Sleeper 113

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

LE GRAND MAZARIN – PARIS • RAFFLES AT THE OWO – LONDON • ESTELLE MANOR – OXFORDSHIRE

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

CONTENTS ISSUE 113 110

HOTEL REVIEWS

122

Raffles at The OWO

050

Else

063

Kimpton Hotel Theta

068

Estelle Manor

074

Badeschloss

083

Grand Hotel Straubinger

089

Six Senses Kanuhura

096

Nobis Hotel

102

London

Kuala Lumpur © Vincent Leroux

New York

Oxfordshire

Bad Gastein Bad Gastein

© Arne Nagel

© Jérôme Galland

Maldives 083

117

Palma

LOCATION REPORT PARIS La Fantaisie

110

Hôtel de La Boétie

117

Le Grand Mazarin

122

© Simon Brown 003

CONTENTS ISSUE 113 068

FEATURES Raffles at The OWO

050

The Evolution of Crowne Plaza

132

AHEAD

153

In a special in-depth review, the owner, operator, architect and design team tell all about a legend in the making.

© Regan Wood

170

096

As focus shifts to the ‘blended traveller’, Crowne Plaza is taking a fresh approach to the design and development of its spaces; those at the forefront of the brand reveal the process behind the evolution.

Fresh from the unveiling of its inaugural AHEAD 100, the global awards scheme puts out a call for entries for its 2024 edition, gearing up to celebrate the best new hotels from around the world.

© John Athimaritis

© Burak Teoman

089

074

© Arne Nagel

004

REGULARS Check-In

028

Drawing Board

030

The Lobby

045

Design Details

129

Business Centre

142

Outdoor Furniture

159

Art

177

Specifier

181

Check-Out

194

UK I USA I UAE I Hong Kong

F LAG SH I P S H OW ROO M S B el g i um - O u d e He i d e s traat 72, Bi lz e n It a ly - Vi a Fel ice C aval l o t t i 1 3, Mi la n o USA - B eve rly B o u l evard 893 5, L o s A n gele s

SURO lo unge ch a i r by C h ri s to p h e D el c o ur t NO DI s o fa by Ya b u P ush el b erg T R I B U.C OM

RH.COM/CONTRACT The Hotel Maria, Helsinki, Finland Photographer: Krista Keltanen

Create, innovate.

Design.

www.kettal.com

VENICECOLLECTION D E S I G N B Y L U D O V I C A S E R A F I N I + R O B E R T O PA L O M B A

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Great Scotland Yard Hotel

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Spa–Hôtel Le Negresco, Jean-Philippe Nuel.

Fabriqué en france.

WELCOME

ON THE COVER Le Grand Mazarin, Paris © Vincent Leroux

Behind The Façade

A

s press, the Sleeper team typically see hotels at their

see, yet come to shape the guest experience. With hard-hat

very best – when the beds are made, dining tables are

tours, before and after photography, detailed blueprints and

set and the bar is fully stocked. It’s only natural that a

scale models, the architects gave us a blow-by-blow account

new opening should want to show off its best side to visiting

of the masterplanning involved to get the best out of the

media, so the signs of construction and fit-out are long gone,

floorplate, the meticulous preservation of heritage features

giving way to picture-perfect interiors in which pillows are

and the mind-boggling experience of standing beneath the

plumped and glassware is gleaming.

façade during excavation works. Furthermore, the design

While this is the scene that guests will no doubt appreciate,

teams told us how the history of the building and surrounding

it doesn’t necessarily tell the full story. Behind every new hotel

area have influenced colour palettes, use of pattern and

is an army of collaborators who have gone to great lengths to

selection of FF&E.

create spaces that not only look good, but function efficiently

Our second in-depth report goes behind the scenes at IHG

too. It might be in the meticulous planning of back-of-house

Hotels & Resorts, examining the process behind Crowne Plaza’s

to ensure speedy service; the installation of a complex cabling

evolution. Following a roundtable with the design directors,

network to deliver power sockets in all the right places; or

the feature explains the research and development involved

the upgrade of a water supply system to allow for a spa-like

in creating a new look and feel for the brand, and the way in

shower in the en suite. All go unseen by the guest, yet actually

which global travel trends, lifestyle shifts and guest feedback

have a notable impact on the overall experience.

shape everything from the floorplan to the furnishings.

For this issue of Sleeper, we had the opportunity to delve

While Sleeper has long celebrated the vision and talents of

deeper into two major projects, gaining exclusive access to

all those involved in the creation of new hotels, this level of

key people to find out how and why the developments came

insight tells a greater story than the photography on the page.

about, and exactly what went into the process.

Ultimately, it’s the finished result that appeals to the guest

At Raffles London at The OWO – a project we have followed since the planning application was submitted back in 2016

and drives revenue, but as we in the industry know, the hard work happens behind the façade.

– we have insight from the owner as to their overarching vision and why they ventured into hospitality. The operator explains why the landmark building is such a good fit for the brand. And the architects reveal more about the mammoth task of introducing 21st century mod-cons into a century-old structure – again the parts that the everyday visitor doesn’t

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

023

INNOVATIVE & SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR TEAK MAINTENANCE - FREE HIGH PERFORMANCE POINT1920.COM

Sleeper_242x281_MARZO-ABRIL_2024.indd 2

25/01/2024 10:37:18

GUEST BOOK

117

068

© Simon Brown

050

110

117 Beata Heuman

068 Jun Aizaki

050 Thierry Despont

110 Martin Brudnizki

Swedish-born interior designer Beata Heuman founded her own studio in London in 2013, and has since built a portfolio of residential projects, as well as launching her own collection of furnishings and homeware. Having set her sights on hospitality, Heuman was approached by Adrien Gloaguen to bring her signature aesthetic to a 19th-century building off Paris’ Champs-Élysées; the resulting Hôtel de La Boétie is a theatrical escape featuring bold use of colour combined with a host of imaginative details.

Born in Japan and now residing in New York, Jun Aizaki first discovered a passion for hospitality design while studying architecture in Brooklyn. Having mastered his craft at Rockwell Group, he founded his own studio in 2004, and has since designed hotels, restaurants and cocktail bars under the name Crème Architecture & Design. In the creation of Kimpton Hotel Theta, the studio channelled the Modernist aesthetic of Morris Lapidus – the building’s original architect – to create an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan.

“Monumental” and “historydefining” were the words used by French architect Thierry Despont to describe The Old War Office when appointed to design the interiors for Raffles’ London flagship. Speaking before his untimely passing, he said: “The OWO will offer guests unique access to a part of history; at every turn there is a story to discover and that’s what makes it so enticing. I consider it my mission to preserve and enhance its rich DNA.” Despont died on 13 August 2023, prior to the hotel’s completion.

Martin Brudnizki is well known for his hospitality projects worldwide, but until recently, he was yet to make his mark on Paris. Now, the acclaimed designer has not one, but two new hotels in the French capital, opening just three months apart. In the Faubourg-Montmartre neighbourhood, La Fantaisie is inspired by the horticultural history of its surroundings, while in Le Marais, Le Grand Mazarin takes cues from Paris’ literary salons, with Brudnizki using his theatrical flair to bring together an eclectic mix of interior styles.

025

@SleeperMagazine

FRONT DESK EDITORIAL

COMMERCIAL

EVENTS

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CHECK-IN

Jordane Arrivetz Having recently completed a rooftop bar and club at SO/ Paris, French designer Jordane Arrivetz takes a fantasy break to Mexico, where sea, sand and Surrealism take centre stage.

Where are you?

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

And what’s on the menu?

On Mexico’s western coast, facing the ocean.

The hotel is made up of several houses hidden

I like meals where the table is filled with lots

amongst the vegetation, connected to the public

of small dishes to be shared. Here, they take

How did you get there?

areas via pathways that wind through gardens

inspiration from Japan, Mexico and Lebanon

I drove in a celadon-coloured Porsche 911; I’ve

of flora and fauna. The rooms are contemporary

and are made in front of us using local produce.

never owned a car so this is very special.

and minimalist with very little furniture; they are open-plan with views out to the sea.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Would you like something to drink with that?

We’re drinking delicious French wines, of

An enigmatic woman, like Nicole Kidman in

Who designed it?

course! We finish with cocktails, which are a

Nine Perfect Strangers. I like the idea that a

The décor is imagined by British photographer

great substitute for dessert.

place is embodied by a charismatic person.

Tim Walker, who immerses guests in his dreamlike poetic universe. As in Alice in

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

And who’s at the concierge desk?

Wonderland, his creation features oversized

The ingredients for well-shaken Margaritas.

I don’t mean to brag, but I’m the best vacation

plants, unusual characters, curious objects and

planner, so it’s an AI version of me.

magical lighting.

Who are you sharing your room with?

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

I’m married with two children, so my fantasy

It’s an open kitchen located on the beach, where

is to be alone in my room for a couple of days…

we meet around a large central counter to eat

Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

and drink, with our feet in the sand.

I would like a newspaper with very local

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

A pair of binoculars to watch for whales, and a

Is there anything you would like waiting for

flashlight to facilitate nocturnal explorations.

micro-news: the birth of a bird, a shooting star

you in your room?

Who are you dining with this evening?

observed through the night and the fruits picked

I love personalised service, so I am greeted by

My best friends and family, as well as American

fresh this morning.

a carefully-chosen novel, my favourite skincare

designer Kelly Wearstler, illusionist David

products and a drawing by my children.

Copperfield and sculptor Andy Goldsworthy.

Early morning alarm call or late check-out?

Also joining us are David Bowie, Jean Paul

Nature is the best alarm.

Gaultier and film director Paolo Sorrentino. We would have a fun night for sure.

And for breakfast?

No breakfast usually, but if you insist, a buttered

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Bonnie, SO/ Paris; La Tartane, St Tropez; Hotel Barrière Le Majestic, Cannes www.jordanearrivetz.fr

Who’s manning the stoves?

baguette dipped in hot chocolate.

Salvador Dali, who published a cookbook in the early 1970s entitled Les Diners De Gala; it’s an

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

opulent collection of Surrealist recipes.

None are necessary when I have the sea!

029

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Epicon SAUDI ARABIA

Neom – the ambitious mixed-use development

a linear resort structure on the coastline, and a

taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia – has

series of villas carved into the landscape for an

unveiled the latest addition to its hospitality

even more intimate connection to the water and

offer. Envisioned by 10 Design, Epicon rises from

rugged terrain,” explains Leonard Milford, Senior

the desert landscape in the form of two soaring

Design Principal at 10 Design. “The elegant series

towers, one standing at 230m and the second

of interconnected structures exude a sense of

reaching heights of 275m. Located in the Gulf of

movement, with surfaces reflecting light during

Aqaba, the luxury coastal destination will be home

daytime and counterbalancing this effect when

to a 41-key hotel and 14 branded residences, as

illuminated at night.”

well as a low-rise resort with 120 guestrooms and 45 beach villas.

On completion, Epicon will offer a range of amenities, including restaurants and a beach

Inspired by the geometry of Saudi Arabia’s

club, a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, spa

mustatils – ancient sandstone monuments typical

and wellness pools. For the business-minded, the

of the region – the architectural design balances

development is also set to incorporate a library,

modernity and nature, with the angular forms

lounges and work spaces.

appearing to float above the ground to offer

News of Epicon follows the announcement of

elevated views of the landscape. “We drew upon

Leyja and Siranna, also in the Gulf of Aqaba, which

the region’s mineral and topographical influences

will join Aquellum, a subterranean community

to create seemingly thin, pristinely sculpted

with hotel accommodation, private residences,

structures for the hotel and branded residences,

retail, leisure and entertainment amenities.

DRAWING BOARD

Scorpios

Venturing beyond the shores of Mykonos for

Building on the brand’s alchemy of music, art,

the first time, Scorpios has announced plans

food and wellbeing, Scorpios Bodrum will offer

BODRUM

for global expansion, with new outposts in

a wealth of programming, with revolving artist

Turkey and Mexico set to combine luxury

residencies and DJ performances in addition to

accommodation with its signature beach club.

events focusing on mindfulness, fashion and the

Slated to open in June 2024, Scorpios Bodrum

visual arts. Food and beverage meanwhile aligns

is located within the forthcoming Maxx Royal

with the brand’s signature culinary offerings,

Resort, which occupies a private peninsula in

weaving together Eastern Mediterranean notes

the coastal neighbourhood of Göltürkbükü.

with local Turkish influences.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Soho House & Co Operator: Scorpios Architecture: Geomim Interior Design: Lambs & Lions, Annabell Kutucu, Studio McBride www.scorpios.com

032

The property will feature two restaurants and

Founded by Thomas Heyne and Mario

a clubhouse alongside 12 private suites, each

Hertel, Scorpios – part of the Soho House &

with their own outdoor pool and lounge area.

Co family – is a contemporary interpretation

It will also be home to a Ritual Space for ancient

of the ancient Greek agora, a public place for

healing and immersive cultural practices.

artists and change-makers to come together to

The new offering is being envisioned by

collaborate and celebrate. “Scorpios has always

architecture studio Geomim, with interiors by

created inspirational experiences through

Lambs & Lions in collaboration with Annabell

rituals that unite human connection with art,

Kutucu and Studio McBride. The design ethos

music and nature,” explains Heyne. “In these

will honour imperfect simplicity and the honesty

deep moments of togetherness, we lift each

of natural materials, celebrating traditional

other’s spirits. This is what makes the Scorpios

craftsmanship throughout.

experience so energising and enriching.”

EOLIE, design Gordon Guillaumier Multi Form ph. A. Ferrari

Salone Internazionale del Mobile Milan, 16–21 April 2024, HALL 24 STAND C02/C04 rodaonline.com

Open–Air Tales

DRAWING BOARD

Infinite

Shigeru Ban Architects has released design

“Conventional resort design usually starts by

renderings of Infinite Maldives, a five-hectare

designing and arranging buildings first and

MALDIVES

resort from Sri Lankan real estate developer

placing water features and vegetation after,

Crystal Property Group.

using the spaces left between the buildings.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Crystal Property Group Operator: The Cocoon Collection Architecture: Shigeru Ban Architects Landscaping: Michel Desvigne www.infinite-maldives.com

034

Located within the Malé Atoll, the development

For Infinite Maldives, we first considered

comprises 44 over-water and beachfront villas

the resort’s landscape design by defining the

designed to embrace the Maldivian vernacular

relationship between water, land, topography

and champion biophilic principles through the

and vegetation. The individual buildings were

use of natural, locally-sourced materials. The

then designed and placed within the landscape,

accommodations are organised around four

with a focus on creating continuity and comfort

gardens landscaped by Michel Desvigne, who

between interior and exterior spaces, including

has taken inspiration from famed Sri Lankan

the surrounding area.”

estates such as Lunuganga by Geoffrey Bawa.

Ban continues: “To minimise the amount of

Each villa has access to a private infinity pool

transport and energy needed for construction

and outdoor lounge, while the wider resort

and material production, we focused on using

features spa and wellness facilities, as well

lightweight and recycled materials. Unlike many

as bars and restaurants, housed within an

developments selling ‘sustainability’ as a label

amorphous cloak-like structure.

in the commercial sense, our aim was to create

“What makes Infinite Maldives unique is that

a place where people can relax mentally and

the resort blends in with the sea and nature

physically, in harmony with the environment,

in an ‘infinite’ manner,” explains Shigeru Ban.

taking in all its value.”

DRAWING BOARD

Borgo dei Conti Resort UMBRIA

The Hospitality Experience (THE) has announced

Antonello Buono, General Manager of the hotel.

the summer opening of Borgo dei Conti Resort,

“The colour palette is inspired by the landscape

a 40-key property in central Italy. Occupying

paintings of great Renaissance masters with

a centuries-old estate Umbria, the resort

nods to nature throughout.”

spans a series of historic buildings arranged

The sprawling estate will operate with

around a courtyard, surrounded by 50 acres of

a robust food and beverage programme,

picturesque olive groves.

comprising a fine-dining restaurant, ground-

Envisioned by Milanese firm Spagnulo &

floor bar, classic trattoria, pizzeria and poolside

Partners, the property’s design scheme pays

bar – all of which are helmed by Executive Chef

homage to the history of the region. Interiors

Emanuele Mazzella. Furthermore, a range of

see a rich colour palette complemented by

wellness amenities include a spa equipped with

contemporary furnishings, while design details

two saunas, a hammam and multiple Jacuzzis,

are inspired by the work of Renaissance painters

as well as an array of relaxation areas and

such as Pietro Perugino and Raffaello Sanzio

treatment rooms.

da Urbino.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: The Hospitality Experience Interior Design: Spagnulo & Partners Affiliation: Relais & Chateaux www.borgodeicontiresort.com

036

Borgo dei Conti Resort marks the third launch

“Using locally sourced materials from

from THE following the opening of The Place in

Umbria alongside traditional construction and

Florence and Londra Palace in Venice. Owned

craftsmanship techniques, Borgo dei Conti

and operated by the Babini family, the group

Resort is being thoughtfully restored with

focuses its attentions on the preservation of

contemporary touches and modern furniture,

historical assets that hold architectural heritage

whilst retaining the building’s heritage,” says

and cultural significance.

Taking care of light

DRAWING BOARD

Patina

Following the success of its debut property in

The arrival experience is set within an intimate

the Maldives, Patina Hotels & Resorts is set to

drop-off courtyard, where guests are ushered

TIANJIN

land in Tianjin, marking a new venture between

into the lobby, complete with a centrepiece

Capella Hotel Group and Tianjin Hebei District

bar. Interspersed throughout the hotel grounds

Industrial Development Group.

are a range of amenities, including multiple

Located in bustling Hebei – known as

restaurants and a café with al fresco seating.

the Italian Heritage District thanks to its

Patina Wellness meanwhile will reside in its

Mediterranean-style architecture – Patina

own building, complete with treatment rooms,

Tianjin will take the form of a quaint village,

a gym and an indoor conservatory swimming

offering a sense of tranquility in the city.

pool. The same annex will also host spacious

In total, the hotel will feature over 150

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Capella Hotel Group Developer: Tianjin Hebei District Industrial Development Group Operator: Patina Hotels & Resorts www.patinahotels.com

038

meetings and events spaces.

guestrooms, including a 600m2 presidential

“We are excited to bring Patina’s unique

villa, spread across 17 heritage buildings.

vision of community and connection to Tianjin

Accommodation blocks have been oriented

with the launch of Patina Tianjin,” says

inwards to face private garden courtyards,

Cristiano Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel

creating urban oases that can be viewed

Group. “This project introduces our ethos of

through Italianate windows. The hotel’s design

fostering meaningful connections and a deep

meanwhile harmonises with the history of

sense of community within the vibrant and

Hebei, also paying homage to Tianjin’s history

historic context of Tianjin, and carries with it

as a cosmopolitan hub, shaped by European,

a social consciousness that appeals to the new

Russian and Japanese influences.

generation of travellers.”

TA I L O R MADE SHADE

T h e La n a , D ub a i.

OCEAN MASTER M1 CRESCENT

TUUCI.COM

DRAWING BOARD

Cardo

Cardo Hotels – a new lifestyle brand that merges

“In Roman times, ‘otium’ referred to being

business and pleasure – is set to make its debut

free from commitments; our goal is to immerse

ROME

in 2024, with openings in Rome and Brussels as

guests in this tradition of indulgence, luxury

part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

and comfort, where every moment is meant

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Aroundtown Operator: Everland Architecture: Fortebis Interior Design: Saar Zafrir Design www.cardorome.com

040

“The cardo was a north-south oriented street

to be savoured,” comments Zafrir. “The

in Roman cities, the central point of economic

design incorporates the best elements of a

life, embodying a lively and energetic vision that

business environment while offering a holistic

inspired our new, all-encompassing hospitality

atmosphere to leisure travellers, complete with

concept,” explains Nicolas Romero Oneto, Head

a range of enjoyable activities.”

of Cardo Hotels. “Cardo hotels uniquely adapt to

Along with 324 guestrooms, Cardo Roma will

the aesthetics and culture of their city, making

feature two distinct dining venues – signature

them the perfect fit for Autograph Collection,

Italian restaurant Vertici and seasonal pool

which are ‘exactly like nothing else’.”

bar Spectio. There will also be a 1,200m2 spa

Cardo Roma is located in the bustling

with sauna, hammam, treatment rooms and a

Esposizione Universale Roma district, occupying

fitness centre, as well as a multi-pool bathing

a building originally designed by architect Lucio

experience reminiscent of ancient Rome.

Passarelli. Interiors are courtesy of Saar Zafrir,

Catering to the business traveller, the events

who drew inspiration from the the city’s ancient

facilities span an impressive 3,100m2, making

history to develop a palette of rich olive green

them amongst the largest in the city and

and warm terracotta, complemented by playful

positioning the hotel as a leading destination

geometry and dramatic archways.

for local and international gatherings.

Sleeper_BD_236x275mm_FP_v3.indd 1

26/02/2024 4:48 PM

DRAWING BOARD

The Langham

Langham Hospitality Group has signed a

starred restaurant Black Pearl. The Langham’s

management agreement with Parkland Group

signature afternoon tea will also be on offer,

FOSHAN

to open a new hotel in China’s Greater Bay

paying tribute to the British classic served at

Area. Scheduled to open in 2028, The Langham

the London flagship.

Foshan forms part of One Sanlong Bay – a nine-

Chuan Spa, Langham Hospitality Group’s

hectare mixed-use development with luxury

proprietary wellness brand, will also find home

residences and prime office space.

in the Foshan outpost, offering services based

Billed as the city’s first high-rise urban resort, the 160-key property will occupy a soaring

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Parkland Group Operator: Langham Hospitality Group Architecture: CUEB Design Interior Design: Chong Cheng Design www.langhamhospitalitygroup.com

042

on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine against a scenic river backdrop.

skyscraper on the banks of the Dongping River,

The Langham Foshan will join the group’s

offering panoramic views of the surrounding

nine other properties in the Greater Bay Area,

city. Government planning in the Sanlong Bay

either open or currently under development.

area has focused on the creation of a green

“The Greater Bay Area is a key international

urban environment, which will see Foshan bring

powerhouse where Langham Hospitality Group

sustainable living with a low-carbon footprint

enjoys a strong and growing presence with all

squarely to the fore.

of our brands represented,” comments Bob van

Within the hotel component, facilities include

den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group.

an extensive range of meetings and events

“Introducing The Langham to the first-tier hub

spaces, including one of the largest ballrooms in

city of Foshan is an important strategic move

the city, and Cantonese restaurant T’ang Court

for us in this context, and one that will set a new

– a sibling of Hong Kong’s three-Michelin-

benchmark for luxury experiences.”

Muyu. collection

designed by Stephane De Winter

@manutti_official

manutti.com

Manutti_Sleeper_236x275.indd 1

outdoor luxury

27/02/2024 16:57:08

ph.: Gaia Panozzo

design: Studio noa*

your wellness partner

Consulting, engineering, production, installation, technical support and training are the pillars sustaining our whole work. We create innovative Wellness concepts, developing spaces and programs dedicated to health, beauty, and self-care. Because making people feel better is all that we want.

THE LOBBY Life’s a Peach There’s one design decision in particular that can truly

our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose

transform a hotel room – colour. From calming neutrals to

a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance,” says

bold accents, picking the perfect palette is no easy task. At

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color

Walker Hotel Tribeca, monochrome is the style of choice,

Institute. “A shade that resonates with compassion, offers

following a partnership with Pantone to create a guestroom

a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with

inspired by the 2024 Colour of the Year.

the timeless.”

