SHEBARA – THE RED SEA • JAIME HAYON • TREEHOUSE – SILICON VALLEY
FEATURES
Meeting... Jaime Hayon 036
With a portfolio that spans sketches and sculptures to installations and interiors, Jaime Hayon reflects on his unique creative cosmos that traverses art, design and hospitality.
Meeting... Jonas Stenberg 042
ESS Group founder and CEO Jonas Stenberg reflects on the company’s evolution and how taking a playful approach to bleisure is a recipe for success.
AHEAD
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, AHEAD has announced its first shortlists of the 2025 season.
Italy - Via Felice Cavallotti 13, Milano USA - 8935 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
AMANU armchair & dining table by Yabu Pushelberg
designed by HOFFMANN KAHLEYSS DESIGN
LEYA FAMILY
ligne-roset-contract.com
Spa–Hôtel Le Negresco, Jean-Philippe Nuel. Fabriqué en france.
Designing The Drama
In most markets, it’s the leisure traveller that drives the hospitality industry, accounting for the majority of overnight stays and F&B spend. Hotels are the setting for family holidays, weekend breaks, celebratory dinners and drinks on the rooftop – a veritable escape from the duties of daily life.
So it’s understandable then, that guests are seeking something special from their stays. New research from Preferred Hotels & Resorts reveals that 70% of the affluent travellers surveyed feel that luxury hotels have lost their soul to standardisation. In fact, the report goes so far as to say that ‘beige-ification’ is the industry’s greatest threat, with guests no longer willing to pay a premium for generic accommodation. After all, if the primary reason to travel is for a break from the norm and to indulge in new experiences, then hotels that have the same design aesthetic, serve the same cuisine and offer the same amenities as their counterparts, just won’t cut it.
Fortunately, this issue of Sleeper finds character at every turn, whether through unique architecture, plays on scale or bold use of colour. Contrary to a home-away-from-home, the new Cabin Suites at Sea Containers London, for example, are designed as immersive experiences that transport guests to another era through evocative furniture and finishes.
In the Nordics, Jonas Stenberg uses the analogy of a theatre set to explain ESS Group’s playful take on bleisure resorts. And at XO Cape Arnna in Fethiye, designer Yeşim Kozanlı also likens her approach to theatre, in which the hotel is a stage that plays host to constantly changing moments acted out by a cast, namely the guests; she describes it as a living organism
that invites discovery, with the experience not only limited to visual aesthetics, but stimulating all the senses.
For Jaime Hayon, drama comes in the element of surprise. Speaking at Sleeper Sessions, the multi-disciplinarian admits that his signature style is the result of risk-taking – something he doesn’t see enough of in the hospitality sector. He approaches the design of spaces as a platform to experiment; combining skillsets and using colour to create immersive interiors that command attention.
And in Saudi Arabia, it’s the awe-inspiring architecture that puts on a show. Here, the main characters are a cast of silvery orbs that seemingly dance over the water in a dazzling display of natural world meets futuristic. The daring concept is the vision of Killa Design, which strives to challenge architectural norms to create expressive forms – a goal that has surely been achieved in Shebara. Its otherworldliness might not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly has the wow-factor that few others can match.
Indeed, it takes courage, individuality and a wild imagination to stand out from the crowd, and when there’s a choice between the everyday and the extraordinary, designing the drama can make all the difference. Welcome to the new issue of Sleeper. Enjoy your stay!
Having established Amsterdambased art consultancy Culture A in 2017, Anne Rogers has since curated art collections and creative experiences for a range of clients, from luxury retailers to hotels. Most recently, Rogers was tasked with shaping the design narrative for the newly refurbished Montcalm Mayfair in London. “The goal was to create a hotel that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with a modern, narrative-led approach to design – something we define as ‘sensitive luxury’,” explains Rogers.
060 Paolo Ferrari
Born in Toronto, Paolo Ferrari traces his passion for design back to a childhood spent in his father’s carpentry workshop. Having mastered his craft at Yabu Pushelberg, Ferrari established his own multidisciplinary studio in 2016, and has since designed hotels, restaurants and bars around the world. In the creation of Shebara, the studio channelled the craftsmanship of luxury yachts, using a mix of leather, wood and travertine to create soothing interiors that complement the futuristic forms of the architecture.
100 Chiu Man Wong
“Singapore is a City in Nature but here, the paradigm is reversed. The resort contains the humans and we are the ones making way for nature and animals,” says Chiu Man Wong of his vision for Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. Together with his late wife Maria, the founders of WOW Architects and Warner Wong Design used regenerative design to turn the relationship between humanity and nature on its head, creating a hotel that will eventually be reabsorbed into the 126-hectare nature reserve.
With two decades of experience in hospitality design, Yeşim Kozanlı is well-versed in making memories, often seeking to take guests on a journey through her multisensory approach and carefully orchestrated spatial planning. In creating a flagship for the newly established XO Collection, the Istanbul-based designer describes the hotel as a stage that plays host to constantly changing moments: “XO Cape Arnna is not just a hotel, it’s a multi-layered journey. It leaves a mark in the memory and invites discovery with every encounter.”
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EVENTS
Commercial Lead
Kirsty Studholme k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk
Event Manager
Kayley Johnson k.johnson@mondiale.co.uk
Marketing & Events
Olivia Mavers o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk
Data & Marketing
Adam Cymbaluk a.cymbaluk@mondiale.co.uk
DESIGN
Design Manager
David Bell
Production Mel Capper
CORPORATE
Accounts ar@mondiale.co.uk
Chairman Damian Walsh
Finance Director
Amanda Giles
SUSTAINABILITY
Natural • Renewable • Recyclable
Sleeper is printed by Buxton Press on FSC Mix-certified paper using 100% vegetable-based inks. Magazines mailed from Spatial Global are packaged in FSC-certified wrap that is fully recyclable.
Having made waves on the Portuguese coast with a surf-inspired resort, the co-founders of Astet Studio take a fantasy break to a secluded sanctuary in the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum.
Where are you?
In Jordan, at an off-grid wellness sanctuary nestled among the rock formations of the Wadi Rum valley.
How did you get there?
We took a helicopter over the stunning desert – it felt like a magic carpet ride. On landing, a Jeep whisked us away to our final destination.
Who is there to greet you on arrival?
We are met by the general manager and trusty mascot, a cheerful brown Saluki who is ecstatic to see us. The manager jokingly apologises for the lack of network coverage, suggesting that our phones wont be very useful during our stay: “your time is very precious here,” he tells us. One team member hands out cool scented towels, while another offers us a refreshing detox infusion drink.
And who’s at the concierge desk?
Our dear friend Rana Dababneh, founder of Immers. She is a perfectionist who curates travel experiences and goes the extra mile to make us feel special.
Is there anything you would like in your room?
Freshly squeezed juice and healthy, locally sourced sweet and savoury snacks.
Describe the hotel, your room and the view...
The hotel comprises a series of villas and suites characterised by organic shapes and materials that harness the location, blending beautifully with the landscape. The infinity pool merges with the oasis in the distance, while red dunes surround us. The whole setting is designed to promote mental wellbeing, with tranquil spaces that encourage mindfulness and reflection, offering an intimate connection to the landscape. Every element has been carefully considered to minimise its environmental footprint, working with nature, rather than against it. Built by local artisans, our villa is a tented structure over a deck with a private pool and daybed. It is minimally decorated yet extremely stylish.
Who designed it?
We love what Daniel Roseberry, Creative Director of Schiaparelli, is doing in the world of fashion – the way he stitches different narratives into one creation. His monochromatic approach feels almost mythical and ancient, just like the desert; we’ve always been fascinated with how various design disciplines intersect.
What’s the restaurant and bar like?
NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS
The restaurant and bar extends from inside a cave, out onto a terrace overlooking the dunes. It has been conceived to effortlessly maintain a balance between traditional influences and
contemporary design and pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region, whilst still offering a fresh, modern twist. Interiors complement the chef’s culinary vision, creating tranquil spaces where guests can dine in peace, fully immersed in their surroundings.
Who are you dining with this evening?
We’re dining together – this is a bonding trip that we’ve been talking about for years. We’re business partners but also good friends. With so many projects, sometimes we forget to have meaningful conversation and a good laugh.
Who’s manning the stoves?
A local chef who has travelled the world and now returned to his hometown to create a fusion of international and local cuisine.
And what’s on the menu?
Experimental cuisine with lots of vegetables that have been sourced from nearby farms. The flavours take us on a journey around the world, with the essence of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Would you like something to drink with that?
A glass of local organic wine.
What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?
Trinitae - natural products from the Dead Sea.
Early morning alarm call or late check-out?
An early morning alarm to join sunrise yoga, followed by a late check-out.
Aethos, Ericeira; Gran Hotel Mas D´En Bruno, Mallorca; Bibo at Hotel Dorothea, Budapest www.astetstudio.com
DRAWING BOARD
Ameyalli Park City
UTAH
Appellation – the culinary-first hotel brand from Michelinstarred chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger – has joined forces with renowned wellness pioneer Deepak Chopra to develop a new resort in Utah.
Opening in 2026, Ameyalli Park City is set on 78 acres of pristine landscape in the mountain town of Midway, built around a geothermal spring that has been used by humans for nearly five millennia.
With a Charlie Palmer restaurant and a state-of-the-art Wellbeing Center comprising fitness facilities and an expansive spa, the 80-key retreat blends culinary excellence with a transformative wellness experience. “Collaborating with Appellation aligns with my vision of creating spaces where
wellbeing, consciousness and technology converge,” comments Chopra. “By integrating best-in-class AI, holistic wellbeing practices and authentic culinary experiences, Ameyalli will offer guests a transformative journey toward self-discovery and renewal. Together with Appellation’s support, we are crafting sanctuaries that embody the essence of connection, community and conscious living.”
Conceived by Texas-based architecture firm Overland Partners, the resort honours the surrounding land and its storied heritage; design components drawn from the geology of the site include a palette of materials selected to foster an unmistakable sense of place.
“Appellation means ‘to give a name to a place,’ reflecting our commitment to infusing locally rooted experiences into every hotel we operate,” concludes Palmer. “At Ameyalli, this will mean integrating the wellness philosophies of Deepak Chopra, while celebrating the bounty of Utah’s mountain valleys and spotlighting local purveyors of Midway and the Park City region throughout the resort’s culinary programme.”
Capella
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Operator: Capella Hotel Group
Architecture: RPA, Studio De Vita & Schulze
Interior Design: Liaigre www.capellahotels.com
Capella Hotels & Resorts will make its muchanticipated first foray into Europe in 2027, with the opening of Capella Florence.
Located in the cultural heart of the city, close to Piazza della Libertà and the Duomo, the hotel occupies a historic complex that is being reimagined by Italian architectural firms RPA and De Vita & Schulze, with interiors by French design house Liaigre.
Dating back to the 12th century, the site was once home to the convents of Sant’Agata, San Clemente and Santa Lucia di Camporeggi; it hosted talented artists like Arcangela Paladini and also served as a military hospital. Following sensitive restoration, Capella Florence will feature 33 suites and 56 guestrooms, as well as 10 classical and modern residences with a dedicated entrance.
Further facilities include two restaurants –showcasing local Tuscan cuisine and Japanese sushi omakase – complemented by a rooftop
bar, subterranean speakeasy wine vault and Capella’s signature Living Room. A separate Clubhouse will be home to a 600m2 spa with hydropool, fitness centre and café, and in honour of the site’s 800-year tradition of creativity and cultural exchange, the property will also feature an indoor amphitheatre.
“Capella Florence represents a natural evolution of our vision, bringing the Capella experience to a city where culture, history and artistry are deeply ingrained in everyday life,” says Cristiano Rinaldi, President, Capella Hotel Group. “In a destination as rich and layered as Florence, we are honoured to collaborate with a world-renowned architect and interior designer who share our dedication to crafting spaces that respect local history, while creating meaningful connections for today’s luxury traveller. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the renewal of this historic part of Florence’s cultural and communal heritage.”
Developer: UOL Group
Operator: Hilton, Sydell Group
Architecture: WOHA www.hilton.com
Hilton has signed an agreement with UOL Group to open a NoMad hotel in Singapore, marking its foray into the fast-growing luxury lifestyle segment in Asia Pacific.
The 173-key property will open in 2027, showcasing the brand’s refined yet eclectic approach to luxury hospitality, with a focus on sophisticated design, world-class dining and immersive cultural programming. Located on Orchard Road, it will offer access to Singapore’s shopping and entertainment destinations while embracing the vibrant cultural landscape.
“This signing adds a new and significant dimension to Hilton’s phenomenal growth story in Asia Pacific as we gain a critical foothold in the luxury lifestyle space,” comments Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “With demand for high-end, experience-driven stays surging across the region, the luxury gateway of Singapore offers the perfect backdrop to debut NoMad’s uniquely local luxury hospitality –
and will be the first of many cities in Asia to welcome the brand.”
The announcement comes after Hilton acquired a majority interest in Sydell Group in 2024, committing to grow the NoMad brand globally. “NoMad is built on the concept of a hotel as a welcoming home filled with stories, where every detail – from its interiors and rich visual appeal to its thoughtfully curated dining experiences – comes to life,” comments Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO of Sydell Group. “This debut is just the beginning as we seek out the best destinations to introduce NoMad, with several deals in advanced discussions in destinations in Europe and beyond.”
NoMad has also set its sights on North America with the recent announcement of NoMad Detroit, a 180-key property at Michigan Central, forming part of Ford Motor Company’s ambition to revitalise the historic station into a tech and cultural hub.
The Lana, Dubai.
Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo
THE DOLOMITES
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Developer: Prodea Investments,
Invel Real Estate
Operator: Accor
Architecture: Pconp
Interior Design: Tihany Design
www.all.accor.com
Accor has signed an agreement with Invel Real Estate and Prodea Investments to open Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo, an Emblems Collection hotel, in 2026.
Situated on Corso Italia – which is believed to be the most famous pedestrian street in the Dolomites – the hotel will feature 80 guestrooms including 27 suites with mountain views, as well as two F&B venues and a 500m2 spa with both an indoor and outdoor pool.
Crafted by Italian firm Pconp, the property’s architecture blends traditional alpine charm with a contemporary aesthetic to create an authentic mountain retreat. For the interiors, Tihany Design has been tasked with paying tribute to the Dolomites and capturing the elegance of Cortina’s golden age. The result is an organic alpine scheme, enhanced by rich materials, custom furnishings and local craftsmanship, including time-worn marble mosaics crafted with Bianco Antico stone from
the Veneto region, finished to evoke historic Italian buildings.
“We aimed to capture the essence of this legendary mountain retreat – where MidCentury glamour meets the raw beauty of the Dolomites and the vibrant spirit of aprèsski life,” explains Alessia Genova, Principal at Tihany Design. “Deeply inspired by the surrounding landscape, our design integrates locally sourced materials – stone, warm woods and handcrafted textiles – that echo the textures and colours of the mountains. The rich craftsmanship of the region is reflected in every bespoke detail, from Dolomite-inspired furnishings to artisanal finishes, creating a seamless dialogue between the interiors and the alpine scenery.”
Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo, Emblems Collection, will mark the brand’s first venture in Italy, with another conversion slated to open in Greece in 2026.
Urbana
ROME
Operator: Marriott International
Architecture: Johann von Koch
Interior Design: Lupoi Design Studio www.lupoidesignstudio.com
Lupoi Design Studio (LDS) has revealed renderings of Urbana, a new Tribute Portfolio hotel scheduled to open in 2026.
Located in the Rione Monti district of Rome, Urbana comprises 64 guestrooms and suites, as well as two F&B venues, a gym, wellness area and rooftop bar offering panoramic views across the Eternal City. Housed within Villino Costanzi, a grand 19th-century residence designed by acclaimed German architect Johann von Koch, the hotel features original frescoes and classical detailing, all of which will be preserved for a dialogue between past and present.
The overarching design narrative draws inspiration from the nearby ancient Roman pathway known as Malum Punicum – meaning ‘road of the pomegranate’ in Latin. Much like the fruit’s dual nature – a tough exterior that conceals a multitude of vibrant seeds within –the hotel blends the formal elegance of 19thcentury Rome with the contemporary allure of
Monti. The vibrant hues and intricate symbolism of the the fruit permeate the interiors, from a sculptural reception desk inspired by the pomegranate seed, to a serene courtyard garden designed around newly created open space. The interiors also offer a theatrical play of volumes, a modern interpretation of Roman columns, with light and shadow dancing across stone floors as seen in the newly created lounge.
“Being Roman, this project is close to my heart,” comments Massimo Barbera, Creative Director at LDS. “In many ways, this project allowed me to reconnect with an idealised version of Rome shaped through my formative years. The vibrant colours of the mosaics, the ruins, the energy of this ancient cosmopolitan city – all of it came rushing back. Just as the revered pomegranate is celebrated for its abundance and prosperity, the hotel seeks to encapsulate layers of richness waiting to be uncovered.”
Following its debut in Tokyo, Aman Group has announced the fifth destination of its sibling brand, Janu.
Comprising a hotel and a limited number of fully serviced branded residences, Janu Turks and Caicos will offer a total immersion in its pristine natural surroundings; the beachfront property sits in a tropical enclave on the northwest coast of Providenciales, within the shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, bordering the beaches and coves of Northwest Point Marine National Park.
The property is designed to bring guests together with abundant venues for wellness, dining and socialising, drawing influence from the natural beauty of its setting. Meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, the Janu brand seeks to enrich lives through transformative experiences. Continuing this ethos, Janu Turks and Caicos will celebrate genuine human interaction as well as centring social wellness as a core part of the experience.
At the heart of the resort are several culinary concepts and a beach club, in addition to a 50m swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre, which will include an IV lounge, meditation studio and apothecary bar.
“Turks and Caicos is an unrivalled destination in the Caribbean and as part of our strategic vision for Janu, it will be the first home for the brand in the Americas,” comments Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group.
“A location that perfectly embodies Janu’s commitment to creating dynamic lifestyle experiences and fostering genuine connection, the property will be a place to immerse in the vibrant energy of the destination while enjoying Janu’s visionary luxury hospitality which redefines purposeful travel.”
Janu Turks and Caicos joins a global pipeline of 12 destinations for the brand including Janu Diriyah, Janu AlUla and the forthcoming Janu Dubai, currently under construction.
TURKS AND CAICOS
Manufacturing a Better World
Solo Chair
Philippe Starc k
Triada Table
Benjamin Hubert
Meeting… Jaime Hayon
With a portfolio that spans sketches and sculptures to installations and interiors, multi-disciplinarian Jaime Hayon reflects on his unique creative cosmos that traverses art, design and hospitality.
With a broad smile and a bounce in his step, Jaime Hayon bounds on stage to greet the audience at Sleeper Sessions in Ibiza. At ease in a utilitarian cotton jacket and baseball cap, he gives the impression of being at home anywhere. A more approachable and likeable man is hard to find; one whose enthusiasm, lust for life and positive energy are palpable.
Born in Madrid and now living in Valencia, the Spaniard is here to talk hotels – perhaps not in the typical way, but in the context of his background as a multi-disciplinarian. A polymath of the creative world living at the crossroads of art, design and interiors. A world in which crafts are used to create a high-quality, modern aesthetic with bold colour and wild imagination at the fore.
He is an artist with paintings, ceramics and sculptures exhibited in museums around the world. Installations of public art are similarly
widespread. He is a product designer of furniture, lighting and textiles for the likes of Fritz Hansen, &Tradition and Nanimarquina to name but a few. There are vases for Louis Vuitton, tabletop centrepieces for Cassina, crystal lampshades for Baccarat, mosaics for Bisazza. And, of course, interiors, or ‘spaces’ as he calls them. Hospitality projects range from newbuild to adaptive re-use in Madrid, Valencia, Paris, London, Copenhagen and Bangkok. And spaces beyond - retail interiors for Fabergé, Camper and Lladrò, scenography for Cartier and Hyundai, cultural venues, exhibitions and more.
This abundance of creativity was born from curiosity at an early age. “I always explored and experimented but I was confused about how to use my creativity,” reflects Hayon. “I had my own world, trying to put together the graphics, the imagination, then bring them to life three dimensionally. It was difficult to define. My first installation mixed objects with function, objects with no function, sculpture and graffiti.”
to define. It’s an audacious riot of the surreal, the outlandish and the fun. A contentious genre with a point of view.
