

former InterContinental Hong Kong has been recently renovated and reopened as a Regent.

The inspiration continues. The tessellation of the overlapping tiled mansard roof was “enhanced” in

So too has Carlton Cannes, now the brand’s

patterning according to Auer. Most directly in the

European landmark with the promise to offer guests

wooden finish of the rear wall of the pool bar and

‘modern-yet-timeless experiences’. This is reflected

the rich gilt ceramic tiled wall in the lobby. With

in the duality of the approach taken by Auer for the

additional decorative details that reference the oval-

interiors. “The stories come from the original décor,”

shape of two local delicacies, Navette biscuits and

he explains with measured calm. “We tried to build

almonds, the pattern is seen in the brass inlay of the

on what already existed to understand the structure’s

vast entrance floor as well as in small porcelain bowls.

personality and tailor a design. We took the stories and enhanced them.”

Auer also looked to nature for the redesign, with a light touch of chevron patterning coming from

Auer is a master of the sensitive re-creation of

palm trunks. The new, pale white marble reception

heritage buildings whilst simultaneously bringing

floor leading to the separate side entrance for group

them to the present, as his work at Hôtel de Crillon

arrivals sees a subtle V-shaped pattern flashed with

in Paris testifies. After removing several layers of

darker stone and brass. “This pattern is graduated,

paint from the lobby pillars, the original marble-

becoming softer closer to the window to accentuate

effect stucco finish was discovered and reapplied.

the brightness of the room,” explains Auer. A stronger

There are only two businesses left in France who can

chevron pattern is seen with a wall of small terracotta

do this work and Auer used them both. In all, over

bricks behind reception.

750 people and 450 companies were employed on

The terracotta is itself another story enriched. In

the project. Auer is not keen to reveal the names of

the 1920s, the Carlton centre court hosted tennis

many of the countless artisans he commissioned here,

tournaments played on the powder of crushed clay

wanting to protect those he was unable to use on this

pots, as the summers were too dry for grass courts.

project. His actions are laudable and, along with the

Their popularity saw the legendary court surface

timeless qualities of the materials used, reflect a deep

adopted by Roland Garros upon its inception in 1927.

understanding of true sustainability.

The same red powder now sits quietly beneath a glass

The colours of the stucco also provided Auer with

top at reception.

a story to enhance. The hotel’s palette of pale blues,

Old and new sit side-by-side throughout the

grey-greens and dusty purples echo the tones of

property. Beautifully restored staircases lead to

091

corridors lined with the ornate, original wall

luxury include the discreet offer of a small

lamps. The existing mosaic motif in the lift

cardamon coffee and dates, presented after

floors is exposed, with the doors opening to

one’s meal as a gesture of thanks.

lobby walls decorated with delicately folded

This act of Middle Eastern hospitality shares

porcelain pieces representing a light breeze

an affinity with both the Qatari owners and the

blowing through sheer curtains.

traditions of Anatolian cuisine at the hotel’s

Many

other

elements

are

of

Auer’s

new restaurant, Rüya. Conran & Partners, who

inspiration – plantpots, furnishings, lighting.

developed the restaurant concept for the outlets

The beautifully graceful curves of his rounded

in Dubai and London, did the same here with

sofa in each guestroom are “to enjoy the view,

the execution by Auer. Consistent motives of

nothing more”, he comments of the functional

Marmara marble and turquoise Pyrolave stone

design of his favourite piece. The same circular

are combined with lighter timber and rattan for

lines are picked up in the adjacent tables and

a Rüya Riviera-style.

other floorcoverings. “The curves are feminine, traces in the sand,” Auer notes.

092

Built on the framework of Lavelle’s new architecture, the fortuitous timing of shared

Additional to Carlton Beach Club, Bar 58 and

ambitions of owner and operator have allowed

a pool bar is Camélia Tea Lounge, which leads

Auer’s design to bond this reincarnation to

to the all-day Riviera Restaurant overlooking

its famed history in ways that are both subtle

La Croisette. Here, a relaxed informality is

and unexpected. His use of the best craftsman

proposed by waitresses wearing white skirts

and French savoir-faire, allied to a quality of

flowing beneath dark cardigans, and waiters

materials that are second to none, put The

with white trousers, khaki jackets and sharp

Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, in the best of

red cravats. Decadent moments of understated

shape for the next century.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Katara Hospitality Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Richard Lavelle Interior Design: Tristan Auer, Conran & Partners (Rüya) www.carltoncannes.com

View the full gallery on

An invaluable resource for all hotel suppliers globally to build their portfolio.

Search across 2,000+ projects to find your references and link your company.

www.sleepifier.com

12 | 14 Stradom House KRAKOW A former monastery enters a new chapter as a members’ club and hotel, following a transformation by ADC Atelier.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill • Photography: © John Athimaritis

O

nce the capital of Poland, Krakow combines a rich royal history, storied Jewish quarter and the Renaissance and Gothic landmarks of its medieval-

walled old town with a wealth of contemporary culture, from music to visual art and a vibrant nightlife scene.

As such,hotel groups are recognising Krakow’s appeal, with buildings across the city being converted into hospitality hubs as a result. The newest addition, 12|14 Stradom House – a property under Marriott’s Autograph Collection – sits on a main thoroughfare connecting the Jewish quarter and old town, right by the imposing Wawel Royal Castle. It takes over a former monastery and church that, until recently, had fallen into disrepair.

Barcelona-based design firm ADC Atelier, co-founded by Aaron David Clarke and Marta Tuneu – who have several Soho House properties in their portfolio – is responsible for the interiors. “It’s great for Polish people to have the site returned to them and it’s now a beautiful place to hangout,” says Tuneu. “It’s a welcoming destination in the city centre, which works for travellers as well as locals.”

ADC Atelier began the transformation with in-depth research into the history and culture that defines the former capital and the wider country, translating elements

094

095

Signature seafood restaurant John Dory showcases playful, marineinspired interiors with pink marble that references nearby salt mines

of traditional Polish craftsmanship into

Influences from the city’s history and culture

contemporary design details using soft pinks

are further reflected through modern tapestry-

and patinated blues alongside the work of native

style rugs, mineral salt-inspired walls and classic

artists and artisans. “We carried out a lot of

tile patterns. The Polish theme is on display

research locally, visiting lobbies of apartment

across the building, which is first set apart by

buildings that were built post-war in the late

architectural details such as the domed roof of

1940s and ‘50s – the Eastern Bloc style –

the church – now home to Hedwig’s members’

and drew inspiration from the castle’s many

club and bar. The sweeping arches of the hotel’s

tapestries,” Clarke explains.

entrance area and the atmospheric brick wine

“Poland is famous for its amber production,”

cellar reinforce the local feel. Throughout each

adds Tuneu. “The amber has a ochre hue that

space, the specially-commissioned work of

we introduced through antique brass and

Polish artists such as Przemek Pyszczek, Marcin

golden marble. We also drew from patterns of

Janusz and Dorota Buczkowska adorns the

Krakow’s old façades for the tiles in the spa,

walls, while original ceiling frescoes are again

referencing the embroidered flowers seen in

brought to life.

traditional costumes via Liberty-style textiles,

“It was amazing to see the site filled with

and furnished the rooms with restored Polish

Polish women restoring the original frescoes,”

vintage pieces, sourcing items from close by,

enthuses Tuneu. “They have such skill, and

not only for their design but for sustainability

now the frescoes in each area – from the domed

too.” Clarke adds: “We wanted to embrace

chapel to a handful of the guestrooms – are all

the Polish connection by working with native

unique in their pattern and colour.”

designers and contemporary artists to showcase the location.”

096

From the art-filled lobby, lifts transport residents up to the hotel’s 155 guestrooms,

097

098

including the 155m2 Chapel Loft, the largest

only intervention we made to the church’s

suite in the city comprising a master bedroom,

interiors was in the lower part of the space,”

kitchen and dining table for up to 10 guests,

explains Tuneu. “When guests enter the club,

as well as a grand piano. Throughout all

they’ll understand its former life as a church.

accommodations, modern furnishings are

Our ambition was to respect the site’s history.”

paired with thoughtfully curated vintage items

Events spaces provide the charming backdrop

that have been reupholstered with new fabrics

for the hotel’s programming on the lower floors,

selected by ADC Atelier.

which are also home to the Sól spa, created in

On the menu, signature seafood restaurant

partnership with Alexandra Soveral. The serene

John Dory, Mediterranean restaurant Gaia and

space encompasses cave-like treatment rooms,

Hedwig’s bar and wine cellar are located directly

a fitness centre and a 20m swimming pool lined

off the lobby on the ground floor. While John Dory

with warm-pink loungers, as well as extensive

showcases playful, marine-inspired interiors

wet facilities including a steam room, infrared

with pink marble that references the nearby

salt sauna and hydromassage showers.

salt mines, Gaia embodies a Mediterranean feel

“In my view, every space is special,” says

with its full-height patio doors leading out to

Tuneu. “The spa has amazing geometry, the

the courtyard and combination of timber, olive

walls of the entrance lobby are castle-like, and

green seating and lush greenery. Meanwhile,

the wine cellar is painted the colour of wine.

Hedwig’s Club – named after its setting in

We made each area unique.” The creation of

the Church of St Hedwig – fuses Baroque

the new destination ultimately gives another

and contemporary styles, with a statement

piece of history back to the city, inviting the

chandelier hanging from the restored dome

community into a space now attracting design

of the church beneath original frescoes. “The

aficionados from across Europe and beyond.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Angel Poland Group Architecture: Angel Construction Interior Design: ADC Atelier Procurement: Stoch Hotel Consulting Lighting Design: Visual Energy Art Consultant: Francesca Gavin www.stradomhouse.com

View the full gallery on

A carefully curated visual directory for hospitality design’s leading specifiers and suppliers

www.sleepifier.com

Introducing...

In the planning stage of your next project?

Searching for suitable collaborators to realise your vision? Look to Sleepifier; an online photographic archive of hotel openings past and present. With an everexpanding portfolio of projects to browse as well as a unique filter system to tailor to your specifications, there’s no end to the inspiration and information to be gained from this first of its kind digital directory.

Our team is dedicated to selecting only the best imagery, crediting principal designers with precision and building relationships with the most notable suppliers in the industry. Start your journey with us today by scanning the QR code to sign up for your free account.

Each project is curated using high-resolution photography and extensively researched information.

Contact endorsed suppliers and gain access to their affiliated projects.

Browse thousands of hotel openings by date using our ‘NEW’ feature.

www.sleepifier.com

For Suppliers...

Suppliers have the opportunity to join the platform and receive the following benefits, for a cost-effective annual fee: PERMANENT LISTING… in home page ‘SUPPLIER’ menu with link to profile PLACEMENT OF TILE ADVERT… on image grid with brief company description and link to profile PROFILE IN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY… with more detailed contact information and full project list PROJECT AFFILATION… with your company listed as a supplier to all reference projects on Sleepifier PROJECT UPLOADING… of all your company’s project references not already listed on Sleepifier* *Additional fee applies.

PRICING

£499 pa Annual fee covers: • Highlighted listing in SUPPLIER section • Tile placement in image grid with logo and brief wording • Unlimited affiliation with existing projects on Sleepifier • Five project uploads per year For further information please contact the Sleeper team at advertising@sleeper.media

www.sleepifier.com

Artsy CASCAIS On Portugal’s west coast, a storied 19th-century mansion is converted into a luxury hotel, where the clue is in the name.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © Gonçalo Miller

ascais has long been a playground for the

C

‘Where art meets history’ is the strapline for

rich, the famous and the politically well-

this 19-key property, set in a scenic location

connected in Lisbon society, and the

overlooking the Bay of Cascais and its popular

ornate 19th-century mansion that now houses

marina. The modern building houses six Artist

Artsy Cascais is no exception.

Rooms, illuminated by bright sunlight filtering

Built by a wealthy businessman friend of King

through the punctuated concrete skin that

Dom Carlos I, the property was subsequently

envelops it. In the historic wing, high ceilings

owned by the great Portuguese industrialist

and towering windows create spacious light-

Alfredo da Silva, and eventually came into the

flooded volumes, which offer views over the

hands of the future Prime Minister Francisco

gardens and streets of the characterful town on

Pinto Balsemão. His son Francisco Maria

the Portuguese Riviera.

Balsemão spent his teenage summers there

Architect Pedro Gomes Fernandes oversaw

and eventually inherited the property. Deciding

the reimagination of the original building,

it was too large for him to inhabit alone, he

maintaining Rococo features dating back to

embarked on its conversion to a hotel with

1899 and delicately linking it to the 21st-century

developer Investaureum.

structure via a glass elevator, which takes guests

Now, after a three-year, €8 million

to a rooftop pool furnished by Glatz parasols.

investment, the result is a striking mix of

“The link is apparent in the purity of forms

history and modernity; the original house is

and in the use of materials that respect the

augmented with a newbuild wing wrapped in

delicacy and elegance of the old construction,

a decorative façade by Portuguese street artist

integrating it with the new,” he explains.

Vhils, just one of several contemporary creatives whose works give the hotel its name.

Interiors meanwhile are by Marta Carreira – an architect by trade who found a passion

099

100

for interiors after working with Gracinha

the French Society of Perfumers – adds another

Viterbo’s design studio. For her first solo hotel

sensory dimension, introducing notes of orange

project, Carreira’s approach was to immerse the

and basil combined with a hint of burnt wood,

property in its surroundings, bringing elements

cedar and black pepper.

of the sand and the sea into the guestrooms

In the Art restaurant, with its open kitchen

whilst injecting them with the bohemian vibe

led by chef Daniel Estriga – known for his work

of nearby villages.

at popular eatery Conceito in Cascais – lighting

Furnishings and fixtures are high-spec and

by Gwendolyn and Guillane Kerschbaumer of

mostly bespoke, with Danish brands such as

Atelier Areti, a giant feather sculpture, and

Gubi, Menu and Vibia supplying lighting to the

fabrics by the likes of Elastron, Kirby Design

rooms. To the right of the entrance is a library

and James Malone create an eclectic yet cosy

lounge with a pair of striped sofas by Ferm

atmosphere beneath a mirrored ceiling.

Living sitting beneath a Gino Sarfatti lighting sculpture for Flos.

Like the rest of the hotel, the culinary experience celebrates Portuguese past and

The stairwell meanwhile is dominated by a

present, highlighting local seafood and

Rembrandt-inspired, graffiti-style piece by

traditional dishes reinterpreted for today’s

London-based Fipsi Seilern beside Tom Dixon

palate. Favourites include a seafood hot-dog as

pendant lamps. Other artists whose work

well as shrimp from the Algarve served with

is displayed in the public areas include Alice

salmon roe, peas and whey milk.