In celebration of Pantone 13-1023 – better known as

Nodding to the softness and sense of rejuvenation

Peach Fuzz – the room is painted top to bottom in a

symbolised by the Colour of the Year, the room also features

warming shade of peach. Bed linens and rugs showcase

an array of wellbeing-focused products, including organic

the same hue, as do amenities including a mini-fridge,

silk sleep masks from Clementine Sleepwear and on-theme

kettle and espresso cups.

beauty amenities from Ever Skincare and Flamingo – all

Described as a gentle, velvety tone, the celebrated shade

to be enjoyed whilst sipping on peachy Bellinis from the

was chosen by Pantone for its connotations of calm,

hotel bar. The perfect way to enjoy a city break through

recalibration and wellness. “In seeking a hue that echoes

peach-tinted glasses.

© Ana Paula Larrea

THE LOBBY

A Journey Through Zannier With a portfolio of properties around the world, Zannier Hotels is known for its enriching experiences that embrace local tradition, culture and community, ranging from tented suites in the Namibian desert wilderness to stilted villas in the rice paddy fields of Cambodia. Now, the spirit of Zannier’s collection has been captured in a coffee table book published by New Heroes & Pioneers. Entitled Zannier Hotels: A Journey Through Style, People and Experiences, the 192-page tome offers an insight into the Zannier world through detailed commentary. There’s also rich photographic exploration of the hotels, captured by Ash James to showcase a penchant for architectural spaces and atmospheric landscapes. Highlights include a deep dive into the essence of the hotel group, demonstrating how luxury has been reinvented to be more meaningful and authentic; plus behindthe-scenes stories on how the hotels are brought to life, with anecdotes from founder Arnaud Zannier and other key members of the team. Structured across six chapters, the book is a blend of natural scenery and the interior décor it has inspired, transporting readers across a unique hospitality landscape.

Spirit of Sweden

046

Eco-friendly hospitality projects are becoming

Designed by architect Andreas Martin-Löf, the

increasingly important, with owners, operators,

cabins immerse guests in their surroundings,

architects and interior designers going the extra

thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and the

mile to minimise impact on the environment.

addition of outdoor wooden decks. Constructed

While in some cases this may be a requirement

from natural materials, the structures stand on

of planning regulations, at new climate-smart

simple plinth foundations that have minimal

cabin experience Landet, a love for nature is the

impact on the ground beneath them, creating a

main driving force.

feeling of floating above the earth. “We wanted

Landet – meaning ‘countryside’ in Swedish

to show maximum respect for the environment

– is a cluster of four cabins located in a

and be able to easily return the site to how it

400-hectare nature reserve south of Stockholm.

was,” explains Martin-Löf, pointing out that the

“We fell in love with the region the first time

landscape is left untouched. The 40m2 cabins

we visited,” says Umberto Garabello, co-founder

showcase interiors by London-based designer

of Landet, adding that the natural surroundings

Tobias Vernon, and feature a bedroom, dining

and tranquility of Trosa made for the perfect

area, well-equipped kitchen and cosy living room

location. “The idea of Landet is to make the

complete with a fireplace.

Swedish countryside accessible in a modern and

“This is just the beginning for Landet,”

sustainable way. We want to share the authentic

conclude the project’s founders. “We have many

experience of the cosy Swedish lifestyle out in

plans for how we want to develop the concept

nature, but with all the comforts and with simple

and let as many people as possible experience the

yet elegant Scandinavian design.”

best of the countryside – in Sweden and abroad.”

THE LOBBY

© Serena Eller

Italy’s Icons A new hotel in the town of Tolentino chronicles 60 years of Italian design.

Often regarded as the design capital of the world,

Ora, the property sees each of the 25 guestrooms

Italy boasts a star-studded roster of visionaries.

and five suites inspired by a renowned designer

Their creations, ranging from dining chairs to

and embodying a stylistic movement of the

sofas, coffee tables to cabinets, have become

20th century. Based on meticulous philological

icons in their own right, still in production

research, guestrooms showcase various forms,

decades after their original debut. Now, a new

prints and furniture pieces, chronicling the

hotel in the charming town of Tolentino is set

works of designers such as Marc Newson and

to honour such Italian greats, with interiors

Gae Aulenti, as well as Vico Magistretti, Giò Ponti

furnished by a range of iconic pieces.

and Achille Castiglioni.

Occupying a late Art Nouveau villa that once

Paying homage to their creations, the hotel is

housed leather goods company Nazareno Gabrielli

furnished with over 400 bespoke and specially-

and later became the headquarters of Poltrona

crafted pieces. Guests can relax on the renowned

Frau, Interno Marche pays tribute to Franco

Lullaby sofa in the room dedicated to Luigi

Moschini, former patron of the Poltrona Frau

Massoni; enjoy a restful slumber on the Volare

Group. The entrepreneur, whose endeavors take

bed in the Lazzeroni room; and sit back on a

in leadership roles at esteemed brands including

stylish Woodline chair in the room inspired by

Cassina, Cappellini, Zanotta and Gebrüder Thonet

Marco Zanuso.

Vienna – of which he remains President – has

Fusing past and present, the building acts as a

had a significant impact on the global reach of

veritable house-museum, inviting visitors on a

the Made In Italy label.

journey through the styles and furnishings that

Restored by the Franco Moschini Foundation and designed by Michele De Lucchi and Studio

048

have shaped the history of interior design over the past six decades.

Raffles London at the OWO // © John Athimaritis // northern-lights.co.uk

Raffles at The OWO LONDON A landmark project in a landmark building; the owner, operator, architect and design team tell all about a legend in the making.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © John Athimaritis (unless otherwise stated)

W

ith its pink alabaster balustrades, richly veined

million) and the total length of the corridors (2.5 miles), to

marble and wraparound colonnaded gallery,

the secrets of Churchill’s favourite spy (Christine Granville)

the sweeping staircase at The Old War Office on

and appearances on the big screen (Octopussy, Licence to

London’s Whitehall is quite the picture. Awe-inspiring, majestic and monumental are just some of the phrases

050

Kill and Spectre).

that have been used to describe the scene after the doors

RESPECTING THE PAST

reopened. It was here, standing on this very spot, that the

The present-day story begins with the Hinduja Group, a

Hinduja Group fell in love with the character of the building

Mumbai-based conglomerate with interests in banking,

and eyed an opportunity to create their legacy; it was here

energy, technology and media. Inspired by the successful

that Accor found a natural fit for its ultra-luxury Raffles

renovation of a row of Georgian townhouses to become their

brand; and it was here that every newly-appointed architect,

London home, the Hinduja family were on the lookout for

interior designer, contractor and consultant came face-to-

a greater challenge. “Spearheaded by my father-in-law,

face with the mammoth task ahead – transforming a Grade

GP Hinduja, and his brother SP, the search for a heritage

II*-listed landmark into a luxury hotel.

property began in 2014,” explains Shalini Hinduja, who

Of course, the building’s story goes way back. Commissioned

has been instrumental in the development of the project.

in the 1890s as the administrative headquarters for the

The search didn’t take long, and later that year, the MoD

British Army, the new War Office – as it was then known –

announced the sale of the Old War Office to Hinduja Group

was designed by architect William Young. The first bricks

as part of a cost-saving drive that involved the disposal of

were laid in 1899 and it officially opened in 1906, becoming

underutilised assets. The keys were handed over in 2016

one of the city’s finest examples of Edwardian Baroque

under a 250-year lease, and then the hard work really began.

architecture. In the decades since, the building has played

“Our goal was to breathe new life into the building in a way

a significant role in British history. It was a vital linchpin

that not only respects its past, but also enriches the present

in the business of war and conflict; the nation’s most

and future of those who experience it,” Shalini continues.

important leaders and statesmen held office here, from Lord

“The first step was to understand more about the location,

Kitchener and TE Lawrence to Richard Haldane and Winston

the London landscape and the building’s fabric, investigating

Churchill; and heroes of the Secret Service – who inspired

what could be done within the constraints of its Grade II*-

Ian Fleming to write his James Bond novels – walked its

listed status. My role involved overseeing various facets

halls. A tour with Communications Director Fiona Harris

of the project, ensuring that our vision for this landmark

reveals all manner of facts, figures and anecdotes, ranging

building was brought to life with the utmost respect for its

from the number of bricks used in the original build (25

historical significance.”

051

052

A NATURAL FIT FOR RAFFLES

is just part of the story, occupying around

engineers Elliott Wood to create a support

The building was acquired for a handsome sum,

50% of the site. In all, the wider development

system that would enable excavation beneath

reported to be in the region of £350 million, and

– known as The OWO – includes 85 branded

the façade. And in the inner quadrangle, every

its appeal is evident to anyone who sets foot in

residences and a further five F&B venues.

individual cobblestone – each of them listed –

the entrance hall. For Shalini, it was the “arched

The mixed-use nature of the project required

had to be removed and labelled to be replaced

openings, wide corridors and beautifully carved

an architectural studio with experience in

after groundworks. There were technical

stonework” that made for a compelling case,

hospitality and residential, as well as a track

challenges too: acoustics, thermal insulation

and though various change-of-use options

record in the conversion of heritage buildings.

and waterproofing; adding the requisite

were explored, it was hospitality that would

Enter EPR, a multi-disciplinary practice with

sprinkler system to heritage-protected areas;

eventually triumph – a move that aligns with

an enviable portfolio of projects to its name.

and upgrading the drainage so that wastewater

the company philosophy of giving back. Under

Having initially been appointed by the MoD to

for the spa can be pumped up to ground level.

the new plans, the building would be open to

gain planning approval for a change of use, the

For EPR, maximising the potential of the

the public for the first time, honouring the

studio explored various options, coming to the

building also came through consideration of the

mantra of late founder Parmanand Deepchand

conclusion that a hotel component would make

guest journey. “It’s a government building that

Hinduja, who said: “My dharma is to work, so

sense for the heavily-listed heritage portion.

was built as a fortress, so despite there being

I can give.”

Following the Hinduja Group’s successful

three elevations, there was only one door,”

With the relevant permissions granted,

bid, EPR became the lead architect, a role that

explains Hull. “Our challenge was to reverse

global hotel groups vied for the opportunity

required a huge amount of masterplanning to

that; to create more penetration, as well as

to fly their flag from the façade. “We received

maximise the floorplate. “This wasn’t just a

vertical and horizontal circulation.” As such, the

several proposals, but Raffles intuitively felt like

straightforward conversion, it was about getting

hotel now has multiple entry points, allowing

the right fit for The Old War Office,” explains

the best out of the building,” explains Mark

for direct access to many of the F&B venues

Shalini. “Raffles as a brand tends to exist in

Bruce, Head of Hotels at EPR. “Where do the

– ideal for a property that hopes to draw in

distinctive properties, many of which have

restaurants go? How can we make use of the

passing trade. As Bruce points out, a hotel done

special architectural features or a historical

heritage spaces? What is the right proportion

well has the power to change an area: “We love

connection to the cities in which they are built.”

of suites for the market? We worked hard to

to bring extraordinary pieces of architecture

Leaders at Raffles Hotels & Resorts believed

meet the requirements of the owner in terms

back to life; to take a listed building and turn it

the brand to be the right fit for the building too,

of key count and amenities, all while respecting

into something people can enjoy.”

and could see the opportunities it would bring.

the character of the building and retaining the

“Accor had acquired the Raffles brand a few

generous proportions associated with this level

restoration, EPR describes The OWO as its most

years earlier and we were looking for a location

of luxury.”

complex project to-date, revealing that it took

Involving

demolition,

retention

and

in London,” explains Anne Becker Olins, Global

In adding value to the building, EPR extended

12 planning applications, weekly meetings with

Chief Design and Technical Services Officer for

both above and below ground, achieving an

Historic England – who became valued members

Accor’s luxury brands. “For us, it was a gift;

impressive 31% increase on area, without impact

of the team – and some 37 consultants.

Raffles has a long history – the brand is as old

on the façade. In keeping with the planning

as the building itself, so it was a perfect match.”

conditions, the three-storey rooftop extension

A MISSION TO PRESERVE AND ENHANCE

Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles, adds: “Raffles

follows the tiered proportions of the building,

The interior design story is equally complex,

seeks out astonishing settings for each of its

meaning it isn’t visible from street level. “There

with various studios selected to suit specific

properties, and Raffles London at The OWO

are 27 protected viewpoints around Westminster,

spaces. Shalini was closely involved in every

offers this generously. The rich heritage of the

including sightlines from Buckingham Palace,”

aspect of the process, from appointing designers

city, as well as The Old War Office building,

explains Geoff Hull, Director at EPR. “We had

to defining the brief and guiding FF&E and art

make London a natural home for the brand.”

to respect these and ensure that the additional

curation. “The clear mandate was to turn The

massing isn’t visible.”

OWO into something unique, preserving its rich

ARCHITECTURE THAT ADDS VALUE

Below ground, four new basement levels

history whilst ensuring it provides facilities

With 120 guestrooms and suites, five

were added to house the spa, health club and

and experiences that are relevant for the new

restaurants, two bars and a spa, Raffles London

ballroom. Given the volume of the building, this

generation,” she explains. “My role was to

opened towards the end of 2023, but the hotel

was a major undertaking, involving structural

convey this vision and ensure its implementation

053

An installation by Lasvit – comprising individually-cut glass petals cascading down from above – captures the profound importance of poppies in honour of the nation’s war heroes

throughout every phase, working closely with the designers to achieve this.”

And it’s quite a line-up. In the wider OWO development, AB Concept designed interiors for Italian eatery Paper Moon; Café Lapérouse © Lukas Pelech

occupies a contemporary DaeWha Kangdesigned pavilion with interiors by Cordélia de Castellane; and still to come, there’s a rooftop restaurant and sake bar operated by Creative Restaurant Group, set beneath a curving glass extension. Not forgetting Winch Design for the Presidential Suite, 1508 London for the residential component, and Albion Nord, HBA and Angel O’Donnell for the varying interiors of the residences.

For the hotel, The Office of Thierry Despont spearheaded the design of the guestrooms, as well as the Raffles-operated F&B including Mauro Colagreco, Saison and The Guards Bar. Ably supported by his team, Despont personally took the lead, apparently delighted to be part of the landmark transformation. “When first hearing about the project, Thierry was so enthused that he immediately boarded a flight to London to meet with the owners and walk the historic building,” explains Matthew Maddalene, Managing Senior Associate at the studio. “The Hinduja family gave us tremendous support and encouragement in our work and their enthusiasm for turning this monumental structure into a five-star hotel more than matched Thierry’s. Thierry was very pleased

054

MAKE GUESTS FEEL AT HOME

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IN MIND AND BODY

with the project result, which was nearly

of the past,” commented Despont, referencing

On a larger scale, Idogi created the crystal

complete when he passed last August.”

the likes of the red curtains in the corridors,

chandelier that presides over the grand

inspired by the uniforms worn by the Horse

staircase, while Lasvit developed a site-specific

Guards just across the street.

installation in honour of the nation’s war

Speaking before his passing, Despont described the property as “monumental” and “history-defining”, stating: “The OWO will

Original features that have been retained, and

heroes; entitled Poppies, the sculptural artwork

offer guests unique access to a part of history;

in some cases restored by specialist craftspeople,

captures the essence and profound importance

at every turn there is a story to discover and

include stone fireplaces, mosaic floors and oak

of its namesake, with individually-cut glass

that’s what makes it so enticing. I consider it

panelling, as well as ornate plasterwork and

petals cascading down from above.

my mission to preserve and enhance its rich

smaller details such as the brass push-plates

In all, it’s thought that over 450 companies

DNA, drawing inspiration from the building’s

on doors. New interventions are sensitive to the

supplied product to the development, from

classic Edwardian architecture, as well as the

fabric of the building, such as the carpets that

fabrics and floorcoverings to furniture and

legendary leaders and stately rooms that are an

take inspiration from the historic grilles, or the

sanitaryware, the latter including brands such

integral part of its past.”

solid brass chandeliers in the Haldane Suite, a

as Waterworks, THG Paris and Dornbracht.

Dernier & Hamlyn recreation based on those

That’s in addition to the veneer specialists,

seen in archive photography.

stonemasons, decorative plaster artisans and

The interior design scheme is befitting of the majestic building, and showcases past and

056

present in equal measure, an aesthetic best

Lighting plays a key role throughout the

showcased in the heritage suites, where restored

hotel, with fittings selected for their materiality,

fireplaces and historic panelling sit alongside

or commissioned bespoke to harmonise with

The hotel also showcases works from a wide

contemporary interventions. “We created

the scheme: Northern Lights crafted pieces

range of artists in a collection curated by Artiq.

bespoke soft furnishings including carpets,

in wood and brass paired with porcelain and

“The brief was to curate a thoughtful selection of

fabrics and wallcoverings, as well as custom-

off-white fabric; Chelsom supplied lighting for

pieces that celebrate the legacy of the property,

built furniture and lighting, which give a

the guestrooms; and fluted glass wall lights by

touching on stories of important people and

modern edge whilst designed to be reminiscent

Hector Finch feature in the bathrooms.

events that took place here or occurred during

many, many more craftspeople that have been part of the project.

NEW SHOWROOM DESIGN CENTRE EAST CHELSEA HARBOUR LONDON

LIGHTING FOR LIFE

the contemporary era of the building’s use,”

a state-of-the-art gym and movement studio.

Goddard Littlefair collaborated with Studio

explains Beth Fleming, Associate Director at

Hinduja Group has been savvy in creating

Peascod to design a frieze of glass and mirrored

Artiq, referencing the political landscape and

a venue that is not only an add-on for hotel

panels, etched with a wave design that provides

wartime years experienced by Great Britain.

guests, but also caters to the luxury spa day

an element of privacy.

Weaving narratives of the past together with

market, and serves as a full-service fitness club

contemporary arts, Artiq selected licensed

with a membership model.

works from the archives of London’s Victoria

The relaxation and active zones are

as the 20m swimming pool, reached via a spiral

& Albert Museum, as well as commissioning

intentionally separate, with the latter operated

staircase. “A lot of thought went in to planning

bespoke pieces and sourcing directly from

by Pillar Wellbeing, a new B2B2C concept that

the guest journey,” explain Martin Goddard and

artists, galleries and specialist auction houses.

takes in movement, nourishment and recovery.

Jo Littlefair. “We wanted to create a connection

Contributing to the hotel’s design story, the art

The fitness area is kitted out with skipping ropes,

between the gym and the pool, both visually

collection seeks to engage the modern guest,

kettlebells, yoga mats and equipment from

and physically, and the sculptural staircase was

celebrating contemporary artistic excellence

Technogym, while Peloton bikes are available

a way to do that; its organic form is a feat of

and, in the words of Fleming, “speak to

for use in-suite. Taking an all-encompassing

craftsmanship and it also creates a moment for

London’s artistic and multicultural position”.

approach to health and wellbeing, Pillar offers

guests to sweep down to the poolside.”

MAGICAL MOMENTS IN THE SPA Completing the line-up of designers, London-

058

Pillar Wellbeing also incorporates the steam room, sauna and experience showers, as well

lifestyle consultations, access to trainers and

The pool itself also creates a moment, with the

specialists, and it comes with its own F&B outlet

double-height space characterised by a dramatic

serving nutritionally balanced cuisine.

fireplace and elegant archways, some framing

based studio Goddard Littlefair was appointed

Despite being below ground, there’s a

niches furnished with reclining loungers. The

in 2019 to develop a scheme for the spa and

lightness to the spaces thanks to the considered

palette is made up of natural travertine and

wellness spaces. Spanning 27,000ft2 across four

floorplan and natural palette, with a sense of

decorative stone panels, the latter carved with

levels, facilities are extensive, incorporating a

openness coming from the wraparound glazing

a three-dimensional scalloped pattern that

vitality pool and treatment rooms, as well as

that offers sightlines to the pool below. Here,

catches the light to captivating effect.

Artist Makiko Harris in her London-based studio.

Creating impact with culture

Connecting local artists and makers with global brands to tell stories through art. artiq.co

Up above, the spa is operated by Guerlain and,

their stacked timber archways creating pause

in the words of Littlefair, is “a contemporary

points in a space that is typically transitional.

response, yet matches the timelessness of

060

the building and elegance of the brand”. The

A LEGEND IN THE MAKING

designer continues: “Luxury wasn’t just an

It’s these typically transitional spaces that

addition; it was a foundation. Our vision was a

have, perhaps unexpectedly, come to be the

space beyond mere opulence – a unique blend

most memorable for those involved in the

that pays respect to history and captures the

transformation. Eight years on from that

essence of Raffles London, with subtle hints of

daunting moment standing at the foot of the

its Eastern legacy.”

staircase, taking in the scale of the building

Feature stone, polished plaster and antiqued

and magnitude of its conversion, there’s now

brass form a base palette that is reminiscent of

a sense of accomplishment at what has been

the original materials, while soft textiles and

achieved – in witnessing the building thrive as

textured wall finishes – from suppliers such as

a destination. The final words however go to

UItrafabrics and Vescom – add a richness. The

Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles

guest journey has been given great consideration

London at The OWO, who stood proudly on the

here too, with the experience beginning at an

staircase to announce the official opening of the

elegant retail space, designed to celebrate the

hotel. “We have been very fortunate to work

beauty of the Guerlain products courtesy of a

with world-class partners in delivering this

gallery-like display. A similar display features

new destination,” he said. “I am both honoured

in every treatment room, where the warm brass

and privileged to have been part of this historic

tones and the soft glow of the lighting fosters a

project that has surpassed all expectations. It is

sense of serenity. Even the corridors play a part,

truly a legend in the making.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Hinduja Group Development Manager: Westminster Development Services Operator: Raffles Hotels & Resorts Architecture: EPR Interior Design: The Office of Thierry Despont, Goddard Littlefair Lighting Design: DPA Art Consultant: Artiq Procurement: Argenta, Richmonds Fit-Out: Ardmore, McCue Planning Consultant: Gerald Eve Historic Advisor: Donald Insall Structural Engineer: Elliott Wood Services Engineer: AECOM www.raffles.com

View the full gallery on

Dressed up in light We put a piece of light and glass jewelry on La Mamounia. Inspired by the Berber heritage and designed by Jouin Manku, we created breathtaking pendant for the legendary hotel to wear for another hundred years.

lasvit.com

Else KUALA LUMPUR A former factory is transformed into a restorative retreat amidst the bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © David Yeow

T

ransformative. Engaging. Restorative’

Spaces, a series of co-working projects spanning

runs the strapline for Else – an urban

twenty locations across Asia. His partner, Javier

retreat in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s

Perez, brings a restaurateur’s sensibility to the

bustling Chinatown. Certainly, the work of

hotel’s food and drink offer, having launched

interior designers Studio Bikin and Faizah

celebrated Singaporean eateries Kilo, Raw

Architect has transformed this former factory,

Kitchen and Grain Traders. “Else was a four-

headquarters of the Lee Rubber company, into

year project realised through the challenges

a hotel that is engaging and restorative in equal

of the global pandemic and inspired by the

measure. And walking into the calming ground

intentional traveller,” says Chen. “Whether

floor space after a long and bumpy drive from

guests are staying for a drink or for the night,

the airport through the vast urban sprawl, it is

we hope to be a place of renewal and escape for

immediately evident that this is something of

everyone who comes through our doors.”

a sanctuary from the chaos that surrounds it.

