Sleeper 110

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

MAMULA ISLAND – MONTENEGRO • RADHA ARORA • 1 HOTEL MAYFAIR – LONDON

Introducing our new collection

Innovation meets timeless design in our new collection of contemporary lighting concepts for hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces

Lighting designed to stand the test of time follow @astrolighting | astrolighting.com

collection LES FORÊTS pattern TINTO

Showrooms

London

Paris

Culemborg

Los Angeles

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CONTENTS ISSUE 110 144

HOTEL REVIEWS

080

Mamula Island

072

The Lodge

080

Como Le Montrachet

089

Penny Williamsburg

094

The Largo

102

Zel

111

The Tempus

117

Mongibello

125

Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s

131

Martinhal Oriente

139

1 Hotel Mayfair

144

Montenegro Mallorca

Burgundy Brooklyn 102

Porto

Mallorca © Joachim Wichmann

© Jon Day

072

Northumberland Ibiza

New York Lisbon

London

005

CONTENTS ISSUE 110 FEATURES

094

Meeting... Radha Arora

054

Meeting...

Louis and Anouk Solanet

060

Meeting... DesignAgency

062

Design Details

154

Spotlight... Astro Lighting

172

As Rosewood Hotel Group looks to its next phase of growth, the company’s President and Co-Chief Development Officer reveals why a measured approach will continue to prevail.

Following the arrival of Hôtel Orphée in 2022, the Paris-based founders of Orso discuss family, design flair and the future.

Upon celebrating a milestone anniversary, the Founding Partners of DesignAgency discuss the past, present and future of hospitality design. © Alice Gao

054

117

Embodying the spirit of its surroundings, a renovated spa resort in Arizona champions the sculptural quality and vivid tones of Boynton Canyon, mirroring the landscape with a rich red palette.

As lighting designers seek greater flexibility, the new made-to-order service from Astro Lighting allows for the customisation of key collections for hospitality projects.

© Jeffreys Interiors

© Diana L Ragland

131

179

© Read McKendree

006

REGULARS Check-In

036

Drawing Board

038

The Lobby

067

Business Centre

160

Events

170

Bathrooms & Amenities

179

Specifier

195

Check-Out

210

Introducing the Samsa collection, designed by Maximilian Jencquel. Upholstery and pillows in Perennials fabrics I perennialsandsutherland.com

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L O N D O N

BY EDC 77 MARGARET STREET - LONDON W1W 8SY T. +44 020 73233233 - INFO@MINOTTI.CO.UK

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22/07/23 07:52

RH.COM/CONTRACT Regent Hong Kong, Hong Kong Photographer: Andrew Loiterton

Sandua. collection designed by Robin Hapelt

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outdoor luxury

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C

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The Retreat Hotel Lighting Collection

1920s-1970s original restored vintage lights for hotels.

Sustainably salvaged from around the world, restored and ready to bring vintage charm to modern escapes.

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

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER Mamula Island, Montenegro © Courtesy of Design Hotels

Let Nature Lead The Way

I

s there any better feeling than being at one with nature? The

an afternoon forest bathing or hugging trees, and it does force

smell of freshly-cut grass, the sound of water trickling over

the question as to what more can be done to bring nature back

rocks or the gentle touch of a summer breeze? You could be

to the built environment, particularly in urban metropolises

forgiven for thinking I’ve been frolicking in a meadow, but this is the feeling a stay at 1 Hotel Mayfair elicits.

where the majority of hotel development takes place.

There’s already plenty of initiatives under way, from the

Despite its location in Central London, the first UK outpost

landscaped parklands that form part of a mixed-use site to

for the eco-conscious brand is a veritable sanctuary from the

green roofs and planted façades. On Sleeper’s recent travels

hustle and bustle of the city, so much so that the sense of

– visiting hotels, design studios and supplier showrooms

relief on arrival is almost palpable. Shoulders loosen, frown

– we’ve seen plant fibres being used to craft fabrics and

lines disappear and there’s an audible inhale to take in the

furnishings; a bar made from mycelium; and experimentation

scene. Right from the moment you step through the door, the

with a wide range of natural materials in a bid to reverse

natural world takes centre stage. Water features either side

the negative impact of mass production. Granted it may be

of the entrance are immediately calming, while a chandelier

some time before some of the most innovative solutions hit

made from living air plants encourages guests to look up in

the market and can stand up to the heavy-use demands of a

awe – it’s like walking through a rainforest.

hospitality setting, but we’re certainly moving in the right

At check-in, the grain of the desk – the trunk of a felled tree, now given a second chance at life – sees the formalities fade

direction – far from the days of a potted plant in the corner constituting greenery.

into insignificance. The living walls and omnipresent greenery

In putting nature at the heart of a hotel, the benefits are

immerse you in nature, well known for its healing properties

multifold, providing wholesome and healthy spaces that guests

for the mind, body and soul. And upstairs, every touchpoint

want to spend time in, all the while fostering a connection

brings skin-to-skin contact with a natural material: the

with the great outdoors. So whether designing a cabin in

flooring is crafted from British oak, encouraging you to go

the wild or a high-rise hotel in the concrete jungle, consider

barefoot; toiletries are made using active botanicals; bathrobes

letting nature lead the way.

are natural cotton; and you can rest easy on eco-friendly mattresses topped with organic linens. Even the keycards are natural, made from FSC-certified birch.

This commitment to the cause undoubtedly takes consideration, but at 1 Hotel Mayfair, the results speak for themselves. A couple of hours here is almost as restorative as

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

031

TIDES OF SILVER AND GOLD RIPPLE AGAINST A NEUTRAL BACKGROUND. INTRODUCING SHORELINES FROM OUR ARCADIAN COLLECTION. HANDKNOTTED IN 150 KNOT, WITH TIBETAN WOOL AND CHINESE SILK. MADE IN NEPAL. W W W.C R E A T I V E M A T T E R S I N C.C O M L A B E L S T E P P A R T N E R – I M P R O V I N G T H E W O R K I N G A N D L I V I N G C O N D I T I O N S O F C A R P E T W E A V E R S, A S W E L L A S P R O M O T I N G E N V I R O N M E N T A L L Y F R I E N D L Y M E T H O D S O F P R O D U C T I O N.

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GUEST BOOK

125

094

© Nathaneal Turner © Maru Serrano

© Andres Iglesias

102

111

125 Diego Calvo

094 Andrew Zobler

102 Space Copenhagen

111 Rafael Nadal

When Diego Calvo stayed at Sorrento’s Parco dei Principi in 2021, the Concept Hotel Group CEO was in awe of Gio Ponti’s dazzling design and the distinct spirit of the Amalfi Coast. The trip sparked a desire to replicate the experience back home in Ibiza, so when an existing hotel on Caló de s’Alga – which reminded Calvo of the region – became available, it made for the perfect spot. Named after a fictitious town on the coast, Mongibello salutes la dolce vita while paying homage to Balearic heritage and Ibizan culture.

Having developed an industryacclaimed portfolio that includes brands such as Freehand, The Line, NoMad and The Ned, Sydell Group founder and CEO Andrew Zobler has now combined the worlds of hospitality and student accommodation. Taking its name from Zobler’s beloved chihuahua, whose larger-than-life personality inspired the brand’s ethos, Penny has begun its journey in Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg district, where a partnership with art school Bard College sees works from students past and present adorn the walls.

Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksen, founders of Danish design studio Space Copenhagen, describe their approach as ‘Poetic Modernism’ – one that forges new paths by balancing opposites. The firm’s latest hotel project continues this philosophy, bringing together Scandinavian hygge, Portuguese heritage and technology across five historic buildings in central Porto. Fusing old and new, The Largo is unmistakably of the city, with the owners even dubbing the hotel as “The Home of Porto”.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is no stranger to luxury hotels, having stayed in countless throughout his glittering career. So, when it came to launching his own hospitality brand – Zel – in partnership with Meliá, the former world number one had a vision: “The design must have soul and elements that identify with my roots.” With this in mind, the brand’s debut property in Mallorca – where Nadal grew up and still lives – embodies the spirit of the island, celebrating the Mediterranean through an earthy and marine-inspired palette.

033

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FRONT DESK EDITORIAL

COMMERCIAL

EVENTS

DESIGN

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

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

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Design Manager David Bell

Managing Editor Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

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

Event Manager Kayley Johnson k.johnson@mondiale.co.uk

Deputy Editor Ben Thomas b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development Kate Borastero k.borastero@mondiale.co.uk

Marketing & Events Olivia Mavers o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Cara Rogers c.rogers@mondiale.co.uk

Account Manager Holly Huish h.huish@mondiale.co.uk

RESEARCH & MARKETING

Finance Director Amanda Giles

Content & Research Ellie Foster e.foster@mondiale.co.uk

Chairman Damian Walsh

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

Production Dan Seaton CORPORATE Accounts ar@mondiale.co.uk

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

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CHECK-IN

Christine Gachot The co-founder and Principal of Gachot takes a fantasy break at a townhouse hotel in her home city, where creature comforts make for a restful stay.

Where are you?

for the weekend. John’s love for design rivals

Who designed it?

New York – the most exciting city in the world

mine so he is busy snapping photos of our suite

Ilse Crawford, of course.

and the place I call home. It’s early fall, the air

before joining me for cocktails.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

is crisp and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Is there anything you would like waiting for

We’re invited to join the friends-and-family

How did you get there?

you in your room?

debut of the hotel’s newest venue, The

The hotel sent a car to pick me up from my office.

Always appreciative of handwritten notes, I’m

Conservatory. Filled with hanging orchids

My weekend luggage was retrieved earlier in the

pleased to see one from Philip welcoming me

amongst glowing lighting, it feels intimate, like

day, and I was notified that my belongings had

home. Bowls full of my favourite candy are

a dining room in someone’s home. Wine and

been unpacked prior to my arrival.

calling my name and there’s a bottle of pre-

champagne sit in grand silver buckets while the

batched margarita chilling – it’s clear my profile

butler mans a cabinet of cocktail curiosities. It

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

has been carefully reviewed. A fire crackles as

is full of fabulous people and I’m starstruck by

It’s a warm welcome from Philip Truelove,

classical music plays through the speakers; I

one guest in particular.

General Manager at The Greenwich Hotel and

don’t wait for the song to finish before I pour

a family friend, whom my children – taken

myself a drink.

Who’s manning the stoves?

The Conservatory is Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s

with his English accent and charming charisma – nicknamed ‘Chappy’. He’s the loveliest and

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

new gem. Large tins of Petrossian Caviar are

most talented gentleman in hospitality, so I

It has a townhouse feel and is my home away

on the table when we arrive – no garnish, just

immediately feel at ease.

from home. With a dedicated entry foyer, it is

spoons. Chef is working the room, welcoming

residentially proportioned and there’s a place

everyone, but he spends most of his time at our

And who’s at the concierge desk?

for everything. The hotel-branded umbrella

table. We’re joined by our mutual friend, lighting

The hotel doesn’t need a dedicated concierge and

leans in a brass Carl Auböck stand next to the

designer extraordinaire, Hervé Descottes.

certainly not a desk. The team is at my disposal,

closet, where my Khaite cardigan is already

well-versed in the guest experience. I have no

hanging below a shelf with two yoga mats.

And what’s on the menu?

expectations as they are bound to be exceeded.

The bathroom oozes luxury, from the exquisite

Jean-Georges’ newest creations with some of

Paonazzo slabs lining the room to the La Mer

his signature dishes. I’m having the sweet pea

Who are you sharing your room with?

amenities. The bedroom feels warm and inviting

soup with parmesan foam and croutons – a

I have the pleasure of my husband’s company

with furniture in hues of camel and blush. Rare

favourite of mine. I ask chef to select my entrée.

and insightful books line open shelves, while the artwork is eclectically curated. As I perch

Would you like something to drink with that?

on the sumptuous king bed, I notice the view is

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé.

prime for people-watching. Looking out onto a

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Pendry Manhattan West, New York; Shinola Hotel, Detroit; Eaton DC, Washington www.gachotstudios.com

tree-lined block, I have a front-row seat to the

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

parade of beauty that comes with Fashion Week.

John offers me a glass of Dow’s 40 Year Old

I can feel the energy but can’t hear it - a new

Tawny Port, and I immediately unwrap a Twix

meaning of quiet luxury.

– it’s a delicious a pairing before bed.

037

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

K.Wah G72 NANJING

Dutch architectural practice UNStudio has designed a new mixed-use development in the Chinese city of Nanjing, following a commission by developer K.Wah Group.

Tasked with creating a human-centric destination where sustainability and culture play a key role in daily life, the firm has proposed a dynamic waterfront community that provides a lush environment for working and living. Among the structures planned are high-rise office towers, commercial and cultural institutions, two serviced apartment buildings, a headquarters tower and a luxury hotel, which form an urban silhouette that rises from the waterfront.

The site is split into four plots with a green corridor that extends throughout, bringing together community and nature for socialising and events, providing a leisurely sanctuary from a fast-paced life.

Sustainability is also at the centre of the design, with UNStudio’s scheme making use of energy-saving technologies such as natural ventilation, HVAC systems and solar photovoltaic panels to lower the energy demands of the buildings. The office towers will also use prefabricated components as well as a modular supporting structure.

The project is located along the urban central and economic development axes in Nanjing’s Hexi New District, and will be connected to the Metro Rail Transit to the northwest and the coast to the south.

“Our vision is set to realise a future-oriented, multipurpose community, which will contribute to Nanjing’s ambitious urban development goals,” says Hannes Pfau, Partner at UNStudio. “The design aims to create a synergy between building scale and human scale, bringing a healthy and pleasant working, shopping and living environment for residents, visitors and creative professionals.”

Ben van Berkel, founder and Principal Architect at UNStudio, adds: “K.Wah G72 will serve as a one-stop destination in which lifestyle, innovation and work are brought together. It aims to be a benchmark for urban developments in Nanjing, across the country and beyond.”

DRAWING BOARD

Equinox Amaala

Equinox Hotels has been selected by Red Sea

Sustainability will also be at the centre of

Global to bring a luxury resort to Amaala on

the resort’s design, with the wider Amaala

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

development targeting a 30% net conservation

Set to open as part of the first phase of the

benefit to local ecosystems by 2040. This will

Triple Bay development, the property comprises

be achieved by enhancing biologically diverse

128 guestrooms and suites, several culinary

habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals

concepts and a beach club, as well as a spa, a

and land vegetation. The destination will be

magnesium salt rooftop pool and a signature

powered by 100% renewable energy and run with

Equinox Fitness Club.

a zero-carbon footprint once fully operational.

The design by Foster + Partners has been

“Amaala is a destination that aligns with our

created to ensure complete connectivity to the

mission of redefining luxury hospitality,” says

surroundings, with guestrooms planned to

Christopher Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels.

capture panoramic views of Hijaz Cove or of the

“We’re excited to partner with an amazing

marina and its promenade.

developer like Red Sea Global, which has similar

The porte cochère and its distinctive floating

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Red Sea Global Operator: Equinox Hotels Architecture: Foster + Partners www.equinox-hotels.com

040

and strong values rooted in sustainability.”

canopy will welcome guests in, while four open

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global,

courtyards take inspiration from traditional

adds: “Equinox’s unique brand of luxury is

local architectural styles. Water features will

a perfect fit for Amaala, allowing visitors to

work to naturally cool the shaded spaces,

choose self-improvement, getting back to

allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the resort,

nature on land or at sea, or simply enjoying

even in the warmer months.

quiet moments in comfort and privacy.”

EDITION 28

New Lighting Collection

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DRAWING BOARD

Mondrian Riyadh Al Malga SAUDI ARABIA

Ennismore has revealed plans for a new hotel in

Bringing a lifestyle experience to the city,

Saudi Arabia’s capital with Mondrian Riyadh Al

Mondrian Riyadh Al Malga comprises 130

Malga, a 200-key property set for completion

standard rooms and suites, with 25 one-

in 2026. Developed in partnership with owner

bedroom, 35 two-bedroom, and ten three-

Olayan Financing Company, the hotel will form

bedroom serviced apartments. The F&B offering

part of mixed-use Al Malga Urban Village.

will include three restaurants and lounges

Designed by architecture firm Benoy, the

envisioned by Ennismore’s in-house F&B

hotel’s gleaming façade features bronze louvres

studio, Carte Blanched, while events spaces and

that envelop the structure, forming a dynamic

social wellness areas will complete the offer.

wrap that exposes public dining spaces and

The hotel and wider development – which

landscaped terraces. “We wanted to bring

includes entertainment, dining and retail – will

something bold and sculptural to this scheme,”

be LEED-certified, constructed with a focus on

explains Zaynib Khan, Senior Associate

energy savings, water efficiency, reduced carbon

Director at Benoy. “The hotel’s innovative

emissions and improved indoor air quality.

design resonates with the brand’s core values, celebrating an expansive imagination.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Olayan Financing Company Operator: Ennismore Architecture: Benoy Interior Design: Tristan Du Plessis www.ennismore.com

042

Mondrian Riyadh will be Ennismore’s first hotel in the city, making it a significant

Inside, Mondrian’s oversized imagination will

milestone for the company’s growth in

be brought to life by interior architect Tristan

the Middle East. The pipeline also includes

Du Plessis, whose portfolio includes AHEAD

properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bordeaux

Award-winning projects such as Gorgeous

and Ibiza, as well as Cannes, Dubai, Abu Dhabi

George in Cape Town.

and Australia’s Gold Coast.

VITRIUM COLOURS DE SIGN BY CHRIS TIAN WERNER

DUK_Sleeper_VitriumColors_236x275.indd 1

C OLOUR UP YOUR E V ERY DAY The series which offers statement pieces for the bathroom. www.duravit.co.uk

12.06.23 15:40

DRAWING BOARD

The Apurva Kempinski Ubud BALI

Following the opening of a beachfront resort

also set to offer panoramic views, as will a

in Nusa Dua in 2019, Kempinski Hotels is

speciality Indonesian restaurant. Completing

expanding its portfolio in Southeast Asia, with

the facilities, a Balinese spa perched on a ridge

The Apurva Kempinski Ubud set to open its

overlooking the valley will offer a wide range

doors in 2027.

of rejuvenating treatments and immersive

The latest hospitality project from Indonesian

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Panorama Indah Dewata Operator: Kempinski Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: Trivium Design Group www.kempinski.com

044

wellness journeys.

real estate developer Panorama Indah Dewata,

“With the addition of Ubud to our already

the hotel finds home in central Bali, close to the

existing The Apurva Kempinski hotel in Nusa

emerald rice terraces and coffee plantations of

Dua, our guests will have the opportunity to

Tegalalang village.

live two very different luxury experiences

With architecture and interior design by Rudy

during their holidays in Bali,” says Christophe

Dodo of Jakarta-based studio Trivium Design

Piffaretti, Chief Development Officer, Kempinski

Group, the design scheme sees 160 rooms and

Hotels. “Ubud is such a unique place. Many of

villas cascading down jungle-covered slopes,

our guests have been dreaming of staying in the

set around an open-sided lobby lounge. Rooms

Balinese nature, surrounded by the wonderful

and suites will start at 60m2, with six additional

hilly landscape terraced with lush green rice

200m2 villas also nestled into the forest. Putting

paddies. The Apurva Kempinski Bali established

nature centre stage, the resort will house a

itself as the island’s undisputed leader thanks

tropical aviary providing sanctuary for a range

to its privileged location, wonderful local

of exotic birdlife from Indonesia and beyond.

design and refined handicraft, and of course the

An infinity pool, rooftop lounge and bar are

beautiful performance delivered by our team.”

DRAWING BOARD

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental has revealed plans for a new

Mandarin Oriental’s signature wellness

hotel and accompanying residences in Athens,

therapies and beauty treatments, with a focus

ATHENS

slated for completion in 2027.

on locally inspired programmes.

Developed by Belt Riviera – established by

“We are delighted to be working with Temes

Temes and Hellinikon, a subsidiary of Lamda

and Lamda Development on this project,” says

Development – the property will be located

James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin

within The Ellinikon, one of the largest

Oriental Hotel Group. “I am confident that,

sustainably-built urban regeneration projects

with this location and our legendary service,

in Europe, costing circa €8 billion.

Mandarin Oriental Athens will be the leading

The hotel itself will comprise 123 guestrooms and suites, as well as 17 branded residences, ranging from loft apartments to waterfront villas.

Accommodations

will

feature

a

046

Athenian residents.”

Odisseas

Athanasiou,

Development,

adds:

CEO

“The

of

Lamda

new

high-

contemporary design and offer views of the

standard hotel complex will become another

Aegean Sea, maximising the site’s location on

beautiful landmark and serve as an additional

the Athenian Riviera.

international point of reference for the

In addition, a range of dining options will

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Belt Riviera Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group www.mandarinoriental.com

luxury hospitality hub for both travellers and

emblematic investment of The Ellinikon.”

be offered across several F&B outlets, while

Mandarin Oriental Athens will be the brand’s

indoor and outdoor events spaces are to provide

second property in Greece, following the

an elegant backdrop for meetings and social

partnership with Temes for the development of

gatherings. Elsewhere, the spa will showcase

Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino.

Custom Flooring. Integrated Millwork. Bespoke Furniture.

Photography by Angela Hau

Photography by Eric Petschek

maderasurfaces.com

New York | Los Angeles

DRAWING BOARD

Anantara Preá Ceará

Minor Hotels has revealed details of its second

regional materials, with landscaping by Embyá

Anantara property in Brazil; set to launch in

Paisagens & Ecossistemas.

BRAZIL

2026, the eco-resort will be located in the state of Ceará on the country’s northeast coast.

Developed in partnership with Grupo

development, are an essential element of the

Carnaúba, the new venture comprises 60

operation. Initiatives include waste disposal

guestrooms and villas, as well as 25 branded

and recycling, reforestation, the replanting

residential bungalows – some with their

of Carnauba Wax Palm Trees – a fan palm

own private pools – and a 120m2 Presidential

indigenous to northeastern Brazil – and

Suite. The site will also be home to a regional

supporting local food producers. Once the sun

restaurant and an Anantara Spa, while the

sets, there will also be reduced lighting to help

wider Vila Carnaúba development is to feature

preserve the sky’s panorama and minimise the

restaurants, bars, sports facilities and a gym –

impact on local fauna.

all of which are accessible by hotel guests.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Grupo Carnaúba Operator: Minor Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: Miguel Pinto Guimarães Landscaping: Embyá Paisagens & Ecossistemas www.minorhotels.com

048

The sustainable and social initiatives of Vila Carnaúba, which is in the final stages of

“In 2022, we announced Anantara’s first hotel

Unfolding over 52,000m 2, the project’s

in Brazil,” says Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor

design and décor have been created by Miguel

Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International.

Pinto Guimarães, a Brazilian architect known

“We are excited to follow this with a second

for envisioning contemporary schemes that

Anantara in the country, demonstrating our

harmonise with the natural environment and

commitment to expanding our footprint in Brazil

the beauty of the surroundings. The hotel’s

with quality projects focused on preserving

construction will therefore focus on organic and

nature and the surrounding landscapes.”

MAXIMA

GERMAN HOSPITALITY TRADITION Hotel Hair Dryers Cosmetic Mirrors Bathroom Accessories Guestroom Accoutrements

www.aliseo.de

DRAWING BOARD

Rosewood SEOUL

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed

by Korean real estate developer Eleven D&C Co to manage a newbuild hotel in the city of Seoul.

Set to open in 2027, the hotel will form part of The Parkside Seoul, a mixed-use development comprising an array of retail offerings and private residences, connected by expansive outdoor spaces.

Occupying the former site of the United Nations Command, the hotel will channel the brand’s signature A Sense of Place philosophy, ensuring that the spirit of the destination is infused throughout the property.

Architecture by Kohn Pederson Fox is designed to blend the building seamlessly into its surroundings, while interiors will be courtesy of Space Copenhagen.

Along with 250 rooms and suites, the hotel promises a range of amenities including seven F&B venues and comprehensive wellness facilities. Asaya, Rosewood’s wellness concept, will offer 4,500m2 of space committed to health, beauty and wellness across multiple treatment rooms, hydrotherapy areas, an indoor pool and saunas, as well as a fitness centre and indoor golfing facilities.