Morey, Daniel Lergon, João Gabriel and João

If former owner Alfredo Da Silva was still

Vasco Paiva, whilst paintings by Miguel Velasco

around, there’s no doubt he’d be impressed with

adorn the guestrooms. A signature scent by

the artsy approach taken by Balsemão and his

Lourenço Lucena – the only Portuguese to join

team. This is a hotel that lives up to its name.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Artsy Hotel Developer: Investaureum Architecture: Pedro Gomes Fernandes, Marta Carreira Interior Design: Marta Carreira Art Consultant: Tiago Gali Macedo, Lehmann & Silva Branding: Pippa Rose Main Contractor: IDB Project Manager: Tecnoplano www.artsycascais.com

View the full gallery on

101

Zambezi Sands ZIMBABWE Batoka Africa revamps a safari lodge along the Zambezi River, combining laidback luxury with locally-crafted furnishings.

Words: Heather Richardson Photography: Courtesy of Batoka Africa

R

eopening under new ownership and after a

“What should shine most is the environment

complete design overhaul, Zambezi Sands

around the camp,” says Masiyiwa, having

has been upgraded from a rather tired

enlisted Yvonne O’Brien of The Private House

bush camp to a stylish, luxury retreat. Set along

Company to take the lead on the interior design.

the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River,

Putting the location centre stage was key to

under an hour from Victoria Falls, the property

the revamp, with each of its ten river-facing

invites guests to kick back after a safari, with

tents now featuring wide private decks – some

the rush of the fast-flowing water creating a

on the banks of the river, others set back in

calming soundtrack punctuated by the grunts

the trees, and six with private plunge pools –

of hippos and the call of the fish eagle.

floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor showers.

Zambezi Sands was previously co-owned by

A handful of the standalone bathtubs also offer

Imvelo Safari Lodges and Batoka Hospitality,

river views, so residents can gaze out at hippos

until the two companies separated in 2018. The

cooling off or giant kingfishers darting along

rebranded Batoka Africa took 100% ownership

the banks; elephants are occasional guests

of Zambezi Sands and another site in the area,

around camp too, and leopard tracks have been

Gorges Lodge, which makes it one of the only

found along the paths.

– if not the only – African safari lodge groups owned by black women.

The al fresco experience continues into the main guest area, which features a sweeping

Co-owner Vimbai Masiyiwa – who owns

deck that overlooks the Zambezi and its reed-

Batoka with her mother Tsitsi – had a succinct

covered islands, with an indoor lounge and

brief for the renovation, aiming to bring it up to

dining area for chilly mornings and evenings.

five-star standard whilst incorporating locally-

The reimagined property uses the footprint

made products and letting nature do the talking.

of the existing camp, while Bushtec Safari was

103

Reflecting the colours of the surroundings, interiors bring together earthy browns, greens and black-and-white striped rugs that nod to zebra patterns

employed to rebuild the tents and architect

“It would have been easy to buy items from

Etresia Jordaan of CreateSpace brought in for the

South African furniture and homeware stores,

layout. Of the interior design, O’Brien explains:

but then they wouldn’t have a story to tell.”

“We opted for the colours of the surroundings

Other product choices support Black African

and the shades of the tents – khaki and cream

entrepreneurs. In the mini-bars, Kumusha

– to bring a bush lodge feel.”

Wines’ chenin blanc and cabernet sauvignon

The scheme extends into white bed linens and

are made by Cape Town-based Zimbabwean

mosquito nets, pale wooden surfaces and beige

Tinashe Nyamudoka, while toiletries are from

and khaki-green sofas, as well as black metal

R&R Luxury, owned by Ghanian Valerie Obaze.

details and structural posts, brass taps, wicker

Aside from the elements made locally, most

chairs and woven wall displays. O’Brien also

of the décor came from South Africa. Mugs

introduced lampshades crafted from porcupine

and sugar pots are by ceramics manufacturer

quills, large woven pendant lighting, strings

Mervyn Gers, a familiar name in luxury safari

of beads and black-and-white striped rugs

tents; the nature-inspired wallpaper in the

that nod to zebra patterns. “The grass mats,

communal bathrooms was designed by Cara

basketware and lighting pendants were all made

Saven; and a highlight of O’Brien’s, the fluted

in nearby villages,” she confirms, adding that

wooden panels that make up the headboards

there are plans to open an in-camp shop to sell

and the bar in the main area, came from Spain

some of these products to guests, an initiative

but are in keeping with the organic simplicity

that will also provide crucial income to the local

of the camp.

community.

104

“Everything was custom-made, from the

“For me, it was important to highlight local

canvas blinds with leather straps to the lighting,

businesses,” Masiyiwa explains of her approach.

furniture and the headboards with fluted

105

106

panels,” says O’Brien. “When designing a camp

land-border customs between South Africa and

like this, you must also keep in mind that it

Zimbabwe, her team returned to Victoria Falls

needs to stand the test of time, so using durable

with around a week to install. Without any

materials and fabrics is key.”

margin for error, they had to be “meticulous

Back-of-house hasn’t been ignored either.

and double-check every measurement” in the

The well-equipped kitchen is surprisingly

words of O’Brien, as there would be no chance to

spacious for a ten-tent camp, while Lodge

fix mistakes within such a tight timeframe. The

Manager Denzel Sofula’s airy office is decorated

camp soft-opened the following month.

with artworks by guests – painting being one of

While the installation ran smoothly – aside

the many in-camp activities. There’s also solar

from O’Brien’s colleague getting stuck in the

panels that provide power for the whole camp

mud and having to be towed out by tractor –

and a vegetable garden in the works to supply

Masiyiwa says the trials throughout the building

the kitchen.

and opening stages were relentless. Issues with

A family suite is currently under construction

receiving shipments, getting the tent structures

too, featuring three bedrooms and a communal

right, and unusually heavy rain just before

living area. For O’Brien, the return visit to fit

the interiors team arrived that put the camp

the new tent will be a valuable chance to see

through intensive leakage testing.

the camp in action and make tweaks as needed.

“I don’t know how many times I woke up and

The Private House Company had one site visit

said, ‘why am I doing this again?’,” Masiyiwa

in 2019 before working off-plan for the duration

jokes. “But the best part has been the collective

of the design process – a period that included

sense of accomplishment that we got to enjoy

the pandemic. In February 2023, after waiting

with each other. I couldn’t have asked for better

for furniture to successfully pass through

people to work with.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Batoka Hospitality Group Architecture: Bushtec Tents Interior Design: The Private House Company Lighting Design: Dark Room Branding: Dash, Happy Go Lucky www.batokaafrica.com

View the full gallery on

Studio Frantzén Harrods | Joyn Studio | Jaysam Contractors

bespoke stone fabrication for over 50 years #stoneexperts #bringingstonetolife

www.stone-circle.com

DESIGN DETAILS

HOTEL CONVERSION

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel Dotted along Italy’s west coast, from Portofino to Conca dei Marini, former monasteries have long been converted into luxury hotels. In Amalfi, the 13th-century Capuchin convent has been a place for travellers to rest since 1882, but this year, after a recent three-month renovation, it relaunched as Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel. “We want guests to experience what it’s like to spend time in a historic convent, so we’ve tried to be respectful of the building’s heritage by creating design that is low-profile and serene,” explains Mercedes Isasa, founder of Madrid-based TBC Interiorismo, which collaborated with Minor Hotels on the project. Tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, original frescos and limewashed walls were preserved, while the previously all-white interior has been muted to a softer, neutral palette that ties in with the colour of the cliffs the hotel is carved into. “To reflect the spirit of the convent, we opted for minimum furniture in the rooms and suites, all crafted from natural, noble materials such as wood and iron – nothing too sophisticated,” continues Isasa of the nod to the monastic style. Key items of furniture like wardrobes and sideboards were designed by TBC Interiorismo and custom-made, while other cherry-picked pieces include Cassina’s Utrecht armchair and the TMM floor lamp by Santa & Cole. “It was important that the lighting was low-key and intimate to feel cohesive with the architectural elements of the rooms,” Isasa concludes. Rounded mirrors and curving bedheads echo the shape of the arches throughout, including those in the cloister and chapel, where guests can arrange to meet Fra Marcus, one of only two monks still living at the nearby Ravello Convent of St Francis, for a moment of contemplation during their stay.

Words: Emma Love © Xx

DESIGN DETAILS

LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS

Odles Lodge

High up in the Dolomites, flanked by dense pine

The interiors too are dominated by pine, cladding

forests and verdant meadows, Odles Lodge is

floors, framing the large apex window and

deeply rooted in its location. Comprising four

extending overhead, with the essential oils of the

self-contained chalets, the Alpine retreat is

untreated timber said to have a positive effect on

the latest venture from Italian hotelier Teresa

sleep. Like Forestis, sustainability is at the core

Unterthiner, whose flagship property Forestis is

of the ethos, and a number of environmentally

located just a few kilometres below on the slopes

conscious initiatives have been implemented,

of South Tyrol’s Plose massif. Designed by Armin

such as the use of 100% renewable energy

Sader of Assaggio Architects, each lodge has

produced by the lodge’s own plant. Unterthiner

been constructed using local spruce and Swiss

concludes: “With a more remote location and

stone pine, duly reflecting the character of the

higher privacy, we are excited for guests to get

mountain huts that nestle amongst the trees.

even closer to nature.”

DESIGN DETAILS

HOTEL NEWBUILD

St Regis Kanai Suspended over a mangrove forest in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, St Regis Kanai’s architecture is best viewed from above. Paying homage to Mayan astronomer-priests, who looked to the sun and moon for guidance and protection, native architecture firm Edmonds International has devised a circular structure that takes cues from the constellation Pleiades. As such, two intersecting circles contain public spaces and back-of-house, while three larger semicircles open towards the mangroves and ocean beyond. Connected via elevated walkways, the semicircles feature lounges and terraces at their intersections, where guests can simply relax and take in the surroundings.

Similar nods to spirituality can be found in the interiors, envisioned by Chapi Chapo Design. “Our goal was to tell the story of the Mayan people, not only protecting the land but preserving the rituals and traditions they once practiced through our design,” explains Tatiana Sheveleva, Partner at the Toronto-based studio. At the bar, a handmade mural celebrates the ceremonial temples and pyramids constructed by the ancient civilisation in honour of the gods, referencing their philosophy of Kanai being ‘heaven on earth’. A heavenly resort indeed.

LIGHTING FOR LIFE

114

SPOTLIGHT

Reimagining Retail Making its debut in the heart of a country estate, RH England blends the worlds of retail and hospitality.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of RH

I

t’s the first official day of trading when

renovation projects with this level of complexity

Sleeper visits RH England, and early signs are

and sensitivity, having transformed several

encouraging. By lunchtime there is already

landmark buildings in North America to RH

a steady stream of guests – many of them no

Galleries, including the former Museum of

doubt alerted to its existence by the extensive

Natural History in Boston, the Three Arts Club

press coverage of a celebrity-filled launch party

in Chicago, and the Historic Post Office in

the preceding weekend. Subtitled The Gallery

Greenwich, Connecticut. One noteworthy recent

at Aynho Park, the Grade I-listed building

launch is the Bethlehem Steel Building in San

is in marked contrast to many of RH’s more

Francisco, which set a new benchmark for the

contemporary Gallery spaces in its US homeland.

brand upon its opening in Spring 2022, blurring

Yet the strong architectural symmetry of this

the lines between residential and retail, indoors

400-year-old mansion house provides a perfect

and outdoors, home and hospitality.

backdrop for the brand’s artfully-curated

“We are both proud and humbled to introduce

vignettes and roomsets, created by its visual

RH to the UK, in what we hope will be an

merchandise team.

inspiring and unforgettable fashion, and to fully

The entire estate spans 73 acres and over

open Aynho Park to the public for the first time

60 rooms, where luxury home furnishings

in its history,” says Friedman. “We believe RH

from RH Interiors, Contemporary, Modern and

England represents our greatest work to-date

Outdoor are combined with rare art, antiques

and will serve as a symbol of our values and

and artefacts from across the globe. The

beliefs as we embark on our expansion across

building was originally constructed in 1615 for

Europe.” The resulting property is stunning

the Cartwright family, who continued to own

on every level. Set on an elevated plateau at

it until the mid-20th century. Noted architect

the southern edge of Aynho Village, the estate

Sir John Soane refurbished and expanded the

features historic gardens by iconic English

property further in the early 19th century.

landscape architect Capability Brown.

Its latest reinvention as a luxury lifestyle

Guests stepping through the Doric colonnades

retail emporium is the vision of RH Chairman

of the entrance hall will encounter the Aynho

and CEO Gary Friedman – no stranger to

Unicorn – a sculptural artwork bequeathed

115

116

SPOTLIGHT

Amongst the Gallery’s culinary offerings are live-fire concept The Orangery as well as the Tea Salon, both of which look out over the Oxfordshire countryside

by its former owner and art collector James Perkins – sat

and gilt bronze Louis XV-style fireplace. The upper levels

against the backdrop of a handcarved fireplace in Mexican

are home to private rooms and suites, accessed via one of

onyx, designed by Lady Cartwright. From here, a variety of

two grand staircases, adorned with classical sculptures and

architecturally-proportioned spaces fan out to the wings of

artefacts collected by Aynho’s previous owners, James and

the building. The Grand Viewing Terrace spans the southern

Sophie Perkins.

side of the main house, defined by a layered composition

A former stable block and workshop space in the East Wing

of parasol trees, sculptural evergreens and monolithic

will house The Conservatory – an American bistro offering

limestone fire tables.

an elevated interpretation of enduring classics – opening

Graceful salons and sitting rooms lead to an antechamber

in Autumn 2023. The skylit garden escape will be defined

that hosts The Sir John Soane Exhibition – created in

by a soaring glass roof supported by structural steelwork,

partnership with Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. The

century-old Spanish olive trees and three monumental

exhibit highlights the architect’s life and works at Aynho

salvaged brick fireplaces.

as well as other English country houses, with meticulous

The east wing also houses The RH Interior Design

reproductions of original drawings, architectural models

Studio. Providing an unprecedented level of professional

and artefacts. This westward sequence of spaces comes to a

design services, the interactive space features private client

dramatic end in The Architecture and Design Library, home

presentation rooms and design libraries showcasing a vast

to a collection of vintage, contemporary and rare out-of-

assortment of textiles, furniture and lighting finishes.

print books from some of the most influential creators of the past two millennia.