The duo enlisted Malaysian design firm

Co-founders Justin Chen and Javier Perez

Studio Bikin to realise their vision, with

created the hotel for travellers who want

partners Farah Azizan and Adela Askandar

to ‘experience something Else’; those with

working hand-in-hand with local craftspeople

“the desire to experience city travel at an

to create an authentically Malay interpretation

alternative pace, sharing the benefits of living

of contemporary design throughout the

in the present and truly engaging with their

property. According to Studio Bikin, the design

surroundings”. Though a first-time hotelier,

was conceived “from the idea that duality exists

Chen is an architect-trained developer who has

within us all – the past and present, the light

modernised his family’s real estate business

and dark, raw yet refined. It’s multi-cultural,

with some savvy investments – particularly Arcc

diverse, crafted and considered.”

063

The design team have been sensitive in their restoration, celebrating the contrast between history and modernity with a series of voids that bring light into the interior

A key contribution is that of Omar Khan, whose textiles and rugs weave their way through the

offices, a bookshop and lifestyle concept store.

hotel, stitching together a multi-cultural tapestry

Working with a heritage building, the design team

of influences. Work by Malaysian artists such as

have been sensitive in their restoration, slotting rooms

Fauzul Yusri, Fendy Zakri, Fawwaz Sukri and Nathan

around the existing fenestration and celebrating the

Fikri are also on permanent display throughout the

contrast between history and modernity with a series

hotel. Sleeper’s visit in late 2023 coincided with the

of voids that bring light into an otherwise dark interior

opening day of a two-month exhibition by Argentinian

and offer a close-up connection to the building’s

ceramicist and painter Franco Fasoli, following in

original raw concrete structure, or vertiginous views

the footsteps of the hotel’s first artist-in-residence,

down to the ground floor public spaces.

Dubai-based Eduardo Enrique.

The iconic Art Deco façade of the Lee Rubber Building,

An additional three-storey modern extension has been added to the original five floors to accommodate

originally designed by Booty Edwards & Partners in

the expansive 84m2 Else Suite with its sweeping views,

1930, has been carefully restored to its former glory.

a rooftop pool and the adjacent Yellow Fin Horse

Looking at the concrete jungle of skyscrapers in Kuala

restaurant, where renowned local chef Jun Wong takes

Lumpur today, it’s hard to fathom that as recently as

the helm to explore an elemental cooking concept

the 1930s, this was once the tallest building – not to

with fire at its heart. Wines are natural, plates are

mention one of the most prestigious addresses – in

small, kombucha is homemade and the cocktail menu

the Malay capital. It has a storied past, having also

is curated by award-winning bar consultants Proof

functioned as the headquarters of the Japanese secret

Company. Old terrazzo benches engraved with the Lee

police service during WWII.

Rubber logo have been retained and redeployed on the

Studio Bikin worked closely with Faizah Architect to rationalise the spaces within the building, which

064

in later years had been occupied by a hotch-potch of

terraces leading to the saltwater infinity pool.

All rooms are tech-enabled with multimedia tablets

065

066

and Harman Kardon sound systems. Other

cocktail stick’s throw away, as is happening

in-room amenities are carefully curated and

retail concept and cultural centre REXKL, created

locally sourced where possible: covetable Omno

on the site of a former cinema. The vibrant

bathrobes by luxurious Malaysian sleepwear

Petaling Street Market – where tourists can

company, Lulla; hairdryers by Singapore-based

run a gauntlet of countless counterfeit clothing

Dyson; hand-dyed tote bags by sustainable

vendors and hawker stalls – is on the doorstep.

fashion brand Muni; and, in the suites, coffee

But Raw Kitchen complements rather than

machines by Morning, a new manufacturer

competes with its local neighbours. Interiors

established by Malay coffee guru Leon Foo.

are organised around a series of carved antique

Guestrooms are not the only part of the hotel

columns salvaged from an Armenian mansion

where travellers can find peace and quiet. The

in India, framing a 16ft tropical hardwood

main reception on the first floor is styled more

dining table that was discovered in a Penang

like the private residence of an art collector than

carpenter’s workshop and craned into place

a traditional hotel lobby. On the floors above,

as the restaurant’s centrepiece. A curvilinear

there is a multi-faith space for reflection and

banquette arrangement meanwhile is combined

gratitude, a library and meeting space, plus a

with loose seating to create a flexible space that

capacious gym complete with flotation pods

is at once intimate and atmospheric. Chef Leong

bookable by the hour.

Chee Mun combines Latin and Thai flavours

Back on the ground floor, the hotel’s main bar

with traditional Malay influences to create

and restaurant Raw Kitchen connects it directly

the rarest of entities – a hotel ‘all-day dining’

to the buzzing cultural scene of downtown Kuala

venue that is popular from the first breakfast

Lumpur. Award-winning bars such as Penrose,

service through lunch and dinner, to the last

Concubine and Small Shifting Spaces are a

cocktail served at night.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Else Retreats Affiliation: SLH Architecture: Faizah Architect Interior Design: Studio Bikin www.elseretreats.com

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Kimpton Hotel Theta NEW YORK Named after the brainwaves produced in a deep state of relaxation, Kimpton’s new outpost is a calming oasis in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Regan Wood

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wave of hotel renovations has been sweeping Midtown

A

The next strategy was to prescribe a clear design hierarchy:

West, one of New York’s – and the world’s – most-

to one side are a pair of handsome ribbed concrete reception

visited neighbourhoods. What were once nondescript

desks backed by a vibrant art triptych, and to the right is

select-service hotels are now being transformed into smart,

an inviting lounge and café. Spaces are revealed in layers,

design-forward gems defined by art and style: a case in point

first through handcrafted teak and bronze screens, and then

being Kimpton Hotel Theta.

through sculpted archways that also address a challenging

The new opening sits at the tourist-centric nexus of

architectural quirk. “The building’s structural columns were

Broadway and Times Square, so its creators were intent on

a major challenge that we solved by creating 3D sculpted

bringing a calm counterpoint to the frenetic activity that

GFRG portals that layer the lobby level and create a nice

pulsates beyond the lofty custom-carved doors. So much so,

procession of spaces,” says Fukuoka.

that even the hotel’s name is an homage to the brainwaves

During their research for the project, the Crème team

produced by humans in their most restful, reflective state.

found that the building was originally designed by masterful

Led by Highgate and overseen by Lucid – the management

Modernist architect Morris Lapidus, although it had none

company’s own design and construction studio – the project

of the hallmarks of his iconic Miami projects – no ‘stairs

has been brought to life by Crème / Jun Aizaki Architecture

to nowhere’ nor Art Deco flourishes, yet plenty of the right

& Design together with Kimpton’s in-house design team.

angles that he famously shunned. Aizaki opted to bring

“We wanted to create an oasis that offers an unexpected

back the architect’s signatures by introducing ample curves,

escape from New York’s fast-paced theatre district,” says

terrazzo flooring and Mid-Century-style lighting, furniture

Jun Aizaki, Founder and Principal of Crème. “Our aim was

and artworks. Bold colour and pattern in the upholstery

to design a hotel that is as luxurious as it is inviting, with

and carpets add Lapidus’ flair for the flamboyant, while a

unique touches that add both comfort and functionality.”

custom-designed communal table with a built-in magazine

Crème’s first order of business was to make sense of

rack adds the desired handcrafted quality. Even the custom

the existing hotel’s lobby, which Crème’s Studio Director

brass and enamel light fixtures and carefully selected

Masako Fukuoka described as feeling cold, with a confusing

greenery is in on the overarching design aesthetic.

floorplate. They achieved this by creating a truly special

Isamu Noguchi – another architectural great – was tapped

arrival moment. “The existing entrance felt very corporate

for inspiration too. “If you think about it, Noguchi and

so we introduced large, natural oak doors that offer a

Lapidus are opposites, so we wanted to capture a collision

warm welcome,” Fukuoka explains. “It also introduces the

of their worlds,” Aizaki explains, pointing out a sculpted

handcrafted aesthetic, which is very important to us.”

wall inspired by the aerial view of a park that Noguchi

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designed. He also references a timber screen that smartly hides folding doors revealing a ‘coffee window’ serving brews and pastries.

Aizaki delights in the way the alcove disappears at night, successfully transforming the space for an evening setting. Alongside is a pantry-style marketplace stocked with artisanal snacks and branded hotel merchandise.

Upstairs in the hotel’s 364 generously-sized guestrooms, Crème continues the themes introduced in the lobby. Upon entry, a pop of indigo reveals the antithesis to the typical hotel closet, with hanging space concealed behind a movable mesh screen. The bathroom features diffused lighting and smartly designed vanity and shelving solutions, while the bathtub-toshower conversion required by the brand was expertly handled and, in its ethereal finishes, adds the illusion of space.

The handcrafted theme is evident through artworks too, with a unique collection curated

by Saatchi Art. Working in close collaboration with Crème, the studio sought pieces that

070

Photography by Regan Wood

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complement the hotel’s interiors, with a focus

Crème’s solution is an attractive, deliberately

on the handmade aspect found in Japanese

asymmetrical TV desk that integrates the

design. “Across the guestrooms and public

variations in locations with the requisite

spaces, we commissioned artists to create

acoustic panel. “Renovations can be challenging

paintings and sculptures, such as a textured

because you have to work with what already

bas-relief wall installation, geometric carved

exists; in this case, it was the structural

wooden sculptures for the lounge and bespoke

elements and low ceiling heights and we opted

wallcoverings inspired by Japanese watercolours

to turn these into design features,” notes Aizaki

and wabi-sabi minimalism,” reveals Saatchi’s

as he reflects on the project. “We analysed the

Chief Curator Rebecca Wilson. In guestrooms,

period the property was originally built and felt

these wallcoverings accompany headboards

there was something waiting to be discovered.

upholstered in an accent colour with subtle

We wanted to resurrect that by connecting the

backlighting to illuminate the art. The breakout

existing architecture with new sculptural forms

zone is defined by a continental-height table,

to create an experience that seamlessly ties old

which doubles as a dining and work surface.

and new together.”

“We wanted the rooms to feel residential, so

Under Highgate’s direction and with brand

introduced layering and unexpected moments

guidance from Kimpton, Crème has been

like mismatched nightstands and elements of

successful in repositioning the property for

asymmetry,” says Fukuoka.

a new audience. Furthermore, a soon-to-

Several design challenges germane to

open rooftop restaurant and bar will channel

renovations presented themselves throughout

the Italian Riviera amid a backdrop of the

the course of the project, the most notable

Manhattan skyline, providing the perfect place

being the location of the power sockets.

to perch with an aperitivo.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Highgate Architecture: Stonehill Taylor Interior Design: Lucid, Crème / Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design Lighting Design: Reveal Design Group Art Consultant: Saatchi Art www.hoteltheta.com

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Estelle Manor OXFORDSHIRE Marking a new chapter for Maison Estelle, a rural retreat in the heart of Oxfordshire redefines the English country house hotel.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of Estelle Manor

W

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e are stopped in our tracks some way

Hall, it was rebuilt in a Neo-Jacobean style

before we get to the front door. “Hey

in the early 20 th century by architect and

guys, what are we up to today?” asks

artist Ernest George for use as a venue for

a fashionably dressed fellow who, beneath his

hunting parties, before being requisitioned as a

sunglasses, looks more like the gatekeeper to

maternity hospital during World War II. From

the guest list of a West End nightclub than

1946 it functioned as a police training centre

the welcoming host of a country house hotel.

before being converted to hotel use.

And perhaps that should be no surprise, since

The house and its grounds – a 60-acre

Estelle Manor is the offshoot of Maison Estelle,

estate sitting within 3,000 acres of parkland –

an exclusive London members’ club launched

are steeped in history. Those imposing stone

by Ennismore founder Sharan Pasricha in the

entrance gates were designed by Sir Charles

wake of the pandemic.

Barry, best known for rebuilding the Palace of

“We’re checking in to that massive hotel up

Westminster in the mid-19th century. An ancient

there,” seems the most obvious answer, given

hill fort on the site meanwhile dates back to

the drive we are on only leads one way and

the Iron Age.

it’s hard to ignore the magnificent towering

Now, the interiors of the main house have been

edifice at the end of said road. And ‘offshoot’ is

sumptuously restyled by design firm Roman

something of an understatement, given that the

and Williams, working in close collaboration

country pile that houses Estelle Manor would

with Ennismore’s in-house design wing AIME

dwarf most buildings in Mayfair, let alone the

Studios and Sharan Pasricha’s partner – both in

Georgian townhouse of its sister property.

life and this venture – Eiesha Bharti Pasricha.

This Grade II-listed mansion in the heart of

Daughter of Indian telecoms billionaire Sunil

the Oxfordshire countryside originally dates

Bharti Mittal, Eiesha has played a significant

from the 1770s. Formerly known as Eynsham

role in the project in her capacity as Artistic

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The Manor House’s 34 individuallyappointed guestrooms and suites feature vintage furnishings and 20th-century pieces

Director, not only co-ordinating the efforts of the

The project pays homage to centuries of British

various designers but also collecting many of the

decorative arts, as well as the lineage of distinguished

artworks which now grace its stripped and restored

families who lived there. But this is no museum

oak-panelled walls.

piece or historic pastiche. Modern interventions and

It is perhaps fitting of Roman and Williams’

unexpected juxtapositions have brought it back to life

background in Hollywood set design that Estelle Manor

and infused a contemporary energy into its hallowed

looks as much a fantastical filmset as it does a family

halls. Roman and Williams founders Stephen Alesch

residence – albeit one for the fabulously wealthy.

and Robin Standefer were inspired by classical art – the

As with Maison Estelle, it is billed as a ‘hosted home’,

076

Romanticism of J.M.W. Turner’s landscapes, as well

bringing together people ‘that have plenty to say and

as the exoticism of 17th- and 18th-century Orientalist

nothing to prove’ – an epithet that might just as

paintings. They worked with Ennismore and art

easily apply to its interiors. Roman and Williams may

curator Sigrid Kirk to develop a contemporary art

be a New York-based firm but they are no strangers to

programme within the Main Hall, offering a contrast

British culture and history, having been commissioned

to the layered décor and vernacular architecture,

to redesign the British Galleries at The Metropolitan

further accentuated by Mid-Century Italian furniture.

Museum of Art in their native city, before embarking

A procession of lounging, dining and drinking spaces

on their first UK hotel project, Nomad London, on the

branch out from the main hall reception: the Brasserie

site of the former Bow Street Magistrates Court.

all-day dining space, traditional Chinese restaurant

“We aimed to collapse past and present, to redefine

The Billiards Room, alongside a living room, library

what a traditional British country home can be today,”

and 34 individually appointed guestrooms and suites.

says Roman and Williams. “We wanted to honour the

The Brasserie features handpainted motifs and

legacy and craftsmanship of the historic design while

bleached wood panelling, as well as access to a

creating a manor house that feels modern and vital.”

wine cave where a collection of over 5,000 bottles

A procession of lounging, dining and drinking spaces branch out from the reception, including the Brasserie and The Living Room

dating back to 1939 has been chosen by Master Sommelier Matteo Montone.

Beyond the Brasserie, the South Terrace is a Riviera-inspired promenade and patio with its 25m outdoor swimming pool and cherryred parasols overlooking acres of garden.

The Billiards Room meanwhile, is lined like a jewellery box as glossily lacquered as the skin of a Peking duck, with limed plaster walls and Murano glass chandeliers. Serpentine velvet banquettes in shades of Malachite green snake their way across the space, reflected in the mirrored ceiling.

But there is much more to Estelle Manor once you venture outside the main building.

To the east of the estate sits The Clubhouse, originally a racquets court and gymnasium, now redesigned by Olivia Weström as a membersonly area complete with workspace and kids’ club. The gym would kick that of an elite Premiership football club into touch, with state-of-the-art cardio, strength and training equipment alongside a class studio for an extensive programme of yoga, HIIT and pilates.

The Muse onsite retail store offers a seasonally updated selection of homeware, clothing and fine jewellery.

078

A walled garden offers a bounty of heritage

that of 17th-century architect Inigo Jones and

breeds of fruit and vegetables, with The

Victorian painter Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

Glasshouse restaurant at its heart filled

The vast multi-level tepidarium bathing hall

with eclectic blooms and fabric lanterns

at its heart features five pools – including a

hanging overhead.

caldarium and hammam – a lounge and ten

In total there are 108 bedrooms across the

An open-air hideaway bar on the east side

House to the more bohemian woodland cottages

is home to an additional hidden pool and

and stable rooms in the grounds. Vintage

cascading waterfall surrounded by natural

furnishings are pitched against 20th-century

wildflowers and ferns. There is a wide palette

pieces bathed in warm, layered lighting. Three

of materials – from flint stone walls at the

larger private residential properties – The

entrance of the spa to mottled blue painted tiles

Farriers, Hollyhock and Bluebell House – have

in the pool – unified to create a clean, elegant

been designed by AIME Studios, with multiple

environment, contrasting the rich layering of

bedrooms, wood-burning fireplaces, spacious

the other spaces.

kitchens and freestanding baths.

080

treatment rooms.

estate, from the opulent suites of the Manor

With its comprehensive combination of art,

As Sleeper went to press, the pièce de résistance

outdoor activities, accommodation, food and

of the property was nearing completion. Nestled

drink, wellness, architecture and design, Estelle

in ancient woodland to the west of the Main Hall,

Manor is a total greater than the sum of its parts.

Eynsham Baths is a 3000m2 spa and bathhouse.

It is potentially a game-changer for the English

Its sculpted columns and carved marble details

country house hotel – much as Babington House

are influenced by the Roman baths of 60-70 AD,

was to the late 90s and Soho Farmhouse more

as well as classical arts and architecture, notably

recently – and much more besides.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Sharan Pasricha Interior Design: Roman and Williams, Olivia Weström, AIME Studios Artistic Director: Eiesha Bharti Pasricha www.estellemanor.com

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© Arne Nagel

Badeschloss BAD GASTEIN The culture of bathing takes centre stage at a spa town hotel in the Austrian mountains.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Ana Barros (unless otherwise stated)

F

ollowers of the black line will appreciate a

occupies the original building and a multi-

particular design detail at Badeschloss in

faceted 13-storey newbuild tower behind. Both

Bad Gastein, the spa town south of Salzburg

hotels are operated by Travel Charme Hotels &

that is undergoing something of a revival. The

Resorts, a subsidiary of Hirmer Immobilien.

black line in question is the tiling that marks

At Badeschloss, BWM Designers & Architects

out the lanes of swimming pools worldwide,

was tasked with restoring the protected

and at the aptly-named Badeschloss – directly

monument and designing the newbuild

translated as ‘Bathing Castle’ – it features in

component, as well as crafting the interiors. The

various forms, alongside a pool narrative that

existing four-storey building has a horizontal

flows through the hotel.

aspect directly adjacent to Bad Gastein’s

Originally built in 1751, Badeschloss sits on

magnificent waterfall, while the tower has

central Straubingerplatz, opposite the historic

striking verticality; together, they encapsulate

Alte Post and Hotel Straubinger. All three

the town’s blend of Neo-Classical and Belle

buildings had fallen into disrepair following

Époque architectural styles, with the Brutalist

their closure in 1991, sitting empty for decades

forms of the nearby conference centre complete

before being acquired by the state of Salzburg.

with its geodesic domes. Despite this varied

It wasn’t until 2018 that Munich-based Hirmer

architectural landscape, there were concerns

Immobilien emerged as a willing real estate

that the new tower would be at odds with its

partner, seeking to bring the property back to

neighbours, so BWM opted for a concrete façade,

life as part of a wider plan to revitalise the whole

made using a local stone that harmonises with

resort. Alte Post and Hotel Straubinger have

the surroundings and will further ‘disappear’

united to form the new Grand Hotel Straubinger

over time. “The façade was designed as a

(also featured in this issue), while Badeschloss

double-skin, coloured-concrete construction,”

083

At Badeschloss – directly translated as ‘Bathing Castle’ – a pool narrative flows through the public spaces

084

explains Markus Kaplan, Partner at BWM. “The

The Kaminbar features a fireplace and original

multifaceted panels have a lively appearance and

Ardent stone floors, as well as a counter topped

produce shadows that make the tower look slimmer.”

with hemispherical, fringed lamps to BWM’s design.

Added to this are the offset sections that result in a

The restaurant has a solid herringbone timber floor,

floorplate with multiple corners, affording the luxury

completely restored to the liking of the Federal

of double-aspect views in many of the 103 guestrooms.

Monuments Office, and like the bar, the ceiling has

Interiors of concrete and ceramic are made cosy by

stucco detailing, here resplendent with gleaming

curvaceous furnishings, underfloor heating in the tiled

reconditioned chandeliers from master glassmakers

en suite and ethereal curtains by Kvadrat that glide

Lobmeyr. Sandwiched between the two is dark

around the perimeter of the room. The 20 guestrooms

furniture with edges accented in neon orange and

in the original building are all unique and individually

lime. The calmer pale blue walls are a new feature.

named and, in the words of Erich Bernard of BWM,

The Séparée and other lounges feature modern,

each “celebrates the bathtub”; choose from a seated

geometric lighting from Chelsom, Flos and Gubi,

tub, a bath with a view or a room with its own sauna.

matched by plump furniture upholstered in soft,

Options galore to give repeat guests new experiences.

luxurious fabrics in bold colours. Burnt orange velvet

The F&B offers the same element of choice, with

ottomans, mustard sofas on deep blue, deep pile

restaurants and bars supported by several lounges

carpets – cosy corners after a day in the mountains.

and a 64-seat terrace overlooking the square. “We

Elaborating the black line of the swimming pool

wanted the hotel to reflect an open, outgoing and fluid

analogy is easy enough. A slim row of dark floor

personality,” says Bernard, gesturing to the expansive

tiles slides between a pair of ripple-effect circular

front-of-house spaces – a ‘social design’ that attracts

carpets, ending with the swimmer’s turning-T

a particular type of staff and, by association, a

in front of reception. Behind are shelves stacked

particular type of guest.

with rolls of yellow-and-white striped towels. The

© Arne Nagel

085

086

yellow tubular frames of the shelves are used

floors are devoted to the spa area. Such prime

for ladder configurations leading down to a

real estate is usually destined for high revenue-

black ‘pool’ at the entrance and up to a ceiling

generating suites, but the decision was to make

mirror rippling like ‘water’ in the lifts. Ladders

this a public space. There are treatment rooms

double as hanging storage in guestrooms,

aplenty. So too saunas, steam rooms and shower

where the omnipresent gentleness of the

experiences that could while away an afternoon.

Kvadrat curtaining is reminiscent of the lining

The pale concrete envelope is enlivened with

in swim shorts. More black lines bisect corridor

pops of colour through the furnishings – the

carpets conceived by Gabriele Bruner. Lying

orange-framed Pedrali sunloungers being a

distorted beneath a wavy water surface, not

highlight – and surfaces of contrasting tiling

unlike a Hockney pool image, these are cleverly

and grout in green and yellow, graphite and red.

disrupted here and there by the ‘reflection’ of a

The name, Alpine Swim Club, etched large in the

swimmer at the edge of the pool painted on the

stairwell, overlooks another lounge area and the

wall by artist Soo Burnell.

small Well-Fit nourishment bar.

