Sleeper 93

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

EKIES – HALKIDIKI • ANOUSKA HEMPEL • WHITE ELEPHANT – PALM BEACH

Featured lights: Tacoma Single

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CONTENTS ISSUE 93 HOTEL REVIEWS

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© Twelve Photographic Services

New Suites at Ekies All Senses Resort

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The Maker

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The Modernist

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White Elephant

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Halkidiki

Hudson

Athens

Palm Beach

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The Langham Nymphenburg Residence 090 Munich

Zedwell 098 London © Stephan Julliard

Buxton Crescent Derbyshire

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Nhow 113 Amsterdam RAI

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Art House Basel

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FEATURES Meeting... Anouska Hempel 044

Known for her wildly contrasting styles, actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel – Sleeper’s first and only cover star – talks of her new Paris project and spreading magic wherever she goes.

Meeting... Keith Barr

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© Chi-Thien Nguyen

Speaking on the virtual stage at The AHC Reimagined, IHG CEO Keith Barr shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, and the group’s plan for the future.

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CONTENTS ISSUE 93 FEATURES

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The Hotel of Tomorrow

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The Gettys Group relaunches its global think-tank to develop concepts that respond to the industrywide challenges posed by Covid-19.

Rethinking R&R

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As the hospitality industry begins to bounce back after a devastating year, hotels are embracing health and wellness to drive recovery. © Nick Kontostavlakis / Globe & Trotter

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A Blueprint for Sustainable Design 138

In the final installment of our sustainability series, we take a look at how nature-based design and organic materials are creating healthier spaces.

AHEAD 153

From a playful Hertfordshire retreat to a floating spa complex in Sweden, this year’s AHEAD Europe shortlist demonstrates the best executed and most ambitious design schemes and experiences the continent has to offer.

REGULARS Check-In 026 © Francine Zaslow

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Drawing Board

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The Lobby

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Business Centre

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Fabrics, Wallcoverings & Surfaces 159 Beds, Bedding & Mattresses

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Specifier 177 Check-Out

© Will Scott

© John Athimaritis

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173 194

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N E W

E X P R E S S I O N S

F O R

I N T E R I O R

D E C O R A T I O N

adv D+ / ph Massimo Spada

design Francescsa Zoboli

R H . CO M / CO NTRACT

H Pavilion & Dots Spotlight by Kettal Studio Molo Sofa & Chaise longue by Rodolfo Dordoni Band Chair & Candleholders by Patricia Urquiola Half Dome Lamp by Naoto Fukasawa Geometrics Rugs by Doshi Levien

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A NEW WAY OF THINKING FOR A NEW ERA OF DESIGN. ANTHONY MARCUCCI Foun der

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#1 MYKONOS 11-13 MAY

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WE WILL MEET AGAIN

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

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER Ekies All Senses Resort, Halkidiki © Nick Kontostavlakis / Globe & Trotter

Good Times Ahead

T

here can’t be many people who won’t be glad to see the

year of the mask. But don’t fear, we’re not expecting you to

back of 2020. The global pandemic has affected every

ruin your outfit with an uninspiring surgical mask! Anything

aspect of daily life, from the way we socialise to the way

goes, from traditional Venetian masquerade facewear to that

we do business. The hospitality industry has been amongst

of your favourite superhero. We’re also asking that you get

the hardest hit, and just as hotels have begun to reopen their

together and host a table - virtually of course - and join

doors and get used to heightened health and safety protocols,

the conversation using the never-more-timely hashtag

England is set to join the likes of France, Germany and Belgium

#goodtimesahead.

in a second national lockdown.

While virtual events undoubtedly serve a purpose in

At Sleeper, we’ve faced the same challenges as most

the current climate, there’s a key element that just can’t

businesses and we’ve had to adapt. Our headline interviews are

be replicated in the same way online; the all-important

now carried out over Zoom rather than in person; the series of

networking. How many times have business opportunities

live talks we were planning in celebration of our 20th anniversary

arisen from a chance run-in, or at the bar in the early hours?

year became podcasts; and we asked our globetrotting team of

With this in mind, the team here have been hard at work

writers to look closer to home and tell us about the recently

to create a new style of event designed specifically for the

opened hotels within their own neighbourhoods. Thanks to the

new normal. Sleeper Sessions is a series of intimate events

efforts of the team here at Sleeper HQ, our network, and most

for specifiers and suppliers that will weave a formalised

importantly our community – the hoteliers, architects and

programme of activities with a flexible approach to creativity

designer that have kept us up-to-date on their projects, and

and connection. While we’re fully aware of the challenges

the suppliers and manufacturer that have continued to launch

involved in returning to live events, we have built a model

new product collections – we’ve been able to keep publishing.

that will address these difficulties, and having consulted with

We also took the decision to pivot AHEAD to digital. It’s

partners and the hospitality community, we firmly believe that

not usually how we like to do things – our Europe awards

there’s a desire to get back to face-to-face events. So in the

ceremony attracts 1,000 of the region’s key players – but the

words that have come to define the sentiment of every nation,

streamed events ensure that achievements of developers and

we will meet again.

designers are still recognised. Over the coming weeks we’ll be announcing the winners of our regional schemes; AHEAD MEA goes live on 9 November, followed by AHEAD Europe on 16 November. Anyone who has attended the event before will know that we like a theme, so I can reveal that this year’s AHEAD Europe theme is... Masked Ball! After all, 2020 is the

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

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GRAND L I F E BY C HRI S TO P HE P I L L ET

Showroom L o n d o n , C h e ls e a H a r b o u r d e s i g n c e n t r e M i l a n / Pa r i s / R o m e / C a n n e s ethimo.com

GUEST BOOK

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© McLellan Photography

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090 Mang Mauritz

125 Ron Swidler

104 Marc Dorrian

“The overarching design concept involved not only the ubiquity of porcelain in ever new, artistic forms, but a colour scheme that takes account of the unique location of Nymphenburg,” say designers Thomas Mang and Stefan Mauritz on the inspiration behind The Langham Nymphenburg Residence in Munich. The luxury guesthouse occupies an 18th century cavalier’s lodge next to the city’s famous porcelain factory – one of the last in the world where every single part is made entirely by hand.

Since joining The Gettys Group in 1988, Ron Swidler has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative approaches to hospitality design.

The interior designer, brand strategist and intrapreneur was key in establishing the Hotel of Tomorrow project – an industryleading think-tank that brought together more than 100 companies to envision the future of hospitality – back in 2003. He is currently leading a new phase of this initiative, aimed at addressing the challenges that have arisen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

From The Address Boulevard in Dubai to Malmaison hotels up and down the UK, Scottish designer Marc Dorrian has worked on projects of all shapes and sizes over the past 25 years. His latest assignment as Design Director for London-based practice Curious was to oversee the reincarnation of two hotels in Buxton, carefully preserving the history of the buildings while reviving the wellness traditions of the former Roman settlement, where therapeutic mineral water still flows from the geothermal spring.

068 Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg Having founded Fresh, an allnatural cosmetics brand in 1991, husband-and-wife Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg swap the beauty industry for hospitality to launch their first hotel in upstate New York. The Maker – an 11-key property with restaurant and café in the small city of Hudson – features an eclectic mix of works from local craftspeople and global artisans alongside one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and an extensive art collection, all in celebration of the world of makers.

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FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

FINANCE

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner

Design Manager David Bell

Finance Director Amanda Giles

Production Dan Seaton

Group Financial Controller Sarah Healey

EVENTS & MARKETING

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi

m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Catherine Martin

c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Ben Thomas

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Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard

e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

PORTFOLIO

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

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Brand Director Amy Wright

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney

Events & Marketing Millie Allegro

CORPORATE

Data & Readership Hayley Redston

Chairman Damian Walsh

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CHECK-IN

Linda Boronkay Having recently founded Linda Boronkay Design Studio, the former Soho House designer takes a fantasy break in Manhattan, where she lets her hair down with a lively group of guests.

Where are you?

at Soho House. She has been working at the

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Any other time I would have probably picked

company for 23 years and is a force of nature;

It’s dark and moody; so very New York. Stéphane

Italy or the south of France, but with Covid and

you know you are in the best hands when she

Pompougnac is playing and there’s the buzz of

returning lockdowns in the air I crave a high-

is taking care of you!

conversation and laughter in the air. We sit at

energy, pulsating, invigorating metropolis, so I’m in Manhattan, New York – sans Covid!

the bar while waiting for our table, so there’s Who are you sharing your room with?

time for a quick G&T.

Diana Vreeland – I imagine her being a very fun How did you get there?

roommate and a great conversationalist. Being

Who are you dining with this evening?

On the Orient Express – it’s a fantasy holiday

a local, she shows me some hidden treasures

It’s a party of 10 in the private dining room.

isn’t it? I had spa treatments on board before

in New York and introduces me to some of her

Along with myself and Diana, there’s Anthony

enjoying the beautiful landscape over dinner and

extraordinary friends.

Bourdain, David Bowie, Es Devlin, Christopher

a bottle of biodynamic red wine. I pass out in

Nolan, Oprah Winfrey, Gio Ponti, Peter Attia and

the grand suite, opulently decorated with glossy

Is there anything you would like waiting for

timber panelling, deep silky carpets, luxurious

you in your room?

wall lights and stunning, jewel-toned tactile

A bottle of champagne on ice, fresh oysters and

Who’s manning the stoves?

fabrics. I arrive at Grand Central Terminal the

a selection of Japanese sweets – just a few of

Virgilio Martínez Véliz is cooking up a storm;

next morning and from here, I’m taken to my

my favourite things.

a menu that is pleasing to all senses! His

hotel by a black Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I.

Michael Pollan.

restaurant was named best in Latin America Describe the hotel, your room and the view...

and tonight he’s using indigenous Peruvian

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

The hotel we are staying at is a historical building

ingredients to create dishes that are works of

Nick Jones and Ian Schrager with a Picante de la

dating back to the late 19th century with plenty

art – fitting for a very special evening like this.

Casa as a welcome drink – they’ve already had

of original features remaining intact. When

a few, so spirits are high.

I step inside, I’m instantly transported to a

And what’s on the menu?

different world. We are staying in the penthouse

I love to try new things, so bring it on, Virgilio.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

with a beautiful rooftop garden offering views

Vanessa Xuereb, Chief Membership Officer

of Central Park to one side and the buzzing city

Would you like something to drink with that?

to the other. The suite is spacious, layered and

Pisco pisco pisco!

very stylish, overall contemporary in its feel,

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Soho House White City, London; Soho House Amsterdam; Little Beach House Barcelona; Soho House Mumbai www.lindaboronkay.com

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but has some collectible feature vintage pieces

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

and amazing art.

Italicus and prosecco, I have them mixed with a green olive.

Who designed it?

The classical-meets-contemporary architecture

Early morning alarm call or late check out?

is by Herzog & de Meuron and the interiors by

After a night of indulgence, a late check-out

Roman & Williams.

please!

© Adam von Mack

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Cocoon Hotel & Resort TULUM

Barcelona-based architecture firm DNA, led by CEO and Principal Architect Aryanour Djalali, has unveiled initial renderings of Cocoon Hotel & Resort – a mixed-use development in Tulum comprising three residential and two hotel buildings with a total of 204 apartments, 167 guestrooms and 16 private villas.

Inspired by the region’s seas and forests, DNA set out to achieve a balance between mind, body and soul, conceiving a true escape from everyday life that allows for maximum disconnection and relaxation. As such, the resort’s carefully developed wellness areas, including saunas and swimming pools, are central to the concept, the idea being to create cenotes – natural freshwater ponds traditionally used by the ancient Maya civilisation for sacrificial offerings – where guests can relive the experience of a Mayan ritual.

Across the 46,181m2 complex, guests are immersed in the surrounding landscape by way of biomimicry architecture and communal spaces integrated into nature, from jungle gardens and outdoor villa terraces to multipurpose pavilions, lounge areas and a restaurant, not to mention the Nest, which offers panoramic views of Tulum.

DNA’s scheme places significant emphasis on sustainability too, respecting the region’s ecosystem and biodiversity by using natural materials that minimise the impact of building and reduce the generation of waste. A water collection concept will see rainwater recovered for sewage treatment, while solar panels will be installed to power the resort.

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Middelkerke Hotel & Casino BELGIUM

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Ciril Architecture: Zwarts & Jansma Architects, Bureau Bouwtechniek Interior Design: OZ Landscaping: Delva Main Contractor: Furnibo, Democo

030

The Nautilus consortium – a collaboration

as a sculpture with soft contours. Standing like

between developer Ciril, Zwarts & Jansma

a boulder on the Flemish landscape, it features

Architects (ZJA), landscape architects Delva,

a transparent façade wrapped in a hardwood

casino and hotel designers OZ, executive

lattice, anticipated to change over time with

architects Bureau Bouwtechniek and contractors

exposure to the weather.

Furnibo and Democo – has won a competition

The construction of the new building takes

to build a new multi-use development in

into account flood risk strategies and public

Middelkerke along Belgium’s western coast,

space quality, making the seawall car-free and

with a design that seamlessly connects the

connecting the famed Epernay Square to the

building to its surrounding landscape.

sea. It is also hoped the project will help revive

Due for completion in 2023, the complex

the region, transforming it into a destination

will house a casino, restaurant and terrace, a

for culture and entertainment. “With this

1,700-capacity events space, a games room, an

project, our coast will be enriched with a new

underground car park and a 60-key hotel.

architectural anchor, that accurately represents

Inspiration for the design, which champions

the character of Middelkerke,” says Mayor Jean-

sustainability and the use of resilient materials,

Marie Dedecker. “It transmits strength and

was taken from Middelkerke’s origin as a fishing

soberness as well as sophistication, with a lot of

village and references the shapes and colours of

love for the sea and the dunes. In addition, this

the former port.

project may mean the beginning of the renewal

The building has a strong visual presence yet a modest footprint, described by the architects

of Middelkerke’s town centre as an appealing place to live and visit.”

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DRAWING BOARD

Leonardo Royal Piccadilly East MANCHESTER

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Fattal Group Developer: Capital & Centric Operator: Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland Architecture: Stephenson Studio Interior Design and Branding: No Chintz Main Contractor: Bowner + Kirkland Project Manager: Arcadis www.leonardohotels.co.uk

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Interior design and branding studio No Chintz

exploring the juxtaposition between manmade

has revealed details of its scheme at Leonardo

and organic, rough and smooth, light and heavy.

Royal Piccadilly East, a £35.5 million project slated to open in Manchester in 2022.

Meanwhile the theory of Divine Proportion, or the golden ratio, will bring symmetry to

Situated on the corner of Adair Street and

the scheme, linking back to the building’s

Great Ancoats, the Jenga-style building has

architecture – a Jenga block is three times

been designed by Stephenson Studio and

longer than its width.

features distinctive cantilevered planters at the

“We wanted to extend the narrative of the

lower levels. The Capital & Centric project is

exterior with a holistic design focused around

being built by Bowner & Kirkland.

themes of positive and negative, relief and recess,

Inside, the 275-key hotel will comprise a

solid and void, with reference to punch cards,

ground-floor restaurant and café bar, with an

Josef and Anni Albers, and Jenga,” says Lucy

outdoor terrace spilling out onto a new public

Goddard, Creative Director at No Chintz. “As

square that forms part of a wider regeneration

such, the hotel celebrates differences and finds

scheme. There’s also a gym and wellness studio,

balance through these contrasts. The interior

which can be used for talks and workshops.

scheme weaves together contrasting tones and

Taking cues from the architectural design,

textures to create a holistic, approachable and

interiors draw on the idea of contrast, resulting

inspiring aesthetic with raw base materials and

in a balanced environment where textures play

soft, organic overlays, pairing the two cultures

off one another. Special attention to surfaces

– the city and the visitor – together through

sees tactile touchpoints stimulate the senses,

playful juxtapositions.”

DRAWING BOARD

Zulal Wellness Resort

Qatari developer Msheireb Properties has

the Arabian Peninsula in search of water, and

appointed spa retreat pioneer Chiva-Som to

encapsulates the history, culture and heritage of

QATAR

operate Zulal Wellness Resort, a new wellness

Qatar. As such, landscaping incorporates ponds

destination in the private coastal region of

and water features arranged around a series of

Khasooma, set for completion by Q2 2021.

shaded, walled gardens; a narrative that takes

Spanning over 280,000m2 with architecture echoing the local vernacular, the estate will

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Msheireb Properties Operator: Chiva-Som www.chivasom.com

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cues from memories of sea-bound travellers finding shelter in local villages.

comprise an adults-only retreat featuring 60

Staying true to the core values of Chiva-

suites and villas alongside a 120-key family

Som, the wellness destination will operate

resort – a new appendage for Chiva-Som that

sustainably and adhere to environmentally

underpins a belief that wellness is for everyone.

friendly practices, using locally sourced and

Both will offer a wide range of therapeutic

developed products where possible.

and lifestyle enhancing treatments based

“Our mission as a national real estate developer

on traditional Arabic and Islamic wellness

is to build communities and developments that

principles. The venture will also be home to the

enrich and enhance the way people live, work

world’s first Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine

and thrive while remaining true to our Qatari

(TAIM) – an all-encompassing approach to

and Arabic cultural heritage,” comments Ali

healing devised through the teachings of Islamic

Al Kuwari, acting CEO of Msheireb Properties.

medicinal historians and herbalists.