He admires similarly broad-minded creatives. Of Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudí, he says: “I admire his unique vision and appreciation for organic shapes and motifs.” Of Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dalí, it’s his “skill and personality, and the way he did not care for limitations or boundaries”. Hayon’s approach is clearly influenced by such masters, yet he’s courageous enough to chart his own path. “The only way to find your own style is to take risks,” he states. “I remember the first time I went to Salone in Milan. I saw some incredible products, but people were not taking enough risks.”
So how does he get clients to follow his lead and stray from playing it safe? On a glass vase? A larger-than-life sculpture? Or interiors that have to stand the test of time? He puts it down to his enthusiasm, alluding to the idea that people need to be convinced that the risk is actually an opportunity. It’s all about balance. “A little bit of function, a little bit of imagination, and put them together,” he quips. “If my approach looks risky, I go little by little. Of course, the client also needs to want a bold look, otherwise they should choose a ‘safe’ designer.” Hayon’s arrival at interior design was quite by accident. “I never thought I would enter the interiors world,” he reflects, adding that this itself happened little by little. From art came furniture, then exhibition displays, retail installations, museums and galleries. “When I encounter the possibility of creating a space, I
“Colour is part of the way I see life. It’s not only an aesthetic choice but a powerful tool to convey emotions, tell stories and transform experiences.”
see it as a canvas,” he artfully describes. “It’s a platform to experiment.”
But hotels are a paradox. “It is a scenario in which I can combine all of my skills, but designing hotels is not my greatest passion,” he continues. “I get asked to do a lot of hotel projects but I almost always say no; it’s not easy to find the right partners.”
There’s further apprehension in taking on hotel projects, with the lengthy development process and a hotel’s limited lifespan of concern. He sees the longevity of his work in other disciplines, but not so with hotel design. There is a pride in the way he wishes his interiors to be almost untouchable. He is sensitive to the commercial reality of hospitality, but there’s sense a frustration with the necessary refurbishment cycle. “The only way designs last is when they’re considered art,” he concludes.
And what of his creative process? “Every project I do, anything I make, there’s a story behind it. The storytelling is hugely significant as, for me, emotional resonance and interaction is key,” he explains. “When designing a hotel, I always think about the scene. What are guests going to feel when they enter? How will they experience the space?” And with this storytelling, he taps into the zeitgeist of hospitality design. “The story is the song of the project. If I can sell a design just by telling the story, without even showing a sketch, then that’s a good concept,” he believes.
Hayon’s hotel life began with the development of a changed aesthetic for Barceló Hotel Group and their newbuild Torre de Madrid, with no
less than 258 keys. It was a steep learning curve: “I learnt that hotels are very difficult,” he notes. By his own admission, he loves detail – it’s one of his obsessions, but that’s not so easy when faced with a sizeable key count and a fixed opening date. Still, it must have been a successful collaboration, as he was invited back six years later to design the hotel’s La Santa María Gastrobar.
Elsewhere in Spain, Casa Clarita in Valencia sees the former home of a family of glassmakers repurposed as a boutique hotel comprising eight apartments and 12 guestrooms, each unique. Here was an indulgence in local craftspeople producing bespoke furnishings and ceramics.
Much like those craftspeople, Hayon describes his approach as learning by doing and always reinventing. He likes to challenge those he works with, but not by imposing his own ideals; rather, he presents a rough sketch and suggests “you make as you know”. There is a respect for craftsmanship and tradition, and a willingness to listen and understand.
It was this approach that saw success at The Standard Bangkok. Completed during the Covid lockdown, when locally sourced products were the only choice, Hayon sought out weavers to create the oversized rattan baskets that hang as lampshades in the lobby. With this project, Verena Haller, Global Head of Design & Creative Service, Lifestyle Group for Hyatt, relates of Hayon’s appointment: “When the Bangkok project came up in the middle of Covid, everything had to move quickly. I knew exactly who to call – Jaime. He’s always up for a wild
Hayon’s signature style is characterised by bold colour and statement patterns, as seen at The Standard Bangkok (top) and Art’otel Battersea in London (bottom)
“When designing a hotel, I always think about the scene. What is the guest going to feel when they enter? How will they experience the space? ”
adventure.” She describes him as someone “who approaches design from a completely different perspective”. Collaborating via video calls, they designed the entire project remotely. “When we finally arrived in Bangkok together and saw the model room, it was pure joy.”
Did the group’s brand guidelines limit Hayon’s ambitions? “No, Standard Hotels are actually very similar to my aesthetic. They like to surprise people,” explains Hayon, continuing to say that his aim is to bring joy to every space.
Most recent is Art’otel Battersea in London, where visitors are greeted by a towering statue of a whimsical character known as The Dreamer, pulled from Hayon’s fertile imagination. Here is a world “of playful surrealism and thoughtful luxury”. The Art’otel brand always uses an interior designer and an artist for each hotel. In the case of Hayon, they could have both in one. And Hayon was granted a reasonably free hand when it came to styling the interiors. Take the lobby for example, where a library of display shelves are stacked with many of his
own objects, plus those of contemporaries he admires. Other artworks include a series of photographic portraits offering a tongue-incheek view of British living. Despite telling a local story, these are curiously enough by a Dutch artist duo Klunderbie, with whom Hayon had already worked and saw fitting to bring fresh eyes.
Colourful and mischievous guestrooms see plenty more of his signature touch. “Colour is part of the way I see life,” he explains. “It’s not only an aesthetic choice but a powerful tool to convey emotions, tell stories and transform experiences. Like with everything for me, no risk means no gain. Finding elegance, serenity and also personality with colour is what I seek.” Hayon is a tricky puzzle to fathom. But what he can do, is deliver. “One thing I can say is I always give my best,” he concludes. “The design can be simple but the quality is nonnegotiable. To make a good hotel, it needs to be activated and serviced to perfection. Otherwise, a great design is useless.”
Meeting… Jonas Stenberg
Known for its socially-driven conference and resort destinations, ESS Group is carving out a niche in Nordic hospitality. The founder and CEO reflects on the company’s evolution and how taking a playful approach to bleisure is a recipe for success.
Words: Ianthe Butt • Portrait Photography: Courtesy of ESS Group
No one wanted to talk to us for the first 10 years; we have had to constantly prove ourselves,” says Jonas Stenberg, founder of ESS Group, reflecting on how far the company has come since its conception in 2007. Now, with a portfolio of 15 successful hotels and resorts across Scandinavia and an average occupancy of 95%, it’s fair to say the tables have turned.
According to the visionary, each ESS Group property has a distinct identity, be it Stockholm’s Ellery Beach Clubwhere palm-shaped lights dripping with glass crystals hang above diners feasting on ceviche – or Jacy’z, a 27-floor entertainment-packed resort in a Gothenburg skyscraper. However varied, their commonality comes in a definitively playful approach to bleisure, with every venue offering so much more than the typical MICE hotel. “We’ve always firmly believed in the value of a more socially-driven business environment,” explains Stenberg, sipping a black coffee in 26th floor restaurant and sky bar Gogogaga at Jacy’z, backdropped by bird’s eye vistas of urban Gothenburg. “Plenty of hotels have conference rooms, but if you appreciate something more, we’re the right spot.”
Beyond top-notch conference and meeting facilities and excellent restaurants, draws at ESS Group properties include Miami-feel pool clubs with spinning disco balls
and funky beats, elegant lounges where fireplaces flicker and elegant ESS Group-designed armchairs give settle-infor-a-nightcap cosiness, while pinball machines, billiards and shuffleboard encourage playful social connection. Restaurant set-ups eschew long tables in favour of clusters of banquettes, and activities – padel courts, guided hikes and golf simulators – are always evolving. Given that MICE stays make up 40% of ESS Group properties’ revenue, they’re doing something right.
Whether visiting for business, leisure or both, guest experience is king, believes Stenberg: “We think about it like a cruise ship, in terms of how many activities people can take part in during a single stay.” As such, each destination is considered less as a hotel and more as “an amusement park for adults” where artfully managed guest flow ensures a buzzy ambience without overcrowding, balancing the needs of daytrippers, solo travellers and large conference groups, plus couples, families and friends of all ages. “No one should feel out of place,” he states.
Stenberg – a foodie and music aficionado who loves socialising, be that a darts match or family boating trip –sees ESS Group’s convivial hospitality ethos as self-centred. “We design for ourselves, weaving in what we love; it reflects our own lifestyles and what we consider fun,” he shares. “Yet it took time to understand and embrace that our concepts
aren’t for everyone. Those who love what we do, really love it, but for some, the music is too loud, or they prefer a formal atmosphere, and that’s okay.” Creating their own, unique style of playful hospitality has, without a doubt, helped them stand out from the larger, more homogeneous brands.
While the company might be valued at SEK3 billion today, it came about through “blind confidence and youthful energy, not a business plan,” according to Stenberg. Growing up in Gothenburg, not far from where Jacy’z stands today, teenage Stenberg’s jobs included parking cars at the Sheraton – “I loved the international energy, meeting guests and the tips that came when we took extra care of them,” – and running a coffee cart, before working at the city’s best restaurants and nightclubs, such as Park Lane, Bliss and Locatelli. In his early twenties, he operated a restaurant at Delsjö Golf Club, before he was head-hunted by the late ‘Bicky’ Chakraborty, taking on CEO roles at restaurants, and later hotels, within the Elite Hotels of Sweden portfolio.
In 2007, a recce to Ystad Saltsjöbad on behalf of Chakraborty changed the game. Dating from 1897, the classic beach resort was rundown and operating at 50% occupancy; Chakraborty decided not to invest. Seeing the potential to turn the hotel’s fortunes around, Stenberg joined forces with two friends, entrepreneur Magnus Emilson and ex-colleague Stefan Strömberg, who brought financial backing and restaurateur smarts respectively. Bank loans were secured, Ystad was purchased and ESS Group was born, with an ambition to “create unique meeting places, shaped by unique characters, to deliver personal service and create moments of happiness”.
Becoming accountants, gardeners and designers overnight made for a steep on-thejob learning curve. Rather than offering solely a bed to sleep in, ESS Group centres around atmosphere and hospitality. To counter Ystad Saltsjöbad’s low-occupancy days, reasons to
Despite growing to some 4,000 employees, operations remain underpinned by “a small-company culture and building long-term relationships with people we admire and trust, be that employees, guests, partners or suppliers.”
unusually for Sweden, fixed-rent agreements, “to ensure clarity – knowing our rental costs meant we could focus on attracting guests”.
Steady expansion followed. After reviving beach hotel Falkenberg Strandbad in 2010, Gothenberg’s city centre debut, Hotel Pigalle, followed in 2014. “At the time, it was beneath a one-star hotel, but it had beautiful 18 thcentury architecture,” notes Stenberg. “Buying a property I’m already happy with doesn’t interest me. I love building and enhancing,” he explains. The result? A top-to-toe revamp into a boutique Parisian-style hotel with sultry interiors, jewel-toned bedrooms and a French bistro and cocktail bar, as well as a collection of Christian Louboutin ‘Pigalle’ shoes for guests to borrow.
visit were created. “Marketing that suggested swapping rainy Sundays at home for a getaway – check-in at three o’clock, visit the spa, have a three-course dinner, watch movies in the room, then start Monday with a great hotel breakfast – went down a storm,” explains Stenberg. At around SEK395 (GBP£30) per person, rooms made minimal money, but guests – often locals on micro-breaks – spent on meals, wine and spa treatments. “Sundays soon outperformed Mondays, and we had to start looking at how to make Mondays more appealing, and so on.”
In time, a business model took shape; acquisitions were to be within 1.5 hours of a city, and have a population of 1.5 million within a 10-mile radius. Following Ystad Saltsjöbad’s blueprint, all properties would also operate with,
Bold decisions continued; a 100-year-old former steam power plant in Västerås, turned down by other operators for years, became Steam Hotel, a punchy mix of exposed brick and metal piping to reflect its industrial heritage, staff sporting Peaky Blinders-style flatcaps and an on-site water park. “When you create a theatre set, the audience are transported to a different era immediately. Our hotels are like that,” says Stenberg. Hitting their stride, overseas debuts followed – Hotel Marienlyst in Denmark and ski-in, ski-out Fýri Resort in Norway – plus more Swedish success including the 2020 launch of Ellery Beach Club in the Stockholm archipelago.
Along the way, ESS Group has diversified into businesses that complement its hospitality DNA, reflecting Stenberg’s belief that “the more we explore lifestyle and design-driven entrepreneurship, the better hoteliers we become”. Their interests include part-owning restaurants and nightclubs, an in-house interior design agency, Spik Studios, and e-commerce site Home of ESS, where covetable ESS-designed and produced products that decorate its hotels can be purchased, ranging from fringed parasols to floral-engraved coupes.
The last year has been particularly stand-
Ellery Beach House is a 60s-inspired escape characterised by velvet, rattan and brass accents (top), while Maryhill Estate is a restored icon where bold patterns and rich colours meet timeless glamour (bottom)
“We’ve always firmly believed in the value of a more sociallydriven business environment.”
At
out for the company, with the opening of its most ambitious project to-date, Maryhill Estate in Skåne. Stenberg had been attempting to purchase the estate and its Baroque castle for 15 years, having been enamoured by the eighthectares of parkland that stretch down to the Öresund Strait, with the Copenhagen skyline visible in the distance. “Its castle environment brings a certain magic,” he reveals. Now, with a SEK400 million investment, the once-visitedby-royalty estate turned conference facility in the 1970s, has seen the original heritage features – including a carved wooden staircase and decorative ceiling – restored and revamped into Hill House. Its 16 bedrooms channel refined, contemporary charm, with smart dusky pink striped wallpaper and peony-patterned headboards, while the restaurant centres around a lengthy marble-topped bar.
Another ESS Group masterstroke has been the creation of Sugar Club, a hip and photogenic pool club resort, where outdoor terraces are lined by a riot of tropicana-feel daybeds, with an
occasional striped pool float for good measure. There are 147 guestrooms, a raft of social spaces and a New York-inspired restaurant housed in an astonishing double-height space. Together, the two buildings form Maryhill Estate, offering two complementary propositions with 16 meeting spaces across the resort. Its glossy rural cool, meets breezy Ibiza-like ambience has, Stenberg acknowledges, a touch of Soho Farmhouse to it. “I’m happy to take inspiration from other properties, then make it our own,” explains Stenberg, also an admirer of The Ned and The Pig hotels. The USP here, though, is the infusion of ESS Group’s finely-honed social ambience, in-house Spik Studios design, and an elevated version of its warm and accomplished service style.
“Across our properties, whether dishwasher or CEO, staff are trained to proactively say hello, to check, genuinely, if everything is okay. If they don’t know the answer to a guest’s question, it’s okay to say they’ll look into it and get back to them; it means guests feel seen and cared for,”
the heart of Hjortviken Country Club is the Bay Bay Pool Club, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, sun loungers and crackling fireplaces
he explains. Despite growing to some 4,000 employees, operations remain underpinned by “a small-company culture and building longterm relationships with people we admire and trust, be that employees, guests, partners or suppliers,” explains Stenberg, who remains refreshingly down-to-earth, and can often be spotted adjusting a lampshade or darting behind the bar to make a coffee.
Growth has continued into 2025. Earlier this year, Hjortviken Country Club opened in Hindås, just outside Gothenburg. Here, guests can expect a high-end lakeside resort immersed in nature, with 10 meeting rooms and a pool club, complemented by restaurants serving traditional Swedish-with-a-twist cuisine and Spanish tapas, plus kayaking and wild swimming on the doorstep.
Following this, Rox Resort, a new 158-key hotel will open in Køge, serving up the beachy good life in 1930s-inspired surrounds not far from Copenhagen. “It’s exciting; everything we’ve learned since 2007 is being poured
into this project,” he says. As well as triedand-tested business facilities, pool club and socially-charged lounges, restaurants including a steakhouse and dim sum spot will showcase hyper-local ingredients. Interiors characterised by brass and mirrored details are set to lend a Gatsby glitz to the décor, and the venture will be energy-efficient, predominantly powered by wood waste from a local sawmill.
Beyond Scandinavia also beckons; Mallorca, is on Stenberg’s mind. “The vision is to create something more than a traditional hotel: something immersive and soulful. It could be a farm, a villa, a residence. We’re still dreaming – but dreaming seriously,” he reveals. As for where they’ll be in 10 years? “I don’t have a clue, but the big decisions that shape your life are often unplanned,” he concludes. “The same goes for business. It’s a strength to be open, to see where the journey takes you.” And, if ESS Group’s journey so far is anything to go by, no matter the destination, getting there will no doubt be an adventure worth tuning in for.
Facilities at Rox Resort will include eight meeting rooms, seven F&B venues, padel courts and a playground
TRUE INNOVATION BEGINS WITH SUSTAINABILITY
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THE LOBBY
Inclusive
Exclusivity
Luxury experiences are often revered for their exclusivity, offering the fortunate few an opportunity to indulge in lavish getaways and one-of-a-kind encounters. Yet, regardless of price tag, hospitality and travel providers can still commit to being inclusive.
It is thought that 1.3 billion people globally experience disability, and their spending power – including that of family and friends – amounts to an estimated US$13 trillion. However, the stays and services that meet their needs are somewhat limited. In recognition of those delivering excellence, Inclu Group – a specialist in enabling travel for all – has launched Inclusive Luxury Hotels: the world’s first hotel discovery platform for disabled guests.
The venture features properties that have been comprehensively vetted and verified by IncluCare,
demonstrating a commitment to Inclu’s ‘Conscious Inclusivity’ approach. At its launch, the platform comprises 18 hotels across 10 countries, including Euphoria Retreat in Greece, Ximuwu Lodge in South Africa and Amilla in the Maldives –the latter being the first to achieve Inclu’s five-star rating. It also highlights the ‘En Route’ hotels that are embarking on their journey to becoming more accessible, and Inclu aims to expand this curated collection further still, with an anticipated 50 listings by the end of 2025.
Established in 2022, Verified by IncluCare was developed to encourage leadership and front-of-house teams to foster a culture of inclusivity for guests with mobility, sensory and neurodivergent exceptionalities. Now, by offering a curated collection of inclusive hotels, Inclu Group is well on its way to realising its vision of making luxury travel accessible to all.
Learning The Ropes
From research and reading to seminars and study groups, training for any career typically begins in the classroom. But what better way to learn than on the job?
Recognising the value of real-world experience, Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) has launched a first-of-its-kind hospitality training facility designed to accelerate professional development for junior managers and quality leaders. Situated in Lisbon’s Benfica district, Academy by LQA is a purpose-built luxury hotel simulation featuring a lobby, bar, restaurant and guestrooms, which serves as a realistic environment for trainees to practice and refine their skills.
“With the launch of our first-ever Academy, we continue our drive towards being a truly people-focused business, through empowerment, inspiration and expertise,” says CEO Edward Hooper. “Academy by LQA will create a new pathway for passionate hospitality professionals to grow and progress in an immersive and cooperative learning environment, led by our
exceptional UpFront by LQA training team. We’re excited to see Academy by LQA grow and evolve, along with the energetic students who pass through it.”
The facility will offer a new Accelerator Programme: a five-day, LQA-accredited certification that focuses on intuitive, guestcentric service excellence at the hotel-wide level. The holistic scheme seeks to equip participants with the mindset, leadership skills and operational expertise required to inspire teams, elevate the guest journey and drive meaningful change across all departments.
“We have created a challenging, comprehensive course that equips participants with the skills to train others in the LQA philosophy – by measuring performance, analysing data and taking meaningful action to elevate the guest experience,” concludes Diego Renda, Head of Training Development. “This is about creating leaders who will return to their hotels and transform service delivery from the inside out.”
Culture Curious
“Culture is as hard to define as beauty or taste, but we know it when we see it. It’s part of what takes us out of our homes and across the world,” writes Pico Iyer in the foreword to Culture, the second book in a multi-volume series from The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW). Produced by Phiadon and Monacelli, in close collaboration with New York-based media company The Slowdown, the 304-page hardback celebrates hospitality through the lens of traditions and artistry.