Ironically the hotel’s pièce de résistance, the

The bones and bold strokes of the architecture

111m2 stainless steel infinity pool on its rooftop,

at Badeschloss provide the backdrop to a free

has no such lines. It does have uninterrupted

and fun design that has allowed BWM to create

valley views, a lengthy wave of submerged

spaces that appeal to guests, locals and staff

loungers and an underwater, neon green

alike and bring new energy to the town. The

lightshow. The entrance is via an automated

paradox of an Alpine Swim Club and references

sliding door half immersed by water that sits

to the bathing analogy bring a playful change of

within an angular dome, its form borrowed from

pace to the inherently conservative imagination

the roof of the nearby conference centre. Three

of mountain hospitality.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Hirmer Immobilien Operator: Travel Charme Architecture and Interior Design: BWM Designers & Architects, Atelier Peter Weisz Branding: Moodley www.travelcharme.com

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Grand Hotel Straubinger BAD GASTEIN BWM Designers & Architects peel back the layers of the past to reveal stories of a grande dame hotel on a revitalised town square.

D

angling rather forlornly from the stucco

defunct. Across the square and part of the

rosette high up on the ceiling of the Belle

package is Badeschloss (also featured in this

Époque ballroom is a heavy metal chain.

issue), which itself had suffered fire damage.

Beneath it, smashed atop a marble table, is a

The potential of this doubtful trio nevertheless

broken chandelier. Cut-glass pendalogues and

caught the eye of Hirmer Immobilien, who were

sparkling crystals lie askew, yet the lights are

quickly convinced to invest and create two new

still on. Something is amiss.

hotels, which they now operate under their

This is in fact an art installation. The

Travel Charme brand. Grand Hotel Straubinger

centrepiece of the beautifully restored

sees the combination of the former Straubinger

Straubinger Saal restaurant, itself at the heart

Hotel and adjacent Alte Post into a five-star,

of the recently opened Grand Hotel Straubinger

46-room hotel, with Vienna-based BWM

in the Austrian spa town of Bad Gastein. The

Designers & Architects appointed to take the

specially commissioned piece from glass atelier

lead on the refurbishment.

Lobmeyr is based on the original that was stolen Words: Guy Dittrich Photography: © Arne Nagel (unless otherwise stated)

during the years the building lay dormant.

“We took on both the architecture and interiors, as it is very difficult to split the tasks

The resurrection of this hotel came about

on such a complex renovation,” says BWM co-

when a package of adjacent buildings was

founder Erich Bernard. The stories behind the

purchased by the Austrian Federal State of

design, he explains, were gradually revealed as

Salzburg in 2017. Having not seen the interiors,

the layers of the building were exposed. And

the new owners were shocked to find that a

many layers there were too, given that original

roof had collapsed through three floors, and

construction happened between 1791 and 1888.

the restaurant’s tables still set with tablecloths

The structure was carefully stripped back to

and crockery. The listed buildings were totally

its raw state, parts of which have been left

089

exposed to contrast with newer elements. The result is a scenography of dramatic interiors, with BWM taking a chiaroscuro approach of contrasting light and dark tones to bring a certain moodiness. Its effect is best seen in guestrooms, where walls and curtains appear to have been dipped in dark paint, with the original patina visible above the paint line.

The interiors see a clever combination of old and new. As far as possible, the historic fabric was preserved and restored – including original terrazzo flooring, exposed plaster and stucco on walls. Gothic-style vaulted ceilings, decorative murals, timber wall panelling, bannisters and deep-section doorways also nod to the building’s long history. “Everything that could be kept was re-used,” emphasises Bernard of the value of heritage, adding that it “could not have gone better with the protection authorities”. Gold leaf discovered on the top of pillars in the Saal was exposed but not replaced to avoid being “false”. Where necessary, current standards had to be adhered to; ironmongery

090

From statement pieces to classic styles

+ 4 4 ( 0 ) 12 7 9 816 0 01 / S A L E S @ L E I S U R E P L A N . CO . U K

LeisurePlan2024_Sleeper_March-April.indd 1

LEISUREPLAN.CO.UK 12/02/2024 17:20

Heavy drapes are used to create an intimate lounge bar, while the reception features a display case of guestroom keys

© Ana Barros

on the guestroom doors is original, but the doors themselves needed to be replaced to meet acoustic and fire-rating standards, for instance.

Other traditional elements are in evidence, such as the key rack at reception – a case within which guestroom keys are displayed on velvet cushions ready for new arrivals. Its relatively low height adds an openness, certainly compared to the ‘barrier’ of a typical checkin desk. Across the staircase lobby, the café evokes the ambiance of a Viennese coffeehouse, where a variety of torte and strudel line up on the cake cart. The space sees further crystal in wall lamps with delicately pleated semi-opaque pink shades accompanying extensive plantings to creating a palm garden feel.

In the lounge bar, a U-shaped stone counter is dotted with burnished bronze, while domeshaped downlights designed by BWM bring a cocktail bar vibe. Intimacy is enhanced by plush, heavy drapes and transparent curtains hanging above the bar. The venue looks on to a small lounge complete with an upright piano, furnished in a charmingly haphazard way, with small tables covered in floral tablecloths – a pattern that is also picked up in a large rug.

There are plenty of new elements, including bespoke designs for carpets. In corridors, these have cloud-like patterns taken from the

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Bagatelle by FOR SAMUEL & SONS

samuelandsons.com

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different tones that revealed themselves during the

aristocracy. At Straubinger this includes an indoor-

restoration process. The rope-like lighting used by the

outdoor pool with stunning valley views. It is

construction company has been mimicked by new LED

overlooked by a new construction, a glazed elevation

strips hanging from high ceilings. More quirkiness is

covered in a lamella of thermal modified wood, which

used to ‘disguise’ a speaker high on the wall of the

is baked in controlled conditions, the elimination of its

private dining room adjacent to the Saal. It is covered

moisture making it hardier and better suited for the

by a white linen cloth, which is then topped by a small

Alpine climate. Here, floors are given over to saunas,

porcelain bird figurine. Far from random, it references

relaxation lounges and treatment rooms. “The glazing

the flora and fauna of a mural discovered beneath

gives unobstructed views while the lamellas ensure

layers of paint and paper.

privacy,” points out Markus Kaplan of BWM. Adjacent

BWM had fun with pattern, too. Herringbone is

are four spa suites each with a private sauna and more

found in different formats and scales in wood and

uniquely, windows right over the waterfall. The views

tile flooring, and even used for a tabletop in the

are like no other.

Weinkeller. This wine cellar, overlooking the vast

The hotel works around Straubingerplatz took

display kitchen, is under the Saal and, more unusually

several years to complete, during which time, the small

for a cellar, also has a view over the valley thanks to

square was closed to traffic – a huge inconvenience

the steepness of the plot. The form of several arched

to locals. Now, they have more than just their square

windows with similar views has been incorporated in

back. They have a high-quality restoration of their

the hotel’s own logo, repeated also in the decorative

grande dame, complete with respect for the past and a

wallcoverings of lifts and tiles in bathrooms.

panache for the future. The ‘fallen’ chandelier may be

Any discerning hotel in Bad Gastein must have

a poignant reminder of recent history, but Grand Hotel

its own spa to take advantage of the mineral waters

Straubinger and Hotel Badeschloss give Bad Gastein a

that put the town on The Grand Tour of European

new beating heart.

Owner: Hirmer Immobilien Operator: Travel Charme Architecture and Interior Design: BWM Designers & Architects, Atelier Peter Weisz Branding: Moodley www.travelcharme.com

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Six Senses Kanuhura MALDIVES The reimagination of a Maldivian resort results in the creation of a new island sanctuary for Six Senses.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill • Photography: © John Athimaritis

ot one, but three islands make up the

N

For this reimagination, Six Senses’ global

paradisiacal setting for Six Senses’ new

design team collaborated with Bangkok-based

island retreat in the Maldives. Located

SW Studio on the redesign of the public spaces,

in the Lhaviyani Atoll, the island of Kanuhura

and for the existing villas they worked in

is occupied by the resort’s accommodation and

partnership with Singapore firm Design Basis.

facilities, while Jehunuhura and Masleggihuraa

A previously vacant plot on the island, home to

– completely deserted, with no plans for

one of the longest beaches in the Maldives, was

development – are perfect for day trips and

then used for the creation of several new villas

castaway picnics.

and a beach club, The Point, with architecture

An existing resort known simply as

and interiors by Eco-ID.

Kanuhura, the property has undergone a full

To begin, the design team set about

refurbishment to join the Six Senses portfolio,

reorganising the public areas. “In the existing

effectively bolstering the brand’s presence in

resort, each space felt very closed off – there

the archipelago nation. Central to redefining

was no flow between them,” says Yee Pin Tan,

the destination was to align with the Six

Global Head of Design for Six Senses. “We had

Senses approach of connecting guests to

to first reconfigure the floorplan so one space

their surroundings, be it culture, community

flows into another, then take out walls to let

or the natural world. However there’s clear

more daylight in.”

differentiation in terms of design; while its sister

By opening up the all-day dining area, the

resort in the Laamu Atoll embodies a Robinson

resort has enabled guests to dine with their

Crusoe feel, Six Senses Kanuhura comes with

feet in the sand to views of the turquoise

a sleeker, more contemporary interpretation of

waters. Known as The Market, this restaurant

Maldivian island life.

is part of the island’s main hub, which now

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The new Beach Retreats were designed specifically with families in mind and feature an organic and handcrafted feel introduced through the interior décor

098

replicates the feel of a village square offering

brought in to the existing beach and overwater

access to facilities such as the spa, Earth Lab

villas, with billowing white drapes and the use

– a workshop for sustainability initiatives,

of light wood complemented by rugs, modern

activities and partnerships – and a number of

furnishings and artworks in shades that mimic

restaurants and bars. Across the resort, there

the ocean and its coral.

are now a total of seven venues to eat and drink,

The 12 new Beach Retreats – which bring the

each providing a different setting and cuisine.

total number of villas to 91 – were designed

Bottega, an informal Italian serves sourdough

specifically with families in mind. The sprawling

pizzas and homemade pasta, while Sip & Sand

one- to three-bedroom accommodations with

offers fresh cuts of meat and catch-of the-

either sunrise or sunset views are modern

day cooked over fire. Scoops is an ice-cream

in architectural style, with an organic and

and juice bar, and the beachside Drift eatery

handcrafted feel introduced through the décor.

specialises in seafood marinated in herbs from

“Reflecting the Six Senses name, we felt it was

the resort’s own garden.

important to have tactility in the materials we

As well as adding Six Senses’ signature

used,” explains Carol Chng, Director at Eco-ID,

Earth Lab to the existing spa, the wellness

who were responsible for designing the villas.

sanctuary has been transformed through the

“Our intention was to encourage guests to reach

creation of a new entrance and opening up of

out and touch the surfaces and furnishings.

the central relaxation space. By removing walls

Luxury doesn’t have to be opulent; here it’s

and introducing a terracotta colour scheme, the

more about that handcrafted feel.”

designers have succeeded in creating a warm and

Chng continues: “For the plastering of the

serene environment that is flooded with natural

walls, we asked local workers to be creative

light. This organic aesthetic has similarly been

and leave their signature. We then asked the

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lighting supplier to use recycled seashell dust

bar featuring interior planting and wooden

as the final finishing for the lampshades – we

furniture with splashes of red upholstery in

didn’t want them all to be the same because

an otherwise natural colour palette. “We were

they’re handmade.”

asked to look at maximising the potential of

Given that sustainability is a core brand value

a large area of the island that was untouched,

at Six Senses, environmentally friendly practices

and to introduce a destination restaurant,”

and initiatives run through the resort, including

explains Chng. “In the Maldives, a beach club

at design and build stages. For Eco-ID, this

is usually on the beach, but for added drama, we

comes in the pursuit of timelessness. “The

elevated the pool to the second level to create

way we approach sustainability, in addition to

an incredible infinity edge that feels as if you’re

selecting materials that are eco-friendly and

swimming out to the horizon.”

energy efficient, is by designing true to local

Despite the new intervention, there are still

context in terms of geography, culture and

plenty of areas of wilderness to roam amongst

climate,” says Chng. “That way, we ensure our

nature. Over time, the landscaping will mature

design fits the location and stays relevant for

around villas and public spaces, adding to the

years to come.”

16,000 orchids that grow on the island, as well

Perhaps the most prominent aspect of the

as the newly cultivated organic gardens that

resort’s redesign is The Point, a newbuild beach

supply herbs and vegetables to the kitchen. A

club that sits on the northern tip of Kanuhura.

tour of these gardens is just one of the many

Spanning two decks, the venue stands out for

experiences on offer at the resort, along with

its elevated circular swimming pool, backed by

sunset dolphin cruises, snorkelling on the reef

a cocktail bar aptly named Sunset Point. This

and traditional Maldivian fishing, each designed

tops an open-sided tapas restaurant and wine

to connect guests to their surroundings.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: HPL Hotels & Resorts Operator: Six Senses Architecture: Eco-ID Interior Design: Six Senses Architecture & Design, SW Studio, Design Basis www.sixsenses.com

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Nobis Hotel PALMA Charmed by a crumbling palace in Mallorca, hotelier Alessandro Catenacci takes a light-touch approach to celebrate the beauty of the architecture.

Words: Lucy Lovell • Photography: © Pernilla Danielsson

W

102

hen Helena Toresson pushed open the graffiti-

Though the entrepreneur has never had a clear strategy for

covered doors of a derelict palace in Palma de

expansion, he has built a portfolio of hotels through his

Mallorca, she knew this was a once-in-a-career

intuition and a passion for old buildings – those that he

opportunity. “It was old and crumbling but I was blown

is “charmed” by. Consequently, Nobis can be found in all

away,” remembers the Vice Managing Director of Swedish

manner of quirky locations. Take Miss Clara for instance,

architecture studio, Wingårdhs.

a 92-key boutique hotel that occupies one of Stockholm’s

The setting was secluded and serene. The tangle of streets

finest Art Nouveau buildings, constructed in 1910 as a girls’

that led to the building made it hard to find, and the only

school. Or the flagship in Stockholm, housed in two historic

sound that filled the square was the hourly chime of church

landmarks taking pride of place on Norrmalmstorg Square.

bells. Standing in front of Toresson was a Moorish mansion

When work began on Nobis Hotel Palma, the group had

dating back to the 12th century. An elegant building that

already made its mark on the city with Concepció by Nobis

would have once been home to Mallorcan nobility. It was

– its first venture outside of Scandinavia. The opening had

beautiful, but dilapidated; when the keys were handed over,

been a success, and so Catenacci was confident that further

it had stood abandoned for over 20 years.

expansion on the Balearic Island would be a good move. He

Being one of Palma’s oldest buildings, the plan to turn

employed the same team: two local firms – Jordi Herrero

it into a hotel drew attention – be it from the council,

Arquitectos and Eduardo Garcia Acuna Arquitectos – along

archaeologists or locals curious to see what would become

with Wingårdhs for the interiors.

of it. The towering arched doorway is intimidating, and there

Toresson had been working with Catenacci for over a decade

are no ground-floor windows through which to peek inside,

and the group’s mission statement was cemented during

so when plans were made public, people began guessing what

their first project together. “When we first started to work

surprises lay in store. Ancient ceramics? Secret chambers? It

together, Alessandro said he would like an interior design

didn’t take a soothsayer to foresee countless negotiations,

scheme that will last at least 20 years,” recalls Toresson.

archaeological examinations and lots of paperwork.

“It is unusual for clients to make such a statement as it

But none of that fazed Nobis Hospitality Group, the

drives costs.” But the weighty comment threw up difficult

Swedish hotel company founded by Alessandro Catenacci.

questions. “How do you create an interior that feels new

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and relevant on opening, and will continue to feel new and relevant for 20 years?” Toresson asked. The conclusion? “We take inspiration from the building – its personality, history and materials,” she explains. “That’s what we bring to every project.”

At Nobis Hotel Palma, Toresson wanted to clearly distinguish between old and new, using furnishings that would contrast with the exposed brickwork. “The building is rough and raw, so we wanted to balance that with soft and crafted furniture,” she explains. More than just a design aesthetic, this approach was necessary to appease the authorities and protect the building. “When you’re working with these types of buildings and bringing them back to life, it has to be done respectfully. It’s a legacy that needs to be taken care of,” says Toresson.

“Our mission was to have as little impact as possible on the original building.”

As a result, most of the furniture is freestanding. In the lobby for example, the cornicing is decorated with 12th-century script,

105

so the check-in desk stands in the centre of the

preserved 15th-century Gothic archway. Turning

room. Likewise, washbasins in the guestrooms

it into a bedroom was off the cards so it was

are mounted in freestanding units, while

dressed with a pair of forest-green sofas by

showers are concealed behind mirrored boxes,

Arflex and a selection of art from Catenacci’s

with the original stone floors replaced after

own collection.

piping and wiring was installed.

106

And did the hotel hold any secrets? In the

In fact, if the hotel furniture was to be

end, there was one surprise: a hidden tunnel

removed, the building would look very similar

leading to the building next door. Staff believe

to when it was first constructed. The Mirall

it was used as an escape tunnel, and visitors

Bar is a perfect example. The 9m-high ceilings

can still see the entrance in the corner of the

and rugged walls remain relatively untouched,

spa. The little nook has been cleverly filled with

original tiles have been gently buffed and even

an infrared sauna, set up by the Stockholm-

the bare stone blocks remain exposed where

based spa Heat. Now it offers a different kind

archaeologists peeled back the plaster. The

of escape for hotel guests.

room is softened by minimalist chairs dressed in

Overall, it is remarkable that a seven-year

shaggy sheepskins alongside curvaceous sofas

project resulted in only the most delicate

by Tacchini. The energy of the dramatic ceiling

of touches on the historic building. It is a

is matched by an equally imposing lampshade, a

compassionate approach to architecture, but

custom-made 3.5m-diameter sphere that hangs

also a bold one. Now, when Toresson enters

overhead like a moon.

the courtyard of Nobis Hotel Palma, she says

Some rooms are of such historical importance

she feels proud. She leaves the neglected palace

that the developers weren’t allowed to touch

reinforced, refined and ready to be reimagined

a thing. The Library, for instance, features a

in another 1,000 years.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Nobis Hospitality Group Affiliation: Design Hotels Architecture: Jordi Herrero Arquitectos, Eduardo Garcia Acuna Arquitectos Interior Design: Wingårdhs www.nobishotel.es

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LOCATION REPORT

LOCATION REPORT PARIS Bolstered by the hosting of major sporting events, Paris is in the midst of a hotel development boom, with a slew of new openings across the city.

P

aris has long been considered a hub for new

Opéra Paris Faubourg opened in recent weeks, while a

hotel development, with its undeniable appeal

third will initially open as NH Paris Champs-Élysées

to both business and leisure travellers making a

before undergoing extensive refurbishment to join NH

compelling case for investment. Add in the hosting of

Collection – the group’s premium offer.

major sporting events such as the 2023 Rugby World

The lifestyle sector shows no sign of slowing

Cup and forthcoming Summer Olympics – the latter

either, with Experimental Group partnering with

expected to attract 15 million visitors – and it makes

Foncière Saint Honoré on a 43-key property in the

the prospect of planting flags ever more appealing.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. And in the luxury

As with every major city, Paris was hit hard by the

market, LVMH is pushing ahead with its first Louis

pandemic, with fewer inbound travellers equalling

Vuitton-branded hotel currently under construction

fewer room nights. But 2023 marked a return to 2019

at a prestigious address on Champs-Élysées.

performance, with STR reporting full-year occupancy

Though the construction pipeline is predominantly

of 76%, just one percentage point lower than pre-

conversions and refurbishments, there are a handful

pandemic levels. Far more remarkable is its RevPAR

of newbuilds in planning. CR7 – a collaboration

and ADR growth; RevPAR reached EUR252.32 in 2023,

between Cristiano Ronaldo and Pestana Hotel Group

up from EUR164.67 in 2019, while ADR hit EUR332.17

– has resumed construction for an expected 2027

in comparison to EUR213.92 in 2019.

opening, and Radisson Hotel Group has announced

A whole host of hotels have made their debut

plans for a Radisson Blu in Tour Triangle, a mixed-use

over the past few years, including the likes of Too

destination with architecture by Herzog & de Meuron.

Hotel, Le Parchamp, SO/ and Zoku, as well as Hotel

Finally, Barry Sternlicht’s 1 Hotels is set to make its

Rochechouart, Maison Delano and Madame Rêve. With

Paris debut as part of a mixed-use complex with a

the 2024 Summer Olympics fast approaching, recent

Slo Living hostel, co-working space and roof terrace.

months have seen further additions as featured over

The environmentally-responsible brand will occupy

the following pages, and according to data from THP,

a plant-covered building in the Paris-Rive Gauche

the inventory is set to rise further. THP currently has

district, described by its architect Kengo Kuma a

4,823 rooms across 26 projects listed in its database,

‘green lung’ for the neighbourhood.

with 12 of those slated to open before the end of

As with any Olympics host city in the build up to the

2024. Given the city’s dense urban landscape, over

main event, the current focus is on ensuring hotels are

half of the construction pipeline are conversions or

fully operational and maximising the opportunities

refurbishments, with owners and developers looking

that come with increased footfall. But after the closing

to upgrade existing assets.

ceremony, attentions will no doubt turn to the Olympic

Amongst the projects on the boards, Locke Paris

legacy. The fortunes of previous host cities have been

from Edyn is slated to open before the end of the year,

mixed, with new development a careful balancing

marking the brand’s debut in France. Part-newbuild,

act between supply and demand. That Paris boasts

part-conversion, it will include 150 studio apartments

a healthy pipeline, yet has not appeared in THP’s

and 1,000m2 of social spaces, with a wider garden,

top-ten hotel development hotpsots for a number of

restaurant and atrium bar set in an 18 th-century

years is good news for existing owners and operators;

mansion in the Latin Quarter.

coupled with strong performance across all metrics,

Accor will add to its portfolio with the opening of Paris Montmarte Sacré Coeur, a new addition to

this suggests that there’s still room for growth in the city’s hotel market.

its recently launched Handwritten Collection, while Hilton Worldwide is rumoured to be adding a second

The following pages feature reviews of recent openings

Canopy in 2027. And Minor Hotels has announced its

from France’s homegrown groups, including Leitmotiv,

first foray into Paris, with three properties across the

Touriste and Maisons Pariente.

city; NH Paris Gare de l’Est and the refurbished NH

La Fantaisie PARIS Martin Brudnizki makes his Paris debut with a garden-inspired hotel that marries urban life and the natural world.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Jérôme Galland

W

andering along Rue Cadet in Paris’ FaubourgMontmartre neighbourhood, it seems apt that this bustling, café-lined enclave once served as an

access road for a series of market gardens. More recently, the street’s history – it was named after 16th-century master gardeners Jacques and Jean Cadet – was the starting point for La Fantaisie, Martin Brudnizki’s first hotel project in the French capital.

“We were approached by Leitmotiv hospitality group in 2020 to collaborate on La Fantaisie and were immediately drawn to the unique location,” recalls Brudnizki. “The brief was to create a luxury hotel that feels youthful and incorporates a playful approach that tells the story of the charming neighbourhood. Leitmotiv were keen for us to drive the design direction and, inspired by the horticultural history of Rue Cadet, a nature-based theme felt inherent to the overall aesthetic.”