“This partnership with Chiva-Som enables us

Translating to ‘purified water’, Zulal takes its inspiration from ancient journeys across

to provide the best in ancient Arabic medicine, not just Qatar, but across the entire region.”

Four Seasons, Megève – Mood Clubchair by Studio Segers

Living the good life outside.

Love it, live it, share it. www.tribu.com

DRAWING BOARD

Chateau Denmark

Set to open on London’s Denmark Street in the

where punk, rock and gothic meets grandeur

summer of 2021, Chateau Denmark is inspired

and psychedelia. Affectionately nicknamed

LONDON

by its location – a street often referred to as

‘session rooms’, many of the private quarters

the birthplace of the British music scene; it

have their own individual stories referencing

was here that The Rolling Stones recorded their

musical and other happenings that took place

first album, Jimi Hendrix often frequented, the

at the iconic location.

Sex Pistols once lived, and where many believe Ziggy Stardust was born.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: CAW Ventures Operator: Outernet Global Interior Design: Taylor Howes www.chateaudenmark.com

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Best described as a figurative journey through Denmark Street’s prolific days, the guestroom

A collaboration between media group

narratives include Vintage Gothic, which

Outernet Global and Carrie Wicks’ CAW

presents dramatic intrigue and charm; Timeless

Ventures, the 55-key aparthotel will balance

Grandeur, offering an opulent Victorian-era

architectural detail, rich cultural heritage and

aesthetic; Modern Psychedelia, which brings

modern craftsmanship, with rooms set across 16

sixties and seventies London to life through

characterful buildings in and around Denmark

texture, pattern and colour; and Punk Now,

Street – one of few thoroughfares in central

a modern interpretation of the raw, anti-

London to have retained its original 17th century

establishment movement.

façades on both sides. Many of the buildings’

“By the time we open next year, more than

original features have been restored to reflect

ever people will need to have it their way,

their original time and place.

connecting however they wish,” says Wicks. “In

Inside, a design narrative by London-based interior practice Taylor Howes invokes a time

2021, together we’ll present the next chapter of staying-up or waking-up in London.”

DRAWING BOARD

Aman Nai Lert

Aman has signed a long-term partnership with

an urban sanctuary of architectural distinction

Nai Lert Group to manage a hotel and branded

inspired by the park, which has been owned by

BANGKOK

residences in Thailand.

the Nai Lert family since 1915. Whilst every Aman

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Nai Lert Group Operator: Aman Interior Design: Denniston www.aman.com

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Slated for completion in 2023, Aman Nai Lert

destination draws inspiration from the culture

is nestled in the century-old tropical gardens of

and history of its location, Gathy sought to

Nai Lert Park, and seeks to offer a connection

remain true to Aman’s identity, simultaneously

to the rich heritage and history of Bangkok,

taking inspiration from a rich tapestry of

enhanced by the gracious traditions of Thailand.

influences to infuse an authentic sense of place.

The project occupies a 36-storey tower, with

Thai stone and ancestral details from Nai Lert

one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, most

Park Heritage Home are integrated into the

with private terraces offering uninterrupted

woodwork on the ceiling and parquet flooring,

views of the Bangkok skyline. The 52 hotel

while local materials respect the environment.

suites will be spread across floors nine to 19,

To create a harmonious balance between old

along with Arva, Aman’s Italian all-day dining

and new, the design will incorporate a mix of

concept; Nama, a Japanese restaurant; the Aman

contemporary pieces, custom-made products by

Cigar Club; and a 1,500m2 Holistic Wellness

local artisans and antiques.

Centre with a fully integrated medical clinic, lounge and spa house.

An essence of the surrounding nature will also be introduced, the central feature being

Renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy,

a 100-year-old Sompong tree, set within a

founder of Denniston and long-time collaborator

courtyard designed with an open ellipse void to

of Aman, is leading the design, seeking to create

allow natural daylight to filter through.

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DRAWING BOARD

Andaz Prague

Madrid-based partnership Brime Robbins

“We have created a very strong concept that

has revealed interior design details of the

is tied to Prague’s local legends that everyone

PRAGUE

forthcoming Andaz Prague.

enjoys when visiting the city,” comments Maria

Set to open in 2022, the hotel occupies the

Brime, Design Principal and owner at Brime

landmark Sugar Palace, an early 20th-century

Robbins. “You can see it running through the

building that was once the home of insurance

whole building. This has been a challenging yet

companies for the Czech Republic’s sugar

fun project to work on.”

refineries. The project is being delivered by

The resulting design combines the history of

Hyatt and UBM Development, with UBM

old Prague, with the city’s modern-day energy,

Architects taking the lead on the restoration of

seeking to create a reinvigorated local landmark

the Neoclassical building, and Brime Robbins

for visitors and locals alike.

heading up the interiors.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: UBM Development Operator: Hyatt Architecture: UBM Architects Interior Design: Brime Robbins www.hyatt.com

040

“UBM has recreated the authentic doors,

With a focus on linking the interiors to the

mouldings and windows from scratch, and

history and culture of the location, Brime

together we have protected as much as we

Robbins has been tasked with designing the

possibly could,” adds Garrett Robbins, Design

entire property, comprising 175 guestrooms,

Principal and owner at Brime Robbins.

a signature restaurant, public spaces, spa and

“Prague’s Heritage Department is scrutinising

conference facilities. In researching the project,

every decision even more so than usual, since

the team delved into the history of the building,

the Sugar Palace is the last major freestanding

the culture and context of the local area and

historic building in the city, so all eyes are on

myths and legends of the city.

our project!”

groklighting.com

by LEDS C4

Dew

by Yonoh Creative Studio

DRAWING BOARD

Telegraph Hotel

Occupying the historic former premises of the

“Telegraph Hotel gives a stylish nod to the

Coventry Evening Telegraph, Telegraph Hotel

1950s and plays on some of the key features of

COVENTRY

will pay homage to its past life through an

the building and its newspaper heritage in a way

interior design scheme by Squid Inc.

that will really capture people’s imagination,”

Opening late 2020, the property will honour

says Robin Sheppard, founder and President of

the Mid-Century Modern design movement

Bespoke Hotels. “The project will give Coventry

across 88 guestrooms, the most luxurious of

some added swagger and I firmly believe that we

which is the Lord Iliffe Suite – named after the

will attract many new first-time visitors to the

family who started the newspaper – featuring

city and encourage guests to stay a bit longer.”

its own hot tub and terrace. A selection of rooms also have exclusive access to a winter garden.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Complex Development Projects Operator: Bespoke Hotels Architecture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Architects Interior Design: Squid Inc Main Contractor: Harrabin Construction www.telegraph-hotel.com

042

Amy Windsor, General Manager, adds: “The Telegraph Hotel has been five years in the

At the heart of the building, the aptly named

planning and it is great to see it coming together

Editors function space can accommodate up to

ready for opening. We have worked closely

160 guests across various layouts, whilst on the

with the developers and interior designers to

third floor, the original panelled Boardroom

produce a hotel that is genuinely different and

and Directors suites can each seat 12 people for

will stand out from the crowd. Coventry is world

intimate meetings.

renowned for its Mid-Century architecture and

There’s also an industrial-styled rooftop

design, and the Telegraph Hotel celebrates that

bar with views over the city’s Belgrade Square,

throughout as well as nodding to its history as

and Forme & Chase, a stylish bar, lounge and

a newspaper office. There is simply nothing like

restaurant housed in a glazed courtyard.

it in the Midlands.”

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

Meeting…

Anouska Hempel Known for her wildly contrasting styles, actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel – Sleeper’s first and only cover star – talks about her new project in Paris and spreading magic wherever she goes.

Words: Guy Dittrich

W

hat’s this silver pot with the frothy

The Hempel, now closed, she hoped guests would be inspired

toothpaste in it?” asks Anouska Hempel,

by the extraordinary volume of the atrium, instead of things.

examining my WhatsApp profile picture

Both statements were well ahead of their time, illustrating

of a cappuccino. It is the strangest of

a clear understanding of the importance of experientialism

starts to our online interview – a

over materialism.

sign of our pandemic times – but the

She is engaging, talkative and sharp. In the podcast series

conversation flows and is full of the endearingly unexpected

recently launched as part of our celebration of 20 years of

as we flit from one topic to the next.

Sleeper, Hempel accelerates my questioning. Before I got

A designer of the ages, Hempel has delivered some of the

to ask for her vision of the future of hospitality design, she

world’s most groundbreaking hotels. Blakes – her first hotel

had already launched into ideas of a drone-led culture of

that opened in 1978 – and The Hempel – making its debut

travelling pods, in which guests could take their hotel with

in 1997 – are about as different from one other as can be,

them. In our subsequent interview, she revisits the pod idea

but both have gone on to become seminal in the lexicon of

to include a fantasy mothership with pod docking pad.

hospitality design.

Hempel’s ideas often have applaudable dream-like

Lady Weinberg, to use her official title, was born in New

qualities. It is exactly such fantasies that are the stuff of the

Zealand and raised in Australia before heading to the UK.

future. But there’s an intensity in everything she does too.

There, she created a special niche for herself and a reputation

When reminded that she talked on the podcast about being

that saw her interviewed in Sleeper in 2000, the first year

a thinker, and that if she can imagine something, it can be

of our existence. She featured with a portrait image on our

realised. “Yes, it will,” she firmly repeats.

front cover, the one and only time that this has happened.

A similarly unconventional response comes when I ask

In the feature, we said of Blakes that there’s ‘more soft

what inspires her: “A lot of things don’t inspire me and

furnishings than bricks and mortar’, while The Hempel

that inspires me to do better,” she explains. Another of her

was the ‘ultimate in minimalism’. Hempel was quoted as

comments – “I haven’t got anywhere yet; every day is the

saying that Blakes “represents things and artefacts; not

start,” – is typical of her positive energy.

money but an eclectic way of gathering up the world”. Of

Of her working style she describes it as “sporadic,

045

© Gaelle Le Boulicaut

000

MEETING…

Hempel’s interiors are either gorgeously saturated, like Blakes and Monsieur George, or serene idylls, such as some guestrooms at The Duxton in Singapore

“I like to make adjustments along the way and changes need to be made in real life, not on a computer.”

complicated, always inventive”. She has a

a deep colour palette and plush fabrics, while

strong desire to return to the usual working

The Hempel’s white volumes were so constant

practices after the isolation caused by the

that doors and cupboards were almost invisible.

current pandemic, and is a believer in doing

There are similarities however, such as the use

things in person rather than on screen. “I like

of symmetry and Asian influences, the latter

to make adjustments along the way and changes

ranging from detailed Chinoiserie to a Zen-like

need to be made in real life, not on a computer,”

calmness. Her interiors are either gorgeously

she elaborates of her hands-on approach. She

saturated or serene idylls – nothing in-between.

may have no training as a designer – “I have

When asked about the duality that criss-

no training in anything, but I do have trained

crosses her work, she replies: “You have to

eye,” she quips – yet has admirably high ideals,

be very detailed and conscientious about what

stating that “we need to look after beauty for

you set out to do.” When Hempel decides on

future generations.”

a concept, she unapologetically commits. She

And beauty is what she creates across a

elaborates to add that her designs are developed

broad spectrum. Her portfolio runs the full

around characters: “Each property has been

gamut of the luxury classes, including high-

built for a particular expected guest.” At Blakes

end residential and retail interiors, landscaping

London it was Marlene Dietrich; at The Franklin

projects, product design for brands such as

in Knightsbridge, it’s an unnamed Italian lady.

Louis Vuitton, haute couture worn by British

Hempel’s most recent project is Monsieur

royalty and even yacht interiors. Her Instagram

George in Paris. This hotel represents the latest

posts indicate a fondness for green spaces. “I

iteration of the Blakes style that has developed

like the rhythm in gardens,” she explains of

through The Franklin and The Duxton. The

the carefully composed images she posts of her

Duxton, with its white-on-white guestrooms

own garden, Cole Park in Wiltshire, the Princess

à la The Hempel and darker spaces reminiscent

Margaret Memorial Garden in Oxford and more.

of Blakes, is said by some to encapsulate all

Indeed, her work at The Hempel in London’s

her design ideas. Both are super sophisticated,

Bayswater included a small, carefully composed

decadent with detailing, largely monochromatic

formal garden. Together with Blakes she has

with accent colours and, of course, feature

several other projects in London, including

plenty of pillows – a trademark of Blakes.

The Franklin, Grosvenor House Suites and La

And almost everything you see in her hotels is

Suite West. Further afield are The Duxton in

available for purchase and can be made bespoke

Singapore and Blakes Amsterdam. Each in their

– “don’t forget we are couturiers,” she reminds.

own way express the duality of her work. The

In Paris, a city that has long-been been on

two Blakes properties are both sumptuous with

Hempel’s radar, she describes Monsieur George

047

MEETING…

© Gaelle Le Boulicaut

“Everywhere I go I try to leave a statement; a bit of magic and nonsense.”

as a “jolly old Frenchman with a cigar, wearing

urban cowboy personality riding into Santiago.

a Fedora hat and a pair of green velvet shoes”.

Another project, a retreat with a spiritual

He’s bit of a fusspot she explains, painting an

element to be built mostly underground on

elaborate image in her mind, and lives in this

Sardinia is in planning, a project Hempel drops

mélange of Marrakech and Paris. The interiors

in as recreation of Warapuru, a development in

come with their own contradictions; an oasis of

the Brazilian jungle, now sadly overgrown and

calm yet overlaid with pattern. Such duality is

that never opened.

evident in both paler and darker guestroom types

Towards the end of our conversation, Hempel

and Hempel gets to introduce a garden suite.

relates how lucky she has been on her travels.

Another leafy venue is home to Galanga, a bar

“I’ve seen the most wonderful houses and met

and restaurant inspired by Monsieur George’s

the most wonderful people; notice I put houses

travels to the Far East, giving Hempel her Asia

first,” she quips in a revealing moment that

fix. Here, deep green floor tiles feature along

got me thinking. If she was a building, she

with conical lampshades, couture detailing and

would be a folly; one of those with beautiful

dark metal framing.

contradictions that keeps every visitor guessing.

Several new ventures wait in the wings.

Hempel is an intriguing mix of ever-evolving

Upcoming is a hospitality project in East

ideas and vignettes, perfectly summed up in her

London that will include a restaurant shielded

comment: “Everywhere I go, I try to leave a

by 15m-high vertical blades, and another at the

statement; a bit of magic and nonsense.”

former Banco di Roma in the Italian capital for

Galanga is a bar and restaurant inspired by Monsieur George’s travels to the Far East

048

Starhotels, who clearly liked what she did for them at The Franklin. More repeat business for Satinder Garcha, owner of The Duxton, sees an

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MEETING…

Meeting…

Keith Barr Speaking on the virtual stage at The AHC Reimagined, IHG CEO Keith Barr shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, and the group’s plan for the future.

© Marcus Lyon

Interview by Gavin Hewitt • Edits by Ben Thomas

PROFILE Keith Barr CEO IHG

What’s your diagnosis of the industry today?

When customers make a booking, is safety right

We’re on the path to recovery but it’s a long road

at the top of the things they ask about?

ahead. We’ve seen travel begin to come back and

Without question. We do customer surveys almost

expect that continue, and we’re seeing a recovery

every week now and safety was never on that list

Having begun his career at IHG in 2000, Keith Barr was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in 2013 before being promoted to CEO four years later.

of occupancy, but the industry has now plateaued.

until the pandemic, then all of a sudden it shot to

He is now responsible for the organisation’s global growth strategy, which is focused on strengthening a collection of diverse brands, building scale in key markets and delivering profitable revenues for owners, operators and shareholders.

constant this year. We thought it would be mostly

the top, with customers wanting to know how we Who is renting your rooms at the moment?

are cleaning rooms and what kind of chemicals we

Our business-leisure mix has remained reasonably

are using.

leisure, principally domestic because there was

Did IHG have a global pandemic plan before the

going to be less international travel, with more

crisis arrived?

drive-business versus fly-business. What’s struck

We had it listed on our risk register but never

me is that non-discretionary travel – people moving

thought that we’d be acting on it at a global level.

from city to city or spending a month on a project

Fortunately, we were able to learn from our team in

IHG’s portfolio of brands includes InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Kimpton, Hualuxe, Crowne Plaza, Voco, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Avid Hotels, Candlewood Suites, Even Hotels and and Staybridge Suites. Following the acquisition of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in 2019, its pipeline has grown to over 450 projects worldwide.

– has continued too.

China, who were extraordinary in how they reacted.

Upcoming Projects: Hotel Indigo Auckland (2021); InterContinental Rome (2022); Six Senses London (2023)

Our hotels in Wuhan were on the front line, housing Have hotel groups cut back on their advertising

first responders and workers building temporary

budgets during the pandemic?

hospitals.

There’s not a lot of broad-based media campaigns across our industry today, it’s mainly digital and

How are your hotels in China faring in comparison

social. We’re spending our time educating customers

to the USA and Europe?

on how we’ve addressed safety concerns. Our

In China, our resorts are having record years in

‘we’re ready when you are’ approach focuses on

terms of occupancy. This shows that the demand

the health, hygiene and safety practices we’ve put

for travel is there when it is safe to do so, that’s

in place, whether that’s PPE, social distancing and

what the future holds for all of us. The US has come

hand sanitiser, or removing high-touch items from

off the lows – the highest occupancy we had this

public spaces and adapting our food and beverage

year was the Labor Day weekend, at around 69%.

operations.