Seok Oh Eum, Chairman of Eleven D&C, comments: “The combination of the dynamic charm of Seoul – a city where the past and the present coexist – and Rosewood’s guiding principles is sure to make Rosewood Seoul a new landmark, beloved by sophisticated travellers from around the world and Seoulites alike.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Eleven D&C Operator: Rosewood Hotel Group Architecture: Kohn Pedersen Fox Interior Design: Space Copenhagen www.rosewoodhotelgroup.com

050

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

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Photographer: Stefan Grau, Interior: Thatenhorst Interior GmbH

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

05.06.23 17:21

DRAWING BOARD

Thompson Palm Springs CALIFORNIA

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that

The design scheme channels a Mid-Century

Thompson Palm Springs will open its doors in

Modern aesthetic, with a custom art collection

late 2023.

curated by Shore Art Advisory on display

Developed by Dallas-based Hall Group

“The interiors of Thompson Palm Springs

Architecture + Design, the hotel comprises

pay homage to the surrounding landscape,

168 guestroom bungalows, each with private

incorporating soft stone, light woods, and neutral

balconies or outdoor spaces that allow guests

furnishings that are beautifully contrasted with

to take advantage of panoramic views of

splashes of vibrant and dramatic colours from

the San Jacinto mountains and surrounding

specially curated and commissioned artwork,”

desert. Set amongst winding walking paths,

explain B2 Architecture + Design. “We’ve set

extensive outdoor spaces include gardens and

out to tell a layered and playful design story

two swimming pools, immersing guests in the

with a mix of locally-sourced vintage furniture

natural landscape of Palm Springs.

finds, modern pieces, handcrafted furnishings

Additional amenities across the hotel include

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Hall Group Operator: Hyatt Hotels Corporation Architecture: SMS Architecture Interior Design: B2 Architecture + Design Art Curation: Shore Art Advisory www.hyatt.com

052

throughout public spaces and guestrooms.

with design by SMS Architecture and B2

a signature restaurant, indoor and outdoor bar

from across the world, and important art commissions.”

and lounges, a spa and fitness concept, and

The launch will be followed by the opening

approximately 8,000ft2 of meeting and events

of four additional Thompson Hotels by the end

space. The development will also offer over

of 2024, with properties in Houston, Miami,

20,000ft2 of ground-level retail and restaurant

Monterrey and Shanghai, the latter marking

space along Downtown’s Palm Canyon Drive.

the brand’s entry into Asia Pacific.

www.ligna-group.com

Boutique Art Hotel Oborishte 63 The Thread Guestroom

Meeting…

Radha Arora As Rosewood Hotel Group looks ahead to its next phase of growth, the company’s President and Co-Chief Development Officer reveals why a measured approach will continue to prevail.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Portrait Photography: © Diana L Ragland

R

adha Arora began his journey as President

travelled the globe as child, picking up a world of hotel

of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in 2011. In the

experience along the way.

same year, Rosewood was acquired by Hong

Arora’s connection with the Cheng family goes back

Kong-based New World Hospitality, which

some way, having previously managed their asset, Beverly

was subsequently renamed Rosewood Hotel

Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. Following over 20 years

Group, itself owned by Chow Tai Fook – a

of service with Four Seasons, Arora had risen to the role

privately-owned and multifaceted conglomerate of several

of Regional Vice President. “I had responsibility for nine

major business categories including jewellery, property

properties, so it was an easy transition to the President role

development, retail, energy and telecommunications. It

at Rosewood, as the group only had 16 hotels at the time,”

was an auspicious year that also saw Sonia Cheng appointed

he recounts of his appointment.

as CEO of Rosewood, the group where both her father and grandfather were patriarchs.

Rosewood 2.0 is a reference to the jump-start in design the new owners brought to the portfolio with the launch of five

RHG has four brands. At the top of the pile is Rosewood,

new properties, a mix of newbuild and renovations between

which numbers some 44 ultra-luxury hotels, resorts and

2013 and 2021. Strengthening the group’s global presence,

residences in 20 countries. The other three are the upper-

the hotels landed in London and Beijing (both 2013), Paris

upscale New World Hotels & Resorts; Asaya, an integrated

(2017), Hong Kong (2019) and New York (2021). Between

wellbeing concept; and its latest launch Carlyle & Co, a fresh

them, they have picked up a hatful of wins across multiple

take on the private members’ club, recently launched at

categories including Hotel of the Year at AHEAD Asia 2020

Rosewood Hong Kong.

for the Hong Kong landmark. “We made a statement with

Arora’s first job in hospitality was in the laundry room of

these properties,” says Arora of the five guiding lights that

Paris’ iconic Hôtel de Crillon. Coming full circle, the same

epitomise Rosewood’s design style and ‘A Sense of Place’

hotel became part of Rosewood in 2017 following a four-year

philosophy. “Design is fundamental to everything we do,”

renovation. In many ways, the hotel epitomises the path that

he reaffirms.

Rosewood has followed. A landmark property fastidiously

“From its inception, Rosewood has always held true to the

restored by a group of local specialists to create a timeless,

idea of residential design,” he narrates of the group’s first

modern classic. “Rosewood 2.0,” chips in Arora, speaking

property, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Located in an

from his base in northwest Los Angeles in beautifully

upmarket neighbourhood of Dallas, the private estate was

enunciated English. Son of an Indian ambassador, Arora

transformed into a luxury hotel and restaurant by American

MEETING…

© Adrian Houston

© Durston Saylor

MEETING…

From Hôtel de Crillon in Paris (top) to The Carlyle in New York (bottom), Rosewood has stayed true to a residential style often inspired by the surroundings

heiress and philanthropist, Caroline Rose Hunt, who started the business in 1979.

Residential implies family, and for familyowned Rosewood, this is important. So too for Rosewood’s go-to designer Tony Chi, founder of tonychi studios, who was responsible for the interiors of three of the five ‘guiding lights’. For Chi, it’s personal – he designed a home for the Cheng family over 20 years ago. Together with his Asian sensibilities, he just got it. Keeping to the programme, Chi embraced the phrase “Rosewood 2.0”, referring to Rosewood London as a “mansion” and Hong Kong as an “estate on the harbour.”

The overriding ethos of A Sense of Place binds all the properties. Never doing things by halves,

“We are working to redefine luxury to make it synonymous with responsibility and impact. That means evolving our definition of success to include empowering people and the part we play in sustaining the earth.”

de Crillon and The Carlyle is Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth in the French West Indies.

There are also “new classics”, as they are referred to in press materials, such as Rosewood São Paulo, which was named AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year in 2022.

Rosewood São Paulo is a good stepping off point for a discussion around Rosewood’s sustainability ideals, titled Rosewood Impacts.

“We are working to redefine luxury to make it synonymous with responsibility and impact.

That means evolving our definition of success to include empowering people and the part we play in sustaining the earth,” elaborates Arora.

The Brazilian property was carefully developed over 12 years through the lens of Rosewood

Rosewood has even trademarked the phrase.

Impact, from sourcing the majority of the design

Arora elaborates: “Our design choices are made

materials locally, to hiring for key positions

with our guests in mind, ensuring that we’re

from within the São Paulo community and

immersing them in the given destination. It’s

providing indigenous groups with a platform to

all about the people and the experience.” He

promote their work. “It was designed as a love

also refers to the passion for design shared by

letter to Brazil,” says Arora emotively, adding

not only Cheng but the entire design team, led

that it’s about uplifting and empowering those who call the destination home. The property is

by Executive Vice President Trish Luyckx.

This residential style, combined with the

celebrated Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London,

part of Brazil’s largest upcycling project and,

underpinnings of modern luxury while still

may not be from London but is also an adopted

a year after it opened, the site is operating on

capturing a neighbourhood spirit, can be seen in

son of his chosen city.

100% renewable energy. Rosewood is grasping

the design detailing – often, but not always – by

Several of the properties, including The

sustainable luxury through “a thoughtful

local designers who have in-depth knowledge of

Carlyle, Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British

approach to realising these goals in pursuit of

the location. Details that include an emphasis

Virgin Islands, and the hotels in Hong Kong

setting a new bar across the brand,” says Arora.

on the work of native artists and artisans using

and Beijing, are also owned by the group. As

Amongst the goals of this mission is the

traditional techniques and materials. Take the

the collection expands, Rosewood is becoming

diversion of 70% of waste from landfills by

Parisian team of Aline Asmar d’Amman, Chahan

more operator focused. Nevertheless, the values

2025, with the ultimate target for zero waste.

Minissian, Tristan Auer and Cyril Vergniol for

seen in ownership are apparent across the whole

Another more locally inspired initiative is

Hôtel de Crillon.

portfolio. No shortcuts.

the provision of schooling to the children of

The designers used are not always local

“We collaborate well with our owners, and

underprivileged families and of employees at

but always connected. For example, selecting

when we sign opportunities together, there’s

Rosewood Mayakoba, located on the Riviera

Chi was an obvious choice for The Carlyle in

already a deeper understanding of what

Maya in Mexico. Having started out with a

Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “Tony has lived

Rosewood will bring to their assets,” says Arora.

kindergarten, a high school has since opened

in New York for a long time and is a true New

“The internal team oversees the project from

and now children can continue their education

Yorker,” explains Arora. “He had a profound

start to finish, ensuring the vision is fulfilled

through the property’s scholarship programme.

understanding of what The Carlyle ought to

in collaboration with our valued partners,

“It’s been an inspiration and motivation for us

be moving forward to the next generation.”

designers and ownership groups.”

to do more of that in other parts of the world,”

Similarly, Martin Brudnizki, who designed the

Additional to the grandes dames of Hôtel

explains Arora.

057

MEETING…

“Our design choices are made with our guests in mind, ensuring that we’re immersing them in the given destination.

It’s all about the people and the experience.”

Designed by French compatriots Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck, Rosewood São Paulo was carefully developed over 12 years through the lens of Rosewood Impact, the group’s sustainable ideal

058

And the world of Rosewood that lies ahead

And whilst the pipeline may be impressive,

is in for rapid change. Three new hotels will

Arora also recognises that Rosewood is a small

arrive in the second half of 2023 – Hawaii, Doha

organisation. “We keep our eyes on everything

and Munich – and six more are due for 2024

as the devil is in the detail. We all work together,

in Amsterdam; Riviera Nayarit and Polanco

ensuring that nothing is amiss with our current

in Mexico; Miyakojima in Japan; Rome and

properties and going forward. We’re looking

Fuschlsee in Austria. Another five openings are

ahead to Rosewood 3.0.”

expected in 2025, including a second in London,

Rosewood’s

measured

path

to

the

two in Italy – Venice and Milan – as well as

development of its design illustrates the long-

debuts in Riyadh and Shenzhen. Can the group

term view typical of a family-owned business.

maintain this rapid rate of expansion whilst not

One that cherishes residential qualities and uses

taking its eye off the ball of the current hotels?

some of the best in the industry – Bar Studio,

Arora believes so: “Absolutely! The existing

French compatriots Jean Nouvel and Philippe

portfolio is the template for what happens in

Starck, Tara Bernerd, David Chipperfield, Joseph

the future. It’s important to have that lineage

Dirand and Meyer Davis to name but a few.

between the two.”

Rosewood is developing, as Arora describes,

Using The Carlyle as an example, he describes

into “something that is extremely intangible”.

how the hotel underwent extensive renovations

Something that needs a certain sensibility and

over seven years, during which time the world

takes time to be both created and appreciated.

changed dramatically, meaning the group had to

Devilish details, the making of estates and

ensure the design was thought through. “These

love letters to destinations all speak of this

are showcases for our future projects,” he notes.

considered approach. Here’s to Rosewood 3.0.

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Meeting…

Louis and Anouk Solanet Following the opening of Hôtel Orphée in 2022, the Paris-based founders of Orso discuss family, design flair and the future. © Ludovic Balay

PROFILE Louis and Anouk Solanet Co-founders, Orso Having gained experience in hotel management through the family business, Louis and Anouk Solanet launched the Orso brand in 2020, and have built a sevenstrong portfolio across Paris. With an eye for design and a steadfast commitment to the core values of hospitality, the husband-and-wife team work closely with collaborators to curate every aspect of their hotels, from the interiors and brand identity to the warm welcome on arrival.

Words: Catherine Martin

F

rom low-cost lodgings to palatial grandes

areas of a city,” says Louis of their travels, first

dames, Paris has a vast and varied inventory

as a couple, then as a family with young children.

of hotels, catering to every demographic,

“We then realised that we wanted to develop our

every taste and every budget – it is, after all,

own brand and create a hotel that we would like

one of the most-visited cities in the world. But

to visit ourselves.”

amongst the single-property independents and

The opportunity came in the form of an

multi-brand portfolios, one couple are doing

existing hotel in the 17th arrondissement, not

things a little differently, building a modest

far from the Champs-Élysées. “It was a chance

collection of hotels that combine good design

to combine our own interest in design with the

with the good old-fashioned values of hospitality.

experience we have from the franchise hotels,”

FAMILY FIRST Meet Louis and Anouk Solanet, the husband-

Portfolio: Hôtel Doisy (2017); Hôtel Léopold (2019); Hôtel Cabane (2020); Hôtel Rochechouart (2020); Hôtel Ami (2021); Hôtel Wallace (2021); Hôtel Orphée (2022)

060

and-wife team behind Orso. Based in Paris, the

Anouk explains. “Our aim was to create a more personalised, family-friendly brand.” And so Orso was born.

duo describe their journey as a family story,

A WARM WELCOME

beginning with Louis’ father, Jean Solanet, who

“The inspiration for Orso came from our own

ran a hotel management firm and can be credited

experiences; we stayed at a lot of different types

with the success of the Campanile brand, which

of hotels, guesthouses and even with friends,

saw rapid growth through the 1980s. “When I

and what we remembered most was the warm

returned to France from studying abroad, I had

welcome,” continues Anouk. “We wanted to offer

the opportunity to work with the family to help

that same kind of welcome in our own hotels.”

develop the business,” explains Louis, admitting

On a mission to restore the core values of

that at the time, he had no intention of a career

hospitality, the duo reveal that good manners,

in hospitality. Anouk was also following her own

simplicity and generosity are at the heart of Orso,

path, relocating to Paris from the Netherlands,

along with a style of service that only comes

where she worked for an international law firm.

from the human touch. Welcoming guests as

It was here she met and married Louis, and soon

friends rather than another anonymous booking

stepped into the family business.

makes for a homely arrival, as does the aroma of

“We spent work and holidays visiting the hotels

freshly-brewed coffee and a slice of homemade

we managed, but they weren’t always in the best

cake. Other details feed into the ethos too: the

MEETING…

© Pierre Musellec

breakfast offer is made up of quality produce

that particular project,” Anouk continues, adding

to create the interiors for seductive basement

from the local boulangerie, and specially curated

that a close relationship with École Camondo,

bar Mikado, having renovated the guestrooms

neighbourhood guides pinpoint bars, cafés,

an interior architecture school in Paris, has been

and restaurant in 2020. The property also

restaurants and boutiques that are frequented

key to finding new talent. “We like to work with

features a newly-opened oyster bar, Citrons et

by Parisians rather than tourists. For younger

people who haven’t designed a hotel before,”

Huîtres, where Marion Mailaender has utilised

guests, games, colouring sets and a dressing-up

Louis picks up. “They are very enthusiastic and

a cyanotype printing technique to envelop the

box are provided, and come nightfall, a bedtime

are open to fresh ideas; there are no limitations

space in dramatic blue tones.

story helps them drift off to sleep.

to their creativity.”

DESIGN DNA

studios and individual designers, it’s clear that

As Orso’s largest property to-date, Hôtel

The design of Orso’s hotels is also likened to a

Louis and Anouk are closely involved in every

Rochechouart signifies the future direction of the

family. “We see them as members of the same

aspect of bringing new properties to life – they

brand, with Louis and Anouk actively looking to

family, each with their own personality, style

have even developed their own fragrance and

expand. “We opened seven hotels in two years, so

and identity,” reveals Louis. “They are all very

skincare line using wild fennel from Corsica, as

it was very quick,” points out Louis, stating that

different, yet linked through the same DNA.”

well as pre-mixed cocktails that are available to

the rapid growth was very much opportunistic.

For example, at Hôtel Ami in the 15th

purchase. They are meticulous in their approach

Now the Orso name is established, the duo are

arrondissement, Gesa Hansen has brought

to selecting a designer too, first observing them

being more strategic in their growth, both in

her minimalist Nordic style; Hôtel Wallace by

from afar, then meeting up in person to ensure

location and key count. “We’re looking to develop

Hauvette & Madani channels retro-chic; Hôtel

there’s a synergy between them. Rigid design

four-star properties with more guestrooms and

Orphée by Éloïse Bosredon plays with geometric

briefs are not part of the process, however. “At

larger common areas, which isn’t so easy to

shapes and block colour; and at Hôtel Léopold in

the beginning, we ask for a moodboard to ensure

find,” he continues. “We would like to expand

the heart of the Montparnasse district, BR Design

the style and quality aligns with what we have in

further in Paris, but also outside of France, to

pay tribute to the Roaring Twenties with a rich

mind,” says Louis. “Then we like to give them

city centre locations around Europe.”

colour palette, bronze detailing and statement

the freedom to express their creativity.”

Preferring to collaborate directly with small

MAKING MEMORIES

Despite the growth potential, the duo remain

headboards. Each is distinct. “We don’t want

This freedom has resulted in original and

committed to their core brand values of well-

to create the same product every time, so we

imaginative interiors. At Hôtel Cabane – cosy

designed spaces and a warm welcome. “There

look at the architecture of the property, the

cabin-style lodgings designed as a haven in the

has to be a nice ambiance and a story behind the

history of the area and the characteristics of

city – interiors have been furnished with vintage

design,” they conclude. “Then it’s all about the

the immediate neighbourhood, then choose an

and second-hand pieces from Selency. And at

neighbourhood and the people; that’s what the

interior designer who we feel is the best fit for

Hôtel Rochechouart, Festen recently returned

best hotel memories are made of.”

061

25 Years Of DesignAgency Upon celebrating a milestone anniversary, the Founding Partners of DesignAgency discuss the past, present and future of hospitality design.

A

inception in Toronto, the studio’s Founding

ON ITS EVOLUTION AC: We each have our strengths, and those have

Partners Allen Chan, Anwar Mekhayech and

continued to gel over the past 25 years, both creatively

quarter of a century after DesignAgency’s

Matt Davis reveal more about the journey so far.

ON THE INITIAL VISION AC: Since the very beginning, we envisioned a design

just the three of us – we now have a team of 115 people in studios around the world, including Toronto, Washington DC, Los Angeles and Barcelona.

studio that functioned at the crossroads of various

AM: As our team has grown, so too has the scope of

disciplines. We were inspired in part by some of the

our work. We have ramped up our services to focus on

prolific creative studios of the past including the Eames

creative strategy, design thinking, branding and graphic

Office. Our academic backgrounds are Architecture

design, and we work with many clients in the early

(Allen), Engineering (Anwar) and Landscape Architecture

stages of their projects. Today, we have so much more

(Matt), but our passions have always stretched much

experience than when we started, but we’re still always

further to travel, food, art, graphic design, branding,

asking ourselves how we can be better, think better and

industrial design and music.

Allen Chan, Anwar Mekhayech and Matt Davis founded DesignAgency in 1998, combining their expertise in architecture, engineering and landscaping. The firm now has a team of 115 working across design studios in Toronto, Washington DC, Los Angeles and Barcelona.

and in terms of running the studio. But it’s no longer

design better.

AM: When we founded DesignAgency in 1998, we were

MD: Expanding our footprint to include studios in

already good friends – Allen and Matt met at school,

Europe and key US cities has been important in terms

and Matt worked at my family’s restaurant during his

of how we work, because it allows us to maintain

thesis year. We had discussed launching a design studio

our collaborative approach. Today, we have projects

together when I was offered the opportunity to open a

all over the world, yet we continue to work closely

bistro called SpaHa – that was the catalyst for us.

with our clients as well as local artists, craftspeople and suppliers. We enjoy fostering relationships with fabricators and artists to develop bespoke furnishings, lighting and art installations. That dynamic remains integral to our DNA.

ON MILESTONE HOTEL PROJECTS AM: Looking back, we’ve had a series of big breaks that have helped us grow. Some significant milestones have included the opportunity to collaborate with Nick Jones and his design team on Soho House Toronto.

Generator was another brand that catapulted us into the global hospitality market. I would also include the

062

MEETING…

“The role of interior designers has shifted and become more significant in the business model, moving from consultant to creative lead.”

MATT DAVIS

recent expansion of The Drake in Toronto as a meaningful hotel project. The property made history when it opened as the city’s first design hotel and the new phase gave us the chance to help reimagine it for the future. Uniquely, almost every member of our design team lived in the neighbourhood.

Our knowledge of the area and the building’s history had a profound influence on every decision, from choosing materials to identifying local collaborators.

AC: We’ve grown our portfolio in the lifestyle and luxury sectors to include brands like St Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Hilton, working on multi-phase transformations as well as newbuild projects. The Dalmar in Fort Lauderdale was our first newbuild hotel, where we were not only the designers but also the creative lead.

MD: Looking ahead, there are projects underway that I anticipate will be future milestones. We first partnered with Pendry Hotels & Resorts to craft a creative direction and design language for Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf, which opened in late 2022. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the brand again to transform a 1912 Manor House – located on 90 acres of rolling hills in Somerset County, just outside of New York City – into Pendry Natirar. We are also embarking on collaborations with Accor and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and we look forward to sharing more about those soon.

ON CHANGES IN HOSPITALITY DESIGN AM: The pace of projects and expectations of clients have changed due to technology and visualisation tools. Clients and end-users are much more design savvy than before and we’ve continued to treat the design process as a creative business strategy model, developing experiences and interiors that fit a business plan yet also function well and look great.

MD: We’ve found that the role of the interior designer has

Top to bottom: The Drake demonstrates DesignAgency’s localised approach; The Ritz-Carlton Toronto reflects the studio’s role as a creative lead rather than a consultant; and Andaz Toronto will champion its focus on the user experience

063

MEETING…

“I don’t know if anyone can predict what hotels will look like in 2100, but as designers, we must plan for the future.”

ALLEN CHAN

shifted and become more significant in the business model, moving from consultant to creative lead. 25 years ago, an interior designer was brought on after the model was figured out, but now we’re involved in the early conceptual stage, which affects focus and budgeting. It’s about setting the overall tone and using design to enhance the user experience.

ON THE NEXT 25 YEARS AM: There are many opportunities to use design to change, grow and improve while maintaining our core values of designing with passion and purpose, leading the pack and bringing people together. Diversity is strength. We’ll always love to take on projects that involve reinvention and challenging the status quo.

AC: We are constantly exploring projects in different sectors and geographies, and I suspect that will still be true 25 years from now.

ON HOTEL DESIGN IN 2100 MD: Over the past decade, we’ve seen some unpredicted shifts from disruptive companies as well as market, technology and consumer-driven influences – not to mention the pandemic.

The climate crisis and the environmental impact of travel is also an important conversation, with sustainability playing an ever-increasing role in hospitality. All these things will change the way the coming decades shape up.

AC: I don’t know if anyone can predict what hotels will look

like in 2100, but as designers, we must plan for the future.

It’s clear that sustainability and technology will play a huge role in how we think about design and experiences. Wellness is also here to stay, and as the world gets smaller, travellers

Top to bottom: The St Regis Toronto highlights DesignAgency’s renovation expertise; Pendry Washington DC embodies its deep-rooted DNA; and Montage Cay will showcase the studio’s adaptability

064

will be looking to differentiate one experience from the next.

We’re already seeing luxury redefined in more personal and experiential ways. How that all shakes out will be interesting to see and contribute to.

KO D O C O L L EC T I O N S H O W R O O M KO RT R I J K , B E L G I U M

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

B AT H R O O M

ACCESSORIES

SERIES

MIRRORS

LIGHTS

H I X E V E N T 2 023 . LO N D O N 16 -17 N OV E M B R E 2 023

W W W. D E C O R - WA LT H E R .C O M

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28.08.23 11:14

THE LOBBY

Exactly As Nature Intended The integration of biophilic principles into hospitality

grow without soil, absorbing moisture and nutrients

design has flourished in recent years, cultivating an

from the air around them and changing colour as they

environment that aims to better connect guests to the

blossom. The result is a living, breathing chandelier

natural world. The approach has come a long way since

that serves as the dramatic centrepiece of the lobby.

the early days of a few potted plants sitting lonely on

Through the combination of botany, design and

the windowsill, with green façades, living walls and

human sciences, Nadeau’s objective is to improve

garden rooms amongst the initiatives that contribute

quality of life in interior spaces, a philosophy that

to a healthy built environment.

aligns perfectly with the 1 Hotels brand promise

At 1 Hotel Mayfair, Patrick Nadeau has taken a

to bring the outdoors in and celebrate the beauty of

different approach, combining interior architecture with

nature. In total, 1 Hotel Mayfair houses 1,300 individual

nature for his own style of ‘vegetal design’. Working

plants, shrubs and trees across more than 200 local and

with SH Hotels & Resorts and designers GA Group,

regional species. Thankfully, following a recruitment

the Paris-based atelier dressed an illuminated dome

drive for ‘nature creators’ there are now three members

with 50,000 strands of Tillandsia Usneoides, a type

of staff dedicated to watering, trimming and tending

of moss that typically attaches to trees in the tropics.

to the greenery, ensuring it continues to thrive exactly

More commonly known as air plants, they are able to

as nature intended. © Jon Day

THE LOBBY

Play Don’t Pay Birch collaborates with Joy Bomb London to create a playful pop-up at its new hotel and members’ club in Selsdon.

As brand collaborations go, Joy Bomb London’s

scientifically proven health benefits including

latest link-up with hotel and members’ club

stress and anxiety reduction, improved mood,

Birch is one that will certainly catch the eye.

better problem-solving skills and cognitive

Inviting visitors into a whimsical world where

function, as well as increased emotional

the conventions of traditional commerce are

resilience. Imaginative play also encourages a

gleefully subverted, the immersive art experience

sense of creative community and connection,

encourages guests to reconnect with their

which neatly aligns with Birch’s brand ethos.

creative side as they shop their worries away.

a reflection on the ways in which our society

and signature restaurant Elodie, with a playful

prioritises material wealth over the intangible

palette that is detached from the otherwise

richness of lived experiences,” explains Amy

minimalist aesthetic, JoyMart is a celebration

Broch, founder of Joy Bomb London and Chief Joy

of spontaneity, imagination and the wonders

Officer, who draws on childhood nostalgia, pop

of being fully present in the moment. Shoppers

culture and her own imagination to transform

can grab a trolley and wander the aisles with

ordinary spaces into site-specific interactive

Store Manager Panda, taking in the guilt-free

installations, or “mini worlds” as she puts it.

goodness of play without paying a penny; the only currency in the till here is imagination.