Formerly the servants’ quarters, the west wing now presents artistic installations featuring luxury home

Its centrepiece is the first edition of De Architectura

furnishings from internationally-renowned designers. Just

libri Dece – The Ten Books on Architecture – dating back

off this wing is The Loggia – a restaurant and wine bar

to 1521. Authored by Roman architect Vitruvius in the 1st

serving wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie boards and rustic

century BC, the seminal work has served as a foundational

shared plates in a relaxed outdoor setting replete with French

textbook on classical architecture for centuries. Its study

limestone fountains and fire tables.

of balance, symmetry and perfect proportions also reflects

RH England is the company’s first Gallery outside North

RH’s design ethos. Presiding over the room is a replica of

America and represents just the first step in a significant

Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man and rare books by the

global expansion – and a carefully-considered evolution from

great Renaissance architects Alberti, Scamozzi and Palladio,

retail into hospitality – which will see it open Gallery spaces

who carried forth the Vitruvian principles.

in other prime locations around the world. London’s Mayfair,

On the opposite side of the main house is The Orangery,

Milan, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, Düsseldorf and Sydney are all

a live-fire dining experience featuring a marble hearth

slated for future openings over the next two to three years.

flanked by custom Molteni rotisseries from France. A wall

RH has also expanded into luxury travel with private jets RH1

of towering arched windows frames the space, with its 22ft-

and RH2, and a superyacht, RH3, available for charter in the

high ceilings, Calacatta gold marble tables, Italian merino

Caribbean and Mediterranean. And although RH England –

wool velvet seating and a dramatic lighting installation

despite its extensive F&B offerings, luxury boutique hotel

designed by Los Angeles-based glass designer and artist

feel and extensive room count – does not have guestrooms

Alison Berger.

available for overnight stays, the brand’s first RH Guesthouse

The adjoining Wine Lounge, once the French drawing

opened in New York City in September 2022, representing its

room, serves Champagnes and wines from around the world

first foray into the hotel world, and more are sure to follow.

to be enjoyed by a 19th-century rare Rouge Napoleon marble

www.rh.com

117

Design For All As the global travel market continues to evolve, hospitality experts reveal why inclusivity and accessible design is much more than simply a box-ticking exercise.

Words: Ben Thomas

T

he stress and uncertainty of travel can be overwhelming at times, but for those with a disability, it is often amplified by a lack of suitable services and facilities, not to mention a shortage of quality accommodation that meets a range of specialist needs. As Robin Sheppard,

Chairman of Bespoke Hotels puts it, “most days, I and the UK’s 14 million-strong disabled community, will be given reason to think ‘they could do better than that’.”

Since being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2004, a paralysing illness that affects the peripheral nervous system, Sheppard has been a driving force in creating a more accessible hotel industry. “I’m an eternal optimist, and at the launch of this year’s Blue Badge Access Awards, I revealed that our theme for 2023 was ‘progress’, because almost every day, I witness something indicative of the changing attitudes towards disability.”

Having spearheaded the awards since its inception in 2016, Sheppard and co-founder Fiona Jarvis are now working closely with AHEAD, Sleeper’s awards programme for hospitality experience and design, to introduce a new category. Launching this year, it will recognise hotel projects demonstrating thorough consideration of accessibility and

© Henry Woide

© Nick Smith

At Hotel Brooklyn in Leicester, the Liberty Rooms feature subtly concealed ceiling track hoists, electric curtains and removable matte black grab-rails

other issues facing disabled guests and staff.

Jarvis explains: “Great strides are being made, but there is still some way to go – the fact that a Michelin-starred restaurant can still get away with not installing a disabled toilet is outrageous in the 21st century!”

As always, the judging process will be rigorous and robust, the difference to other categories being that a specialist panel will examine each entry to ensure winners are delivering genuinely accessible experiences.

“I’m an eternal optimist, because almost every day, I witness something indicative of the changing attitudes towards disability.”

ROBIN SHEPPARD

and maybe even an acceptance from the disabled community – that accessible guestrooms are somehow a downgrade from a standard room,” he explains. “But by their nature, accessible rooms should be more spacious as they provide clearance for wheelchair users. So why not create spaces regarded as an upgrade? Approach it positively; it’s an opportunity, not a burden.”

Sheppard’s optimism is shared by Ed Warner, founder and CEO of Motionspot, who continues to challenge the hotel sector to develop more

Those triumphant will be revealed at AHEAD’s

accessible design schemes. “There is some

ceremonies in Singapore, Dubai, New York and

fantastic work going on across the industry,

London later this year, with the ultimate aim

with a handful of hotel groups and individual

being to build awareness amongst developers,

operators embracing accessibility at an early

hoteliers, architects and interior designers –

stage of the design process. However, hospitality

those responsible for the creation of new hotels

has a long way to go, as there remains a

worldwide and decision-makers who can drive

mindset that designing to minimum standards

real change.

is sufficient.” Adding to this sentiment, Warner

According to research by VisitEngland,

argues that accessible design was traditionally

accessible tourism in England alone is worth

a box-ticking exercise, but in today’s market,

£15.3 billion a year, so the business case is

operators must understand that the minimum

strong for those with the forethought to build

is no longer enough. And that goes for the

accessibility into their projects from the outset.

restaurants, bars, events spaces and leisure

But first, operators must understand that a

facilities, not just the guestrooms.

ramp at the front door and a bedroom or two on

hospitality venues who get it right. So, what

Demonstrating that accessible hospitality

the ground floor doesn’t constitute accessible.

can owners and operators do to create more

can blend form and function, Motionspot is

“There is a goldmine out there waiting for

user-friendly destinations? With the ambition

confident its designs for Hotel Brooklyn will

investment,” explains Sheppard, adding that

to make Hotel Brooklyn as inclusive as possible,

inspire other architects and interior designers

hospitality businesses are losing revenue each

Sheppard collaborated with accessible design

to push the boundaries beyond predominantly

month by ignoring the needs of disabled people,

specialist Motionspot to introduce the Liberty

functional schemes. “An architect studies

as well as those accompanying them. “Disabled

concept, which is shaped by specific features

for seven years, yet the amount of time they

consumers are influenced in their choice of

throughout a hotel’s guestrooms and communal

spend understanding accessibility during their

airline, hotel and restaurant by specific needs.”

areas. In practice, this includes the clever

qualification is a matter of hours, so it’s an

At Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester for instance,

incorporation of accessible equipment; ceiling

education piece,” says Warner. “I understand

Bespoke Hotels quantified the incremental

track hoists concealed in light fittings and matte

why the industry has historically taken a

revenue of its 18 accessible suites as £217,000

black grab-rails in the bathrooms – which are

cautious approach, because they are worried

in its first full trading year, with many guests

removable when not required – as well as easy-

about getting it wrong. They don’t know what

then choosing to stay at the group’s second

to-use flush plates, electric curtains controlled

is possible or the new innovations available on

outpost, Hotel Brooklyn in Leicester, based on

from bedside panels, and interconnecting rooms

the market. If Motionspot set out to do one

their positive experience.

for carer and family access.

thing, it’s to provide advice and help designers

And style is crucial; Sheppard firmly believes

to challenge their thinking.”

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

accessible rooms should look and function

Such examples reinforce the fact that those

exactly as their standard counterparts. “There

RESTORE AND REFORM

requiring accessible facilities are loyal to

remains a preconception in the hotel industry –

A project that has enabled the studio to showcase

121

“An architect studies for seven years, yet the amount of time they spend understanding accessibility is a matter of hours, so it’s an education piece.”

ED WARNER

the possibilities is The Newt, a Somerset estate

arrival experience, with Motionspot producing

that opened in 2019 after its conversion into

a guide for staff training that is also used to

a luxury hotel, restaurant and spa. Working

support disabled guests before and during a visit

closely with Richard Parr Architects from an

to the property.

early stage, Motionspot carried out an access

Demystifying the stigma that historic

review of the entire site – including its botanic

buildings present complex challenges for

gardens – before collaborating on the design

accessible facilities, The Newt proves that

of accessible suites, specifying products that

balancing period aesthetics with access-for-all

complement the Grade II-listed mansion’s

facilities is achievable, serving as a blueprint

aesthetic while being suitable for those with

for future properties. “The key with a heritage

physical, sensory or cognitive impairments.

site is to think creatively – there are always

“Refreshingly, the client understood they

solutions,” states Warner. “Ultimately, if a

wanted to make the entire estate, not just the

property isn’t inclusive today, then it won’t

building, as accessible as possible within the

be relevant for the next 300 years. We must

constraints of the existing fabric,” Warner

preserve the heritage of our built environment

explains. This philosophy also fed into the pre-

whilst equally improving its accessibility.”

INTERNATIONAL IDEOLOGY As the UK’s hospitality sector continues to become more inclusive, international hotel groups are looking to implement similar principles into their new developments, with Warner emphasising that those raising awareness around the issue are helping the cause. Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia has promised that giga project Amaala will be entirely disability-friendly, introducing ramps and accessible rooms at all of its hotels as well as offering adapted diving experiences. Amilla Maldives meanwhile is set to become the world’s first resort verified by UK-based accessible and inclusive hospitality experts, IncluCare.

Demonstrating what Amilla describes as ‘total guest inclusion’, the certification follows an assessment and training programme across the resort, and will be presented by British TV personality and disability advocate Sophie Morgan, who herself is paraplegic. “Knowing that disabled people are, for the first time, going to be able to experience the Maldives, and that our needs will be taken care of throughout our stay, is beyond transformative,” explains Morgan, who will also be working towards obtaining a PADI Open Water certificate during her visit. “Amilla is leading the way in inclusive travel and expanding our world as a result.”

As newbuild integrated resorts and vast mixed-use lifestyle destinations continue to pop up across the globe, accessible design has the potential to be woven into a development’s fabric from the outset, without additional cost to the owner. Warner speaks from experience: “Having to make retrofits later down the line is where things become expensive, so getting it

122

© Xxx

right the first time is crucial.”

AIR 4 ALL: Working in a similar way to Isofix in cars, Air 4 All aims to revolutionise air travel for passengers with reduced mobility, enabling powered wheelchair users to secure themselves via an attachment system and remain in their own wheelchair for the entire journey.

GEO: Also designed for those with reduced mobility, Geo is a travel solution that allows passengers to browse, shop and dine independently within in the terminal in exactly the same way as other passengers, rather than being transported directly to the departure gate.

TRANSFORMING TRAVEL

and Delta Flight Products, allows wheelchair

The same notion applies to the wider travel

users to travel in their own wheelchair for the

sector, though increasing awareness around

entire duration of a flight. Geo meanwhile is

inclusivity and new legislation is leading to

a kerbside-to-gate mobility service created in

positive progress, according to Dan MacInnes,

partnership with Centaur Robotics and Naurt.

Director at London-based industrial design

The vehicle was recently presented to Emirates

consultancy PriestmanGoode: “More so than

as part of Aviation X Lab, an aviation-specific

ever, travel companies are recognising the

incubator programme also involving Thales,

need to make their locations and services fully

Collins Aerospace, GE Aviation and Airbus.

accessible, as the experience should be equal

With digital technology and VR experiences

for all passengers.” MacInnes explains that

evolving too, MacInnes hopes the challenges

to achieve this consistency, operators must

faced by those with a disability will soon become

engage with their customers to ensure that

a thing of the past. “The design sector is always

requirements are met. In doing so, they can

looking to improve, which is why we believe it

produce what he calls “a single design for all”

can deliver a better outcome than legislation

rather than multiple variations, making it more

on its own. Legislation sets the standard, but

efficient to build and cheaper to maintain.

design pushes it forward – there’s a constant

Helping operators to offer more accessible

124

focus on innovation.”

services, PriestmanGoode has designed several

Sheppard holds a similarly positive outlook:

travel solutions, from airline seats to self-

“While I can only give the hospitality and travel

balancing personal electric vehicles. Air 4 All,

markets a ‘could do better’ for inclusivity today,

developed by a consortium including Flying

I am optimistic and confident they will do better

Disabled, SWS Certification, Sunrise Medical

in the years to come.”

The original

Brushed gold Naturally inspiring.

Purity of design and craftsmanship.

2471-060 Build-in mixer with wall-mounted round head shower and hand shower.

Explore the story vola.com/on-design.

VOLA UK LTD. - Highfield House 108 The Hawthorns Flitwick MK45 1F Tel.: 01525 720 111 | sales@vola.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM COMING SOON 74 Margaret Street London W1W 8SU Tel.: 020 7580 7722 | sales@vola.co.uk vola.com

Hotel Construction Pipeline MEA Owing to a plethora of recent announcements, Saudi Arabia remains the most active hotel market in the Middle East & Africa, according to the latest data from THP, with 218 projects (83,734 rooms) currently listed in its database.

While Dubai ranks highest in the region by city, with 75 projects in development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia now has five locations within the top ten, including Diriyah and Al Wajh – both of which will welcome giga-projects in the coming years. The latter, developed by Red Sea Global, is set to include Four Seasons, Rosewood and Six Senses amongst others, while ultra-luxury destination Amaala will bring 3,000 keys to the coastal lagoon.

Elsewhere in the region, Doha (27 projects) looks set to continue its growth post FIFA World Cup, while Tel Aviv (25 projects) remains buoyant, with Mandarin Oriental and Curio Collection by Hilton amongst the groups to have revealed plans for the city.

And in Africa, Nigeria has entered the top ten, bolstered by signings from Radisson Hotel Group, which has set a target for 15 properties by 2025.

MEA has a total of 858 projects listed in the THP database, accounting for 218,433 rooms. The region is set to add more than 50,000 rooms to its inventory in 2023, with a further 40,000+ due to open in 2024.

TOP CITIES DUBAI Projects 75 Rooms 19,768 RIYADH Projects 48 Rooms 18,522 JEDDAH Projects 33 Rooms 6,780

MAKKAH Projects 25 Rooms 30,882

DOHA Projects 27 Rooms 7,112

MUSCAT Projects 21 Rooms 4,627

CAIRO Projects 18 Rooms 4,392

TEL AVIV Projects 27 Rooms 4,932

DIRIYAH Projects 21 Rooms 3,140

AL WAJH Projects 15 Rooms 5,229

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

THP is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide.

For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

126

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

SAUDI ARABIA 218 83,734

UAE 128 31,859

EGYPT 67 17,325

ISRAEL 63 11,231

TURKEY 37 6,225

6

7

8

9

10

QATAR 33 9,611

OMAN 32 6,584

MOROCCO 29 6,860

GEORGIA 29 4,812

NIGERIA 19 4,112

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 218,433 rooms in the pipeline, 53% (114,995 rooms) are under construction and 17% (37,693 rooms) are in planning. It is within these phases that interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs are being planned and implemented.