It has recovered better than much of Asia and Europe because there are fewer restrictions. China is leading, US is second and then Europe is behind.

051

MEETING…

“We’ve got through this crisis by leveraging technology, but we should never underestimate the importance of human connection.”

Have you seen a consumer shift towards small

grow your business organically, and that’s what

Will technology be a big driver of change?

towns rather than major hubs?

we’ve been very focused on as a company. We’ve

Absolutely. We’ve all learned how to use

That’s where we saw the recovery begin and be

launched brands like Avid and Atwell Suites in

technology more, but how many times have

sustained; people feel safe going to suburban

the US, and we bought Six Senses. It’s how we

we become frustrated at saying ‘are you on

resorts, lakes and beaches. The city centre and

take those brands and scale them up, as well

mute?’ or been worried that the internet is

big-box convention hotels are the part of our

as who we partner with, because there’s a lot

going to cut-out. We’ve got through this crisis

industry that’s really going to be challenged until

of capital out there in private equity that may

by leveraging that technology, but we should

vaccines or therapeutics are out there.

potentially need to change hands.

never underestimate the importance of human

With the industry under such pressure, are you

What’s it been like as a CEO during this crisis?

business travel, but on the flip side people will

expecting to see more consolidation?

It’s not been the year I was expecting! The

use hotels as places to meet, because they’re

You normally see industries disrupted after

industry and we as a company had never seen

going to be working more remotely and offices

a crisis, so some of the small brands may be

anything like it, so we needed to take a step back

will get smaller. Bleisure is going to come into

acquired by one of the bigger companies. The

and think about our stakeholders: customers,

play too, as people will be on holiday and stay

power of scale means that major players have

colleagues, shareholders, governments and

an extra few days to work.

the power to invest in technology, loyalty

owners. We needed to put things in place so that

programmes and all of the things that support

when we’re through this pandemic, stakeholders

What’s your main concern as we approach the

owners, drive revenue and grab more customers.

say we did the right thing to the best of our

last quarter of 2020?

ability. That’s how I’ve been guiding the team

My concern is that governments don’t

to make decisions.

understand the importance of travel and hotels

connection. There may be some impact on

Does IHG have any expansion plans?

in terms of jobs. Governments have to support

We’re focusing on execution right now. We’ve launched and acquired a number of brands in

When do you see the hotel sector recovering?

this industry; if they don’t get behind us, we’ll

recent years, so we’re scaling those up and

There are ranges of bulls and bears right now;

see small businesses fall over and that’s not good

concentrating on operations. I’ve spoken to the

you have people saying that 2022 is going to

for society.

team almost daily about making sure we deliver

be fantastic, and others saying it’s going to be

from a health and safety perspective, not just for

another five years before things recover. We’re

What will the hotel industry look like five

IHG but for the industry. It’s critically important

somewhere in the middle overall. We’ve seen a

years from now?

that everyone in hospitality really gets behind

level of recovery, we know that customers want

It will be bigger than it is today; you’ll see

providing a safe place for customers, because

to travel, but it’s a question of when the free

continued growth and acceleration in China and

every time someone has a stay that’s not perfect,

movement of people is going to return.

an increased use of technology. I went to our

they may question making a second stay. Every Will it be a return to normal or does the

reduced the guestroom amenities – no service

not choose to stay in one of our properties again.

industry have to recreate itself?

directory but instead QR codes. Why do we need

If someone has a challenge at an airport or on a

It’s difficult when you’re in the middle of a

to put things in the rooms that cost and create

plane, they may not travel. So, we as an industry

crisis to project exactly what the future holds

waste when we can do it through technology?

have to work together to make customers feel

because you’re always going to have recency bias,

confident and safe to travel.

thinking that the way things are today is going to

Keith Barr was speaking to former BBC Chief

be how it is tomorrow. I really believe that 2022

Correspondent Gavin Hewitt as part of The AHC

If you were in the buying or merger market,

and 2023 will feel a lot more like 2019, but some

Reimagined, organised by Questex. Answers have

what would interest you at this time?

things will change.

been edited for clarity. To learn more about the

What’s interesting right now is where can you

052

InterContinental hotel in Marseille and they had

time they have a challenge in a hotel, they may

event, visit www.theahc.co.uk

WE’RE LOOKING AT THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY

+44 (0)20 8760 0900

info@dernier-hamlyn.com​ www.dernier-hamlyn.com

THE LOBBY

An Elevated Experience Off-grid adventures have become a popular escape in recent

choice of sleeping quarters; an enclosed space featuring king-

times, but never have they been so appealing than in the midst

sized bed and hot shower on the third floor, or an elevated

of a global pandemic. Catering to this growing demand is

veranda beneath a retractable awning on the rooftop.

&Beyond Ngala Treehouse, an overnight retreat deep in the

Joining two sister lodges at &Beyond Ngala Private Game

heart of the South African bush. Designed by Fox Browne

Reserve – which shares unfenced borders with Kruger National

Creative in partnership with architect Jack Alexander, the

Park – the structure is also self-sustainable thanks to its solar

treehouse comprises five vertically interconnected platforms

supply, greywater recycling and Biorock sanitation system.

wrapped in an Escher-like series of staircases.

Escapist travel is no doubt on the rise – the Lodges, Cabins

At less than 25m2, each platform – hung from a prefabricated

& Tented Camps category at this year’s AHEAD MEA awards, in

steel frame and clad in hardwood – offers a different

which this project is shortlisted, was even expanded thanks to

experience: there’s a bar and kitchenette on the ground floor;

a host of new openings across the continent – and that growth

a mezzanine boasting a loo-with-a-view; and an indoor-

looks set to continue post-Covid as nomads attempt to avoid

outdoor shower and vanity one level up. Guests also have a

the crowds. Where better to do so than here?

THE LOBBY

© Clemens Poloczek

Lights, Camera, Action Charlap Hyman & Herrero reference fictional greats from literature and film to design the loft at Vitra’s flagship store in Germany.

To mark the 10th anniversary of VitraHaus –

Poet have left behind props from their most iconic

Vitra’s flagship store and experimental laboratory

scenes, while the terrace’s hand-shaped pillows

in Weil am Rhein – Los Angeles- and New York-

and shell-trimmed topiary recall Dora Maar’s

based studio Charlap Hyman & Herrero (CHH)

photomontage of a hand crawling out of a shell.

has transformed the top floor of the campus into

Elsewhere, a writhing straw rug in the form of

a loft apartment.

a snake, Verner Panton’s Living Tower, a screen

Set atop the Herzog & de Meuron-designed

made of giant profiles and Isamu Noguchi’s

building comprising a series of stacked, pitched-

Freeform sofa add to the abstract aesthetic – like

roof boxes, the loft brings the outdoors in,

elements in a painting by American-French artist

playing on the tensions between interior and

Yves Tanguy – dotting a moss green carpet that

exterior, public and private, old and new, and

visually extends into the hills beyond.

modernity and adornment.

056

“The loft became a kind of vessel for the things

Within, the curated collection of furniture

that inspire us and make us come alive – it is in

and accessories is a personal homage to the

many ways a dream house that contains layer

various artworks, films, characters, books and

upon layer of the things we love,” says Adam

places that have captivated CHH over the last

Charlap Hyman, Principal at Charlap Hyman

decade, resulting in a surrealist space designed

& Herrero. “In our office, we are inspired by

to impress culture buffs.

characters in films and books, and love to

Fictional characters like Jean des Esseintes

imagine the imprint that they leave on the spaces

from Joris-Karl Huyman’s À Rebours, Lidia

we create. I would hope that anyone visiting the

Pontano from Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse

VitraHaus can imagine themselves as a resident

and the artist from Jean Cocteau’s The Blood of a

of the apartment, if just for a night.”

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THE LOBBY

Back to Business Radisson Hotel Group launches a new concept aimed at helping guests host hybrid events.

How many times have you had tech issues, or had

have the ability to fine-tune the extent to

to remind someone to unmute in recent months?

which their meeting is hybridised, meaning

With restrictions on meeting in person still in

they can converse with those in the room while

place across the globe, the need for practical and

broadcasting to remote attendees. The operator

reliable solutions – whether for virtual meetings

has also teamed up with Zoom to ensure a

or IRL – has increased ten-fold. As such, hotel

smooth experience across its virtual events, with

groups have been scrambling to develop concepts

specialist in-house teams on hand to resolve any

that not only serve corporate guests, but help

audio or visual glitches that may occur.

bolster their MICE business too.

Rooms fuses the comforts of a hotel suite with

Hotel Grand Place Brussels, Radisson Hotel

the facilities of a modern office, offering services

Group lifted the lid on its new Hybrid Solutions

such as connectivity, video-conferencing and

concept, which incoroporates Hybrid Rooms and

wireless keyboards and loudspeakers, as well as

Hybrid Meetings and sees various initiatives such

free printing, stationery and access to on-site

as the installation of more advanced technology,

wellness facilities.

and guestrooms kitted out with workspaces for use by business travellers and local day guests.

058

For those after a little more privacy, Hybrid

At the recent unveiling of Radisson Collection

“We need to reinvent ourselves and offer more personalisation,” says President and CEO

Combining aspects of face-to-face and virtual

Federico González of the concept, which is

gatherings, the Hybrid Meetings service offers

currently available at 50 hotels across EMEA and

a reliable image, sound and video conferencing

is set to be rolled out further. “There’s no one

system with dual screens, wireless presentation

solution fits all – different people want different

clickers and high-speed WiFi. Organisers will

things and we will have to be more flexible.”

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08.10.20 09:41

THE LOBBY

Checking-in First impressions count, so when Dormy House

selected ceramic vases separate the spaces,

was forced to rethink its check-in procedure as

while comfortable sofas – custom-made in the

a result of social distancing measures, it took

UK in shades of ink and olive – are paired with

the opportunity to completely reinvent the arrival

rattan armchairs and a selection of Cox & Cox

experience, moving away from the traditional

textiles including soft wool throws in dove grey,

desk-based set-up in favour of an altogether

blush and a herringbone stripe. Panelled mirrors,

more relaxed offer. As a result, the former

marble-top coffee tables and a combination of

reception area has now been transformed into

floor and table lamps to provide ambient lighting

a series of individual lounges, where guests can

complete the look.

check-in at leisure and crucially, remain a safe distance from others.

060

“As we rise to the new challenges posed to the industry in recent months, the team has

The rural retreat, located within the Farncombe

been busy innovating, creating and improving,”

Estate in the Cotswolds, partnered with interiors

comments Andrew Grahame, CEO of Farncombe

and homeware brand Cox & Cox to furnish the

Estate. “Our new check-in and partnership with

spaces, having previously specified pieces for

Cox & Cox is a brilliant example of the highly

other hotels in the group. The scheme was

creative, fun approach we are taking at Dormy

created in collaboration with Nette Reynolds,

House. We now have lots of new space right in the

Farncombe Estate’s Design Director and co-

heart of the hotel and Cox & Cox has transformed

owner, and sees a touch of Scandi styling combine

the area into a series of relaxing hideouts and the

with countryside chic. Open oak shelving dressed

ideal spots to wind down. We are thrilled with the

with books, potted plants and individually-

results and so are our guests.”

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23.09.20 09:28

A

s we look ahead to the early months of

has recently unveiled Hybrid Solutions, which

2021, group gatherings and large-scale

sees the addition of workstations in guestrooms

events are becoming less and less likely;

and more advanced technology in meeting

the exhibition industry has been stopped in its

rooms. A partnership with Zoom also enables

tracks and hotel ballrooms around the world

attendees to converse with those in the room

sit empty as a result of government legislation.

while simultaneously broadcasting to remote

By law, no more than 15 people can attend a

attendees and satellite locations.

wedding ceremony or civil partnership in the

Likewise, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has

UK, even where large numbers could be safely

announced the roll-out of a hybrid meeting

accommodated in a Covid-secure venue. This

concept at a selection of its Dolce properties

has thrown the highly lucrative wedding industry

across Europe, with live streaming to separate

into turmoil - not to mention the couples hoping

meeting rooms in the same location, large-scale

to share their special day with family and friends.

online conferences and on-site broadcast studios

Trade shows, conferences and consumer

all part of the offer. “This initiative enables

exhibitions are on hold too – almost all live

us to support businesses as they transition

events have been labelled as super-spreaders

through a new phase of remote working without

VR meets IRL With group gatherings and large-scale meet-ups off the cards, what does the future hold for the events industry?

– leaving operators to ponder the future of the

compromising on the professional experience and

hotel ballroom.

flexibility they require,” says Julie White, Vice

Events spaces in general have been evolving

President Commercial EMEA, Wyndham Hotels

in recent years, with corporate clients seeking

& Resorts. “Providing an innovative service that

packages that extend beyond the basic meeting

combines elements of a physical and virtual

room set-up. As a result, new hotels are

meeting can help encourage higher attendance

introducing more flexible spaces that include

when faced with the current restrictions on

lounges, dining rooms and fully-stocked

meeting sizes and travel.”

kitchens. And now that technology solutions have

Meanwhile in the UK, Royal Lancaster London

proved crucial to doing business in a pandemic,

has unveiled a new XR SmartStudio in partnership

operators are coming up with initiatives that

with Smart AV, which features a 20m2 Extended

enable guests to meet again, whether virtually,

Reality (XR) stage with LED backdrop and floor,

or in small groups in real life, driving the rise of

audio, broadcast cameras and TV-ready lighting.

hybrid events.

Situated in its Westbourne Suite, the equipment

According to services provider Freeman, hybrid events are live, face-to-face events that also

event with an audience or remote attendees.

offer virtual components, providing audiences

As an industry, we’ve long talked about

with the opportunity to participate, learn, and

integrating technology to better serve guests;

engage even if they can’t attend in person.

has the impact of Covid-19 been the push that

Hotel groups have been at the forefront of providing corporate guests with the tools they need to host such an event. Radisson Hotel Group

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allows clients to host a virtual, hybrid or live

was needed to bring virtual reality into real life?

THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2020

New Suites at Ekies All Senses Resort HALKIDIKI Hotelier Alexandra Efstathiadou enhances her Halkidiki resort with ten new suites that pay homage to the area’s rich spiritual history.

Words: Eleanor Howard Photography: © Nick Kontostavlakis / Globe & Trotter

I

t’s not often the same project features on the pages of Sleeper more than once in its lifetime, but when a hotel prides itself on regular redesigns to enhance the guest

experience, it deserves a second look.

Since opening Ekies All Senses Resort – a Design Hotels member on Halkidiki’s Vourvourou Bay – hotelier Alexandra Efstathiadou has made it her mission to showcase contemporary Greece through design, fabrics and colours, working with local architects and designers to bring her vision to life. In all, it took 11 years to create the hotel she dreamed of, but it didn’t stop there. In a bid to stay ahead of the game, Efstathiadou has continued to develop the property – regular updates are all part of the philosophy here. In 2015, the Evergreen and Pine Suites were added, with a design scheme inspired by the surrounding woodland, and in 2017, the Treehouse restaurant was built using sustainably sourced materials.

The latest round of enhancements sees updates to five of the guestrooms, changes to the lobby, and the addition of ten new suites, which draw on the area’s rich spiritual history.

“Seamlessly blending contemporary international design with Greek elements has always been part of our DNA,” explains Efstathiadou. “This time, our inspiration came from the nearby monasteries and the calmness they exude. It’s all about finding inner balance through connecting with nature in a more spiritual way.”

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Created in collaboration with Athens-based

handmade ceramics with patterns found in

Agarch+ Architects, the new look plays on the

nearby Orthodox churches, as well as mosaics

contrasts between excess and restraint. “We

that pay homage to traditional Greek houses of

wanted to rethink the less is more approach,

the sixties and seventies.

taking cues from the ascetic tranquility we

A sense of contrast is carried through to the

encountered upon visiting the stunning

lobby too, where contemporary chairs from

monasteries of Mount Athos,” reveal Giorgos

Vitra, Magis and Aper complement traditional

Anagnostellis and Angeliki Pappa, co-founders

wooden furniture. There’s also a new retail

of Agarch+ Architects.

offer, affording guests the opportunity to take

In homage to the nearby monasteries, suites

the Ekies aesthetic home with them, while the

are furnished with baptismal bowls that serve

revamped pool area brings a bohemian spirit to

as washbasins and draw on the power of water

the verdant landscaping.

to sanctify, while beds are stripped back to a

And there’s more to come. Plans are afoot

bare-boned aesthetic. Emphasis is placed on

for two new villas, one is close to completion

natural materials, with marble, bronze and

while the second will be ready in time for next

wood set against an earthy colour palette.

season. It’s this commitment to renovation and

Organic fabrics like the pure linen of the

resoration that keeps guests coming back for

curtains and bedding strike a balance with solid

more, and sees the resort garner praise from

wood furnishings and concrete ceilings, while

across the industry; in 2017, Ekies won the

walls come in authentic hues of olive green and

award for Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces at

burnt sienna by way of eco-friendly paint. Also

AHEAD Europe, while this year it has reached

of note are the floorcoverings, which combine

the shortlist stage in multiple categories.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Alexandra Efstathiadou Architecture and Interior Design: Agarch+ Architects Landscaping: Fytron Landscape Design www.ekies.gr

The Maker HUDSON Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg swap the beauty industry for hospitality, creating an eclectic hotel that celebrates the world of makers.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Francine Zaslow

A

s soon as New York City went into lockdown earlier this year, city dwellers ran for the hills, quite literally – the quaint hills of the Hudson Valley that is. In the

small city of Hudson, known as ‘the Brooklyn of upstate’ for its demographic of hipsters and creatives, a first-time hotelier was putting the finishing touches to his new venture. Lev Glazman, founder of the now-LVMH-owned natural beauty brand Fresh, was in the final stages of transforming a series of buildings – one a Georgian mansion dating back to 1897, another its carriage house and Greek Revival annexe – into an 11-key hotel, adjusting dimmers and shades on light fixtures, levelling artwork and fluffing pillows. But Covid had other ideas, and subsequent lockdowns led to inevitable delays. Thankfully, Glazman persevered, and The Maker finally opened its doors in August in celebration of the world of makers.