Organised geographically, more than 80 hotels from the LHW portfolio are featured, explored over multi-page spreads with visuals that showcase various cultural attributes, whether ancient craftsmanship, local cuisine or natural landscapes. From Mayan building traditions at Chablé in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, to the intricate crafts of Venetian artisans at Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, the tome demonstrates how local touches and age-old rituals create a memorable hospitality experience.
Accompanying text from tastemakers such as designer Bill Bensley, architect Richard Hassell, chef Andy Baraghani and British actor Stephen Fry, provide context into the beloved traditions, histories and cultures that breathe life into each hotel’s distinct offering.
passionately designing and delivering new build hotels rooted in culture and community @eprarchitects
Clockwise from top:
The BoTree, Maylebone
The Other House, Belgravia
The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush
The Resident, Farringdon
Shop. Sleep. Repeat.
Tristan Auer designs a luxurious shopping suite hidden inside an iconic Parisian department store.
From pop-ups to collaborations to branded merch, retail has become an increasingly important way for hotels to both generate revenue and enhance the guest experience, whether through a connection to the local community or a souvenir to remember a stay. Conversely, retail is now looking to the hospitality industry for inspiration, introducing hotel-style amenities that elevate the shopping experience.
In Paris, iconic department store Printemps Haussmann has introduced Suite Augustine, a personal shopping lounge envisioned by Tristan Auer – the designer behind hotels such as Carlton Cannes and Four Seasons George V in Paris. The 350m2 space is an ode to the French art de vivre and combines the intimacy of an apartment with the elegance of a luxury hotel. “My expertise in luxury hospitality over the past 25 years has allowed me to shape spaces as the ultimate celebration of intimacy – it’s my obsession,” says Auer. “The same goes for Suite Augustine, where the goal is to advise clients and guide them in their choices while maintaining the respectful distance of luxury service during fittings in the dressing rooms.”
Named after Printemps co-founder Augustine Jaluzot, the suite offers a discreet and intimate retail experience away from the hustle and bustle of the main store, with a dedicated team onhand to provide a la carte services, from personal shopping and concierge to on-demand dining and a curated programme of events.
Located on the sixth floor within one of the building’s rotundas, the rooms unfold in a cinematic sequence, from a flamboyant bar through to a lounge and fitting rooms. There’s even a private terrace offering 180-degree views across the Paris skyline.
The interiors are adorned with restored heritage frescoes and accompanied by select furniture pieces that showcase Auer’s sensitive approach to contemporary luxury. “It’s all about comfort, cocooning textures and soft lighting –in short, building trust. Interior architecture has that power, that mission,” concludes Auer. “Alongside this, there are more joyful, social and stimulating spaces that celebrate Parisian life. All wrapped up in a style that is cultured, chic and authentic.”
With an emphasis on ‘lifefriendly’ experiences, a new hospitality venture is a wholesome return to nature, rest and play.
The pace of modern life has led to hectic and demanding lifestyles, so there’s something to be said for pressing the reset button and going back to basics, whether that means an afternoon spent sketching the surroundings, quenching thirst with freshly squeezed orange juice or simply basking in the golden glow of the sunset.
This, at least, is the ethos behind Crafted – a new venture from Birch co-founder Chris King. Described as a collection of ‘life-friendly’ hotels and clubs, the brand seeks to offer a place where guests can recharge through the offerings of nature, food, wellbeing, craft, people and play.
Having identified friction points within the wider hospitality sector, Crafted has penned its own manifesto, outlining core values and intentions. It promises to give guests choice relating to room types, experiences and menus; encourage the uptake of new activities, sports, games or crafts; facilitate a return to nostalgic ideals of fun and play; and to prioritise comfort. Above all, Crafted has committed to create a place
for locals to adopt and regulars to return to, and to continuously learn, evolve and improve so that guests feel heard.
The much-anticipated debut property is slated to open in East Sussex later this year. Occupying a Grade II-listed country house, Crafted at Powdermills is set on a private lake fringed by wildflower pastures and ancient woodland. The 55 guestrooms are designed by House of Dré in a scheme inspired by nature, while the restaurant and bar will highlight seasonal and local produce. At the heart of the experience however, is the programming, ranging from cold-water dips and a lakeside saunas to yoga in the forest. There’s also a Craft Barn and Art Studio, serving as dedicated spaces to make and create.
Ultimately, Crafted is an exercise in returning to the fundamentals of the human experience. As its name suggests, the venture hinges on the freedom it grants its guests to craft their own experience, while providing the environment and opportunities essential to truly unwind.
Organic Character
Celebrated for its sculptural forms and with nature as a constant source of inspiration, Ohtake merges artistic expression with innovative functionality. This collection embraces the beauty of simplicity and the harmony of organic forms.
Ohtake Collection
In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, trends continuously revolve around the desires of one constant: the guest. Now, gaining an insight into the luxury traveller’s mind is made easier through Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ first ever Luxury Travel Report, a comprehensive study developed in partnership with The Harris Poll.
Conducted in early 2025 with 503 affluent travellers (defined as US-based adults with a household income of US$250,000+, total assets of US$1 million+ and spend at least US$10,000 on leisure travel in a typical year), the findings are optimistic for luxury hospitality. According to the report, recipients are planning an average of eight leisure trips this year and over half expect to spend more than in 2024, with nearly two-
Trending in Travel
Next up, the appetite for authenticity is driving a preference for curated stays. 92% of receipients believe that ‘the best luxury experiences feel effortless, but are thoughtfully designed behind the scenes’. Furthermore, 80% agree that interior design, music and sensory elements can elevate a stay as much as top-tier service.
History and culture is another important consideration for today’s affluent traveller, with 95% seeking experiences that immerse them in heritage. 74% opt for hotels with deep historical significance; 63% prefer historic preservation combined with modern conveniences; and when dining, 59% crave authentic dishes prepared with local ingredients.
Lastly, loyalty is an increasingly important
As guest demands shift in favour of authenticity, it’s up to the luxury travel sector to provide increasingly curated experiences.
thirds allocating US$25,000 to their travels. As such, luxury travellers want hotels to deliver immersive, distinctive experiences worthy of their investment. This is reflected in the report’s five trends shaping the future of luxury travel.
First on the list is the industry’s greatest threat: ‘beige-ification’. With nearly 70% of recipients agreeing that luxury hotels have lost their soul to standardisation, there’s an increased need for personalisation and the unique; guests seek the excitement of individuality, and won’t pay for accommodation that feels generic. Of greater concern is the 68% who believe that hotel design is ‘too focused on being Instagram-ready’.
Continuing the theme of one-of-a-kind experiences, the report highlights a continued desire for rare and authentic encounters, with 85% stating that insider connections unlock the most unforgettable travel moments, and 64% preferring to navigate a destination with advice from locals rather than AI-driven concierge services and digital guides.
currency against the backdrop of economic pressures and rising costs, with 82% of guests deeming loyalty programmes key to ensuring quality, and nearly two-thirds basing repeat bookings on positive past experiences. This loyalty is driven by personal touches and consistent excellence, granting peace of mind in where guests place their trust.
“The Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels & Resorts deepens our understanding of the ever-evolving desires of luxury travellers, which is a critical step in reinforcing authenticity and spotlighting the unique, curated experiences that can be found throughout our global portfolio,” concludes CEO Lindsey Ueberroth. “We are guided by an ethos that celebrates an independent spirit and transformative experiences, and we remain committed to delivering authentic, memorable stays through our ‘Believe in Travel’ ideology. Through the report, we hope to inspire meaningful experiences that resonate with the luxury travel set.”
The pioneering tourism destination on the west coast of Saudi Arabia unveils its newest resort, an architectural marvel where the natural world meets the futuristic.
There are few hotels that have the capacity to dazzle as much as Shebara. Located 25km off Saudi Arabia’s west coast, the new resort is one of the first to open in The Red Sea development, which, when complete, will be home to no fewer than 50 hotels. And it’s pushing the boundaries of hospitality design beyond anything that has come before.
There’s an otherworldliness to Shebara. Housed inside silvery orbs, the resort’s overwater villas appear to float above the turquoise waters. The beach villas, identical in design, sit on fine white sand along the beach that flanks Sheybarah Island. Looking at photography, it would be easy to believe that it’s all AI-generated, a creation of a particularly clever prompt to design a hotel 100 years in the future. But the reality is far more interesting.
Envisioned by Killa Design, the studio behind striking structures such as Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and Museum of the Future, the 73-key resort is an architectural marvel. Everything from the arrival pavilion to restaurants, spa and villas, is housed in one of the shimmering pods. Some are larger than others, but all have the same ethereal exterior that reflects
the sky and sea. Externally, the villas are designed to represent a string of pearls rising from the water. Each one is perfectly formed, seamlessly incorporating a living area, sleeping quarters and spacious bathroom. The exterior stainless steel casing was engineered through a unique process of double-bending and stretching to create mirrored façades, the likes of which have never been seen in a hospitality setting.
Each of the over-water orbs, including those housing public areas and restaurants, is cantilevered above the lagoon with only the supporting columns making contact beneath the waves. This not only minimises its impact on the fragile environment, but also creates the illusion that the villas are hovering above the water, a sensation that’s even more noticeable when out on the sun deck. “The result is an aerial accommodation pod that almost seems to defy gravity,” says Shaun Killa, founder of Killa Design. “It creates an observation platform for guests to witness the fish, birds and turtles that thrive in the area.”
The villas’ façades also create the illusion of being part of the landscape that surrounds them. “Shebara demonstrates how innovative architecture can
gracefully flow into nature, with orbs that reflect and refract light from the sky and sea to blend with the environment,” says Killa.
For Sebastian Carre, Group Head of Hospitality at Red Sea Global – the real estate developer behind the giga-project – the architecture makes a stay awesome, in the truest sense of the word: “The design of Shebara is so perfectly integrated into the natural setting that it never imposes its presence, but instead invites the sea, the marine life and the sky onto its own surfaces.” He believes the bold design creates a sense of theatricality, a stage where the architecture is the main character that plays with the audience’s feelings throughout the day. “Those moments when the impossibly blue lagoon and a pod of dolphins are reflected on the surface of your over-water villa is pure magic,” he says.
The 28,000km2 destination of The Red Sea has an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero operations, as well as being powered by 100% renewable energy upon its completion in 2030. As one of the first resorts in the destination, Shebara presented Killa with both a challenge and opportunity to design a next-generation
property aligned with the destination’s goals, treading as lightly as possible on the highly sensitive marine environment. As a result, Killa opted for off-site construction. “All of Shebara’s villas are entirely constructed and fitted-out elsewhere and shipped to site to plug-in to the solar-powered, zero-energy infrastructure,” he explains. “The construction methodology aims to preserve the natural environment of the island, minimising damage to marine life.” The extraordinary diversity of wildlife and coral in this part of the Red Sea are one of the main draws for guests at Shebara. While the resort offers snorkelling and diving excursions by boat, the colourful house reef at the foot of each villa is also home to a wide variety of fish. This biodiversity has served as inspiration for Rockwell Group’s designs for Shebara’s restaurants, lounges and spa, with the forms of coral, jellyfish, fish bones and seagrass all finding their way into interiors. There’s a softness in the internal spaces of the villas too. While the façades may be futuristic, interiors by Studio Paolo Ferrari feature a mix of textures like leather, wood and travertine. There are no sharp edges or angles here; the curved surfaces flow organically,
Restaurants and lounges by Rockwell Group are inspired by the forms of coral, jellyfish, fish bones and seagrass
creating a harmonious ambiance. “In all our projects, the dialogue between architecture and interiors is extremely important,” states Ferrari. “Our approach at Shebara leans into a quality of aerodynamics and movement.”
Ferrari and his team took inspiration from the craftsmanship of luxury yachts, creating a design language that simultaneously contrasts and complements the exterior. It’s anchored in what Ferrari describes as “craft and noble materiality”, maintaining a human quality while embracing the futuristic architecture that contains it. “There’s an overarching quality of restraint, yet the way in which these materials are used is extremely innovative and avantgarde,” he explains. “Conceptually, we wanted to ensure that the interiors feel connected to both the architecture and to nature, and the cocooning aspect was crucial too.”
Interior furnishings are custom designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari and contribute to the calming ambience. A crescent-like sofa follows the contours of the body. En suites feature a
sculptural bathtub by Apaiser, alongside a wellness shower from Gessi equipped with mood-boosting lighting. Even the faucets are on-brand, curvaceous in form and also from the Italian manufacturer’s refined collections.
Curtains tailored to fit the curvature of the ceiling open at the touch of a button, revealing a world outside where sky and sea blur into a continuous expanse of blue. Other buttons control the sculptural mini-bar, the concealed television and the expanse of floor-to-ceiling glass that slides to reveal the sun deck. But the high-impact drama is reserved for the infinityedge pools that almost blend into the horizon, where a raised circular daybed is ideal for lounging, taking in views of the reef, the sea and the chain of identical silver orbs that stretch off into the distance.
It’s a scene that’s completely dazzling, almost unbelievable in its juxtaposition of the natural and the futuristic, all part of a resort that is, arguably, one of the most architecturally ambitious in the world right now.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Developer: Red Sea Global Architecture: Killa Design
Interior Design: Studio Paolo Ferrari, Rockwell Group
In a region better known for algorithms than analogue charm, Treehouse Silicon Valley offers a refreshingly human counterpoint. For the brand’s third location and its first US outpost – positioned moments from Google’s sprawling Sunnyvale campus – owners Starwood Hotels looked to the town’s agrarian past, while channelling an ethos that prioritises nature, spontaneity and play.
The 254-key property is spread across a 6.5-acre site that once formed part of the valley’s orchard belt. And while the footprint is substantial, the scale feels anything but corporate. Through clever space-planning and landscape design, the hotel achieves a sense of intimacy that guides the guest experience. It doesn’t shout for attention. Rather, its appeal is quieter, rooted in moments of whimsy and calm that feel honest rather than engineered.
Starwood has borrowed an approach from its luxury sibling, 1 Hotels, yet dialled up the irreverence and warmth. And while this is all intentional, it works well. The hotel is likeable precisely because it feels less like a product and more like a personality. “We wanted to thoughtfully blend work and leisure to meet the evolving needs of today’s business traveller,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “Treehouse Silicon Valley strikes a rare balance. Its design invites curiosity, while its deep connection to community and nature gives it soul.”
Signature restaurant Valley Goat is adorned with woven hanging baskets and upcycled flea market finds
The hotel also strikes a balance between old and new as global architecture firm 10 Design utilised both the adaptive re-use of an 80s hotel and newbuild structures to create an urban oasis that draws on the area’s agricultural past. “Using the region’s historically rich agrarian past as a springboard, we imagined how an urban retreat within Silicon Valley might take shape and started planning a hotel with emotionally engaging experiences tucked away in an oasis of trees, topiaries and climbing trellises,” explains Matt Page, Associate Principal at 10 Design. “In place of glistening walls and glass boxes where people may feel a bit detached from the community at large, the design team created a series of intimate indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the site that inspire a sense of nostalgia and childlike wonder.”
Landscape architects Rios were commissioned to ground the wider campus in a sense of place that honours California’s agricultural heritage. Managing Studio Director Nate Cormier explains that the outdoor spaces were conceived as an “epicurean eclectic” landscape, a tribute to orchard groves, backyard gardens and native woodlands. The project team preserved 120 mature trees and added more than 300 new ones, including oaks, redwoods, toyon and many fruiting species. Foraging walks offer guests the chance to pick kumquats and huckleberries on their way to breakfast, while salvaged tree trunks from site clearing have been repurposed into sculptural furniture by Ponderosa Millworks. All in, over 20,000 new plants have been installed to maximise biodiversity and pollinator habitat.
A lush sunken pool area, conceived as a woodland swimming hole, is surrounded by mature elms and screened by ferns, jasmine vines and strawberry tree shrubs. A meadow-style events lawn is seeded with wildflowers and native grasses. And in the casual gathering space shared by the restaurant and beer garden, trellises and raised vegetable beds were woven by a local willow producer. At the guest suites, layers of lush and fragrant planting encourage dappled sunlight through from the patios and balconies.
Inside, New York-based studio Crème, under the direction
of Jun Aizaki, brings the Treehouse vision to life through spaces that are tactile, playful and layered. Working closely with Starwood’s in-house design team, Crème leaned into a palette of natural materials, mismatched furniture and found objects. “From the outset, the brief was clear: to create a place rooted in nature and storytelling, with room for both social gathering and retreat,” Aizaki shares. “We wanted everything to feel real, lived-in and joyful.”
Salvaged and reclaimed timbers, alongside patinated metals ground the hotel’s spaces, while bold wallcoverings and vibrant textiles from the likes of Phillip Jeffries and Erica Shamrock inject energy and character. The FF&E selection is a varied mix of salvaged and new, but even the newly specified pieces – such as seating from Palecek –are in keeping with the scheme, handcrafted from natural materials. Guestrooms, with names like Perch King and Clubhouse Suite, are comfortable and unfussy, featuring farm-style desks, deep soaking tubs, reading nooks and locally sourced snack bars. No two rooms are alike, and that’s entirely the point.
Both Aizaki and Cormier note that sustainability considerations were central to their respective briefs from the client. Adaptive re-use of existing buildings, alongside modular fabrication of new structures kept construction impact reasonably low, while careful interior material selection focused on local sourcing and low-VOC finishes. “Lighting and windows were also part of the sustainability strategy,” explains Aizaki “We looked for ways to bring in more natural light and improve energy efficiency, drawing from Passivhaus principles where we could.”
Like at 1 Hotels, sustainability and impact reduction is positioned as a central pillar of Treehouse’s brand values. Guest corridors offer filtered water stations to cut down on plastic. Kitchen and bar programmes follow zero-waste principles, and leftover food is donated to local non-profits.
Furthermore, nearly half of the site’s irrigation comes from reclaimed water, and all systems are fitted with weatherresponsive sensors. Biofiltration swales manage run-off and
restore natural hydrology, reducing the site’s infrastructural demands. And inside, lowflow fixtures and energy-saving mechanical systems work together to reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort or character. As Barry Sternlicht, founder of Starwood Hotels, puts it: “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about caring enough to do things differently. Sustainability can be joyful – it can be beautiful.”
Treehouse’s food and drink programmes are driven by local sourcing, minimal waste and maximum conviviality. The hotel’s kitchen gardens, edible landscaping and composting infrastructure further embed sustainability into the guest experience.
At the heart of the hotel is Valley Goat, the buzzy new restaurant from James Beard Awardwinner Stephanie Izard. Reflecting Izard’s globally inspired, shareable ethos, the menu is bold and unexpected: goat empanadas, chililime avocado dip, sticky toffee plantain cake. The space is adorned with handpainted portraits
of goats alongside upcycled flea-market finds. Other F&B venues include the all-day dining Backyard Café, which serves Bluestone Lane coffee and light bites, and The Beer Garden, an open-air playground with 32 taps, wood-fired plates and lawn games. There’s also a retail concept, Wonky Ones Market, selling quirky essentials and healthy snacks.
With plentiful events spaces dotted around the campus, and given its proximity to major tech headquarters, the hotel will do well from hosting conferences and serving as a place for the local community to gather. What’s surprising is that the property feels remarkably removed from the omnipresent buzz of screens and notifications. The lush grounds, fragrant plantings and sun-dappled pathways offer an immediate sense of calm. Almost as if guests are being gently reminded that life isn’t meant to be lived at full bandwidth. Treehouse Silicon Valley invites guests to slow down, wander and maybe even get a little lost. In a place defined by the future, it dares to revel in the present.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: Starwood Capital
Operator: Starwood Hotels
Architecture: 10 Design
Interior Design: Crème, Jun Aizaki
Architecture & Design
Procurement: HPG International
Art Consultant: Saatchi Art Landscaping: Rios www.treehousehotels.com
projects
XO Cape Arnna
FETHIYE
Melden Group unveils the flagship of its new brand, where multi-layered design and a carefully orchestrated spatial composition take guests on a journey of discovery.
Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of XO Collection (unless otherwise stated)
Türkiye is experiencing quite the surge in new hotel openings of late, with the transcontinental nation now ranking amongst the top ten development hotspots in the world, according to data from THP. Marriott, Hilton, Accor, IHG and Radisson have all doubled down on their commitment to the region, and while the likes of Istanbul, Bodrum and Antalya remain popular, lesser-known destinations are also attracting investment.