Taking the environment into consideration was also key for local architecture firm Petitdidierprioux, which was tasked with re-working the layout of the existing building – previously a hotel. “The 9th arrondissement is central

and touristy, one of the most densely populated districts in Paris and also one of the least green, so the idea was to bring nature back into the city,” explains co-founder Cédric Petitdidier, who added pre-patinated zinc in grey-green hues to the façade, along with large steel windows with slender mullions evocative of Victorian glasshouses.

Petitdidier also created “breathing spaces”, such as an enlarged and replanted rear garden, as well as a rooftop

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LOCATION REPORT

111

While Brudnizki hints at the horticultural theme throughout, Bar Sur Le Toit is a riot of floral motifs, with decadent rose panels designed exclusively for the hotel

112

bar with panoramic views and a spa in a former

the inventive menu features dishes such as red tuna

underground car park. “We wanted to open up the

tartare with Shiso leaves and banana pancakes with

building to create a visual connection between the

smoked caviar.

street and the garden, so a new corridor stretches from

Other links to the botanical garden beyond include

the front to the rear. It’s a transition from lively to

a tree growing between the tables, and the repetition

calm,” he adds.

of warm yellows and oranges in the colour palette

Spilling out onto the street is Le Café, which features

throughout. “It’s a nod to the sunshine, which can be

a curving verdigris bar reminiscent of French planters

seen in the yellow ceiling of Golden Poppy and again

and is decorated with bespoke, handpainted orchard

in Le Café, where a glowing light box is displayed,”

wallpaper by London-based fine art and design

says Brudnizki. A glass extension at the rear of the

studio Adam Ellis. “The theme here feels subtle in

restaurant lends an indoor-outdoor feeling to supper,

places and not overly floral,” says Brudnizki, also

while there are also candlelit tables on the garden

citing the beetroot-hue woven leather reception desk

terrace itself. Petitdidier reveals: “We want diners to

as an example of “alluding to fresh produce while

feel as if they are eating in a bucolic landscape, far

maintaining practicality”.

from the city’s hustle and bustle.”

Fruit and vegetables are also incorporated into the

Upstairs, 63 guestrooms and 10 suites either face the

design of the ground-floor zero-waste restaurant

peaceful, leafy garden or are connected to the street

Golden Poppy – a homecoming for Dominique Crenn,

via a balcony. “To preserve the privacy of guests, the

the only female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars

balconies serve as both outdoor spaces and horizontal

in America for her San Francisco restaurant Atelier

screens,” explains Petitdidier.

Crenn. Here, a green-framed grid of Victorian-style

Perhaps as one would expect in a hotel that riffs

illustrations, again by Adam Ellis, depicts everything

off the natural world, shades of green are threaded

from apples and lemons to onions and grapes, while

throughout the rooms, from forest-coloured coving to

LOCATION REPORT

113

LOCATION REPORT

sage chairs and custom Pierre Frey rugs designed

spaces have their own distinct aesthetic, they

in collaboration with Martin Brudnizki Design

all complement one another and together feel

Studio. “We used green in a nod to horticultural

cohesive. While Brudnizki merely hints at the

elements such as leaves and grass, while brighter

horticultural theme in some areas, the intimate

oranges were inspired by nectarines,” Brudnizki

seventh floor Bar Sur Le Toit is a riot of floral

confirms. “We have also incorporated tactile,

motifs, offering California-influenced cocktails

natural elements such as rattan and grasscloth

against a backdrop of Sacré-Cœur and other

wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries that evoke a feeling

landmarks from its grassy terrace. “Emblematic

of nature and soften the space.”

of a blossoming crescendo, the bar displays an

More overtly floral depictions can be seen

array of intricate, decadent rose panels designed

in the basement Holidermie spa, where the

exclusively by Adam Ellis,” Brudnizki confirms.

hot-cold bathing circuit takes its cues from

These pink and green panels continue onto

healing therapies and underground springs.

the ceiling, with the same print repeated on

“Inspired by ancient bathing rituals and the

the curtains so the inside area of the bar is

Turkish hammam, we wanted to introduce a

all-enveloping, like a secret drinking spot few

primordial touch to the spa, so commissioned

people know about. In fact, in the previous

specialist tile company Trend to design a mosaic

hotel’s incarnation, the space wasn’t utilised

that depicts sprouting perennial flowers,” says

at all, as Petitdidier concludes: “We used a void

Brudnizki. “The aim is that it feels blissful, with

in the roof to create this extra level for the bar

a continued use of the sunshine-yellow ceilings

at the rear and penthouses at the front. The

to signify a rejuvenating experience.”

idea behind the entire hotel was to build a new

Exploring the hotel from the ground up, what’s striking is that although the individual

114

relationship between the exterior and interior, between urban life and the natural world.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Leitmotiv Architecture: Petitdidierprioux Interior Design: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) Lighting Design: Cobalt Art Consultant: MBDS, Atelier 27 Landscaping: Christophe Gautrand Main Contractor: SPIE Project Manager: In Extenso www.lafantaisie.com

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LOCATION REPORT

Hôtel de la Boétie PARIS

I

t may be one of the most famous avenues in

when it comes to choosing locations. “It’s more

the world, connecting the Arc de Triomphe

of an opportunistic approach,” he confirms. “If

with the Place de la Concorde, but the

I find a building that I like, then I buy it.”

Champs-Élysées in Paris also has a reputation as a tourist trap.

For most people familiar with the city, the

French hotelier Adrien Gloaguen expands his portfolio in the capital, enlisting Beata Heuman to design her first-ever hotel.

thoroughfare

and

surrounding

properties boutique in size and accessibly

8 th

priced, but each has interiors by a different

arrondissement is one of the least likely areas

designer. “I hate standardisation, so I like to

to look for a hotel – a mindset that Adrien

work with someone new for every project,” he

Gloaguen, the founder of French hotel group

explains, citing past collaborations with artist-

Touriste, hopes to change with the opening of

designer Luke Edward Hall for Hôtel Les Deux

Hôtel de la Boétie.

Gares, interior designer Chloé Nègre for Hôtel

“The Champs-Élysées is not an area frequented by Parisians or anyone else who

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Simon Brown

Gloaguen’s trademark – and what ties the group together – is that not only are all Touriste

de Beauregard, and artist Julien Colombier for Hôtel Bienvenue.

knows the city well,” Gloaguen explains. “The

In the case of Hôtel de la Boétie, he turned

hotels that exist there already tend to be very

to Swedish-born, London-based designer

luxurious or cater to the Middle Eastern market.

Beata Heuman. “I have been following Beata’s

In my mind there are no cool hotels, so I wanted

work for a long time and love her style. I

to create one. That was the initial idea behind

wanted something classic but with a twist, so I

Hôtel de la Boétie.”

knew this was the perfect place for her,” says

Having established Touriste 15 years ago,

Gloaguen, who instead of setting a brief, simply

Gloaguen currently has seven hotels in Paris,

gave Heuman a tour of the space before asking

though he reveals that there is no set strategy

her to present ideas.

117

The lounge features bespoke pieces from Beata Heuman’s Shoppa collection alongside Phillip Jeffries wallpaper that reflects the movements of passers-by

118

Having set her sights on designing a hotel

and theatrical,” she reveals of the overall look.

for some time, Heuman relished the challenge.

In the 40 guestrooms, this translates to three

“With residential projects, the design is often

subtly linked colour schemes: dark blues on the

centred around the personal preferences of

first two floors, biscuit shades on the middle

an individual client,” she explains. “On a

floors and sky blue on the upper levels. The

commercial project however, whilst you are still

striking palette continues with bespoke baby

working for a client, there’s more freedom to

pink bed linens by Heuman and turquoise wall

create a vision as a whole.”

tiles in the bathroom.

Heuman continues: “A hotel is about having

The bedheads, which are upholstered with

an experience for a day or two, which means

flatweave wool rugs influenced by the inlaid

that we have been able to explore a concept and

marble floor at the Cappelle Medicee museum in

mood to a greater extent. It opens up new paths

Florence, are a central decorative feature. “It’s

for us creatively and that has been inspiring.”

about contrast and balance,” explains Heuman.

The hotel occupies a 19th-century building

“When working with rich colours, my instinct

that previously served as a guesthouse –

is to offset them using simpler materials. For

dressed in zebra print and gold according to

instance, the solid ash furniture in all rooms

Gloaguen – with few original features other

has a humble quality that anchors the more

than a traditional wire cage elevator that has

theatrical elements such as the headboards,

been retained as part of the new property’s

ensuring the expression stays true to the nature

charm. For this reason, Heuman didn’t feel

of the building.”

tied to a particular aesthetic. “I wanted to

Most of the lighting and accessories used

create something that transports guests away

throughout are from Heuman’s Shoppa

and offers a sense of escape that is fantastical

collection, including the Alma wall lights, brass

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119

LOCATION REPORT

knot wardrobe handles and gingham fabrics

which is paired with pieces from her own

used for cushions in the bedrooms.

collection including a bespoke burnt orange

Rooms come in five categories, ranging from

sofa, the Hampa Matta rug woven from hemp,

14m2 for a single to 20m2 for a triple, with

and the Lion Chair with handcarved feet shaped

Gloaguen noting that the single rooms cater to

like a lion’s paw.

the many business travellers that frequent this

The main social space however is the bar

part of the city. As such, he has also incorporated

and restaurant, where a continental breakfast

a meeting room, though its cheery interiors –

is served. At one end, a mural by Glasgow-

with a vibrant red oval table, a blackboard and

based artist Kirsty Lackie depicts a group of

Heuman’s Paper Bag Gong pendant – are far

diners eating, while Heuman’s Paper Bag wall

from the typical.

lights hang at intervals between bespoke floral

The non-standardised details continue

120

artworks by Ciao Chiara.

throughout. In the lobby, two tulip light fixtures

Gloaguen, who has plans for further hotels

climb the wall and frame an architectural

in Paris – including the forthcoming Hotel

photograph by Italian designer Giulio Ghirardi,

Chateau D’Eau by French design studio Necchi

entitled Cathedral Curtains. And the adjoining

Architecture – concludes: “We are focused on

lounge features Royal Academy poster artwork

offering good design and a good breakfast. When

and silver Vinyl Metalworks wallpaper by Phillip

I travel myself, I’m not looking for somewhere

Jeffries. “Here, the movements of passers-by

with a gym or a pool. It’s not necessary.”

on the street, which can be seen through the

This modest approach is best summed up by

floor-to-ceiling window, are reflected dreamily

the message inside the fortune cookies in the

on the shimmery walls,” says Heuman of the

guestrooms: ‘no gym, no pool, but a good bed’.

reasoning behind her unusual design choice,

Simple, yet effective.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Touriste Interior Design: Beata Heuman www.hoteldelaboetie.com

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LOCATION REPORT

Le Grand Mazarin PARIS Martin Brudnizki takes the creative reins at Maisons Pariente’s first urban property, where his theatrical flair takes centre stage.

Words: Nicola Leigh Stewart • Photography: © Vincent Leroux

M

artin Brudnizki has done it again. After La Fantaisie opened its doors as Brudnizki’s first hotel in Paris in July 2023, the London-based designer has repeated

his success with the arrival of Le Grand Mazarin less than three months later.

The fourth property from French hospitality group Maisons Pariente, and its debut in an urban location, also marks another win for founder Patrick Pariente and daughters Leslie Kouhana and Kimberley Cohen, who together have launched Crillon le Brave in Provence, Lou Pinet in SaintTropez and Le Coucou in Méribel.

Sitting in a prime location in Le Marais, just opposite iconic department store BHV, the group’s latest five-star venture occupies three 14th-century buildings, including a hotel previously known as Villa Mazarin. All three properties were completely overhauled as part of a four-year project that involved tearing off the roof and digging three floors below ground. The finished result is a collection of 50 guestrooms and 11 suites, ranging from the smallest Classic Room at 21m2 – a fairly generous starting size for Paris –

to the largest Mazarin Suite, which comes in at 50m2 with rooftop views.

Inspiration to team up with Brudnizki for the interiors came from the designer’s Instagrammable interiors at London members’ club Annabel’s, where the famously flamboyant pink seashell sinks naturally caught the eye of

123

At Boubalé, MBDS worked with Israeli chef Assaf Granit to develop a design concept that reflects the heritage of the menu

124

Kouhana and Cohen. As each of the other three

as well as a riot of prints and accessories. Most

Maisons Pariente properties come full of their

of the furniture is also bespoke to put a modern

own personality – Crillon le Brave, perhaps

spin on period styling – think antique-inspired

the most unusual, is spread across a Provence

silhouettes in a vivid palette. Patterned rugs

village – it’s no surprise that Brudnizki was

finished with traditional yet vibrant peplums

allowed to let his imagination not only roam

mirror the colour scheme of each space, and

free, but positively run wild to create the

intentionally clash with the leopard and shell-

character of Le Grand Mazarin.

print armchairs that sit at the end of the bed.

Going against current Parisian hotel trends,

Behind the fun are heritage brands such as

which favour layers of natural materials against

Pierre Frey and Henryot & Cie, who supplied

a backdrop of understated neutral shades, Martin

fabrics and furniture respectively. Maison

Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) has set Le

Lucien Gau provided much of the lighting, while

Grand Mazarin apart with colourful, theatrical

Art de Lys has used its 134-year savoir faire to

flair. Tapping into the rich cultural heritage

create the show-stopping tapestry canopies that

of Le Marais and the historic mix of artistic

hang above each bed.

figures who have called it home, Brudnizki took

Finishing touches come in the form of more

inspiration from Paris’ famed literary salons to

than 100 bronze and porcelain knick-knacks

create his own collection of spaces, bringing

sourced by Kouhana and Cohen from flea

together an eclectic mix of styles with more

markets and brocantes in Paris, London and

than a touch of wit and whimsy.

Venice. There’s also a mishmash of artworks

The studio has stamped its signature

as eclectic as the interiors – over 500 in total –

colourful style onto each guestroom too, with

chosen by Paris’ most in-demand art curator,

pastel shades of apple, salmon pink and lemon,

Amélie du Chalard of Amélie Maison d’Art.

LOCATION REPORT

125

LOCATION REPORT

Colour has also been used to maximum effect

traditional Ashkenazi recipes – the restaurant’s

in the underground pool, a rare addition to a Le

name is Yiddish for ‘my little darling’ – whilst

Marais hotel. The handpainted, vaulted ceiling

his JLM Group, which oversees all of Granit’s

by Jacques Merle, chosen by Kouhana and Cohen

addresses, worked with MBDS on a design

following a search for a young, under-exposed

concept that reflects the heritage of the menu.

artist, not only feels thoroughly French with

As with the guestrooms, a team of artisans

its Jean Cocteau-inspired illustrations but also

were brought in to dress the richly layered

brings a lightness to the underground setting,

space, from the floral embroidered fabric walls

with a brilliant white background, natural

by GP & J Baker to the ceiling decorated with

motifs and fresh shades of green and blue that

curves of foliage by Ateliers Gohard, whose

mirror the mosaics of the pool. Postbox red

resumé includes gilding the Palace of Versailles.

seating and blocky blue tables add a Brudnizki

The design particularly shines at night, when

touch of colour, whilst next door in the powder

candlelit dinners light up the ceramics inspired

rooms, the hotel has even been given its own

by eastern European designs and handblown

shell sinks from marble artisans Ildei in a nod

glassware from the Czech Republic.

to the swan-topped basins at Annabel’s that kickstarted the whole project.

126

Quieter soirées can be spent next door in The Patio, the hotel’s winter garden, where

F&B options include a ground-floor cocktail

trompe l’oeil walls handpainted by Menorcan-

bar, an underground speakeasy, and the star of

born artist Sophia Pega depict a fantastical mix

the show, restaurant Boubalé, which is drawing

of unicorns, swans and horses. The walls are

as much buzz as the hotel itself. Israeli chef

lit by Murano glass chandeliers from Sogni di

Assaf Granit has drawn inspiration from his

Cristallo, adding a suitably dramatic finishing

childhood and reinterpreted his grandmother’s

touch to Brudnizki’s bold design.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Maisons Pariente Architecture and Interior Design: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio Lighting Design: Douet Design Graphic Design: General Public Art Consultant: Amélie Maison d’Art, Maestria Collection Main Contractor: Artefact www.legrandmazarin.com

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DESIGN DETAILS

SPA & WELLNESS

Das Central It would be quite easy for Das Central to let its snowy surroundings steal the show, but the hotel’s architecture holds its own, made all the more striking by recent renovations on Summit Spa. Nestled amongst the Ötztal mountains in the picturesque region of Sölden in Austria, the Alpine retreat has welcomed a host of new facilities that enable guests to immerse themselves in the landscape.

In addition to six new treatment rooms, a relaxation room and outdoor whirlpool, the 2,000m2 space incorporates two newly-built saunas, a steam bath and cold-water plunge pool. The jewel in the crown however is the infinity pool, perched 17m above ground within an angular structure that juts out from the timber façade. Designed by Mika Architecture with specialist know-how from Saurwein Schwimmbad Technik and Felder Metall, the pool is shaped to mimic the nearby peaks, with its icy blue tones providing a contrast to the cosy furnishings in the spa. “We want to share our most incredible luxury – the landscape around us – with guests,” says Michael Waschl, the hotel’s Director. “With our new spa area, we have succeeded in doing just that. Here, we combine relaxation with a view. In the newly renovated spaces, the focus is on wellbeing and drawing strength from nature, thanks in part to the use of materials characterised by our high Alpine landscape.”

© Rudi Wyhlidal

DESIGN DETAILS

LODGES & CABINS

Sjöparken

Reflecting a belief that architecture forms a

boundaries between indoors and outdoors, while

bridge between the man-made and the organic,

materials mirror the elements to ensure nature

Sjöparken is a serene sanctuary that immerses

takes centre stage.

guests in the beauty of nature. Set within the

“The design cultivates a tranquil atmosphere,

forests of Halland, the new concept forms part

purposefully creating a profound connection

of Ästad Vingård, a Swedish vineyard home to a

with the natural surroundings,” says Peter

restaurant, spa and hotel rooms.

Eland, Architect and Partner at Norm Architects.

Designed by Norm Architects, the lakeside

“The comforting ambiance extends beyond

lodgings take inspiration from a variety of

visual delight, offering guests the warmth of

sources, marrying Nordic simplicity with

tactile surfaces and the serenity of thoughtful

Japanese design tradition, as well as a water villa

spatial divisions. Every aspect underscores

typology typical of tropical resorts. The seven

the commitment to wellbeing and a seamless

lodges – each with four guestrooms – feature

integration with the soothing essence of nature.”

oak cladding and green roofs that pay homage to

Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, Architect and co-

the region’s heritage, creating a harmony with

founding Partner at the firm, adds: “The

the surroundings. Glass corridors offer a visual

project is all about balance. We wanted to

connection to the landscape, with the glazing

create something that could stand out and be

also serving to create mesmering reflections on

spectacular in the most understated way possible

the water’s surface. Floor-to-ceiling windows

– that seems natural for the location and at the

allow sunlight to filter through, blurring the

same time otherworldly and unique.” © Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

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BRAND EVOLUTION

The Evolution of Crowne Plaza As focus shifts to the ‘blended traveller’, Crowne Plaza is taking a fresh approach to the design and development of its spaces. Here, those at the forefront of the brand reveal the process behind the evolution.

Words: Catherine Martin

W

hen it made its debut back in 1983, Crowne Plaza catered specifically to the needs of the business traveller. At the time of launch, there was a rise in demand for functional and affordable hotels with their own business centre,

often kitted out with a bank of PCs, a fax machine and a printer – all the mod-cons of the corporate world. There might have been a few meeting rooms tucked away in the basement, perhaps a self-service coffee machine and a lounge with free newspapers; there was little discussion around the design concept or resulting guest experience.

However, times change. The business travel landscape has evolved significantly over the past four decades and so has the hotel industry. While meetings and events spaces arguably still lag behind the likes of spa and wellness and food and beverage when it comes to investment, a shift in the way people live their lives has brought about a renewed focus on the business traveller – who now comes with an entirely different set of demands than in times gone by.

For Crowne Plaza – part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio since its inception – staying true to its roots of catering to the business traveller while moving with the times has led to a thorough re-examination of the brand, taking in everything from the profile of the guest and their expectations, through to the design concept, spatial layout and selection of FF&E, as well as provision of services and programming, and the all-important guest experience.

133

BRAND EVOLUTION

© Anna Stathaki

134

THE BLENDED TRAVELLER

Plaza designs its spaces, as well as the ensuing

been a clear change in how people work and

“It’s an evolution, not a revolution,” begins

guest experience. Claire Chapoulet, Head of

want to use the spaces within a hotel,” reveals

Emma King, Head of Premium, Luxury and

Global Crowne Plaza, expands on the idea and

Joey Goei, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Senior Design

Lifestyle Design for IHG Hotels & Resorts in

its relevance for the brand: “When Crowne

Manager for Europe. “So, the key change is that

Europe. “Crowne Plaza has seen continual

Plaza was created, it delivered perfectly for the

rather than focusing on the business traveller,

progression over the years but there needed

business traveller of the time. Its philosophy,

we’re focusing on the blended traveller and

to be a greater leap for the brand’s design

commercial appeal and guest affection for the

their evolving needs. When people book a hotel

philosophy to ensure its ongoing relevance to

brand have meant that our owners want to bring

for work, they’re now more likely than ever to

today’s traveller.”

it to life in more and more locations, not only in

add on a few days and have their partner or

So exactly who is today’s traveller? At the

cities and airports, but increasingly in suburban

family join them for a mini break. We also need

start of the process, the Crowne Plaza brand

and resort destinations. At the same time, the

to consider that people may need to carve out

team carried out in-depth research to identify

world has changed. We live hybrid lives and the

some time to do some work calls when they are

changing lifestyles, attitudes and desires –

brand has moved with that. We were designing

on a personal holiday too.”

factors that impact how, when and why people

for blended travel before the phrase was even

Indeed, the research confirms this; according

travel. A whitepaper published in 2022 found

defined, but now we have established a way to

to IHG’s survey, 45% of the UK travellers

that the future landscape includes ‘travellers

design our spaces for hybrid life, catering to

surveyed plan to add leisure days to future

tagging leisure time on to work trips, spending

business, leisure and everything in between,

business trips, and in the USA, this rises to 60%.

longer in a holiday destination to work, or

ensuring guests don’t have to compromise

It’s typical for travellers to stay at a business-

simply harnessing the benefits of advanced

when choosing a hotel.”

oriented hotel for the work portion of their trip

connectivity and a desirable destination to

A series of focus groups held in both the UK

then move to a lifestyle property for leisure, so

work from anywhere in the world’. They refer

and USA around the purpose and perception of

if Crowne Plaza could elevate its offer to appeal

to this as the ‘blended traveller’ – with the

the brand revealed new opportunities. “There

to this blended traveller, there was potential to

concept going on to shape the way that Crowne

was a lot of love for the brand but there has

capture longer stays and greater spend.