This isn’t the duo’s first foray into hospitality however; in

2016 they joined forces with Damien Janowicz to open Bartlett House, an all-day café, bakery and restaurant in nearby Ghent.

For the hotel, they once again sought the expertise of Janowicz, whose focus is on the guest experience. And what an experience it is. It’s seldom that you find a hotel that is, in its entirety, designed by its wealthy benefactor. They’ll often stealthily hire an interior designer to do all the work and claim to know an anecdotal thing or two about a sofa or a piece of art. But not

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The Artist – one of four signature Maker Studios – features an eclectic collection of art with pieces by Francisco Zuniga and Kader Boly

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Glazman. He can tell you about the bed maker in

fusion of these periods that live together under

Portugal, how the side tables in the guestrooms

one space.”

are hewn of metal by a French maker, and how

But how do you put all these periods together

he spent hours agonising over the length of the

in a way that they work? Glazman starts our

fringe on the lamps over the bar in the carriage

tour in the café, buzzing with freelancers toting

house. Some of the artworks even come from

Macbooks, sipping on almond milk lattes and

Glazman’s own collection. So you can count

noshing on power balls made of turmeric and

yourself quite lucky when he gives you the

matcha. He describes this space as “Vienna-

grand tour of his prized new venture with Fresh

meets-Paris with a little Mid-Century”, and

co-founder and wife Alina Roytberg – who is

highlights how low ceilings were treated with

just as creative as her other half.

patterned burlap. Meanwhile the reception desk

“The Maker stands for celebrating all the

is enveloped by French doors that a vendor

makers of the world. I have always been

in a Paris market was about to throw away.

infatuated with all kinds of makers; how do they

“I enjoy the process of taking something old

even put such beautiful things together?” he

and bringing it back to life,” Glazman says,

says, hardly realising that he, himself is perhaps

progressing through the spaces. In the library,

one of the most successful makers of the beauty

a curated collection of books is flanked by

industry. In describing the wildly eclectic design

identical fireplace mantels – one an original,

of the hotel, he explains: “I personally love a

the other a replica, yet no-one can tell them

bohemian, eclectic style. One of the periods I

apart. Glazman commends one of his closest

have always loved is the Belle Epoque, it was

collaborators, master antiques restorer Gary

very refined. Art Deco and Mid-Century are

Keegan, for the magic. Adjoining this room

also two styles that I love. We are celebrating a

is a quaint conservatory that serves as the

A melangé of time periods, The Maker combines elements of Belle Epoque, Art Deco and Mid-Century for what Glazman describes as a bohemian, eclectic style

restaurant, where another key collaborator, set decorator Michael Allen, has painted a sweeping mural inspired by Dutch masters and the Hudson Valley. It’s here, amongst the layers of greenery and pattern, that Executive Chef Michael Poiarkoff serves seasonal plates with an emphasis on locality and community.

Over in the soaring double-height carriage house, guests are treated to a sultry, candle-lit lounge that recalls the moody jazz bars of the Quartier Latin. Here a painstakingly handcarved wood fireplace – yet another example of Keegan’s mastery – found at an antiques dealer in New York, anchors the space. It is in this space that Roytberg, a Parsons fashion graduate, was able to flex her design muscle, creating a striking colour palette to complement the beadboard and leather walls. “The muted jewel tones are reminiscent of the stunning feathers of exotic birds; deep turquoise, French blue, deep emerald and forest green, rich ruby and paprika,” she says of the bolts and bolts of luscious velvets and silks that make up the sweeping drapery and cover the winged armchairs.

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For the hotel’s four signature suites, Glazman

building of 1908. Not to be outdone, the artist

conjured up the abodes of four archetypal

decks out their space with eclectic pieces such

makers; an architect, a writer, a gardener

as Francisco Zuniga’s montage of the women of

and an artist. The architect likes to surround

Central America, along with a striking black-

himself with structured, orthogonal pieces like

and-white of a meditating figure by Kader Boly.

an extensive Mid-Century bookcase and a rare

A Berber kilim from Morocco and Moorish tiles

1950s Edward Wormley sofa specially designed

as an accent in the bathroom hint to the artist’s

for Dunbar. Each morning, this architect

extensive travels.

soaks in his black marble Roman bath while

Back down past staircases with original

contemplating his latest designs as a skylight

sculpted banisters sits a space that holds special

lets in the morning sun. The well-travelled

meaning to Glazman. The fragrance library

writer meanwhile relishes his extensive book

features an array of scents that guests are free

collection and totems from around the world,

to explore and fall in love with, just as Glazman

all found in a restored carved oak bookcase that

did as a young fragrance designer. In fact, the

is original to the Georgian home. The gardener

olfactory experience is so important to Glazman

lives in the late 18th century and is obsessed

that he designed a signature scent for the

with forged and cast iron. His bed and the

property, aptly named Hudson. All proceeds from

extremely weighty chandelier above are hewn

fragrance sales benefit underprivileged youths

of the sinuous black spindles. In his bathroom,

of surrounding areas, a cause that Glazman is

the pièce de résistance is a metal screen rescued

particularly fond of: “They’re the future makers

from the basement of the Beaux Arts Singer

of the world,” he says with a smile.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Lev Glazman, Alina Roytberg and Damien Janowicz Interior Design: Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg www.themaker.com

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The Modernist ATHENS Kostis Karatzas looks to local partnerships and tailor-made touches to establish a community-focused hotel in an Athens neighbourhood.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Ioanna Roufopoulou

W

hen Greek entrepreneur Kostis Karatzas was planning a second hotel as part of his hospitality brand The Modernist – the first opened in

Thessaloniki in 2018 – Athens, in particular the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood, was the obvious choice.

“Thessaloniki is my home city and where I’ve lived my whole life, but Athens is the natural next step,” he explains. “I knew that I wanted the hotel to be in this part of the Kolonaki neighbourhood. Plaka and Omonia are the other hotspots but they are both very crowded and busy. This is still central but quieter and we have a park in front of us, which is not easy to find in Athens.”

It’s not only the location that Karatzas lucked out on, but the post-war 1950s corner building too. “It was the old Canadian Embassy and when I visited, everything was left exactly as it was, from the panic room to the secret doors and bulletproof guard booth at the entrance,” he recalls. The transformation into a hotel began in January, only to be put on hold two months later when the country went into Covid lockdown. “I had to make a decision whether to abort the project or keep going under this uncertainty, but I have a very strong belief in the brand and the way we’re expanding,” Karatzas continues. “The vision has always been to grow, not just in one direction but in different directions, introducing

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In the rooms, solid timber floors and white walls are combined with black furniture, tactile leather and brass details

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features such as our lobby shop, which adds to

In the rooms, solid timber floors and white

the experience. This is only the beginning for

walls are combined with black furniture and

our brand.”

ceilings, as well as tactile leather and brass

The hotel was completed mid-September

details. “We used black in Thessaloniki but

with 38 rooms across six floors, ranging from

decided that we wanted to enrich it even more

Small (20m2) to XL (30-34m2). Medium rooms

in Athens; for us, it helps to create contrast and

come with a writing desk and furnished balcony,

depth,” says Eleni Papaevangelou, co-founder

while the XL option features a large outdoor

of Form Related, also citing the lobby as a space

living space complete with hot tub.

where black has been used for atmosphere.

For the design, Karatzas turned to Form

This notion of contrast extends to the

Related, the Thessaloniki-based architecture

exterior, which has been painted two tones

and interiors studio who also worked on the

of very dark grey. “The building next door is

first hotel. This new project maintains the same

completely white, so we thought it would be

playful juxtaposition of Art Deco elements,

an interesting distinction if the hotel is the

mid-century detailing and Danish design found

opposite,” continues Papaevangelou. Together

in Thessaloniki. “The main idea was that we

with her partner Konstantinos Theodoridis,

wanted to keep certain elements of the design

she has designed the majority of the furniture

that are characteristic of the brand – the white

other than a handful of cherry-picked pieces by

tiles in the bathrooms, the open closets, the

Danish brands – such as the Palissade chairs by

shelving systems – but treat them differently,”

Hay on balconies and the decorative, wooden

says Karatzas of the brief. “We wanted it to be

Little Birds by Normann Copenhagen on the

minimalist but at the same time warm so it still

artfully arranged shelves in the rooms – which

feels cosy.”

fit seamlessly in with the sleek aesthetic. On

© Edmund Dabney

BERMONDS LOCKE, TOWER BRIDGE, LONDON

Bathrooms are designed in all blackand-white and feature amenities by third-generation Thessaloniki pharmacy, Physis Laboratory

the surface everything feels effortlessly simple yet layers of details are woven throughout, from the record players and drinks trolley in the three XL suites to the custom bathroom amenities by third-generation Thessaloniki pharmacy, Physis Laboratory. Even the small basement gym, so often an afterthought, is seriously smart with a wooden bike and treadmill by German manufacturer NOHrD. The ground-floor restaurant has marbletopped tables and brass ceiling lights where guests sit down for breakfast; later it becomes an all-day café serving delicious ‘bowls’ (smoked tuna with quinoa, avocado and olives, or shrimps saganaki with harissa sauce, feta cheese and spinach), followed by drinks in the evening. “It wouldn’t be smart to believe that we can have the best restaurant or the best bar in town but whatever we do, we try to be as good as we can to create a holistic stay. The food is simple and super high quality, and if guests would like to have a drink then we have one of the best menus in the city,” says Karatzas of the eight signature cocktails that are specially-designed by Nikos

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Bakoulis, co-founder of Athens’ most famous

the retro telephone to place an order. Also in

bar, The Clumsies (Clumsies Original Cocktails

the works are making use of the ground floor

are also in the minibar).

as a space for workshops and talks by guest

Partnerships like these are key to Karatzas,

artists; tailor-made touches that evolve each

who has also tasked Athens-based composer

time someone stays (such as a polaroid camera

and DJ Spilios Christopoulos, aka Palov,

appearing in the room for guests to use); and

with curating playlists for the social spaces;

a Modernist membership with benefits and

commissioned Open Studio Ceramics to make

discounts on rates.

black stoneware espresso and cappuccino cups

“It’s another way of building a community

that are also sold in the lobby shop alongside

and linking the two hotels,” Karatzas confirms.

the bathroom amenities; and chosen timeless

“Architecture and design has always been

all-black uniforms designed by cutting-edge

my passion – I studied and worked in civil

local fashion label 2WO+1NE=2 for the staff.

engineering – and the idea of creating a very

“Collaboration is important,” he explains.

unique experience inside a space for someone

“The idea is that each Modernist is connected

isn’t too far from designing a home. The

to its own city through working with interesting

difference is that in hospitality, someone is

creatives and bringing their work inside the

only going to stay for a day or two so all the

hotel. We want to do more of that.”

extra bits around the building are crucial.” And

Future plans include events on the rooftop

that’s precisely where Karatzas’ eye for design

terrace, reached via a marble staircase and with

and detail-driven approach comes into its own.

views of the Acropolis in the distance; it doubles as a cinema and is the best spot for cocktails – there’s no bar service, instead guests use

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Kostis Karatzas Operator: The Modernist Architecture and Interior Design: Form Related Graphic Design: Post-Spectacular Office Art Consultant: PrintSin www.themodernisthotels.com

White Elephant PALM BEACH Nantucket’s White Elephant opens a sister property in Florida, where a museumworthy art collection takes centrestage.

Words: Ayesha Khan Photography: © Chi-Thien Nguyen

I

t’s no secret that the slim island of Palm Beach

sculpture of an elephant from Santa Fe artist

off the coast of Florida is home to America’s

Fredrick Prescott stands at 7ft-tall and sets

wealthiest social set. When winter in their

the tone for the 120-piece art collection that

Northeast hometowns sets in, the well-to-do

awaits within. Inside, an immediate sense of

hop on their private jets and retreat to where the

calm is palpable through light, airy materials.

sun shines, the art is priceless and everyone is

“We wanted the lobby to be a non-transactional

smiling. This year, visitors are in for a treat in

space,” Lowrey explains. “Arches were brought

the form of the newly launched White Elephant,

in at the back wall to reflect the architecture

a 32-key hotel that boasts a museum-quality

outside, giving punctuation and dividing the

art collection and interiors designed by famed

space into chambers,” she adds, alluding to

Boston-based studio Elkus Manfredi Architects.

how the tranquil room is partitioned into three

Overlooking Bradley Park, the hotel was built

sections, much like a home would be. The

in 1923 in the then à la mode Mediterranean

reception area, which doubles up as a retail

Revival style. Today, the landmarked façade is

space, features mother of pearl and plants in

still intact and punctuated by black-and-white

its arch, while the parlour room has a built-in

striped awnings that peek out between the palm

banquette in its archway. Two seating groups

trees and lush vegetation. “For the exterior, it

are defined by earthy materials such as rattan

was about making the façade fresh and iconic,”

and rope – Jaime Hayon’s Frames armchairs for

says Elizabeth Lowrey, Principal and Director of

Expormim are a worthy addition – along with a

Interior Architecture at Elkus Manfredi. “It’s so

stone coffee table fashioned in the form of a teak

classic – beachy and bold; it’s never going to go

root. It is here that guests are first acquainted

out of style,” she adds.

with the hotel’s art collection. Two brilliantly

To the front of the hotel, a multi-dimensional

coloured Christopher LeBruns hold court in the

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Guestrooms feature an earthy palette of rattan, rope and blonde wood with coloured accents in the form of bespoke floral fabrics on headboards and chairbacks

parlour, while a specially commissioned piece entitled Lady of the House shows an archetypal patron of Palm Beach donning her sunglasses and silk headscarf. The library, which General Manager Bernhard Duerrmeier counts as his favourite space, features a large communal table fitted with charging stations beneath chandeliers from Palecek, hewn of thousands of tiny coco beads in a soft white finish. “It feels like I am welcoming guests to my own home,” he says, admitting that he can often be found catching up with guests over coffee in this space. Hanging on the wall, works by Dan Walsh feature strong graphic patterns that offset the sinuous forms of both the chandeliers above and a chevron-patterned rug underfoot.

Each of the hotel’s three guest floors houses a veritable curated art gallery in its corridors.

While one level features a series of aristocrats by Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, another features a playful montage of ice cream in various cones and cups by Donald Baechler. In a nod to the hotel’s exotic subject matter, elephant door knockers were specially commissioned from

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Matthews International. Each piece of furniture

Peter Granados. A generous outdoor terrace

in the hotel’s guestrooms was custom designed

features soft furnishings by Sunbrella and a

by Elkus Manfredi and made by Vaughan Benz,

gazebo that was original to the 1920s structure;

with thoughtful accents that Lowrey describes

not to mention sweeping views to the ocean.

as couture. Perhaps the most prevalent of

Although Lowrey and Duerrmeier count

these is the use of bespoke floral fabrics on

the White Elephant as one of the high points

headboards, chairbacks and as a smart contrast

of their respective careers, it wasn’t without

piping on pillows. Materials such as rattan, rope

its challenges. Working with the Landmark

and blonde wood ensure that the palette is kept

Preservation Society to strip a historic

clean and neutral so that the art can truly shine.

building down to the studs and reconfigure

Bathrooms recall Mediterranean Revival with

its guestrooms as well as creating the perfect

encaustic tiles and slick stone double vanities.

backdrop to the artwork were challenging. But

In almost every room, a balcony opens up into

when Florida and Boston went into lockdown

the hotel’s U-shaped interior courtyard, which

with just weeks to go until the hotel’s opening,

Duerrmeier refers to as its “beating heart”.

the entire White Elephant team had to so some

Guests are invited to be social down at the plunge

serious improvising. “Thank goodness for

pool and patio of Lola 41, the hotel’s restaurant,

FaceTime!” says Lowrey, recalling that once

where black-and-white striped umbrellas and

flights did re-open, she and her team spent

woven bistro chairs conjure Lowrey’s bold and

one week working day and night to install

beachy vibe. In the expansive three-bedroom

everything, from priceless art to furniture and

Park Suite, blonde oak wood floors and more

accessories on a condensed schedule. “It was

neutral hues provide the perfect foil to vibrant

some real team-building,” she quips, clearly

artwork from the likes of Sir Ian Davenport and

satisfied with the result.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: New England Development Operator: White Elephant Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Elkus Manfredi Architects Art Consultant: Emily Fine Art Lighting Design: Lam Procurement: GS Associates Inc Landscaping: DS Boca Main Contractor: Fine Line Construction www.whiteelephantpalmbeach.com

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The Langham Nymphenburg Residence MUNICH German design duo Mang Mauritz breathe new life into an 18th century manor house in the heart of Bavaria.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Stephan Julliard

I

t’s a guest house; a guest house belonging to

in private jets and charters where people are

the factory next door. But this is not just any

seeking more privacy and exclusivity,” explains

old guest house or, indeed, any old factory. The

CEO Stefan Leser of a desire to build the presence

guest house is an 18th century cavalier’s lodge,

of this luxury brand in Europe. The actual

one of ten Baroque mansions staged along the

delivery of hospitality services will be managed

vast sweep of the Schlossrondell, or grand circle,

by the team based at The Langham London,

that looks towards the majesty of Nymphenburg

with Managing Director Doris Greif responsible

Palace in the western suburbs of Munich. The

for guest experiences. These could include best-

palace was a favourite summer residence of

in-class chefs, butlers, concierge, housekeepers,

the rulers of Bavaria, and its Baroque façades

chauffeurs or spa therapists for private wellness

stretch some 700 metres – a stunning sight

treatments. A crafting of hospitality experiences

and together with its landscaped gardens make

that will fit hand-in-glove with the ethos of

it a popular attraction. The factory meanwhile

PMN. An ethos that is realised in the ancient but

is that of Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg

beautifully maintained ‘manufaktur’ buildings

(PMN), which was established by Elector Max

just across the lawn from the Residence.