Homegrown players are expanding their portfolios too, capitalising on local knowledge and established relationships to develop authentic properties with a deeper sense of place.
For Melden-owned Liberty Hospitality Group, which has been a leading name in the tourism sector for over three decades, growth has long been on the cards. Yet rather than add to its existing brand, the Fethiye-based outfit has launched XO Collection – a new brand that is on a mission to redefine the all-inclusive stay by blending national heritage and time-honoured tradition with memorable experiences and contemporary design.
The flagship XO Cape Arnna made its debut in April, opening on the Turkish Riviera as two hotels in one: The Club, an adults-only sanctuary, and The Resort, dedicated to families of all ages. In total, the beachfront site spans 100,000m2 and comprises 530 guestrooms, 11 restaurants, a
spa, fitness centre and no less than 37 swimming pools, not to mention a water park, yoga studio, sports courts and an impressive kids club.
The destination has been envisioned by Yeşim Kozanlı Architecture & Interior Design, an Istanbul-based studio with a portfolio of hotel projects across the country. Having previously collaborated with Liberty Hospitality Group on two properties in Ölüdeniz, the team was tasked with helping shape the new brand. Working closely with the client – based locally in Fethiye – the brief was to develop a compelling design narrative that establishes a relationship with its surroundings. “In our first meeting with the investor, they shared their vision of creating a place that touches the region’s heritage, brings it into the present and establishes a meaningful connection with its guests,” explains studio founder Yeşim Kozanlı. “In the Bronze Age, this ancient geography was home to the Luwians and Lycians, known as people of the light. The culture of these civilisations provided a powerful backdrop to the project; our goal was to transform their values into a contemporary yet sensory spatial experience.”
The result is a sprawling resort characterised by the omnipresence of water, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor for the all-important connection to
nature. “Our starting point was the idea of creating a holistic experience that could be understood through the senses, one that stimulates all five of them,” Kozanlı continues. “We did not limit ourselves to visual aesthetics. Instead, we imagined an atmosphere where light, texture, sound, scent and movement work together in harmony; this sensory balance shaped both the relationship between spaces and their connection with nature.”
This approach is evident from the moment of arrival. The lobby, which serves both The Club and The Resort guests, is a voluminous space that plays with the senses. Towering sculptural ‘trees’ with carved trunks draw the eye upwards, where an installation of semi-transparent discs reflects the sun as it floods in through the skylight. Low-level furniture emphasises scale and proportion, while a series of artworks lining the upper perimeter add bold splashes of colour.
From here, the property unfolds across multiple buildings, taking guests on a journey of discovery as they explore. “We approached the hotel as a stage,” Kozanlı reveals. “Rather than being static, we treated it as a setting that plays host to constantly changing moments and experiences. Our design philosophy is based on a carefully orchestrated spatial composition: each area has its own rhythm, its own light, and its own material language, yet together, they form a harmonious whole.”
To the rear of the lobby, the journey continues along a charming boulevard lined with a mix of toy shops, bookstores and fashion boutiques, as well as casual eateries that spill out onto the pavement for al fresco dining. The central axis is a hive of activity, and much like an urban high street, each outlet has its
The vibrant array of F&B venues each have their own distinct identity defined by materials, lighting and spatial organisation, yet together, they form a harmonious whole
own individual identity. There’s Chai Mai Tea House and the adjoining Clementine Patisserie, designed in a dazzling array of colour and pattern alongside crisscross fretwork, arched mirrors and tasselled lampshades. And by evening, energy comes from the sports pub, where a masculine palette of exposed brick and dark wood make up the interiors.
“Differentiating the design of the F&B spaces was not just an aesthetic decision; it was a fundamental part of our strategy. Much like different instruments in a musical composition, each restaurant, bar and café was conceived as a unique instrument within the overall orchestration of the hotel,” says Kozanlı. “Our aim was to create unique experiential environments, where taste is not only on the palate, but felt through atmosphere, material language and storytelling.”
Mad Med, for example, is a market-style buffet that takes its inspiration from Lycian times. The placement of an olive tree as a focal point is multidimensional, referencing ancient civilisations and also serving as a sensory connection to nature. Further F&B offerings are spread across the site, on terraces and rooftops, poolside and by the beach: some operate as adultsonly venues, others are family-friendly, and there’s an array of cuisines and dining styles, catering to every taste and speciality. Kâfi’s is deep-rooted in Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage; Cucina dei Cugini is a traditional Italian taverna; Mucho Gusto offers an Argentinian steakhouse experience; and Sun Tzu celebrates the art of Asian cuisine. For The Club guests, there’s also The Duchess, born from Matild Palace in Budapest (under the same ownership as XO Collection), and multiple bars. Taking top billing is Rose Room – an alluring sanctuary decorated in pretty pink hues –
In guestrooms, forest-green area rugs by Futa Carpet add an earthy pop of colour, while digitally printed wallcoverings displaying leafy patterns are by HD Walls
and Alchemy Lab, where spirits and tinctures are displayed in pharmaceutical glassware and mixology is elevated to an art form.
“We did not design these venues merely as functional dining spaces; they are imagined as multisensory stages where the perception of taste, texture, light, scent and sound intersect,” Kozanlı asserts. “Each one carries a distinct atmosphere defined by materials, lighting and spatial organisation that reflects its culinary identity. In doing so, architecture and gastronomy come together to offer guests a deeply layered and memorable experience.”
To achieve this, the design team worked collaboratively on every detail, with input from art consultants and product suppliers. The same approach was taken across the property, including the accommodation. In The Club, the 143 guestrooms and suites are designed as sanctuaries, blending modern luxury with the natural beauty of the coastal surroundings. This translates to a neutral palette and natural materials such as wood, leather and stone.
Forest-green area rugs – custom-made by Futa Carpet – add an earthy pop of colour, while backlit wall art in the shape of leaves and ferns provide eye-catching accents. Also of note are the headboards, which neatly combine lighting and power sockets, and in some rooms are set against a feature wall that serves as a focal point. Displaying leafy patterns that convey a sense of movement, as if fluttering in the breeze, the custom pieces are by HD Walls –a specialist in digitally printed wallcoverings. The Istanbul-based company worked closely with Kozanlı to align with the overarching narrative, approaching the commission as a multisensory experience rather than solely a surface. A further connection to nature comes in the blurred lines between indoor and outdoor: all rooms are spacious and airy, with a living area and access to the outdoors, be it a private balcony with hot tub or a garden terrace; those on the ground floor even have swim-up access. The remaining 373 guestrooms occupy The Resort and cater to families of all sizes: categories
Elevating hotel projects worldwide with our vibrant designs, luxurious textures, and bespoke style tailored to each taste. From Turkiye to the global stage, we transform your hotel rooms into iconic spaces.
Dream big and let us cra unforgettable experiences in each interior space.
include triple rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and the Grand Family Suite spanning 115m2 – all in close proximity to family-friendly facilities such as the water park, splash pool and kids club – the latter worth a special mention for both its amenities and design. With an animation studio, mini beauty salon and junior chef stations, as well as themed play zones and an arts and crafts area, the state-of-the-art facility goes far beyond the typical kids’ club – there’s even a greenhouse to pick fresh fruit for a healthy snack. The immersive universe has been designed by 3Moms, a Turkish studio that focuses exclusively on spaces for children, with the aim of encouraging fun and engagement while nurturing skills such as digital literacy and creative thinking. And the inspiring interiors are a true visual feast: there’s a strong emphasis on natural materials and organic forms, and every detail – from the colour palette and lighting to the furniture – has been carefully considered to ensure children feel comfortable, safe and free to explore.
Further facilities across the property include a spa with Turkish hammams, a bio-sauna and salt room, and there’s an outdoor amphitheatre for live shows and entertainment. The daily programme of events is extensive too, spanning kite-making and trapeze to tribal belly-dancing and padel. Yet despite such services and a sizeable key count, there are moments of quiet: the shade of a palm tree beside a meandering pool, or up on a terrace overlooking the action – all made possible through the vision of a creative owner and the thoughtful composition of architecture, interiors and landscaping.
For Kozanlı, the greatest challenge came in ensuring a cohesive narrative across the diverse array of spaces. The designer talks passionately about the choreography of the transitions and changing rhythm from space to space, describing the property as a living organism. “XO Cape Arnna is not just a hotel, it’s a multilayered journey,” she concludes. “It leaves a mark in the memory and invites discovery with every encounter.”
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: Melden Group
Operator: Gülmete Turizm Yatırımları Anonim Şirketi
Architecture: Parlakdağ Mimarlık
Interior Design: Yeşim Kozanlı
Architecture & Interior Design, 3Moms
Art Consultant: Art BTG
Lighting Design: OnOff
Landscaping: Tülay Tosun Design Studio www.xocollection.com
Cabin Suites Sea Containers
LONDON
A series of new suites at a riverside landmark transport guests to the glamorous days of transatlantic passage.
Taking inspiration from its waterfront location and storied past, Sea Containers London has launched four new suites, each with a distinct design aesthetic.
Having taken ownership of the property in 2019, Lore Group has been working to enhance and elevate the property, be it partnering with drinks brands at its riverside terrace, or building on the original scheme by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio. Perched on the banks of the River Thames like a transatlantic ocean liner run aground, the hotel features nautical details interpreted through a modern lens, from the chain link sculpture that anchors the lobby, through the porthole motifs in the bathrooms to curved copper walls that recall the hull of a 19th century clipper. In envisioning the new suites, Lore Group’s Creative Director Jacu Strauss has looked to eras of Sea Containers past, namely Edwardian, Art Déco, Mid-Century and – in a flamboyant nod to the 1980s US TV drama – Dynasty.
Each ‘cabin’ has been created through the combination of two former guestrooms. London-based EPR Architects, which led the conversion to hotel use in 2014 when it originally launched as a Mondrian, was once again appointed to the project. Working with Strauss through the development and technical design stages, their role involved overseeing
the reconfiguration of spaces, as well as implementing the designs during construction. Other key partners include procurement specialist Benjamin West, project manager Spirited Projects, and main contractor Aureum Interiors.
“We worked closely with the architect and interior designer to ensure building-wide compliance was achieved throughout, and to bring Lore Group’s concept to reality,” says Edward Kent, Managing Director of Aureum Interiors.
“Our experience in delivering luxury five-star projects was essential when tackling build challenges, particularly incorporating vintage items into the scheme. It was an ambitious 16-week programme to deliver four individual rooms on the 15th floor of a live hotel. Through positive collaboration and teamwork, we worked with all stakeholders to deliver these unique and nostalgic spaces on schedule.”
The resulting suites bring a new aesthetic to the property. Vintage and antique pieces from the relevant time period – sourced almost exclusively from Vinterior – along with appropriate book collections selected by Phaidon define the different eras. The Edwardian Cabin Suite captures the early 1900s heyday of luxury transatlantic travel. You can picture the captain of an ocean liner inhabiting these woodpanelled quarters, sat behind the kidney-shaped mahogany
desk perusing nautical charts. A floor lamp with in-built marble table adorns the living area, and in the bathroom, a copper tub sits beneath a triptych of framed paintings depicting sailships from days gone by. A similar painting on a larger scale provides a focal point behind a bottle-green upholstered sofa in the living area.
The Art Déco Cabin Suite is a space of curved walnut furnishings set against sharp geometric angles. Here, the bathroom features a chromefinish freestanding tub sat against white marble tiling alongside fluted glass shower panels and geometric mirrors. Pre-loved floor lamps and a 1930s sofa have been meticulously restored and re-upholstered by Lore’s in-house design team.
The Mid-Century Cabin Suite reflects the evolution of marine design through the late 1950s and 1960s – particularly the influence of classic Danish design on ships being built at that time. Mid-Century Modern pieces sourced by Vinterior include Italian wall lights and a modernist Danish powder-blue teak sofa and armchair set. In the bedroom, chrome accents
to the bedside tables and wall lamps contrast with the wood panelled headboard, while a traditional diver’s helmet in yellow adds a humorous element.
The Dynasty Cabin Suite is the most kitsch of the spaces with a whimsical tongue-in-cheek look inspired by the American soap’s camp interiors and duelling wives, Alexis and Krystle Carrington. A voluptuous Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti is sheathed in white leather, complemented by a ceramic floor lamp and a Curvasa Muebles coffee table in lucite and glass.
“We wanted each cabin suite to capture these pivotal design eras while still feeling modern and elevated,” says Strauss. “We’ve been able to do that through the considered use of colour, texture, furniture and signature architectural details that ruled each age.”
He concludes: “Contrary to a home-awayfrom-home hotel experience, these new cabin suites offer an emotive and immersive stay that transports guests to the glamorous days of transatlantic passage.”
Auberge Resorts Collection expands in Europe, transforming an educational institute into a Tuscan retreat that preserves Florentine history.
Words:
Housed in a complex of three Renaissance-era buildings dating back to the 16th century that were latterly one of Florence’s most prestigious schools, Collegio alla Querce is Auberge Resorts Collection’s fourth European property, joining hotels in Geneva, Santorini and the French municipality of Massignac. It has been developed in conjunction with owner-investor Leeu Collection, whose founder Analjit Singh is an entrepreneur with interests spanning healthcare, insurance and senior living.
Its location is truly enviable, perched atop a hill overlooking Florence’s fabled historic centre, where the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo learnt their craft as apprentices, and rival banking dynasties such as the Medici, Pazzi and Strozzi families financed the creation of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Looking down from the hotel’s many vantage points, the skyscape is littered with countless architectural treasures – the Duomo, the Uffizi Galleries, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and the gardens of Boboli and Bardini.
Collegio alla Querce offers quick and direct access to the Centro Storica via a 20-minute stroll down one of Florence’s main arteries, yet it is also an urban sanctuary, providing a peaceful retreat from the main tourist areas and their overcrowded streets. Tucked away on a cypress-lined avenue and nestled within four levels of artfully landscaped Baroque garden terraces, the feel is more that of a Tuscan country manor than a former educational institute, and the college
Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of Auberge Resorts
Interiors are a considered balance of meticulous restoration – original handpainted frescoes, marble staircases and terrazzo floors –enhanced with subtle modern interventions
that once stood here was named in reference to the soaring ancient oak trees that take root in its grounds.
Interiors are by local firm Arch Florence, working in close conjunction with Auberge Resorts’ Chief Creative Officer Kemper Hyers and his team, while Cape Townbased garden designers Watson Pellacini planted and landscaped the grounds. The approach has been a considered balance of meticulous restoration – original handpainted frescoes, marble staircases and terrazzo floors – enhanced with subtle modern interventions.
“This isn’t just a hotel – it’s a living piece of history,” says Marketing Manager Francesca Greco. “We’ve preserved the original 16th-century frescoes and the building’s soul, keeping spaces that echo its past as a noble villa and prestigious school. Every detail tells a story of the building’s rich academic heritage.”
The 83 guestrooms and suites are each individually designed, combining Renaissance art with contemporary Italian design. Antiques and original artworks sit against a backdrop of silk wallpapers, locally sourced materials, rich deep fabrics and modern furnishings from the likes of Paolo Castelli. Room sizes are generous, windows frame picture-
perfect views of the city below, and bed linens are the finest Italy has to offer.
The headmaster’s office, where less well-behaved pupils might have found themselves, has been reimagined as a sophisticated cocktail bar, named Bar Bertelli in reference to a former principal of the collegio. It has a library-like feel, with oil portraits of former pupils peering down over book-lined shelves and antique globes. The menu has a suitably academic influence too, spanning science, chemistry and history. Guests can enjoy a cocktail-making masterclass exploring the history of the negroni, reputedly invented in Florence at Caffé Casoni when the Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender to strengthen his favourite Americano cocktail by replacing the soda water with gin.
The main restaurant at the heart of the property, La Gamella, offers a convivial yet upmarket dining experience. Local ingredients such as Parma ham, Parmigano Reggiano, plump sun-ripened tomatoes and traditional San Lorenzo Tuscan bread define the breakfast buffet, along with à la carte options such as eggs Fiorentina and Italian favourites including
frittata and ricotta pancakes. The dinner menu is a contemporary take on classic pasta primi and protein-focused secondi, while the adjacent bar celebrates the amaro bitters. At the time of Sleeper’s visit, the 35m outdoor pool and its adjacent Café Focalare were yet-to-open, but will no doubt become a prime spot to enjoy sunset spritzes and aperitivo come summer.
There’s a good mix of public spaces too. At the heart of the hotel, a spacious library-lounge has been beautifully composed in what was once an outdoor courtyard, now sheltered beneath a frosted-glass ceiling. It is richly layered with sculptural pieces, assorted objets, heavyweight art books and terracotta-potted young oak trees. In Il Teatro – the school’s original theatre, complete with wraparound balcony and proscenium arch stage – careful restoration and technical upgrading have created an arena for classical music and operetta performances. And the former chapel is now La Capella, a flexible events space characterised by a green marble floor and dark coffered ceiling.
Guests seeking sanctuary can unwind at Aelia, a serene spa for wellbeing and rejuvenation, where treatments have been developed in partnership with Sicilian brand Furtuna Skin and use olives and botanicals from an 800-acre farm for a nature-driven experience.
The transformation of Collegio alla Querce from educational institution to luxury retreat offers a rare opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Florentine history. “Florence is one of Europe’s most historic and treasured cities, and Collegio alla Querce, with its rich history and character, is the perfect addition to our one-of-a-kind portfolio,” concludes Christian Clerc, President and CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection. “Collegio alla Querce has long been a Florence icon and an integral part of the fabric of this globally beloved city. We look forward to welcoming the local community and guests to this extraordinary property, where they can experience the best of Tuscan culture, gastronomy and Auberge’s singular hospitality.”
Drawing inspiration from its forest foundations, a Georgian landmark is reborn, introducing sensitive luxury to London.
From the flowery verses of William Mason and Vita Sackville-West to the sweeping landscapes of John Constable and JMW Turner, the English garden has long served as a source of inspiration for creatives throughout history, including the designers behind the newly reopened Montcalm Mayfair in London.
Set back from the hustle and bustle of Marble Arch and Oxford Street, the Autograph Collection hotel stands on what was once the ancient Forest of Middlesex, before it was cut down and replaced by a crescent of Georgian townhouses that eventually became Montcalm Marble Arch. Following the successful revamp of Montcalm East in Shoreditch in 2021, Precis Advisory – the real estate company also responsible for Inhabit Hotels – closed the doors on the Montcalm Collection flagship, ready to embark on a twoyear refurbishment project spearheaded by Director Nadira Lalji and Head of Hotels Samantha van Exter. “After working on Montcalm East and the first two Inhabit Hotels, we became more confident and experienced with the process of redeveloping,” explains Lalji. “It was only then that we felt ready to tackle the flagship Montcalm, rethinking it from a design, brand and sustainability perspective.”
First on the agenda was re-assessing the hotel’s definition of luxury, which resulted in a new concept for the collection, as Lalji explains: “Sensitive luxury involves a bespoke, sensitive approach to everything from the guest experience to design, to the community that we work with, and to our guests, as well as our team.”
Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: Courtesy of Montcalm Collection
When it came to translating this concept of sensitive luxury into a new visual identity for the hotel, Lalji turned to some familiar faces starting with Anne Rogers, founder of Amsterdam-based consultancy Culture A, having worked with her previously on Montcalm East. Rogers set out weaving together a holistic narrative that was then shared with the individual creative studios tasked with bringing the vision to life through the exterior, interiors, brand narrative and visual identity. “Sensitive luxury is about restraint, intentionality and craft,” explains Rogers. “There’s no excess here – every element is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of quiet, cultivated luxury, where sustainability and craftsmanship are as important as aesthetics. The goal was to create a hotel that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with a modern, narrative-led approach to design. That meant preserving key features, while introducing new, thoughtful elements that bring a contemporary refinement and deeper storytelling.”
One such preserved feature is the hotel’s Grade II-listed Georgian façade, which was damaged in World War II and rebuilt in the 1970s. East London-based architecture firm Holland Harvey was enlisted to retain the historical integrity of the exterior, whilst introducing an infill extension that houses an additional 15 guestrooms and suites, and a modern mansard that emulates the traditional roofscape of Marylebone. Incorporating cast glass and pigmented concrete panels, the extension façade creates a chequerboard effect of solid and translucent elements that provide privacy while still allowing daylight in. “Holland Harvey’s architectural approach mirrors the hotel’s values: rooted in heritage but designed for today. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, where the elegance of
the past meets the contemporary desire for light, space and openness,” notes Rogers. “By bringing the outside in and offering views of the lush greenery that surrounds the property, the architecture enhances the connection between nature and luxury.”