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136

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

ethos which is rooted in Sir Terence Conran’s

leisure traveller. So, if we can incorporate

With the results of the research establishing the

thought process of designing spaces for people,

experiential and emotive elements with

target guest, the Brand, Design and Engineering

which really resonates with Crowne Plaza.”

functionality and efficiency, then it’s a good

teams set about defining the key characteristics

Taking the lead at Conran & Partners, Simon

of the evolved Crowne Plaza. The meetings and

Kincaid worked in close collaboration with King

The team reviewed the ways in which existing

events component would still be a key priority,

to create the environment design, considering

hotels cater to the needs of guests, exploring

but there was to be innovation and flexibility to

the research findings and target guest profile.

everything from budget and select-service to

maximise the value of the spaces. There would

“Our involvement came in the development of

premium and high-end luxury to assess their

also be inspiring restaurant and bar concepts

the customer experience and its realisation in

relevance to Crowne Plaza’s blended traveller.

catering to both work and leisure, and a new

the physical world,” explains Kincaid. “We were

“We took learnings from other brands while

guestroom model defined by zones for work

presented with the brand ideas, then our role

ensuring there’s differentiation,” Kincaid

and relaxation. A close examination of the

was to bring that to life and make it relevant to

notes, adding that features adopted by some

entire IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio took place

today’s guest.”

properties, such as self-check-in kiosks and

result for the owner, the brand and the guest.”

to ensure a clear point of difference to avoid

In a conscious move away from the traditional

grab-and-go dining, were quickly disregarded

overlap between brands, while a global roll-out

business traveller, the concept responds to the

in favour of human connection. “The idea was

would bring consistency across the regions.

needs of the blended traveller. “Historically, a

to be more human and more approachable so

It then fell to the design team to develop the

Crowne Plaza’s events spaces may have been

that guests have a relationship with the brand,”

look and feel of the brand. “We started this

chosen for convenience, value or functionality.

he continues. “We wanted to ensure there’s

process eight years ago and because it was a

Now, IHG wants there to be emotion involved,

function and purpose, but also elements of

phased evolution, we knew we needed a long-

for it to be both experience and people-led,”

serendipity and inspiration.”

term design partner,” explains King, adding

continues Kincaid. “When it comes to the guest

that an RFP eventually led to the appointment

experience, no-one talks about the business

of Conran & Partners. “We liked their design

traveller with enthusiasm, it’s all about the

BRAND EVOLUTION

THE NEW MODERN

MEETING SPACES

The resulting approach has been labelled

In bringing the new brand identity to life, an

New Modern – a design style that expresses

overarching design style was developed, taking

productivity, efficiency and performance as well

in not only the look and feel of spaces, but

as comfort, warmth and relaxation, enhanced by

layout and functionality too. “In the meetings

moments of inspiration.

and events spaces, we looked at ways of making it more flexible to allow for different uses at

The design is implemented through three layers:

different times of the day,” explains Goei. “We

• Purposeful – Details that add value in a

imagined two fictional characters to explore

meaningful and innovative way

how they might use the spaces from morning

• Restore – Introducing elements of nature to

to evening.”

enable guests to feel re-energised

There might be an early morning yoga class,

• Inspire – Details that speak to all the senses

corporate meetings taking place during the day,

and spark the imagination

and by evening, more of a club lounge ambiance

“Crowne Plaza has seen continual progression over the years but there needed to be a greater leap for the brand’s design philosophy to ensure its relevance to today’s traveller.”

EMMA KING, IHG HOTELS & RESORTS

for a family games night, a networking dinner Rather than a prescribed design that dictates

or a lecture – programming that ensures a space

every detail of the interiors, New Modern is

is activated at all times. There’s even talk of

a “tone of voice”; an overarching style that

hosting parties or weddings.

comes with variations and flexibility. The layers

As such, flexibility is key. A rendering of a

create a brand experience that plays out tonally

theoretical floorplan shows the optimum set-up

through natural colours and thoughtful design,

in which an open-plan pre-arrival space can

with spaces that are flexible owing to a mix of

serve a single or multiple users thanks to the

private and social elements.

use of partitions and a mix of fixed and loose

137

BRAND EVOLUTION

“The key change is that rather than focusing on the business traveller, we’re focusing on the blended traveller and their evolving needs.”

JOEY GOEI, IHG HOTELS & RESORTS

138

furniture. The open breakout area features

– now a hallmark of the design. Rather than

meeting rooms and pods, casual dining areas

being closed off from the outside world,

and lounges – elements that have been tried

meeting rooms feature Crittal-style glazing

and tested at existing properties. It has been

with sightlines to the social spaces. There is the

a rigorous process, with some ideas – such

option of a privacy curtain, but the openness

as an arena with stepped seating – cast aside

brings a new energy into the meeting room,

having been trialled and deemed unsuccessful.

making for a more engaging experience.

“There’s still a need for traditional meeting rooms but so many business interactions are

DESIGN DETAILS

more informal now,” states Kincaid. “In the

Flexibility extends to every aspect of the new

boardroom for example, the power and tech is

approach, including the design details. Some

concealed within the table so it can also be used

elements are required to meet the standards

for private dining too – it works for both formal

expected of a premium hotel, but there’s scope

and informal events.”

for designers to introduce a sense of place that

The process has involved challenging norms

guests so often crave. “The way we approached

too and introducing flexibility in new ways.

it was to create three material palettes – warm,

“We questioned every element of the typical

tranquil and bold – and three FF&E collections

meeting room, from blackout curtains to

– engineered, residential and contemporary –

projectors,” explains King. “On review, we came

which gives the opportunity to be more playful

to the realisation that some our existing brand

with accents,” explains Goei, adding that there

standards no longer had purpose.”

are economic benefits too. “We realise that

With that in mind, the team opted to break

refurbs might not happen every five years so we

from tradition and bring fresh ideas to the

want to guide hotels to be timeless in their base

meeting space. One example is transparency

palettes; if they do need updating, it can be done

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© Piotr Gesicki

© Anna Stathaki

© Anna Stathaki

© Anna Stathaki

© Veerle Evens

BRAND EVOLUTION

Properties showcasing the new design concept include: (top left to right) Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport and Crowne Plaza Budapest: (middle left to right) Crowne Plaza Paris Republique and Crowne Plaza Heathrow; (bottom left to right) Crowne Plaza Hamburg City Alster and Crowne Plaza Paris Republique

“If we can incorporate experiential and emotive elements with functionality and efficiency, then it’s a good result for the owner, the brand and the guest.”

SIMON KINCAID, CONRAN & PARTNERS

by updating the accent materials or furniture

enabling owners to make informed decisions on

Now, the task comes in working with owners

without the need for a full hard refurb.”

the future of their assets and guiding designers

and their agencies to adopt the new look, a

New Modern was first implemented at

through their interior schemes. “The blueprint

role that ultimately falls to Goei. “With the

existing Crowne Plaza properties, with a mock-

talks about the history of Crowne Plaza, its

blueprint we have from Conran, my job is to

up of a guestroom in London Heathrow and the

hallmarks and how it differentiates itself from

work with owners and their chosen design

public spaces at Paris République serving as the

other brands,” Kincaid explains. “From the

firm, to brief them on the look and feel of the

prototypes. It was an opportunity to assess how

research, we can tell owners exactly who the

brand, as well as the types of spaces that make

the design style played out in a real-life setting

customer is, their dwell time and where they

up a Crowne Plaza,” she reveals. “I can make

and to explore sense of place. “Key architectural

spend their money. It then shows how the

recommendations on how to get the most value

components to set the tone of the space are

concept comes to life, with recommendations

from the spaces, guide them through the process

suggested in the guidelines, which can be built

on adjacencies of spaces and the look and feel

and explain the reasoning behind the concept;

on as the narrative grows,” says King. “In Paris

of the interiors.”

it’s important to get their buy-in from the

for example, the hotel is within a Haussmann

For IHG Hotels & Resorts, there are

building so some of the finishes, such as the

practicalities behind the guidelines too. “Our

With Goei taking the lead on Crowne Plaza

wall panelling, pick up on that design style.”

projects are so diverse” reveals King. “Some are

design in Europe and King collaborating with

outset to futureproof the asset and the brand.”

Kincaid adds: “A sense of place might come

newbuilds, others are renovations of heritage

the development team on conversions and

through in the joinery or the pattern on the

properties, so it’s good to have some structure

newbuilds across all brands, IHG Hotels &

carpet, the selection of FF&E or the artwork.

to the decision-making process and provide

Resorts has introduced the new Crowne Plaza

There’s a reason behind it; these elements tell

more guidance and examples of how the design

model to market across a variety of locations.

the story of a particular hotel.”

philosophy can come to life.”

Guest feedback is continuously collected at

The prototypes were also a chance to see how

She continues: “The guidelines exist to avoid

brand level and fed through to the design team

the brand evolution would impact the guest

mistakes being made in the planning stages

for future iterations, and the group has been

experience. At Crowne Plaza Paris République,

and to ensure the types of spaces are relevant

sure to communicate with owners too. “The

there was a marked difference, with King

to the guest profile. Just stating that a Crowne

new design style has been well received and the

revealing: “We took a hotel that had a great

Plaza has to allocate 400m2 to events spaces

feedback from owners has been very positive,”

street presence and re-energised the lobby by

doesn’t necessarily work; we need to know what

reveals King. “We can come up with the ideas

changing the guest journey and creating an

type of events are taking place and ensure our

but it’s their investment at the end of the day;

internal courtyard; the process has been about

spaces are flexible and efficient, operating in a

they are the ones with the power to bring

activating the spaces and in Paris’s context has

way that maximises revenue and drives guest

change to their properties so it’s important to

transformed the hotel.”

satisfaction. Everything in the guidelines is

have them on board.”

Crucially, the new concept had a positive

backed up by research and has been tested as

The brand now has some momentum behind

impact on guest spend too. “Walking into the

to what will get the most use by the guest and

it, with recent European openings in Warsaw,

lobby and seeing how the blended traveller

the best value for the owner.”

Tashkent, Marseille and Budapest, and

was using the space was one of the biggest

Far from defining the length of the curtains

forthcoming projects in Dushanbe, Montenegro

milestones in this process,” adds Kincaid. “It

or pile height of the carpet, the guidelines

and Yalova. With so many hotel brands on

changed people’s perception of the brand; they

offer flexibility based on a hotel’s location,

the market, one that has a clear focus and

were dwelling for longer and staying in the hotel

building type and context, so long as it’s within

characteristics that cater to the specific needs of

to eat and drink.”

certain parameters that guarantee a degree of

its target guest could well make the difference

consistency across the portfolio – “freedom

between growth and stagnation, so it’s up to the

within a framework” as King calls it. That

parent groups to drive change. “The fact that

Since the prototypes were completed, IHG Hotels

said, if owners do require a simple solution,

IHG spends so much time and energy looking

& Resorts has been working with Conran &

then there’s a mandated off-the-shelf package

after its brands is really valuable,” Kincaid

Partners to draw up a blueprint that showcases

for guestrooms with specifications, material

concludes. “There’s a guardianship, and Conran

the evolution of the Crowne Plaza brand,

palettes and furniture collections to adopt.

& Partners are proud to play a part.”

FREEDOM WITHIN A FRAMEWORK

141

Hotel Construction Pipeline Asia Pacific Asia Pacific continues to add to its hotel construction pipeline according to a new report from THP, with a total of 2,629 active projects listed on the database, accounting for 572,096 rooms under development.

China remains the most active country in the region by a considerable margin – second only to the USA on a global level – with 1,394 projects currently in progress.

By comparison, second-place India has 247 projects on the boards. Australia and Vietnam also feature amongst the top ten, while Singapore climbs the rankings with new signings from Marriott’s W brand and the ongoing transformation of Marina Bay Sands, the latter taking in the refurbishment of 1,850 guestrooms across three phases.

By city, Shanghai takes the top spot for its robust pipeline of newbuilds, with 17,812 rooms across 71 projects under development thanks to ventures from Rosewood and Four Seasons, as well as multiple brands from Marriott and Hilton.

Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hangzhou are also proving attractive to developers and operators; in fact, the only city outside of China to land in the top ten is Bangkok. The Thai capital is seeing something of a boom in new construction taking in forthcoming openings from Aman, Nobu and Yotel.

TOP CITIES SHANGHAI Projects 71 Rooms 17,812

HANGZHOU Projects 50 Rooms 10,083

CHENGDU Projects 65 Rooms 14,498

SUZHOU Projects 39 Rooms 8,010

SHENZHEN Projects 55 Rooms 13,908

NANJING Projects 38 Rooms 7,410

BANGKOK Projects 54 Rooms 13,983

CHONGQING Projects 35 Rooms 7,472

142

GUANGZHOU Projects 34 Rooms 7,119

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

ZHUHAI Projects 34 Rooms 7,457

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

CHINA 1,394 309,909

INDIA 247 38,750

AUSTRALIA 168 27,379

VIETNAM 144 46,821

THAILAND 132 30,054

6

7

8

9

10

INDONESIA 123 20,662

MALAYSIA 77 23,239

JAPAN 63 14,346

PHILIPPINES 57 15,187

SINGAPORE 25 10,627

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 572,096 rooms in the pipeline, 59% (336,796 rooms) are under construction and 21% (121,824 rooms) are in the planning stage. 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 75 Rooms 14,540

Projects 301 Rooms 59,685

Projects 580 Rooms 121,824

Projects 1,482 Rooms 336,796

Projects 191 Rooms 39,251

GROUPS AND BRANDS Within the THP database, Marriott International holds the greatest number of projects in the pipeline following a record number of signings in 2023, while IHG is expanding with its Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo brands, collectively accounting for 23,342 new rooms across the region.

342 Projects 282 Projects 232 Projects 226 Projects 185 Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Crowne Plaza

54

13,155

Hotel Indigo

54

10,187

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

53

16,494

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

53

13,522

Hyatt Regency

48

11,553

Citadines

48

9,453

Hilton Garden Inn

42

7,837

DoubleTree by Hilton

41

8,478

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

39

9,963

InterContinental Hotels

38

8,964

YEAR OF OPENING

2024 (29%)

2025 (21%)

2026 (14%)

2027+ (8%)

UNCONFIRMED (28%)

143

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BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

SBE returns to hotels

his company Magnus as new equity partners.

and encompassing an offer that can mix in

Longtime friends, Anthony and Nazarian aim

accommodation with lifestyle elements of food,

Wyndham Hotels and hospitality group SBE are

to build the culinary and nightlife part of

beverage and entertainment.

to work together on developing a new lifestyle

SBE, which was launched in 2020 under the

hotel brand, looking to appeal to younger

Disruptive Restaurant Group brand.

This move also promises to give Wyndham a more attractive offer to younger Millennial and Gen Z hotel

“When we created lifestyle luxury back in

guests, something Hilton has also recently focused

2005 with SLS, we forged a new category,”

its attention on with new brand launches (in case

With the working title of Project HQ, the

said Nazarian. “Now, almost 20 years later we

you didn’t dare ask, Millennials are around 28-43,

initiative aspires to build a new brand with

look to reinvent lifestyle again with Project

and Gen Z are up to age 27). These younger cohorts

50 hotels open by 2030. The aim is to create

HQ, the first smart lifestyle hotel brand. We

are the big spenders of tomorrow, so attracting them

a “smart lifestyle” category of hotels and

feel uniquely equipped to solve for the unmet

into a brand stable at a younger age, and cementing

residences, which will be targeted specifically at

needs of the next generation who are eager to

them into the loyalty programme, is a key strategy

Millennial and Gen Z guests. The new category

engage with culinary excellence and vibrant

to ensure longer term success. Today’s big spenders

aims to come in at a price point below lifestyle,

social spaces that we’ve curated and cultivated

will only retire and shift their hotel spending down

creating a “more approachable experience for

with intention.

a gear in coming years – they need to be replaced.

consumers by creating a new niche in the hospitality landscape.

the consumers who have been priced out of the

“We also feel so honoured to have established

Wyndham has already shown it is willing to add

lifestyle market, and don’t feel like they have

a strategic alliance with the best-in-class team

lifestyle to its portfolio of more straight down the

a brand that speaks to their desires in travel”.

at Wyndham and look forward to bringing The

line hotel franchise offerings, with its acquisition

For hotel owners, Project HQ hopes to be an

Wyndham Advantage to owners of Project HQ

of Vienna House in 2022. Now, it’s following Accor

hotels around the globe.”

down a deeper lifestyle path.

attractive conversion option, aiming to revive properties with an offering that is strong on

Nazarian built SBE from the opening of his

food and beverage, creating a destination for

first hotel under the SLS brand in Beverley Hills

more than just overnight guests. SBE Chair Sam

in 2009, developing and evolving the lifestyle

Nazarian has indicated that conversion costs

hotel concept. Along the way, he established

could be in the range USD30-50k per room.

Room without a view

further hotel, restaurant and nightlife brands. In

Hoteliers in London are taking the lead in

Project HQ aims not to be a new brand in the

2016, the group acquired the US-listed Morgans

developing increasing numbers of hotels

Wyndham stable, but a soft brand that will list

Hotel Group and with it added the Delano and

featuring windowless rooms. The concept,

properties under its existing Registry Collection,

Mondrian brands along with 13 hotels.

which appears to be acceptable to guests,

with SBE having a hand in running individual

In 2018, Nazarian sold a 50% stake in SBE

offers the promise of opening up new spaces

sites. The package of add-ons that owners

to Accor, at which point the company had

for conversion, including those meeting and

can select from include wellness clinics and a

22 hotels open and a pipeline of 40 hotels, a

events spaces left underutilised as the events

range of branded dining and bar options, while

number that doubled over the next two years.

marketplace reprofiles following the pandemic.

there is also the intention to add a residential

The global hotel group took full control in late

Latest to join the windowless move is PPHE,

offering. However, rather than simply being

2020 in a cash and asset swap deal that valued

which recently won consent for a new hotel

branded apartments, the intention is to spread

the business at USD650m.

beneath its existing Park Plaza in Victoria. The

the brand into “underserved markets like

project will create a 179-room hotel across

integrated student housing, workforce housing

HA PERSPECTIVE

three basement levels, currently serving as the

and the like”.

By Chris Bown: The pandemic might have hit

events and service spaces of the existing Park

For SBE, the move will be a return to the

Nazarian hard, but with Accor in the wings, SBE’s

Plaza, plus a car parking area accessible by a

hospitality front line, after the group’s previous

previous hotels foray is in good shape to grow,

lift, on the third basement level. With no major

creations were sold in 2020.

under the Ennismore division that it helped form.

structural work required, the conversion could

Concurrently with the Wyndham deal, SBE

This time around, the model is honed – asset light,

take place relatively quickly and easily.

has signed up entrepreneur Marc Anthony and

looking for quicker properties via conversions,

PPHE intends to operate the hotel itself,

145

combining operations with the Park Plaza

In August 2023, the group lodged an

capsule hotel appeared in Japan in 1979, and the

above, and says the new space will be a “mid-

application to create a 187 room Zedwell hotel

phenomenon has since been tested in a number

scale lifestyle brand” that it will reveal later.

in Manchester, having acquired the Royal

of other Asian and Western city markets. The

Buildings close to Piccadilly Gardens. The group

first of this Japanese-style accommodation

says it has further pipeline sites for hotels.

opened in London in 2018, and the agent notes

“This is an exciting new project utilising an existing asset and operations in a soughtafter location to maximum effect,” said PPHE

Budget hotel groups including easyHotel and

that “a London economy-based micro-hotel

CEO Boris Ivesha. “This property will further

Point A are among those offering a selection

can be up to 22% cheaper than a traditional

enhance our London portfolio and broaden

of windowless rooms in some of their London

budget hotel in the same area”. It says several

our accommodation proposition, enabling us

hotels. Karim Malak, CEO of easyHotel, said

pod hotel conversions are in the pipeline –

to tap into a new guest demographic whilst

that some guests specifically prefer them:

again, a concept that does not require windows,

maximising returns. The strategy here is

“Interestingly, some clients want them because

and can therefore be deployed more easily when

consistent with the group’s longstanding

they’re cheaper, or because they’re quieter.”

converting buildings from other uses.

approach to building long-term shareholder

But he noted that windowless accommodation

value through the measured use of its balance

is not necessarily acceptable in all jurisdictions.

HA PERSPECTIVE

sheet and tactical capital investment.”

“It’s very cultural – being unpalatable for the

By Chris Bown: It’s strange how a windowless room

French, and also not permissible in either

is unimaginable in some European cultures – yet in

France or Spain.”

the UK it seems to be both acceptable, and gaining

PPHE is following the lead of property group Criterion Capital, which has developed several London hotels where it has turned windowless

Luc Boschmans, managing director for

traction. As increasing numbers of budget hotels

rooms into a positive feature. The group is

hospitality investments at Tristan Capital

are built in city centres, the view from the window

now expanding its Zedwell brand around the

Partners, who are backing Point A’s expansion,

is hardly one worth staring at – so why not do away

UK, looking for more opportunities to turn

told Hotel Analyst: “The guest reaction is

with it altogether?

unwanted offices into windowless hotels.

overwhelmingly positive – for city stays, a

And, as those who run hotels point out, there are

The first Zedwell opened in 2020, in part of the

bedroom without a window controls both light

customers happy to book a room without a window –

Trocadero building in central London. The 750-

and noise pollution which aids a great nights’

so why not tap that market? If rooms can be planned

room hotel had spent many years in planning,

sleep. But also, we are a value proposition and

without the constraint of an external wall, then so

and was at one stage earmarked to be branded

our windowless rooms are usually offered at a

many more spaces offer themselves up for hotel

as an Ibis. A second Zedwell opened in mid-

slight discount therefore providing great quality

conversion, as PPHE has just discovered.

2023 in Bloomsbury, having been created from

at a reasonable price point. These are often the

Criterion Capital CEO Asif Aziz has clearly decided

a former basement car park. Criterion claims the

first rooms to sell which gives us a base for our

now is the moment to pick up tired office buildings

property is London’s only underground hotel.

revenue management team to adjust our pricing

on the cheap, and convert them to hotel use. With the

for the remaining rooms.”

Zedwell product now honed, Aziz recently acquired

Criterion has just opened a third Zedwell property in Greenwich. Yet despite using space

He added that windowless rooms will be part

the Manchester site, and is buying other central

above ground, it has opted to design the 96

of the group’s future projects. “Our hotels are

London office blocks to convert the upper floors for

rooms without windows or direct contact

located in prime locations where the square

hotel space. Expect Zedwell to expand fast – there are

with the building’s perimeter. Speaking at the

foot/metre is expensive. Our guests value the

plenty of unloved office buildings right now.

Greenwich property’s opening, Darija Zivni-

quality of our amenities we provide along with

Aziz, head of interior design for Criterion

the fantastic locations in which our hotels are

Hospitality, said: “We focus on delivering an

set. From an ownership point of view, in terms

uninterrupted night’s sleep by eliminating

of ‘highest and best use’, the profit per square

external light and noise. Despite Zedwell

foot/metre for windowless rooms provides a

Key country markets are sizing up the

Greenwich’s impressive all-glass exterior, its

very attractive return.”

opportunities and challenges of the post-

windowless rooms ensure superior insulation against external temperature variations.”

146

Reshaping tourism

According to Savills research, pod or capsule

pandemic leisure marketplace, as airlift returns

hotels are also gaining traction. The first

to more normalised levels around the globe.