III in 1747 and has been handmaking porcelain of the highest quality ever since.

If this sounds a bit industrial, fear not, because everything really is ‘manu factum’

Bringing things up-to-date, the owners of the

– or made-by-hand. The scale is small; no

porcelain business have transformed the 1760s

mass production here. All machinery functions

mansion from a series of event spaces into a

using belt-powered energy driven by water

private residence over the course of two years.

turbines spun by a fast-running canal leading

The Residence is being operated by Langham

from the water features of the palace gardens.

Hospitality in a long-term partnership with

Totally sustainable, no air or noise pollution.

PMN. “We see a growing interest in exclusive

Clay is carefully prepared, plates are spun and

private residences similar to more demand

figurines are handcrafted, painted and finished

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In the Ladies Room, all pink blush and sweeping curves, small bird figurines perch in birdcages sourced from Parisian markets

figurines are handcrafted, painted and finished

context,” says Thomas Mang. All the porcelain

with incredible attention to detail by master

objects on display are custom-made and as you

craftspeople working in bright ateliers. The

can imagine there is huge back-catalogue of

walk-in kiln is not vast, but its heavy-duty

tableware and figurines. The Rhinoceros Clara

nature is the nearest thing to what most of us

is a design from the 1770s and one of over 700

think of as manufacturing.

animal sculptures, many of which have a part to

Similarly, the guest house is unlikely to be

play in the Residence. In the ground floor Ladies

what most of us think of as a guest house.

Room, all pink blush and sweeping curves,

Instead it is an incredible 900m2 of unique and

small bird figurines perch in birdcages sourced

luxurious experiences created by Munich-based

from Parisian markets. The Gentleman’s Room

design duo, Thomas Mang and Stefan Mauritz

sees a focus on dogs – a number pose on brass

of Mang Mauritz. The ground floor sees mainly

shelving that chimes with the edge surrounds

shared spaces – lounges, a dining room, kitchen

of the Bell Tables from ClassiCon, and a drinks

plus a smaller child’s room. The middle floor

trolley stacked with Lobmeyr glassware. In

comprises a more private lounge and three

between these two spaces is the dining room,

bedrooms, whilst the top floor houses a cinema

home to Damien Hirst’s Myth and Legend horse

and a spa area either side of a very large office

sculptures in a collaboration that began in 2014.

with a boardroom-style table beneath the

There are numerous other modern pieces. Look

substantial beams of the eaves. This is a layout

out for locally-based Konstantin Grcic’s paper

of vast volumes – the ceiling height of the

bin, or the porcelain tea service made out of

middle floor lounge is around five metres.

what appears to be folded paper by Argentinian

“The

Residence

is

a

showroom

for

Nymphenburg Porcelain, yet in a modern

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designer Ruth Gurvich.

All are created by skilled craftspeople and

bespoke switches www.hoadandmore.com +44 (0)1525 222 364 info@hoadandmore.com

Handcrafted beds by Vispring are made up with Frette linens, while furniture is the work of Donghia and local manufacturer ClassiCon

it was in commissioning and working closely

many fittings from Italian manufacturer

with them that Mang Mauritz really got to have

Viabizzuno. Two aspects are notable – the

fun. “We selected old and classic designs and

dropped ceilings that allow indirect lighting

transferred them into new items,” explains

and the clever treatment of the deep window

Mauritz. Bathrooms see a lot of such activity.

recesses that make a welcoming connection

In one, basins and wall tiles are decorated with

with the outside. Krewikel was building on his

colourful Koi carp images whilst in another,

existing relationship with PMN, for whom he

butterflies from the Papilio genus similarly

designed the Spilla wall sconce. The stairway

take centrestage. Here, a delightful moment

sees a series of these, a beautifully subtle

sees plates from the company’s tableware

geometric interpretation of blossoms, in biscuit

collections transformed into decorative pendant

porcelain so thin the light shines through and

lampshades illustrated with the butterfly’s wing

they become art.

pattern. In another bathroom – there are seven

Similarly delicate are light features made

in all, with four guestrooms – one of the large

from translucent matte white biscuit tiles

bowls from the white Tortoise vase series by

that intrigue with a subtle relief. Only when

American Ted Muehling has been produced as

the light behind is turned on do they spring

a basin, its faceted exterior cleverly uplit to

to life and become black and white images.

highlight its unusual form.

Such lithophanes are seen in the sauna of the

Wall tile reliefs are equally downlit to

master bedroom as a panorama of nearby Lake

illustrate their intricate detailing. The whole

Tegernsee, whilst flat, square pendant lamps

lighting package for the project was put

above Walter Knoll furniture in the boardroom

together by Jörg Krewinkel, owner and CEO of

become a montage of wispy summer clouds.

Zurich-based Lichtkompetenz, who specified

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This transformative idea is just one of several

Creative TUUCI for SLEEPER 2020 (CONTOUREN).indd 1

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themes of Mang Mauritz at the Residence. Others

complements Toto washlets. Wallpaper is from

include a connection to nature and texture; a

Cole & Son, textiles from Jim Thompson and

fabulously grand urban park is right outside the

Rubelli. Furniture from Donghia and local

door. The view from the main private living room

manufacturer ClassiCon. Sennheiser audio

is allowed to shine; the incredible precision of

equipment, Samsung Frame TVs and Gaggenau

the built-in wall unit opposite is impressive but

appliances head up the technology roster. All

subtly sits in the background. Additional to the

share a luxury ethos in keeping with PMN and

porcelain items, botanical references abound

the Residence.

– wallpaper patterns, curtains, shimmering

The Langham Nymphenburg Residence

cloudscapes in carpets. Straddling the nature

allows an elite coterie of guests; it is only

and texture themes are the various motifs of

available to booked out in its entirety, to live

the wall tile installations. Much of the marble

the totality of the Nymphenburg ideals. The

used has a leather effect finish just begging

greatest achievement of Mang Mauritz is to

to be stroked. More dramatic is the blackened

have harmoniously introduced a new modernity

basin surround by Stefan Knopp from Salzburg,

to an environment associated with tradition and

created using his own burning technique. On

history. Mang describes it as “a complete world

a softer side are the Maribou feather lamps in

of porcelain.” But it is much more than that.

one of the guestrooms, discovered at A Modern

Not overbearing, it is a totally liveable space

Grand Tour near Banbury, Oxfordshire.

of crafted luxury, comfort and true indulgence.

Another leitmotif of Mang Mauritz’s interiors is the sheer quality of everything specified.

Beds, handcrafted by Vispring, are made up with Frette linens. Dornbracht brassware

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A great place from which Langham can build.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg Operator: Langham Hospitality Interior Design: Mang Mauritz Lighting Design: Lichtkompetenz www.langhamresidences.com

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Zedwell LONDON Criterion Capital enlists Neri & Hu to design the flagship for Zedwell, a new brand dedicated to sleep and wellbeing.

Words: Catherine Martin

T

hough a hotel’s primary purpose is to

Café, Crystal Maze Live and Chinese hotpot

provide weary travellers with a place

restaurant Hai Di Lao, which left the vast core

to rest, very few actually delve into the

of the building largely unused. Plans for a hotel

science behind sleep. A comfortable bed is a

were first announced in 2009, but the complex

given, but what other factors contribute to a

floor plate and lack of natural daylight presented

restful night? That was the question Criterion

challenges, and prospective partners fell away.

Capital asked when it set about developing a

Criterion eventually decided to go it alone and

new brand dedicated to sleep and wellbeing.

develop their own hotel, with Aziz’s partner

The asset management company founded

by Asif Aziz has been pumping money into

Shanghai-based studio Neri & Hu.

developments in and around Leicester Square

After much research involving consultation

and Piccadilly Circus for over a decade, seeking

with psychologists, scientists and sleep experts,

to improve the area for the benefit of both

Aziz discovered that a room without windows to

local residents and tourists. With a portfolio of

the outside world would remove the distractions

hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas and retail,

that often disturb sleep, and so the concept was

Criterion is no stranger to hospitality, but this

born - ‘the hotel you check-in to tune out’.

is the first time it has developed a new brand with immediate plans for roll-out.

“As soon as they walk through the door, we want guests to feel a change in their state of

Zedwell Piccadilly opened in February in

mind,” Aziz explains. “The concept encourages

the Trocadero, a building that has long been

people to stop thinking and start feeling, so

earmarked for conversion to hotel use. When

we’ve taken into account all the senses.” The

Criterion acquired the landmark cluster of

hotel has its own scent for example, a calming

buildings in 2005, it was perhaps best known

blend of lavender, rosemary and bergamot,

as an amusement arcade. Over the years, the

while sound is taken care of via a specially

street-level outlets around the perimeter of the

curated playlist.

site have been let to tenants such as Rainforest

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Darija Zivni Aziz taking the lead, working with

The lobby is vast with a lengthy row of self

© Will Scott

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Larger cocoons feature double bunks, with natural oak slats providing an element of privacy

check-in kiosks, crucial for a hotel of this size – Zedwell has a total of 738 rooms – with the necessary transaction requiring little brainpower. The space is defined by vertical timber slats that extend up the walls and overhead, reminiscent of Neri & Hu’s architectural interventions at Tsingpu Retreat in Yangzhou.

The duo’s signature style also shows in the selection of materials – either natural or recycled – and the timber staircase that leads down to the basement public spaces, where a sensory lounge hosting wellbeing workshops, a yoga and meditation studio and a café serving healthy juices will soon open. “We introduced a calming palette with warm green and natural oak, and looked to nature for the furnishings,” says Aziz, adding that elements of the natural world are proven to relax the mind and body.

Seating comes in the form of the organicallyshaped Pebble collection designed by Nigel Coates for Hitch Mylius – further pieces from Stellar Works will furnish the lounge – and there’s plenty of plantlife to oxygenate the air.

Still to come are a green wall set to dominate © Will Scott

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the back of the lobby, and a digital installation projecting scenes of waterfalls or falling leaves dependent on the season.

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Upstairs, the 738 guestrooms – or cocoons as

way of furniture or furnishings. “We didn’t want to

they’re called here – range from the usual singles and

put anything in the guestroom that is not specifically

doubles to family rooms for four and double bunks

for sleep,” explains Aziz. “There’s no gadgets, there

for groups of up to eight, with timber slats offering

isn’t even a TV, because even when it’s turned off, it

an element of privacy. All rooms are designed to the

emits a buzzing energy that disturbs sleep.”

same guiding principles, with air quality, temperature,

Particular attention has been paid to the lighting, a

lighting and noise taken into consideration along with

scheme devised in collaboration with Elektra Lighting.

aesthetics. Neri & Hu’s interiors once again make use

Concealed LEDs around the bed frame create a halo

of the natural oak seen in the lobby, with a simple yet

effect, while a similar idea illuminates the bathroom

elegant scheme that maximises the compact square-

mirror, only here it can be altered. “The lighting

footage. The focal point – naturally for a hotel that

programme follows the circadian rhythm, so in the

focuses on sleep – is the bed, encased in an oak

morning it’s brighter, towards the white side of the

frame that extends overhead to create a sanctuary.

spectrum, then during the afternoon, it tones down

A quality mattress from Hypnos is topped with 100%

to yellow-orange hues,” Aziz notes, pointing out

cotton sheets, best for conducting heat away from

that with no windows, the colour of light is the only

the body, while filters purify the air and maintain

indicator as to the time of day, ideal for those seeking

a steady temperature. Bathrooms follow the same

uninterrupted sleep as well as guests who might prefer

idea of quality and simplicity; Axor’s easy-to-use

to snooze through daylight hours having partied the

ShowerSelect mixer, for example, is a simple push-

night away at a film premiere next door.

button control. In fact, all of the controls in the room

To devise a concept that works in a windowless

are intuitive, removing potential friction points that

building is no mean feat, and it’s a clever move from

could negatively affect state of mind.

Criterion, making use of the difficult core of a building

Other than the essentials, there’s very little in the

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that could otherwise have been left to languish.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Criterion Capital Architecture and Interior Design: Neri & Hu Lighting Design: Elektra Lighting www.zedwellhotels.com

The Beyond Collection

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Buxton Crescent DERBYSHIRE Nestled in the Peak District National Park, the first UK property from Ensana Hotels champions the therapeutic mineral water for which its location is known.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © John Athimaritis

A

s someone who grew up just a stone’s throw from the Peak District National Park, I’m well-acquainted with the beauty of Buxton, and understand why locals hold

the town in such high regard; its rural character and rolling valleys are a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre to the north-west.

So when news broke that Buxton Crescent – the reincarnation of two hotels designed in the late-1700s by Yorkshire-born architect John Carr and modelled on Bath’s famous Royal Crescent – was finally set to open, it was music to everyone’s ears. Thirty-years in the making – yes, that’s thirty-years – there was concern that the Grade I-listed landmark would never again return to service, but thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a host of other investors, Buxton Crescent has reopened its doors.

The multi-million-pound project is the first UK outpost for Ensana Hotels, one of Europe’s largest operators of health spas and a custodian of utilising natural healing resources.

Its primary aim is to revive the wellness traditions of the picturesque market town, a former Roman settlement built around a spring, which to this day continues to send up million of litres of naturally heated water from the original

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Over the Thermal Pool, daylight filters through a new stained-glass canopy, designed in blue and green hues to harmonise with original cast iron beams and pillars

106

source beneath the hotel. The destination was

In addition, eight treatment rooms – several of

renowned throughout Georgian times as a

which feature original stained-glass windows –

bathing place for spa seekers, who would travel

offer signature therapies such as a thermal mud

the length and breadth of the country to bask

pack using mud sourced from Heviz in Hungary,

in the thermal waters. Later in the 19th century,

and a CO2 infusion mineral bath.

the hotel became a fashionable retreat for high-

Tasked with reinstating the landmark

society visitors, who would take to the waters

building’s architecture and channelling a

amidst the grand architecture, originally built

Georgian spirit inside, was London-based firm

for the 5th Duke of Devonshire. This 20th century

Curious, whose design scheme marries opulent

reincarnation will see the hotel once again

chandeliers, painted ceilings and stained-glass

become a wellness destination.

windows with elegant furniture and modern

As with Ensana’s other properties across

comforts. Despite decades of neglect, there is

Europe, including resorts in Czech Republic,

still real character and charm at every turn, from

Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, the spa

the grandeur of the Assembly Hall – with its

is paramount to the guest experience and

original chandeliers and gilt-topped Corinthian

immerses patrons in the therapeutic qualities

columns – to the exposed queen post trusses in

of water. As such, the property is centred

the attic guestrooms, which provide an insight

around three pools: the Thermal Pool, a fully

into the hotel’s anatomy.

refurbished Victorian pool with mineral rich

“There’s staggering attention to detail

water – heated and left chemically untreated

throughout that acknowledges the history of the

– flowing into it; a relaxation pool with a

building and the town; every room has a story

black barrel ceiling pierced by celestial mood

to tell,” says Marc Dorrian, Design Director

lighting; and an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool.

at Curious. “Originally it was built as lodging

The Lounge blends original features with contemporary details, layering sumptuous leathers and rich fabrics

houses bookended by a hotel at either side, so

an intricate plastered ceiling, which cleverly

in some part there was a map to follow in terms

disguises a number of access hatches. Despite

of how the spaces would be utilised. Instead of

being located in the building’s new extension,

fighting against it, we embraced and retained

the space showcases the external crescent

the elegance while adding touches that today’s

sandstone wall as part of the scheme, immersing

guest is accustomed to.”

diners in history as they tuck into a British

In restoring the structure to its former

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menu of local, seasonal produce.

glory, locally quarried gritstone and timber

Across in The Lounge, an original stone

beams were painstakingly revived, but not

fireplace anchors the space and sets the tone

everything was salvageable, so Curious had

for the rich layers of leather and antique bronze,

to be sympathetic with its decorative choices.

which accompany striking wallcoverings that

A new stained-glass canopy has been erected

celebrate nature’s diversity – a nod to Charles

over the Thermal Pool for example, designed

Darwin’s grandfather, who once visited Buxton

in blue and green hues to harmonise with the

to bathe in its waters.

original cast iron beams and pillars. There was

Elsewhere, a spa café occupies a new floor

also the sourcing of tiles, stone and marble

above the original pools. With views over

in shades and finishes that complement the

Grade II-listed public park The Slopes, the airy

original features; the incorporating of carpets

space allows guests to recharge, refill and relax

by Ulster; and sourcing wallcoverings that allow

without getting out of their robe, marrying calm

the structure to breathe.

blue and cream fabrics with splashes of yellow

In the hotel’s main restaurant, The Dining

from a bespoke carpet. There’s also a terrace,

Room, the contemporary ambience is again

though guests may want to wait for the warmer

coupled with traditional elements, such as

months to arrive before daring to venture out.

ai16024795689_Touchless Solutions_Advert 242 x 281 Sleeper Lo-Res.pdf

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Upstairs, 81 guestrooms and suites – ranging

building. Our architect, John Ferguson, was

from cosy Attic rooms to the 52m2 Crescent

instrumental in solving most, if not all of

Suite – are steeped in more than two centuries

these issues on a daily basis. General space

of history, with several featuring four-poster

planning was a dizzyingly complex exercise too,

beds, freestanding bathtubs and views through

especially within the spa, with its multi levels

the sash windows over the surrounding slate

and crossover between new and old. On top of

roofs. Lighting by Chelsom softens the mood,

that, the modern requirements and expectations

while Addingham 1500 mattresses by Harrison

of en suite facilities meant that the guestrooms

Spinks – boasting a patented Revolution pocket

had to be altered to meet this need. In some

spring system and natural fillings for maximum

cases, we came up with a pod design that

comfort and body temperature management –

kept the integrity of the room intact without

await guests as they return from the spa.

diminishing any of its historic features.”