This connection between nature and luxury is central to the overarching design narrative, which Rogers calls ‘The Garden’ in homage to the area’s ancient forest origins and Georgian garden heritage. The botanical backstory also plays into Montcalm Collection’s broader sustainability efforts, namely that every hotel will be B Corp-certified by 2026. Thus, thoughtful design choices, sustainable materials and ethical practices reflect the hotel’s dedication to sustainability.
Alongside this, Culture A has infused the essence of five characters that represent the diverse cultural history of both the building and the neighbourhood, including British social reformer Elizabeth Montagu, violin virtuoso George Bridgetower, Australian operatic soprano Dame Nellie Melba, French Royal Army officer the Marquis of Montcalm, and British educator and florist Constance Spry. These ideas are reflected not only in the interiors but in the textures, colours, sounds and scents throughout the hotel, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in a calming environment by gently stimulating the senses.
For example, upon entry into the hotel, guests are immediately greeted by a bespoke blend of rose and tobacco. The ground floor, which previously comprised several partitioned rooms, has been opened up to create an expansive lobby that seamlessly flows into the lounge, bar and restaurant. Studio Est has cultivated a residential atmosphere by layering natural materials such as oak and inlaid marble by StoneCircle with
bespoke pieces produced by social-impact businesses, from handmade naturally felledwood furniture from Goldfinger Factory to embroidered linen accessories made by refugee artists through SEP. “It was important that the spaces don’t feel overly formal, but rather inviting, refined and inherently comfortable,” explains Louise East, founder of Studio Est. “The aim was to balance the grandeur of the Georgian structure with a quieter, contemporary elegance that guests feel as soon as they enter.”
As such, original Georgian columns are offset by low-slung sofas and velvet bucket chairs in shades of olive and terracotta, with foliage dotted in between. “We were particularly inspired by the legacy of Constance Spry, a British educator and floral designer who reimagined what flower arranging could be in the early 20th century,” reveals East. “Her ethos of natural, organic beauty guided our approach.”
This influence can be seen in the sculptural lighting, bespoke textiles and floral motifs that appear across the public spaces. For example, chandeliers in the bar mimic the shape of flower buds, adding a sculptural softness to the space, while a handpainted mural by Will Foster depicts an ethereal garden scene that dances across the ceiling.
The mural is one of 800 antique, modern and contemporary artworks on display throughout the hotel that were sourced or commissioned by Culture A. “The art collection is an essential layer in the storytelling,” notes Rogers. “Every work was chosen or created to resonate with the hotel’s characters and the overarching garden theme.” For example, in The Library –a guest-only lounge for higher-category suite occupants – there is a gallery wall showcasing portraits of the hotel’s five signature characters created following a call to artists from London’s
Studio Est has cultivated a residential atmosphere across the public spaces by layering StoneCircle marble with bespoke wood furniture by Goldfinger Factory
created following a call to artists from London’s fine art institutes. “These moments of artistry add texture and meaning to the guest journey, offering them opportunities to pause and reflect,” she continues.
The ground floor is also home to allday brasserie Lilli by Akira Back, where the Michelin-starred chef blends his Korean heritage with Japanese techniques to offer his own interpretation of British cuisine. From Back’s signature Wagyu pizza to white kimchitopped beef Wellington, theatrical dishes are served against a backdrop of textured emerald walls, Verdi Alpi marble tiles and a gold coffered ceiling, inside which hangs a bespoke Dernier & Hamlyn installation comprising 150 individual lampshades. “Lilli was designed as a bold yet harmonious contrast to the rest of the hotel,” explains East. “It’s a space that feels intimate, but with a sense of drama.”
The adjacent bar meanwhile is characterised by soothing cream and terracotta tones with an illuminated, fluted glass gantry overhead.
Hidden within the wood panelled bar front are fanned carvings in a subtle nod to the nearby Marble Arch – a motif that reappears throughout the interiors, from the piping on the bar stools through to the lobby lifts. The F&B offer is complemented by Bloom, an intimate private dining room featuring wooden bookshelves and a grand marble fireplace over which presides a vibrant painting by Lilia OrlovaHolmes depicting an orange tree. Overhead, a handpainted mural by Camille Rousseau further enhances the ambiance with botanical artistry. Delicate details continue in the guestrooms and signature suites, where Studio Mica has designed bespoke wallpaper to line the wardrobes with specially commissioned poetry hidden within. The same care and attention to detail was paid to space planning. “The layout challenges convention,” reveals Abigail Kendler, Co-Director at Studio Mica. “The bed is positioned by the window, allowing a generous living area to greet guests on entry. Oversized banquettes serve a dual purpose as occasional
Lilli by Akira Back is crowned by a bespoke Dernier & Hamlyn installation comprising 150 individual lampshades
and traditional desks have been removed in favour of a more fluid, balanced approach to work and leisure.”
A base palette of mushroom and taupe is offset with vibrant pops of the same terracotta or moss green found downstairs. Curved headboards and Italian Frette bed linens are accompanied by handcrafted rattan trays and tissue boxes from Burma-based company Kalinko, while a framed sleep poem written by students from Goldsmiths and illustrated by Swedish artist Petra Borner serves as a nod to Georgian literature. A continuation of calm, en suites are adorned with warm bronze fittings and ambient amber lighting, set against a luxurious backdrop of Calacatta Gold marble.
The Parlour Suite pays homage to Elizabeth Montagu’s legendary salon culture, featuring rare works by Joan Miró, while the Drawing Room Suite houses a carefully curated collection of lithographs and modern artworks. The standout however, is the Botanical Suite; spread across three wood-panelled rooms, the ground-
floor residence is complete with a lounge and dining table featuring works by artist Camille Rousseau, as well as a private street entrance unlike any other hotel in London.
Solidifying the hotel’s status as a serene sanctuary in the heart of an urban metropolis is the subterranean Yatra spa, offering a holistic wellness experience inspired by both ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and London’s multicultural heritage. Also envisioned by Studio Est, the spa’s soothing stone surfaces cultivate an air of tranquillity that is complemented by a soundscape created by London studio MindFidelity using recordings from various British woodlands.
“Montcalm Mayfair is curated to unfold like a narrative – to be explored rather than simply occupied,” concludes Rogers, as she reflects on her carefully crafted design narrative. “This connection to nature, history and creativity enhances the overall sense of luxury – one that is rooted in authenticity, sustainability and the beauty of the natural world.”
WHERE HOSPITALITY MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP – DEFINING LUXURY
INTERIORS
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To speak to us about your next project, get in touch with Vanessa Budd, Business Development Director: vbudd@becklondon.uk
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Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
SINGAPORE
Precedent-setting regenerative design by WOW Architects invites a deeper connection with the rainforest of Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: Courtesy of Banyan Group
Nature is so embedded in the DNA of Singapore’s first Banyan Tree resort that its lead designer speaks of the built form eventually being absorbed back into the rainforest. As the only hotel in the Garden City’s 126-hectare integrated Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree seeks to turn the relationship between humanity and nature on its head, as Chiu Man Wong, co-founder of WOW Architects and Warner Wong Design explains: “At the proposal stage of this project, which was in the pipeline for 15 years, everyone was talking about sustainability but we wanted regenerative design, repairing and restoring nature with a build that would be absorbed into its natural home. Singapore is a City in Nature but here, the paradigm is reversed. The resort contains the humans and we are the ones making way for nature and animals.”
This bold vision, led by Chiu Man and his late wife, architect Maria Warner Wong, begins with the climbing Liana vine native to tropical forests and known for its creeping quality. It is one of the main sources of inspiration for the architecture, which branches out, quite literally, into the surrounding rainforest, seemingly with no fixed façade, already partially disguised by vines, flora and fauna.
Undulating pathways intentionally mimic the terrain beneath. The resort is surrounded by a type of haha wall, which provides a natural corridor for the lizards, boar, monkeys and other animals to wander, uninterrupted by humans.
Once home to Singapore Zoo’s animal hospital, the site is characterised by two towering trees, a 12m Rain Tree on one side and Indian Beech on the other. The project team, which included ecological, environmental and conservation specialists, went to extraordinary lengths to protect as many trees as possible, even from lightning strikes, returning more to the site than were cut down, and recycling any that fell from the forest. This waste-not-want-not philosophy is an important factor in the destination’s integrated environmental strategy, its 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to typical benchmarks, earning it the title of Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum first-ever Super Low Energy (SLE) resort. Chiu Man observes that the project became a testbed of sorts for new building codes to accommodate this type of technically challenging eco-build.
On the hospitality side, the operating partner is
renowned Singaporean brand Banyan Group, which surprisingly, has not had a hotel base in its home city until now. Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to Singapore’s last notable patch of pristine tropical forest, as well as the glistening waters of the Upper Seletar Reservoir, makes perfect sense for the flagship brand’s sustainability ethos.
“This opening marks Banyan Group’s inaugural property in Singapore, a symbolic homecoming,” says Glen Cook, the resort’s General Manager. “Our 4.6-hectare resort is the first to be nestled in the world-leading nature and wildlife destination of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offering easy access to renowned parks like Singapore Zoo, Night Paradise and Bird Safari, and providing unique experiences for a deeper appreciation of biodiversity. This ethos aligns with Banyan Group’s values.”
All parties involved – and there are a lot of stakeholders, including the Singapore government – wanted the resort to be a once-in-a generation project promoting stewardship for the environment and reconnection with nature on its terms. In conceiving the architecture, WOW’s lead design team
Inviting open-air living, each treehouse features a private patio furnished with Mood daybeds and armchairs designed by Studio Segers for Tribù
became experts in the different layers of a jungle, understanding the interdependencies of species and the symbiosis within the ecosystem. This approach is mirrored by the resort design, so where possible the building is elevated several metres above the ground to protect soil and fungi in the forest floor’s microbial layer. These different forest layers are also portrayed in digital art murals by Donna Ong, in biologically correct artistic depictions that relate to the corresponding floor on which guestrooms are situated. These murals were then printed onto specially formulated plaster walls that resist tropical damp for longevity.
As part of the resort’s accommodation offering, there are 24 striking treehouses designed to resemble seed pods among the upper canopy, complete with private patios that invite open-air living and maximise natural ventilation through Passive Displacement Ventilation technology. The successional planting strategy, including Liana vines that hang from a fencing substrate winding its way around the site, should eventually lead to the treehouses being absorbed by the forest. Up in this canopy, treehouse guests have access to their own private meditative pool, shaped
like a bird’s nest opening harmoniously in the sky. The lagoon resort pool had to be placed on the top level of the building too because conservationists did not want a chlorinated body of water on a level where animals could access it.
“I’m not keen on biophilic design as a description for what we’ve tried to achieve because it doesn’t speak enough to the issues,” reveals Chiu Man. “This project is about the relationship that human beings should have with nature – it’s generational, ecological and educational.”
The open-air lobby is an engineering marvel, with the compressed structure used to create natural air flow, the two aforementioned towering trees serving as bookmarks for elevator cores and the ceiling characterised by mathematically derived voronoi tessellations that reflect cell structures. Lighting, including grow lights for planting, are highly controlled and designed with particular colour wavelengths so as not to disturb animals at night, with mirrored panels providing a whimsical moment for self reflection. Sofas designed by WOW and made by Stellar Works are positioned like boulders, while further seating includes pieces by Poltrona Frau alongside handcrafted
monkey pod chairs made from fallen trees by Singaporean duo CushCush. With the inner core of trees recycled as furniture and engineered wood planks, Chiu Man describes how the bark too became a living embodiment of the team’s approach, upcycled and reused in the patterned concrete panels casted with bespoke foamwork that enliven resort walls.
The ecological theme is carried through to the interiors. Rooms feature birds’ nest-shaped mesh pendant lighting and cocoon pendants that appear to dance with fireflies, rugs in the shades and patterns of the forest, artisanal weave-textured wallcoverings and mini-bars shaped like tiffin boxes. In the bathrooms, Bangalore stone was selected for its subtle tiger stripe, while verdi stone countertops mirror the colours of the reservoir’s waters, accompanied by sanitaryware from Toto. Throughout the resort, beautiful metal door handles bring to mind tree trunks, vines and even ladybirds.
A steel spiral staircase with the contours of animal vertebrae cascades down from the
lobby to all-day dining venue, The Planter’s Shed, which is soon to be filled with plants in its conservatory-like environment. Fine dining is catered for at Forage, an eatery positioned at the top of the resort, with incredible views of the reservoir and adorned by species-relevant stone carvings by Richard Lewis and marble-veined tabletops that evoke tree branches. As with all Banyan Tree resorts, a signature spa forms an integral part of the guest experience, with this sanctuary including spa treatment pods that highlight eco-awareness through a form inspired by the scales of the Sunda Pangolin.
“As we progressed through the project, we gradually came to the slow realisation that we were building something unique,” reflects Chiu Man. “At the time, my wife Maria was one of the few female architects pushing regenerative design; all her thought leadership points were incorporated,” he concludes. “I’m proud we were able to achieve this and that the outcome of the experiences here will contribute to people’s awareness and perceptions.”
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: Mandai Wildlife Group
Operator: Banyan Group
Architecture and Interior Design: WOW Architects / Warner Wong Design
Environmental Design Consultant: Atelier Ten Asia
Art Consultant: Donna Ong
Engineering: Arup Singapore
Landscaping: Henning Larsen www.banyantree.com
Fairmont Golden PRAGUE
Following a multi-million-euro renovation, a 70s Brutalist landmark is reborn as a luxury hotel, rich in Modernist moments and Czech artistry.
Words: Rick Jordan • Photography: Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (unless otherwise stated)
The Czech capital is known for the soaring spires and towers of its historic centre, so beautiful and wholly individual that it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993 – much of it part of the medieval urbanism that spread here in the 14th century. From the Gothic splendour of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Church of Our Lady Tyn; to the Old Town Astronomical Clock, where crowds gather to watch ‘the skeleton of death’ strike the hour.
Not so well known to visitors, perhaps, is the Brutalist classic that rose on the banks of the River Vltava between 1968 and 1974. The InterContinental Prague, as it was known then, was a vision in concrete designed by Czech architect Karel Filsak, and brought a frisson of Western-style glamour to a city shrouded in drab Communism. The first five-star hotel in Eastern Europe, it was used to accommodate Pan Am customers, along with visiting politicians and celebrities including Ray Charles and Elton John. Its façade featured ribbon windows and was partially clad in striking vertical ceramic tiles by sculptor Zbyněk Sekal, while its pavilionlike interior displayed artworks by some of the leading Czech artists of the time. Crowning the building was the top-floor Zlata Praha restaurant, its windows providing guests with uninterrupted views of the Old Town cityscape.
After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, the fall of the Iron
Curtain and the country’s peaceful split from Slovakia to become the Czech Republic, the hotel continued to draw in famous names such as Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson and Margaret Thatcher. But it was on a downward spiral, passing through a succession of disparate owners who each made alterations to the original design. In 2019, though, it was bought by three Czech entrepreneurs who had grown up with the building and had ambitious plans to rescue it, restore it to its former glory and reposition it as the centre of a new riverside hub for the city.
“The condition of the building was disastrous in all respects,” reveals Fiona Thompson, Principal at London-based Richmond International, responsible for most of the interiors. “Anyone driving along the waterfront in recent years would have seen there was little of it left.” When the project began six years ago, the sheer scale of the rebuilding hadn’t quite been appreciated. Prague-born practice TaK Architects had to remove and replace large
sections of the façade and concrete supports, and found that most of Sekal’s original tiles had been irreversibly damaged. Finding the right manufacturer to make replicas – right down to the same glossy surface of the glaze – was a two-year process with a family-owned factory in Kadan making hundreds of samples and dozens of test firings. The end result is a building that is almost a facsimile of the original – on the outside, at least.
“As we uncovered the story of the building’s creation, we came to the conclusion that the important aspect was not only to renew, but to continue the narrative,” notes Thompson. “We didn’t just want to return the building to its 1960s-70s state, but looked for ways to connect it to the current generation of artists. Many of the spaces follow the poetry of Brutalist architecture, a dialogue of handsome structural concrete and glass. The ballroom, for example, was irreversibly damaged and had to be rebuilt from the ground up, while the majority of other spaces are otherwise brand new.”
Surrounded by Mid-Century-style chairs, the lobby is anchored by a double-sided marble fireplace
Performance wrapped in Perfection.
Elegant curves enhance your guest rooms, where natural balance reveals every note in breath-taking detail.
THE
ART OF LISTENING
Spending time around Fairmont Golden Prague, guests are struck by the interplay of light and shadow, the pleasing angularity of it all and the sheer sense of linear space. Texture and materials provide points of interest rather than ornamental colour. Below the long, cantilevered canopy roof of the lobby stands two concierge desks fashioned from glass bricks. Past lowslung Mid-Century-style chairs and a doublesided fireplace, the lobby bar is illuminated with a flurry of pill-shaped lights – named Coocoo’s Nest in honour of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest director, the Czech-born Miloš Forman. One of the owners is an avid collector of Communist-era film posters, some of which are on display here. A substantial wellness area has also been created, lined with wood and with the city’s only indoor-outdoor pool flowing through sliding doors to the landscaped terrace.
The ground floor also houses a new all-day café, Greenhouse, with a Josper-fuelled menu celebrating Czech beer culture, which segues into the Kafka brasserie – named not for the
famous writer but for artist Čestmír Kafka, whose angular 70s wooden sculptures adorn the ceiling. Up on the top floor, the Zlata Praha restaurant remains – it’s now a fine-dining venue where chef Maroš Jambor experiments with Central European ingredients – though has been joined by a neighbouring bar, Golden Eye, with views over the river and castle.
The guestrooms meanwhile, have been designed as spacious sanctuaries, thanks to a reduction in key count from 372 to 320. Interiors echo the Brutalist architecture – a lot more comfortable than it sounds – with a palette of stony hues and geometric-patterned fabrics. The centrepiece is a sliding door between bedroom and bathroom, handmade in coloured glass in a collaboration between TaK Architects and Czech glassmaker Lasvit, its abstract molten pattern formed in the kiln.
“Chandeliers and glass were one of the most important attributes of the hotel at the beginning,” notes Thompson. “Their makers are among the spiritual fathers of Czech glass;
The centrepiece in each guestroom is a sliding glass door with an abstract molten pattern created in collaboration between TaK Architects and Lasvit
their works survived and have been carefully restored. For new pieces, such as the bedside lamps, we worked not only with partners such as Lasvit, but small artisan workshops around the country.”
Original pieces have been renovated and re-set in new positions around the hotel. Handcrafted chandeliers by René Roubíček in the ballroom resemble strange, deep-sea creatures; golden globes by Hugo Demartini make a statement at Zlata Praha; and Josef Jira’s red-and-green stained-glass windows in the brasserie are swirling, metatextual depictions of the glassmaking process. Protecting the lobby gallery is a four-sided wooden sculpture by Josef Klimeš, 3m-high and covered in rippled contours, while totem-like sculptures made from Bulgarian elm are set next to murals by František Ronovský near the ballroom. There are new pieces, too: symbols of Prague fashioned in ceramic adorn the lobby, while a light installation, Heaven, twinkling above the entrance, is made from 600 glass bars.
Like all ambitious hotels, though, the Fairmont isn’t just about the guest experience. The owners want it to act as a catalyst for the area, reconnecting locals with the riverbank and creating a new social space. A pedestrian tunnel links the hotel directly with the Vtlava, guarded by a lioness sculpture by Jaroslav Róna, while Pařížská Street – the city’s version of New Bond Street that runs adjacent – has been extended, a glass-fronted art gallery for the owners’ collection has been built, and walkways through landscaped parkland can be accessed by the public. “The conversion of public space was a really big topic for us,” states Thompson. “When creating the concept, we counted on opening the hotel outwards, creating views and reflections. We called the area Old Town Gate, and the name has stuck.”