BUSINESS CENTRE

For some, the return to previous levels of

of the Chinese visitors pre-pandemic were

Soliman, revealed plans to add 2,600 hotel

inbound tourism has been slow and faltering,

genuine holidaymakers”. Increasing numbers

rooms in Cairo, along with refurbishment of

despite their best efforts. China, which in 2019

of independent travellers were visiting, and

historic buildings and the addition of new green

was the largest country outbound market, has

he noted the Chinese were the largest renters

spaces. Government departments are being

been slow to revive. For others, there is now a

of caravans. But while 40% of pre-pandemic

relocated to the country’s New Administrative

push to secure a fresh growth trajectory and

arrivals from China were holidaymakers, “today

Capital, freeing up older state-owned properties

grab market share. Airlift and air connectivity

it’s 25% – the mix of the market has changed”.

for repurposing. In 2022, a consortium led by

meanwhile, remains constrained by sanctions

In Thailand, Minor International has reported

Oxford Capital Group, Global Ventures Group

and conflict regions across eastern Europe and

it is finally seeing a strong return of Chinese

and Al-Otaiba Investments committed to invest

the Middle East.

visitors. Speaking in the third week of January,

in converting one of the blocks to a hotel. This

A January webinar held by Midas Aviation

CEO Bill Heinecke said he expects foreign

followed earlier comments from Minister of

heard how new regions such as Saudi Arabia

arrivals to get close to 35 million this year,

Tourism Ahmed Issa, who declared: “We have to

are emerging to chase global tourism demand.

beating a 33.5 million government target.

double our hotel rooms, offer low-cost air travel

Despite efforts to ease visa entry in key markets,

Prior to the pandemic, the country hit a

and diversify our tourist products to achieve the

some are still suffering. The market is not

record 39.9 million inbound visitors in 2019,

target of attracting 30 million tourists per year.”

uniform, with European governments bearing

of which 11 million were from China. Last year,

Egypt’s sovereign fund has agreed the sale

down on airlines for environmental reasons,

Thailand saw 28 million visitors, with just 3.5

of a stake in seven trophy hotel assets. The

as other parts of the world are still building

million Chinese – for 2024 the inbound Chinese

disposal will raise revenue for the government,

new airports. “China was the biggest outbound

number is expected to grow to 8 million.

while also encouraging the private sector

market in the world delivering significant

Heinecke also noted that, with higher

to improve and upgrade the properties. The

volume into countries such as Japan, Thailand

airfares across the board, those who can

portfolio includes the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

and South Korea,” said Deirdre Fulton, partner

afford international travel are naturally higher

Aswan, Mövenpick Resort Aswan, Sofitel Winter

at Midas Aviation. “But it wasn’t just volume,

spenders per head. “Airfares are so expensive

Palace Luxor, Steigenberger Hotel Tahrir,

it was about spend – Chinese tourists had the

now – it means not everyone can afford to

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria, Marriott

highest spend of any.”

travel, but those that can afford to travel are

Mena House Cairo, and Marriott Omar Khayyam

much more affluent,” he told Reuters.

Zamalek. The hotels were all built in the late

But indications are that China will remain below pre-pandemic levels of activity for some

Other countries are setting out their stalls,

19th or early 20th centuries. For the government,

time. John Grant, chief data analyst at OAG,

keen to rise up the rankings as an inbound

the disposal is part of a larger privatisation

warned that weak economic conditions in China

leisure destination, among them Egypt. The

programme that so far has yielded the sale of

are weighing on broader consumer behaviour.

country appears to be shaking off worries about

stakes in 14 companies, worth USD5.6bn.

“The outside world does not appreciate how

conflicts in nearby countries, and reckons it

The buyer is ICON, a subsidiary of Talaat

hard that economy has been hit – and that

welcomed 14.9 million visitors in 2023, with

Mostafa Holding Group, with the deal funnelled

impacts travel.” Current Chinese airlift is at

a surge in the final quarter, up 8% on 2022

through a new holding company, Legacy Hotels.

around 70% of 2019 levels. For now, it is down

despite a spike in cancellations after the start

ICON has acquired 39% of the vehicle, with an

to Chinese airlines to try and drive demand, as

of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Ministry of

option to top up their stake to 51%, representing

western airlines wrestle with restrictions on

Tourism has set a target of getting the figure

an investment value of around USD800m.

flying over sanctioned territories and areas of

to 30 million a year by 2028.

ICON has been backed by an external

conflict. “Chinese airlines are having to generate

Development of a new capital in Egypt

USD882.5m investment from two Qatari

more international travel. But the market is not

is presenting opportunities to repurpose

investors, ADQ and ADNEC. The pair will

responding as quickly as people would like.”

many existing buildings in Cairo, while the

between them acquire a 40.5% stake in ICON.

Simon Westaway, strategy director at

government is keen to push privatisation moves,

With the new acquisitions, ICON will now have a

RoyceComm, said China had been a key

not least to free up capital. In January, the CEO

portfolio of 15 luxury hotels across Egypt.

inbound market for Australia, “and a lot

of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Egypt, Ayman

Other nations fear falling behind in the race for

147

BUSINESS CENTRE

tourism market share. In America, the US Travel

conflict”. In its latest quarterly trading update, the

Association has called for more government

airline estimated that the direct impact of the conflict

action, warning that US inbound numbers will

stood at GBP40m by the end of 2023.

reach only 98% of 2019 levels during 2024.

Within Egypt the Gazan conflict has darkened

While business traveller numbers are on the

the economic outlook, with economists polled by

rise, leisure visitor numbers are falling. “While

Reuters forecasting, on average, a cut in GDP of

we inch back to pre-pandemic travel numbers,

close to 0.5%. Revenue from the Suez Canal fell

other countries are actively advancing strategies

40% in early January following the sea attacks by

to gain international visitors and are now

Yemen’s Houthis which diverted shipping away. And

ahead of the United States in the race to win

the important foreign exchange earning tourism

back the global travel market,” warned USTA

business was expected to suffer some weakness,

CEO Geoff Freeman. “The federal government

despite the resilience shown to date.

can and must enact specific policies to jump-

But this modest gloom is far, far better than nearly

start a more seamless, efficient and globally

everyone expected in the immediate aftermath of

competitive travel industry.” Specifically, the

the terrorist atrocities on 7 October. The Egyptian

USTA has called for lowering US visitor visa

Government had been expecting faster growth in

interview and customs wait times; accelerating

tourism in the final quarter of 2023, and although

biometric entry-exit security at airports; and

an 8% increase looks good, it had targeted 600,000

increasing federal prioritisation and focus on

more tourists, on top of the 14.9 million that did

travel growth.

arrive.

HA PERSPECTIVE

negative consequences for travel and tourism but the

By Andrew Sangster: Egypt’s Minister of Tourism

adjacent or peripheral impact is much diminished to

Ahmed Issa said that the country had seen an 8%

what was the case even just a decade ago.

The conclusion is that geopolitics can have very

growth in the number of tourists since the 7 October

When a state is actively involved in war or there

terrorist attacks in Israel, launched from Gaza. This

is a violent overthrow of the government, then

is an extraordinary performance and reflects the

the losses inside the state can be almost total for

increased resilience of the global travel and tourism

investors. What has massively improved is the

industry to geopolitical headwinds.

outlook for states next to instability; or indeed the

In 2023, Egypt had 14.9 million tourist arrivals,

ability of travel and tourism businesses to recover

beating its previous record of 14.7 million set in

quickly once stable government and internal security

2010. Tourist revenue for the 2022/23 fiscal year

is restored even inside a country that has suffered

was USD13.6bn, up 26.8% on the previous fiscal

from major conflict.

year. Tourists spent a record-breaking 146.1 million nights in this latest fiscal year.

It would be absurd to suggest that travel and

GFC), through plague (Covid) and the current and

tourism are immune to geopolitics, and Egypt has

preceding wars. I’m not sure I can make a case

undoubtedly been setback to some extent by the

for how it will survive the final Horseman, but the

conflict in Gaza and Israel. EasyJet, the British low-

industry has shown an ever-improving capacity to

cost carrier that flies to Israel, Jordan and Egypt

bounce back from disasters. Its investment case has

(among its destinations), has currently stopped

never looked more compelling.

flights to the first two countries and said there was “demand softness in Egypt following the onset of the

148

During the past few years, hospitality has shown resilience through economic famine (the

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

Hampton by Hilton, London Waterloo

BUSINESS CENTRE

1.

2.

3.

4.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. LONDON

As music concerts continue to drive an uplift in hotel performance around the world, Singapore saw healthy growth in January owing to Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour. The market’s highest occupancy levels (91.3%) were seen on Thursday 25 January and Friday 26 January – with concerts taking place on both nights.

December 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 80.5% ( 5.7%) ADR GBP208.90 ( 2.0%) RevPAR GBP168.07 ( 7.8%)

January 2024 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 72.8% ( 9.6%) ADR SGD334.46 ( 3.3%) RevPAR SGD243.55 ( 13.2%)

2. DUBAI

4. SYDNEY

December 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 79.2% ( 3.5%) ADR AED1,060.61 ( 19.0%) RevPAR AED839.98 ( 23.2%)

December 2023 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 77.1% ( 9.9%) ADR AUD313.27 ( 4.8%) RevPAR AUD241.66 ( 15.3%)

Dubai’s hotel industry reported its highest monthly ADR on record according to preliminary December data, bolstered by New Year’s Eve celebrations and the hosting of COP28. RevPAR was the highest since January 2015, while occupancy averaged 79.2% for the month, surpassing the 90% mark on 31 December.

150

3. SINGAPORE

Helped by the holiday travel season, London hotels posted strong performance in December 2023, with room rates peaking at GBP287.25 on New Year’s Eve. ADR and RevPAR were the highest for any December on record in the market, while occupancy was the highest for any December since 2018.

Sydney hotels posted their highest monthly ADR on record in December 2023, reaching AUD776.69 on New Year’s Eve – more than double the monthly average of AUD313.27.

Occupancy also peaked on 31 December (94.0%), averaging at 77.1% for the month to mark a 9.9% uplift on the same period the previous year.

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

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

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FR Fabrics and Soft Furnishings. Specifying Statement Hospitality Interiors.

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CALLING ALL ARCHITECTS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS, DEVELOPERS AND OPERATORS...

If you have recently completed a new hotel project, it could be eligible for an AHEAD award

www.aheadawards.com

WHAT IS AHEAD? Organised by Sleeper Media, AHEAD – the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design – celebrates the best new hotels around the world, as well as the creatives behind them.

It is the only hospitality design-focused awards scheme with a global reach, with regional programmes in Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Europe.

THE CATEGORIES

TOP TIPS TO ENTER

There are 16 categories open to enter, taking in every aspect of the hotel. The same hotel can be entered into multiple categories.

• What’s the story? Tell us about the design concept, the inspiration and selection of furnishings and finishes • Don’t underestimate the power of a picture; high-quality professional photography is crucial (avoid submitting renders) • Submit a video; videos are optional, but they do help to bring the project to life • For conversion and renovation projects, be sure to include before and after images to show the transformation • For further information, download AHEAD’s entry guidelines via aheadawards.com

Accessibility Bar, Club or Lounge Event Spaces Guestrooms Hotel Conversion Hotel Newbuild Hotel Renovation Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps

Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces Lobby New Concept Resort Restaurant Spa & Wellness Suite Sustainability

CRITERIA AND DEADLINES Hotels that meet the following criteria are are eligible to enter: ASIA • Eligibility: opened between January 2023 and April 2024 • Entry Deadline: 25 April AMERICAS • Eligibility: opened between January 2023 and April 2024 • Entry Deadline: 25 April MEA • Eligibility: opened between January 2023 and June 2024 • Entry Deadline: 14 June EUROPE • Eligibility: opened between January 2023 and July 2024 • Entry Deadline: 26 July

THE JUDGES AHEAD’s judging panels comprise over 60 industry-leading figures, including owners, operators and developers as well as architects, interior designers and consultants. 2024 panels will be announced soon.

THE PROCESS Once entries close, judges view the entries online and independently score each project based on a set of criteria; entries that showcase exceptional design and functionality, whilst demonstrating commercial viability will fare well. The highest-scoring projects in each category are then shortlisted.

Following the shortlist announcement, the regional judging panels meet in person to discuss and deliberate the merits of every hotel shortlisted. They then cast their votes to determine the winners.

AHEAD

THE CEREMONIES

25 SEPTEMBER 2024

17 OCTOBER 2024

PARKROYAL COLLECTION MARINA BAY – SINGAPORE

WEYLIN – BROOKLYN

4 NOVEMBER 2024

28 NOVEMBER 2024

BANYAN TREE – DUBAI

EVOLUTION – LONDON

For tickets, visit the Sleeper Media Store www.sleeper.media/store/

EVENT SPONSORS

www.aheadawards.com

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

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

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

SPOTLIGHT OUTDOOR FURNITURE From plush daybeds and chic parasols to sustainable teak and sedimentary stone, these are the products making al fresco hospitality spaces all the more stylish.

Varaschin Customade The Customade table by Varaschin, designed by architect Alain Gilles, draws inspiration from the prehistoric dolmens – stone monuments typically comprising two megaliths supporting a horizontal top.

Customisable shapes, sizes and materials make the table adaptable to meet diverse design needs across a range of outdoor settings.

Customade is available in rectangular forms, both fixed and extendable, as well as square and coffee table forms. The aluminium structure comes in nine colour variants – white, silk grey, denim, rust, metal bronze, green, grey, mocha and black – and is resistant to harsh weather and UV. www.varaschin.it

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1. Minotti 2023 Outdoor Collection

2. RH Bondi

3. Ligne Roset Lapel

Each year, Minotti enhances its outdoor furniture collection with new shapes, materials and colours, which work together to create a cohesive identity that complements the brand’s indoor offering. Coordinated by Italian designer Rodolfo Dordoni in partnership with Minotti Studio, the 2023 al fresco range includes products envisioned by a range of designers – such as GamFratesi, Nendo, Gordon Guillaumier, Inoda+Sveje and Dordoni – in an interweaving of varying visions and cultures. From modular seating systems and square, linear shapes, to families of seating characterised by compact and curved volumes, the 2023 Outdoor Collection encapsulates the brand’s wealth of experience in interpreting open-air spaces with elegance and personality. www.minotti.com

Sydney-based designers Nicholas and Harrison Condos have teamed up with RH once again to create Bondi, an outdoor furniture series inspired by Miami’s famed Art Deco architecture.

Combining the elegant curves of contemporary indoor furniture with the durability of outdoorappropriate materials, Bondi is defined by a circular bolster back, stacked teak or allweather aluminium foundation and generously proportioned seat cushions. Constructed with quick-dry reticulated foam technology, the fullyupholstered seating is both stylish and practical, thanks to its removable seat cushions. Ranging from a rectangular dining table and armchair to a chaise and swivel lounge chair, Bondi is part of the 2024 outdoor collection which can be found in RH’s Sourcebook, an inspirational design tool. www.rh.com

French furniture manufacturer Ligne Roset has launched Lapel, an outdoor chair designed by Italian studio Busetti Garuti Redaelli. Lapel features a carbon-lacquered aluminium structure with a woven synthetic resin backrest mimicking rattan and polyurethane seat padding. The seat cushion is also upholstered with a 100% polyester beige fabric, completing the chair’s neutral aesthetic. Made in Indonesia, the complex braiding of the backrest enhances the chair’s originality while providing comfort. The full Lapel range comprises an armchair, two dining chair options, high- and low- back bar stools, as well as dining tables made from charcoal-coloured lacquered aluminium and natural solid teak slats. www.ligne-roset.com

BAIA + ISOL A BY CHRISTOPHE PILLET

PH BERNARD TOUILLON

ETHIMO.COM

SHOWROOM

L O N D O N / M I L A N / PA R I S

ROME / CANNES

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1. Kettal Plumon

2. Manutti Muyu

3. Expormim Cask

4. Tribù Suro by Christophe Delcourt

Patricia Urquiola has designed Plumon, a new outdoor collection for Kettal.

The range is based on the concept of clothing – specifically dressing and undressing furniture, and sees Urquiola adopting a tailoring approach to craft comfortable furnishing evocative of faraway landscapes and cultures. The three-seater sofa and dining armchair feature a light structure, upon which tailored and padded dress is ‘moored’.

The ribbed padding, characterised by its stitching, is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, wrapped around the armrests, as well as the backrest.

Plumon also includes a centre table and side table. www.kettal.com

Muyu by Manutti is an ode to outdoor living, envisioned by the brand’s founder and Head Designer Stephane De Winter.

The collection comprises twelve products, including lounge and dining chairs, chaise longues, a daybed and matching coffee tables. True to Manutti’s signature style, Muyu brings teak – sourced from controlled forest plantations in Indonesia and Thailand – together with light colours, opulent fabrics and subtly blended textures, accompanied by generous seat and decorative cushions.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, Muyu’s teak structure ages gracefully, evolving into a natural silver grey patina over time. www.manutti.com

First launched in 2021 as an indoor collection, Expormim’s Cask range is now moving outdoors. Designed by Norm Architects, the Cask sofa and armchairs have been transformed for al fresco use by replacing the original rattan structure with high-resistance aluminium. As a result, the same elegance and sharp attention to detail can now be found on a patio, terrace or by a pool. The Cask outdoor collection also marks the introduction of two new pieces both available in a variety of technical fabrics: a versatile chaise longue with wheels, allowing for manoeuvrability, and a round daybed with three plush cushions to further facilitate customisation for guests. www.expormim.com

Grand outdoor spaces call for equally majestic table settings – a notion that inspired Christophe Delcourt in the creation of the Suro collection. A striking focal point in any al fresco setting, the teak dining table features tabletop slats and subtle brass connecting elements, which provide opportunity for expansion whilst maintaining a seamless appearance regardless of the chosen length. The Suro dining table pairs well with the accompanying armchair, lounge chair and banquette, available in solid teak and aluminium. Topped off with weavings in a natural hemp or linen colour, the seating maximises comfort with a cocoon-like feel. www.tribu.com

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1. Barlow Tyrie Around

2. NOA Outdoor Living

3. Ethimo Kilt

Around by Barlow Tyrie is an elegant family of outdoor furniture, designed by Nathalie de Leval and Andrew Jones.

The pair were inspired by spindle and steam-bent wood furniture, crafting chairs and sofas with bespoke soft aluminium shapes and gently curved teak arms, as well as tables that showcase subtly profiled edges. The lounging collection includes a sofa, loveseat, lounge chair and an ottoman, in addition to modular sectionals. Side tables, available in two heights, and a square and rectangular coffee table complete the collection. The dining offer meanwhile includes a table in two sizes and a stacking chair, available with or without arms. www.teak.com

In the heart of Belgium, 25 national and international high-end outdoor brands have joined forces to create NOA Outdoor Living. The impressive park showcases a wide range of outdoor furniture designs, spread across 12 inspiring pavilions and parks each crafted to inspire visitors, and ultimately encourage them to reflect and bring their own outdoor visions to life. As more people begin to understand that outdoor living can and should be just as comfortable and stylish as indoor living, the lines between inside and outside have become increasingly blurred. As such, NOA has become the place to go to witness how architecture, landscape and interiors can blend seamlessly. www.noa-outdoor.com

Ethimo has enlisted Italian architect Marcello Ziliani to reinterpret the textural characteristics of the brand’s core Kilt collection, giving shape to the Kilt outdoor bed. Bringing together the warmth of natural FSC-certified teak with the delicate nuance of rope, the lounger offers a visual and tactile appeal with a design suited to a range of outdoor spaces. The natural materials used express the green soul of both the collection and Ethimo as a brand, which seeks to create a dialogue between design and nature.

Highly weather-resistant in both sunlight and rain, the Kilt outdoor bed is available in single or double sizes, and can be made more comfortable thanks to optional decorative cushions in yarn-dyed hemp. The new product joins Ethimo’s wider furniture range, which fuses Mediterranean culture with a celebration of nature. www.ethimo.com

Create a feelgood environment.

indoor • outdoor | residential • hospitality • commercial | chairs • stools • lounge chairs • benches • tables info@martaonline.eu • www.feelgooddesigns.eu

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1. Point Kubik

2. Atlas Concorde Boost Mineral

Spanish designer Gabriel Teixidó has crafted Kubik, a new outdoor furniture collection in collaboration with Point. With its clear, bold lines, the range is an ode to functionality, beauty and sustainability. “The starting point for this collection was TechTeak, the new material developed by Point, which has a surprisingly similar appearance to teak but is maintenance-free and highly resistant to impact,” explains Teixidó. “When we designed Kubik, we wanted to respond to two essential challenges: to guarantee outdoor durability and to offer an ecological option. Unlike other collections, in this one it was the characteristics of the material itself that determined the final design.” For over a century, Point has embodied the essence of the Mediterranean – both in its art of living and the talent of its craftsmen and designers. Based in Alicante, the brand is an ambassador of high-quality Spanish design and a leading light in outdoor furniture design, supplying products to hotel brands across the globe, including Four Seasons, W Hotels and Hyatt Regency. The company places an emphasis on sustainability, with an in-house protocol that requires work with recyclable materials. For example, Point uses grade-A teak sourced from sustainably managed forests, as well as recylable aluminium. www.point1920.com

Boost Mineral by Atlas Concorde, a leading player in the global ceramic tile market, is a surface and wall tile collection that draws inspiration from the sedimentary stone of the plateau of Ardennes, the remnants of a mountain range over Belgium and France. Envisioned to bridge the gap between design and the natural world, the surfaces blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor, ensuring continuity across spaces. Boost Mineral’s texture faithfully echoes the characteristics of the original stone, traditionally worked using a technique of bush-hammering, which adds texture to stone and concrete.

The compact grain is also enhanced through the markings of tools and time, which give it a three-dimensional feel, while its colour is interrupted in places through the outcroppings of minerals that have sedimented on the surface over the centuries. The collection comprises five different tones that explore the grayscale and also work in harmony with Atlas Concorde’s Boost World collection, multiplying design possibilities through the mixing-and-matching of tiles from various collections. The Boost Mineral surfaces are available in a broad range of sizes, from 60mm and 75mm modules to large slabs of 120x278cm, which can be used to create smooth wall surfaces with few joins. www.atlasconcorde.com

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1. Coco Wolf Salone del Mobile

2. Palecek Casey

3. Talenti Venice

4. Feelgood Designs Gorm

Coco Wolf is making its debut at Salone del Mobile 2024, spotlighting sustainable luxury in outdoor living and giving visitors an insight into the evolution of outdoor design. From 16-21 April, the brand will exhibit its most popular lines, including Largo, Porto and Coronet, as well as debut products from the Tamarindo range. With a focus on eco-friendly materials and durability, the UK-made collections are backed by over 40 years of expertise and a five-year guarantee.

Launched in 2014, Coco Wolf is a creative collaboration between husband-andwife James and Rebecca Lorimer, who oversee the production of its furniture in Long Eaton, Derbyshire. www.cocowolf.co.uk

Palecek combines natural materials and traditional handcrafting techniques with contemporary designs to create stylish and durable furnishings. Outdoor furniture collection Casey – comprising a sofa and lounge chair – exemplifies this approach with its natural teak wood legs and frame. The backrest detailing uses hand-wrapped all-weather synthetic rope, available in a neutral taupe or black.

The teak’s warm golden-brown colour gradually changes following exposure to the elements, transitioning to the silvergrey patina characteristic of finely-aged outdoor teak. Both the sofa and chair include loose seat and back cushions, with fabrics customisable. www.paolomoschino.com

Italian furniture manufacturer Talenti has unveiled Venice, designed by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba. Spanning chairs, sun loungers and sofas, as well as sunbeds and tables, the handcrafted collection fuses soft lines with solid wooden bases to mimic the forms of boats in water. Materials used across the range include FSC-certified teak, lava stone in a glossy ceramic finish that comes in a range of hues, and Accoya wood, an eco-friendly innovation designed to be durable in the face of water and weathering. Specially woven backs and cushions in tartan blue and beige meanwhile mimic the appearance of sails, continuing the nautical allusions. www.talentispa.com

Designed by Allan Nøddebo for Feelgood Designs, the Gorm armchair is reminiscent of a traditional cane chair, born out of the brand’s rattan weaving expertise.