It’s an incredible feat and the momentous

There’s no doubt that the restoration of

project didn’t come easy, with a number of

Buxton Crescent will put its namesake firmly

complications along the way: “I have never

back on the spa trail in the UK, submerging

worked on a project quite as challenging as this,”

guests in the town’s heritage, architecture and

Dorrian confirms. “The amount of work behind

therapeutic waters. “At a time when physical

the scenes has been the biggest challenge. Once

and mental wellbeing are at the forefront of

construction started, it quickly became apparent

our society, the spa may be well positioned

that parts of the structural condition were far

post-pandemic, providing guests with a much-

worse than anticipated.”

needed tonic,” concludes Dorrian. I, for one,

He continues: “Over 200 years of Buxton’s extreme climate had taken its toll on the

110

will be amongst those checking-in for a relaxing staycation over the coming months.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council Developer: CP Holdings, Trevor Osborne Property Group Operator: Ensana Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: Curious Conservation Architect: CTD Architects Art Consultant: Inngear Procurement: PCP Consulting Main Contractor: Vinci Construction Project Manager: Andrew Ryan www.ensanahotels.com

Le Méridien Lav, Split, Croatia, furnished by SNS Group.

www.snsgroup.eu

Nhow AMSTERDAM RAI Nhow Hotels brings contemporary art, design, gastronomy and cultural expression to the Dutch capital’s Zuidas district.

Words: Emma Love Photography: © Twelve Photographic Services

R

ight

Amsterdam

circular lobby bar and lounge – the ground floor

convention centre in the city’s southern

outside

the

RAI

has a line of curved, magenta check-in desks

Zuidas business district stands the ‘Het

reminiscent of old-school theatre ticket booths,

Signaal’ advertising column, arranged as a

as well as a 24-hour grab-and-go convenience

series of stacked triangles. Once a landmark

shop – they are greeted with a bold, bright mural

and the tallest structure in the area, it was

covering almost every surface. Colours and

the inspiration for Dutch architectural firm

motifs, from Indian mandalas to Mexican Day

OMA, who came up with the concept for the

of the Dead skulls, seamlessly alter according to

neighbouring 650-key Nhow Amsterdam RAI

the direction of the building.

hotel. The 91-metre, 24-floor building echoes

“We started to think about how to combine

the column in its design, with three triangular

many cultures,” says NH Hotel Group Project

glass volumes pointing in alternate directions,

Manager, Fernando Lecanda Ispizua. “Using

stacked on top of a two-storey concrete circular

only furniture and textiles wouldn’t have been

base. “For over 400 years Amsterdam was

easy, so we decided to work with patterns and

a trade city, a multi-cultural melting pot, so

images that everyone associates with different

the architecture reflects the six cardinal points

parts of the world. The street-art style fits very

that the various nationalities came from,”

well with the modern materials of the building.”

explains General Manager Hermann Spatt of

Spanish digital artist and designer David Zuker

the property, which took five years to build and

came up with the composition of the mural,

opened its doors in January.

while local specialist decorative painter Barre

This notion of bringing together cultures is the overriding theme inside too. As soon as guests step off the escalator onto the first floor

Verkerke was tasked with recreating it on site over the course of three weeks.

It’s not just the artwork that alters as guests

113

Colours and motifs, from bold and bright Indian mandalas to murals of Mexican Day of the Dead skulls, seamlessly alter according to the direction of the building

walk around the lounge – the furniture and

and Edmund Bell; the latter providing blackouts

objects do too. For instance, silver Moroccan

in raspberry pink. “We made a study of the

lamps on one side contrast with Alvaro Catalan

traditional fabrics from different countries and

de Ocon’s recycled plastic PET lamps made in

cultures; it was a very pragmatic process through

South America on the other, while micro-spaces

which we worked out what kind of forms,

raised up on wooden platforms by the floor-

geometry and colours to use,” continues Lopez

to-ceiling windows nod to destinations such as

Gastaldo of the textiles, which were all specially

Japan, furnished with royal blue Sancal lounge

designed for the hotel. Key to the idea was a

chairs and white geometric tables by Vitra. “The

figure in traditional dress – including a kilted

lobby is a very public double-height space so

Scotsman in the Northwest room and a kimono-

the idea was to complement that by creating

wearing woman from the East – printed on a

more introspective, welcoming zones,” says

geometric fabric backdrop for the bed. “There

Marc Lopez Gastaldo, Associate Partner at

are many hotel projects all over the world that

MVSA Architects, which was responsible for

take inspiration from various cultures but this

the interiors.

approach, using a human figure, is one of the

The global influence is even more pronounced in the guestrooms, which range in size from 22-

114

pillars that makes Nhow something different, so it was a very useful tool for us.”

150m2, the largest being the penthouse. Divided

Even the smallest accessories tie in with the

geographically into six designs – South, East,

theme, from the cluster of paper lanterns by HK

North, Southwest, Southeast and Northwest –

Living in the East room, to the Zenza Home gold

each one has been assigned a set of colours and

palm tree floor light in the African room, which

patterns that are threaded through wallpaper,

represents the design for the South category. All

furniture and fabrics by the likes of Wall & Decò

rooms have retro telephones, specially designed

115

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rugs produced by Moooi, a Delft porcelain teapot

seating and chairs in a rainbow of colours; the

in the mini-bar and a pair of round, white glass-

dinner menu, which is based on comfort foods

topped bedside tables with a resin fish inside,

from around the world – masala curry, Bobotie

made by Spanish design duo Otto Canalda and

and beef bourguignon – is currently being

Ramón Úbeda. “I saw a side table with a fish in

served in the lounge bar.

furniture design company Viccarbe’s catalogue

“The most important aspect of the mural in

and thought it would be a fun detail,” explains

the restaurant is the flowers,” Lopez Gastaldo

Lecanda Ispizua of the 1,300 fish, which took

concludes, pointing out the brightly coloured

over a year to produce.

tulips and carnations that accompany visual

The building also houses three pocket-size

representations of various global cultures,

gyms (the main gym, which will take up the

making for a surreal composition. “Amsterdam

entire tenth floor, is slated to open by December)

is known for its flower market so if you look at

as well as individually designed meeting rooms

the back of each chair, it has a pattern based

named after the herbs and spices that were once

around blooms.”

traded in the city. Located on the 23rd floor, they

The 24th floor is still to be completed but will

come with knockout views, though it’s hard to

most likely become some kind of arts venue,

imagine anyone being able to concentrate on a

while on the ground floor, The Entourage

presentation when the alternative is gazing out

Group, which owns local restaurants Toni Loco

across the cityscape.

Pizza and The Butcher – known for its burgers

There’s several restaurants on site too. The

– is soon to take over a currently empty space.

main space on the 17th floor is a help-yourself

While both are bound to be crowd-pleasers, I

buffet at breakfast, decorated with a mural

suspect that for those staying, the real draw of

on one wall that arches over velvet banquette

checking-in is the originality of the design.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: AXA IM Developer: COD, Being Development Operator: NH Hotel Group Architecture: OMA Interior Design: MVSA Architects Art Consultant: Enrique Tellecha Main Contractor: Pleijsier Bouw Project Manager: Fernando Lecanda Ispizua www.nhow-hotels.com

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01/09/2020 12:59:29

Art House BASEL Longtime friends and travel partners Salomé Fäh and Andrea Caputo balance calming Japanese aesthetics with dramatic flourishes and urban street art at this central Basel design hotel.

Words: Elly Earls Photography: Courtesy of Design Hotels

T

he first member of Design Hotels in

take shape, sharing their thoughts on the style,

Switzerland’s third city, Art House Basel

quality, service and atmosphere of the hotels

combines a calm, homely feel with

they stayed in across Asia and the US. “It was

dramatic notes – from the tiered terraces

a conversation that was kind of unconscious

and black metamorphic stone façade to the

over the years,” Caputo recalls. “In the end, it

cosmos-themed rugs in every room. Far from a

became this project we made together.”

cookie-cutter hotel, the property was designed

The idea was to create a shelter in the heart

specifically for its central Basel location,

of Basel, a place where you don’t just sleep but

the vibrant pedestrianised Steinenvorstadt

can also work and spend a large part of the day.

neighbourhood, into which its ground floor restaurant, bar and workspace spill out.

“We wanted guests to be able to switch off from the congestion and stress we live in today

In an about-face from the traditional

in urbanised areas, particularly in the rooms,”

development model, Art House Basel didn’t

says Caputo. “We wanted it to be really quiet

start with a hotel management company

and calm, in contrast with what’s happening

commissioning a designer to come up with a

outside on the busy street the hotel is located

vision for the property. The hotel was designer

on. We wanted guests to be able to decompress.”

Salomé Fäh’s baby. She and her husband Edwin

Soundproof windows ensure the hum of the

then put together a team to realise her vision,

city is shut out, while inside each of the 33

including Swiss architecture firm Diener &

guestrooms, every item of furniture, piece of

Diener and Fäh’s good friend, Italian designer

artwork and material has been painstakingly

Andrea Caputo.

chosen, sometimes after disagreements between

Fäh and Caputo had been travelling together

Fäh and Caputo – from the Hästens beds to the

for many years before Art House Basel started to

Marshall speakers to the bathrooms of Lasa

119

There’s a distinctly Japanese feel to the guestrooms, which feature a generous use of oak along with paper curtains

marble – the same material that characterises much of the Neoclassical architecture of Vienna, Munich and Berlin.

There’s a distinctly Japanese feel to the rooms too – the shape of the lamps, the generous use of oak, the paper curtains, the plants – which is offset by the dramatic landscapes on the walls and colourful constellation rugs produced in Iran. The slim rectangular profile of Laufen’s Living Square washbasins and ceramic shelves feed into this aesthetic too, providing an open space for guests to place their bathroom accessories. “We didn’t want to have a full Japanese style room; there’s a tension between the two but at the same time there’s a balance,” Caputo explains. From the third floor up, rooms also have spacious wooden terraces with comfortable loungers, framed by greenery, which is a recurring theme across the property.

Basel is a hub for art and culture, with many people visiting the city for museums and art fairs or combining their business travel with trips to cultural institutions. With its rotating exhibitions curated by the nearby Colab Gallery, Art House Basel fits right in. “We wanted to have a space that respects art but isn’t pretending to be an art institution in its own right,” says Caputo.

The first major pieces of art to be displayed in the hotel’s public areas include a 4x16ft painting by New York-based Logan Hicks and a cube sculpture by German artist Tobias Rehberger. The corridors are adorned with urban art pieces selected by Colab Gallery and Art House Basel is also working with urban art network Art-Stübli to obtain permission to paint a wall of the building opposite the hotel, which can only be seen from its rooftop bar. “We are always trying to start some different projects to get some stories to tell,” notes Managing Director Nicolas Burgener.

The idea of storytelling is also central to Art House

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121

Basel’s main restaurant and bar, Souvenir on

trash’; Lauber wanted it to feel like urban Berlin

the ground floor. “Our guests can bring their

with its neon lights and cement bar cast on site.

own ‘souvenirs’ to our chef and he takes the

While guests can spend as much time in

recipes and puts them on our menu,” Burgener

Mirador as they like – from breakfast through

explains. “We’re interested in the history

to evening drinks – members only have access

behind these dishes.”

from Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-til-late. On the

Souvenir is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plentiful plug sockets making

is also planning a games room with karaoke.

it suitable for locals to settle in for a work

For Caputo, what really stood out about this

session. It also opens out onto the street, when

project was the close family feel. “It wasn’t

weather permits, where there’s an outdoor bar.

a case of the client asking and us doing,” he

Inside, the space – designed by Swiss hotelier

explains. “We discussed everything dozens of

Daniel Lauber – is furnished with simple oak

times – the references, the ideas and the goals

tables with dark green tops, high-backed sofas

we wanted to achieve together – and then

with colourful, patterned cushions, statement

designed together as one.

lighting and the ubiquitous greenery.

122

same floor, there is a music room and Burgener

“From a designer’s point of view, this is

Lauber also designed the property’s private

the best you can get from a cooperation with

rooftop bar Mirador, which can be reached via

a client because it really elevates the project.

a statement staircase by Diener & Diener and

It’s friendship, it’s an exchange, and just like

offers an excellent view of the Elisabethenkirche

with families, you have the toughest discussions

and the Basel Minster, best paired with an

and you participate in the same struggles, but

elaborately-prepared cocktail and a charcuterie

you are always honest. That’s when you really

platter. The design theme is ‘modern design

achieve something.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Walter Bros Operator: Arthouse Basel Architecture: Diener & Diener Architekten Interior Design: Salomé Fäh, Andrea Caputo, Daniel F. Lauber (F&B), Gabriel Heusser (décoration) Brand Identity: Steiner Grafik Art Consultant: Colab Gallery Lighting Design Reflexion Landscaping: Dobler Gärtnerei Project Manager: Büro für Bauökonomie www.arthousebasel.ch

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The Hotel of Tomorrow The Gettys Group relaunches its global think-tank to develop concepts that respond to the industrywide challenges posed by Covid-19.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Courtesy of The Gettys Group

Back in 2003, The Gettys Group looked at the hotel industry and

Chief Innovation Officer, Ron Swidler, observed the need to build

saw silos; hospitality brands, designers, manufacturers, owners

on the past while addressing the concerns of the here and now:

and operators that were connected on projects but lacking a way to

“We’re remaining focused on a lot of the topics we covered in our

exchange ideas – the kind of information, goals, tools, priorities and

original studies, like sustainability and technology, but are also

processes that could transform the sector. Individual companies were

looking beyond that at health and wellness in a much deeper way,

developing innovations, yet all too often, those innovations failed

from sanitisation and personal safety to fitness, food and beverage,

to reach a wider audience or benefit from the expertise of different

and sleep.

perspectives, meaning they didn’t reach their full potential.

“As a group we’re also trying to solve problems around business

In response, the Chicago-based design, development and consulting

models, like how meeting spaces are going to be used, where revenue

firm spearheaded the launch of a global think-tank that would pool

sources will come from when hotel restaurants are shut down, and

resources, channel brainpower and drive innovation. Collaborating

what new staffing models may look like, so there’s a hard look at

with incubators such as Phillips & Company, the erstwhile Starwood

every aspect of operation.”

Hotels, WATG and Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Gettys set up workshops that brought together over 300 executives to envision the future.

Since Swidler spoke, designers, manufacturers, owners and operators – including Four Seasons, Hilton, IHG and Marriott –

More than just a workshop, The Hotel of Tomorrow was billed as a

have gathered online to create and review new concepts. A total of

methodology – a fast-paced process of asking questions, compiling

79 proposals were submitted by 16 teams from around the world,

research and inspiration, and evaluating and elevating new ideas.

then shared with over 1,000 hospitality executives who selected the

Many of the concepts originated in these sessions – held between

concepts they believe have the greatest potential. The entries were

2004 and 2006 – have since come to the fore in the hotel landscape,

eventually whittled down to five cutting-edge ideas spanning food

from floor and wallcoverings with integrated fibre optics to new

and beverage, meetings, customer service and guest experience.

systems for green walls and Aloft’s famous robotic butler.

“The Covid crisis has created a need for answers to questions hotels

In a year when the industry needs this kind of innovation more

could not answer on their own,” Swidler concludes. “Innovation

than ever before, Gettys decided to launch a reframed version of its

comes through collaboration and helps us find solutions for moving

initiative – updated to meet the needs of today’s remote reality and

the industry forward.”

focused on the challenges that have arisen for hospitality in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking on the #Sleeper2020 podcast in June, The Gettys Group’s

The five concepts feature on the following pages. For more information visit www.hotel-of-tomorrow.com

000

Bed XYZ An optimised sleep platform devised to enhance the guestroom environment, Bed XYZ features engineered fabrics that control the temperature of the bed and act as a filter to improve air quality. An array of smartphone applications allow guests to control lighting and humidity too, plus there’s options to mediate background noise and regulate mattress firmness to monitor the quality of rest. Pre-sleep rituals such as low impact exercise and meditative programmes are also available to experiment with through an in-room audio-video display system.