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“Through this installation, we hope to provoke

Making its mark between the reception desks

“By questioning the prevailing notion that value is synonymous with monetary exchange,

The aim of the JoyMart experience is to foster

we seek to inspire a shift in perspective – one

a culture that cherishes the value of playfulness,

that celebrates the transformative power of

not only for children but for adults too. According

play and prompts us all to re-evaluate the true

to Joy Bomb London, play unlocks many

sources of joy and fulfilment in our lives.”

Colour calling Nu Collection

Nu faucets represent a purity of visual expression and a synthesis of essential design elements: form, shape and colour. A collection that strips away the artifice to arrive at the essence of its timeless design.

roca.com/nu

THE LOBBY

Hotels are staying abreast of the latest trends, partnering with fashion houses for a stylish series of pop-ups.

© Audrey Ma

© Iris Ooms / Presstigieux

À La Mode

Ever since Versace put its haute couture stamp

recently held a night of glamour in collaboration

on the hospitality sector – in the form of a lavish

with Vogue Netherlands.

palazzo on Australia’s Gold Coast – hotels have

“Hotels and fashion brands complement

continued to forge partnerships with luxury

each other perfectly since they both target

fashion houses, hoping to attract the most stylish

the same audience without competing,” says

of guests.

Haris Stavridis, a former Vogue editor and the

The likes of Armani and Bulgari have branched

founder of Globe & Trotter, a boutique PR agency

out into branded hotels; Missoni has tailored

that focuses on brand partnerships. Having

its colourful knitwear for interiors; and, more

collaborated with the likes of Missoni, Assouline

recently, Karl Lagerfeld’s characteristic style has

and Elite London, Stavridis knows all too well

come to grace a hotel-within-a-hotel at Grand

the power of the perfect partnership. “Pop-up

Lisboa Palace Resort in Macau.

boutiques within luxury hotels add a desirable

But for those cautious of investing in an all-

point of sale for brands, with holidaying guests

out fashion-forward fad – they are notoriously

relaxed and ready to spend. Not only that, but

fleeting, after all – there are other ways to

such collaborations produce high-quality content

draw on the allure of a big-name design house;

that is shared widely on social media, spreading

bringing the glamour of the catwalk, pop-ups are

the word to guests’ social circles and beyond. The

the latest en-vogue trend to hit the mainstream.

potential for huge exposure makes it a win-win

Summer 2023 has seen Louis Vuitton land

situation for everyone.”

at Zuma Mykonos, where the hotel’s pool and

There are risks however. “As hotels increasingly

daybeds have been emblazoned with signature

partner with fashion brands, the novelty factor

LV monograms alongside a summer boutique.

can wane,” Stavridis notes. “Heavy usage of

Valentino has customised Palazzo Avino’s

logos risks becoming too loud, repetitive and

beach club, bringing its signature red to the

predictable. The solution – especially for pop-up

Italian riviera through custom sun loungers and

spaces – is a more creative and localised approach

parasols. And Dior has flown its Toile de Jouy

adapted to each hotel. That’s the magic.”

© Iris Ooms / Presstigieux

across the globe, in the form of a perfectly pink

Mutually beneficial, hotel and fashion

café and art installation at Four Seasons Resort

collaborations tap into the retailer’s desire for

Bali at Jimbaran Bay, following the brand’s

experiences that go beyond high-street stores,

poolside stint at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

while bringing a new USP to hotels looking to

Others are taking a different approach, opting

take their offerings to new heights. For fashion

to host special one-night-only events. Hotel Cala

fanatics who are after more than just a handbag,

di Volpe on Costa Smeralda, for example, staged a

hotel operators have the power to give them the

catwalk show to spotlight Bulgari’s new jewellery

whole haute couture package by keeping their

collection, while Pillows Maurits at the Park

fingers on the fashion pulse.

devon-devon.com

ADV SLEEPERS AGOSTO 2023 - Devon&Devon.indd 2

13/06/23 17:17

Mamula Island MONTENEGRO A historic fortress guarding the Bay of Kotor is transformed into a luxury hotel, featuring interiors the foster a sense of serenity.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of Design Hotels

O

n the sailing over to Mamula Island, a 19th-century fortress emerges majestically from the rocky outcrop, its imposing walls growing ever mightier on the

approach; it’s easy to see why enemies once feared these waters. Set in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Montenegro, the fort has a chequered history, having been commissioned

by Austro-Hungarian general Lazar Mamula to guard the Bay of Kotor and defend against attack, before serving as a barbarous concentration camp under Mussolini’s regime through World War II. Since then, it has been left to ruin, neglected and vandalised, haunted by its turbulent past.

But the vision of Egyptian businessman Samih Sawiris has ushered in a new era, bringing a sense of serenity to the site through its transformation into a luxury hotel. As the former CEO of Orascom Development Holding, Sawiris is no stranger to developing and operating hotels, and, having fallen for Montenegro’s charm, set about embarking on his passion project. After presenting his scheme to the government, a lease was granted in 2015, and, with Mamula Island forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the agreement was based on the condition that the fort’s historic importance be preserved. This meant that crumbling brickwork was to be repaired and cleaned; new architectural interventions had to be in keeping with the original structure; and when a series of frescoes were discovered beneath layers of concrete during construction, they were to be painstakingly restored in a process that took six months. Every aspect had to be approved by Montenegro’s Ministry of Culture. To

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A series of frescoes discovered beneath layers of concrete during construction were painstakingly restored to become a feature in the suites

demonstrate his commitment to the heritage of the

so sensitive are these extensions that they appear as

island, Sawiris has also created a memorial gallery

part of the original build. Taking a more contemporary

featuring nautical charts and photographs from the

approach is the poolside restaurant, an all-glazed

archives, whilst a mounted plaque commemorates

insertion with wraparound bi-folding doors to make

those who spent time incarcerated there.

for an indoor-outdoor eatery.

On entering the fort – via a steeply inclined electric

Leading on the architectural elements, Lisbon-

buggy ride from the jetty – there’s no doubting the

based MCM Architecture & Design worked closely with

structure’s former use, its drawbridge still intact and

the authorities through the restoration process and in

counterweight and pulley mechanisms on display.

planning the newbuild components, while WeStudio

Arriving guests are whisked up to the summit of the

was brought in to create the interiors. Appointed in

site to bask in the shade of a Mediterranean pine tree,

2021 when construction was already well underway,

and it’s from here that the resort can be seen in all its

the practice was tasked with developing a holistic

glory, with guestrooms and suites primarily spanning

design concept that extends to the furniture and

the perimeter, a spacious pool deck at the centre, and

finishes, having caught the eye of Sawiris for its work

the dominant circular tower now housing the spa. The

at The Cōmodo in Bad Gastein. “Our goal was to create

thick sturdy walls of the original fortress remain, as do

a holistic resort in which everything looks like it comes

the arrowslit apertures and distinctive battlements –

from one hand – the public spaces, the guestrooms,

the gaps that once allowed for the launch of projectiles

the old, the new – using the same materials, the same

from within the defences. Look closely and there are

shapes and the same colour palette,” explains Piotr

newbuild elements too, such as the addition of two

Wisniewski, co-founder of We Studio, adding that

panoramic suites on the upper level of the tower,

these elements come together to form an environment

as well as a series of garden rooms that perch atop

where guests feel connected to the location.

the perimeter walls and look out to the landscape;

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Though the interior planning and position of

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Arches, a feature of the original architecture, have been used in various ways to develop a consistent design language

plumbing and lighting was already determined, We Studio was given free rein to develop a design concept, the only stipulation from Sawiris being that it had to feel luxurious.

“Everyone has a different idea of luxury, so I wanted to do what is right for the location,” Wisniewski continues. “For me, that meant taking an honest approach and using durable and luxurious material in a simple way.”

The honest approach sees a selection of natural materials including solid oak, aged brass and different types of stone feature alongside a colour palette that harmonises with the landscape. Upholstery is breathable and organic in earthy tones of olive and ecru; even the plaster is at-one with nature, a process that involved colour-matching to the island soil. We Studio also looked to cultural references and artisanal techniques for inspiration; giant terracotta amphoras – urns that are part of the heritage of this region – stand tall in every corner, while artworks and pottery have been commissioned from local studios.

Perhaps the most prominent reference to the location is in the humble arch, a feature of the original architecture that has been used in various ways to develop a consistent design language. Not only does it form the shape of the suites with the ceilings gently curving overhead, window openings and doorways follow the same contours too. “As I designer, I tend to stay away from trends and over the past year, arches have been used everywhere as a motif,” explains Wisniewski.

“But for this project, it is a motif that I can justify; it’s not just aesthetic, there’s context.”

Circles and curvilinear forms are also prevalent throughout the interiors in honour of the fortress’ floorplate, with its

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LIGHTING FOR LIFE

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two intersecting circles making up the resort’s

mainland, the natural stone walls effectively

logo. Every piece of furniture and light fitting

enhancing the acoustics.

features curves or rounded edges, from the

By day, the atrium serves a lounge for spa

bedhead and inviting sofas to the tables, dining

guests, providing a serene spot to linger after

chair backrests and pendants. While some

an afternoon relaxing in the steam room,

furnishings are from Gubi, Roda and Flos, the

sauna and experience showers, which are best

majority is designed bespoke by Wisniewski.

enjoyed with the windows open to feel the

“I was reading up on Yugoslavian and Balkan

gentle sea breeze. Even treatment rooms foster

design and found multiple examples of local

a connection with nature, either through direct

joinery that uses no glue or nails,” he notes,

views to the landscape or in the scent of the

adding that he has utilised the same techniques

organic skincare products, made by Ananné

to craft bedside tables and shelving units.

using plants from the island.

There are other clever design solutions too:

In all, a stay at Mamula Island is a restful and

in the suites beneath the arches, a mirrored

reenergising experience. Despite being only a few

headboard reflects the light to open up the

kilometres from mainland, it feels a world away

space; in Kamena – a fine-dining restaurant

from the expansive mixed-used developments

that nestles in the cliff – horizontal windows

that dot the coast. Landscaping is wild and the

counteract the low ceilings and offer views of

only sound is the waves rhythmically crashing

the sun setting over the sea; and in the spa,

against the rocks and the occasional squabble of

the centre of the tower is now topped with a

the nesting gulls. The design is sympathetic to

glazed roof, making for a voluminous atrium

its setting so that nothing feels jarring or out of

that can be used for events – on Sleeper’s visit,

place, as if it has always been here. The island

an opera recital attracted music lovers from the

finally feels at peace.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Samih Sawiris Developer: Mamula Construction Affiliation: Design Hotels Architecture: MCM Architecture & Design Interior Design: We Studio Lighting Design: Rossi Bianch Branding: Studio AS-CC Landscaping: Gaia Chaillet Giusti Heritage Consultant: Projektor www.mamulaisland.com

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indoor.technoalpin.com

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The Lodge MALLORCA Único Hotels converts an agricultural estate into a rural retreat that immerses guests in nature.

Words: Agnish Ray • Photography: Courtesy of Único Hotels

L

avender fields flank the driveway leading to a 19th

century finca in the north of Mallorca. Once a farm producing potato, corn and olive oil, this 157-hectare

plot is now home to a new hotel – The Lodge – that offers an immersion into the rural heart of the island, urging guests to believe in the value of nature and heritage in luxury travel.

Today, the grounds are filled with olive, cypress and carob trees. Guests wander the finca by foot, buggy or bike to absorb the essence of the agricultural land that continues to bear fruits like apples, oranges, figs and pomegranates, as well as herbs including mint, thyme and rosemary. Goats and other wild animals are spotted on occasion, while a patch of solar panels generates 40% of the property’s energy.

The centrepiece of the lobby stands in tribute to the agricultural heritage of the plot. It is the finca’s original oil mill, known as a tafona and made from iron and stone, where olives gathered from century-old trees were pressed to yield their golden nectar. Other original features include a stone sink that once stood in the farmhouse’s kitchen, now a water fountain whose soothing trickle greets visitors as they approach the reception.

This is the second property in Mallorca by Único Hotels; the group opened Finca Serena in 2019, a similarly peaceful

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The interiors are modern and minimalist without compromising on the cosy, inviting atmosphere of an age-old farmhouse

hideaway built on a medieval ranch. Now, Único

“The landscaping is based on Mediterranean

has two such stops on the island for those

plants,” he explains. “We could have chosen

seeking an escape to nature.

lawns and palm trees, but since we’re in the

Six of The Lodge’s suites are located in the main farmhouse, along with the reception

ecological landscaping.”

common areas, while 18 others are distributed

Lettuce, aubergine, peppers, tomatoes,

in clusters around the estate – newly

courgettes and other produce from the vegetable

constructed yet on the remains of the farm’s

orchard are served at Singular, the hotel’s

various outhouses. The most luxurious among

restaurant, directed by Ramón Friexa. The two-

them measures over 50m2 with its own pool

Michelin starred chef also runs the F&B offers

and terrace. Meandering between the buildings

of two other properties in the group’s portfolio,

and beyond are three different hiking routes,

Único Madrid and Mas de Torrent.

totalling 20 kilometres, which have been created

At The Lodge, his menu focuses on cooking

for active travellers to explore the grounds of

over a wood fire. Guests enjoy the smoky flavour

the estate.

of meats such as lamb cutlets and Iberian

The vegetation of the land will take a year or

tenderloin, together with fish like sea bass

two to fully flourish. Juan Segura, Global Sales

and sea bream, roasted and chargrilled using

Director at Único Hotels, says that planting

firewood gathered from the finca itself. The

choices were consciously made to be as native

cuisine is also an homage to the gastronomic

as possible, regenerating the vegetation

heritage of Mallorca; the prawns are from Sóller,

that was already part of the heritage of the

the salt is from Es Trenc and the olive oil and

land – particularly considering its location

wine are produced at Finca Serena.

within a protected area of natural interest.

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Sierra de Tramuntana, we wanted non-invasive,

Spiced with cinnamon and cumin, the

creamy arròs pobler – rice stewed with pork belly from the Mallorcan black pig, botifarró, a kind of blood sausage typical on the island, and cuttlefish – is Freixa’s interpretation of a favourite dish from the hotel’s nearest town, Sa Pobla. The chef says this particular part of the island absorbed Jewish and Moorish influences centuries ago, whose traces have remained in its cuisine today.

The original stone walls of the finca are left exposed in parts of the restaurant, interspersed with the cool, contemporary feel of polished cement. Crafted by Único’s in-house designer Pilar García-Nieto, the interiors feel modern and minimalist without compromising on the cosy, inviting atmosphere of an age-old farmhouse; esparto table mats and wicker window blinds, for instance, are rustic yet homely.

García-Nieto says she looked to the nature around her – the colours and textures of the earth – in designing the space. “We wanted to achieve a serene, harmonious and elegant style, balancing the old and the new,” she explains.

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

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Breakfast is served on a large, antique

The Lodge feels remote, though picturesque

wooden cabinet, whose shelves display pieces

towns like Pollensa and Alcudia are just a

of pottery; many of the ceramic pieces dotted

short drive away. Smaller, quaint villages like

around the hotel were found in the original

Campanet and Búger are even closer by, and

farmhouse, while others have been designed by

coastal spots like Playa de Muro are at hand for

local artisans. García-Nieto says moulding clay

beach lovers.

is one of her own favourite hobbies and reveals

Now with two hotels in Mallorca, Único is

that the property also plans to offer ceramics

keen to ensure each has a unique offer and

workshops for guests to sink their hands into

audience. “Both are quite different,” explains

one of Mallorca’s most prized craft traditions.

Segura. “Finca Serena is more secluded and

In the lounge area meanwhile, dark timber

focused on relaxation, peace and finding

coffee tables feature books on iconic figures in

yourself. The Lodge is also a refuge but it’s for

art and design, from Charles and Ray Eames

a more active clientele, who want to walk in the

and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to Ai Weiwei and

mountains or go to towns with places to eat,

Piet Mondrian.

visit and shop.”

Copper, orange and brown rugs and cushions

A stay at The Lodge is an immersion into

add touches of colour against the neutral

the cycles of the earth, whether observing

background of grey sofas and cream-coloured

the gradually changing landscape or enjoying

floors and walls, while rounded stools mimic

morning yoga classes conducted in an open-

the shade of the oil mill’s pale stone structure.

air cabin set amidst the vegetable garden. It’s a

At the entrance, an ornate French tapestry

feast for the senses, and the infinity pool offers

makes an extravagant break from the otherwise

an idyllic viewpoint at which to pause and watch

understated space.

it all go by.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Único Hotels Affiliation: SLH Interior Design: Pilar García-Nieto Landscaping: PPB Proyectos Paisajísticos de Baleares www.thelodgemallorca.com

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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

Radisson RED, Liverpool // © Radisson Hotels // northern-lights.co.uk

Como Le Montrachet BURGUNDY Paola Navone transforms a 19th-century place du village into Como Group’s first French property.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill Photography: Courtesy of Como Group

he small, picturesque village of Puligny-

T

The main building, which houses the lobby,

Montrachet, which lends its name to a

restaurant, bar and 17 guestrooms, is joined on

classification of wine, lies prettily amid

the square by the neighbouring Residence –

the vineyards of Montrachet, best-known for

home to eight suites. On the opposite side of the

its Grand Crus made from Chardonnay grapes.

square, Villa Christine comprises another five

It’s for this reason that the peaceful hamlet in

suites, some of which benefit from the villa’s

France’s Côte-d’Or region attracts so many wine

high-beamed eaves.

aficionados from across Europe and beyond.

“The architecture is typical of this area of the

At the heart of the community’s Place des

French countryside,” says Navone, explaining

Marronniers, a 19th-century inn has entered a

her sensitive approach to designing the

new chapter as the latest edition to the Como

property. “Our aim was to create connections

Group, after the company’s founder Christina

with the location and the way it makes you

Ong fell in love with the location. Just like Como

feel. There is a spirit that is connected to the

Castello del Nero in Tuscany, the hotel has

landscape and its agriculture, the wine and the

been reimagined in collaboration with Italian

concept of slow living. We wanted to introduce

architect-designer Paola Navone – founder of

touches that the guest can experience here, but

Milan-based Otto Studio and a long-time friend

nowhere else.”

of the group.

Reconnecting to French interior design

Drawing inspiration from the locale – under

tradition, Navone has brought distinct artisanal

the guiding theme of translating the esprit

elements to the multi-site property, in some

du lieu, or the spirit of place – Navone has

cases with the help of specialists. The expansive

transformed several buildings to create a total

high-ceilinged restaurant now features an

of 30 guestrooms and suites across the property.

entire wall made from woven willow, which

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Throughout the three buildings, the guestrooms and suites are grouped by colour, from green to blue-grey to a more graphic black-and-white scheme

is a reference to the baskets typically found in

Across the property, these references to

Burgundy, while enamelled terracotta finishes

French design tradition are brought into a

nod to the colourful, zig-zagging tiles that

contemporary context. The limestone walls

decorate the town hall across the street.

of the original structure for example are

The neighbouring bar, facing out onto the

complemented by 2m-wide white sphere

square, features a zinc bar counter, made by

moon lights with honeycomb patterns hanging

a small factory outside Lyon in honour of

from the vaulted ceiling. Minimalist modern

the classic bars long established as a cultural

furnishings in dark grey fill the expansive room,

reference across the country. “I’ve wanted to

while black-and-white Toile de Jouy curtains

create a zinc bar like this for many years, so

hang down each side of the French doors leading

when I finally discovered these craftspeople –

out to the restaurant terrace and garden.

who are using the same technique today that

On the other side of the restaurant’s arched

people used in the past – I realised my idea

doorways, the bar pairs circular black tables

was a possibility,” Navone enthuses, noting that

with soft seating in emerald green beneath

zinc is a material typical of French roofs.

pale sage painted beams. The same shade is

The connection to the locale is also seen

used for the walls and ceiling of the reception

through the choice of fabrics and furnishings

and lobby, which is decorated with grey-green

decorating the property. In each room and suite,

sofas, deep grey rugs, shelves of pottery and

the headboards, lampshades and sections of the

large standing lamps. Green beaded chandeliers

walls showcase the designer’s love for Toile de

hang at differing heights from the ceiling above

Jouy fabric, which has been used throughout

the reception desk.

France since the 18 th century and depicts pastoral scenes.

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Throughout the three buildings, the guestrooms and suites are grouped by colour,

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from sage to blue-grey and a more graphic

booked, taking visitors to the historic wineries

black-and-white scheme, chosen to work

of Côte de Beaune, while other experiences

with the warm light. At Villa Christine, the

include hiking through prestigious vineyards

Montrachet Suite and two-bedroom Como

and joining a local chef for a market visit and

Suite each span a generous 70m2 and come with

Burgundian cooking class.

expansive living spaces, also decorated in the villa’s monochromatic design.

These locally inspired interiors, filled with

who produces seasonal menus of creative fine

artisan-created design details, set the stage

dining dishes highlighting local produce. The

for a guest experience led by General Manager

property’s Sommelier, André Berthier – who

Florian Bonnin, which is centred around the

also hosts private tastings – pairs these dishes

evolution of French gastronomy through the

with wines from the region.

years. In keeping with Burgundy’s gastronomic

While Como Le Montrachet may already

traditions, the experience naturally showcases

seem complete, plenty more is yet to come.

the region’s exceptional wines, alongside an

Another building in the square’s vicinity will

appreciation for the bucolic landscape and rural

soon welcome a Como-branded spa, while

French charm.

a swimming pool is planned for the lawned

The property’s main structure is set across

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At the hotel itself, the gastronomic experience is defined by Executive Chef Romain Versino,

garden of the main structure.

the square from Maison Chanzy – residing in

“For every hotel’s design, we work to come

an old house that belonged to Côte d’Or legend

up with a different story,” Navone concludes

Vincent Leflaive – which through a partnership

with a smile. “It’s like writing a movie, and

with the hotel, offers wine tasting experiences

Como Le Montrachet is a movie that we are yet

to guests. Tours of the region can also be

to finish.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Olma Luxury Holdings Operator: Como Group Interior Design: Otto Studio www.comohotels.com

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THE DORCHESTER

SCAN ME! Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to be the main contractor on The Dorchester. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd: vbudd@beckinteriors.com

Penny Williamsburg BROOKLYN Sydell Group blends the worlds of hospitality and student housing with an artful property in one of New York’s trendiest boroughs.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Alice Gao

S

troll the leafy lanes of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood and the bustling streets of Manhattan feel like a world away. Despite being a short subway

ride across the bridge from the soaring heights of the concrete jungle, the shift in energy is palpable and it’s this trendy, residential spot that has seen hospitality experts Sydell Group launch a new brand at its very heart.

Having developed an industry-acclaimed portfolio that includes brands such as Freehand, The Line, NoMad and The Ned – each of which offers a different take on hospitality and picked up numerous awards at AHEAD – Sydell Group’s latest mission was to create a forward-thinking model that combines a hotel with accommodation for graduate students.

Enter Penny Williamsburg, the first of a brand dreamt up

by Sydell Group founder and CEO Andrew Zobler. “When we launched Freehand, the hybrid hotel-hostel market didn’t really exist in the US,” he explains. “Penny feels innovative in a similar way.”

Not only does the fusion of hotel and student housing deliver operational benefits, blending residential and hotel occupancy year-round, but the partnership with liberal arts institution Bard College also adds a unique culture to the building, according to Sydell Group’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Adam Bussell: “The hotel feels like part of the neighbourhood because it is. Bard College is a beloved school

094

095

Blending an industrial style with idiosyncratic touches, guestrooms are home to artworks curated by local non-profit groups Land Gallery and Pure Vision Arts

with an emphasis on fine arts, and guests can sense that creative energy throughout.”

While the property is far from the largest in

remained the same once Sydell came on board.

the portfolio, comprising 118 guestrooms in

“From an architectural perspective, the project

comparison to The Ned London’s 250 and NoMad

is a newbuild in a predominantly residential

Las Vegas’ 293, its larger-than-life personality

neighbourhood, so we wanted to combine

puts it on an equal footing, much like Zobler’s

traditional façade materials with a more

canine companions. “Since Penny Williamsburg

contemporary limestone brick,” she confirms.

is our most intimate site, it felt right for me

“We then enhanced the architectural detailing

to name it after my pet chihuahua, Penny,” he

via joints and brickwork patterns.”

explains. “I’m a dog lover and typically have

Perhaps more challenging for Stonehill Taylor

four at a time. Penny is the smallest dog I’ve

was the floorplan. “This is the first time we have

ever had but by far the most loving of all. Penny

designed a hotel and student housing in one,

Williamsburg may not be our largest to-date,

so that presented few obstacles to overcome,”

but I want it to be our most special.”

says Shah, noting that the guestrooms and

Such ambition called for a design partner that

096

Aditi Shah, Associate at Stonehill Taylor, reveals that the brief for the 11-storey structure

dormitories required very different layouts.

Sydell Group could trust, and with New York-

For the interior design, Stonehill Taylor

based architecture and interior design firm

worked under the guidance of Sydell Group’s

Stonehill Taylor – a longstanding collaborator

Director of Brand & Creative, Zoe Goldberg,

of Zobler and his team – involved in the

to envision a scheme that blends industrial

development before the company entered the

elements – think exposed ceilings and dark

mix, little discussion was needed around who

metals – with playful, idiosyncratic touches that

would be best placed to take the lead.

reflect the casual spirit of Williamsburg. “We

LET’S FOCUS ON THE “WE” IN WELLBEING.