VISION

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

PRE-OPENING

Projects 11 Rooms 2,668

Projects 131 Rooms 41,216

Projects 164 Rooms 37,693

Projects 454 Rooms 114,995

Projects 98 Rooms 21,861

GROUPS AND BRANDS Accor continues to report the largest pipeline in the Middle East & Africa, with Novotel ranking highly amongst the brands most active in the region. Marriott International is also strengthening its presence with signed projects in Nigeria, Tanzania, Botswana and Ethiopia under its Protea Hotels brand.

107 Projects 90 Projects 89 Projects 60 Projects 57 Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

24

6,400

Radisson

23

4,319

Novotel

18

3,873

Radisson Blu

15

3,189

Hilton Garden Inn

15

2,928

Kempinski

14

2,941

InterContinental

13

3,242

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

13

2,803

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

12

5,841

Doubletree by Hilton

12

2,346

YEAR OF OPENING

2023 (32%)

2024 (23%)

2025 (12%)

2026 (13%)

UNCONFIRMED (20%)

127

YOUR CONCEPT translated into a RUG.

It could be your mood board, your scenery, your work of art or your scribble on a napkin. Our design team is very skilled in translating a piece of inspiration into a rug design. Our years of experience with different materials and techniques is one of our tools to create the best possible results.

Let’s get in touch and discuss your project. www.rugs.nl info@rugs.nl

Zaltbommel | Dubai | New York | Paris

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Apartments go mainstream

the lead of Wyndham, which in recent months

Ascott says that Europe is a key region for

launched its economy segment Echo Suites

expansion. It will debut two brands this year,

Serviced apartments have hit the mainstream,

brand in the US. Yet there is a distinct contrast,

opening Somerset Schonbrunn Vienna and Lyf

as major groups Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt all

with the US brands looking to team up with

Schonbrunn Vienna in Austria in the coming

declare themselves ready to launch new brands

developers, and grow with newbuild projects in

months. A second site for the co-living brand

into the niche. Their moves come as Asia-

their home US market; while The Ascott has a

will open in France next year, with Lyf Gambetta

based Ascott has revealed plans to accelerate

flexible suite of brands, with which to sign up

Parisdue to launch in 2024.

its pace of global growth, ready to underline

existing buildings as well as new developments

its leadership in the serviced apartment space.

that don’t meet a strict brand footprint.

Citadines is the group’s fastest growing brand, and will continue its expansion in

The group, part of Singaporean property

The Ascott claims to have pioneered the

Europe with openings in Amsterdam and

conglomerate CapitaLand Investment, has set

serviced residence format over almost 40 years,

Vienna this year. The group is also upgrading

a target of doubling fee revenues to SGD500m

and today has a portfolio spanning 220 cities

existing assets, according to Tan: “In London,

over the next five years. The fresh target comes

across more than 40 countries. The portfolio is

asset enhancement initiatives are planned

after Ascott achieved the previous target it set

anchored by a leading presence in Asia Pacific,

for Citadines Holborn Covent Garden and The

itself, to get to 160,000 units in the portfolio

and its growth is supported by an affiliated

Cavendish. Under The Crest Collection, we

by the end of 2023 - hit after signings of 4,000

landlord, CapitaLand Ascott Trust.

will add our fifth property in Europe with the

Managed by CapitaLand, this vehicle owns

transformation of Citadines Saint-Germain-

The group achieved 20% growth in 2022 by

SGD8bn of property assets, including many

des-Prés Paris into an illustrious landmark

acquiring the Oakwood brand, which brought

of the Ascott-branded serviced apartment

in the French capital. The refurbishment will

an immediate 15,000 additional apartments into

buildings around the globe. Of its total 18,000

begin in 2024 after the Olympic Games and is

the portfolio, of which 8,000 are operational.

units, the company has around 50% by value in

slated for completion in 2026. We continue to

These additional units helped propel fee

serviced apartments, as well as 32% in hotels

explore suitable opportunities to introduce our

earnings for full year 2022 to SGD258m.

and the balance in student accommodation and

prestigious Ascott brand to the region.”

units in the first quarter.

“With our asset-light strategy, Ascott has

rental housing. CLAT stands ready to support

The group has spent recent months refreshing

doubled in units every five years, growing from

Ascott in its growth plans. At the end of 2022,

its brands one by one, under a Brand 360

about 20,000 units in 2008 to over 160,000 units

it had SGD1.43bn in cash and available credit,

exercise. Leng said: “Brand 360 initiatives rolled

today,” reflected Ascott CEO Kevin Goh. “We

and SGD1.8bn of debt headroom, to deploy on

out have resulted in higher customer satisfaction

are now seeing the positive financial impact

further acquisitions. Tan Bee Leng, Managing

rates, positive reviews and increased loyalty.”

of growing our portfolio by eight-fold and will

Director for Brand & Marketing, The Ascott

The company says its portfolio of brands

focus on driving even stronger fee growth over

told Hotel Analyst that the expansion plans

meets a broad range of travel preferences,

the next five years. Over 80% of our total units

will focus equally in other regions. “In the USA,

from co-living and solo travel in a new city,

are under management and franchise contracts,

Ascott has over 1,600 units across eight serviced

to generational travel and relocation for work.

up from 43% ten years ago. These management

residences and hotels. This includes Citadines

and franchise contracts typically have sticky

Connect Fifth Avenue New York and Oakwood

HA PERSPECTIVE

recurring fee revenue and long tenures.”

Residence Midtown East.

By Chris Bown: US groups such as IHG, Hilton and

Meanwhile, Hyatt recently announced a new

“Ascott also holds an 80% stake in Synergy

Marriott already have a strong presence in the

brand, Hyatt Suites as its first entry into the

Global Housing, an international serviced

extended-stay / serviced apartment space - at least

space. Hilton and Marriott, both already with

accommodation provider with a strong presence

in the US, and to an extent in Europe. But they have

extended-stay brands established in the market,

across the USA. Under Ascott’s private fund,

not been able to match The Ascott elsewhere. And so

used first quarter results announcements to

Student Accommodation Development Venture

the question is, can one outsmart the other? Based

trial new brand launches in the lower cost end

and our sponsored lodging trust, CapitaLand

on the momentum Ascott has, it feels as though

of the extended-stay market.

Ascott Trust, we have a portfolio of ten student

the direction of travel will more likely feature

accommodation properties in the USA.”

CapitaLand picking up in the US, rather than the big

The US-based operators look to be following

129

brand groups expanding their serviced apartment

asset classes, particularly across what might be

passed a budget that includes provision for the

operations internationally.

described as the living sector. Across residential

scheme. But environmental groups continue to

With the acquisition of Oakwood, Ascott has

apartments, serviced residences, hotels, homestay

fight the proposals and have threatened further

shown it is ready to acquire businesses in order to

platforms, student housing and aged care – Ascott

legal challenges. The scheme will include a

grow the portfolio. So what targets could really move

has evolved offers in them all.

1,000-room Hard Rock hotel in the shape of

the needle? In Europe, there’s Adagio, the Accor -

Leaving aside student housing and aged care,

a guitar, a casino, shopping centre and events

and Pierre & Vacances joint venture, which has a

which have particular niche demographics, the hinge

spaces. It was first proposed a decade ago,

leading position with over 120 properties under a

segment is serviced apartments. They are a blend

but has faced numerous challenges, with the

mix of leases, management contracts and franchise.

of the long-stay residential and hotel. This gives

masterplan being changed along the way to meet

It, too, is doubling down on growth, aiming to get

them, as seen during Covid lockdowns, a remarkable

some of the demands of those set against it. The

to 220 properties across Europe by 2025. For 50%

resilience. They can flex towards longer stays as well

USD2bn proposals have received the backing of

owner P&V, its Adagio interest represents perhaps

as short stays. Asian capital sources appear to have

Tarragona Chamber of Commerce, and leaders

15% of its business, as it focuses on its Center Parcs

recognised the potential of this middle-stay segment

of the local Rovira i Virgili University.

mainland Europe activities and leisure-oriented

more effectively and less rigidly than those in the

While mega projects face challenges, casinos

P&V division.

West – I’d argue Singapore is in the West politically,

in general are not a problem for Spain, where

this is a geographic terminology distinguishing Asia

there are reckoned to be more than 50. Last

from Europe and North America.

autumn saw the southern city of Huelva

Elsewhere, perhaps Sonder may be worth a punt?

The group has apartment listings in more than 40 cities, mainly across the US and Europe, and finished

North Americans have evolved an extended-stay

incorporate plans for a casino into its bid to

2022 with close to 10,000 units open and trading.

offer, albeit one that is less flexible than typically seen

revitalise the port city. Barcelona World hopes

But having listed via a SPAC in the US, the group’s

in Asia. And now Europe looks to be the battleground

to succeed where others have previously failed

share price is languishing as it continues to struggle

between these competing ideas.

in Spain. Gambling magnate Sheldon Adelson

Adagio is putting up a European-flavoured fight,

proposed Eurovegas, a mega resort project for a

and there are other compelling yet smaller European

site outside Madrid, in 2012. But the project was

HA PERSPECTIVE

brands from Edyn to Zoku, but my bet is that Asian

subsequently cancelled as Adelson fell out with

By Andrew Sangster: It does seem that hotel

spice will prove tough competition for the blander

local officials over issues including whether

alternatives are everywhere right now. Serviced

American offers if the operators are backed with

smoking would be permitted at the project.

apartments are the focus of this story, and, in

sufficient capital from the property arms.

in finding its way to operating breakeven.

apartments as a big part of the mix for Hyatt and Choice. But one thing that has struck me is how much more dynamic and advanced Asia-based companies

Gambling on resort success

casinos and up to 36,000 hotel rooms. This failed to garner support, as did a later, more modest proposal. In Greece, work is due to

are in exploring these opportunities. Part of the

This year is looking to be the one that sees

start on a new integrated resort, which is set

reason, I believe, is that Asian cities are typically

significant progress towards Europe’s first

to feature a Hard Rock Hotel and casino. The

denser; the high cost of land has forced innovation

major integrated resort getting built, with

brand will work with local construction group

and flexibility on owners and operators.

projects in Athens and Barcelona making

GEK Terna on the project in Athens.

Paris, London and New York are hardly cheap, so

significant headway. The sites, both featuring

Speaking in June 2022, when Hard Rock

this is not the only reason. Another is the way Asian

Hard Rock as a brand and operator, still have to

were confirmed as development partner, the

capital is more concentrated. Companies are bigger

ward off local objections before seeing the light

group’s chairman Jim Allen commented: “This

and own more in any given location, enabling them

of day, despite winning approval in principle

development will bring over 3,000 jobs to

to experiment a bit more. Again, companies in the

from local authorities. Their promotors will

Greece and we look forward to bringing our

West are also big but not, arguably, as concentrated

be buoyed by the decision in Osaka, where

unique brand of entertainment to provide an

in particular locations.

authorities have granted consent for Japan’s

unparalleled experience for guests of all ages.”

Ascott’s Singapore base has been a breeding

130

In 2016, US developer Cordish Companies tried again in Madrid, with a proposal for six

addition, our Perspective stories also see serviced

first major integrated resort and casino.

The development, with a 200m-high tower,

ground for innovation due to the density of the city

In Spain, hopes are high that work will

will be built on the former site of Hellinikon

and CapitaLand’s stranglehold on the market there.

start this year on the Barcelona World project,

Airport. A tender for the project was awarded in

The benefits of this concentration are visible in how

although there may yet be further obstacles in

2020 to Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment and

CapitaLand has been at the forefront of evolving

its path. In February, the Catalonia government

GEK Terna under a joint venture branded Inspire

BUSINESS CENTRE

Athens. The hotel element will comprise more

resorts, yet notes that such developments need

smokescreen for a failure to reach an agreement on

than 1,000 rooms, while the casino is planned

a strong local population to support them, in

guarantees from the Spanish government to rule

with 200 tables and 2,000 gaming machines, as

addition to paying guests. And, culturally, the

out future legislative changes that might imperil the

well as an entertainment venue. The project has

further east you go, the greater the propensity

profitability of such an extensive project.

been a long time coming, with the airport site

of people to gamble. For that reason, he’s less

If Greece does win the race, there will be a chance

having been vacant since 2001.

optimistic about the Spanish project. “I believe

to establish Europe’s Las Vegas. Although operators

In recent months, the UAE revealed plans

that one’s going to struggle, it’s a long way

would prefer it to turn out more like Macau, which

for the region’s first integrated resort, with a

from Barcelona.” Salou, where the proposed

despite being three times smaller in terms of area

casino destined to be part of a Wynn Resort on

site is, already has a theme park, but it attracts

than Las Vegas, generates three times the revenue.

Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. The resort

young families, who are not the target market

For non-gambling businesses, however, Las

itself was revealed in early 2022, and will bring

for a casino operation. Tottenham said he is also

Vegas’ maturation into a broader leisure destination

together Marjan, RAK Hospitality Holding

backing the Osaka development, which could

is the long-term attraction. If Greece can find the

and Wynn Resorts. At the launch, Marjan CEO

be open in 2029. “That one’s going to be the

right balance between restricting gambling harms

Abdulla Al Abdooli commented: “The integrated

highest revenue generating resort in the world

but enabling sufficient profitability, then it will

development, featuring a hotel, entertainment

- the issue is they will have more demand than

create a major tourism magnet in the Mediterranean.

and gaming amenities, will add to the emirate’s

they can cope with.”

destination strategy to attract tourists from

The Japanese casino, the country’s first, is

across the world.” It is due to open in 2026.

slated to be built by 2029 at a cost of USD13.5bn.

Testing the new loyalty

The project will include a hotel of more than

Prime minister Fumio Kishida, recently said

1,000 rooms, retail mall, meetings and events

that the complex would promote development

Hotel loyalty programmes continue to be

space and the gaming floor. Authorities in the

in the Osaka region and become a beacon for

tweaked to provide reasons for consumers

emirate are planning an operating framework,

Japanese tourism.

to engage with them. And recent moves are

drawing on models from Singapore and the USA.