Back in the 1970s, the original hotel was intended to showcase the best of Czech architecture and applied arts to an international audience. Just over 50 years later, it’s continuing that mission for a new generation.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: R2G Heritage
Operator: Accor
Architecture: TaK Architects
Interior Design: Richmond International, TaK Architects
Art Consultants: Marek Tichý, Oldřich Šlemr, Aleš Najbrt
Visual Identity: Corlette, Gorgeous Group
Lighting Design: U1 Lighting, TaK Architects
Main Contractor: Metrostav www.fairmont.com
Timeless quality, luxury comfort
Hotel Natural Splendour Shown on Plush Navy
DESIGN DETAILS
VISUAL IDENTITY
Bodbe Hotel
To step into Bodbe Hotel in Georgia’s Kakheti wine region is an invitation to join a vivid cast of characters. They may not be seen or heard, but their personalities permeate every touchpoint, be it logos and signage or menus and stationery.
Tasked with crafting the brand identity for the new property, Aylott + Van Tromp brought the voices of the hotelier, chef and gardener into the design language, resulting in a ‘living brand’ that adds personality and cultural context. Through considered use of materials, motifs and typefaces, it is easy to envisage the precision of a general manager whose quiet authority seeps through guest information folders. Or the haste of a chef through scribbled notes on menus detailing seasonal ingredients and local produce. Even the inroom welcome notes tell a story, as though inherited from past stewards rather than newly printed.
In total, Aylott + Van Tromp developed nearly 100 bespoke brand assets for Bodbe Hotel, all inspired by the textures, colours and heritage of the region. A weathered logo, aged brass and subtle imperfection are all part of the creative vision, which cultivates a sense of timeworn elegance throughout. The overall effect is authentic and layered, paying homage to the storied past of a site once occupied by a Soviet-era tourist base, and effectively bringing an expression of place, time and culture to every encounter.
“We wanted to create a brand identity that feels like it belongs – as if it has existed for generations, yet is entirely new,” explains Nathan Aylott, co-founder of Aylott + Van Tromp. “The hotel’s essence is deeply tied to Kakheti, so every element, from the typography to the materials, reflects that heritage while maintaining a timeless, contemporary sensibility.”
Hotel Construction Pipeline MEA
Ranging from tented camps to soaring skyscrapers, the Middle East & Africa has a hugely diverse hotel development pipeline, with 1,122 projects (271,082 rooms) currently listed in the THP database.
While Dubai maintains its lead as the most active city in the region, with 67 projects in the pipeline, Al Madinah has scaled the rankings, thanks to the Holy City’s forthcoming Rua Al Madinah development. Forming part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the giga-project will welcome eight hotels courtesy of Marriott International including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and Le Méridien, while Hilton will contribute more than 1,600 keys across DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn and Conrad properties.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Turkey has become a hotbed for development thanks to interest from the global groups. IHG has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Istanbul West, as well as the country’s first Voco in the resort city of Antalya. And in 2027, Accor will reopen The Grand Tarabya in Istanbul under the Fairmont brand following an extensive renovation.
On the African continent, a rise in wildlife tourism is driving growth across the board, particularly in Tanzania, where safari lodges from the likes of Marriott and Kempinski are in the pipeline.
In total, the Middle East & Africa is set to add more than 47,600 rooms to its inventory in 2025, with a further 53,900 due in 2026.
TOP CITIES
DUBAI
Projects 67
Rooms 16,494
RIYADH
Projects 54 Rooms 19,832
JEDDAH
Projects 35 Rooms 7,146
AL MADINAH
Projects 34 Rooms 13,833
CAIRO
Projects 30 Rooms 6,786
DIRIYAH Projects 28 Rooms 3,845
TEL AVIV Projects 23 Rooms 4,447
DOHA Projects 20 Rooms 5,308
TOP COUNTRIES
MAKKAH Projects 19 Rooms 23,865
ISTANBUL Projects 18 Rooms 3,194
For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com
Of the 271,082 rooms in the pipeline, 57% (154,888 rooms) are under construction and 18% (49,676 rooms) are in planning. It is within these phases that interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs are being implemented.
GROUPS AND BRANDS
Within the THP database, Hilton holds the greatest number of projects in the pipeline across the Middle East & Africa. Marriott International follows closely behind, led by the upper-upscale Autograph Collection brand with forthcoming ventures in Georgia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
The intelligence source for the hotel investment community
KSA says it can
Saudi Arabia is setting out its stall as the Middle East’s next hotel investment hotspot, with a pipeline of 106,000 new keys and state-backed incentives designed to unlock private capital across both mature and emerging destinations. According to JLL’s latest hospitality investment report, the Kingdom is on track to become the region’s largest hotel market by supply and visitor volume by the end of the decade.
With tourism already contributing 11.5% to GDP - surpassing the 2030 Vision target six years early - the government is now aiming for 16% by 2034. Driving that growth is an aggressive agenda of infrastructure expansion, from Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport to the new Red Sea Airport, and a packed calendar of mega-events including World Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. International visitor numbers have surged, with a 56% year-onyear rise in Q1 2024 alone, putting the Kingdom among the fastest-recovering global markets.
Hotel performance in tier one cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and the Dammam Metropolitan Area is already attracting international capital. Riyadh’s RevPAR has grown at a compound rate exceeding 9% per annum since 2019, supported by rising corporate demand, government-led events and expanding airlift.
Madinah, meanwhile, has seen a 21% CAGR in RevPAR since 2022, boosted by a shift from allotment-based bookings to digital channels and dynamic pricing strategies. Makkah’s large-scale upgrades have improved yield management, while Jeddah is benefiting from increasing leisure and domestic demand.
But JLL highlights what it sees as the bigger opportunity in tier two cities, which now account for 23% of all tourism visitation – equivalent to around 20 million domestic and international travellers. Secondary destinations such as
Al Ahsa, Aseer, Hail, Abha and Tabuk remain underpenetrated by international brands, with quality room supply making up less than 30% of inventory in many markets. Across these locations, branded hotel representation is sparse, and new developments are often limited to local or family-run businesses, leaving a clear gap for investors to introduce professionalised product.
To support this growth, the Saudi government is offering an evolving mix of debt, equity and grant-based incentives through the Tourism Development Fund and Ministry of Tourism. These include long-term loans at up to 70% LTV pegged to SIBOR, equity co-investment, and cash grants of up to 25% of CapEx for qualifying projects. Land allocation, infrastructure contributions, and fast-track licensing are also being rolled-out in strategic development zones aligned with regional tourism masterplans.
A JLL case study modelling a 70-key wellness hotel in the Aseer region found that the incentive programme could raise stabilised yield from 6.0% to 8.0%, while halving the developer’s equity requirement. These mechanics are particularly important in secondary markets where operational performance may not yet meet traditional underwriting thresholds, but where long-term growth potential is underwritten by Vision 2030 goals and statebacked anchor projects.
While institutional investors are expected to continue targeting Riyadh, Jeddah and the two Holy Cities, JLL sees rising interest from family offices, local developers and GCC capital targeting Saudi Arabia’s next wave of tourism growth.
Developers are already exploring conversions, wellness-led resorts and lifestyle brands in regional markets – an emerging trend JLL expects to gather pace as infrastructure delivery improves and risk-sharing mechanisms become more transparent.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Andrew Sangster: Saudi Arabia’s hotel investment landscape is shifting from vision to execution. While the mega-projects of NEOM, Diriyah and The Red Sea remain global headlines, JLL’s report suggests the more immediate and scalable returns may lie in the Kingdom’s mid-sized cities and natural destinations.
With high barriers to entry being actively lowered by the state, and returns enhanced through direct financial support, the government is not simply encouraging hospitality investment – it is underwriting it.
The hope is that Saudi Arabia is no longer viewed as a speculative market for hotel investors seeking scale, demographic growth, and long-term yield in a dollar-pegged environment. The ambition is to make it structured, incentivised and investable.
Choosing extended-stay
Choice Hotels International continued to build momentum in its core US markets in Q1 2025, driven by robust extended-stay performance and gains in the upscale segment.
Yet as macroeconomic headwinds prompted a downward revision of full-year RevPAR expectations, the company’s ambitions in Europe remain relatively muted, focused largely on a selective franchise presence.
The extended-stay category remains the company’s most compelling growth engine. Choice added over 5,000 extended-stay rooms in the quarter, growing the segment’s footprint to more than 53,000 open rooms and over 40,000 in the pipeline. “This segment is outperforming the broader industry and proving resilient to economic volatility,” said CEO Patrick Pacious. RevPAR in extended-stay rose 6.8% year-onyear, beating the wider US hotel market by more than 400 basis points.
The strength of extended-stay helped
Choice deliver a 44% increase in net income to USD44.5m in Q1. Adjusted EBITDA rose 4% year-on-year to a record USD129.6m, while adjusted EPS reached USD1.34, also a quarterly record. Total system size grew 2.8% to 647,587 rooms, supported by a 3.9% expansion in the company’s key revenue-generating segments –upscale, midscale and extended-stay.
But the outlook is clouded by softening conditions in the broader US economy. CFO Scott Oaksmith cited “a weaker-than-anticipated macroeconomic environment” as the reason for trimming the company’s 2025 RevPAR guidance to a range of -1% to +1%, down from the earlier 1% to 2% projection.
Europe, while forming part of Choice’s global system, plays a more peripheral role in the company’s current strategy. Choice reported a net addition of 33 international franchised hotels and 5,954 rooms over the past 12 months, a 4.4% year-on-year increase in its international system. These additions are largely concentrated in Asia and select EMEA markets, including properties under the Clarion, Ascend and Comfort brands.
The company does not operate or franchise the core Radisson Hotel Group brands in Europe. Those remain outside of Choice’s control following its 2022 acquisition of only the Radisson Americas business. That deal encompassed 624 hotels in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals and Country Inn & Suites. It did not include Radisson Hotel Group’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Asia Pacific. Despite this limitation, Choice executives continue to view international development, particularly in higher-yielding segments, as a long-term opportunity. “With nearly 650,000 rooms globally and a pipeline concentrated in revenue-intense categories, we’re confident in the scalability of our platform,” said Pacious.
The upscale segment, which includes Cambria, Ascend and Radisson Blu (Americas), remains central to this strategy. The global room count in upscale rose 16.2% year-on-year, and the upscale pipeline now includes more than 27,000 rooms – an 8% quarter-on-quarter increase.
Choice is also targeting improved conversion velocity to capture market share quickly. In Q1, 170 newly signed hotels opened within 12 months – a 26% increase from the prior year. Conversion-heavy expansion has been a key enabler of scale in both North America and select international markets.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Andrew Sangster: For now, Europe remains a strategic adjacency rather than a focal point at Choice. While its franchise model allows for expansion without direct capital commitments, the absence of control over the region’s large Radisson portfolio limits its influence and brand reach. That leaves Europe’s growth potential tied to opportunistic conversions and selective franchise deals in midscale tiers, rather than a platform-led push.
A growing base of high-income consumers –more than half of Choice guests now have household incomes exceeding USD100,000 – Pacious remains confident in the company’s trajectory. “We’ve built a more efficient, more scalable and more resilient platform that’s designed to perform throughout the cycle,” he said.
The big challenge for international growth at Choice is that it cannot choose to move upscale outside of the Americas so easily. And the extendedstay segment has yet to grow outside of North America, either.
Hotels showing resilience
Europe’s accommodation sector posted a cautiously positive performance in the opening quarter of 2025, according to the European
Travel Commission’s (ETC) latest Trends & Prospects report, published in May. The findings form part of a wider tourism outlook showing strong resilience in demand despite geopolitical and economic pressures.
The report, covering Q1 2025, noted that hotel performance across Europe improved year-on-year across key metrics - occupancy, ADR and RevPAR - though momentum appeared to slow compared to other global regions. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which released its macroeconomic travel forecasts in early April, projected stronger long-term growth in European tourism, but the ETC’s data show that accommodation demand is currently uneven across destinations and market segments.
According to the report, European hotels registered modest gains compared to Q1 2024. However, growth in ADR and RevPAR lagged behind the Americas and the Middle East and Africa. While occupancy improved slightly, it remains below the pace of pricing growth observed in other regions. The ETC observed that hotel pricing power has been limited in Europe, particularly in markets with more mature or seasonal demand structures.
In contrast, the Middle East and Africa recorded the strongest hotel metrics globally, supported by government-led tourism investments and an expanded luxury offering. In Europe, gains were described as “modest,” with RevPAR up only marginally from Q1 2024 and pricing capacity constrained by cost-conscious consumers.
The ETC also tracked notable regional differences. Winter tourism destinations such as Norway saw occupancy growth and extended stays, helped by competitive pricing. Nights spent in Norway rose by 15.3% year-on-year and were 57.9% above the same period in 2019, reflecting continued value-driven demand for experiences such as skiing and aurora tourism. By contrast, other high-cost markets such
as Switzerland and parts of Austria registered lower year-on-year growth in nights, even as arrivals held steady. This suggests growing sensitivity to accommodation prices. Indeed, the ETC’s industry survey found that the cost of accommodation was reported as one of the top challenges facing European tourism businesses in Q1 2025, alongside staffing shortages and rising business costs.
Shorter stays were also a theme. TourMIS data showed that average length of stay across Europe dipped to 2.7 nights in early 2025. While this reflects seasonal norms, the ETC noted that the downward trend was widespread across countries, with only a few, such as Latvia and Croatia, showing a slight increase in duration. This trend could weigh on profitability in destinations dependent on higher-spend longer-stay tourists.
Outside the hotel sector, Europe’s shortterm rental market expanded by 5.9% yearon-year, adding approximately 243,000 units between February 2024 and February 2025. France remained the largest market, with over 1 million listings. Some of the fastest growth was seen in Norway and Poland, with year-onyear increases of 28% and 20% respectively. In contrast, Italy and Türkiye both saw declines in supply – down 0.9% and 24.5% respectively – due in part to new regulations limiting unmanned or unlicensed rentals.
This competitive dynamic between hotels and short-term rentals is expected to intensify. The ETC emphasised that travellers continue to seek value for money, especially in nonpeak months, and are increasingly willing to consider alternatives to traditional hotels. That shift is already putting downward pressure on ADR in several urban markets, especially where regulation has not kept pace with rental growth.
Meanwhile, the WTTC forecast that travel and tourism will support 4.5 million new EU jobs by 2035, with GDP contributions rising
to nearly EUR2.3trn. For 2025, international visitor spending in the EU is expected to reach EUR573bn, up 11% year-on-year. Domestic travel spending is forecast to reach EUR1.1trn, reinforcing the importance of intra-European mobility to the sector’s short-term recovery. Despite this optimistic long-term outlook, the ETC’s short-term analysis suggests a more mixed picture for European accommodation providers. While overall tourism demand remains strong, especially from intra-European markets, cost sensitivity and shifting consumer behaviour towards shorter stays and alternative lodging will challenge operators seeking to grow revenue and maintain margins.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Andrew Sangster: There is a weird switcheroo happening in tourism across Europe. The South is beginning to push back, in some locations, against the excesses, while the North is finally waking up to the economic opportunities the sector offers.
This is not a binary situation. There are places in the North that are also pushing back, such as Amsterdam, and the governments of the South are still overwhelmingly in favour of more tourism, but it seems clear that tourism is entering a more mature phase across Europe.
In the UK, the previous Conservative Government and now the current Labour Government have been among the European laggards. The WTTC warned in April that the UK lost more than GBP2.2bn worth of exports as international visitors’ spending “nosedived” last year compared to 2019. The problem has been more taxes, more regulations and cutting VisitBritain’s budget by 40%. While, in the broadest definition, the travel and tourism sector still supports 4.2 million jobs in the UK, this is still below 2019 levels. Spending by international visitors is also 5.3% below 2019 levels, hitting GBP40.2bn. This is where the GBP2.2bn gap occurs.
The blame is put on the UK becoming one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, which is made
worse by the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement for visa-exempt travellers. This came into effect on 2 April, with only visitors from the Republic of Ireland exempt.
In addition, there has been a big increase in Air Passenger Duty, which now sits at GBP94 for economy passengers travelling more than 5,500 miles, rising to a whopping GBP673 for private jet passengers. Next year this rises again to GBP106 for economy passengers flying the longest distance and a huge GBP1,141 for private jet passengers (and yes, that is per passenger).
Throw in the costs of the employer National Insurance Contributions (a 50% hike for workers earning GBP20,000) and other increased business taxes, plus the axing of VAT-free shopping, including at airports, and you have a series of measures that are hostile to the growth of the travel and tourism industry. The WTTC called on the Government to reverse cuts to VisitBritain, restore tax-free shopping for international visitors, rethink punitive travel taxes and invest in keeping the UK globally competitive.The press release said: “The world is travelling again and spending more than ever before. If the UK wants a share of the pie, it must stop sabotaging its own success.”
Airbnb pivots beyond stays
Airbnb’s 2025 summer release underlined its ambition to move beyond accommodation, positioning itself as a broader travel services platform. The relaunch of its Experiences feature, along with the introduction of ‘Services’, including private chefs, spa treatments and personal trainers, reflects a shift towards capturing more of the travel wallet.
Initially rolling out in 260 cities across 10 categories, the Services offering is currently limited in scale but signals a longer-term bid to match the amenity-led proposition of hotels. While the feature is nascent – just two spa
providers were listed in London at launch –Airbnb believes Services could grow to generate more than USD1bn in annual revenues. Dining is viewed as particularly promising, with Bernstein research noting that 70% of hotel guests dine on-site at least once. Replicating even a fraction of that within Airbnb could yield incremental revenue and increase guest retention.
In investor meetings across Europe, Airbnb’s CFO Ellie Mertz framed Services and Experiences as two key growth pillars, with 2025 viewed as a build year, 2026 for scaling, and 2027 for optimisation. The company is aiming to translate these additions into a broader ecosystem that supports longer stays, higher spending and improved loyalty.
However, Airbnb’s expansion strategy comes amid mounting regulatory pressure in several of its core European markets. Spain has become the most aggressive regulator. Over 65,000 listings were delisted from the platform in early 2025 following enforcement orders targeting unlicensed properties in Madrid, Catalonia and other regions. The Spanish government is also advancing legislation to impose a 21% VAT rate on short-term rentals – aligning them with hotels and removing their longstanding tax advantage. Spain’s housing minister, Isabel Rodríguez, has framed the policy as necessary to “guarantee the right to rental housing for families,” amid claims that STR growth has displaced long-term tenants in urban centres.
The UK is also stepping up controls. New legislation coming into force in England will require STR hosts to obtain planning permission to operate in designated tourist zones. The Scottish government has introduced a national licensing scheme, while Wales is rolling out a registration system and considering a tourism levy. These moves reflect a broader political consensus around the need to regulate the sector more tightly, particularly in areas facing housing affordability issues.
Other European cities are already operating with longstanding restrictions. Amsterdam, Berlin and Lisbon all enforce caps or licensing regimes that limit the supply of short-term lets, with growing public support for further curbs. Airbnb’s reliance on individual hosts, which still account for two-thirds of its bookings, means that local regulatory shifts can have disproportionate effects on its operational base.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Andrew Sangster: Stock market investor sentiment towards Airbnb remains relatively bullish. Bernstein analysts remain positive on the stock, highlighting Airbnb’s FY24 revenues of EUR11.1bn and EBITDA margins of 38.1%, and projecting upside from underpenetrated traveller segments and the new Services vertical. A recent Bernstein report estimates that Services and Experiences could together add 4–5% to revenues if broadly adopted. Supporting this view, a whitepaper published by Transparent and AirDNA, Short-Term Rentals Market in Europe: Understanding the STR Traveller, describes STR users as seeking more than low-cost options. It finds that STR guests are driven by space, location and authenticity, and increasingly see short-term rentals as a ‘lifestyle choice’ rather than simply a price-sensitive alternative to hotels.
Still, regulatory volatility introduces execution risk. Airbnb’s ability to scale its new features will depend on more than consumer demand; it will require host adoption, third-party supply and, critically, regulatory acceptance. For now, the company is positioning itself as an end-to-end travel platform, some commentators describing it as wanting to be a “travel super app”, but its success may ultimately be shaped by the evolving regulatory landscape as much as by product innovation.
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
Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry
1. AMSTERDAM
A mix of business and leisure events, including the Rematec trade show and five Usher concerts, boosted Amsterdam’s hotel performance in April. The city posted its highest ADR (EUR266.36) and RevPAR (EUR249.29) on Saturday 19 April, when the International Amsterdam Motor Show overlapped with electro festival DGTL.