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Courtesy of Faena Hotel, Miami Beach. Photographer Nik Koenig, USA

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had freedom within Zoe’s guidance,” explains Senior FF&E Designer Tomomi Waga Meininger, pointing to the practice’s involvement in the signature suite, the rooftop restaurant and bar, and the outdoor terrace. “We worked within the existing concrete surroundings to design colourful, homely spaces; high pile rugs for instance exude a luxurious residential feel, but we had to be careful not to lose durability.”

More like studio apartments than traditional hotel rooms, the private quarters feature lounge and dining areas, a selection of books curated

by New York bookstore The Strand, and a functioning kitchenette. Other room types such as the Sleeper Queen offer a pull-out sofa for kicking back after a day in the city, while a 700ft2 suite boasts a queen bed, bathroom with a soaking tub, and living and dining areas, as well as a kitchen and a private terrace with a garden overlooking the nearby rooftops. Adding to the luxurious feel are fabrics by Rubelli and linens

by Bellino, which invite guests to sleep in.

Given the hotel’s partnership with Bard

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College, art forms another key pillar of the

Serving up imaginative Mexican fare by

design, with 250 original works from 26 artists

Executive Chef Fernanda Serrano, who grew up

– curated by non-profit groups Land Gallery

in Mexico City and spent time in the kitchen

and Pure Vision Arts – dotted throughout the

at The NoMad London, elNico embodies the

rooms and public spaces. A portrait of Zobler’s

hotel’s vivacious spirit. “It’s like dining in

dog Penny – by Dallas-born Bard graduate

someone’s stylish apartment,” says Meininger,

Michelle Devereux – hangs above the entrance,

who encourages visitors to sample the cocktail

while the ground floor functions as an art

menu crafted by the group’s Vice President of

gallery with pieces by Brooklyn-based creatives.

Food & Beverage Leo Robitschek.

Japanese lighting designer Yuko Nishikawa has

The drinks may well be flowing at Penny

also made her mark between the lobby and rear

Williamsburg, but Sydell Group is certainly

courtyard, installing an explosion of vibrant

not resting on its laurels with the opening

pods that dangle from the ceiling.

of this debut property. According to Bussell,

“The artwork is central to the property’s

the company will continue to invest in the

ethos,” says Zobler, citing how the pieces are

arts, infusing the unique perspective of

offset by vintage and designer furniture that

neurodivergent artists into the guest experience,

adds tactility and warmth, together with lush

while plans are also afoot to expand its culture

plantscapes designed by Mac Carbonell of

gatherings and introduce a whole new facet of

nearby landscaping firm Verdant. “Our rooftop

showcasing artistic talent.

restaurant and bar, elNico, is filled with an

There’s talk of expansion into cities across

abundance of plants and design accents that

the US and Europe too, though whether Zobler

are relaxing yet bold, setting the stage for

will be naming future properties after his canine

approachable food and imbibing experiences.”

companions, remains to be seen.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Sydell Group Architecture: Stonehill Taylor Interior Design: Stonehill Taylor, Sydell Group (in-house team) Art Consultant: Land Gallery, Pure Vision Art Landscaping: Verdant www.penny-hotel.com

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The Largo PORTO An amalgamation of five historic buildings brings together Scandinavian hygge, Portuguese heritage and technology to create an experience like no other.

Words: Elly Earls • Photography: © Joachim Wichmann

T

here’s a before and after staying at

over it. If one were to describe the room in the

The Largo. Before, one may never have

style of a tech start-up elevator pitch, it might

experienced the joy of finding a secret

go something like ‘Scandinavian hygge meets

wine cellar behind a waterfall or realised the

Portuguese heritage meets innovation’ – a

absolute necessity of an automatically opening

philosophy that continues throughout.

toilet seat. Life after The Largo is also unlikely to

The owners have dubbed the property ‘The

feature a fridge full of pre-mixed white negronis

Home of Porto’. The home comforts come not

or a spider crab omelette sprinkled with pink

only in the sofas that guests sink into and never

and purple edible flowers for breakfast.

want to leave, or the down-to-earth colours and

Imagined by Danish hospitality collective

materials, but also the service. Staff feel like

Annassurra, The Largo sets the tone immediately

friends rather than people who are paid to cater

upon entering the lareiro, the Portuguese word

to guests’ every whim, and the whisper network

for hearth – their take on the lobby. There’s no

between them ensures that a conversation

check-in desk; arrival at the property is a casual

with, say, José, begins just where the one with

chat with the ‘journey’ team over a delicious

Katarina left off.

glass of local port on a plush, feathered sofa.

Beneath the hygge, The Largo is also

This room, guests are informed, is the heart

unmistakably of the city, and of Portugal.

of the hotel – its foundation. In the centre is a

The designers, Peter Bundgaard Rützou and

centuries-old pillar, one of the few remaining

Signe Bindslev Henriksen, founders of Danish

parts of the building’s interior that is as old as

design firm Space Copenhagen, didn’t go for

its 16th century shell.

the obvious colourful Portuguese tiles. Instead,

Another is its beloved rock piece, a stone

they undertook more than six years of research,

wall onto which a projector beams an ever-

visiting artisans, blacksmiths and stonemasons

shifting image that changes colour with the

across the country, and delving deep into its

time of day, the seasons and, thanks to carefully

history in museums and archives. The result

placed sensors, when a guest waves their hand

shines through in the details.

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Crafted by Portuguese artisans, ornate ceilings in the guestrooms are modern yet based on the building’s original design

The ornate ceiling panels of the 18 guestrooms

which would probably be extinct were it not for

are modern, yet based on the historical

the work of a local biodynamic farm, a close

building’s original design, while the bathtubs,

partner of The Largo. Guests are encouraged to

which are best enjoyed with a pre-mixed white

open the cabinets and engage with the items

negroni from the expansive minibar, were hewn

they find. If something really piques their

from gigantic slabs of Portuguese stone. The

interest, the team might even be able to connect

pleasing solidity of the stonework and millwork,

them with the craftspeople behind it.

all executed by Portuguese artisans, contrasts

Community engagement is one of the owners’

with the cloud-like comfort of the enormous

key tenets and the building’s original ceiling

beds and the almost-too-cosy sofas and

panels also served as inspiration for an art

armchairs. Technology is integrated seamlessly

exhibition displayed across the hotel. Five

too. Anything guests desire can be summoned

students studying at The University of Porto’s

via the in-room iPad or iPhone, while sensors

Department of Fine Arts were challenged to

mean that, upon entering the bathroom, there

reimagine them from their own perspective.

is no need to manually lift up the toilet seat.

Their answers to the call – which range from

The surprises continue with the one-of-akind Cabinet of Curiosities in each bedroom,

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sculptures to paintings to abstract pieces – adorn the walls throughout the property.

which explore different aspects of Portuguese

“The owners wanted to bring the spirit of

design, industry and history. In one room, the

Porto into the hotel,” says Rützou. The students

theme is Before the Object, which celebrates

are at one end of the spectrum of Portuguese

the process of craftsmanship rather than the

collaborators. At the other is the nonagenarian

result. One shelf is simply filled with virgin wool

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza,

sheared from an indigenous breed of sheep,

who, after turning Space Copenhagen down

Rather than selecting obvious materials like Portuguese tiles, Space Copenhagen opted for more earthy colours that pay homage to the country’s craft heritage

– twice – eventually agreed to create a mural for The Largo’s Nuno Mendes-helmed, streetfacing restaurant Cozinha das Flores.

For Henriksen, Siza’s approach to the project encapsulates the hotel’s philosophy. “Álvaro began by drawing musicians as he felt their vibrant feel was the right approach to infuse on this wall,” she recalls. “He is known for his extremely sharp and modern approach to architecture, stripped from detailing and nostalgic or romantic features, but this was so down to earth, human, beautiful and simple.”

Henriksen continues: “The theoretical part was infused with a playful, intuitive way of working, which is what we have also tried to achieve. We wanted to balance out the features, needs and functions of a hotel whilst also making it surprising and making guests feel good when they close their eyes.”

The entire property plays with the senses.

With the limitations of its footprint – an amalgamation of five historic buildings, acquired over time and with a 25m height difference between the front two and the back

106

three – there was no other choice, according

cart, mini-bar and fully stocked wine fridge.

to Rützou. “In the spaces towards the rear

But the temptation of breakfast at the terrace

of the hotel, which are away from natural

restaurant upstairs, with its plunge pool and

daylight, we tried to focus on different sensory

sweeping views of the city, or dinner at Cozinha

mechanisms,” he reveals.

Das Flores on ground level, melding right into

For example, the small courtyard behind the

the heart of the bustling city centre, will lure

lareiro seemed like a bottomless pit when the

most guests out of their home from home. The

designers first laid eyes on it, so they opted

team’s advice is to enjoy an expertly mixed

to install chiselled granite up the wall and

cocktail at the bar, Flor, before heading next

added an artificial waterfall, along with chairs

door to sample Nuno Mendes’ surprising take

and sofas from Sutherland Furniture’s Franck

on traditional Portuguese cuisine; one wouldn’t

collection. “The space engages both light and

expect the turnip natas and spider crab donuts

sound because the sunlight reflects in the water,

to work, but they absolutely do.

while the water dripping from shelf to shelf

Although leaving the comfort of The Largo

adds an element of sound,” Rützou explains.

feels mournful, the staff manage to make even

Henriksen adds: “Approaches like this

that journey an enjoyable one. A freshly-brewed

allowed us to transcend the limitations of the

pot of tea, or final glass of port in the lareiro

building’s small footprint.” Of course, there’s

on the way out, far surpasses most check-out

a hidden door, too, which leads to a secret wine

experiences. Guests are then whisked to the

cellar. “It feels like small universes opening

waiting chauffeur via a chain of staff extending

when guests dive into each of the areas.”

across the plaza. Life after The Largo may never

When it comes to dining, there is almost no need to leave the room, with its pantry, bar

108

match up to how guests feel in ‘The Home of Porto’, but at least they have the memories.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Annassurra Architecture: Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos Interior Design: Space Copenhagen Lighting Design: Filamento Graphic Design: All The Way To Paris, Margarida Olo Procurement: Annassurra, Designbrokers Hospitality Landscaping: Escala Main Contractor: Grupo San Jose www.thelargo.com

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17.03.22 17:50

Zel MALLORCA Meliá Hotels International teams up with Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal to launch a new Mediterranean-inspired brand.

Words: Chrissy Iley Photography: © Tomeu Canyellas Moragues

A

stone’s throw from Palma’s Old Town,

Ibiza and Formentera will no doubt help draw

the first-ever Zel hotel is gorgeously

the crowds to its new Balearic spot.

Spanish. Overlooking the Mediterranean,

“When bringing Zel to life, we wanted the

the property marks the beginning of a partnership

design to allude to the bountiful nature of

between tennis superstar Rafael Nadal and

the Mediterranean, blending natural, earthy

Meliá Hotels International, embodying Nadal’s

and oceanic tones with different textures and

freedom of life after tennis as well as his

shapes to generate a sense of peace, wellbeing

emotional connection with Mallorca, the island

and relaxation,” say Adriana Sans and Alvaro

where he grew up and continues to live.

Sans, founders of ASAH Studio.

The family-first spirit of the former world

“Throughout, guests will find features of

number one is apparent as soon as guests

Mediterranean culture from Italy and Greece,

walk through the door, thanks to a wonderous

as well as patterns and finishes with a Mallorcan

combination of Modernist chic and cosy design.

essence. Zel’s integration with its surroundings,

There is no reception desk as such, rather an

the open-air living concept and the patio – an

inviting lobby – or large terracotta-tiled patio –

essential element of local architecture – all

where staff with iPads welcome visitors.

contribute to a celebration of open spaces,

The lobby is the epicentre and energy source

creating an atmosphere brimming with energy.”

for the hotel, reflecting Nadal’s passion for

Taking this love of outdoor settings

outdoor life. With this in mind, design firm

as inspiration and using biophilic design

ASAH Studio decided to use the space to knit

as a starting point, the rooms have been

various areas together, including a coffee bar,

conceptualised with colours, textures and shapes

retail outlets and a Beso Beach club – whose

that convey the natural world, generating an

popular venues on the neighbouring islands of

aura of calm and a space for guests to reflect.

111

The interiors feature colours, textures and shapes that convey the natural world, as well as the island’s connection to the sea

The interiors also nod to the island’s connection

headphones, meaning they can be private party

to the sea, with prints and finishes in a mixture

animals too.

of maritime tones.

the sports camp-like facilities on offer; there’s

are high-tech yet homey. Behind a linen curtain

a spa, sauna, state-of-the-art gym and even a

for instance is a screen that enables guests to

Spanish-style yoga studio. “With our first Zel

watch their own phone or tablet, while the

hotel and the concept we have created for the

rocking chair on the balcony is perfect for taking

brand, we are looking to offer those moments

in the views.

in life that we enjoy so much,” he explains.

The aesthetic is like that of a sea cabin;

“Everyone knows that I love sailing, particularly

marine colours are combined with blonde oak

in the Mediterranean, as well as eating on

flooring, navy and white linen wall hangings,

the beach, and feeling at home by spending

and a timber cabinet. A daybed and oak ladder

time with family and friends. This is what we

– on which matching towels hang – add to the

wanted to convey with Zel and I believe we have

residential feel, while hessian is a common

achieved that.”

material used throughout. Even the shower is cordoned off by nautical ropes.

112

Nadal’s influence is perhaps most visible in

The 165 guestrooms – including 21 suites –

Having travelled the world during his glittering career, staying in countless hotels

Some rooms, including the junior suites, are

along the way, Nadal has learnt a lot about what

also equipped with a record player and vinyl; it’s

he – and others of a similar lifestyle – demands

mostly ‘80s and ‘90s records, like Rod Stewart’s

from a hospitality experience. “My travels

greatest hits and other disco divas. But in the

helped me in having an idea of the direction for

true paradox that is this hotel, there is also a

Zel,” he confirms. “Making our hotels feel like

plug-in stereo for guests’ mobile phones and

a second home is a key principle.”

113

Nadal’s relationship with Meliá has been

position in front of the Mediterranean Sea,”

built over several years, having discussed the

Nadal emphasises, noting the importance of

possibility of a collaboration with founder and

fusing a contemporary style with a traditional

Chairman Gabriel Escarrer Julià during many

Mediterranean feel. “I love modern décor, but

conversations. After meetings between Nadal

the design must also have soul and elements

and Escarrer’s teams, the duo arrived at a

that identify with my roots.”

concept that they believe embodies the spirit of the island.

And with the two Spaniards calling Mallorca

the hotel has a little something for everyone.

home, the isle was a sure-fire choice for Zel’s

Here, they can do everything or simply enjoy

debut. “Launching the brand here just made

themselves while doing nothing; we have

sense, like it did to me when I created the first

thought of every last detail to make sure their

Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor,” says Nadal.

visit to our home is unique. We also have a

“I had many options and places around the

programme full of events that celebrate life,

world that offered to host the academy, but I

from concerts, parties on the beach or by the

decided to open the main one in Mallorca. I

pool, to endless hours of music that flows

suppose the mental exercise, on my part, has

through each moment of the day.”

been the same with Zel.”

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Antonio Albiol, General Manager at Zel Mallorca, puts it nicely: “The personality of

With Mallorca now up and running, Nadal and

Also critical to the vision was the integration

Escarrer have turned their attention to South

of sports facilities, including two outdoor

America, where Zel Sayulita will open in 2025.

pools, one with sea views and direct access to

Using the Balearics as a blueprint, the hotel

the beach, and the other surrounded by a quiet

will again celebrate the outdoors, serving up

garden. “We are lucky to have such a privileged

Mediterranean culture to the Mexican market.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Meliá Hotels International Architecture and Interior Design: ASAH Studio Art Consultant: Futura Project Main Contractor: S’estel, Sampol Project Manager: RM Arquitectura www.melia.com

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LE AVE THE REST TO US

LUSSO.COM

The Tempus NORTHUMBERLAND The Doxford Group opens its first hotel, where Jeffreys Interiors break all the rules for an enchanting wonderland escape in North East England.

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of Jeffreys Interiors

W

ho says you can’t layer snakeskin and

of The Tempus, we hope to encourage visitors

leopard print, geometrics and florals?

and locals to our hotel, bar and restaurant from

Perhaps not what you might expect

far and wide as well as the surrounding areas.”

from a remote retreat in the Northumberland

Featuring

15

individually

designed

countryside, but when the aim is to stand out

guestrooms, the hotel is primarily newbuild,

from the crowd, a bold combination of texture,

slotting neatly between existing farmhouses

pattern and colour speaks volumes.

in an architectural scheme devised by Sadler

Designed by Jeffreys Interiors, The Tempus

Brown Group. Externally, the same stone is used

is the latest addition to The Doxford Group, a

to remain in keeping with the surroundings,

family business that has made its name through

while the gin gang – a roundhouse built to

the creation of memorable wedding venues;

enclose a horse engine – has been retained

the rustic Doxford Barns opened in 2015, soon

and transformed into the lobby, where original

followed by Charlton Hall, an 18th-century stately

stone and a pitched timber roof juxtaposes with

home. For Richard Shell, the group’s founder,

a contemporary starry sky lighting installation

a hotel has long been part of the plan for the

by April Key.

150-acre estate, with the region experiencing a

For the design scheme, The Doxford Group

significant rise in demand for overnight stays.

granted creative freedom to Jeffreys Interiors,

“I wanted to create an inclusive destination for

having previously worked with the studio on

guests to experience Charlton Hall Estate and

Charlton Hall. Using this venue as a starting

believe that the introduction of The Tempus

point, Design Director Jo Aynsley let her

will achieve this,” he explains. “Charlton Hall

imagination run wild, developing a look she

is a renowned wedding and events venue and

describes as cohesive chaos. “Our aim was to

to now have an extension of this in the form

create a visual delight, a daring place of wonder

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Interiors are rich in texture, pattern and colour, with a wide range of fabrics and finishes from the likes of Timorous Beasties, Romo, Paolo Moschino, Elitis and Pooky

and awe,” she explains. “We knew we needed

Lewis Carroll novel can be found throughout the

to break the mould to have a USP and saw a

property, from the Queen of Hearts wallpaper

gap in the market to play with the rules, which

to the tea-party cake-stand that has inspired

is where the Alice in Wonderland theme stems

the back-bar display. Even the hotel name –

from. We want to take guests on a journey

meaning time in Latin – alludes to The White

as they walk through the areas, as if they are

Rabbit racing against the hands of the clock.

falling down the rabbit hole.”

118

The bar journeys deeper into the magic and

It is indeed a journey of whimsy and wonder,

mystery, resulting in an enchanting space that

stimulating the senses at every turn. From the

comes into its own at nightfall. Referencing the

light-filled lobby, a library lounge takes on a

fictional Tulgey Wood where Alice’s adventures

darker, richer tone, with Farrow & Ball paintwork

play out, a series of booths are partitioned by

in deep aubergine accompanied by verre

tree branches sourced from the grounds of the

églomisé mirrors, handpainted tortoiseshell

estate, while wallpaper by Jean Paul Gaultier

panels and House of Hackney fabrics. Low-

features woodland scenes embellished with the

level lighting in the form of rechargeable table

suits from a deck of playing cards. There are

lamps sourced from Pooky also add to the

yet more layers of fabric drawing attention for

ambiance. “We intentionally made the library

their vibrant patterns and colourways – this

a moody and enclosed close space and kept

time from Dedar, Zoffany, Romo and Nobilis

Alice in Wonderland in mind when designing

– and a section of black-and-white flooring in

the nooks,” says Aynsley, pointing out the

a nod to the role of the chessboard in Alice in

maze-like layout of the bench seating that is

Wonderland.

suggestive of the titular character’s difficulty in

For Aynsley, the lighting scheme has also

navigating her fantasy world. References to the

been key to shaping the ambiance. “We zoned

the areas with creative lighting to cater to different uses at different times of the day,” she explains, pointing out the haunting shadows of the tree branches caused by uplighters after dark, an almost opposite effect to the cluster of disco balls by day. “Of course the bar was always going to include disco balls!” she quips. “They catch the light in the most magical way; when the sun beams through the orangery, the whole room sparkles.”

The orangery is home to the hotel restaurant, serving classic dishes made using seasonal Northumbrian produce. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the landscaped gardens and out to the countryside beyond, the space is flooded with natural daylight. The palette here is warmer and softer, featuring sunset shades of pink and orange alongside Kit Kemp’s Tall Trees Mural Wallpaper, which depicts birds and mythical creatures against rolling hills fading into the distance. For pockets of privacy, there’s cosy nooks between greenery and beneath a striped canopy, as well as under archways.

120

Marking the divide between the restaurant

birds of paradise, butterflies and stags; Alice

and bar, a set of Mughal-style arches also have

in Wonderland’s flamingo also makes an

a tale to tell. “I spotted the antique arches on a

appearance. In Sleeper’s room, three different

buying trip years ago and knew we had to have

types of animal print make a statement beneath

them,” recalls Aynsley. “I persuaded Richard to

an inky-black ceiling, while a golden heron

buy them for use at wedding fairs, but I knew

appears to emerge from the wall, keeping

they would go into the hotel eventually. They

watch over the in-room freestanding bathtub

have gained a few more marks of time being

from Lusso Stone. Each room offers an entirely

carted around before finding their home in the

different ambiance, ranging from a tropical to

restaurant – this has only added to their story.”

dreamy to regal, with the design team sourcing

Jeffreys Interiors had fun with the Instagram-

products from Paolo Moschino, Timorous

ready public bathrooms too – take the cosmic

Though Aynsley is first to admit that the

while guestrooms are kitted out to the max; no

interiors won’t be to everyone’s taste, there’s

two rooms are alike. “Everything goes together,

a clear commercial value in the offer. “It’s

but not in a matchy-matchy way,” she explains,

somewhere you can visit again and again

adding that every room has its own personality.

and try out a different room every time, with

“We designed custom headboards for each

whichever explosion of colour and pattern calls

room; every curtain features a different fabric

to you,” she concludes. “Although the hotel

and trim; and each space has its own wallpaper

wouldn’t look so out of place in a city centre

and paint colour. Yes it was a challenge, but we

location, it is pushing all boundaries for rural

would do it all again!”

Northumberland; love it or hate it, you are going

There’s florals, geometrics and stripes;

122

Beasties and Elitis amongst many more.

Terrazzo-effect tiles from Mandarin Stone –

to talk about it.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: The Doxford Group Architecture: Sadler Brown Group Interior Design: Jeffreys Interiors www.charltonhall.co.uk

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PARIS | NYC | LOS ANGELES | MEXICO CITY

Contemporary design inspired by Mexican heritage

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Luteca.com @lutecafurniture

24/06/2022 12:04

Mongibello IBIZA Concept Hotel Group brings a taste of Amalfi to the Balearics, opening a dazzling property that marries the best of both regions.

Words: Agnish Ray • Photography: © Adam Johnston

I

talian architect Gio Ponti left an inimitable

as Ravello, Capri and Positano, photographing

impact on Mid-Century European design,

details of style, design and architecture, which

epitomising the rational, functional vision of

sparked his desire to replicate something similar

Modernism while adding bursts of personality

on his home island.

and playfulness. He is best known for buildings

The result is Mongibello, a coastal property

like the Pirelli Tower in Milan and the

located near the town of Santa Eulalia, that aims

Concattedrale Gran Madre di Dio in Taranto, but

to replicate the glamour and decadence of the

he also designed a hotel – Parco dei Principi

dolce vita on the Balearic Sea. “I had the concept

in Sorrento, a landmark for design lovers

in mind for a long time, but I needed to find

holidaying on the Amalfi Coast.

the right location,” says Calvo. The setting of

Covered in blue and white tiles, the property

Mongibello’s site against a mountain on Calo

was an homage to the dazzling myriad of colours

de s’Alga bay reminded him of a landscape like

in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its opening in 1960 came

Positano, so it made for the perfect spot.

as the region of Italy became an unmissable stop

The Italian theme is clear on arrival, with

for glamorous jetsetters, artists and filmmakers,

a giant Testa di Moro – an iconic symbol of

offering a mix of natural beauty and enchanting

Sicily – set in the middle of a fountain. So too is

luxury. When Diego Calvo, CEO of Ibiza-based

Calvo’s fondness for vintage automobiles, with

Concept Hotel Group, stayed at the property in

an Alfa Romeo Spider and red and white Vespa

April 2021, he was taken by the distinctive spirit

scooter sitting either side of the doorway.

and aesthetic of the area.