Legislation to legalise casinos was passed

An analysis by Colliers International suggests

in the Japanese parliament in 2016 but polls

that, once open, the project could attract 3.8m

have shown a majority of people oppose

Accor has broadened a subscription model

tourists in its first year to Ras Al Khaimah - with

plans to build casinos. MGM Resorts will run

it has been experimenting with, allowing

that impact growing to 5.5m by 2030. “RAK is

the casino resort, which will be built on the

members of its ALL loyalty programme to buy

anticipated to benefit from positive externalities

artificial island of Yumeshima. It will include

into greater reward tiers. Meantime, instant

of the ‘Wynn Effect’, with impacts such as

hotels with around 2,500 rooms in total,

rewards platform Laasie is preparing to broaden

increased visitation, additional hospitality

an international conference hall, exhibition

its offering, expanding from its home US market

demand, and an overall uplift to its economy.

facilities and a 3,500-seat theatre. There will

into EMEA and Asia. Accor has also added paid

“Al Marjan Island is a pristine setting and an

also be other infrastructure such as a shopping

subscription cards to its loyalty programme,

ideal greenfield location for us to create the one-

centre, ferry terminal and helicopter pad. The

rolling the deal out globally after a series of

of-a-kind guest experiences for which Wynn

scheme is expected to attract 20 million guests

regional trials. ALL Plus will offer easier

Resorts is renown,” said CEO Craig Billings.

and generate USD4bn in revenue a year.

access to discounts across 4,000 hotels in 100

“The region offers tremendous potential for

also addressing the growing desire for more immediate rewards.

country markets, and provide a way for users

the hospitality and tourism industry, and we

HA PERSPECTIVE

are excited about the prospect of developing an

By Andrew Sangster: Japan is the country that every

Accor explained the move: “To be relevant

integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.”

integrated resort casino developer has had eyes on.

and drive real added value, subscription cards

MGM is sitting pretty if there prove to be no more

are an opportunity for loyalty programmes but

stumbling blocks along the way.

need to adapt to changing travel habits and

Gaming consultant Andrew Tottenham told Hotel Analyst he is putting his money on the

to accelerate their loyalty programme status.

Athens development winning the European

In Europe, the stumbling blocks for IRCs have

guest behaviour.” The cards, newly named

race. “Greece is a hard place to develop - but

mainly been political and regulatory. There have

ALL Plus Voyageur and ALL Plus Ibis, offer

Hard Rock are now selected, and trying to push

been numerous false starts with Las Vegas Sands’

greater discounts for reservations, and a status

it through. If they get that built, it will be a

efforts to open in Madrid among the most ambitious.

accelerator, as well as allowing holders to

success.” Tottenham says there’s no reason

LVS formally withdrew from the USD30bn project

continue to earn reward points.

why Europe should not have several integrated

at the end of 2013. Smoking was probably a

The Voyageur card is priced at EUR199, for

131

BUSINESS CENTRE

which holders enjoy a 20% discount at 10 luxury

model remains the same: accrue points over a

high enough, it can be an interesting model.”

and premium brands, and 15% off spend at nine

long period of time. In the end, most consumers

Connolly also noted that Laasie does not always

economy and mid-scale brands. The Ibis card

are stuck between their current loyalty tier and

replace a points-based loyalty programme, it

costs a more modest EUR99, giving holders a

a more desirable top-tier status.”

can enhance existing programmes, providing an

Connolly makes the point that we live in a

include guaranteed late room availability. “Off

world of instant gratification, while points-

the back of our industry acclaimed loyalty

based programmes force consumers to wait

HA PERSPECTIVE

programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless,

for their reward. He also sees a challenge for

By Chris Bown: It is now 40 years since Marriott

we wanted to craft regional subscription

traditional loyalty programmes, in a world of

introduced the first points-based loyalty scheme

products which would resonate with today’s

hybrid work where employers prefer video calls,

in 1983, and newcomers such as Laasie are right to

traveller,” said Mehdi Hemici, chief loyalty

and are less keen to have their teams jumping

question the value of loyalty schemes that simply

and e-commerce officer. “These cards provide

on planes as they used to. “Without constant

amass points. For those outside the US, it is easy to

access to our best hospitality brands at the

work-paid travel, who else is accumulating

dismiss the traditional rewards programme as simply

highest rational value when booking on ALL.

enough points with their leisure adventures

a tax efficient way for a road warrior employee to get

com or app.”

alone? Today’s hoteliers need to entice the

a free family holiday. Jump on enough flights, spend

And Maxime Gareau, VP global membership

majority of casual travellers to book and interact

enough on the linked credit card and book enough

subscription explained the rationale: “After ten

with their brand through instant gratification.”

room nights, and your all-inclusive resort week will

years of existence, it was time for paid business

Laasie started in 2017, built around a fresh

cards to embrace the bleisure and ‘work from

philosophy, Connolly told Hotel Analyst.

And, as Connolly points out, with those points-

anywhere’ growing trends. Simpler, stronger

“Anytime someone interacts with your brand,

earning trips now under pressure, as employers

and better embedded with the core loyalty

you should reward them”, with the value of the

seek some online meetings instead of face-to-face,

programme, ALL Plus provides companies of all

reward related to the value of the interaction.

will even the road warriors want a different type

sizes, friends, couples and families the best way

Today’s demographic, he argues, “want content

of rewards programme? Accor’s subscriptions look

to enjoy 4,000 properties across 100 countries.”

rewards now”. The company offers a broad

like one way to address this. Accor also has to work

Accor says its subscription card offering

variety of rewards, served by more than 1,000

harder than its US peers to drive a successful points-

is already well established and successful in

merchant partners - with hotels able to add

based programme. Senior management opined

Asia Pacific and India, where it is well suited

their own products or services to the platform.

recently that Europeans are far less hooked on

to the needs of those who travel locally rather

“It is all about right now.” Expansion plans are

using credit cards for spending, than US consumers;

than globally. The group notes that addressing

under way. “Most of our customer base today

so points accumulation simply from buying regular

regional differences in guest habits is key: “In

is in the US, Caribbean and Canada. But we are

stuff is far less prevalent.

China, for example, dining and wellness are

in beta with customers in an EMEA market and

increasingly popular choices that travellers

in Asia Pacific.”

cost you next to nothing personally.

Other accelerator subscriptions are out there in the hotel space, albeit on a more restricted basis. IHG, for

want to experience on their leisure trips, while

“The value of our platform is the merchant

example, operates its InterContinental Ambassador

in Brazil, the loyalty market is very mature,

network that our clients have access to.”

sub, a USD200 package of perks that includes a free

with customers engaged and truly obsessed with

Connolly said Laasie appeals not to a particular

weekend, and acceleration to Platinum status in the

earning and redeeming points.”

scale of business, but to a particular type:

group loyalty programme.

According to The Points Guy, “the membership

“Certain types of hotel and short term rental

is a no-brainer if you’re a frequent Accor guest

groups gravitate to us”, appreciating the

looking to vault up the ALL loyalty tiers. If you

philosophy of regular, immediate rewards. The

bought both the Voyageur and Ibis cards from

platform can be used for more than simply

ALL Plus, that’s 30 status nights to go toward

rewarding loyalty, as it can promote certain

building loyalty.” However, the benefit is likely

types of behaviour, such as incentivising digital

to be enjoyed more outside the US, where Accor

key downloads to reduce check-in queues.

has a greater spread of properties.

132

additional and more immediate layer of reward.

15% discount at any Ibis. Other holder benefits

The company charges clients a per room, per

Ellis Connolly, chief revenue officer at Laasie,

month subscription, along with an additional

sees these tweaks as still failing to address

charge for the cost of rewards delivered. “If

fundamental issues. “Ultimately, the core

the price point is low enough, and the value is

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

DESIGN BROUGHT TO LIGHT To see many new products, request or download the Quintiesse and Elstead 2023 Master Catalogues.

+44 (0)1420 82377 | enquiries@elsteadlighting.com | www.elsteadlighting.com

BUSINESS CENTRE

1.

2.

3.

4.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. LONDON

The Eid-al Fitr holiday period helped boost Dubai’s performance in April according to new data, with the sector recording an average occupancy of 71.4%, up 21.3% on the same period in 2022. ADR peaked between 4-11 April, with the metric coming in above AED800 daily, in line with the Easter holidays in key source markets such as the UK.

May 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 80.5% ( 3.5%) ADR GBP204.52 ( 18.9%) RevPAR GBP164.54 ( 23.1%)

April 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 71.4% ( 21.3%) ADR AED751.19 ( 4.7%) RevPAR AED536.32 ( 15.6%)

2. AMSTERDAM

4. JAKARTA

April 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 83.9% ( 13.6%) ADR EUR214.51 ( 30.5%) RevPAR EUR180.07 ( 48.2%)

April 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 45.0% ( 1.7%) ADR IDR1,015,991.89 ( 32.9%) RevPAR IDR456,808.80 ( 30.6%)

Demonstrating considerable year-over-year growth, Amsterdam reported its highest ADR and RevPAR for any month on record in April 2023, with ADR rising above EUR200 for the first time. Looking at daily data, Amsterdam’s occupancy peaked on 29 April (93.7%), bolstered by Metallica’s M72 World Tour.

134

3. DUBAI

London’s hotel industry reported its highest RevPAR since October 2022, according to STR’s preliminary data for May 2023. May was the first month this year with ADR above GBP200, while occupancy was the highest since November 2022, peaking at 92.5% on 27 May, which was one of the three holiday weekends in the UK.

In April 2023, Jakarta’s hotel industry posted its highest monthly ADR since August 2018, marking a 32.9% increase year-over-year when measured in local currency. Daily occupancy in the Indonesian capital fluctuated between 3060% throughout the month, averaging at 45.0%, with only one day falling below the 30% mark.

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.

For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com

Introducing Bouclé, our newest high performance upholstery fabric, purposely designed for hospitality spaces. aguafabrics.com

FULL FIT-OUT CONTRACTOR TO EUROPE’S BEST HOTEL, THE LONDONER

W W W. E E S M I T H . C O . U K

@ E E S M I T H C O N T R AC T S

Having received over 350 entries from 35 countries in all corners of the world, AHEAD has revealed the shortlists for Asia, MEA and the Americas, with Europe set to follow soon.

The judging panel – comprising owners, operators, developers, architects, interior designers and industry commentators – took a collaborative approach when whittling down the entries, bringing their various expertise together. The result is a selection of 89 projects across three regions, each of which showcases the best of the best.

From soaring skyscrapers to city retreats, beachside hideaways to sustainable lodges, the judges pored over bars, lobbies and restaurants, conversions, renovations and newbuilds – all with the aim of celebrating the achievements of those shaping the hospitality industry.

The rigorous yet balanced judging process considers not only creative excellence but also commercial viability and the all-important guest experience. The Asia panel is being chaired by Billie Khoo, Senior Design & Projects Director at Hilton Worldwide, with Dubai-based interior designer Kristina Zanic taking charge for MEA. In the Americas meanwhile, Gary Dollens – Hyatt’s Global Head of Design and Product & Brand Development – is overseeing the judging.

With shortlists now established, the judges will unite once more to decide who will be named the ultimate winners in their respective categories.

Those who take home the crown will be revealed in glittering ceremonies held at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore, W Dubai The Palm and Weylin, Brooklyn.

www.aheadawards.com

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

HOTEL CONVERSION

McRae Bar at Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio

Ace Hotel Sydney – Australia Golden Age Group / Atelier Ace / Bates Smart / Flack Studio

MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental – Shenzhen, China Shum Yip Development Co. / Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill / Silverfox Studios

Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio

The Treasury at InterContinental Sydney – Australia Mulpha International / IHG / Woods Bagot / Adam Robinson Design

Nantou City Guesthouse – Shenzhen, China Vanke / Neri & Hu Design and Research Office / Bowan Architecture

Uncle Ming’s at AKI Hong Kong – China Accor / King Policy Development / Aedas / A Work of Substance

Naumi Studio Wellington – New Zealand Naumi Hospitality / Foster & Melville Architects / Material Collective

E V E N T S PA C E S

HOTEL NEWBUILD

Andaz Nanjing Hexi – China Sun Hung Kai Properties / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Avalon Collective

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort – Thailand Elysian Hotel Management Company / IHG / Bensley Design Studio / JM Friedman & Co.

InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City – China Shanghai Lingang New City Investment & Management Co. / IHG / Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design Research / HBA

Lost Lindenberg – Bali, Indonesia Lost Lindenberg Indonesia / Lindenberg Hospitality / May Hotels / Alexis Dornier / Studio Jencquel

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne – Australia Far East Consortium / Marriott International / Cottee Parker Architects / Bar Studio

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne – Australia Far East Consortium / Marriott International / Cottee Parker Architects / Bar Studio

The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon – Thailand King Power International / Standard International / Büro Ole Scheeren / Hayon Studio

Xitan Hotel Beijing by Relais & Château – China Beijing Tan Zhe Yang Po Yuan Tourism Development Co. / Xitan Hotel Beijing Management Co. / Tofu Inc. / Bond Design Studio / Nikken Sekkei

GUESTROOMS Andaz Nanjing Hexi – China Sun Hung Kai Properties / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Avalon Collective

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N InterContinental Sydney – Australia Mulpha International / IHG / Woods Bagot / Adam Robinson Design

Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa – Thailand Legacy Ventures / Marriott International / Luxury Hotels & Resorts (Thailand) Ltd. / Duangrit Bunnag Architect / Blink Design Group

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne – Australia Far East Consortium / Marriott International / Cottee Parker Architects / Bar Studio

Lancemore Milawa – Victoria, Australia Lancemore Group / The Stella Collective

Xitan Hotel Beijing by Relais & Château – China Beijing Tan Zhe Yang Po Yuan Tourism Development Co. / Xitan Hotel Beijing Management Co. / Tofu Inc. / Bond Design Studio / Nikken Sekkei

Pullman Singapore Orchard – Singapore Bright Ruby Resources / Accor / DP Architects / EDG Design

AHEAD

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

R E S TA U R A N T

Ace Hotel Sydney – Australia Golden Age Group / Atelier Ace / Bates Smart / Flack Studio

Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio

Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne – Australia Far East Consortium / Marriott International / Cottee Parker Architects / Bar Studio The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon – Thailand King Power International / Standard International / Büro Ole Scheeren / Hayon Studio

LO D G E S , C A B I N S A N D T E N T E D C A M P S Treehouse Studios at Grün Canggu – Bali, Indonesia Grün Resorts / Stilt Studios Treetop Suites at Palm Hotel – Ahangama, Sri Lanka Stef Lambersy / Tibo Halsberghe / Palm Hotel Sri Lanka / Shakticola Design & Build Ulaman Eco Retreat – Bali, Indonesia Dino Magnatta / Inspiral / Prima Design / Imaji

RESORT

Kiln at Ace Hotel Sydney – Australia Golden Age Group / Atelier Ace / Bates Smart / Fiona Lynch Office The Standard Grill at The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon – Thailand King Power International / Standard International / Büro Ole Scheeren / Hayon Studio Wakuda at Marina Bay Sands – Singapore Marina Bay Sands / 50 Eggs Hospitality Group / Safdie Architects / Rockwell Group