April 2025 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 85.0% ( 4.8%)
ADR EUR210.87 ( 2.0%)
RevPAR EUR179.32 ( 6.9%)
2.
MONACO
The Formula 1 Grand Prix pushed Monaco’s hotel industry to its highest monthly ADR and RevPAR on record, according to preliminary data for May. It also marked the first time the market’s monthly ADR has surpassed EUR1,000, while daily RevPAR peaked at EUR3,334.22 – a significant increase on last May’s high of EUR2,843.46.
May 2025 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 75.2% ( 14.4%)
ADR EUR1,029.67 ( 4.9%)
RevPAR EUR773.80 ( 20.0%)
3. JEDDAH
The Formula 1 Grand Prix also boosted performance in Jeddah, with the market reporting its highest April occupancy on record. Daily occupancy peaked at 96.5% – its highest since June 2014 – while ADR (SAR1,604.34) and RevPAR (SAR1,527.74) topped out on Saturday 19 April, the second night of the event.
April 2025 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 82.5% ( 21.1%)
ADR SAR833.79 ( 9.6%)
RevPAR SAR688.23 ( 32.7%)
4. SYDNEY
Sydney’s ability to host a wide range of events continues to lift its hotel market. In May, a sound and light festival, a sports match and a world congress on endometriosis contributed to monthly highs: ADR peaked at AUD305.65; RevPAR at AUD269.55; and occupancy at 89.1% – the highest for a May since 2019.
May 2025 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 77.4% ( 6.7%)
ADR AUD250.79 ( 3.4%)
RevPAR AUD193.99 ( 10.4%)
STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.
For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com
For
borgandoverstrom.com The sustainably smart E6 offers temperature controlled, hot, chilled, ambient and sparkling filtered water in an instant, turning the everyday into an experience.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve –taking in sustainability, storytelling, personalisation and emotional connection – AHEAD has announced its first shortlists of the 2025 season.
Ranging from towering skscrapers to tented camps, buzzy bars to serene spas, the finalists showcase excellence in hospitality experience and design. In total, there were over 350 submissions from across the Americas and Asia, entered into categories including Newbuild, Conversion, Guestrooms and Restaurant. And this year, the Americas has attracted entries from Mexico, Dominican Rebublic and Costa Rica, while Asia is notable for strong representations from China and Japan.
After reviewing entries online, the esteemed judging panels – comprising owners, operators, developers, architects, interior designers and
industry commentators – cast their votes to determine the finalists. The panel will now meet face-to-face for a full day of debate, deliberation and critical assessment of every shortlisted project.
In the Americas, Brad Wilson, CEO and Co-Partner at Ace Hotel Group will lead proceedings, while the Asia panel is chaired by Chris Godfrey, CEO of HBA. Throughout the process, judges are looking for projects that fuse creative excellence with commercial viability and, perhaps most importantly, outstanding guest experience.
When votes are cast and counted, the sector will meet at Weylin in Brooklyn and Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore for the awards ceremonies, during which the winners will be announced. Each will be presented with a Lasvit-designed trophy as an enduring reminder of their success.
BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE
Club Room at Fidelity Hotel – Cleveland, Ohio, USA
NoMad Diner at Arlo NoMad – New York, USA Quadrum Global / Arlo Hotels / Stonehill Taylor
Ralph’s at The Crescent Hotel – Fort Worth, Texas, USA Crescent Real Estate / OZ Architecture / Rottet Studio / TBG Partners
So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar at Romer Hell’s Kitchen – New York, USA
Highgate / Lucid / Stonehill Taylor / Goodrich NYC
EVENT SPACES
Casa Loma Beach Hotel – Laguna Beach, California, USA
Marc & Rose Hospitality / Electric Bowery / ORCA
Forth – Atlanta, Georgia, USA
New City Properties / Method Co / Morris Adjmi Architects / Stokes Architecture & Design / Future Green
The St Regis Cap Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Campagna Ricart & Associates / Marriott International / AG Interiores / AC Arquitectos & Asociados / Chapi Design / EDSA / PWP Landscape
Hotel Humano – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico Grupo Habita / Marriott International / Jorge Hernandez De La Garza / Plantea Estudio / Carlos Couturier
The Manner – New York, USA
Sansiri / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Standard International / Lubrano Ciavarra Architects / Hannes Peer Architecture
Hotel Wren – Twentynine Palms, California, USA Manola Studio / Site Specific
HOTEL CONVERSION
Belden House & Mews – Litchfield, Connecticut, USA
Casa Cavada – Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama Belvedere Property Management / Hart Howerton / Studio Tre
Ovo Patagonia – El Chalten, Argentina Perspectiva Aérea
Treetop Tents at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve –Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
The Athens Group / Mohari Hospitality / Marriott International Gencom / 10 Design / Gensler / BAMO / Luxury Frontiers / EDSA
RESORT
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol – Baja California Sur, Mexico
The Parker Company / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Robert Glazier Architects / Meyer Davis / EDG Design / VITA
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve –Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
The Athens Group / Mohari Hospitality / Marriott International Gencom / 10 Design / Gensler / BAMO / Luxury Frontiers / EDSA
South Bank – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Windward / Grace Bay Resorts / Blee Halligan / Piero Lissoni
The St Regis Cap Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Marriott International / Campagna Ricart & Associates / AG Interiores / AC Arquitectos & Asociados / Chapi Design / EDSA / PWP Landscape
RESTAURANT
Brass at The Evelyn Hotel – New York, USA
Nick Hatsatouris / Islyn Studio
Café Goldie at W Hollywood – Los Angeles, California, USA
Urban Villages / Aparium Hotel Group / Studio Gang / Wildman Chalmers Design / Fowler Architecture & Design / Superbloom
Casa Yuma – Oaxaca, Mexico
Control Naranjos Holding / Ricardo de la Concha / Sara Skalli / Hotel Los Naranjos
BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE
Aman Lounge and Cigar Room at Aman Nai Lert – Bangkok, Thailand Nai Lert Park Development / Aman Group / Denniston / Open Box
The Long Bar at Raffles Galaxy Hotel – Macau, China Galaxy Entertainment Group / Joyce Wang Studio
The Lounge and Charm at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou Centre – China Greentown China Holdings / China Resources Land / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Hangzhou Metro Development Company / Goettsch Partners / GAD / AB Concept
Nijiri at Patina – Osaka, Japan
NTT Urban Development Corporation / Capella Hotel Group / Takenaka Corporation / NTT Facilities / Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects / Strickland
EVENT SPACES
Amnor Resort Yinchuan – Ningxia, China
Ningxia Dulaan Winery / Ningxia Architecture Design & Research Institute / Eco-ID Architects
Hyatt Centric City Centre – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hap Seng Land / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / SA Architects / Silverfox Studios
The Ritz-Carlton – Suzhou, China
Huamao Group Holdings / Marriott International / Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates / East China Architectural Design & Research Institute / Remedios Studio
The Venetian Arena at The Venetian – Macao, China Venetian Cotai / Aedas / Populous / Peter Silling & Associates
GUESTROOMS
25hours Hotel The Oddbird – Jakarta, Indonesia
Agung Sedayu Group / Ennismore / Airmas Asri / 1508 London
Aman Nai Lert – Bangkok, Thailand
Nai Lert Park Development / Aman Group / Denniston / Open Box
Hotel Central – Macau, China
Lek Hang Group / Hotel Central Hotel Management / JPC Consultadoria de Arquitectura / Cheng Chung Design Company
Dusit Thani – Bangkok, Thailand
Dusit Thani Public Company / André Fu Studio
HOTEL CONVERSION
Hyatt Centric City Centre – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hap Seng Land / Hyatt Hotels Corporation /
SA Architects / Silverfox Studios
Paralloge Dayan Forest Hotel – Lijiang, China
Lijiang Bailelang Hotel Management Co / Guangzhou Uniarch Decoration Design Co
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels / Abha Narain Lambah Associates
HOTEL NEWBUILD
Artyzen New Bund 31 Shanghai – China
Shun Tak Holdings / Artyzen Hospitality Group / Palmer & Turner Consultants / Neri & Hu
Capella – Taipei, Taiwan
GPPC Development Corporation / Capella Hotel Group / Mori Building Group / André Fu Studio
Deqin Meri Poodom Hotel – Deqin, China
Deqin Meri Poodom Hotel Management Co / Buzz / W Design
Patina – Osaka, Japan
NTT Urban Development Corporation / Capella Hotel Group / Takenaka Corporation / NTT Facilities / Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects / Strickland
HOTEL RENOVATION
Hotel Central – Macau, China
Lek Hang Group / Hotel Central Hotel Management / JPC Consultadoria de Arquitectura / Cheng Chung Design Company
Four Seasons Hotel – Mumbai, India
Provenance Land / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Studio Axis / LTW Designworks
Hangzhou Wulin GDA Hotel, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel –Zhejiang, China
Zhejiang GDA Group Co. / IHG Hotels & Resorts / Zhejiang Province
Institute of Architectural Design & Research Co / HBA
Inn A Day – Bangkok, Thailand
Rung Ruang Isra Co / Studio Wimonrat Issarathumnoon / Studio Jurathip Intrasai / Atelier Pond
Hotel Sosei Sapporo, MGallery Collection – Japan
Sapporo Real Estate Co / Accor / Taisei Corporation / Design Studio Crow Co
LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto – Japan
Wealth Management Group / Banyan Group / Kengo Kuma & Associates / Irie Miyake Architects & Engineers / Toyo Architects & Engineers Office / Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio / Wilson Associates / DWP International / Placemedia Landscape Architects Collaborative
Lanyond Alpine Lake – Yunnan, China
China Tourism Group / Signyan Design / Z’scape
Regent Bali Canggu – Bali, Indonesia
PT Canggu International / IHG Hotels & Resorts / WATG / HBA / John Pettigrew
Ta’akatana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa –
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
PT Fortuna Paradiso Optima / PDW Indonesia / Marriott International / Studio Nimmersatt / Ernesto Bedmar / ANP Interior Architecture / Studio Akar
LOBBY
Aman Nai Lert – Bangkok, Thailand
Nai Lert Park Development / Aman Group / Denniston / Open Box
Dusit Thani – Bangkok, Thailand
Dusit Thani Public Company / André Fu Studio
Hilton Kyoto – Japan
Tokyo Tatemono Co / Hilton Worldwide / Takenaka Corporation / Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio
Paralloge Dayan Forest Hotel – Lijiang, China
Lijiang Bailelang Hotel Management Co / Guangzhou Uniarch Decoration Design Co
LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS
Into the Woods – Lazarus Island, Singapore Into the Woods Life
Mekong Explorer Tent at Anantara Golden Triangle
Elephant Camp & Resort – Chiang Rai, Thailand
Minor International / Underwood Art Factory
Treehouses at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree –Singapore
Mandai Parks Development / Banyan Group / WOW Architects / Warner Wong Design
RESORT
The Hanok Heritage House – Yeongwol, South Korea
The Hanok Heritage Company Co / Listen Communication
Innit – Lombok, Indonesia
PT Euro Building Bali / Andra Matin / Gregorius Yolodi / Maria Rosantina
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree – Singapore
Mandai Parks Development / Banyan Group / WOW Architects / Warner Wong Design
Rosewood Resort Miyakojima – Okinawa Islands, Japan
Mitsubishi Estate Co. / Rosewood Hotel Group / Studio Piet Boon / Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei / Landscape Design
RESTAURANT
Arva at Aman Nai Lert – Bangkok, Thailand
Nai Lert Park Development / Aman Group / Denniston / Open Box
Iñaki at Patina – Osaka, Japan
NTT Urban Development Corporation / Capella Hotel Group / Takenaka Corporation / NTT Facilities / Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects / Strickland
Kaya at The Standard – Singapore Invictus Developments / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Standard International / DP Architects / Ministry of Design
Song at Four Seasons Hangzhou Centre – China
Greentown China Holdings / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / China Resources Land / Hangzhou Metro Development Company / Goettsch Partners / GAD / AB Concept
SPA & WELLNESS
Alila Shanghai – China
Shanghai Siic South Pacific Hotel Co / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Horizontal Design
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort – Phuket, Thailand
Minor International / Martin Palleros / P49 Deesign
NTT Urban Development Corporation / Capella Hotel Group / Takenaka Corporation / NTT Facilities / Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects / Strickland
SUITE
Aman Nai Lert – Bangkok, Thailand
Nai Lert Park Development / Aman Group / Denniston / Open Box
Dangkou Ancient Town Hotel Wuxi at MGallery Collection – Wuxi, China
Wuxi Architectural Design and Research Institute Co / Accor / WATG / Wimberly Interiors
Four Seasons Hotel Dalian – China
China Green Development Investment Group Co / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / NBBJ / HBA
Patina – Osaka, Japan
NTT Urban Development Corporation / Capella Hotel Group / Takenaka Corporation / NTT Facilities / Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects / Strickland
SUSTAINABILITY
Alila Shanghai – China
Shanghai Siic South Pacific Hotel Co / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Horizontal Design
Lanyond Alpine Lake – Yunnan, China
China Tourism Group / Signyan Design / Z’scape
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree – Singapore
Mandai Parks Development / Banyan Group / WOW Architects / Warner Wong Design
Novotel Goa Panjim – India
Sierra Gold Heights / Accor / DPA Consultants / Studio HBA / Oracles
Sleeper Sessions
13-15 May 2025
IBIZA
The hospitality industry gathers in Ibiza for a curated programme spanning design, specification and deeper connection.
The stars aligned in Ibiza in May, as the hospitality industry gathered to experience the island’s celestial forces through a curated programme of Sync, Symposia, Sustenance and Social.
Attracting decision-makers from across Europe and beyond, the three-day event held at Meliá Ibiza hosted leaders from hotel groups including Accor, Hilton, Belmond and Six Senses, as well as design studios and procurement specialists such as AvroKo, Nini Andrade Silva, Block 722 and MBDS. On the supplier side, a varied line-up of product and service providers ensured all elements of hotel interiors were represented, from fabrics and floorcoverings to lighting and sanitaryware. All participated in the Sync meetings programme, with over 1,200 scheduled appointments taking place between specifiers and suppliers.
The Symposia opened with The Big Bang, a keynote from Jaime Hayon exploring the creative cosmos of art, design and hospitality. Describing himself as “an artist working in the platform of design”, Hayon detailed his early days as a curious creative, an accidental move into interiors, and the hotel projects that best showcase his love of colour.
The second session saw those shaping the future of nightlife participate in a conversation on the convergence of hospitality and entertainment. Julia Birzele of Lío Group, Jesse MacDougall of Journey and Tibor Martin of
Sabina Estates discussed a growing desire for hotel operators to add a nightlife experience onsite, with the converse also true in destinations like Ibiza. Design and operational challenges were also addressed, as was the need for drama and the element of surprise.
On day two, a constellation of rising stars in hospitality design shared stories of steering their eponymous practices to success. James Thurstan Waterworth, Rodrigo Izquierdo, Tatjana von Stein and Enrico Fratesi talked emotive design, craftsmanship and local sourcing for their respective projects, ranging from a richly layered retreat in Barcelona to a minimalist haven in Warsaw.
For the final Symposia, leaders from major hotel groups led the charge into the lifestyle space to discuss challenges and opportunities of the fast-growing sector. Aysegul Ozar of Ennismore, Despina Kalapoda of Marriott, Neil Kazakos-Andrew of Starwood Hotels and Sam Hall of IHG took on a wide range of topics, from individuality and sense of place to creating memorable experiences that resonate with both guests and the local community.
Sustenance sessions provided further opportunity to deepen connections through shared experiences, with a range of workshops curated to immerse guests in the culture of Ibiza. In Balearic Beats, Jaime Fiorito, music curator for Slowness, set up his decks to share the sounds of Ibiza clublife, taking inspiration
from his late father, the legendary DJ Alfredo of Amnesia. Those attending Herbal High sampled Hierbas Ibicencas – originally a medicinal tonic made by Balearic monks – before concocting their own liqueur using herbs found growing wild around the island. Mindful explorers ventured on a walk through the pine forest with Chris Connors, founder of OPO, who utilised his unique blend of open-eye meditation and neurosonic 3D soundscapes to foster a connection to the natural world. And at Remember the Future, brain-training techniques such as creative visualisation and somatic therapy fostered a deeper human connection, with host Jenni Dawes of Creative Monastery tapping into her expertise of helping hospitality, tourism and culture firms design better futures.
Rounding out the programme, Social sessions throughout the event included networking lunches and drinks receptions at Meliá Ibiza, and a traditional seafood paella at UM Beach House in Santa Eulalia. An opening day excursion to Juntos Farm showed how an abandoned cattle ranch has been reimagined as a community project to support local regenerative agriculture, while the closing dinner at Mondrian was a final opportunity to soak up the island’s varied and vibrant hospitality offer.
The next Sleeper Sessions dates will be announced soon. Specifiers and suppliers can register interest at: www.sleepersessions.com
How can we offer even more to our hospitality community, push boundaries further and continue inspiring meaningful change within the industry? The Lobby is the most inspiring hotel event in the Nordic countries, bringing the hospitality industry together to tackle key challenges affecting our planet and its people. The theme for this year’s programme is Everyday Activism – bringing together free-thinking, fearless minds to challenge norms, spark dialogue and help build a more inclusive and sustainable world in hospitality and beyond. No matter someone’s age, it’s not about the scale of the action – it’s about the heart, purpose and drive behind it.
Forward-Thinking Speakers
With Everyday Activism in mind, the line-up of speakers is set to spark new ways of creating meaningful change across the sector. Pierre Leclercq, Head of Design at Citroën, will share insights into the brand’s vision for the future, while Xavier De Kestelier, Head of Design at Hassell, will explore how we design and build the social architecture of tomorrow. And Karin Visth, Head Sommelier and Restaurant Manager at KOKS, will take guests on her remarkable journey as part of the pioneering team behind Michelin-starred dining in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Attendees will also hear from designer Piet Hein Eek, known for transforming discarded materials into timeless pieces. The Lobby 2025 is a platform to take a stand – and we can’t wait to stand with you. Let’s turn conversations into meaningful connections and long-lasting friendships that challenge conventional business networking.
The Coolest Crowd
At The Lobby, we build a community with our guests. Thanks to the event’s exclusive and intimate setting, limited to 250 participants, attendees often say they have more time to engage with relevant decision-makers. It’s the perfect environment to build deep, lasting relationships. This isn’t just about exchanging business cards – it’s about meeting the people behind them.
The Programme
2 September – 6-11pm
Meet the Speakers
Exclusive Networking Event
Location: Langelinie Pavillonen
3 September – 9am-5pm
The Conference Location: Pressen
After-Party – 8pm-12am
Location: Vitra Showroom
Moderators
Dorte Bagge
Hospitality Strategist and Founder – The Lobby
Amy Frearson
Architectural Design Journalist
Ann Van Wetteren
Senior Concept Developer
Veerle Donders
Concept and Brand Director, Zoku
Stay in touch with
@thelobbycph
“At The Lobby, I experienced an exchange of ideas on a whole new level. It’s all about strong content and meaningful conversations — truly time well spent.”
Federico Toresi, Global Vice President of Design, Luxury and Premium Brands – Accor
2025 Speakers
MEDIA PARTNER SPONSORS
Pierre Leclercq Head of Design – Citroën
Piet Hein Eek Founder – Piet Hein Eek
Karin Visth Head Sommelier and Restaurant Manager – KOKS
Xavier De Kestelier Head of Design – Hassell
by
Treehouse, Manchester
Photography
Brad Matthews
SPOTLIGHT INDOOR FURNITURE
Whether crafted from natural materials for an earthy appeal, or making a statement with vibrant, bold designs, these are the pieces adding personality to interiors.