The handcrafted shell is made from a high-quality rattan peel – fashioned from the outer skin of rattan poles – that radiates authenticity and elegance. The chair’s rounded back meanwhile ensures optimal comfort, supported by a powdercoated charcoal steel frame. Focusing on natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, Australian brand Feelgood Designs partners with select designers from across the globe to create furniture solutions that facilitate warm, humanoriented spaces. www.martaonline.eu

An unseen garden park of 30.000 m2, 12 gardens to inspire and the most remarkable outdoor design brands.

NOA, a lush oasis to enjoy. The ultimate international reference and outdoor experience concept.

Come and discover it.

Kruisem, Belgium WWW.NOA-OUTDOOR.COM

NOA PARTNERS:

®

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1. Parla Palm

2. Gommaire Mieke

3. Urecel QuickDry

4. Fermob Oto

Commercial furniture brand Parla has partnered with French architect JeanMichel Wilmotte to envision its new Palm collection. Comprising an array of seats, stools, daybeds and low tables, the range is characterised by clean lines and noble materials, making it suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

Spanning three lines – Regular, Comfort and Lounge – all products are available with a powder-coated textured metal frame, in colours ranging from white and black to olive green, deep blue and bordeaux. The variety of finishes and materials provides specifiers with wide compositional combinations that result in tailor-made creations. www.parladesign.com

Drawing inspiration primarily from nature, Gommaire’s outdoor products embody the natural world through organic lines, shapes and textures, resulting in pieces that harmonise with their surroundings.

Transcending trends, the brand seeks to create furniture that is timeless and enjoyable for a lifetime, fusing creative design and traditional craftsmanship to introduce authentic and artisanal collections such as Mieke. Handcrafted with teak wood and wicker details, the outdoor range showcases the brand’s passion for comfort and high-quality fabrics with pieces such as a stackable armchair, rectangular bar table and double sun lounger. www.gommaire.com

Urecel produces outdoor cushion foam made from high-grade materials, designed to be both comfortable and practical. Through a vertically integrated operation, the Indonesia-based brand oversees every aspect of production, taking a holistic approach throughout that results in high-quality products. Crafted with meticulous care, each cushion has strong sustainable credentials, utilising entirely recycled PET fibre and diverting over one-million bottles from landfills monthly. Urecel’s products are enhanced by its enduring QuickDry foam, which allows water to drain rapidly and fresh air to circulate freely, making it the ideal choice for outdoor seating solutions. www.urecelquickdry.com

The Oto table lamp by Fermob is one of the latest additions to its wide range of outdoor accessories and furniture. Drawing inspiration from the form of the totem pole, Oto’s unique design comprises two 360o adjustable diffusers that can pivot to direct light in any direction, facilitating a range of outdoor lighting solutions. Designed to provide both direct and muted lighting, the product can enhance all manner of hospitality ambience. The wireless lamp, conceived by Fermob Design Studio, is available in a number of mineral tones reminiscent of earth, clay, sand and stone, including Clay Grey, Lapilli Grey, Red Ochre and Liquorice. www.fermob.com

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1. Leisure Plan Kama

2. JC Hospitality Outdoor Collection

3. Tuuci The Hoxton, Brussels

4. Roda Eolie

Kama is an al fresco furniture range that fuses conviviality and French design flair. Designed by Benjamin Ferriol, the multi-functional collection takes a modular approach to outdoor furniture, with products ranging from armchairs and ottomans to coffee tables. The Kama dyvan can be easily transformed into a sun lounger or sofa, making it adaptable to a range of seating needs, while the height of the tables can be adjusted to suit low-level dining and drinking. Kama features all-weather aluminium frames complete with heat-hardened powdercoated finishes in 15 colours, as well as an array of cushion fabrics in weatherresistant acrylic fabrics. www.leisureplan.co.uk

The outdoor collection by JC Hospitality – a brand that prioritises exquisite craftsmanship above all – embodies both elegance and endurance. Led by JC Outdoor and crafted by Jonathan Charles himself, the furniture offerings blend luxury with durability through products designed to withstand the elements all year round. From the use of rattan to rope weaving, each piece exudes sophistication to ensure that outdoor living is elevated to new heights. JC Hospitality caters to a range of hospitality projects and, equipped with its own manufacturing company, controls all aspects of the design, development and production process. www.jc-hospitality.com

Tuuci has supplied outdoor furniture to The Hoxton, Brussels, designed by AIME Studios. Occupying a Brutalist-style tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM, the 198-key hotel features a lofty double-height lobby, bar and restaurant, and a rooftop terrace which draws inspiration from all corners of Mexico. The terrace is shaded by 14 Ocean Master M1 Classic customised parasols, each equipped with alternating panels and roman valance. The modern and stylish pieces align perfectly with the hotel’s vibrant 70s style. Tucci has also supplied three Ocean Master Max Classics to complete the shading of the rooftop space. www.tuuci.com

Eolie by Roda is a collection envisioned

by Gordon Guillaumier, comprising a reclining sun lounger and a low table, available in two sizes. The pieces can be enjoyed as standalone items or grouped together, depending on the needs of the outdoor space. Eolie also includes a gazebo, which provides a cosy and secluded space for a pair of sun loungers, side by side or vis à vis to create a true outdoor hideaway. The wood used in the collection can be painted in three desaturated tones – blue, orange or olive – or natural, with the grain visible.

The cushions, which are available in two sizes to adapt to a thicker armrest, are available in a range of colours. www.rodaonline.com

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1. Vincent Sheppard Kodo

2. Sanipex Group – Gymkhana Outdoor Furniture

3. Akula Kona

4. Luteca Woven Resin

When bringing the Kodo collection to life for Vincent Sheppard, Belgian design agency Studio Segers sought to play around with the mingling of different materials. Ceramic, industrial aluminium and tactile polypropylene rope take the lead throughout the collection, which consists of seating options such as a lounge chair, daybed and rocking chair, as well as a coffee table and dining table with corresponding chairs. Soft curves and rounded backs exude a warm and inviting feel, whilst weather-resistant materials ensure durability. With a wealth of experience, Vincent Sheppard has been designing and manufacturing furniture for over 30 years. www.vincentsheppard.com

In a world where the lines between indoor and outdoor are increasingly blurred, Gymkhana presents a wide range of furniture and accessories. Responding to the rising trend of maximising outdoor environments, the brand’s products invite individuals to bask in the beauty of nature. From design-led daybeds, sofa sets and poufs to cosy accessories such as cushions, baskets and rugs, each product is curated for al fresco living and crafted from durable materials to withstand the rigour of the great outdoors. Design meanwhile spans from an organic style to a minimalist Modernism, ensuring there are pieces that cater to every aesthetic. www.sanipexgroup.com

Established in 2006, Akula is a leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor furniture. The Kona dining armchair stands out thanks to its distinctive heavy cross-weaving design, which not only maximises visual appeal, but also ensures a comfortable seating experience. The brand’s focus on high-quality, durable materials makes the Kona chair suited to both hospitality and commercial environments, where longevity and maintenance are key. Its robust construction and stylish appearance ensure that the armchair meets the demands of outdoor settings, offering a product that not only looks appealing but is also built to last. www.akulaliving.com

Luteca recently launched a new outdoor seating collection inspired by ancient Mayan craft traditions and techniques.

The brand, which is dedicated to contemporary design that pays homage to the legacies of Mexico and Latin America, has developed the collection to subtly reinvent the woven Tule series, which is handmade by a small group of artisans in Mexico. Crafted to stand the test of time, every piece features a powder-coated non-corrosive inner frame and is wrapped in synthetic twisted resin chord. The range includes four neutral-toned seating options – a lounge chair, bench, ottoman and small stool – currently made to order. www.luteca.com

PA R I S | N E W Y O R K | L O S A N G E L E S | M E X I C O C I T Y

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Luteca.com | @lutecafurniture

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Apple of My Eye by Cox London, photo by Alun Callender

A three-day free to attend exhibition celebrating artisan skills and craftsmanship.

If you’re a buyer or interior designer, this show is the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind pieces and stunning collections.

JAY BLADES PRESENTS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Folly armchair by headline sponsor Cox London.

SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL 15 - 17 MAY 2024

Register now for your free ticket

SPOTLIGHT ART

© Matt Kisiday

Saatchi Art The Manchester

Capsule Arts SO/ Uptown Dubai

Saatchi Art has worked with interior designer Jenny Bukovec to craft the retro-inspired art collection that adorns the 125 suites at The Manchester. Erected on the grounds of the first registered bourbon distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, the hotel and its art are an ode to the area’s heritage and culture. “Each artwork was carefully selected to celebrate the rich history of the local community, ranging from a yellow canary bird associated with mining to drying tobacco leaves reflecting the vast farmland,” explain the team. Art Advisor Connie Kim assisted in the curation of black-and-white archival images for the guestrooms, selecting equine and intimate portraits of jazz musicians, with custom gold and amber framing and antiquated gold and brass details evoking the rich patina of aged bourbon barrels. A pastoral landscape

by Saatchi artist Kelly Nicolaisen, named Roll in the Hay, leads guests to the hotel’s backyard, completing a sensorial experience through art, history and the spirit of the Bluegrass state. www.saatchiart.com

Capsule Arts spearheaded the art curation for the new SO/ Uptown Dubai, introducing pieces across the hotel that range from mythology-inspired sculptures to architectural photography and portraits of the UAE’s leaders. One setting made all the more striking through art is the lobby, home to the immersive ‘Kaleidoscope of Nature’. Covering the double-height columns, the artwork follows the graceful flight of origami birds, which materialise and dissolve amidst a tapestry of lush foliage and Renaissanceinspired blossoms. The installation leverages lenticular technology to mesmerising effect, orchestrating a dance of images in which birds that appear to soar through the ever-changing landscape as guests move. The creation intricately weaves elements of flora and fauna into an enthralling tapestry that forges a connection between the guest and the natural world, all the while transforming the lobby into a stage where the play of movement unfolds. www.capsulearts.com

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SPOTLIGHT

© Mattia Aquilla

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Artiq Splendido, A Belmond Hotel

Soho Art Consulting Mills House

International agency Artiq has curated the art collection at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel in Portofino, to evolve alongside phased interiors brought to life by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Installed across a series of reimagined suites, the artwork is displayed as a group exhibition, showcasing an ensemble of artists and their bespoke works. At the core of the curatorial process is authenticity, which strengthens the value and impact of art within hotels. This requires the agency to delve into the area’s cultural narratives, developing knowledge of local artists and showcasing their talent. One such artist is Marco Ferri, who has created a series of bespoke pieces (pictured) that combine sculptural movement and texture with a colour palette borrowed from Portofino’s splendid vistas. Collectively, the Splendido art collection tells the story of the property, the local creative community and the uniqueness of the landscape, all while capturing the essence of Belmond’s legacy. www.artiq.co

Soho Art Consulting has put together an art package for Charleston hotel Mills House, in a scheme that exudes Southern charm and highlights important women from the city’s history. Matilda Arabella Evans, the first female African American licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina, and educator and civil rights activist Septima Poinsette Clark, are just some of those referenced throughout. The art consultant used a cyanotype photograph by Heather Evans Smith to create a wallcovering that adorns the underside of the hotel’s main staircase and is embellished with handpainted metal butterflies, while guestrooms feature textural and patterned figurative works by two local artists. Soho Art has also commissioned a sculpture for the restaurant, whose form nods to the ornate scroll work atop wrought iron gates found across Charleston. In all, the art package blends the area’s historic charm with contemporary creative interpretations. www.sohoart.com

WE WILL MEET AGAIN

#5 PORTUGAL 7-9 MAY 2024

www.sleepersessions.com

SPECIFIER

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Creative Matters Billow Polar Billow Polar is a new wallcovering design by Creative Matters, inspired by the dynamic interplay between aquatic elements. Crafted using alcohol ink techniques, it captures the ephemeral beauty of nature and serene flow of water. As the alcohol quickly vanishes, it leaves behind a canvas awash with dense hues, echoing nature’s own vivid palette. Each mural is a bespoke creation with no repeat patterns, ensuring that every installation is unique. Constructed with commercialgrade materials and available in eco-friendly Terralon, Billow Polar is a durable yet stylish wallcovering option. www.creativemattersinc.com

SPECIFIER

Ultrafabrics Sanctuary Palette Ultrafabrics has teamed up with Pantone once again to launch Sanctuary Palette, a fabric collection inspired by Peach Fuzz – the 2024 Colour of the Year. The collaboration marries colours found in the Pantone universe with Ultrafabrics’ own extensive collection, resulting in real-world applications of the popular hues. Developed by a team led by Kimberle Frost in Ultrafabrics’ Colour Lab, the range includes a muted pink, deep maroon, rusted yellows and apricot. “The Sanctuary Palette incorporates Peach Fuzz and grounds it in a mineral-based colour palette that is warm, enveloping and conveys a sense of refuge and protection,” explains Frost. The fabric manufacturer also tasked Belgium-based design studio WeWantMore with bringing Sanctuary Palette to life using AI – the results of which are a series of inviting spaces that symbolise the comforting essence of the Colour of the Year. www.ultrafabricsinc.com

Arte Lanai Named after the Hawaiian word for veranda, Arte’s Lanai collection of wallcoverings is inspired by balmy summer evenings spent reclining on a rocking chair in the island state.

Each wallcovering design has been handcrafted and inlaid or embroidered with rattan and raffia, before being rendered in vinyl. The collection comprises various patterns and colourways, including Kailua (pictured), named after a town in Hawaii where palm trees can be found in abundance. Available in eight colourways, the design sees swaying palms inlaid using small pieces of rattan against a background of bark cloth, a fibrous material made from fig trees. The Lanai collection also includes Kona, a cheery design of playful, loose shapes embroidered with raffia; and Mauna, made from small pieces of rattan, carefully arranged into a seemingly random pattern. www.arte-international.com

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Reimagine Healthy Interiors with Ultrafabrics

Discover the future of design where style meets sustainability and performance. Incorporating over 50% rapidly renewable resources, Ultraleather is now updated with 10 fresh shades that inspire wellness in every space.

ultrafabricsinc.com

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2/26/24 3:14 PM

SPECIFIER

Elstead Lighting Alford Place Pendant Elstead Lighting is a British company specialising in the manufacture and distribution of decorative lighting, ranging from pendants to chandeliers. Designed by Hinkley, the Alford Place outdoor pendant forms part of the Quintiesse collection, and comes in one-, three-, four- and six-light variations. The product is formed of a precision die-cast frame, hanging arm and top loop, paired with a sealed glass roof that ensures illumination from all sides. Finished in Museum Black, the fittings use clear seeded glass shades to provide an IP44 rating, enabling outdoor use. The collection also includes a full range of wall lanterns, pedestals and posts that can be used in larger outdoor areas. www.elsteadlighting.com

Skopos Fabrics Encanto Launching in Spring 2024, the Encanto collection by Skopos Fabrics presents three easy-to-use designs for contract furniture.

A twist on familiar favourites, Onda is a fractured herringbone pattern that showcases a contemporary and unique texture. Other designs in the collection include a flexible small-scale check and the brand’s familiar Cuba linen design. Shades range from bright pops of colour to classic neutrals that complement all manner of furniture. The three designs are halogen-fre and Oeko-Tex 100 compliant with Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing. Along with many Skopos upholstery fabrics, the Encanto range is anti-microbial, soiland stain-resistant. www.skoposfabrics.com

Tiger Leather Empire Tiger Leather has unveiled Empire, marking the debut of its Iconic anti-microbial and cleanable leather. Available in over 75 colours, Empire is crafted in an Italian facility certified by the Leather Working Group, a not-for-profit organisation that assesses the environmental compliance of leather manufacturing. Rigorously tested following AATCC methodology, Iconic leather is specially formulated to repel harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and mildew. A combination of fashion and performance, Empire is a premium-grade leather engineered to exceed the exacting standards of the hospitality and contract markets. www.tigerleather.com

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audio technology & communications

OUR LIGHTBULB MOMENT WAS WHEN THE ROOM WENT DARK! Our automated guest detection solution discretely switches off the lights and sets back the HVAC when the guests leave their room. It then automatically turns them back on when they return, even if there is still a key card in the slot.

■ Make your hotel greener ■ S ave tens of thousands of pounds in energy costs ■ P ayback period is most typically less than a year.

HEAD OFFICE 55 Fairfax Road, London, NW6 4EL projects@atandc.net +44(0)20 7625 2042

e m scan

atandc.net

SPECIFIER

Kaldewei Meisterstück Oyo Duo Kaldewei recently launched its third creative campaign photographed by rock star Bryan Adams – an intimate staging of the brand’s Meisterstück Oyo Duo freestanding bath. The new photography aims to spotlight how Kaldewei’s products combine luxury and sustainability, showcasing an elegant bath made from 100% recyclable steel enamel. Entitled Perfectly Sheltered, the campaign depicts models lay in the bathtub, with their bodies visible and faces concealed from the camera. With freestanding bathtubs often the focal point of a room, Adams opted to shoot the scene from a distance; the egg-shaped design was placed centre stage, while the framing also captures how the models’ shoulders and back subtly merge with the tub’s form. The partnership between Kaldewei and Adams was established in 2021, when the rock star first shot the Ming and Miena washbasin bowls, followed by the Superplan Zero shower surface in 2022. Together, the three campaigns explore the cornerstones of the bathroom experience – washing, showering and bathing. www.kaldewei.co.uk

CASE STUDY

Laufen The BoTree Swiss bathroom manufacturer Laufen recently supplied its products to The BoTree in London. When designing pieces for the guestroom dressing areas, a key challenge for Laufen was to maximise the limited space. The Val basins – designed by Konstantin Grcic – were the ideal choice. Made from Laufen’s SaphirKeramik mineral composite, the basin is sleek and lightweight with a generous bowl capacity. Laufen created a special two-hole version of the Val basin to accommodate the chosen mixer tap. “The beauty and simplicity of Laufen’s Val basin matched the elegance of the room and completed the composition for the individually designed vanity,” explains Hilda Ackermann, Interior Architect at Concrete, the studio behind the hotel’s design. Dominic Fitzgerald, COO of Shiva Hotels Group, concludes: “Conscious luxury is at the heart of everything we do at The BoTree, which is why we chose to partner with Laufen, a company that prioritises considered and sustainable design. It is important to us that our guests feel a sense of belonging throughout our hotel. As such, our rooms and suites are all full of vibrant colours, light and welldesigned touches, such as the bespoke basin design Laufen created for our bathrooms.” www.laufen.co.uk

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28/02/2024 16:44

SPECIFIER

Chelsom Custom Ceiling Lighting Chelsom’s custom ceiling range enables clients to personalise the brand’s original concepts to suit a diverse range of interiors.

Each series is built around a core design proposal, with clients then given the option to customise features such as finish, size and scale. A number of decorative accessories can also be added to the pieces where desired. Products can be specified and purchased as shown in the Chelsom catalogue and on the website using the product references provided, then customise as desired. For personalisation options, clients can contact Chelsom’s customer service team. www.chelsom.co.uk

Original BTC Blossom Portable Light Original BTC has unveiled its first portable cordless light.

Named Blossom, the product unites traditional craftsmanship with the latest LED technology. The purposely petite design is inspired by the plum blossom, a beloved flower in China. Its fluted bone china shade echoes the outline of the flower’s delicate petals and is topped by a satin brass detail. Developed with functionality and flexibility in mind, Blossom easily travels from the dining table to the garden, lounge to the hallway, enhancing the atmosphere in a range of environments. Three brightness levels offer a choice of illumination, from a soft, warm glow to sufficient light to dine or entertain in the evening. Charged via USB-C, Blossom has a seven-hour run-time on full brightness, extending to an impressive 20 hours on the lowest setting. The solid and robust powder-coated stem, whose metal base comes in three colours, can either sit comfortably in the hand or on a chosen fixed surface. www.originalbtc.com

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FIND NEW LEADS IN THE GLOBAL HOTEL INDUSTRY

www.tophotelprojects.com

Try it for free!

SPECIFIER

Geberit AquaClean Alba

Swiss bathroom manufacturer Geberit has launched its new AquaClean Alba shower toilet, a simple and stylish WC with spray functionality to ensure complete hygiene after use.

THE DESIGN Envisioned by Geberit’s designer-in-chief Christophe Behling, the wall-mounted AquaClean Alba shower toilet is characterised by clean lines and gentle curves, with an understated elegance that complements any bathroom setting.

Made from high-quality materials, the simple yet striking upgrade of the traditional WC is a costeffective investment; a bathroom fitted with a shower toilet scores highly amongst guests thanks to its enhanced hygiene functions.

The shower toilet’s straightforward functionality and self-explanatory remote control ensure it is easy to use, performing its duties efficiently and providing an invigorating cleaning experience with bodytemperature water.

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FLUSHED CLEAN The launch also introduces new technology that ensures a thorough flush. Water flows into the ceramic bowl from the side during flushing, moving in a spiral motion – an optimised powerful control of the flow that means a toilet brush is rarely needed.

Living up to Geberit’s high standards, AquaClean Alba incorporates all of the brand’s hallmarks, including quality materials, innovative design and userfriendliness, as well as offering an extensive range of accompanying services.

The ceramic WC is finished with a high-quality glaze to protect against dirt deposits and facilitate simple cleaning. It is also fitted with an automatic descaling programme that removes deposits from all waterbearing parts in a closed-loop system. www.geberit.co.uk

600+ exhibitors showcasing thousands of new products.

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ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 113

Akula

005

Gommaire

047

Point

024

Artiq

059

HD Expo

191

Quick Dry

173

Astro

002

Hector Finch

057

RH Contract

AT&C

185

JC Hospitality

171

Richloom

108

Atlas Concorde

035

Jung

067

Roca

073

Barlow Tyrie

158

Kettal

010-011

Roda

033

Beck

101

Lasvit

062

Saatchi Art

071

Capsule Arts

179

Laufen

087

Samuel & Sons

093

CDW

187

Leisure Plan

091

Sanipex

041

Chelsom

027

Lemi Group

128

Skopos

152

Coco Wolf

167

Ligne Roset

022

Sleepeezee

127

Connor Construction

139

Luteca

175

Sleeper Sessions

180

Craftworks

176

Mandarin Stone

079

Starpool

044 131

008-009

Creative Matters

016-017

Manutti

043

Stonecircle

Curtis Furniture

149

Marset

037

Talenti

Decor Walther

115

Material Bank

020-021

THP

189

EE Smith

157

Minotti

014-015

Tiger Leather

135

Egger

151

Naturalmat

107

Tribu

006-007

Elstead

144

NOA

169

Tuuci

039

018-019

Northern Lights

049

Ultra Fabrics

183

Ethimo

161

Oliver Hemming

195

Varaschin

163

Expormim

095

Original BTC

088

Vescom

061

Feel Good

165

Palecek

116

Vincent Sheppard

081

Fermob

077

Parla Design

082

Waterworks

196

Forest Group

121

Peloton

055

EPR

012-013

193

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©2024 WATERWOR KS IS A RE GISTE RE D TRA DE MA RK OF WATE RWORKS IP COMPA N Y, LLC