Inside, the blue and white tile pattern

Calvo says that thinking of the Amalfi Coast in

wrapping the reception and lobby areas recalls

the ‘60s conjures a sense of elegance, freedom

Ponti’s iconic azulejos at Parco dei Principi. The

and rebellion. He travelled around towns such

contemporary reinterpretation of the original is

125

Throughout the guestrooms and public spaces, blue and white tiles recall Gio Ponti’s iconic azulejos at Parco dei Principi in Sorrento

designed by Madrid-based studio Ilmiodesign,

Coast continues through photographs captured

run by Italian duo Michele Corbani and Andrea

by artists like American photographer Slim

Spada. The pair have also placed Ponti’s

Aarons, one of Calvo’s favourites. His works

furniture designs throughout, including chairs

are displayed across the hotel’s lounge areas,

by Molteni&C in the lobby.

depicting sunkissed bodies reclining languidly

The studio’s architectural intervention in

on sea fronts, by pools or on yachts. In the Art

what was previously another hotel, entailed

of Living corner, guests can flick through books

bringing more natural light into the ground

about photography, design and architecture, or

floor. “Before, it was totally closed off to the

spin a vinyl on the record player.

outside,” explains Spada, “We wanted to open

Overlooking the bay, diners at La Terraza can

the lobby up to the pool area at the rear. Now,

also enjoy a Mediterranean menu with Italian

when guests enter the reception, they can look

touches, from pastas like trofie and caserecce to

straight towards the pool and the sea.”

tiramisu, risotto and Aperol Spritz. Bar Aperitivo

The colour theme of the pool area – most

acts as the daytime restaurant, offering tributes

striking when viewed from the room’s balconies

to the sea including grilled octopus, steamed

above – is also blue and white, this time with

mussels and yellowfin tuna.

a wavy pattern found in the tiles. Eye-catching

Before co-founding Concept Hotel Group

stripes are repeated as a motif across the

in 2013, Ibiza-born Calvo worked for NH,

property too: “When you go to an Italian beach,

Marriott and Hilton. His homegrown firm has

it always has striped huts and umbrellas,” says

carved out a distinctive space on the island,

Espada. “It’s a typical pattern, particularly in

drawing in fun-loving crowds with the creative

localities like Amalfi and Liguria.”

touch offered by its properties. As the group’s

The romantic, indulgent essence of the Amalfi

126

name suggests, each hotel is designed around

127

a particular concept: Cubanito is packed with

his charm is alluring and risqué, ultimately

the sounds of salsa and the swagger of Havana;

driving the tale’s protagonist to madness.

Gran Paradiso is an homage to cinema; and the

Murder and deadly mind games aside, Calvo

saucy neon lights at Romeo’s evoke the love

finds the passion and intensity of the story a

motels of America’s Route 66.

thrilling fit for the theme of his new hotel.

Unlike the other properties in the Concept

But amidst all the Amalfi fever, Mongibello

portfolio, all one-offs, the latest project will

has not forgotten its Ibiza home. Instead, the

function as its own brand and expand further.

property aims to marry the two locations.

Calvo cannot say where or how many, but the

Another photography installation at Lola’s

ambition is for other Mongibellos to open in

cocktail bar – a clandestine room designed like

coastal destinations outside Ibiza. Concept also

a 1970s disco with carpeted floors, velvet sofas

plans to launch the fashion-themed Los Felices

and a glittery disco ball – pays tribute to 32

in 2024, reveals Calvo, something of a local

iconic characters from Ibiza, each of whom also

style icon himself, owning a collection of 500

has a suite themed around them.

colourful vintage shirts.

128

Said icons include Tony Pike, founder of

Mongibello takes its name from the fictitious

legendary nightclub Pikes; Pino Sagliocco,

town – inspired by Positano – in The Talented

founder of Pachá; Elena Ruiz, Director of Ibiza’s

Mr Ripley, a 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith.

Contemporary Art Museum; artist Marcos

Hedonist, playboy and bon vivant, the character

Torres; actress Ángela Molina; and others who

of Dickie Greenleaf – played by Jude Law in the

have lived the sweet life on the island. Together,

1999 film adaptation – optimised the carefree,

they form a picture of Ibiza’s social fabric – a

pleasure-seeking spirit that came to be

reminder that, in the end, Balearic heritage and

associated with this part of Italy in its heyday;

culture lie at the heart of this hotel.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Bain Capital, Stoneweg Operator: Concept Hotel Group Interior Design: Ilmiodesign Graphic Design: Marcos Torres www.mongibelloibiza.com

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Beauty enlightened

EXPERIENCE AND CONTROL BEAUTIFUL LIGHT

Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s NEW YORK Paris meets Manhattan at Groupe Barrière’s first American outpost, where Martin Brudnizki has drawn inspiration from both metropolises.

Words: Guy Dittrich Photography: © Read McKendree

A

gentle glamour and soft delicateness

“fascinated by the generational play” offered

suffuse the volumes of Hotel Barrière

by the corner plot on Greenwich Street, just

Fouquet’s New York, the first American

two blocks from the Hudson River. Architects

outpost for Groupe Barrière, a French hospitality

SBJ Group were appointed to “maximise the

and casino business founded over 100 years

capabilities” of the land with its strict zoning

ago. The property has plenty of connections

permissions. Two basement floors were added

to its French origins as well as its place in the

for the back-of-house, a spa and gym kitted-

desirable Tribeca neighbourhood of Manhattan.

out by Peloton, and meeting rooms – the largest

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has managed to

of which cleverly doubles as a cinema.

blend a quiet femininity within its recognised

Above ground, Fouquet’s is relatively low-

maximalist design spirit, whilst at the same

rise at only six storeys. And like its residential

time keeping the hotel rooted to both brand

neighbours, the hotel’s red-brick façade was a

and location.

landmark stipulation fitting for the heritage,

This feeling of connection is the result of

cobblestone streets. Punctured by Crittall-like

a joint venture between Groupe Barrière and

square windows, the look is functional. The top

Caspi Development, a third-generation property

two floors are set back to create space for the

developer with commercial ventures across New

landscaped bar, Le Vaux Rooftop, and the pièce

York and Connecticut. Josh Caspi, CEO of Caspi

de résistance, Le Grand Appartement Terrasse,

Development, is a man who likes to get it right,

spread across two floors. The double-height

as testified by the numerous iterations of mock-

of its stairwell required a special order of Le

up rooms he required for the 97-key hotel.

Parc wallpaper by Pierre Frey, based on Louis

Upon purchasing the 99-year lease on the former Tribeca parking lot in 2015, Caspi was

de Carmontelle’s Promenade au parc landscape that hangs in the Louvre.

131

Martin Brudnizki has blended a quiet femininity with his typically maximalist spirit, whilst at the same time keeping the hotel rooted in its brand and location

The neighbours, who include stars from the

Tribeca Toile de Jouy, a classic wallpaper

worlds of music and sport, are attracted to the

that originated in France, which covers the

low-key discretion the area affords and are very

guestroom walls.

protective over it. The quiet acknowledgement

The tongue-in-cheek line drawings were

amongst visitors to the Titsou Bar and Brasserie

created in-house by Schumacher following a

Fouquet’s spoke volumes of their acceptance

Tribeca-icons brief from MBDS, which bring New

of the property. Caspi alludes to their positive

York and Paris together. Look out for the pigeon

response to the hotel’s members’ club, which

carrying a croissant or an oversized pretzel

offers access at a similar level to that of guests.

hanging from an elegant Parisian lamppost. For

As the immediate blocks around the property

Earp, these motifs are “thoughtful touches of

are currently relatively ungentrified, it is no

aesthetic charm, guaranteeing a timeless appeal

surprise they are happy to have a new upmarket

that resonates with guests”.

watering hole.

132

The appointment of MBDS, whose New York

After assessing a wide range of potential

office opened in 2010, was down to Caspi. He had

operators, Caspi was attracted by the

to convince his business partners to consider

“intangibles” of the pedigree of Groupe Barrière

the studio, but it was a gamble that paid off. The

and its outlier status in the Manhattan market.

fact that Brudnizki knew and respected Groupe

General Manager Karen Earp leads operations,

Barrière helped get things “straight off the mark

with her considerable experience on both sides

and not from a standing start”.

of the pond, making her well placed to run the

Maxime Lemoine, Associate at MBDS,

show. Earp is pleased with the “ownership

explains that “the inspiration for the interiors

every one of the team demonstrates” and of

was Downtown-New-York-meets-Paris”. He

the design, she specifically admires the custom

goes on to reveal that the essence of the Barrière

Tented with draped red fabric, the ceiling at Titsou ensconces drinkers seated on low-slung leather lounge chairs or at the bar, subtly lit by tasselled lampshades

134

brand is most evident in the interiors of Brasserie

laid roof pavers. A simple place for the à la carte

Fouquet’s. These follow strong guidelines

petit déjeuner.

regarding the timber finishes, red upholstery and

Most of the hotel’s furnishings and lighting

black-and-white photography of cinematic icons.

are custom designed by MBDS. The ottomans in

Gazing around the restaurant with its closely

the lobby and the spiralling glass tubes of the

packed tables, gives a true continental brasserie

Wherwell wall lamps in guestroom corridors

experience lit by chandeliers of MBDS’s design.

meanwhile are from Brudnizki’s product design

The other two ground-floor F&B options are

portal, And Objects. The lobby also sees several

also accessed via the separate street entrance that

restored and reupholstered heritage pieces found

its corner location affords. Titsou is a small bar of

in New York markets, arranged around an elegant

beautiful proportions that comes into its own at

bespoke screening solution. Further lighting

night. “It’s luxe and glam, featuring warm tones

comes from the studio’s designs, including the

and walls lined with red velvet, so we nicknamed

dramatic teardrop chandelier illuminating the

it the Jewel Box,” explains Lemoine. Tented with

main stairwell, and collaborations with, for

draped red fabric, the ceiling ensconces drinkers

example, Sogni of Mirano in Italy, for whom

seated on low-slung leather lounge chairs or at

MBDS configured the delicate multi-coloured

the bar, subtly lit by tasselled lampshades.

parts of the guestroom chandeliers. The latter,

For a bar with a strong cocktail menu, the name

as with all lighting in the private quarters, can

of marble for the countertop, Confusion Dark,

be set to personal taste using Lutron controls.

is apt. Par Ici Café is a more informal all-day

Materiality plays a strong role in the interiors

dining choice built around a terrace covered with

with a variety of exotic stone. Guestroom

a retractable glazed roof. Woven plastic chairs,

bathrooms are havens of soft, purple-tinged

typical of Parisian street cafés, sit on diagonally

Afyon, or Turkish violet marble. Faceted crystal-

136

cut antique mirror panels line a front desk

patterning seen throughout MBDS’s design.

topped with rainbow onyx, mimicking Groupe

Short for the French Arts Décoratifs, the style

Barrière’s Paris hotel. All the timber is oak,

was not only popular in Paris but also in New

with flooring supplied by Havwoods in different

York and from where the 1920s skyscrapers of

pattern arrangements and stains. Wide dark

the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building

boards in a herringbone pattern adorn the lobby,

derived their iconic forms.

and a lighter geometric Mansion Weave layout

The hotel’s artwork, curated by Saatchi Art

is used for the basement spa. Many walls in

and Jessica Chestman, also brings together

the public spaces are lined with bespoke drum-

French and New York influences. “We included

shaped, tambour columns also in oak.

many different types of artists, so it feels like

The same tambour pattern can be seen

guests are walking the streets of New York and

horizontally in the marble of guest bathrooms,

seeing art in different galleries,” she relates of

opulently appointed with brassware from

the collection, which strikes a balance between

Waterworks. And here, the key colour choices by

the Modern Industrialism of Tribeca and the

MBDS of pale lavender, green and cream come

elegant Classicism of Paris. Images from the

to the fore, adding to the delicate femininity of

savannahs and Meurice, the cap-wearing gorilla

much of the detailing, such as the headboard

made from resin and clutching the Eiffel Tower

fabrics by Rubelli and quaint lampshades.

reflect the eclectic nature of the series.

Stronger are the brass-edged desk set-up

Fouquet’s is the story of a New York developer

and mirrored TV ensemble, the high-gloss

and Parisian-headquartered hotel brand. The

lavender not-so-mini-bar armoire and the

property tells of both metropolises, blending

dark, pinstripe wallpaper of the corridors. The

Parisian savoir faire with the sterner aesthetic

thick guestroom rugs by ABC follow the Art Deco

of Downtown Manhattan.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Caspi Development Operator: Groupe Barrière Architecture: SBJ Group Interior Design: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio Lighting Design: Tillotson Design Associates Art Consultant: Saatchi Art, Jessica Chestman www.hotelsbarriere.com

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Ember Locke, Kensington

The Other House, South Kensington

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Martinhal Oriente LISBON Hoteliers Roman and Chitra Stern launch a fifth property in Portugal, bringing a mixed-use development to the capital’s Parque das Nações district.

Words: Matt Turner Photography: Courtesy of Martinhal Group

T

here is a celebratory mood in the air when

latest project in the days leading up to Sleeper’s

Sleeper arrives at Martinhal Oriente, a new

arrival. The result is the fifth property in their

hotel and branded residences in Lisbon’s

portfolio, alongside a family-friendly resort in

Parque des Nações district. Local football team

Sagres, subsequent resorts at Quinta do Lago

Benfica have just won the Primeira Liga, and

and Cascais – the latter since resold to its

fans are partying in the bars and restaurants

original owners Onyria Group – and a serviced

along the riverfront, revitalised over the

apartment property in Lisbon’s Chiado district.

past two-and-a-half decades thanks to the transformative effect of Expo ’98.

The combination of hotel and residences is well placed to capitalise on the recent economic

And there is additional cause for celebration.

growth. Lisbon’s property market is red hot,

Posters and placards marking the 25th

and while this is creating affordability issues

anniversary of the expo are on display all around

for many locals, whose wages are lagging

the city – a suitable milestone to reflect on the

behind the price increases, Martinhal Oriente’s

positive impact of the event. Once something of

proximity to the airport, an international school

a sick man of Europe, the Portuguese economy

– also founded by the Sterns – and the leisure

is in a much healthier state these days, thanks

and cultural attractions of Parque des Nações

to a boom in tourism, government initiatives

will make it appealing to hotel guests, longer-

such as the Golden Visa scheme encouraging

stay workers and property investors alike.

investment, and a Digital Nomad equivalent attracting remote workers to relocate here.

“We always thought this was an amazing location,” says Chitra over breakfast in Terrace,

Martinhal founders Roman and Chitra Stern

the all-day café, bar and restaurant at the heart

have cause for celebration too, having just

of the hotel’s public spaces. “Parque des Nações

secured the licence for the opening of their

is the new Lisbon. The original plan when we

139

Accommodation options range from studio spaces to threebedroom apartments, some with tree-adorned balconies offering views over the surrounding park

got the land was to create an office building, but

believed that nothing was going to happen here. It

then we realised there was a great opportunity to do

was parkland that was built in 1998 but then got

something tourism related.”

completely forgotten.” The architect’s response to

Many of Lisbon’s major cultural institutions and

the site has been to connect the plot back to its urban

architectural landmarks are on the doorstep; a world-

environment via two distinct but related buildings. A

leading Oceanarium, the gravity-defying concrete

layered biophilic façade links the hotel and residential

canopy of the Portugal Pavilion, and live events

structure to the green spaces of the surrounding area.

venue Altice Arena, all linked by picturesque parks and gardens, and numerous walking trails.

“Previously, this area was home to oil refineries,

II. With a plot of this size, the first idea that crosses

shipping containers and rubbish dumps,” Chitra

an architect and the client’s mind is to create some

continues. “But Expo ’98 kicked off a huge urban

sort of landmark,” he says. “But I had two completely

regeneration project and a clean-up of the river.

different attitudes. One building is a landmark, the

They accomplished so much between the government

other blends in with its surroundings. The façades also

and private entities, bringing in the European Union

differ in terms of their vertical elements – one side is

infrastructure funds to build a 17km bridge. Expos

more urban, the other is more natural. People always

don’t always work, but this one was successful.”

notice something new when they look at it, so their

Architect Eduardo Capinha Lopes was commissioned

140

“There was originally supposed to be one large building here, closing the end of Avenida Dom João

first impressions may not be their last.”

for the development, which combines an office

Capinha Lopes worked with interior designers

building – leased out to insurance company Ageas

Romano Design and FF&E supplier Epoca on the

Seguros – with the main hotel and residential element.

interiors, which are flooded with natural light and

“This was the last plot left to be developed in the

decorated with contemporary furnishings. The lower

park,” Capinha Lopes explains. “For 20 years, we

floors are exclusively used for the hotel guestrooms,

whilst the upper floors house the residences,

for hotel guests but the residents, who also have

with services and facilities provided by, and

access to the extensive childcare facilities.

shared with, the hotel.

142

Parques des Naçoes is well-known for its

Accommodation options range from studio

urban art too, and Martinhal’s owners have

spaces to three-bedroom apartments, some

long been associated with the Portuguese art

with tree-adorned balconies offering views

world, undertaking several initiatives to support

over the surrounding park and the Tagus River

emerging artists. The new project features an

beyond. All apartments have kitchens and

extensive programme throughout the property.

feature an array of brands including Ferreira

Renowned street artist Bordalo II’s eye-

de Sá, Vincent Sheppard and Ege – the latter

catching work Big Trash Animals – created

supplying carpets throughout. The building is

from leftover neon LEDs – provides a focal point

also kitted out with the latest environmental

in the Terrace restaurant, whilst the lobby is

technology, featuring a smart control system

a backdrop to The Lionesses, one of his Small

by Projedomus that handles lighting, shading,

Trash Animals collection using found objects

irrigation, solar panels and HVAC, as well as

such as nets, fabrics and soft toys. Graça Paz’s

monitoring water and energy use.

Lugares’ sequence of 20 different paintings

Facilities shared between residents and hotel

lines the corridors, while Kruella D’Enfer has

guests include indoor and outdoor heated

created The Sea, The Sky and Everything in

swimming pools, a gym, an all-day café, bar

Between, a towering vertical mural that spans

and restaurant, and a business centre with quiet

the height of the building’s lift lobbies. Pieces

nooks and call pods. Martinhal was founded on

by Pedro Batista, Vasco Águas and Tamara Alves

family-friendly luxury and its experience in

also feature, making for a property that lives up

catering to this market is evident here, not just

to its artistic surroundings.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Martinhal Group Architecture: Eduardo Capinha Lopes Interior Design: Romano Design, Eduardo Capinha Lopes Landscaping: João Ceregeiro www.martinhal.com

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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

1 Hotel Mayfair LONDON As Barry Sternlicht’s mission-driven lifestyle brand lands in London, the owner, operator and design team reveal more about setting a new standard of luxury that positively impacts the planet.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © Jon Day (unless otherwise stated)

W

hen Barry Sternlicht announced plans for a new

adoption of sustainable practices, its stunning countrywide

hotel brand back in 2015, he had successfully

landscape and the diverse cityscape of London.”

identified the changing mindset of a new generation

And so, with Crosstree Real Estate Partners as owners and

of travellers. “It’s simple. We have an impact on nature and

GA Group appointed to take the lead on interiors, Sternlicht

nature has an impact on us. I decided that if I was ever going

set about introducing his nature-inspired ethos to the capital.

to create another hotel, I wanted it to be more than a brand;

144

I wanted it to be a cause,” he said at the time. “People are

THE OWNER

already living like this and are now looking for ways to travel

The story begins in 2011, when Sean Arnold and Nick Lyle

in the same fashion.”

founded Crosstree Real Estate Partners. “This was actually

In much the same way his launch of W Hotels kickstarted

the first property Crosstree bought as a business,” explains

the lifestyle category, 1 Hotels has been a driving force in

Arnold, from the lounge at 1 Hotel Mayfair. “I had been at

mission-driven hospitality. For Sternlicht, who has long

Starwood Capital and Nick at Blackstone, and this was our

believed that we all share a responsibility to protect the

new venture; we acquired the Holiday Inn on Berkeley Street

planet, the aim was to spawn a movement with a mindful

and a commercial building on Piccadilly.”

purpose; to celebrate nature while encouraging guests to

As prime real estate in the heart of Mayfair, the duo knew

live well, do better and connect with the world around them.

they were onto a good thing, however the leases with various

Operating under SH Hotels & Resorts – a subsidiary

tenants meant they were unable to access the opportunity

of Starwood Capital Group – 1 Hotels made its debut in

of refurbishing the building until the leases expired, several

Miami’s South Beach, followed by openings in Central Park

years later. “We bought it with the long-term in mind,”

and Brooklyn Bridge in New York, as well as San Francisco,

continues Arnold. “It was the highest RevPAR Holiday Inn in

Nashville and West Hollywood. News of a London flagship

the world, but hadn’t been invested in. The idea was always

came in 2019, with Sternlicht then stating: “1 Hotel London

to redevelop the site as a luxury hotel and residences.”

will undoubtedly set a new standard in the city for the luxury

The acquisition of an adjacent building on Dover Street

hotel experience, while also advancing our brand mission to

gave Crosstree an enviable one-acre freehold site to develop,

inspire conscious consumption and become a platform for

with the initial plan to demolish and rebuild, bringing in

change. Now, more than ever, the idea of living well must

Baccarat Hotels – another of Sternlicht’s brands – as

include the thoughtful and thorough protection of the natural

operator. In the meantime, Crosstree won praise for its

beauty that is everywhere, and nowhere is that effort more

revitalisation of a Brutalist building in King’s Cross, opting

important than the UK, with its growing commitment to the

to retain and improve rather than demolish what was, at the

145

time, considered an eyesore. With The Standard

“We had already started a discussion with SH

As a leading market attracting both business

coming in as operator, it won an impressive

but felt that Baccarat Hotels was no longer the

and leisure travellers, London was always on

five accolades at AHEAD in 2020, including the

right fit,” says Arnold. “I spoke to Barry about

the hit-list for 1 Hotels. “This was one of the

coveted Hotel of the Year, making it the most

the new scheme and explained why I thought

most important cities for us and Mayfair is

successful adaptive reuse scheme in Europe.

it would be a great for 1 Hotels: the brand is

arguably one of the best locations of any city

Did this success trigger a change of heart in

at the forefront of the hospitality industry in

in the world,” Leal continues. “Landing in

Mayfair? “We like taking tired, ugly buildings

terms of sustainability so we felt it would be

London has been pivotal; though it’s our tenth

and turning them into something beautiful,”

a natural fit for London and well received by

hotel, it marks the beginning of a real push for

Arnold admits. “We asked ourselves whether

the market.” Never one to miss an opportunity,

international expansion.”

it made sense to knock it down and start over

Sternlicht agreed.

and realised that we had a great building, it just hadn’t been loved. Of course, there

THE OPERATOR

were improvements to make, but it was

“Once Barry saw Sean’s vision, it was an

approach to the brand. “As with any of our

fundamentally ok, so we decided not to go ahead

immediate go from us,” says Raul Leal, who was

properties, we collaborate closely with the

with the original plan and instead rehabilitate

appointed CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts in 2021.

owner to ensure the designer is a good fit,”

the building.”

Though not involved in the early stages, Leal is

Leal explains. “We’re looking for the right

The Holiday Inn closed in January 2020, just

well-versed on Sternlicht’s mission and goals.

talent and skillset, but besides that, they have

before the pandemic, meaning that construction

“Barry’s reason for launching the brand was for

to have a sensitivity to the local community;

could take place through the quiet months of

the good of the planet,” he points out. “He also

we want to make sure that whoever we assign

lockdown without too much disruption. In all,

loves design, so the idea is to be sustainable

has the ability to elevate the asset so that the

80% of the existing structure was retained,

through design. We want to draw attention

community will immediately embrace it.”

marking a significant carbon saving.

to the fact that the natural environment is

Then came the process of finding a brand.

146

In selecting the design team, both Crosstree and SH felt it important to appoint a London-

beautiful and we need to protect it.”

based firm, essentially bringing a localised

GA Group was appointed to take the lead on the lobby, bar and lounge, and 181 guestrooms

© Milo Brown

148

and suites, while Dion + Arles – who also

in 2022, Alvarado came to the project through

“I feel like I’m in Mayfair, but as soon as I walk

worked with Crosstree at The Standard –

its latter stages, providing the crucial link

through the door, I feel like I’m in a 1 Hotel.”

designed Dovetale, the ground-floor restaurant

between owner, operator and designer – a role

Indeed, the key attributes of the 1 Hotels

helmed by Chef Tom Sellers, which, on Sleeper’s

that will in future fall to Neil Andrew following

brand are evident from the off, with biophilic

visit, was fully-booked. For Leal, to finally see

his appointment as Vice President of Design for

principles at the heart of every space. “The aim

the spaces buzzing is particularly pleasing.

EMEA. “I worked closely with GA Group when

is to bring the elements of nature inside to a

Surveying the scene on opening day, he points

we were going through final approvals, making

human environment. As our Chairman says,

out the mix of arriving overnight guests and

sure that everything was up to the standard

nature is our CEO; if it doesn’t look like nature,

curious locals eager to check out their new

of the 1 Hotels brand, and up to the standard

don’t put it in!” quips Alvarado. “Many aspects

neighbour. He also reveals his enthusiasm for

the ownership expects,” he explains, adding

are similar to the properties in the US – such

the opening of Dover Yard, an alleyway link

that, despite the growing portfolio, Sternlicht

as the tactile finishes and handcrafted quality

and courtyard, where the hotel’s F&B venues

remains “insanely close” to the design process

– but you’ll find it’s a little more refined here,

spill out during in the summer months. “I’m

of every property. “It’s his passion, every

it’s appropriate for Mayfair.”

looking forward to seeing what it will do for

detail is approved by him. Barry cares about

the community,” he explains. “It provides a

everything he does, but 1 Hotels is particularly

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER

connection back to the city.”

close to his heart.”