Outside In, Inside Out Looking to re-envision public areas, this concept brings aspects of the outdoors into interior areas like lobbies, meeting spaces and ballrooms. Focusing on lighting, air quality, sound and scent, it aims to mitigate the sense of confinement that can occur – particularly for the business guest, who often remains on property for long periods of time. Installations of verdant plantlife, as well as nature-driven video imagery and other ambient features, are intended to create a calming environment – one that can induce creativity and enhance productivity.

126

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Hotel Rover Accommodating up to four people, Hotel Rover

safety, sanitation, technology, aesthetics and

is a self-driving adventure vehicle that provides

environmental concerns,” explains Swidler of

mobile hospitality on the road and at host hotels.

the inspiration behind this new iteration of The

Expanding the number of beds and services

Hotel of Tomorrow. “It has also revealed how

available to guests well beyond the limitations

much we need to embrace not only health and

of a single property, the autonomous, electric-

safety measures, but also technology.

powered concept offers on-the-go comfort and

“As such, Hotel Rover meets a number

is designed for work, sleep and socialising as

of emerging and tried-and-true consumer

well as transportation between partner hotels,

demands, including romanticised nostalgia,

where travellers can enjoy the full services and

untethered exploration, exclusivity and both

amenities of a brand’s physical outposts – from

autonomy and autonomous vehicles. It literally

simply recharging their batteries to making use

can break the hotel free from its foundations.”

of housekeeping, room service and the concierge.

Maxwell Luthy, Director of Trends & Insights

The integration of AI digital assistance also

at TrendWatching, adds: “This concept could

means that guidance and entertainment options

pave the way for AI-powered travel, where

are available via voice command, intuitive

guests choose from a set of preference-informed

touchscreen and an app, further extending the

locations like Spotify does for weekly playlists.”

services of a hotel brand into the vehicle.

“We needed to think beyond room cleaning initiatives and air purifying systems and develop long lasting solutions that address health,

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Journey Pebble This digital, encrypted wearable has the ability to share guest preferences with a hotel, enabling them to offer a seamless and personalised stay. Utilising this data, hotel staff can not only meet customer expectations, but go one step further by suggesting additional services and programming that complement the wish list he or she has provided. A clone of the Journey Pebble would be held behind the front desk, along with those of other guests, communicating through an AI network to promote suitable virtual or face-to-face interactions in real-time.

Robot Alliance A deconstructed approach to the food and beverage experience, Robot Alliance deploys robots to enable guests to drink and dine beyond the confines of the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Equipped with warming and cooling units that double as dining surfaces, the robotic companions allow patrons to eat and socialise anywhere within a property. Larger versions feature audio-visual components for music, movies and gaming, while service drones communicate with a bartending robot – overseen by a skilled mixologist – to send out restocked robots as and when required.

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Rethinking R&R As the hospitality industry begins to bounce back after a devastating year, hotels are embracing health and wellness to drive recovery.

Words: Lisa Kjellsson

T

he coronavirus pandemic has affected almost

has been prevalent in recent years. In 2017, the Global Wellness

every sector of the global economy, none more

Institute reported that the sector was valued at US$639.4bn,

so than travel and hospitality. With restrictions

having grown at more than twice the rate of tourism in general

on movement easing in some parts of the world,

in the preceding three years (6.5% versus 3.2%). The spa sector

hotels are gradually reopening, putting health and

specifically saw even greater growth, expanding 9.8% over the

safety at the forefront of their usual practices and

same period.

communications. There’s a more compelling by-product of the

So how can hoteliers tap into this opportunity? One of the

crisis emerging however, in that it has significantly bolstered

fastest growing trends is the merger of medical and wellness

interest in wellness tourism.

services within resorts. In the past, the two sectors have been

According to a newly published report from Horwath HTL,

quite separate; medical facilities lacked the design and guest

the current situation has fast-tracked interest in the already

experience elements of a typical resort, while spa properties

burgeoning subsector. Titled ‘Merging Medical and Wellness

offered few, if any, medically approved procedures. As a result,

Tourism in Integrative Wellness Destinations’, it states:

more and more hotels are offering a combination of the two.

“Stricken by the social and economic damage that the pandemic

“Wellness resorts, which are traditionally known for their

has caused, accompanied by increased awareness of personal

holistic programming, are increasingly incorporating diagnostics

health and wellbeing, both healthcare and preventative wellness

and advanced results-driven treatments, while medically

offerings have been pushed to the forefront of peoples’ minds.”

focused destinations are seeking to broaden their offering to

As a result, the global wellness tourism market is poised

include more wellness services,” Horwath HTL confirm, billing

to grow substantially. By exactly how much has been widely

such places as integrative wellness destinations. The report

speculated, but the upward trajectory confirms the trend that

sets out the differences between the two, stating that medical

© Alexander Haiden

© Alexander Haiden

Lanserhof – with properties in Austria, Germany and a small presence at The Arts Club in London – has built its brand around combining holistic medicine with regeneration and prevention

“Stricken by the social and economic damage that the pandemic has caused, accompanied by increased awareness of personal health and wellbeing, both healthcare and preventative wellness offerings have been pushed to the forefront of peoples’ minds.”

HORWATH HTL

tourism is defined as travel to receive treatment

Another region where wellness tourism is

wellness tourists, incentivising them to extend

for a diagnosed ailment, while wellness tourism

tipped to help revive the hospitality sector

the length of stay. This would typically include

is driven by rising mental health concerns,

is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),

beauty, cosmetic, weight loss, fitness, diet and

work-related stress, poor lifestyle choices and

where the introduction of health and wellness

nutrition treatments and rehabilitation services.

notably, an increased presence of diseases and

offerings are expected to drive both domestic

Keen to make their mark in a relatively

chronic conditions.

and international tourists to extend their stay

untapped territory, a number of new spa hotels

In Europe, Lanserhof – with properties in

from a few weeks to months, according to a

are launching in the Middle East in the next

Austria, Germany and a small presence at The

report released by Colliers International in April

couple of years. Zulal Wellness Resort, set to

Arts Club in London – is widely regarded as a

this year.

be the largest destination of its kind in Qatar,

market leader, having built its brand around

To achieve this, MENA governments,

will open in 2021 with the world’s first centre

combining holistic medicine with regeneration

private investors and operators will need to

for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine. Qatari

and prevention. There are independent ventures

focus beyond traditional medical tourism and

developer Msheireb Properties has appointed

too, such as Euphoria Retreat in Mystras, Greece,

spas and offer a wide range of services that

Chiva-Som to operate and manage the

where an on-site medical team carry out blood

encompass healthcare and wellness services

resort, located in the private coastal region of

tests, body scans, nutritional analyses and

to achieve sustainable recovery and growth,

Khasooma, an hour’s drive from Doha, where it

biofeedback profiling to establish a personalised

attracting local, regional and international

will offer therapeutic and lifestyle enhancement

course of treatment for the mind, body and soul.

tourists, say Colliers. The report also advises

treatments based on traditional Arabic and

Such concepts – providing all-round services

that provision of tertiary healthcare facilities

Islamic principles. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of

in a comfortable, non-medical environment

will further boost travellers’ confidence, and

Msheireb Properties, believes the development

– have given rise to a host of new project

recommends that hotel operators in cities such

will have a positive impact on the nation

announcements around the world. In Thailand,

as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Cairo

as a whole. “Our mission as a national real

Rakxa, a fully sustainable medical wellness

affiliate with local partners known to provide a

estate developer is to build communities and

retreat on the Chao Praya River, is set to launch

good quality of care.

developments that enrich and enhance the way

in December. A partnership between Minor

For hotels outside of the main cities, such

people live, work and thrive, while remaining

Hotels Group, M.K. Real Estate Development

as the coastal resorts in Egypt, Jordan, Oman,

true to our Qatari and Arabic cultural heritage,”

and Vital Life Scientific Wellness Centre,

the UAE and more recently in Saudi Arabia,

he notes. “This partnership with Chiva-Som

a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International

Colliers advises that operators may have to

enables us to provide the best in ancient Arabic

Hospital, the concept merges modern science

pool resources to provide such support facilities.

medicine, not just in Qatar, but across the entire

and tradition, aiming to deliver bespoke

Once established, to improve profitability, the

region. Zulal Wellness Resort will no doubt

healthcare in a relaxing environment. “At a time

facility could also serve the local community

contribute to the growth of wellness tourism

when customers are reprioritising their health,

alongside tourists. Another option for the

in the country.”

the hospitality industry’s pivot to wellness is

establishment of healthcare facilities could be

Further east in the Gulf, SHA will be opening

no longer a trend but a necessity,” comments

public-private partnership, where such facilities

its first Middle Eastern outpost in Abu Dhabi

William E. Heinecke, Chairman and founder of

are considered as public good and governments

in 2023. It will be the brand’s third property,

Minor International. “Sophisticated and well-

provide regulatory and financial incentives to

adding to the popular wellness clinic in Alicante

versed in holistic therapies, today’s luxury

attract investors and operators. To make the

and a second one set to launch in Mexico in

travellers expect their wellness programmes to

tertiary care hospitals more profitable and hence

2021. In addition to 120 suites, SHA Emirates at

address health issues spanning the entire life

attractive to investors and operators, other

AlJurf will include 293 private residences in an

cycle, rather than merely offer jetlag remedies.”

health and wellness packages may be offered to

ambitious move to target consumer demand for

135

“At a time when customers are reprioritising their health, the hospitality industry’s pivot to wellness is no longer a trend but a necessity.”

WILLIAM E. HEINECKE – MINOR INTL

Zulal Wellness Resort will open in Qatar in 2021 with the world’s first centre for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine

wellness. Having won almost 100 international

guest is assigned a full-time ‘immune host’

awards in the 11 years since its launch in Spain,

throughout their stay, who works with the

SHA Wellness Clinic has established itself as one

clinic’s team to create a bespoke programme

of the world’s leading luxury medi-spas, so its

including a special diet plan crafted by a

international expansion is a natural progression

nutritionist. Treatments include infusions of

for the brand.

vitamin C, zinc and homeopathic remedies,

While developers plan ever-more innovative

as well as ozone therapy, oxygen inhalation

wellness resorts to stay ahead of the curve, for

sessions and lymphatic massages, to be had

existing spa hotels it’s a case of ensuring their

alongside fitness activities including aqua-

expertise is packaged in a way that makes it as

gymnastics, yoga, qi gong, and hiking through

relevant as ever.

the surrounding Black Forest.

This year, many spa hotels have been quick

So does tapping into the wellness tourism trend

to position themselves as part of a preventative

mean a hotel must have a spa on the premises?

health approach for Covid-conscious wellness

Not at all, says Anne Dimon, President of the

seekers. A case in point is Villa Stéphanie, the

Wellness Tourism Association. “While an onsite

medi-spa in the historic German spa town

spa is certainly a welcome addition as a resort

of Baden Baden. The newest additions to its

amenity, it is not a prerequisite for becoming

wellness programmes, billed as ‘perfect for

a stakeholder in the wellness space,” as she

the world we are currently living in’, are the

explained in a blog for World Travel Market

Immune Boost and Immune Care programmes.

Global Hub earlier this year. “The big draw as the

Both are designed to stimulate and strengthen

industry begins to recover will be those slightly

the immune system and teach guests how to

more remote locations, away from congested

boost their health through food supplements,

areas, easily accessed by car or short non-stop

stress reduction and lifestyle changes. Each

flights and, ideally, surrounded by nature.”

© Alexander Haiden

136

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A Blueprint for Sustainable Design PART 3 Nature-based design and organic materials – from biophilic building patterns to biomimetic construction imitating biological systems – are helping create healthier spaces, says Juliet Kinsman.

I

138

t is humankind’s departure from natural

replicating the shapes and systems of living

systems and conversion from wilderness to

organisms. In his designs, such as the treetop

urban environments that many scientists and

dining pod at Soneva Kiri in Thailand, he was

sustainability experts lament as the cause of

inspired by the natural growth of saprophytic

much of the world’s ill health. We’re living in

fungi and the Seedpod tent. He believes the

an Anthropocene era – a term coined in 2000

rooms at Nay Palad Bird Nest Hotel in Kenya

by biologist Eugene Stormer and chemist Paul

to be one of the most elegant examples of

Crutzen to describe this time in which man is

biomimicry and biophilic design. It’s not just

the dominant influencer on the planet: Anthropo

the aesthetic act, Thompson recognises that for

being Greek for ‘man’ and cene meaning ‘new’.

constructions to really be tuned into nature,

Subscribe to this, and you may feel optimistic

the entire hotel development process needed

that as much as we cause the problems facing

to be reviewed, so that it not only looks more

our planet, we can innovate through technology

organic, but its way of being function channels

to solve them too. But surely we’re better to

biological processes, working efficiently in a

look to nature?

circular way, as nature does. “The earlier in

Biophilic design is that which is inspired

the design process that we consider passive

by natural surroundings and all living things,

design, orientation, insulation, airflow, material

channelling biological forms in architecture and

selection, natural light, renewable energy, water

interiors and replicating nature’s idiosyncratic

re-use strategies, regenerative landscaping and

patterns and systems. When it comes to building

engineering, the higher the chance of success in

exceptional hospitality establishments, it’s

achieving an integrated, holistic environment,”

about finding balance. We’re returning to age-

explains Thompson.

old traditions and organic materials as well as

Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat in New Zealand

implementing forward-thinking methods and

is an exemplar of the Living Building Challenge

application, incorporating what we love about

accreditation. “The processes they are adopting

the natural world along the way – daylight,

in terms of construction methodology are

fresh air through natural ventilation and

holistic – incorporating a sense of place, health

verdant greenery.

and happiness, equity, land regeneration and

Louis Thompson of Nomadic Resorts is an

beauty into the design process, as well as

award-winning biophilic designer credited with

addressing the traditional technical aspects of

Sustainability Speak BIOPHILIC DESIGN A connection with the natural environment through direct and an evoked contact with nature by way of architecture and interior design.

CLOSED LOOP Circularity means trackable, simplified supply chains and a closed loop in terms of operations and zero waste, rather than a linear approach in which goods are used then sent to landfill.

GREEN ROOFS, GREEN WALLS Gardens and ecological features enhance biodiversity and provide potential habitats for birds and insects.

Plus, the right greenery oxygenates the air, sequesters carbon in cities and counters air pollution. green building such as thermal comfort, energy

are self-sufficient, zero waste and the solar

and water use,” Thompson notes. He makes the

photovoltaic system allows them to turn off the

distinction between green building certifications

generator bar a few hours a day. Their farm on

such as LEED and BREEAM being more relevant

the mainland also supplies fruit and vegetables,

to assessing the hardware of office blocks and

so they don’t have to cut down trees to clear

apartment buildings as opposed to biophilic

land for growing.

projects, which work on a more spiritual level

Biophilia is a buzzword in city styling too, but

in terms of genius loci. “We are working to

it’s important for concepts to stretch beyond a

combine traditional green building, biophilic

superficial façade. 1 Hotels swiftly established

design and large-scale rewilding, expecting

themselves as the first nature-inspired urban

remarkable results.”

retreats with all-singing all-photosynthesising

Judging by the hotel landscape, it appears

living walls and interiors crafted with tactile

easier for tropical locations to lick this formula,

upcycled woods and farm-to-fork menus jiving

free to plot up in the soil and start building up

on the organic theme. Meanwhile, houseplants

with materials such as bamboo, unfettered by

transformed three of Leman Locke’s suites

the constraints of urban contexts. Cempedak,

into pop-up jungles when biophilic designer

a private island resort in Indonesia and Bambu

and architect Oliver Heath brought in Boston

Indah in Bali are poster hotels for open-air

ferns, peace lilies and snake plants – which is

bamboo-architecture magnificence. “Islands by

sometimes the best urban escape. Thompson

their nature are their own ecosystems and there

agrees this is an efficient quick-win for city

is a whole subject around their biodiversity

hotels: “Good quality interior vegetation in

under the label Island Biogeography,” explains

public areas is the easiest solution – masses

Andrew Dixon, creator of Cempedak and sister

of beautiful terracotta pots exploding with

venture Nikoi. “The strongest learnings come

nephrolepis ferns can be as be as powerful as a

from permaculture theories and putting that

fancy living wall – and a lot easier to maintain.”

into practice. I have come to learn that it is so

Adapting to this socially-distanced world,

much more efficient to work with nature than

Locke Hotels use planters and terrariums

to try and fight it.” Dixon considers these two

in Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Dublin

islands their own ecosystems, the ultimate goal

and soon, Munich, also known to help soften

being to make them 100% self-sufficient. They

the effects of anxiety. “The industrial-style

NON-TOXIC The natural world is of course free from manmade chemicals, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) spare us of the toxic chemicals in traditional emulsions. Herman K, in a converted transformer station in Copenhagen, is chemical-free thanks to surfaces treated with an invisible, scent-free, selfdisinfecting titanium dioxide ‘CleanCoat’ – meaning they only need to be wiped down with electrolysed water.

PASSIVE DESIGN Coined in Germany as the Passivhaus system, these centuries-old buildingscience principles are also known as bioclimatic architecture – insulation throughout an airtight envelope, highperformance triple-glazed windows and doors where aspect optimises and minimises solar energy to ensure comfortable and consistent indoor temperatures during both the warmer and cooler seasons.