S PA & W E L L N E S S Auriga Spa at Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio Prajna Spa at Crowne Plaza Quanzhou Riverview – China Quanzhou Mao Cheng Development Co. / IHG / KKS International / HBA Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Fort Barwara – Rajasthan, India Espire Hospitality / Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas / Abhikram The Spa at Regent Phu Quoc – Vietnam BIM Group / IHG / Blink Design Group

Cap Karoso – Sumba, Indonesia The Frenchman / GFAB Architects / Bitte Design Studio InterContinental Khao Yai Resort – Thailand Elysian Hotel Management Company / IHG / Bensley Design Studio / J.M. Friedman & Co. Regent Phu Quoc – Vietnam BIM Group / IHG / Blink Design Group Xitan Hotel Beijing by Relais & Château – China Beijing Tan Zhe Yang Po Yuan Tourism Development Co. / Xitan Hotel Beijing Management Co. / Tofu Inc. / Bond Design Studio / Nikken Sekkei

SUITE Ace Hotel Sydney – Australia Golden Age Group / Atelier Ace / Bates Smart / Flack Studio Capella Sydney – Australia Pontiac Land Group / Capella Hotels & Resorts / Make Architects / Bar Studio Regent Phu Quoc – Vietnam BIM Group / IHG / Blink Design Group Bannakarn House – Rosewood Bangkok – Thailand Rende Hotel Ploenchit Co. / Rosewood Hotel Group / Lillian Wu Studio

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

HOTEL CONVERSION

Blind Tiger at Jumeirah Al Naseem – Dubai, UAE Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts / LW Design

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier – Morocco Katara Hospitality / Accor / OBMI / CCCRA Architects & Engineers / Víctor Medina Bastard

Founder’s Room at The Ritz-Carlton Amman – Jordan Al Eqbal Real Estate Development / Marriott International / DAR / Stickman Tribe Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge at Sofitel Dubai, The Palm – UAE Accor / M Atelier Seven Tales at Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel – Dubai, UAE Marriott International / LW Design

E V E N T S PA C E S Kalba Ice Factory – Sharjah, UAE Sharjah Art Foundation / 51-1 Arquitectos / Kling Consult International Katara Towers, Fairmont Doha & Raffles Doha – Qatar Katara Hospitality / Accor / Marcel Wanders / Pierre Yves Rochon Sol Beach Bar at Address Marassi Golf Resort – El Alamein, Egypt Emaar Misr / Lulie Fisher Design Studio / Capsule Arts

GUESTROOMS The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort – Doha, Qatar Triple A Holdings / General Hotel Management / WATG / Wimberly Interiors The Ned Doha – Qatar The Ned / Soho House & Co. / David Chipperfield Architects (Berlin) / Soho House Design The Serai Wing at Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim – Sharjah, UAE Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (SHUROOQ) / General Hotel Management / Anarchitect Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Mabanee / Hilton Worldwide / LW Design

Kalba Ice Factory – Sharjah, UAE Sharjah Art Foundation / 51-1 Arquitectos / Kling Consult International The Ned Doha – Qatar The Ned / Soho House & Co. / David Chipperfield Architects (Berlin) / Soho House Design The Serai Wing at Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim – Sharjah, UAE Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (SHUROOQ) / General Hotel Management / Anarchitect

HOTEL NEWBUILD Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE Investment Corporation of Dubai / Kerzner International / Kohn Pedersen Fox / Dynamic Engineering Consultants / GA Group / SM Designs Banyan Tree AlUla – Saudi Arabia Royal Commission for AlUla / French Agency for AlUla Development / Accor / AW2 Architecture & Interiors / Godwin Austen Johnson Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Qatar Discover Qatar / Hilton Worldwide / Arab Engineering Bureau Jumeirah Muscat Bay – Oman Omran Group / Eagle Hills Properties / Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts / DSA Architects International / Arcadis / Aedas

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE Meydan / Kerzner International / LW Design Jumeirah Mina A’Salam – Dubai, UAE Dubai Holding / Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts / La Bottega Interiors One&Only Cape Town – South Africa Kerzner International / Muza Lab The Chedi El Gouna – Red Sea, Egypt Orascom Development Holding / Studio Gaetani / Ismail Niazy

AHEAD

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

R E S TA U R A N T

Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE Investment Corporation of Dubai / Kerzner International / Kohn Pedersen Fox / Dynamic Engineering Consultants / GA Group / SM Designs

Gastronomy at Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE Investment Corporation of Dubai / Kerzner International / Kohn Pedersen Fox / Dynamic Engineering Consultants / GA Group / SM Designs

Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE Meydan / Kerzner International / LW Design

Mei Li at Grand Hyatt Kuwait Tamdeen Group / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Arcadis / AB Concept

Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Qatar Discover Qatar / Hilton Worldwide / Arab Engineering Bureau

Mott32 Dubai at Address Beach Resort – UAE Sunset Hospitality Group / ASI Architects / Joyce Wang Studio

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Mabanee / Hilton Worldwide / LW Design

SushiSamba Doha at Waldorf Astoria Lusail – Qatar Damsa Development / Hilton Worldwide / WATG / ICrave

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

S PA & W E L L N E S S

andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge – Tanzania andBeyond / Jack Alexander Studio in partnership with Fox Browne Creative / Fox Browne Creative / Abigail Janisch / Stefania Engelbrecht

Espa Life at Waldorf Astoria Lusail – Qatar Damsa Development / Hilton Worldwide / Thornham Management / WATG / ICrave

Biyela Lodge, mFulaWozi Wilderness Reserve – South Africa Barry Theunissen / Whitehouse Designs / Michelle Throssel Interiors Caravan AlUla by Habitas – Saudi Arabia Habitas JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge – Kenya Baraka Lodges Africa / Marriott International / Innovative Planning & Design Consultants / Kristina Zanic Consultants

Hot Spa at Babylonstoren – South Africa Karen Roos / TV3 Architects Noor Spa at Grand Hyatt Kuwait Tamdeen Group / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Arcadis / Meyer Davis Waldorf Astoria Spa – Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Mabanee / Hilton Worldwide / LW Design

SUITE RESORT Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE Investment Corporation of Dubai / Kerzner International / Kohn Pedersen Fox / Dynamic Engineering Consultants / GA Group / SM Designs Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE Meydan / Kerzner International / LW Design Banyan Tree AlUla – Saudi Arabia Royal Commission for AlUla / French Agency for AlUla Development / Accor / AW2 Architecture & Interiors / Godwin Austen Johnson Caravan Agafay by Habitas – Morocco Habitas

Atlantis The Royal – Dubai, UAE Investment Corporation of Dubai / Kerzner International / Kohn Pedersen Fox / Dynamic Engineering Consultants / GA Group / SM Designs Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE Meydan / Kerzner International / LW Design The Ned Doha – Qatar The Ned / Soho House & Co. / David Chipperfield Architects (Berlin) / Soho House Design The Serai Wing at Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim – Sharjah, UAE Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (SHUROOQ) / General Hotel Management / Anarchitect

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

HOTEL CONVERSION

Evangeline at Ace Hotel Toronto – Ontario, Canada Alterra Property Group / B-Right Group / Finer Space Corporation / ProWinko / Zinc Developments / Ace Group International / Shim-Sutcliffe Architects / Atelier Ace

1 Hotel San Francisco – California, USA Pebblebrook Hotel Trust / SH Hotels & Resorts / Rossi Architecture / Nicole Hollis

Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad – USA Flag Luxury Group / José Andrés Group / Marriott International / Rafael Viñoly / Martin Brudnizki Design Studio Silver Lining at Moxy Lower East Side – New York, USA Lightstone / TAO Group / Marriott International / Stonehill Taylor / Michaelis Boyd Sky Lobby at Aman New York – USA OKO Group / Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences / SLCE Architects / Denniston

E V E N T S PA C E S Omni PGA Frisco Resort – Texas, USA Omni Hotels & Resorts / SB Architects / Glazier Le Architects / Jeffrey Beers International

Aman New York – USA OKO Group / Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences / SLCE Architects / Denniston Drift Santa Barbara – California, USA TMC Hospitality / Erfolg Properties / Jaeger Partners / ANACAPA Architecture Nine Orchard – New York, USA DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners / Studio Castellano / Fernando Santangelo Inc. / Reza Nouranian Design

HOTEL NEWBUILD 1 Hotel Nashville – Tennessee, USA Starwood Capital Group / SH Hotels & Resorts / Workshop/APD / LK Architecture

The Richland Hotel – California, USA Twenty Four Carrot Catering & Events / HS Real Estate / Thirtieth Street Architects / Raili CA Design / Elite Landscaping

Ace Hotel Toronto – Ontario, Canada Alterra Property Group / B-Right Group / Finer Space Corporation / ProWinko / Zinc Developments / Ace Group International / Shim-Sutcliffe Architects / Atelier Ace

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection – California, USA Nichols Partnership / Selby Group / Auberge Resorts Collection / Overland Partners

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo – Mexico Paralelo 19 / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / LegoRocha / Uribe Krayer / Estudio Esterlina

GUESTROOMS Aman New York – USA OKO Group / Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences / SLCE Architects / Denniston The Royal Hotel – Ontario, Canada 247 Main Street Picton / Giannone Petricone Associates / Janet Rosenberg & Studio The St Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya – Mexico Grupo Alhel / Marriott International / Edmonds International / Chapi Chapo Design The Wall Street Hotel – New York, USA Actium Development / Magna Hospitality Group / Stonehill Taylor / RoseInk Workshop

The St Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya – Mexico Grupo Alhel / Marriott International / Edmonds International / Chapi Chapo Design

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N High Country Motor Lodge – Arizona, USA Marc & Rose Hospitality / Synectic Design / Adean Studios Life House, Berkshires – Massachusetts, USA Ross Group / Life House / BMA Architectural Group The Ned NoMad – New York, USA Ron Burkle / Soho House / Stonehill Taylor / Soho House Design Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo – Panama Hoteles De La Bahia / Accor / Architect S.A. / MAC10 Studio / Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio

AHEAD

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

R E S TA U R A N T

1 Hotel San Francisco – California, USA Pebblebrook Hotel Trust / SH Hotels & Resorts / Rossi Architecture / NicoleHollis

Alder at Ace Hotel Toronto – Ontario, Canada Alterra Property Group / B-Right Group / Finer Space Corporation / ProWinko / Zinc Developments / Ace Group International / Shim-Sutcliffe Architects / Atelier Ace

Aman New York – USA OKO Group / Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences / SLCE Architects / Denniston Ace Hotel Toronto – Ontario, Canada Alterra Property Group / B-Right Group / Finer Space Corporation / ProWinko / Zinc Developments / Ace Group International / Shim-Sutcliffe Architects / Atelier Ace The Hoxton, Williamsburg – New York, USA Norlake Hospitality / Ennismore / Schulte Hospitality Group / Mancini / AIME Studios

LO D G E S , C A B I N S A N D T E N T E D C A M P S AutoCamp Catskills – New York, USA AutoCamp / Workshop/APD Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita – Mexico Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / JSa - Taller de Arquitectura / Luxury Frontiers / EDSA Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende – Mexico Habitas

Ling Ling by Hakkasan at The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City – Mexico Hakkasan Group / Grupo Dinar / Sordo Madaleno Sake No Hana at Moxy Lower East Side – New York, USA Lightstone / TAO Group / Marriott International / Stonehill Taylor / Rockwell Group Zaytinya at The Ritz-Carlton New York – NoMad, USA Flag Luxury Group / Marriott International / Think Food Group / Rafael Viñoly / Rockwell Group

S PA & W E L L N E S S Aman Spa at Aman New York – USA OKO Group / Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences / SLCE Architects / Denniston Halehouse Spa at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection – California, USA Nichols Partnership / Auberge Resorts Collection / Overland Partners / CCID

Skulpod - White Desert Echo Camp – Antarctica White Desert / Skulpod

The St Regis Spa at The St Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya – Mexico Grupo Alhel / Marriott International / Edmonds International / Chapi Chapo Design

RESORT

The Well at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection – Mexico Auberge Resorts Collection / The Well / BAMO / Nina Gotlieb

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa – Somerset, Bermuda Dovetail + Co. / Benchmark Global Hospitality / Kellyann Hee

SUITE

Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton – Costa Rica The Williams Family / Aqua-Aston / Modus Operandi The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya – Mexico Grupo Alhel / Marriott International / Edmonds International / Chapi Chapo Design Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection – New York, USA Kristin Soong Rapoport / Phillip Rapoport / Zachary Kleinhandler / Auberge Resorts Collection / Electric Bowery / Ward & Gray

Aman New York – USA OKO Group / Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences / SLCE Architects / Denniston Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita – Mexico Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / JSa - Taller de Arquitectura / Luxury Frontiers / EDSA The Tampa Edition – Florida, USA Strategic Property Partners / Marriott International / Morris Adjmi Architects / Nichols Architects / Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture / Roman & Williams / Ian Schrager Company Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection – Punta Mita, Mexico SV Capital Partners / Auberge Resorts Collection / Glazier Le Architects / Paul Duesing Partners

20 SEPTEMBER 2023

28 SEPTEMBER 2023

19 OCTOBER 2023

17 NOVEMBER 2023

PARKROYAL COLLECTION MARINA BAY – SINGAPORE

W THE PALM – DUBAI

WEYLIN BROOKLYN – NEW YORK

EVOLUTION – LONDON

EVENT SPONSORS

www.aheadawards.com

Sleeper Sessions 9-11 May 2023 DUBROVNIK

Sleeper Sessions lands in Croatia, bringing hospitality trailblazers together for a programme of networking, inspiration and learning.

Photography: © Dean Tošović

146

F

or its second European edition, Sleeper

its impact on hotel design. On day two, Una

Sessions

on Dubrovnik,

Barac of Atellior and Kristina Zanic discussed

making a mark on the Croatian coast

global trends through a local lens, and analysts

with three days of connection, inspiration and

from THP and PKF presented performance

regeneration. In the idyllic setting of Dubrovnik

and pipeline data for the region and beyond.

Palace, hospitality specifiers and suppliers came

The closing panel tackled the topic of resort

together to network and share ideas.

development, with design directors from Four

Following

descended

the

blueprint

for

success

established in Mykonos and Danang, Sleeper

Seasons, Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt revealing more of the branded projects on the boards.

Sessions Dubrovnik centred around three key

The third pillar of the event, Sustenance,

pillars, developed with the intention of uniting

offered enrichment through stimulating

Europe’s leading hospitality lights. At the core

activities. There was a creative plywood

of the event was Sync, a synchronised meetings

workshop with Plyconic, a woodland walk and

schedule matching suppliers with specifiers –

a hands-on exploration of concrete with Jurica

an attendee list made up of previous AHEAD

Huljev, founder of Synthesis, whose innovative

winners and acclaimed studios whose work has

concrete hi-fi speaker provided the sound

featured in the pages of Sleeper.

system for the evening’s networking.