Responsible for creating the refined and

THE DESIGN DIRECTOR

According to Alvarado, the goal of this

localised interiors is Jessica Morrison, Associate

property was to stay true to the brand, but also

at GA Group. Having won the project through

Also taking the time to speak to Sleeper on a

stay true to the location. “We knew this one

the typical pitch process, Morrison and her

busy opening week was Christopher Alvarado,

was going to be a little different to the rest of

team embarked on a brand immersion, visiting

Senior Vice President of Design at SH Hotels

the portfolio because of its location in Mayfair;

other properties in the portfolio to build their

& Resorts, having flown in from the US to see

it has such a strong identity that you can’t fight

knowledge on the overarching design ethos.

the success of the scheme first-hand. Appointed

against it, you have to work with it,” he reveals.

“The 1 Hotels in America are often more

Dovetale (left) – the restaurant helmed

by Tom Sellers – has been designed by Dion + Arles, while GA Group took the lead on the guestrooms and remainder of the public spaces

industrial or rustic,” she explains. “Our challenge was to determine what a 1 Hotel looks like in this neighbourhood; nature is still at the heart, but the twist in Mayfair is that it’s about craftsmanship, using natural materials in a way that is relevant to the setting.”

In the lobby, Morrison points out 7m-tall travertine fins that cleverly screen the lifts, and the water features either side – introduced at Sternlicht’s request that guests arrive to the sound of trickling water. The scene-stealer however is a dramatic living chandelier by Studio Patrick Nadeau, which specialises in large-scale planted installations. Measuring 4m in diameter, the dome is hand-covered with over 50,000 strands of Tillandsia Usneoides – or air plants – creating a spectacular rainforest experience that encourages guests to linger. “Mayfair is one of the most prestigious addresses in London and the green chandelier is a playful take on what a chandelier can be,” Morrison explains. “It’s more in keeping with the 1 Hotels brand than the traditional chandeliers you might expect in other luxury hotels.”

The reception desk garners attention too, made from the colossal trunk of a British oak tree. “We always envisaged the reception desk as this sculptural feature piece, so set about sourcing a log that was appropriate for the space,” reveals Morrison. “We were told of this tree that fell in a storm, and so travelled to its location in East Sussex and worked directly with the sawmill to cut the section we wanted.”

Lightly sanded to retain the wild texture of the trunk, the tree illustrates the notion of letting nature take centre stage, as well as giving a second life to something that might otherwise have gone to waste. It’s a theme that continues throughout the property, from the artworks that make use of off-cuts of willow, to the coathangers made from discarded packaging and tattered books.

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© Milo Brown

Other materials celebrate traditional British

as are the carpets and rugs by Nanimarquina,

craftsmanship, such as the use of rattan in

featured alongside further floorcoverings by

Neighbours, the streetside café bar – a nod

Portugal’s Ferreira de Sa. There’s eco-friendly

to the picnic baskets carried by daytrippers

mattresses, organic bed linens, toiletries with

at Green Park. There’s the dry stone wall that

active botanicals and climate-positive vodka

separates the bar from the lobby, a beautiful

in the mini-bar. And rethinking the typical

piece of British heritage built on-site by Richard

amenities, chalkboards are provided as an

Clegg and his son, specialists from the Yorkshire

alternative to paper and pencil, plus there’s a

Dales who have repurposed stone from the past.

filtered water tap in every guestroom. Amongst

And the Windsor rocking chairs in the bar, made

all this is over 1,300 plants, ranging from shrubs

to traditional techniques by Katie Walker. Other

and trees to living moss walls – a constant

pieces make use of waste that wouldn’t typically

reminder that nature is the star.

be associated with beauty, such as Steve

152

McPherson’s artworks that repurpose plastics

As the 1 Hotels brand continues to grow, the

found washed up on the beach, or the bar

sustainable and conscious initiatives that

counter by Kate MccGwire, which layers 3,000

permeate development, design and fit-out

feathers collected from local pigeon fanciers.

through to day-to-day operation, will come

On a tour of the property, Morrison reveals

to Copenhagen, Paris, Crete and Melbourne.

that a conscious effort has been made to

Yet, given the mission-driven approach, the

source from within Europe, with every supplier

expansion feels less about planting flags,

scrutinised for its sustainability through the

and more about spreading the word. As Barry

entire supply chain. Furniture by Gommaire hails

Sternlicht puts it: “It’s more than a hotel, it’s a

from Belgium, lighting by Marset is from Spain,

platform for change.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Crosstree Real Estate Partners Operator: SH Hotels & Resorts Interior Design: GA Group; Dion + Arles (Dovetale) Art Consultant: Saatchi Art www.1hotels.com

View the full gallery on

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HOTEL RENOVATION

Mii Amo

Hotels often embody the spirit of their surroundings through design, and spa resort Mii Amo in Arizona takes this idea to new heights.

Nestled in the red rocks of Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, the property has undergone a USD$40 million, two-year renovation by Gluckman Tang Architects and San Francisco-based studio EDG, who drew on the setting to reimagine the interior. The design teams have championed the sculptural quality and vivid tones of the canyon, mirroring the landscape with a rich red palette. A new Living Room is anchored by a sunken lounge, where tufted scarlet banquettes are flanked by veined marble that mimics the layers of sandstone rock formations. Daybed niches also line the perimeter of the room, offering a visual connection to the environment beyond, while the flooring is reminiscent of pebbles on the river bed, and a circular artwork on the rear wall resembles a setting sun. “The team was judicious about selections, applying great attention to materiality,” say EDG. “Clean, contrasting textures combine with inspiring views and soft light. The effect is calming, peaceful and centring.” Elsewhere, 16 renovated and seven new Casita accommodations are resplendent in hues of Canyon Red, while consoles have been crafted from local rosewood by an Arizona sculptural woodworker, and tables are made using cuts of native eucalyptus. “The design elements we have introduced are tactile, natural and elegantly crafted,” EDG concludes.

“A new logo marks the entry, thoughtfully reinterpreted in a series of handmade clay pieces, while the colour palette, like everything else at Mii Amo, is taken directly from the landscape.”

Radical Innovation

Following a global call for entries, Radical

Taking the lead on behalf of Populous,

Innovation has announced its finalists, offering

Associate Joel-Laurent Mbala-Nkanga has

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

a glimpse into the hotel of the future. Having

envisaged a mobile hotel concept rooted in a

first launched in 2006, the annual competition

desire to break free from conventional travel

is open to professionals and students, and

limitations. The unique accommodation

challenges creative thinkers to pioneer

solution combines the convenience and comfort

innovations that fuel the future of hospitality.

of a hotel room with the freedom and flexibility

In all, 100 entries were received from around

of a vehicle, allowing travellers to embark on

the world, with finalists split across the

extraordinary journeys without sacrificing on

competition’s four categories – Professional

luxury and relaxation.

Seeking groundbreaking ideas in travel and hospitality, the competition for bold thinkers unveils its finalists.

Project, Student Project, Professional Product

For the Luxury Frontiers team – made

and Student Product. A judging panel –

up of Nadine Van Vuuren, Juan Cloete and

comprising 32 experts from the likes of Accor,

Graeme Labe – mobility was also the focus.

Hilton and WATG – was tasked with selecting

Their concept, known as The Turtle Bungalow,

finalists based on the innovative nature of

is an aquatic nomad designed to sail from

their vision, the excellence of their design, the

island to island in tropical waters. Spread

project’s feasibility, and its capacity to have a

across two levels, the accommodation has

positive impact on the industry.

ample space for relaxation, with an overwater

PROFESSIONAL PROJECT FINALISTS

156

hammock, rooftop bar and lounge and hot tub, as well as a slide offering direct access to the

The finalists in the Professional Project category

water. Developed for minimal impact, it also

have been named as Spinhous by Populous and

incorporates solar panels, a desalination plant

The Turtle Bungalow by Luxury Frontiers.

and environmentally-safe sewage treatment.

Finalists in the professional and student categories include (opposite page, clockwise from top left) Spinhous, Cross-Over Hotel and The Gourd Project, as well as The Rocky Hotel (above) and The Turtle Bungalow (right)

STUDENT PROJECT FINALISTS

Design founder Jun Aizaki – sees a biodegradable

University of Technology, H+S Health Spring

In the Student Project category, both

and compostable drinking vessel crafted from

aims to provide a healthy and relaxing shower

finalists hail from Kazan State University of

dried and hollowed gourds, a fleshy fruit with

experience. The product’s volcanic stone tank

Architecture & Engineering. Cross-Over Hotel

a hard skin. Inspired by Japanese traditions, the

enables the incorporation of herbs and essential

by Adelina Khabibullina and TiArch Studio is a

concept follows centuries-old methods; future

oils, while the shower can also be connected to

response to the increasing population in urban

development for the project will involve grower

a smartphone via Bluetooth so that guests can

environments, which results in less space for

outreach, production research, scalability and

listen to music for a calming experience.

new hotel development. Through construction

selecting a biodegradable liner to make the

Pulpatronics meanwhile, by Barna Soma

of a bridge system that fits any body of water,

cups sturdy enough to withstand repeated

Biro, Chloe So, Jingyan Chen and Rui Ma from

the concept sees built elements stacked over

use. The second finalist – StoreX by StoreXapp

Imperial College London and Royal College

water, effectively preserving land resources.

co-founders Sergei Mamedrzaev and Ragib

of Art, is a sustainable radio-frequency

The Rocky Hotel meanwhile, by Nadia

Veliev – is a fully-automated robotic store that

identification tag that can be embedded into

Shumeeva and TiArch Studio, is built into

facilitates 24/7 unattended order pick-ups by

items for smart inventory management. The

existing mountain terrain. Set across multiple

humans and delivery robots. By leveraging

tags could be integrated into the hospitality

levels, it makes use of natural materials and

these technologies, the duo believe that hotels

industry where temporary information storage

offers direct access to the landscape, resulting

can optimise their operations, reduce costs

is needed, including in key cards or wristbands.

in true immersion into the surroundings.

and meet growing demand for faster, more

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT FINALISTS

personalised and sustainable services.

Online voting for 2023 winners will open on 18 September on the Radical Innovation website.

Finalists in the Professional Product category

STUDENT PRODUCT FINALISTS

are designed to bring something new to the

Finalists in the Student Product category are

market. A sustainable alternative to disposable

studying at universities in China and the UK.

dinner on 24 October in New York.

plastic cups, The Gourd Project – by Crème

Envisioned by Wen Shin Zeng of Ming Chi

www.radicalinnovation.io

The finalists will present their concepts, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony and

157

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

Introducing Sleepifier...

For Suppliers...

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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*

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Hotel Construction Pipeline Europe The UK remains the most active country for hotel construction in Europe according to the latest data from THP, with 455 pipeline projects currently listed in its database.

London ranks highest amongst the cities, with 93 projects (16,731 rooms) in development, while Edinburgh and Glasgow maintain their spots in the top ten.

Manchester boasts the largest pipeline outside of London, with the Northern Powerhouse set to welcome Treehouse Hotels and Soho House before the year is out, the latter occupying the former Granada Studios building.

Elsewhere in Europe, Lisbon continues to appeal to investors and operators – Nobu, Six Senses and The Standard all have plans for the Portuguese capital – while Budapest enters the mix thanks to new signings from Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor. Marriott is expected to introduce Moxy; IHG will expand its presence through Kimpton and Voco; and Accor is set to open a dualbranded Tribe and Ibis property.

And having staged a comeback in 2022, Greece’s hotel sector is forecast to grow through 2023 and beyond, with 54 projects (8,431 rooms) listed by THP. Amongst those in progress are hotels from Mandarin Oriental, Waldorf Astoria and One & Only, all located in close proximity to Athens.

TOP CITIES LONDON Projects 93 Rooms 16,731

HAMBURG Projects 24 Rooms 4,672

DUBLIN Projects 44 Rooms 6,722

MANCHESTER Projects 24 Rooms 4,289

GLASGOW Projects 23 Rooms 3,664

VIENNA Projects 21 Rooms 3,862

PARIS Projects 25 Rooms 4,283

EDINBURGH Projects 24 Rooms 4,139

LISBON Projects 22 Rooms 3,690

BUDAPEST Projects 21 Rooms 3,282

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

160

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

UK 455 62,093

GERMANY 314 47,527

SPAIN 167 23,417

ITALY 116 15,110

FRANCE 88 13,206

6

7

8

9

10

IRELAND 77 10,814

PORTUGAL 68 11,708

AUSTRIA 63 9,033

SWITZERLAND 60 6,509

GREECE 54 8,431

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 314,925 rooms in the pipeline, 33% (103,075 rooms) are under construction and a further 42% (133,522 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 51 Rooms 6,523

Projects 285 Rooms 47,259

Projects 826 Rooms 133,522

Projects 688 Rooms 103,075

Projects 163 Rooms 24,546

GROUPS AND BRANDS Accor is the most active group in the region according to the THP database, while Hilton’s European expansion continues at pace, driven by the Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn brands.

115 Projects 104 Projects 84 Projects 69 Projects 58 Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hampton by Hilton

35

5,608

Radisson Blu

18

3,790

Hilton Garden Inn

17

2,478

Hotel Indigo

17

2,252

Curio Collection by Hilton

16

1,490

Meliá Hotels & Resorts

15

2,652

Radisson

15

2,497

Mercure Hotels

15

1,919

Radisson Red

14

2,591

Novotel

13

2,279

YEAR OF OPENING

2023 (16%)

2024 (27%)

2025 (15%)

2026+ (9%)

UNCONFIRMED (33%)

161

WE WILL MEET AGAIN

#4 PHUKET 5-7 MARCH 2024

www.sleepersessions.com

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Accor sets out its stall

The recent split into two divisions means

also sold its holding of Risma bonds. The buyer

there are now two very different businesses.

of the shares was the Moroccan investment

Accor has set targets of adding more than 1,200

Premium, midscale and economy dominates

company Mutris.

hotels over the next five years, as it returns over

the portfolio in rooms, accounting for 91%

Accor will remain in partnership with Risma

EUR3bn to shareholders.

of the group’s hotels and two-thirds of fees.

at its portfolio of Moroccan hotels, where Accor

The goals were set out by the company in

Geographically, it is still Europe heavy, with

currently has 39 properties with a further four

a capital markets day that explained how the

60% of the portfolio in Europe and North Africa,

in the pipeline. The company said the approach

group has changed over recent years, has

with 32% in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Of

follows its disposal of shares in Polish operator

recently transformed into two divisions, and

the portfolio, 30% is franchised.

Orbis in 2020, and shares in Chinese group H

aims to drive forward growth with a refreshed,

In contrast, the luxury and lifestyle division

World, sold earlier this year.

has just 9% of Accor’s hotels, but delivers 34%

Another disposal completed last month was

The group expects 2023 RevPAR to grow by

of the company’s total fees. It is spread 38%

the sale of Accor’s headquarters office building

15-20%, and is already pencilling in full year

in the Americas and 25% in Europe and North

in Paris. The property was bought for EUR460m

EBITDA of EUR920-960m. It says that, after its

Africa. Just 5% of this division is franchised, the

by Velasco, with a 12-year leaseback agreement

most recent restructure, RevPAR is already at

balance being managed.

in place, for which Accor will pay an initial

more agile management team.

EUR106, 19% ahead of the first quarter of 2019.

The group has set out targets to grow EBITDA

EUR22m per year; there is also a shareholder

CEO Sebastien Bazin said the last few years

in the premium, midscale and economy division

loan of EUR100m wrapped into the transaction.

had seen a transformation of Accor in three

by 5%-9% over the next four years, while

phases - get light, get broad and get fit. This

luxury and lifestyle will aim for 15%-20%.

HA PERSPECTIVE

last phase involved improving the operating

Growth in sales and margins should enable a

By Andrew Sangster: Does Accor have an inferiority

model, moving to more variable support costs,

EUR3bn return to shareholders over the period.

complex? I ask this because I struggle to understand

The group is also looking to sharpen up

why the company tries so hard to change and be

“Now asset light, the group has expanded its

its distribution, with chief digital officer Alix

something different rather than celebrating what it

brand portfolio to become the leader in luxury

Boulnois admitting that most of the Accor brand

is brilliant at.

and lifestyle, strengthened its geographical

websites are in need of an update. The Novotel

Accor has for decades garnered a reputation

footprint and simplified its organisation, while

and Movenpick websites have already been

for being a relentless cost control machine and it

preserving its financial independence and the

relaunched, while Fairmont, Sofitel and Raffles

dominates the economy hotel market in Europe and

strength of its balance sheet,” said Bazin. “With

are currently in the works.

most other parts of the world, apart from the US

and launching a new mindset.

its two recently created divisions, the group is

Currently, Accor’s mobile app drives around

and China. And yet it keeps eyeing opportunities in

embarking on a new chapter of rapid, profitable

27% of revenue, up from 18% in 2019. But any

segments where it is weaker rather than exploiting

growth. We have set ambitious targets for the

move to more digital needs to respect local

its strengths.

coming years. We have great talents, unique

customs. Boulnois revealed, for example, that

The key division that highlights this conundrum

brands, owners’ confidence, efficient digital

12% of US bookings for Fairmont come via the

is what is now dubbed Premium, Midscale and

tools, the energy and the desire. It’s now a

traditional route of a contact centre.

Economy, internally known as Power Brands. This

Accor is also aiming to make more of its

market, on Accor’s own figures, was worth USD315bn

The results, he pointed out, meant that over

loyalty programme. Currently, it has 89 million

in booking value in 2022 excluding US and China.

the last decade Accor has moved from 59% of

members, up 40% on 2019, and those members

The entire global accommodation market was worth

rooms under asset-light operation to 97%,

spend 10% more per night than non-members,

USD960bn.

while the percentage of fees from luxury and

and deliver 87% of direct bookings.

question of execution.”

This year, the Power Brands global market –

lifestyle has grown from 11% to 34%. The

Accor recently completed another disposal

excluding the US and China – is estimated to be

business has also become substantially more

on its route to an asset-light structure. In June

worth USD340bn. This is down on the USD360bn

global, with non-European volume shifting

2023, the company disposed of a 33% stake held

of 2019, but current CAGR of 8% will see it soon

from 26% to 61% in a decade.

in Risma, a listed hotel operator in Morocco and

overtake this previous peak.

163

Accor has 18% of the economy hotels market –

And it is hospitality and leisure that are their

than seven of eleven projects recently listed by

excluding the US and China – 9% of midscale and

leading alternative options.

The Scotsman are conversions. The upcoming

5% of premium. Ibis, with more than 2,500 hotels

At Landsec, the REIT was recently forced to

Ruby Hotel in Edinburgh will be created by

worldwide, is the number one global economy brand

declare a GBP622m pre-tax loss for the year to

Hunter REIM out of several vacant retail units

and, across its three sub-brands, it contributes 37%

end March 2023, with the red ink entirely due to

on Princes Street. A former Debenhams store is

of the fees in the Power Brands division.

a downward valuation of the group’s substantial

being converted to a 207-room hotel, which is

property assets.

expected to open in 2024 as a Tribute Portfolio

With this global leadership position, it might be expected that you double down on this and push

“Last year saw the most striking difference

property. The new Resident Hotel in the city is

to take things further ahead. But Accor’s self-

in performance between occupational markets

being converted from an office building, with

image problem means it is instead focusing on its

and investment markets that I can remember,”

offices the basis for at least two other hotel and

premium brands, principally Pullman. It sees the 5%

commented chief executive Mark Allan. “In

serviced apartment projects.

market share in rooms it has in this category as the

investment markets, rapidly rising interest rates

While not actively participating in hotel

opportunity rather than building on its domination

led to a sharp slowdown in transaction activity

development, Landsec has an investment in

in economy.

and falling asset values as valuation yields rose,

hotels - albeit consigned to being a part of its

When I worked on the newsdesk of Caterer &

whereas from a customer perspective, strong

‘subscale’ portfolio. In its most recent results,

Hotelkeeper magazine, we would report diligently

demand for Landsec’s best-in-class space drove

to end March 2023, the company noted the 21

on which UK restaurants won Michelin stars. Six

consistently strong leasing, rising occupancy

Accor properties saw occupancy rise to 94% of

months later, we would pull up the list and see how

levels and growing rents across our portfolio.”

pre-Covid levels, up from 67% in the previous

many had gone bust. There was always a good trawl.

Landsec has many shopping centre holdings,

year, “driving a substantial increase in RevPAR”.

Meanwhile, as Business Editor of the magazine,

and is working through a remake of those. In

The hotels account for 5.4% of the group’s total

I struggled in vain to get a story of more than a few

its recent capital markets day presentation,

rental income. The hotels were downvalued by

paragraphs about how McDonald’s was doing. Those

it said tanking retail real estate values mean

3.1% year-on-year, at GBP408m, delivering a

Michelin stars always caught the eye of the editor.

current values are around half of replacement

rental income of GBP31m and with an average

The market cap of McDonald’s is currently

cost. It is carrying out repurposing projects in

of just over eight years remaining on their

USD215bn. As an investor, I’d take this over a

key major shopping centres in Cardiff, Oxford

leases. A deal to dispose of the assets to Ares

Michelin star or three. And as a franchisee looking

and Leeds, cutting retail space and converting

Management for more than GBP400m was

to maximise my economic return, it is the embrace

it to residential, office, F&B or leisure. Of its

reported in April 2023, but is understood not to

of Ronald McDonald rather than the latest Michelin-

planned retail division capex over the next four

have completed.

starred chef that I would seek.

years, 55% will go on introducing alternative

At LXi REIT, which merged in the last year

uses, 20% on bringing in differentiated F&B,

with Secure Income REIT, the combined entity

and 18% on enhanced placemaking.

now has a more diversified portfolio - and a

There’s a huge amount more in Accor’s Capital Markets Day, but to conclude, let me point out that

164

McDonald’s share price is up 86% over the last five

The company is working through a disposal

longer run of rental income. The group is now

years; Accor’s is down 25% over the same period.

of up to GBP4bn of London offices and other

spread 22% in healthcare, 21% in budget hotels

To be fair, European rivals like Whitbread are only

assets, but is also busy repurposing assets too.

through holding a large portfolio of leased

slightly better – down 17% over five years, despite

While still building new offices, its Mayfield

Travelodge properties, and 19% in theme

its focus on economy and midscale. However, it

development in Manchester, for example,

parks. Creative renegotiations with tenants have

remains the case that Accor is yet again emulating

includes the reuse of a former multi-storey car

enabled the lengthening of lease agreements,

what works for others and not fully embracing the

park into a mixed-use building that will include

so that the average weighted time to first lease

opportunity its existing market success offers.

the city’s largest bicycle park, with more than

break has shifted from 21 years to 27 years, in

400 spaces.

12 months.

Experiences to the rescue

Speaking on a recent debt panel, Dan

LXi says it sees opportunities including “a

Williams, head of hotel and real estate finance

significant pipeline of assets through permanent

at Virgin Money, noted that office to hotel

structural change within open-ended funds”,

The UK’s leading office and retail landlords

conversions are an increasingly active part

and expects to pick up sale and leaseback

are having to substantially repurpose their

of the market. And typical of the way hotels

opportunities as “corporates facing a cliff-edge

portfolios, acknowledging that shopping and

are playing a key role in this repurposing is

of refinancing events”.

workspace habits have fundamentally changed.

Edinburgh’s hotel pipeline - where no less

One promised REIT in the co-living space

BUSINESS CENTRE

continues to be stalled, more than a year

interesting white paper on this subject that can be

watched as both Choice and Wyndham, with

after listing plans were pulled. Gravis Capital

downloaded from the Ares website.

solid extended stay offerings already in this

Management had planned to list its co-living

Traditional banks are leaving the market –

segment, enjoyed bumper business all through

REIT in 2022, but called off the idea amid

despite what they claim – thanks to pressure on their

the pandemic period. Many of these key hands-

concerns the Ukraine invasion had dampened

balance sheets from stricter capital and liquidity

on workers were excused from work-from-

investor interest. The aim had been to raise

requirements. The decline in credit availability is

home initiatives, and stayed on the road -

GBP300m for investment into two operational

creating “an attractive investment environment

giving the franchise champions a consistently

assets, and one development project in the UK.

for CRE lenders”. Ares expects this to continue for

strong occupancy. “We tend to look at the

There’s no news as to when a restart of the

the next 24 to 36 months. In the US, USD450bn to

opportunities relative to the positioning within

process might happen.

USD500bn will mature over the next three years.

the chainscale,” Hilton’s chief brand officer

In the UK and Europe, more than EUR390bn is

Matt Schuyler said recently.

HA PERSPECTIVE

maturing this year alone according to Ares figures,

By Chris Bown: Shopping’s not what it used to be,

quoting Bloomberg numbers.

“The notion of ‘take your work with you’ and ‘work is a thing you do, not a place you go’ is

and the pandemic accelerated consumer habits of

Ares points out that if loans are currently at LTVs

definitely a post-pandemic phenomena,” said

ordering more online. The result is simple - while

of 70%, lenders would only lose out if capital values

Schuyler, noting the emphasis on value: “The

we might need more big box warehouses to stock

fell by 30%. In Ares’ words: “By providing capital

price point is their value equation, and so they’re

our deliveries, we need less retail space to visit. Flat

returns and downside protection, CRE debt can

willing to stay for whatever length makes sense

footed landlords across the UK, and to a lesser extent

generate attractive risk-adjusted returns during

for them if the price is right.” Hilton is aiming

across Europe, have watched the value of their assets

times of economic volatility, such as today”. The

for an average USD100 per night room rate.

plummet, as they failed to react to the change.

future could see a rapid shift away from bank lenders.