Works Ynez
Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the Ynez sofa series is characterised by curved silhouettes and soft geometric forms that are both modern and nostalgic. Its name – meaning pure in ancient Greek –reflects the simplicity of its design. The collection resonates across cultures, blending rich materials and precise construction methods to honour both Eastern craft traditions and Western design sensibilities. Conceived to deliver visual impact and comfort, Ynez’s diverse formats – ranging from petite armchairs and two-seater sofas to ottomans – are distinct yet complementary, allowing for unity in large-scale settings without repetition. www.stellarworks.com
Stellar
1. Palecek Strings Attached
For nearly 50 years, Palecek has combined natural materials, centuriesold handcrafted techniques and contemporary designs to create timeless pieces. The Strings Attached armchair, built with a large gauge double pole rattan frame in a warm natural finish, embodies organic charm and lasting durability. The bundled abaca rope along the sides and back – finished in natural or espresso – creates a dynamic textural statement, balanced by the fixed upholstered seat and loose back cushion. Both are available in a variety of complementary neutral and patterned Palecek fabrics. Custom upholstery options are also available.
www.palecek.com
2. Bernhardt Monolith
Characterised by substantial forms, softened profiles and perfect proportions, Bernhardt’s Monolith collection embraces the authenticity of its materials to create an organic, modern aesthetic. As textured stone contrasts the depth and character of wood grain, a palette of earthy, natural hues ground the collection with a warm, organic finish. Monolith’s smooth edges, plinth bases and offset exposed vertical posts balance curves and asymmetrical structures, while burnished cast aluminium lends the subtle shine of an aged patina. Available in various materials and finishes, Monolith explores of the elemental relationship between shape and material.
www.bernhardthospitality.com
Designer Vivek Chaudhary has drawn on his upbringing in Udaipur, India, to create the Ponti collection for RH. With an appreciation for the ancient palaces, forts and houses he grew up surrounded by, Chaudhary and his brother Vikas now search the world for the finest stone, selecting each for its unique qualities. Handcrafted from solid vein-cut Italian travertine and marble, Ponti’s dynamic forms evoke the expressive designs of 1970s Postmodernism. Available in four sizes and six stones – including Italian arabescato marble, Italian classico travertine, Italian carrara marble, grey emperador travertine and brown and black emperador marble –Ponti showcases the inherent beauty of these prized materials.
www.rh.com
3. RH Ponti
GREAT DESIGN MAKES FOR GREAT PROJECTS
Looking for something different? You’ve come to the right place. At SOFACOMPANY, thinking differently is part of our DNA, so whether bringing completely new ideas to the table or just looking for a light tweak - we’ll make it happen. Scan the QR-code to get in touch.
IT BY SLS
2. Sofacompany Jill
The Calma Lounge collection, designed by Benjamin Hubert, emphasises full-body comfort with a softly padded interior that envelops the sitter. Its fourblade swivel aluminium base creates a synchronised reclining system that can be locked in any position to respond to ergonomic considerations. Calma is available with an optional wider headrest to create a sense of privacy, and its exterior backrest can be wrapped in walnut plywood. The collection’s sustainable design omits glue, facilitating the individual removal of the upholstery for washing, replacement or updating, and allowing disassembly at the end of its life for recycling.
www.andreuworld.com
Designed by Helene Bachmann, the Jill series showcases a playful and creative look inspired by the art world. The shape mimics the bubbles that form when a balloon is squeezed, resulting in a visually intriguing yet comfortable piece of furniture. Over the years, Sofacompany has consistently combined traditional craftsmanship with personalised support, becoming adept at draping bold and atypical shapes in flawless upholstery that looks good from all angles and is made to last. The Jill collection demonstrates that a sofa is not only a sculpture; it’s a functional piece of furniture that can play with shapes, curves and colours.
www.sofacompanyprofessional.com
3.
The European-inspired Plume collection by Patrick Norguet echoes influences from Modernist clamshell and classic, boho peacock chair profiles. Handwoven from variegated, dual skein JANUSfiber over powder-coated aluminium frames, Plume chairs are low-slung with a relaxed pitch and curved seats and backs, forming a cocoon-like structure that envelops the body. The high-back lounge chair is appointed with a winged, fan back of refined, looped openwork that evokes a peacock’s plumage and lends a feeling of privacy. The collection comprises one high-back and one low-back lounge chair, available in two colourways: smoke/ bronze and reed/talc. www.janusetcie.com
4.
Curtis Furniture creates tailored, timeless pieces that convey a sense of luxury and heritage, executing design visions while ensuring high quality throughout. Tasked with delivering unique finishes that maintain a cohesive feel across two premier golf hotels in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the company provided innovative and bespoke solutions that showcase craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the individually hand-stained natural wood panels created specifically for suites in Dunluce Lodge, to the laser-cut antler headboards found at Seaton House, the UK-based company has demonstrated its creativity and ability to deliver intricate briefs.
www.curtisfurniture.co.uk
Curtis Furniture Dunluce Lodge and Seaton House
Janus et Cie Plume
1. Andreu World Calma Lounge
1. Freifrau Marie
As the latest addition to Freifrau’s Marie chair family, envisioned by Hoffmann Kahleyss Design to embody both versatility and timeless aesthetics, the Marie lounge swing seat combines seating comfort with carefree swinging pleasure. The chair is suspended from the ceiling on two sturdy black ropes that are stylishly and securely attached to the seat shell with stainless steel buttons. Options for a single-point suspension – from a room height of 2.5m – or a two-point suspension – from a room height of 2.2m – are available, and the chair itself comes in both high and low backrest versions, with the choice of various high-quality fabric and leather covers.
www.freifrau.com
2. Fermob Studie
Fermob has unveiled a brand-new version of Studie, a collection designed by Tristan Lohner and inspired by traditional school chairs. Blending heritage and modernity, this new edition comes in hand-stained beech, revealing its natural grain and unique tones. The result is a warm, refined chair suitable for dining sets. The stained wood seat and backrest, paired with an aluminium frame and armrests, offers a balance between lightness, strength and comfort. In addition to its all-metal, oak and fabric versions, the collection now also comes in four different shades of stained wood: black cherry, abyss blue, liquorice and maya blue.
www.fermob.com
3. Ligne Roset Noka
For designer Sebastian Herkner, the Noka settee range – named after the traditional Japanese country house – evokes both anchor and bridge. The settee is distinguished by its almost invisible central leg, adapted lumbar cushion and generous width. Noka features a modular design to create “the suspended space you need”. Now, Ligne Roset has expanded the Noka collection to include a large, extra-wide settee and chaise longue, enabling even more configuration possibilities. The range can also be equipped with a shelf, available in a black finish to add a modern and elegant touch that enhances the functionality and design of the set.
www.ligne-roset.com
Since 1927, Cassina’s pioneering attitude has combined avant-garde technological skill with traditional craftsmanship, working with architects, designers and creatives to envision new forms. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the Dudet family features welcoming curves and architectural design, characterised by a strong stylistic reference to the 1970s with a unique aesthetic that offers comfort. Dudet is defined by three padded elements: the seat and two sinuous tubular elements that, in a continuous line, create the legs, armrests and a backrest. The Dudet bold sofa – visually and materially amplified as if observed through a magnifying lens – boasts generous proportions; its seat cushion contours almost reach down to the floor, emphasising its spacious and cosy form. The collection also embodies circularity due to its innovative disassembly system that allows the metal structure to be separated from its padding, thus facilitating the recycling of its materials. The model’s upholstery can also be removed thanks to a zip, available in grey or black, that runs along the internal arch of the legs. www.cassina.com
Cassina Dudet
Beyond The Wall
As the sun sets on its 20th anniversary celebrations, Wall&decò awakens to a new dawn of capturing the hospitality sector with its innovative designs.
Words: Hannah Wintle
There is something profoundly ancient in the human urge to decorate a wall,” states architect and journalist Maria Chiara Virgili, addressing an audience gathered on a beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The occasion was Wall&decò’s 20 th anniversary celebration, when longstanding collaborators and clients were invited to join the company in looking back over two decades of shaping interiors with its wallpaper designs.
For Wall&decò, this ‘urge’ was born out of chance, when founder and Creative Director Christian Benini was working as a photographer. In reproducing a large, botanical print to use as a backdrop for a photoshoot, Benini began to ponder the decorative value of large-scale designs and their use in interiors.
“Our story began with a series of fortunate coincidences,” Benini recalls. “Some architect friends later asked me to make a demo wall for a trade fair, and the Italian press took notice. Then, some friends at Maison & Objet in Paris offered me a small space to present Wall&decò, and we haven’t stopped since.”
Not having stopped may be quite an understatement, in fact. Wall&decò hasn’t only continued to release new designs over the past twenty years – some of the most iconic of which were displayed as flags ceremoniously planted in the sand during the anniversary celebrations – but rather innovate the concept of wallpaper altogether. The Out system, for example, gives a new look to outdoor patios and terraces
thanks to its rain-resistant and anti-smog properties, and even showers can be splashed with colour through the Aquabout Wet System – a patented waterproof wallcovering made specifically for bathrooms, kitchens and other wet environments.
Of course, the development such novel products came with its own set of challenges. “A significant obstacle when proposing wallpaper as an alternative for outdoor façades or bathrooms was the scepticism of designers when faced with products they had never seen before,” Benini says. “What really helped was not only obtaining international patents, but the ability to offer the opportunity to decorate spaces that were typically plain.”
To date, Wall&decò’s designs have found home primarily in the retail and residential sectors, but CEO Gianluca Laganà is keen to grow the company’s share in the hotel market. “Today, it weighs roughly 35% of our company business,” he explains. “The first six months of this year clearly show that our turnover in the hospitality sector is growing, and I would like to hit 40% by the end of 2025, with a view to equalise the weight in the company over the next two years.”
To do this, Laganà has identified four key pillars to unlock growth – product development, product certification, a focus on sustainability and increased market presentation. He’s also seeking to provide solutions specific to hospitality, as well as hone in on key
design trends. For instance, durability and acoustic support are increasingly important considerations, and popular designs of the day include artistic, bold patterns in the boutique segment, elegant and subtle textures in luxury hotels, and tropical, relaxed designs in resorts.
As the business pivots to capture more of the market, Benini contends that selecting a wallpaper graphic is more than choice; it is design. “Each new wallpaper is born from a shared path, built in strong synergy with our team of 42 designers. They have been collaborating with us for many years, so they know how to interpret the brand’s DNA with sensitivity, always remaining faithful to their own creative identity.”
Wall&decò’s newest collection – launched in commemoration of the company’s anniversary – is therefore a natural progression in line with the company’s ethos and growth ambition. Grasstique combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design in a grasscloth wallpaper, with sustainable fibres such as raffia hemp and bamboo, expertly woven by hand into a refined textile.
“The world is full of wallpapers,” admits Benini, though he asserts that the company’s advantage is its unique offer and strong DNA. “It is our guiding star. But first of all, we have to get excited. If we still feel that ‘something’ in front of a new graphic – that little thrill – then we know we are on the right track.”
www.wallanddeco.com
SPECIFIER
Massimo Copenhagen Ground
Envisioned by Norm Architects for Massimo Copenhagen, Ground is a new collection of rugs designed to mirror the gentle yet impactful elements of nature. In collaboration with Chim Scavennius SonneSchmidt, owner of Massimo Copenhagen, the designers prioritised durability by incorporating high-quality New Zealand wool, as well as an additional layer of organic cotton. This ensures the rugs retain their plush texture and resilience over time.
“The inspiration behind our collection draws deeply from our design philosophy of ‘Soft Minimal’; and an abstract representation of the textures, colours and tones found in the natural world,” explains Alice Phillips of Norm Architects. “We believe that there is a profound sense of home and belonging when we incorporate natural characteristics into our living spaces.” www.massimo.dk
AT&C
Energy Management as a Service with Verdant Thermostats
London-based audio visual technology integrator AT&C enables hotels to cut energy waste and carbon emissions while improving the guest experience through its Energy Management as a Service (EMaaS) model. Each Verdant Smart Energy Management guestroom thermostat is equipped with a built-in occupancy sensor, which enables the system to automatically adjust the temperature to an energy-saving level when the room is vacant, reducing HVAC runtime by up to 45% without any loss of comfort. For a monthly fee, the service includes professional installation, real-time monitoring, ESG data for reporting, lifetime hardware warranty and UK-based support. Operating in over 7,000 hotels worldwide – including IHG and Marriott properties – the system sees a typical return on investment in 12-18 months, alongside demonstrable reductions in energy costs and CO₂ emissions. Monthly reports support Scope 1 and Scope 2 ESG compliance, making sustainability progress transparent and actionable for both individual properties and multi-site portfolios. AT&C’s energy management system delivers improved guest comfort, easy maintenance, fault alerts and cloud access, measurable cost savings with OpEx flexibility, as well as real-time reporting and CO₂ reduction tracking. Now, AT&C are offering a complimentary 10-room trial, including professional installation, cloud monitoring, live support and ESG-ready reporting. Once savings are proven, hotels can scale quickly via EMaaS or CapEx models. www.atandc.net
Decor Walther Pinch
Established in 1973, Decor Walther has produced quality bathroom furnishing such as lamps, mirrors and accessories for over four decades. Designed by Decor Walther product designer Isenia Spatola, Pinch is a hook conceived to hold textiles in place across bathrooms, kitchens, dressing rooms and hallways. Crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminium, Pinch is available in square or rounded options in four different colours – chrome, black matte, silver matte and gold matte – to complement a wide range of interiors. There are two installation options available: self-adhesive or screw-mounted, dependent on the surface or preference. www.decor-walther.com
Borg & Overström T-Series
Borg & Overström designs and manufactures sustainable water coolers and tap systems for hospitality, corporate, educational, healthcare and office environments. Crafted in the UK, the T-Series collection is characterised by sculptural silhouettes inspired by Scandinavian design. Each tap is refined, minimal and effortlessly integrated. Discreet ventilation and a compact footprint ensure a seamless fit within hospitality environments where design integrity is paramount. Behind the understated exterior lies advanced energy-saving technology, delivering instant and continuous access to chilled, ambient, hot or sparkling water. In the world of modern hospitality, where sustainability, wellness and aesthetics converge, the T-Series offers a new standard in sustainable hydration. www.borgandoverstrom.com
+44
Oliver Hemming Cadbury Kettle
Combining technical expertise with a strong design perspective, Futa Carpet enhances interiors with collections that fuse aesthetics, function and innovation. Its latest launch, Sonder, brings together a variety of emotional tones with intricate pattern detailing, resulting in a contemporary yet timeless design. Crafted from Tencel yarns derived from eucalyptus fibres, Sonder carpets are not only soft like silk, but also antibacterial and environmentally friendly thanks to the group’s sustainable production process. While the collection is available in a carefully curated colour palette, Sonder can also be fully customised in any size, shape and quantity, due to Futa Carpet’s proprietary software. www.futa.com.tr
Oliver Hemming is a British designer whose definitive collection of hospitality products is used by prestigious hotels around the world. New for 2025 is the Cadbury Kettle, a reliable, easy-to-clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing addition to guestrooms. The 1500W heating element boils water in less than three minutes, while the double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless-steel body not only maintains optimal temperature but stays cool to the touch, ensuring both efficiency and safety. Its design, reminiscent of the past, has a simple and comfortable handle that makes pouring easy and accurate. The Cadbury Kettle is available in a satin black finish or brushed stainless steel. www.oliverhemming.com
Based in the South East of England, Ruark is a family-owned business renowned for its retro-inspired audio systems. With design and craftsmanship at the forefront of the company, Ruark recently supplied its R1S Smart Radios to Cape Weligama in Sri Lanka. Featuring in every guestroom, the compact sound system offers striking sound quality and Bluetooth capabilities alongside DAB, DAB+, FM and Internet Radio tuners. Complementing the landscapes of the island and the calming rush of the Indian Ocean, the R1S is completed with dual alarms and an auto-dimming display enabling hotel guests to enjoy a relaxing stay.
www.ruarkaudio.com
Futa Carpet Sonder
Ruark Cape Weligama Hotel
CASE STUDY
Creative Matters
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, Vancouver
Creative Matters has crafted custom floorcoverings that combine long-lasting performance with elevated design for Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar in Vancouver. In collaboration with Elaine Thorsell of Boti Design, the team developed a tailored plaid carpet, woven from durable 80/20 wool-nylon broadloom to withstand the demands of a high-traffic hospitality environment. Inspired by classic motifs, the charcoal palette and linear detailing enhance the richly layered interior. Paired with velvet banquettes, black panelling and traditional oil portraits, the carpet reinforces the restaurant’s timeless atmosphere with quiet sophistication. Creative Matters has been offering imaginative and practical wall and floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 35 years. The studio’s design and eco-conscious production expertise has seen it supply hundreds of hotels in 28 countries.
www.creativemattersinc.com
Lemi Group
Milano EVO
Designed to balance comfort and innovation, the Milano EVO treatment table combines refined aesthetics with cutting-edge wellness technology to offer a fully immersive experience. The memory foam mattress gently supports the body, adapting to its natural contours, with an integrated heating system distributing warmth evenly across the surface. Elevating the sensory journey further, the Vibro Music system delivers vibrations in sync with the music, creating a sound-based massage, while chromotherapy uses soft, shifting lights to stimulate the senses and promote inner balance. Milano EVO combines minimalist lines, customisable finishes and an artisanal attention to detail to offer guests a regenerative, multi-sensory ritual.
www.lemispa.com
Leisure Plan
Kama
Leisure Plan provides individuality, product sustainability and supreme comfort to both private and commercial hospitality outdoor living areas. In the early 2000s, Leisure Plan co-founded contemporary outdoor furniture brand Ego Paris, going on to develop of a broad portfolio of unique designs manufactured near Lyon in France. Kama is a modular outdoor seating collection with French design flair. The range is characterised by heat-hardened powder-coated aluminium frames that are available in an extensive colour palette with a wide spectrum of cushion fabrics to coordinate with a range of design concepts. Each model can be adapted for different functions by re-configuring the cushions, from lounging to low-level dining. For example, the Dyvan unit serves as a chaise-sunlounger or sofa, but can also be used with the adjustable height coffee table, to enable casual dining.
Humble Air is a sleek, space-saving table lamp that blends functionality with style to bring ambiance to interiors such as restaurants and bars. Subtle yet striking, the dimmable luminaire has four settings, including a boost mode that instantly doubles its brightness when needed, making it suitable for menu reading or creating a vibrant atmosphere. Designed for an effortless experience, Humble Air is completely wireless, eliminating tangled cords and allowing flexible placement. Its group remote control feature ensures quick ambiance adjustments, while the long-lasting battery (up to 140 hours) powers multiple shifts without recharging. Plus, with an IP65 waterproof rating, Humble Air is just as reliable in outdoor settings. www.humblelights.com
ECOcero
Acoustic Panels
ECOcero is a Spanish brand specialising in the creation of sound-absorbing acoustic panels made from plastic bottles, comprising 75 recycled bottles per square metre. Designed to adapt to the latest needs and trends, the brand combines sustainability, functionality and aesthetics to offer cutting-edge ecological acoustic solutions for hotels, restaurants, gyms and offices. Established in Alicante in 2017, ECOcero has worked on more than 2,000 projects over the past 12 months, making it one of the largest acoustic conditioning companies in Europe. www.ecocero.com
ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 121
Monumental Mangrove
The first five-star integrated resort in the Philippines takes root, with a dramatic centrepiece that bridges the natural world and the built environment.
Often seeking to enhance a guest’s wellbeing, urban hotels are increasingly looking to nature for inspiration, their interiors designed as a calming tropical oasis that offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. And while leafy palms and trailing vines typically set the scene, Solaire Resort North in Metropolitan Manila is taking an entirely different approach, installing a dramatic sculpture that bridges the natural world and the built environment.
Designed to mimic sprouting mangroves, the towering centrepiece – thought to be the world’s largest glass sculpture – stands at the heart of the five-star integrated resort, and is something of a marvel, both visually and structurally. Measuring 28.1m long, 35.4m wide and 26.7m tall, Mangrove is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration that combines
the vision of Samantha Drummond of Habitus Design Group, the craftsmanship of glass artist Nikolas Weinstein, and the engineering knowhow of Arup.
In total, the masterpiece comprises 16,385 glass tubes, each individually cut to a bespoke length and arc, that have been handwoven into a ‘textile’ using 11.3km of borosilicate tubing and 25km of steel wire. The result is an awe-inspiring installation that branches upwards through the atrium, filtering light to kaleidoscopic effect.
“Mangrove is truly the focal point of the entire Solaire Resort North development,” Drummond summarises. “This collaborative project embodies the spirit of innovation and artistry that defines Solaire, drawing guests into an immersive encounter with the beauty of nature in an urban setting.”