The second pillar, Symposia, presented

Leaving Dubrovnik with hearts full and

guests with a series of thought-provoking

minds brimming with fresh ideas, attendees

talks. Keynote speaker Maroje Mrduljas took

will be waiting in anticipation for details of

to the stage to explore the history of Brutalist

Sleeper Sessions’ third European event, set to

architecture on the Croatian coast, while Marko

be announced in the coming months.

Dabrović of 3LHD explored Croatian culture and

www.sleepersessions.com

EVENTS

147

“The Lobby is an inspirational conference, with a line-up and delegate list that truly provokes conversation and collaboration to transform hospitality into a more sustainable industry.”

Catherine Dolton, Chief Sustainability Officer – IHG

5-6 September 2023 Nimb – Copenhagen The Lobby Goes FORWARDism The Lobby is the most inspiring hotel event in the Nordic countries, bringing the hospitality industry together to tackle key challenges affecting our planet and its people. The theme for this year’s programme is FORWARDism, or the joy of belonging and using the power of friendship to experience a sense of lasting joy in the future. FORWARDism thinks about tomorrow while respecting and remembering the past, considering progressiveness, climate and humanity. FORWARDism is to be courageous to share, to care and to evolve as a community.

Forward-Thinking Speakers With FORWARDism in mind, the line-up of speakers is set to spark new ways of thinking about hospitality. Charlie MacGregor, who founded The Social Hub – previously known as The Student Hotel – will discuss the evolution of community-based hospitality, while Accor will reveal how it plans to move into the future.

Other speakers from the world of architecture and design include Tom Dixon and Johannes Torpe, with manufacturers such as Porsche and Marimekko explaining how they are developing their brands while remaining relevant. Just Bricks will also lead attendees into the NFT universe, while Danish duo SØSTR – namely Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes and her sister Louise Foo from Gianni Factory – will provide a taste of their genre-bending music and spatial sound universe.

The Coolest Crowd Meet the coolest crowd from the hotel business in Europe! It is as simple as that. We learn from each other when we gather at The Lobby – an inspiring and nourishing get-together where we network and exchange ideas for a better, more conscious hotel industry.

The Programme 5 September – 6-11pm Meet the Speaker Exclusive Networking Event Location: VIPP Garage 6 September – 9:30-5pm The Conference Location: Axelborg by Nimb After-Party – 6-11pm Location: Kvadrat Showroom Moderators Veerle Donders, Concept and Brand Director – Zoku Dorte Bagge, Hospitality Strategist and cofounder – The Lobby Amy Frearson, Architecture and Design Journalist Ann Van Wetteren, Senior Concept Developer Stay in touch with regular updates on The Lobby website and social media channels. @thelobbycph

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

2023 Speakers

Tom Dixon Founder – Tom Dixon Studio

Damien Perrot / Federico Toresi Global Chief Design / Global Vice President of Design – Accor

Just Bricks Founders

Christian Knörle Head of Company Building – Porsche Digital

Selim Saukkomaa Head of Global Brand Concepts – Marimekko

Johannes Torpe Founder – Johannes Torpe Studios

Sharin Foo / Louise Foo Creative Duo – SØSTR

© Rita Christina Biza

Charlie MacGregor Founder and CEO – The Social Hub

MEDIA PARTNER

HEADLINE SPONSOR

SPONSORS

PARIS | NYC | LOS ANGELES | MEXICO CITY

Contemporary design inspired by Mexican heritage

Luteca_Sleeper_ad_final.indd 5

Luteca.com @lutecafurniture

24/06/2022 12:04

SPOTLIGHT FURNITURE

From plush sofas to sculptural dining tables, we’ve rounded up our top furniture picks, bringing together design, comfort and functionality for hospitality interiors.

Stellar Works Taylor The Taylor collection, designed by Yabu Pushelberg for Stellar Works, is a fusion of contemporary design and functional elegance. The collection features a chair and sofa that make for an elegant feature in contemporary spaces, with the upholstered seat bringing a luxurious feel, while adaptable qualities ensure flexibility. Taylor’s design makes it ideal for a range of hospitality settings – a versatile and affordable collection that suits the tastes of modern design enthusiasts. www.stellarworks.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

152

3.

1. Curtis Furniture Bespoke Kitchenettes

2. Karpa & Gansk Sigma

3. Freifrau Leya en Vogue

Curtis Furniture has supplied Locke’s first West London aparthotel with bespoke kitchenettes. The Leeds-based company manufactured more than 100 fully-fitted kitchens in 15 design types and five different sizes for Ember Locke, the group’s sixth site in London. The interiors bring to life many of the design features from the original Victorian building. For Curtis Furniture, these quirks soon became apparent, with many of the units requiring a completely bespoke design due to, for instance, the eaves in the attic rooms. Once bespoke design solutions were complete, Curtis supplied the drawers and cupboards of the kitchen carcasses to fit-out specialists County Contractors to install within the property. Their classic forest green shade complements the aparthotel’s colour palettes of deep and tonal reds, with pops of yellow and gold. Mark Heathman, Director at County Contractors, comments: “We have worked with Curtis Furniture on many hotel projects and I am pleased to say that, yet again, they performed well on our latest project for Ember Locke in Kensington. They manufactured 120 kitchens for our project, all with paint finish doors and drawer fronts. The company was a great support in engineering and designing kitchens, which worked across the many challenging room types in this beautiful period building.” www.curtisfurniture.co.uk

The Sigma dining table comprises a sculptural base crafted from resin and reinforced with fibreglass, finished in a brass colour unique to Karpa & Gansk. A walnut root top with a high glass finish placed above the base adds extra shine and a touch of warmth to the table. Each section of the top showcases the unique patterns and grains of the walnut wood, creating a captivating visual display for the 10-12 guests that can dine around the table. Designed to be a striking centrepiece in any dining space, Sigma invites guests to comfortably immerse themselves in a multisensory dining experience, with a design that fuses art and functionality. www.karpa.pt

Furniture manufacturer Freifrau is giving its Leya en Vogue collection a makeover for its tenth birthday, bringing a touch of Parisian haute couture to lounges, bars and lobbies through chic indoor seating options. Bold colour combinations, structural patterning and geometric forms have been brought together by design duo Hoffmann Kahleyss, adding a new twist to the collection. With various models and variations available, the Leya range is versatile, suited to a variety of interiors and design styles. Each piece is also custom-made, facilitating multiple configuration options, while products can be finished in non-slip leather or supple fabrics too. www.freifrau.com

Ember Locke, Kensington

The Other House, South Kensington

Made in the UK | since 1997 info@curtisfurniture.co.uk | 0113 248 0605 | www.curtisfurniture.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

2.

1.

154

3.

1. Rubelli Rubelli Casa

2. RH Orsay Brass Clad

3. Ligne Roset Kashima Sofa

Designed by architect Matteo Nunziati, Rubelli’s Casa collection takes inspiration from the design aesthetics of post-World War II Italy. The new series is influenced by the work of Pierre Chareau and Eileen Gray, illustrious exponents of the Art Deco artistic movement.

The collection’s distinctive features are a contemporary style born from a balanced mix of design and decoration as well as all-Italian planning and production. Embodying Italy’s rich history and culture, Rubelli Casa comprises two voluminous sofas, an armchair, two new beds and complementing bedside tables, all of which mark Rubelli’s entry into the bedroom space. Each piece has been carefully designed with a focus on quality, functionality and style to bring elegance and luxury to any room. A highlight of the new range is the extensive use of Rubelli fabrics, which are available in a variety of unique designs, textures and shades. Founded in 1858, the Venetian textile company designs and manufactures a wide range of furnishing fabrics, offering clients the ability to customise their furniture and make a statement through design. www.rubelli.com

Sheathed in metal and anchored by precise rows of hand-hammered rivets, RH’s Orsay Brass Clad collection has been envisioned by international furniture design company Van Thiel & Co. Created in a style that melds Industrial Age inspiration with tailored lines, the pieces in the series evoke the riveted patterns that punctuated early airplane fuselages, with each handcrafted by artisans who wrap the wood frame with glazed brass sheet metal. An aged, burnished patina completes the products and lends the finishes an organic warmth. Orsay Brass Clad includes an array of products, including a coffee table and a side table as well as a double-door cabinet, desk, dresser, multiple beds and nightstands, with many of the collection’s products available in varying sizes. www.rh.com

Designed by Michel Ducaroy, Kashima’s allfoam seating brings rounded, curved lines and integrated armrests, lumbar and headrests to offer both comfort and style to those taking a seat. The fully-quilted cover of the sofa forms pinched seams at the corners, reinforced by interior laces. The nest shape of the seat allows users to be comfortably tucked in, while the sofa’s thick back provides a pleasant feel for the user and simultaneously protects its profile against any deformation. Additionally, the seat cover is quilted with a layer of polyester foam that gives a double surface comfort to the product. Ligne Roset’s Kashima Sofa measures 39cm tall and is described as the most technically elaborate of all the foam seats within the brand’s wider collection. www.ligne-roset-bromley.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

156

4.

1. Vipp Swivel

2. Luteca Eugenio

3. Siminetti Prospero

4. Craster Line Table

The brand-new Vipp Swivel chair is ideal for durable yet comfortable and stylish seating, designed with a fixed height position and a discretely-stitched upholstery pattern. The seat itself rests elegantly on a pillar that branches out in a four-star base on either castor wheels or floor gliders, allowing for a 360° seat rotation. Meanwhile, slender armrests continue straight into a discreet, padded backrest, giving the chair an almost airy expression despite its solid components.

Vipp’s latest furniture piece is offered in all-black powder-coated metal and black leather, together with a polished aluminium frame and sand-coloured leather upholstery. www.vipp.com

The Eugenio dining chair draws inspiration from the Mexican MidCentury pieces designed by Eugenio Escudero, a Spanish Civil War refugee who started a furniture company and showroom in Mexico in the 1940s. The elegant scissor legs and floating back are based on a design made for a hotel in the 1950s, giving the chair’s aesthetic a strong hospitality design heritage. With tapered legs and minimal seat and back cushions, it is a timeless addition to any contemporary dining space, bringing an organic and almost sculptural shape to interior settings. The Eugenio dining chair is available in walnut, white oak, black satin and iroko variations. www.luteca.com

Siminetti’s In Residence furniture collection embodies the brand’s commitment to creating luxurious interior spaces. The Prospero chair and footstool are a seamless blend of contemporary design and craftsmanship, with bold panels featuring Mother of Pearl standing out against a sleek brass and wooden frame. The creation of each piece in the series begins with a dedication to sourcing high-quality materials from around the world, with the natural Mother of Pearl surfaces being sustainablysourced. All of the pieces in the range are handcrafted to bespoke requirements, with options to choose from an array of Mother of Pearl finishes. www.siminetti.com

Designed for conferencing, banqueting and meeting spaces, Craster’s Line Table system combines contemporary elegance with operational innovation.

Featuring an intuitive locking system, easily-demountable tabletops and an ergonomic grip, it enables seamless setups and breakdowns without tools. Its contemporary design discreetly fits any environment while maximising storage efficiency, folding down to a 43mm width on easy-glide trolleys. The Line Table come in a selection of four shapes and customisable finishes, catering to diverse interior requirements and hospitality spaces, from boardroom setups to u-shaped workshops. www.craster.com

SPOTLIGHT

2.

3.

1.

158

4.

1. Kettal Eolias

2. Maxalto Arbiter

3. Janus et Cie Ares

4. Laskasas Decker Sofa

Designed by Antonio Citterio, Kettal’s Eolias range is crafted from natural materials including wicker, with its creation centred around sustainability.

Taking its name from the Aeolian archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the collection’s elements are named after the Aeolian Islands – the folding table is titled Eolias Lipari, after the largest of the islands, while the axis of the series, Eolias Salina, takes its appellation from the heart of the archipelago. With variations suitable for indoor and outdoor settings, the new indoor furniture collection comprises a range of products including teak tables, stackable armchairs, a club armchair and an armchair with wheels. www.kettal.com

Arbiter is a modular seating system with oversized cushions that completes Maxalto’s range of sofas. Reinterpreting the traditional sofa, Arbiter’s abundance of material is counterbalanced by its precise, almost archetypal lines, designed to lighten its impact. Made from a steel frame and cold-foamed polyurethane structure – typical of Maxalto – the sofa comes in two depths, 105cm and 115cm, with or without a chaise longue.

A range of material options are available, with woolly and richly-textured fabrics resulting in maximum comfort. As for cushions, paired together, a small one sits behind a larger one, becoming a backrest that wraps around the sitter’s shoulders. www.maxalto.com

Bringing an array of launches to the table in 2023, Janus et Cie’s new Ares collection is a versatile range suited to both indoor and outdoor spaces, able to accentuate hospitality interiors with sleek finishes and neutral tones. Drawing subtle influences from Mid-Century Modern silhouettes, the series combines woven rope, durable mesh and plush cushions with teak, stone and Carrara marble.

Amongst the multiple seating and table options within the dining and lounge range are armchairs, lounge chairs, sofas and tables – all of which are offered in various heights and sizes, making Ares a suitable solution for various design and spatial requirements. www.janusetcie.com

The Decker Sofa is a modular seating arrangement by Laskasas, which allows for unique seating visions to be configured. With over 100 fabrics to choose from and a range of colours – including cream, deep blue and anthracite grey – the sofa, versatile in its aesthetic, is suitable for various interior design settings. From bold and vibrant hues that bring added energy, to soothing neutrals that exude timeless elegance, the sofa can become an expression of a space’s distinct personality, breathing new life into interiors. Maximising versatility, Decker’s dimensions can also be customisable, depending on the layout of the interiors. www.laskasas.com

Intelligent Design Exceptional Experiences

WWW.CRASTER.COM

www.lightexpo.london

New for 2023 A dedicated area to shine darc space is a one-stop-shop for designers and specifiers looking for their next stunning decorative light fixture.

To exhibit in darc space contact John-Paul Etchells on jp.etchells@mondiale.co.uk.