Compared with Hilton’s existing Homewood

Similarly with offices, where there’s a

In the Eurozone, non-bank lenders are just 10% of

Suites and Home2 products, Project H3 sites will

combination of both lower space demand due to

the total. In the UK it is 25%. But in the US it is 40%.

feature smaller common areas, and are much

hybrid working, plus a realisation that those old,

Will the appeal of the debt market right now slow

more self-serve focused, designed to operate

inefficient glass boxes of old will no longer meet

the appetite for acquisitions? Private equity funds

with a smaller operating team. With lengthier

stricter environmental requirements.

are liking the look of lending when you can get tasty

stays, the laundry room and fitness space

As our Edinburgh example shows, creative

returns – particularly if you can do a back loan for

feature more prominently.

developers and hotel operators can come to the

some of the debt, pocketing the extra margin you

In the rooms themselves, guests have more

rescue, alongside an ever broader mix of leisure uses,

have negotiated – without equity risk. This could

storage space than in a hotel, as well as a

and F&B concepts. We don’t need shopping to have

well take some money away from the equity side.

kitchenette with fridge, dishwasher, microwave and two burner hob. Hilton expects the product

a good time!

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: The big question around Land

The big reveal

to attract not just new guests, but new investors and owners to the Hilton name.

Marriott, too, has been talking about its

Securities is why the purported deal with Ares to

Hilton and Marriott have been revealing more

blueprints for its new extended stay offer,

sell the portfolio of 21 Accor hotels has not been

details about their upcoming brands arriving

codenamed MidX Studios. Leeny Oberg, chief

completed. It has probably not helped that the leases

into the economy and lower midscale extended

financial officer and executive vice president

leave the owner responsible for repairs.

stay segments. And their arrival comes as yet

of development, commented: “We see it as a

more brands are added to the hotel space, by

unique opportunity to enter the space and grow,

Hyatt among others.

particularly in the US and extended stay. The

It is not that Ares has suddenly got cold feet regarding hotels. In June 2023, the group loaned GBP300m on a portfolio of central London assets that

Hilton is still securing its preferred brand

team created Project MidX Studios to reach both

included the 601-room Hilton London Kensington as

name for its Project H3 extended stay brand,

new customers and new markets.” The Marriott

well as the flagship Burberry store, both owned by

which it says is aimed mainly at those seeking

design has two room types - with a 300ft2

Cola Holdings.

an apartment-style stay for 20 nights or more.

double or 350ft2 room with two double beds.

What Ares is getting excited about is the

This includes a major tranche of blue collar

Noah Silverman, who heads development

opportunity to lend to the commercial property

workers who might be away on projects, a niche

for the USA and Canada, said developers were

sector. It thinks it can “structure CRE loans with

Hilton reckons is worth USD300bn.

keen on the product, which will be launched

effectively high minimum coupons”. There is an

Hilton and Marriott have stood by and

by Concord Hospitality and Whitman Peterson:

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BUSINESS CENTRE

“We’re in active discussions with a number of

lifestyle destinations, while Mod has the

other groups about multiple-unit commitments

opportunity to branch out into a larger number

that we would expect to sign those deals before

of smaller markets.

the end of the year.” Concord expects to have

The additions come to a group that has

three projects under way shortly, while Marriott

previously worked in the more affordable end

believes it will soon have 250 sites signed.

of the market with its Sonesta Essential and

And Hyatt has added another brand to its all-

Sonesta Select, and in the straight luxury end

inclusive resort collection. A 400-room Vivid

of the market with Sonesta Hotels & Resorts and

property is set to land on a site in Cancun,

Royal Sonesta.

Mexico alongside an adjacent 616-room Dreams Grand Island.

By Chris Bown: Launching new brands without

Vivid will be adult-oriented: “These plans for

revealing their brand name is the new thing, it

the first Hyatt Vivid resort reflect the continued

seems. Wyndham started it with Project Echo,

evolution of travel and Hyatt’s unwavering

now Hilton and Marriott are pushing hard to get

dedication to the all-inclusive concept,” said

developers building, while the due diligence teams

Javier Coll, group president, global business

are still checking trademarks. Is this rush simply a

development & innovation, at Hyatt’s Inclusive

desire to beat the rival, or a real commitment to

Collection.

capture an enticing new market?

Mexican developer Grupo Murano will

What is sure is that these carefully crafted, cheap

develop the properties, which are expected to

to build designs are suited ideally to the vast, open

open in early 2024.

edge-of-town lots that can still be found across

And in the US, hotel operator Sonesta has

the US, with consents for greenfield construction.

launched a pair of soft brands - apparently

Whether they would work in any other region, we

responding to demands from both hotel owners

will discover in years to come. Right now, both Hilton

and customers. Classico is an upper upscale

and Marriott believe there’s a big opportunity in

offering, while Mod is an upscale offering,

their home market to grab new customers.

promising eclectic design touches and localised F&B experiences.

166

HA PERSPECTIVE

In contrast with its family friendly neighbour,

Will they be stealing them from other established brands, such as Extended Stay America, or the several

“Consumers want more of an experiential

Choice and Wyndham extended stay offers, or rather

experience. They want something unique.

end up pulling market share from unbranded hotels?

They want something rooted in the local

Only time will tell – and if Choice and Wyndham

community. They want something with a nod

team up, as has been rumoured, that would be a

towards design,” said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s

strong defensive move against the newcomers in

chief development officer in a launch interview.

economy extended stay.

“They’re sensitive around the food and beverage

And then there’s Hyatt, adding another all-

offering. They’re sensitive to how the product

inclusive brand and taking its tally in this niche to

comes to market and how it serves all of its

ten. We can’t help feeling that’s simply too many -

constituencies right.”

how can any consumer really tell the difference or

The first Classico to come aboard is the Z

work out brand one from another? It feels as though

Ocean hotel in Miami Beach, while launching

they are simply being created to suit owner and

Mod is Hotel 11 in Calgary, Canada. Classico

brand exclusion zone needs, rather than the dear

is expected to sign hotels in larger cities and

old guest.

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

Beck Interiors | Tala Fulstok Studio

quarter book match Silver Wave marble foor

bespoke stone fabrication for over 50 years #stoneexperts #bringingstonetolife

www.stone-circle.com

BUSINESS CENTRE

1.

3.

2.

4.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. CANADA

Berlin’s hotels are reporting improvements in performance in 2023; looking at daily data, the city saw its highest occupancy on Tuesday 20 June (96.3%) and Wednesday 28 June (95.4%), the latter bolstered by Pink’s concert. Overall, the market’s occupancy levels surpassed the 90% mark ten times in June and saw all but four days above 70%.

June 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 74.4% ( 3.6%) ADR CAD221.86 ( 12.0%) RevPAR CAD164.97 ( 16.1%)

June 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 83.1% ( 1.5%) ADR EUR140.83 ( 13.6%) RevPAR EUR117.04 ( 15.3%)

2. USA

4. JAKARTA

June 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 69.7% ( 0.4%) ADR US$158.40 ( 2.3%) RevPAR US$110.33 ( 1.9%)

June 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 66.7% ( 1.2%) ADR IDR996,926.80 ( 19.4%) RevPAR IDR664,759.69 ( 20.8%)

The USA reported higher performance from the month prior, but lower year-over-year percentage changes, according to June 2023 data from STR. Amongst the top markets, New York City experienced the highest occupancy (85.4%), and was the only market to post ADR over US$300, at US$305.51.

168

3. BERLIN

Canada’s hotel industry reported its highest ADR and RevPAR on record in June 2023, with occupancy the highest since August 2022. Among the provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the highest occupancy (86.7%) – a 9.0% increase on 2022 – while Vancouver was the best performing of the major markets.

Attracting both business and leisure travellers, Indonesia’s capital continues to perform well, recording its highest ADR and RevPAR since October 2018, the latter up 20.8% year over year. According to daily data, the highest occupancy (82.2%) and RevPAR (IDR820,272.66) were recorded on Thursday 22 June.

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

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

DESIGN BROUGHT TO LIGHT Download the New Elstead 2024 Catalogues this Autumn +44 (0)1420 82377 | enquiries@elsteadlighting.com | www.elsteadlighting.com

Sleeper_236x275mm_bleed3mm_Oct23.indd 1

29/08/2023 15:53:38

Speakers include (clockwise from top left): Marie Soliman, Henry Reeve, Jonathan Ashmore, Lorraine Copes, Ryan Butterfield and Sebastien Ricard, while installations will be designed by Blacksheep and MIXD

170

EVENTS

HIX 2023: A Room with a Point of View 16-17 November 2023 LONDON HIX 2023 is all about people, perspectives and progress.

Here’s what to expect from Europe’s only hotel design event.

T

aking place in the heart of London’s

selection of leading design brands from across

desires, creating a solution for a modern work

design community, HIX 2023 will bring

Europe. Representing all aspects of hotel design,

mired by endless uncertainty and flux.

the hospitality industry together for two

from statement furnishings, fabrics and textiles

days of exhibitions, installations, discussions

and bathroom fixtures to lighting, surfaces

TALKS

and parties. Celebrating the latest and greatest

and technology systems, returning exhibitors

How can we create hotels that cater to all? Can

hotel interior experiences, Europe’s only hotel

include Grohe, Roca, Ligne Roset Contract

design help forge stronger bonds with local

design event is this year guided by the theme

and Vaughan, whilst the HIX community will

communities? What will be the next big concept

‘A Room with a Point of View’, highlighting the

welcome new members Dornbracht, Chelsom,

to take the industry by storm? Across two days

voices, concepts and values set to define the

Bode and Duravit. Also returning for 2023 is

and eight sessions including panels, interviews

next chapter of hospitality experiences.

Collection – a dedicated space showcasing

and presentations, HIX Talks is a platform for

product ranges from Lyndon, Martella, Muuto,

the hotel design community’s brightest minds

Marset and more.

to investigate the industry’s biggest questions.

Welcoming investors, operators, architects, designers, project managers, procurement specialists and more, guests can discover

From inclusivity and hyperlocal hospitality

the entire hotel supply chain under one roof

INSTALLATIONS

at Islington’s Business Design Centre. Plug

For 2023, HIX is doubling down on immersive

innovative concepts, this year’s line-up includes

in to the cutting edge of hotel design with a

hospitality experiences with two installations

speakers making a true difference, including

curated programme of immersive and engaging

exploring the future of hotel design. Created

developers, operators, designers and thinkers

activations across the show floor, put on by

by London-based Blacksheep and Wroclaw’s

from David Chipperfield Architects, Zoku, Buro

Europe’s leading design brands.

MIXD, the innovative hospitality spaces will

Happold, Room2, Wilkinson Eyre, Feix & Merlin,

allow guests to journey through forward-

IHG Hotels & Resorts, Anarchitect, BeInclusive

thinking environments that address issues

Hospitality, ReardonSmith, Bergman Interiors,

facing guests, designers and operators alike.

SUSD and more.

A ROOM WITH A POINT OF VIEW Where last year’s theme was all about the

to adaptive reuse architecture and incubating

great things that grew in the wake of Covid’s

The Umwelt Paradigm by Blacksheep will

Meanwhile, sessions focused on the creation

disruption, HIX 2023 is all about people,

delve into the intersection of experience and

of this year’s installations will see the studios

perspectives and progress, looking ahead to

perception by shining a light on the hidden

behind them explore the future of hospitality

the next era of hotel design with a special focus

influences of our surroundings and highlighting

design with their project partners, looking at

on the unique viewpoints shaping the guest

how hospitality spaces can dictate, distort and

both the challenges and opportunities that

experiences of tomorrow.

manipulate, for better or worse.

tomorrow’s hospitality leaders will navigate.

MIXD’s Unfinished Works, meanwhile, will

EXPO

generate a space that continually adapts and

Join the HIX movement and register for free today at

Across the show floor, guests will find a curated

responds to varying challenges, demands and

www.hixevent.com

171

Head of Design Riley Sanders and Design Director James Bassant have together created new ranges for Astro including Zeppo, Veo and Venn

172

SPOTLIGHT

Different By Detail As lighting designers seek greater flexibility, the new collection from Astro allows for the customisation of key product ranges for hospitality projects.

Words: Ben Thomas

O

ne of our overarching mantras is to

the Astro signature,” says Bassant. “Some are

linear design with two integrated LEDs and an

design products that we actually like

more decorative, others are pared back, but as

adjustable reading light. Sanders explains that

ourselves,” says James Bassant, co-

a whole they are harmonious.”

in developing the range, the user experience was

founder and Design Director at Astro Lighting,

Sanders goes on to explain that attention to

a key consideration for the team, who believe

as we sit down to discuss the company’s new

detail – or “the unseen elements” as he puts it

that “lighting determines the atmosphere of an

product range at its headquarters in Essex.

– is at the company’s core, referencing aesthetic

environment and how guests interact with it”.

Having co-founded the business in 1997

advantages like having no visible fixings on a

The same goes for decorative wall lights like

with John Fearon, Bassant reveals that while

wall base, which, despite adding complexity to

Ako, with its narrow profile and warm glow;

its design approach has evolved over the 26

the engineering process, brings a sleeker look.

Toro, inspired by the shape of traditional East

years since, his trusty sketch book still plays

Not only does this offer stylistic benefits, but it

Asian lanterns; and Veo, with its fluted glass

an important role. “I often find a scrap of paper,

means the lighting solutions can stand the test

shade and sleek metal base, which nod to the

jot an idea down and stick it in the book. It’s

of time – another key Astro principle.

fluted columns of classic Greek architecture.

As the product portfolio grows however,

Across the new hospitality collection, the

This craftsmanship permeates through the

the British brand has decided to segment

desire for more homely, controllable solutions

entire Astro team, with Head of Design Riley

its concepts for hospitality, residential and

also shines through, whether that be through

Sanders taking a similarly hands-on, personal

commercial spaces, as well as introducing a

portable lamps like Halo, Zeppo or Nomad – all

approach: “The fundamental question we ask

new made-to-order service that provides more

of which are rechargeable and energy-efficient

ourselves is whether we would purchase the

choice and flexibility than ever before. “We’ve

– or contemporary bathroom designs such as

product for our own home. Sometimes a design

been toying with the idea for the last two or

Nara, Ottawa, Lyra and Atticus. “Lighting is

ticks all the boxes but something isn’t quite

three years, but feel now is the time to make

one of those things that when done well, people

right, so we keep working away at it.”

it official,” Bassant confirms. “The bespoke

don’t really notice it, but when done badly,

It’s an ongoing process with no beginning

service will allow for greater customisation

they do instantly,” says Bassant, with Sanders

or end, according to Bassant, but one which

within our core range, with only slightly longer

adding that “the emotional response to good

ultimately leads to lighting collections that

lead times.”

lighting is huge”, meaning Astro must provide

my record.”

interior designers with the tools they need to

embody the brand’s mission to obsess over

For the hospitality sector, two statement

the details, refine elements and challenge

collections – Venn and Leda – feature a

themselves to get it just right.

complete set of floor, table, wall and wall-

The evolution of materials and technology

Part of that mission has included investing

mounted reading lights, while stylish yet

is helping the brand innovate too; for the first

in tools to achieve more complex engineering

functional wall lights such as Arbor and Serge

time in two decades, it has introduced three

solutions, as well as LED technology that enables

have been designed with hotel guestrooms in

ranges featuring precision-crafted translucent

the brand to create more dynamic forms. “All

mind. Astro also has the bedside covered with

porcelain shades, which gently diffuse light

our products are designed in-house and bear

Koto and Baton, the latter characterised by a

to generate a rich, warm glow. Ella combines

elevate the guest experience within hotels.

173

“Even though the business has been going for 26 years, I’m more excited than ever about what’s to come.”

JAMES BASSANT

174

the soft radiance with a tapered arm that flows

the eco credentials throughout the entire supply

effortlessly into its round metal base, while

chain. “Requests for sustainability reports are

Imari – inspired by classic Italian lighting

becoming more common in today’s market,”

designs from the 1980s – is available as a

he notes. “We’re ahead of the game, but like

desk light and two different wall light designs,

a lot of processes, success will not be achieved

including one that features a handy adjustable

overnight. As an industry, we need to do better

arm. Completing the trio, Carlton has a

going forward.”

longer porcelain shade and brings a sense of minimalism in both desk and wall models.

From a design perspective, considering sustainability from the get-go is therefore

Developments in materials and technology

a must. In Astro’s case, the company has

have also seen Astro put new twists on popular

redesigned its modular components to allow

designs. The Enna desk lamp now comes with

for replacement without having to substitute

an integrated USB port, while its classic Curve

the entire fitting, as well as ensuring products

shades have been launched in clear glass,

can be disassembled and recycled accordingly.

with a choice of two sizes depending on the

“When we talk about timelessness, that

requirements of guestrooms or dining areas.

includes both aesthetics and sustainability,”

“The way we’re developing products has

says Sanders, who recognises the complexities

changed dramatically,” Sanders explains.

of the process, but confirms that the design

“There’s more rigour and robustness to the

team are actively working on finding solutions.

process, with the product management team

As Astro looks ahead, Bassant reveals the

helping us to design solutions that are needed

brand is building on what it has started. “There’s

by our clients. We’re delivering answers to the

a level of intensity within the strategy we’re

questions they are asking.”

laying out for the near future,” he concludes.

Bassant says the “symbiotic relationship” with

“Even though the business has been going for

Astro’s hospitality clients also involves being

26 years, I’m more excited than ever about

transparent about the manufacturing process,

what’s to come.” The future is indeed bright.

with clients increasingly seeking information on

www.astrolighting.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

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EDPFM-Sleeper Editorial.indd 1

25/08/2023 11:37

SPOTLIGHT BATHROOMS & AMENITIES From freestanding tubs to carefully crafted accessories and amenities, our top pick of products are guaranteed to elevate the hotel bathroom.

Devon & Devon White Tec Plus Bathtubs Devon & Devon’s range of timeless bathtubs is available in Aurora White, Celine White, Dove and Holiday. As well as being a sleek addition to hospitality interiors, the bathtubs boast sustainable credentials. Entirely restorable, reusable and recyclable, as well as non-toxic and hypoallergenic, the body of the tubs is made entirely from White Tec Plus, a compound with Greenguard Gold certification produced exclusively for Devon & Devon using biobased plant-origin resins.

The further addition of titanium dioxide to the substance mix increases antibacterial and antiviral action, thanks to the compound’s photocatalytic property. Compact and velvety to the touch, White Tec Plus blends beauty and sustainability in an ideal synthesis. www.devon-devon.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

180

3.

1. Grohe Private

2. Dernier & Hamlyn The Arts Club, Mayfair

3. Lusso Statement Baths

Grohe Private collection brings two stalwart design houses together through a unique design that encourages personalisation. An extension of Grohe’s existing premium materials, the series is customisable by colour, finish, material and handle options. Additionally, the brand has partnered with Ceaserstone to provide options of white or black Caesarstone Quartz to fitting options of knurled knobs or stick levers, in a range of finishes including Warm Sunset, Cool Sunrise and Hard Graphite. The Private collection comprises over 200 individual product codes, with a wide variety of bepoke options available for a truly personal design. www.grohespa.com

Bespoke lighting designer and manufacturer Dernier & Hamlyn recently supplied lighting solutions to the guestroom bathrooms of the boutique hotel that sits above The Arts Club, a private members’ club in Mayfair. Founded in 1863 as a sanctuary for those with a professional or amateur relationship with the arts, literature or sciences, the property holds a storied history that required careful navigation in crafting new lighting solutions. Within the boutique hotel above the club are 16 guestrooms and suites, which – through considered design details – offer a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of London. With a design required to complement The Arts Club’s Art Deco styling, while satisfying budgetary constraints and meeting technical requirements, Dernier & Hamlyn worked closely with the hotel’s design team and interior fit-out specialists Beck to produce cornice lighting with a handcast bronze frame. The completed fitting appears delicate and subtle to the eye, yet is sufficiently robust, providing the required strength to uphold the light’s concave opal shade diffusers. “The hotel’s design narrative was to provide a haven for guests to relax in high-quality, glamorous and discreet suites in central London,” explains Michael Mulhall, Director of Dernier & Hamlyn. “The lighting is key to realising the appropriate ambience and the property was delighted with the unique solution produced by our team.” www.dernier-hamlyn.com

Lusso’s range of statement baths add a luxury touch to hospitality interiors.

With rich materials, striking designs and silhouettes, the baths can elevate a range of bathroom styles with Lusso’s signature opulence. The Amore Bath, available in smoked and translucent resin, is the first resin tub to be introduced by the brand.

The Jadore bath meanwhile, which comes in three different styles, brings together Doric fluting and sweeping curves in a chic blend of classical and modern design. Elsewhere in the series, Vivere is the world’s first forged carbon fibre bath, exclusive to Lusso. It takes inspiration from the Bugatti Veyron Vivere supercar, which is crafted from the same material. www.lussostone.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

182

4.

1. Vola 590H

2. Aliseo Maxima

3. Acquabella Shower Grids

4. Roca Nu

Vola’s 590H one-handle mixer tap uses ceramic disk technology alongside a water-saving aerator. Available in 25 different colours, which span from orange to light green, carmine red to pink, the tap embodies the Danish design heritage and craftsmanship that Vola incorporates into all of its collections. Since 1968, the brand has operated with an approach that prioritises pure form and geometry alongside innovative functionality. The first Vola taps were designed for the National Bank of Denmark by Arne Jacobsen, with the company since providing varied taps and accessories for all manner of interiors, all from its base in Horsens, Denmark. www.vola.com

Aliseo’s Maxima is a bold, contemporary toilet brush design that combines strength and durability with utilitarian beauty.

Available in either black or white and complete with a chic matte finish, Maxima is a sleek addition to a range of bathroom styles and hospitality interiors. The products – which can be wall-mounted or used as a freestanding model – are made from a base of high-quality metals and alloys, including pure stainless steel, brass, zamac and aluminium, complete with a matte powder coating. Maxima’s soap baskets come with a removable insert crafted using ABS plastic, which facilitates easier cleaning and makes them scratch-resistant. www.aliseo.de

Acquabella has introduced three new grating patterns for its Base and Arg shower trays. The new customisation options, named Mia, Lux and Geo, have been designed to facilitate the creation of bespoke bathroom spaces with contemporary design. Mia, an evolution of its predecessor, will be the main grating and is available in Akron and stainless steel, while Lux and Geo will be offered only in Akron. As with the Akron gratings, the new designs are also incorporated in the high-definition textures of the brand’s Base models – Slate, Beton, Zero and Nude – and in the colour of the shower tray, creating continuity across Acquabella’s products. www.acquabella.com

Roca’s faucet catalogue has expanded with Nu, a vivid collection created by Spanish designer Inma Bermúdez.

Unveiled at ISH in Frankfurt, the series offers a wide range of design possibilities through three different handle options and a selection of vibrant tones, shapes and sizes. The collection plays with colour in bold ways and is available in six variations inspired by Roca’s Mediterranean DNA: green, blue, yellow, black, white and chrome. The shades – intentionally chosen as saturated rather than pastels, are complete with a glossy finish. Nu also offers three different handles – Pin, Dome and Stripes – with each designed to take a different shape. www.roca.com

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TYPE: 206mm X 245mm This is the safe area for any important text and logos.

CAMEO COLLECTION The Modern Heirloom Design

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SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

Atlas Concorde Efrem Grasselli, Global Marketing Director We sat down with Atlas Concorde’s Marketing Director to talk all things bathroom design and the solutions the brand brings to hospitality spaces.

What makes a well-designed bathroom?

A well-designed bathroom strikes a delicate balance between form and function, which largely depends on the type of materials chosen, their technical and aesthetic characteristics. From a hygiene point of view, porcelain tiles are ideal as they offer durability, easy maintenance and cleaning, and are not affected by moisture. Moreover, porcelain tiles allow us to work with colour, which can be further enhanced by a well-studied use of light.

How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in design?

We engage in research on both technical and aesthetic levels, enabling us to offer a variety of solutions that can be customised to the needs of each project. Atlas Concorde is a complete product system that combines floor and wall tiles with the large slabs of the Atlas Plan brand, and the bathroom and living elements of Atlas Concorde Habitat.

What solutions can Atlas Concorde bring to hospitality spaces?

Atlas Concorde offers modern, contemporary design solutions that are highly functional, hygienic, practical and long-lasting. The Atlas Concorde Habitat range, dedicated to the world of furniture, comprises porcelain washbasins and bathroom fixtures that are highly aesthetic, hygienic and easy to clean. All washbasins are equipped with a steel tilting panel, which allows the drain to be inspected and even the most hidden areas of the basin to be easily cleaned.

How do you approach the development of new collections?

The process begins with a thorough study of market needs in parallel with analysis of trends in the world of design. Above all, it is the continuous study of customers’ needs that leads to the development of a product that is always current and sought after by our clients.

Tell us about some of your latest bathroom collections...

Complementing our floor and wall tiles for bathrooms, recent developments include new washbasins in the Habitat range, which can be mixed and matched with all the surfaces in the Atlas Concorde catalogue. www.atlasconcorde.com

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SPOTLIGHT

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1. Sanipex Group Chiasso

2. RAK Ceramics RAK-Petit

3. Decor Walther Black Porcelain

4. Kaldewei Superplan

Sanipex Group’s Bagnodesign brand has launched a new metallic brassware range that helps interior designers to create standout bathroom aesthetics. Chiasso is a contemporary collection of basin and shower mixers, available in four versatile brassware finishes: chrome, brushed nickel, soft bronze and PVD gold. The range also features an accent porcelain, while inserts on the handles are offered in 12 finishes including antique brown and marble laurent. Bagnodesign provides high-quality, on-trend bathroom products with an extensive range of sanitaryware and furniture, brassware and accessories, bath and shower components, as well as a spa selection. www.bagnodesign.it

Created for RAK Ceramics by Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins designed with limited space in mind. Transforming this practical area of the bathroom into a stylish focal point, the RAK-Petit Round and Squared countertop washbasins stand at 340mm tall, with design inspired by the larger floorstanding models in the collection. Crafted from high-quality ceramic, the countertop washbasins tap into trends of curves and geometric lines in the bathroom. Minimal, elegant and functional, the washbasins are also ideal for pairing with RAK-Petit Round and Square brassware. www.rakceramics.com/uk

Decor Walther has stood for quality bathroom furnishing such as lamps, mirrors and accessories for over four decades, operating with a philosophy that champions the creation of discrete luxury. Founded in 1973 by Harald Walther in Frankfurt, the brand has evolved to become a leading supplier in the sector, reaching far beyond Germany’s borders into Europe and beyond. Decor Walther’s latest collection of bathroom accessories is made from black porcelain. Available in glossy or matte black, the collection comprises an array of amenities for the bathroom, including soap dispensers, tumblers, soap dishes, tissue boxes and toilet brush sets. www.decor-walther.com

Kaldewei has given its classic Superplan shower a makeover for 2023, introducing sharper edges, tighter angles and clean lines. As well as an increased installation depth of maximum 25mm, the new shower uses narrow margins throughout to create an elegant look and guarantee a lavish standing area. Made from recyclable steel enamel and a non-porous glass surface, the latest iteration of Superplan also sees reduced angles on its outer corners and edges, allowing for easier integration into an existing tile grid and much simpler tiling up to the edge of the shower surface. Superplan is also entirely compatible with all of Kaldewei’s smart accessories. www.kaldewei.com

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SPOTLIGHT

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1. ADA Cosmetics Soapsmith Guest

2. LSA International Bathroom Accessories

3. FOH New York

4. Groupe GM Groupe GM x Trussardi

With the new Soapsmith Guest collection from ADA Cosmetics, London’s Home Grown Private Members’ Club offers its guests immersive sensory experiences.

All of the products in the collection are fragranced with Soapsmith’s original signature fragrance Hackney – inspired by founder Sam Jameson’s childhood in the North London district. Fresh notes of bergamot, rosemary and geranium represent summer days on Hackney Marshes, while a base of sandalwood, amber and musk is reminiscent of the capital. All products are free of SLES/SLS, parabens and mineral oils, are veganfriendly and not tested on animals, and use readily biodegradable surfactants. www.ada-cosmetics.com

LSA’s collection of versatile and contemporary bathroom pieces favours clean lines, natural materials and muted colours – an ideal addition when creating a relaxing and restorative bathroom environment. Containers in the collection can be used to keep surfaces and cupboards tidy, providing practical storage and contemporary display solutions for bathroom amenities.

Each piece is made using carefullysourced renewable materials, including mouth-blown glass, as well as cork and FSC-certified timber for warmth and texture. LSA International is a Londonbased design studio specialising in contemporary handmade glass creations. www.lsa-international.com

FOH’s New York collection is the perfect mix of fashion and function. Inspired by the bustling city, the pieces are constructed of a high-gloss composite with a structured finish. The material is versatile, durable and ideal for high-traffic areas that require quick turnarounds for cleaning and organisation. The series comprises a variety of hospitality essentials, including tissue box covers, soap dishes, amenity trays, ice buckets and waste baskets. Available in Onyx, Snow, Steel, Chocolate, Peacock, and the most recent addition, Stone, products from the collection can be chosen in one shade or mixed and matched for a unique look that elevates any space. www.fohworldwide.com

Groupe GM has announced a collaboration with lifestyle brand Trussardi. Reflecting Trussardi’s contemporary take on classic elegance, the forthcoming hotel amenities collection features neutral tones and minimalist graphics. The fragrance, a woody floral musk blend, harmonises zesty citrus top notes with an iris-jasmine heart and a warm cedar-musk base. Reflecting the brands’ eco-conscious values, the line includes 30ml and 400ml variations crafted from sustainable materials, including a refillable dispenser named Ecofill. The Groupe GM x Trussardi partnership embodies shared values of social and environmental responsibility. www.groupegm.com

lsa-international.com

Terrazza Collection

CONSIDERED DESIGN

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Tece TeceSolid

2. Geberit Aspire

3. Aquadomo Diamond Flush Plates

4. Laufen Pro S

The TeceSolid toilet flush plate now comes in versatile metal and textured surfaces. The product is available in four new, brushed relief surfaces, which include graphite and nickel, two variants with a line structure, and brass and bronze, two further versions with a diamond structure. The new flush plate variations are available in stainless steel, bright chrome, matte white, bright white and matte black. The brand has introduced the additions following an increased demand for structured surfaces within bathroom design. Tece has been providing solutions in the sanitary installation sector for over 30 years from its headquarters in Germany. www.tece.com

Geberit has announced significant upgrades to Aspire. The brand’s Acanto Turboflush 2.0 Pan is now complete with an advanced Turboflash 2.0 system, maximising flushing potential with less water. A new seat with Easymount fixings is now also compatible with the iCon seat.

The fresh iCon bidet and WC pans feature Geberit’s Rimfree+ flushing system, complete with a short projection pan, back-to-wall pan and bidet. Additionally, Geberit has introduced matte black options for iCon and Geberit One, while the brand has also launched white satin ceramics in both iCon and Geberit One ranges, bringing an alternative to standard gloss. www.geberit.co.uk

Dedicated to the belief that functionality does not mean having to sacrifice aesthetics, Aquadomo brings style and sophistication to toilet flush plates. The company’s workmanship and high-quality materials make sanitaryware necessities a desirable piece of design. Made in solid hand-polished brass with a galvanised finish to match their surrounds, the Diamond flush plates fit seamlessly with a range of interiors and other products in Aquadomo’s range. The company’s pursuit of aesthetic perfection and functionality has seen it land inside an array of projects in the luxury hotel sector, including Six Senses Southern Dunes and Rosewood Vienna. www.aquadomo.com

Laufen’s Pro S shower trays are made from composite material Marbond, which is durable, stable, easy to clean and – importantly – repairable if slightly scratched. In addition, the surface is noise-reducing, anti-slip, tactile and warm to the touch. Marbond also contains resin, which is crafted from recycled PET bottles, used as an alternative to conventional resin. The Pro S trays are superslim – less than 45mm – and can be installed flush to the floor for a seamless look. Pro S trays are available in a range of colours, including matte white, matte anthracite, matte concrete and matte caffe, and come in sizes spanning from 900 x 900mm to 2000 x 1000mm. www.laufen.com

Made-to-measure solutions for your projects www.acquabella.com

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Graff Bathroom Collections

2. Duravit Bento Starck Box

Selected by interior designers for integration into luxurious hospitality properties worldwide, Graff’s bathroom fixtures feature timeless designs for classic and contemporary interiors. Graff’s bathroom collections include Harley, MOD+, Incanto, Phase, Targa, Solar, Finezza and Camden, with the brand’s products finding home in hotel projects across the globe. Château de Belet, a B&B in Saint-Aquilin, France chose Graff’s traditional Finezza and Camden bath collections for its spa-style ensuite bathrooms upon refurbishment. In Manhattan meanwhile, within the light-filled bathroom spaces of 75 Kenmare, the geometric silhouette of Graff’s Solar Collection complements the building’s contemporary design details and architectural style.

Heading south to New Orleans, the modern design of Graff’s Phase collection elevates the bath suites of Four Seasons’ Private Residences. Headquartered in Milwaukee, with locations throughout Europe, Graff is globally recognised for its trend-setting products and unique vision. Supported since 1922 by wide plumbing and hardware manufacturing experience, the company creates a wide range of designer-based collections for the luxury market. The brand employs over 900 professionals and has complete control over the production process, making it an entirely vertically-integrated manufacturer. www.graff-designs.com

Duravit has introduced a new take on the washing area with Bento Starck Box, designed as sophisticated, elegant spaces that intelligently separate wet and dry areas. Designed by Phillipe Starck, the range – which the designer describes as “the start of an elegant serenity” – is arranged like a bento box, a traditional Japanese lunchbox divided into several compartments. All ceramic washbasins in the Bento Starck Box series, as well as the toilets, are available with antibacterial ceramic HygieneGlaze for the first time. Alongside 650mm-wide washbasins, the Bento Starck Box collection comprises above-counter basins in a range of sizes, all available in white and white satin matte. The range’s freestanding acrylic infinity bathtub has been designed with an integrated overflow for a spa-like experience, while a tapered water channel prevents a build-up of water and can be used as a storage area for bathroom accessories. Bento Starck Box toilet sets harmonise with the design of the rest of the collection, and include a floor-standing, close-coupled toilet and matching bidets, where integrated push buttons on the seat mean that it can be easily removed and cleaned. Bento Starck Box is part of the Duravit Artisan Lines range, which features products developed in collaboration with internationally renowned designers. www.duravit.co.uk

KALDEWEI SUPERPLAN ZERO SHOWER FLOOR

Choreographed precision and elegance

The steel enamel SUPERPLAN ZERO shower floor combines the strength of steel with the exquisite beauty of glass. Its refined and graceful lines fit perfectly with the overall look of the room.

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13.08.21 13:44

WE CHANGE LIVES WITH ART

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Creative Matters Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville Toronto-based brand Creative Matters has supplied over 2,000ft of custom corridor carpets to the recently opened Canopy by Hilton in its home city. Working with interior design firm Studio Munge – whose intention for the corridors was a strong organic design that featured a layered painterly effect – the company’s floorcoverings were designed to feel non-repetitive and without visible breaks or seams. The carpet is also accentuated by natural light, which adds to its drama and movement. Under Creative Matters’ direction, the woven Axminster range makes extensive use of barber pole blends, which allow for a softer transition between colours and increase the shade combinations possible.

Creative Matters has been offering imaginative and practical floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 25 years. The studio’s design and eco-conscious production expertise has seen it supply hundreds of hotels in 28 countries, from the handtufted red carpet in Faena Miami Beach’s lobby to 128 handknotted rugs for Shinola Hotel in Detroit. www.creativemattersinc.com

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Il Fanale Drop Mini Inspired by the lights seen at traditional village festivals, Il Fanale’s Drop collection has been designed by DT Studio – the Italian brand’s laboratory of ideas – to bring an atmospheric ambiance to hospitality spaces. Simple yet refined, the pendants offer an original solution for both indoor and outdoor décor, even in more compact spaces, thanks to the new Drop Mini. The downsized reinterpretation comes with a higher IPrating, meaning it is waterproof, though the antique brass frame follows the aesthetic of the wider range. Combining elegance with versatile installation, Drop enables designers to create unique compositions across a variety of settings. www.ilfanale.com

Vincent Sheppard Frida Vincent Sheppard has extended its Frida collection with a new dining chair combining teak and tactile rope. Having spent several years developing the Frida lounge chair to achieve a balance of design expression and optimal comfort, the company has tapped into its knowledge of weaving and wood to produce the dining version. “The seat and back of the chair are crafted from a single length of rope,” explains CEO Coralie Claeys.

“Weaving the rope onto the solid teak frame is a technically complex process, which takes a day to complete. The handwoven seat elevates the design to a real piece of art.”

The new model also maintains Frida’s silhouette, bringing together tactility with a sense of lightness and Scandinavian design aesthetic. With its sturdy teak legs and rounded frame, the chair supports a seat made of tightly strung rope. For additional comfort, users can add a cushion shaped to the curves of Frida without compromising on its Scandi style. Claeys concludes: “The Frida dining chair makes a statement and serves as an elegant welcome to hotel interiors.” www.vincentsheppard.com

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CASE STUDY

Parla Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul

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Turkish furniture manufacturer Parla has collaborated with interior designers Goddard Littlefair on the renovation of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul in the city’s Sultanahmet district.

Thanks to its expertise in bespoke production, Parla has created custom furnishings for both indoor and outdoor spaces, and crafted doors and panels in various materials. Following a two-year refurbishment, the property now combines wood finishes and brass details with quality furnishings in neutral and delicate colours. The pieces are inspired by Ottoman lines and decorations, giving life to the contemporary, elegant design. The seating in the public areas of the hotel – from a large restaurant whose structure resembles an Ottoman tent, to a bar on the rooftop terrace – has allowed Parla to push the limits of its production by fusing different materials that balance tradition and modernity. The ability to use varying materials, from wood to metal to upholstery – in a wide variety of colours both in its standard collection line and in bespoke – means Parla can meet the needs of projects

like this one. In curating such a broad-ranging portfolio, the company blends craft heritage and savoir faire, combining the two with advanced technology. The forward-thinking approach, which is also centred around a respect for natural resources, caters to the requirements of architects and interior designers, allowing them to stretch the parameters of what is possible with FF&E. A former prison, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul is a well-known local landmark surrounded by stone walls, a working masjid and guard towers – a history that has been respected throughout the redesign process, according to Martin Goddard, Director and co-founder of Goddard Littlefair: “Our designers researched styling, pattern and details from antiques, fabrics, architecture and distilled these influences through a contemporary filter to create designs that feel completely in tune with the building and setting.” During the renovation, Goddard Littlefair also discovered that part of the hotel’s grounds is a protected archeological site, which further informed its design. www.parladesign.com

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SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Madera The Quoin, Wilmington DE

Shelved Modular Shelving Providing innovative storage systems for commercial spaces, modular furniture company Shelved is expanding its reach into the hospitality market, thanks to an easy-to-use product configurator that enables architects and interior designers to create bespoke solutions for their projects. The British manufacturer recently showcased its capabilities in Manchester, working with Workshop Design Studio to create a dynamic office space for J’adore Models’ new headquarters. Blending luxury with an industrial aesthetic, Workshop Design Studio transformed a 347m2 space on the ground floor of a residential apartment block in the city’s Ancoats area, delivering a stylish environment that encapsulates a New York loft feel.

Supplying an intuitive modular furniture system and helping to shape the scheme’s aesthetic, Shelved not only offered a decorative asset and abundance of display shelving, but also zoned the open-plan space using its anthracite and oak units. Complementing the industrial-inspired colour palette and exposed cast-iron pipework, the units are styled with lush green plants and ceramics for a laid-back yet homely look and feel. With a number of projects in the pipeline, Shelved is now looking to branch out into the hotel sector, offering a range of modular shelving products along with customised shelving that meet specific requirements. From concept to completion, the company’s in-house team work closely with architects and interior designers to bring their vision to life, ensuring functional yet aesthetically pleasing results. www.shelved.co.uk

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Design and fabrication firm Madera has worked closely with US hospitality brand Method Co to supply recently opened boutique hotel The Quoin in Wilmington DE, developing an elegant, old-world palette that exudes a worn and lived-in feel in honour of the property’s storied past. Madera landed on Rök as the primary finish due to its inherent depth and richness of colour, caused by a fuming process that interacts with the oak’s tannins and naturally highlights the wood’s variation. A slim herringbone and basketweave pattern was also a fitting choice in homage to the hotel’s quaint aesthetic, while leather Chesterfield sofas and velvet settees sit on a quality parquet pattern. Timber features throughout the property’s public and private spaces, tying the project together in a rich, warm tone that epitomises the structure’s careful restoration. During the fit-out process, Madera was able to align the hotel’s design to the budget, identifying more economical dimensions and specifications without sacrificing quality or durability. Born in Brooklyn in 2012, the company has grown from local to global, executing projects all over the world and opening a second showroom in Los Angeles in 2019. Along the way, it has collaborated with a variety of clients, from a Benedictine Monastery who took a leap of faith with Indigo Ash, to Patagonia, who came to them for sustainably sourced reclaimed timber. Madera’s aesthetic is rooted in Scandinavian design, from wood floors to millwork to furniture, with the aim to inspire and engage a modern audience. www.maderasurfaces.com

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CASE STUDY

Ligna Group Oborishte 63 Boutique, Sofia

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Situated in Sofia’s creative district, Oborishte 63 Boutique is a hotel enriched by artistic traces that pay homage to Bulgarian heritage. After a thorough analysis of the physical and cultural context, applying the philosophy of genius loci, Ligna Group’s concept was born. The interior design studio and FF&E hospitality procurement company tapped into the individuality of the building and the layout of its nine guestrooms, creating unique guest experiences based on nine emblematic Bulgarian artworks. The one-of-a-kind canvases were meticulously selected, while the wider guestroom designs – characterised by clean lines and modern furnishings – are influenced by the respective artists. Material selections were important too, ensuring that each room is distinct yet considers all the necessary requirements for durability, maintenance and functionality.

The Fairytale suite draws inspiration from dreamscapes of painter and poet Sirak Skitnik,

combining calming shades of greens and blues with luxurious textures, décor and lighting that nod to the clouds. Wild Pears on the other hand champions the tranquil curves, peaceful colours and whimsical patterns of nature, influenced by the Modernist works of Nikolay Raynov. Coppers, greens and blues offer a calm respite from the outside world, while the natural textures of wicker, palms and live plants bring nature inside. Another of the hotel’s notable suites is The Thread (pictured), which celebrates the flowing, organic shapes found in the tapestries of Marin Varbanov’s textile sculptures. Natural fibres and earthy tones are used throughout, along with contemporary furniture inspired by the knots of the artist himself. The pièce de resistance however is the dramatic ceiling above the living room, at the centre of which hangs an abstract lighting installation of varying heights. www.ligna-group.com

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Minotti Raphael Designed by Italian-Danish duo GamFratesi, Raphael comprises three sofa variants, two armchairs, two smaller dining armchairs and a footstool. Organic forms with generous yet cosy proportions are enhanced by sophisticated upholstery that interprets the collection’s sinuous lines. The furniture also stands on modern feet in die-cast bronze or polished pewter aluminium or licorice-stained ash, the design of which adapts to the morphology of the seating shapes. Each individual element has its own identity and silhouette; the sofas come in linear, semi-curved and asymmetrical semicurved variants, with the latter animated by the sinuous lines of its backrest, punctuated by a gentle change of heights. The armchairs meanwhile are characterised by their comfortable seating, not only in the larger model, but also in the smaller dining versions, which are available both fixed, with legs in licorice-coloured ash, and with a four-spoke, die-cast swivel base in bronze or polished pewter. www.minotti.com

Pooky Cordless Lamps British lighting brand Pooky has built on its reputation for supplying high-quality cordless lamps at exceptional prices with new additions that join Phileas by Matthew Williamson – the fastest selling lamp in its history. Portable lighting solutions are becoming increasingly popular for adding an ambient glow to cosy bar tables as well as tackling tricky nooks and corners that may be without sockets. The collection now comprises portable, rechargeable, cordless lamps in antique brass and antique bronze finishes, as well as new Mid-Century-inspired versions in white marble and brass. Both stylish and practical, each light is dimmable and provides at least ten hours of light per charge. Pooky also stocks a vast array of shades to mix and match with bases to create bespoke combinations that can be delivered within days. Whether perched on a shelf as an object to admire, placed in the bedroom to bring extra warmth and indulgence, styled as part of an elegant dining table spread, or used out on a patio after the sun sets, the options are endless with Pooky’s cordless collection. www.pooky.com

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RH 2023 RH Interiors Sourcebook

TechnoAlpin SnowRoom Italian manufacturer TechnoAlpin is constantly working on new resource-saving snow solutions, with its TechnoAlpin Indoor department looking to create unique sensory experiences indoors too. One of the company’s latest turnkey solutions is SnowRoom, which immerses guests in snowscapes at minus ten degrees. Available in four designs – Rock, Cubic, Stone and Forest – the room is replenished on a daily basis, with patented nozzles delivering a fresh blanket of snow every morning.

Once inside, a seven-inch display ensures the easy control and monitoring of the EcoSnow 2.0 technical snow unit, with a scheduler programme permitting automatic control of both snowing and defrosting times. TechnoAlpin can also access the device and make changes to the settings at any time via remote maintenance, if necessary. For operators meanwhile, the mechanical room can be positioned up to 50m away from the SnowRoom and access is simple, with special openings to the air conditioning units and snow nozzles. There is also a choice of door positions, ceiling colours and accessories, and TechnoAlpin’s SnowRoom configurator even allows for customised designs. “The advantage for users is that they don’t really get wet; it’s a gentle cooling option and suitable for everyone, including people who are sensitive to pain,” says Sara Brenninger, Product Manager at TechnoAlpin Indoor.

“Snow is the perfect addition to any setting, be it fitness, a sauna, private spa, or as a furnishing highlight independent of the wellness area.” www.technoalpin.com

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RH has revealed the 2023 RH Interiors Sourcebook, a 604page catalogue featuring 100 exclusive collections. The cover of the new publication features Byron, a collaboration with Sydney-based designers Nicholas and Harrison Condos, which boasts a gently contoured and handcarved reeded design crafted from European white oak. Thomas Bina and Ronald Sasson meanwhile evoke Brazilian Modernism with Santiago, and in first-time partnerships with RH, Francesco Crivellari and Oliver Oulton introduce sofas and sectionals Bella, Dillon and Durham, which use Libeco Belgian linen, Holland & Sherry Australian wool twill, Italian hides and Viganò merino wool velvet. Elsewhere, Ligné by Julie Lawrence features a silhouette constructed from rift-cut American white oak. The designer also introduces Josephine, inspired by a 19th-century French garden table. Van Thiel & Co present Padua, with American oak fashioned into streamlined shapes. The firm’s second series, Belmont, pays homage to French Art Deco designs. In another debut for RH, Ron Mann unveils Andora – dining and occasional tables evoking Post-Modernist architecture. Two new ranges by Nils Verhoeven are a first for RH too; Jorris features a minimalist form set in a narrow frame, and Julien uses carved narrow reeding to counter the timber’s rusticity. Illuminating the range is lighting by Alison Berger; Hemisphere nods to the architecture of Paris’s Notre-Dame; Tulip reflects flowers in bloom; and Demaret by Jonathan Browning is influenced by Austrian designs of the 1960s. www.rh.com

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191

GRAFF

183

Oliver Hemming

211

026-027

Groupe GM

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Palecek

110

Agua Fabrics

153

Havwoods

133

Paolo Moschino

123

AHEAD

197

Hector Finch

077

Parla

035

Aliseo

049

HIX

199

Peloton

135

Aquadomo

185

Hospitality Design Expo

175

Perennials & Sutherland

007

Arte

004

Hypnos

059

Pooky

119

Astro

002-003

Il Fanale

045

Projedomus

141

BDNY

203

JC Hospitality

149

RAK Ceramics

024-025

Beck

093

Jung

051

Reconnection

201

Chelsom

041

Kaldewei

193

RH Contract

Clerkenwell Design Trail

207

Klafs

097

Roca

069

Cosentino

187

Lemi Group

105

Sanipex

181

Craster

151

LiGHT 23

176-177

Skinflint

028-029

Creative Matters

032

Ligna Group

053

Sleepeezee

115

Curtis Furniture

138

Ligne Roset

030

Sleeper Sessions

162

Decor Walther

066

LSA International

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Sleepifier

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205

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116

SNS

Dernier & Hamlyn

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Luteca

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Stellar Works

Devon & Devon

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Lutron

130

Stonecircle

167

Duravit

043

LX Hausys Europe

137

Tece

109

EE Smith

143

Madera

047

TechnoAlpin

079

Mandarin Stone

121

THP

208

ADA International

Ege

018-019

012-013

158-159 107 016-017

Elstead

169

Manutti

014-015

Tribu

008-009

EPR

099

Material Bank

022-023

Tuuci

087

Farmboy Fine Arts

194

Minotti

010-011

Vincent Sheppard

065

FOH

020-021

Modbar

101

Vola

129

Gessi

212

Naturalmat

083

Gommaire

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Northern Lights

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With Barbie hysteria well and truly sweeping the

also roams the lawn outside, where a BBQ terrace

globe, turning everything from food to fashion

and al fresco lounge sit alongside an infinity

an unmistakable shade of pink, the hospitality

pool, complete with K E N-shaped floats and a

industry is the latest to get in on the act, thanks

winding water slide.

to a collaboration between Airbnb and NigerianAmerican designer Victoria Adesanmi.

Barbie puts a pink-heeled stamp on the hospitality industry with the launch of her Malibu DreamHouse.

Keeping guests entertained with maximum ‘Kenergy’, the oceanfront mansion also features

A real-life venture in sunny California, Barbie’s

a dance floor with DJ decks and a glittering

Malibu DreamHouse has opened its doors, having

disco ball, as well as a workout space equipped

been kitted-out to suit the loves and lifestyle of

with barbells, a basketball net and a barrel of

everyone’s favourite dreamboat, Ken. Barbie

chocolate-flavoured Beefy Body Brine. Plus, for

fans need not despair however, the three-storey

those who dream of living the Barbie-and-Ken

mansion is still pink from top to bottom.

life long beyond their stay, souvenirs include a

On the ground floor, swing doors lead into

pair of pink-and-yellow Impala skates.

the Kendom Salon – a bedroom adorned with

“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky

all manner of Western-themed paraphernalia,

enough to have a house full of them,” says Ken.

ranging from pony hide rugs and equine artworks

“But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host

to cowboy boots and a display of Stetson hats

guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say,

hanging on the wall. Ken’s own majestic stallion

one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”

© Hogwash Studios

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JAZZMAN

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