The UK’s only dedicated lighting specification exhibition

21 & 22 November 2023 Business Design Centre • Islington • London

07-11 SEPT. 2023

PARIS

WWW.MAISON-OBJET.COM

SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Ferreira de Sá Fusion Ferreira de Sá’s Fusion range combines traditional craftsmanship and innovative design. Inspired by the ocean, the mountains and the sky, the brand’s design team used powerful colour palettes and raw materials like mohair, botanical silk and Econyl Regenerated Nylon to create vivid and unique patterns, celebrating different landscapes and their tonal combinations. Exploring the relationship between colour and movement, Ferreira de Sá has translated its rug-making expertise into striking designs that bring an additional layer of texture to interior spaces using several textures, pile heights and production techniques. www.ferreiradesa.com

SPECIFIER

COLLABORATION

Naturalmat The Hoxton

Contardi Air Italian brand Contardi has launched Air, an eco-conscious lighting solution designed by Adam D. Tihany. Characterised by a refined aesthetic with contemporary lines, the suspension lamp features an energy-efficient light source, housed in a sustainable framework. The suspended body is made from Green Cast, a 100% recycled and recyclable acrylic material obtained from end-of-life products and industrial processing waste, reused through a circular process. The two lampshades meanwhile feature a parabolic structure that transforms the luminous body into a functional, elegant and decorative piece of furniture. The light emanates through laser cuts engraved on the lampshades, projecting plays of light and shadow onto the surrounding surfaces. Thanks to the double emanation system – upper and lower lights – the LED source also diffuses a warm and enveloping glow. Reinforcing its sustainable credentials, the cream-coloured finish is added while creating the structure itself to further lessen the environmental impact usually generated by the lacquering phase. “Air was conceived and designed during the early days of the pandemic, when fresh air was on everyone’s mind,” says Tihany. “Creating a large, suspended fixture that feels light and allows the air to circulate through it was also on my mind, given our desire to use sustainable materials in the process. The result sees aesthetics and functionality complement each other through simple perforated forms, which effortlessly sit on top of each other and are tied together by the light source.” www.contardi-italia.com

164

Devon-based bed and mattress manufacturer Naturalmat has partnered with The Hoxton to supply several of its hotels across Europe, including the operator’s newly-opened property in Berlin. Since its inception, environmentally conscientious practices have been at the heart of The Hoxton’s ethos, along with a commitment to the local communities it serves.

Expressing admiration for the brand’s approach towards sustainability, Naturalmat founder Mark Tremlett explains: “The Hoxton’s remarkable growth serves as evidence that they not only listen to their customers’ desires, but also understand the broader needs of the hospitality industry.

The recent introduction of the Good Rate travel initiative, which rewards guests who choose eco-friendly transportation options between its hotels, further demonstrates a dedication to fostering greener practices and inspiring others to follow suit.” Sustainability has always been at the core of Naturalmat’s values and practices too. In 2023, the company achieved B Corp status, cementing its commitment to the highest ethical and environmentally responsible standards.

Tremlett emphasises the collective efforts of suppliers like Naturalmat and hotel operators like The Hoxton, showcasing that sustainability is an integral part of the travel experience.

Together, they are aiming to create a better industry for all. www.naturalmat.co.uk

Kingston Twist Designer: Andrew Print Photo: Jessica May Design leverint.co.uk

SPECIFIER

Q&A

Object Carpet Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez As sustainability continues to drive change in the hotel sector, designers Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez reveal more about their eco-conscious collaboration with Object Carpet.

What was the inspiration behind the Mediterraneo range?

We sought to find a haptic materiality and differentiated shades that were yet to exist in recycled carpets. Made from plastic waste and fully recyclable, Mediterraneo simultaneously represents lightness and effortlessness. It also conveys a Mediterranean heritage look – hence the name. For our architectural and interior projects, we always need a timeless, waste-free floorcovering that we can pull from the inside out to bring nature indoors.

How does the range combine functionality and aesthetics?

Mediterraneo relieves the burden on nature by enabling countless lifecycles, making it suitable for many hospitality projects. We are currently designing three vessel variants for Italian yacht manufacturer Azimut, where the carpet must be durable and easy to clean as well as being sustainable, quick-drying and UVresistant. And of course, it must also feel good underfoot.

What can the carpet collection bring to hospitality spaces?

Mediterraneo is designed to fill a gap in the contract market, serving as a collection crafted from plastic waste that can be used both indoors and outdoors – in different shapes and sizes, including rectangle or round options – to match individual needs.

The material, weave and finish are able to withstand the high volume of traffic common in hotel projects, and offer a conscious flooring option to hoteliers, giving them the opportunity to recycle.

Global hospitality clientele are increasingly making decisions based on sustainable criteria – recycling being one of them.

How can sustainable products drive the industry forward?

The current debate on the environment, climate change and sustainable consumption, as well as the visions of scientists and philosophers – who attribute a healing role to nature and the flora – and the activities of international conservationists have made us all aware of the climate crisis. Everyone has their own part to play, but as architects and designers, we have a great responsibility because what we design lasts over time. We should reinvent ourselves to protect our planet and give our children what we experienced when we were young. We believe we can make a strong contribution to a simpler, healthier and better life. www.object-carpet.com

166

MEDITERRANEO RECYCL ABLE INDOOR/OUTDOOR CARPET COLLECTION

DESIGNED BY MATTEO THUN & ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ

AZ_Mediterraneo_in_Sleeper_109_236x275.indd 1

12.06.23 14:43

SPECIFIER

LSA International AW23 LSA International has revealed its new AW23 collection, which unites colour with shape and textures. Stemware range Gems comprises tumblers that draw inspiration from semi-precious gems, with each piece defined by a contemporary shape, fine fluted walls and a handpainted finish. Shorter stems add a casual feel to champagne, cocktail and wine glasses, while refreshed lustres lend a light and modern take to the established series, now offered in a sapphire blue colourway along with tonal amber, garnet and jade.

The machine-made glass used is a considered choice for making practical and contemporary drinkware that lasts, whilst handfinishes to others add detail to their surroundings. www.lsa-international.com

Unidrain Reframe Unidrain’s Reframe collection has been created to reframe everyday routines as luxury experiences, combining functionality and an aesthetically pleasing yet durable design. Rooted in Scandinavian style, every item in the series stands out while solving problems in an elegant and clever way. Each of the products within the Reframe range are also available in five different finishes: brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel and PVD-coated brass, as well as black and copper. They are set to be joined by a sleek pedal bin later this year. www.unidrain.com

Northern Lights The Municipal Liverpool – MGallery Northern Lights has developed bespoke lighting for The Municipal Liverpool, an MGallery hotel. Working with Koncept ID and Artin Light, the company furnished public areas and guestrooms with over 24 designs. Guests are first greeted by a complex fretwork of antique brass and frosted acrylic from the statement chandelier suspended above the entrance. In the hotel’s Palm Court are 10 decagonal chandeliers with laser-cut fretwork and matte opal windows, while a metre-tall brass chandelier comprises 73 glass pieces, which when viewed from beneath project a floral likeness.

Items from the brand’s Signature Collection are also on display, from the Deco-inspired Scala wall lamps to the brass and faux alabaster Linton lamps. www.northern-lights.co.uk

168

SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Creative Matters Canopy by Hilton, Toronto For the recently opened Canopy by Hilton hotel in Toronto, Creative Matters supplied eight area rugs for the property’s Dia restaurant. Woven Axminster carpet was shaped into several sizes to create an intentional pathway through the venue, with each rug carefully hand-finished with rounded corners. Inspired by foliage and painterly abstraction, the designs include a leaf pattern with a translucent effect that was achieved by precise colour blends and a palette that is simultaneously rich and light. Creative Matters has been offering imaginative and practical floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 25 years. The Torontobased studio’s design and environmentally-conscious production expertise has seen it supply hundreds of hotels in 28 countries worldwide, from the handtufted red carpet in Faena Miami Beach’s lobby to 128 handknotted rugs for Shinola Hotel in Detroit. www.creativemattersinc.com

CASE STUDY

Dernier & Hamlyn Kimpton Fitzroy, London British lighting brand Dernier & Hamlyn recently updated the light fittings at Kimpton Fitzroy in London, working with Tara Bernerd & Partners to give them a new identity. The team revisited 12 large drape and bag crystal chandeliers installed in the 1980s, updating them both aesthetically and technically. To undertake the specialist work, the chandeliers were removed from the hotel and taken to the the company’s factory in Surrey, where the crystal was meticulously cleaned, metalwork restored and the wiring updated to meet regulatory requirements. The chandeliers were then rehung in clusters to provide a more current and playful twist.

Dernier & Hamlyn was also asked to restore and revitalise two Art Deco chandeliers, which were cast in aluminium and would have originally featured tungsten lamps, but at some point had been replaced with fluorescent tubes. The refurbished chandeliers were fitted with high-performance LED lamps, as well as a control system that adjusts light levels depending on the natural light outside to create an appropriately warm and inviting ambience. www.dernier-hamlyn.com

170

SPECIFIER

Cosentino C-Bath Cosentino has launched C-Bath, a new brand showcasing its range of surface applications, which include cladding, flooring and countertops, together with shower trays, washbasins and furniture. C-Bath Studio offers different formats, slab sizes, colours and textures, from Silestone to Dekton with its 4mm Slim or Grip+ surface options, while ready-to-use elements – such as the Evita, Marie and Elegance washbasins or the Wakka by Silestone and Gocce by Dekton shower trays – are also available. Alongside Studio, C-Bath comprises The Bathelier, a hub of inspiration with curated bathroom concepts from designers like Remy Meijers, Claudia Afshar, Daniel Germani, Colin Seah and MUT Design. www.cosentino.com

Ligna Group Mode Interior design studio and FF&E hospitality procurement company Ligna Group has developed Mode, a new vase that offers designers endless arrangement possibilities depending on mood, aesthetic and floral decoration. The modular, concrete piece can create an orthogonal block-like shape, as well as a flowing organic spiral, a rhythmic tangle and other compositions. Mode’s playful nature stays true to the company’s ethos, which has remained the same for 20 years. Having started as a contract furniture brand offering refurbishments to European hotel groups, Ligna Group now commands a supply chain of 50 furniture manufacturers across Europe, specifically from producers in Southeast Europe. www.ligna-group.com

J Adams & Co Porto Porto by J Adams & Co is a portable LED table light that can be easily picked up and moved to alter the ambience of any space.

Maximising flexibility through design, the product features a completely wireless LED light source, dimming capabilities and a rechargeable battery with 6-10 hours lifetime. Porto has also been manufactured with longevity in mind, showcasing precision-cut reeded glass and an expertly-machined solid brass base. Every detail is carefully considered, from the convenient USB-C charging connector in the base to the generous light output. The result is a portable fixture that does not compromise on quality, holding its own against the most luxurious plug-in table lights on the market. www.jadamsandco.com

172

Annual Hotel Conference

Be inspired by a true hospitality icon Michel Roux Jr. will be joining the AHC this year as the closing keynote speaker.

Expect to learn about leadership, and operating in the hospitality industry at the highest level.

Tuesday 12th September 2023 13:30 - 14:00 | Vision Stage Secure your seat at theahc.co.uk 11 – 12 September 2023 Manchester Central Convention Complex

Michelin starred Chef, Owner Le Gavroche

HIX 2023

A room with a point of view

People. Perspectives. Progress.

IMAGE: ART’OTEL LONDON BATTERSEA POWER STATION

Registration now open.

Expo. Talks. Installations. Social.

Be a part of it: www.hixevent.com

HIX 03 Sleeper Ad july 236x275mm.indd 1

The everchanging design experience that makes hotels incredible www.hixevent.com @HIXevent HIX-event HIX_event

27/06/2023 14:53

WE WILL MEET AGAIN

#4 PHUKET 5-7 MARCH 2024

www.sleepersessions.com

FIND NEW LEADS IN THE GLOBAL HOTEL INDUSTRY

www.tophotelprojects.com

Try it for free!

ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 109

Agua Fabrics

135

Luteca

150

AHC

173

Madera

051

Aliseo

049

Maison & Objet

162

Astro

002

Mandarin Stone

077

Beck

057

Manutti

012-013

Chelsom

027

Material Bank

014-015

Craster

159

Nanimarquina

063

Creative Matters

052

Northern Lights

033

Curtis Furniture

153

Object Carpet

167

Dernier & Hamlyn

055

Oliver Hemming

179

EE Smith

136

Palecek

111

Elstead

133

Paolo Moschino

155

EPR

102

Perennials & Sutherland

065

Farmboy

073

Point

029

Ferreira de Sá

037

RAK Ceramics

079

Freifrau

018

RH Contract

FW Lighting

169

Rubelli

021

Gommaire

180

Sanipex

031

Hector Finch

113

Shelved

145

HIX

174

Sleeper Sessions

175

ICE

128

Stabörd

171

Interihotel

123

Stellar Works

J Adams

068

Stonecircle

107

008-009

TechnoAlpin

035

Janus et Cie

006-007

010-011

Jardinico

043

THP

176

JC Hospitality

157

Tribu

005

Jung

045

Tuuci

047

Leverint Lighting

165

Unidrain

061

Vola

125

Wood Couture

067

LiGHT23 Ligne Roset

160-161 016

177

CHECK-OUT

The World of Karl

Lagerfeld’s legacy expands into hospitality with the opening of The Karl Lagerfeld Macau.

He’s a man who needs little introduction, having

from the Orient, guestrooms feature custom

made a lasting impact on the world of fashion in a

headboards inspired by Chinese coins that

career spanning five decades, serving as Creative

represent good fortune, alongside circular

Director for Fendi and Chanel, as well as his own

archways that draw on the shape of traditional

label. But behind the dark glasses and perfectly

Chinese moon gates. The concept extends to

coiffed hair, Karl Lagerfeld had a multitude of

the restaurant, spa and Book Lounge, a space

talents, which he has now applied to the world of

inspired by the designer’s home in Paris, where

hospitality in the form of a branded hotel.

he displayed a collection of over 300,000 books.

Located at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort in Macau,

Reflecting Lagerfeld’s passion for collaboration,

The Karl Lagerfeld is a lavish 271-key property

specially-commissioned furnishings include

designed in its entirety by Lagerfeld before his

sculptures by Marcel Wanders and Jean-Michel

passing in 2019 – the only hotel in the world to

Othoniel, while details such as bathrobes and

boast such a title. Characterised by the same style

bedsheets are an ode to couture. Naturally,

and attention to detail as his catwalk collections,

Lagerfeld has introduced some quirky touches

the interiors are a sophisticated reimagining of

too; his unmistakable profile graces everything

modern Chinoiserie, with bold colour and pattern

from signage to artwork, and there’s a statue

paired with tailored silhouettes. Showcasing

of Choupette, his beloved feline companion,

contemporary Western aesthetics and influences

altogether making for a suitably stylish stay.

© Derry Sio

178

JAZZMAN

Wake Up The Hemming Way BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS AND ALARM CLOCKS www.oliverhemming.com