139

Sustainability Speak PERMACULTURE Designing an ecosystem so it mimics nature-based principles, from growing food to planning a garden that produces rich soil and naturally recycles.

spaces having elements of biophilia creates

environmentally honest. It cannot be part of

a nice tension – we’ve evolved to be urban

someone’s job. In the current situation, we

creatures but we’re yearning for proximity

need passionate, dedicated people managing a

to the natural world,” notes Matt Grzywinski

circular hotel business model.”

of Grzywinski+Pons, the designer behind a number of the Locke properties.

Sarah Jenkinson from Centre for Alternative Technology, an eco-centre in Wales dedicated

Designing great function is as critical as

to demonstrating and teaching sustainable

considering form – which is nature’s MO.

development, adds: “Architectural education

“Circularity is all about waste and a new hotel

that embraces the heartfelt needs of nature and

design should minimise the waste of water,

all that we love about the natural word – light,

energy and solid waste at the design stage,”

fresh air, birdsong, water – is the responsible

explains Asia-based Sustainability Coach, Piet

architecture of the future. At our Graduate

van Zyl. “The engineering designs should

School for the Environment in Mid Wales,

incorporate this as a principle – but engineers

trainee architects get hands-on experience

don’t like designing stuff they are not familiar

with sustainable and traditional building

with.” Every aspect of the design should look at

materials such as rammed earth, cob and

where materials come from and where they will

hemp, as well as lime, timber and straw bales.

go at the end of life and asking what the long-

Environmentally sustainable materials offer

term impact is on the environment regarding

creative opportunities to develop high quality,

waste and water and electricity?

healthy, effective and long-lasting products

The Datai in Langkawi was recently lauded for its relaunch after an extensive redesign –

ZERO WASTE In nature, there’s no such thing as waste: picture all organisms processing nutrients in a closed loop, where even their excretions become matter that is useful to another phase in the system.

In the context of construction, it’s when a circular economy is observed and supply chains are resourceful, ethical and transparent, meaning any waste is repurposed rather than being sent to landfill.

that can enhance rather than damage natural ecosystems.”

which has permaculture at its heart. “Bring the

Let’s delight in a bandwagon now heaving as

organics and food waste back to feed the soil

the travel industry is appreciating that the way

to produce healthy food through composting

to wow tomorrow’s clients is through nature –

and worm farms,” van Zyl explains. “Treat

wherever they are. Hotels are also appreciating

wastewater naturally to promote nutritious

sustainability as more than a trend, and as a

irrigation water. Keep the solid waste from

new way of being. As Luxury Frontiers’ Graeme

polluting because otherwise it can wash out on

Labe puts it: “Humans spend 93% of their time

the beach and be seen next to the roads. The

indoors, but if nature can enhance even the

Datai takes a holistic, long-term view and they

most mundane activities, surely designers have

are transforming tomorrow, today.”

a responsibility to pull the natural world into

Van Zyl helped develop the waste-to-wealth

the built environment?” It’s not just the window

application at Soneva Fushi. “The hotels with

dressing you want to look green and natural, it

a positive impact on their environment have

should really function in this way too.

made a conscious decision to do so, and have committed to contribute resources to it, not just greenwashing with fluffy PR words,” he notes. “A hotel that says it is serious about sustainability has a sustainability department with dedicated personnel managing waste and gardens and bees, keeping the hotel

140

Juliet Kinsman is a sustainability editor and founder of Bouteco. Her new book, The Green Edit: Travel (Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller), published by Ebury, is out now.

17434 Open Concept Sleeper Magazine Ad – OUTLINES FINAL.indd 1

22/10/2020 13:43

Hotel Construction Pipeline Europe While Europe’s hotels continue to face operational challenges in the wake of the global pandemic, interest in the sector remains robust, with owners and operators pushing ahead with new signings across the continent.

When Tophotelprojects published its preCovid global construction report earlier this year, it counted a total of 1,625 projects, or 283,490 rooms, in Europe’s pipeline. While there’s undoubtedly been cancellations in recent months, the overall numbers have in fact risen, with the latest data showing 1,747 projects, or 302,036 rooms, in development.

In London, Europe’s development hotspot – second only to Dubai on the global stage – the number of projects in the pipeline has risen from 99 to 106, while Dublin – ranked seventh in the global list – has seen ten new projects announced in recent months, bringing its total to 53.

Taking a continent-wide view, the UK tops the list with 424 projects in the pipeline – up from 390 in May – with Liverpool, Glasgow and Manchester set to add to their inventory. Germany meanwhile has seen an incremental rise in its pipeline, led by new project announcements in the cities of Hamburg, Frankfurt and Berlin.

Though delays are possible – whether Covid-related or otherwise – if all goes to plan, Europe can expect in excess of 90,000 new rooms in 2021.

Tophotelprojects is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide. For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

142

TOP CITIES LONDON Projects 106 Rooms 18,000

LIVERPOOL Projects 29 Rooms 4,175

DUBLIN Projects 53 Rooms 8,698

GLASGOW Projects 25 Rooms 4,609

MANCHESTER Projects 24 Rooms 4,865

FRANKFURT Projects 20 Rooms 5,960

PARIS Projects 32 Rooms 6,208

HAMBURG Projects 24 Rooms 5,780

VIENNA Projects 23 Rooms 4,077

BERLIN Projects 19 Rooms 4,185

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

UK 424 61,702

GERMANY 359 56,287

FRANCE 100 16,854

SPAIN 78 15,537

IRELAND 77 12,102

6

7

8

9

10

ITALY 76 11,914

AUSTRIA 66 8,794

SWITZERLAND 66 8,516

POLAND 65 13,010

RUSSIA 63 12,990

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 302,036 rooms in the pipeline across Europe, 39% (668 projects) are in planning and 37% (630 projects) are under construction. A total of 23,870 rooms are in the pre-opening phase and expected to debut in the coming months.

VISION

PRE-PLANNING

Projects 33 Rooms 4,198

PLANNING

Projects 266 Rooms 45,813

CONSTRUCTION

Projects 668 Rooms 117,136

PRE-OPENING

Projects 630 Rooms 111,019

Projects 150 Rooms 23,870

GROUPS AND BRANDS Hilton Worldwide has the most projects in the pipeline, with growth coming primarily from the Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn brands. Of the European-based groups, Accor is set to plant flags for Mercure while IHG is expanding with Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo.

145 93 84 71 63

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hampton by Hilton

55

8,844

Hilton Garden Inn

30

4,748

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts

23

4,463

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

22

4,953

Courtyard by Marriott

22

4,000

Doubletree by Hilton

19

3,304

Scandic Hotels

17

5,308

Hotel Indigo

17

2,143

Mercure Hotels

17

2,116

Radisson Red

16

3,352

YEAR OF OPENING

2020 (15%)

2021 (30%)

2022 (16%)

2023 (9%)

2024+ (30%)

143

Photograph: Paul Woods, http://www.thega-group.com, The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin

FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH is a Project Management and Development Company based in Germany and specialised in 4 and 5 star projects for the Hospitality Industry throughout Europe. Our mission is to ensure the completion of the highest standard on time and within the budget.

SELECTION OF OUR PROJECTS: Ameron Hotel, Davos, Switzerland / Andaz Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands / Munich, Germany / Concorde La Fayette, Paris, France / Concorde St. Lazare, Paris, France / Dolce Hotel, Munich, Germany / Dolce La Hulpe, Brussels, Belgium / Doubletree by Hilton, Košice, Slovakia / Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras, Slovakia / Hilton Garden Inn, Davos, Switzerland / Hyatt Place, Frankfurt, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / Hyatt Regency, Düsseldorf, Germany / Mainz, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / InterContinental, Davos, Switzerland / Geneva, Switzerland / Jaz, Stuttgart, Germany / Jumeirah Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany / Mallorca, Spain / Kameha Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland / Kempinski Hotel River Park, Bratislava, Slovakia / Le Méridien, Barcelona, Spain / Munich, Germany / Split, Croatia / Stuttgart, Germany / Vienna, Austria / Le Méridien Domhotel, Cologne, Germany / Le Méridien Etoile, Paris, France / Le Royal Méridien, Hamburg, Germany / Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain / Bodrum, Turkey / Geneva, Switzerland / Munich, Germany / Paris, France / Prague, Czech Republic / Mövenpick Hotel & Casino, Geneva, Switzerland / Mövenpick Hotel, Basel, Switzerland / Stuttgart Airport, Germany / Zurich Airport, Switzerland / Radisson SAS, Rostock, Germany / Rosewood Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands / SOHO, Amsterdam, Netherlands / Swissôtel Bremen, Germany / Dresden, Germany / Geneva, Switzerland / Sochi, Russia / The Ritz Carlton, Berlin, Germany / Budapest, Hungary ...

FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH / Heinkelstr. 19-21 / DE-73230 Kirchheim u. Teck / +49 (0) 7021 73 60-0 / www.feuring.info Contact us at info@feuring.info

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Hostels struggle

foresees two hostels, in London and Barcelona,

the launch of a 412-bed property in Budapest,

staying closed until 2021, with Q4 at 15%

Hungary. Further ventures in Heidelberg,

While serviced apartments have fared relatively

occupancy, and early 2021 rising to just 25%.

Florence and Barcelona are in the pipeline,

well during the Covid-19 crisis, another hotel

By mid-August, the company said hostels

though Winter said he expected to see delays

alternative, hostels, has struggled to cope with

open for more than five weeks saw an average

to the Barcelona timeline, due to permit issues.

lockdown, and with finding business thereafter.

39% occupancy in their fourth week. With most

During the lockdown of earlier in the year,

With a consumer base founded on the young,

bookings now last minute, it said there was

the group was obliged to close its Venice site,

footloose traveller, and an accommodation offer

little feel for forward business.

but said Winter, with payroll at around 10-15% of total costs, “we decided to keep every asset

based around shared space, operators in the

As it stands, Safestay expects to breach

niche have suffered from scarcity of guests, and

banking covenants with HSBC at the end of

from the challenge of meeting distancing rules.

2020, and is negotiating further lenience;

A&O implemented its ‘hygiene project’ with

At UK listed hostel operator Safestay,

there are also plans to sell and leaseback

a two-day seminar to teach general managers

Covid-19 has hit the group hard after a period

freehold properties in Glasgow, Pisa and York,

how to adopt a new role of hygiene officers.

when it grew strongly and was looking forward

if necessary.

“Now, the biggest challenge is to keep people

open – it was better to maintain visibility.”

to scale efficiency gains. Towards the end of

“This is a challenging period but I am

motivated,” said Winter, in a role where masks

August, in a trading update, the company

confident that in time we will get back to

and screens compromise interaction with guests,

declared: “The directors believe that Safestay

normal,” said chairman Larry Lipman. “We

but remain a necessary part of operations.

has the infrastructure in place to manage the

are working closely on a range of options

Winter said rates are down 30-40% on

re-opening of hostels and re-engagement with

to strengthen our financial position, which

the previous year, and occupancy has been

its customers and that ultimately, Safestay

may not be required but will be an additional

compromised by Covid-19 restrictions. In a

will find the route to returning its portfolio of

comfort to have. We know we have a good

typical A&O hostel, half the rooms are twins,

hostels to pre-Covid-19 occupancy levels.”

cash generative business and while the current

and half are configured for 4-6 beds. “All our

Safestay spent 2019 transforming its business

market is challenging we have a clear strategy

rooms are en suite – that’s a big benefit.”

with a raft of deals. In June, it spent EUR3.25m

for addressing it and as importantly for moving

Depending on local regulations, just two beds

buying a 161-bed hostel in Pisa, Italy. September

back to being fully operational.”

in each of the larger rooms can be sold, if the occupants are not from the same family.

saw the arrival of an addition in Glasgow, where

At privately held hostel group A&O, CEO

it bought a Best Western branded hotel for

Oliver Winter told Hotel Analyst that worries

But Winter said the big hit has been group

conversion. And a joint venture agreement with

over fresh lockdowns in central Europe were

business, which typically helps fill the group’s

EOS Sicav in Italy committed the pair to develop

overshadowing a summer where bookings, if

larger, shared rooms. “What we are totally

a 660-bed hostel near Mestre station in Venice.

not profits, had rebounded after the shock of

missing is school and sports groups.” He said

In October, the company bought an established

the second quarter. “We had a great recovery in

that after being missing all summer, September

hostel in Athens for rebranding, giving it a

July and August, especially in Germany where

saw a return of just 20% of normal levels of

presence in the Greek capital. In November, it

domestic business was good. Now, we are

that sector.

acquired a hotel in Berlin, for conversion to a

seeing new travel restrictions.”

150-bed hostel taking the portfolio to 18 sites.

The operator has been in business for 20 years

HA PERSPECTIVE

With unfortunate timing, Safestay spent

and has 41 hostels across Europe. It is backed

By Chris Bown: What unites hostels and big hotel

EUR2.7m in the first quarter acquiring hostels

by American investor TPG Real Estate, which

brands? A need to see the return of group business.

in Bratislava and Warsaw from Dreamgroup

bought the business in 2017.

While Marriott may be fretting about corporate

Management. With the August update, Safestay

Winter said openings had continued largely as

conventions, the demise of student, sporting and

presented a base case for the business that

planned, despite some Covid-related delays in

school group travel due to Covid-19 is equally hitting

envisages all the hostels reopened, with 30%

construction. “We opened our second asset in

the hostel business.

occupancy in the last quarter of 2020, rising to

Copenhagen last week,” one of three openings

Those operators with shared washrooms, or with

40% for the first two months of 2021. A low case

this year, and following hard on the heels of

a preponderance of larger shared rooms, will be

145

suffering greatly so long as Covid-driven occupancy restrictions are in place. Allowing just two people to

“The social impact of travel and tourism can transform lives of all of those who depend on

stay in an eight-bed room is going to hit revenues

Tourism bodies are pushing to get the global

this sector, alleviate poverty, reduce inequality,

substantially, as Safestay’s estimates note.

tourism industry restarted as soon as possible.

protect wildlife and preserve cultures and

And for groups that have been spending heavily

And leading the charge is the UNWTO, which

communities around the globe,” said WTTC

to expand, such as Safestay, the immediate future is

is working on a range of fronts to advance

president and CEO Gloria Guevara. “It plays

tough. It will need all Lipman’s undoubted financial

tourism more sustainably, and more globally, as

a vital part in achieving wider developmental

skills to retain the support of its backers, until the

the world recovers from the shock of Covid-19.

goals. We want to increase the awareness

a

amongst travellers of the incredible extra

revenues start to return to some sort of normal. Until

comprehensive tourism recovery tracker,

benefits of travel, so they are more conscious

then, the pips are squeaking.

aiming to share best practice and live data.

that their actions and spending go further than

The free to access dashboard draws together a

they think, as well as how positive an impact

HA PERSPECTIVE

range of information across regions, tracking

every trip can have.”

By Andrew Sangster: The fortunes of pure play hostels

tourism arrivals, air seat availability, hotel

WTTC also recently launched a report based

contrast strikingly with how well hybrid concepts

rates, occupancy levels and demand for short-

on research it commissioned, calling for a

are being perceived. While Safestay is seeking to

term rentals.

globally coordinated approach to recovery.

backpackers of Europe are out and about again and

The

organisation

has

launched

shore-up its financial position, CityHub has signed

The organisation is also looking to level the

It says an improvement of seamless travel,

financial deals to deliver 10 new locations during the

playing field, off the back of the pandemic,

and greater integration of technology should

next five years, the latest being in Copenhagen.

with initiatives to help strengthen business in

work alongside improved health and wellness

Investment bank NIBC and bank ABN AMRO have

younger markets, and make the most of smart

protocols, to improve traveller confidence and

provided financial backing for the roll out at CityHub.

technologies. A recent Acceleration Programme,

get the world moving once more. To Travel and

At first glance, it is hard to see how CityHub, which

held with Google, targeted support to South

Beyond also calls on public and private bodies

offers tightly packed rooms and shared communal

Africa, Kenya and Nigeria. “UNWTO is committed

to work together to build the sector’s resilience.

spaces, is well positioned during the current phase

to helping Africa grow back stronger,” said

The report identifies four key trends that will

of the pandemic. CityHub’s concept sees people sleep

Natalia Bayona, the organisation’s director

shape the recovery of travel: demand evolution,

in interlocking rooms where the bed space of the

of innovation, digital transformation and

health & hygiene, innovation & digitisation, and

adjacent hub is either under or over the other hub

investments. “With the right policies, training

sustainability.

– an L-shape interlocked with an upside L-shape.

and management in place, innovation and

Matthieu De Clercq, partner at Oliver Wyman,

But CityHub is touting itself as the next generation

technology have the potential to foster new

who undertook the research for WTTC, said:

of hybrid hotel-hostel concept, emphasising

and better jobs and business opportunities for

“It is imperative to move beyond the crisis

‘responsible’ tourism. According to founder Pieter

tourism in Africa while improving the overall

and continue to support systemic change

van Tilburg, it is focused on providing “curated

wellbeing and prosperity of the region.”

in the industry to enhance its resilience to

The organisation is also looking to double

future shocks and improve its positive socio-

In Copenhagen, NREP, a Scandinavian-focused

down on supporting rural communities, in

economic positive impact. Creating inclusive

real estate investor that touts its innovation

the wake of Covid-19, to exploit tourism as

opportunities for women, youth and minorities

credentials, was convinced enough to sign a lease

a way to improve their economies. An event

alike does not only make sense economically,

for the Cityhub property, which offers 216 hubs.

hosted by the Mercosur nations focused on

but is also what tourists of the future want,

For its part, NREP has raised EUR1.9bn to put

the potential for sustainable tourism to help

especially post-Covid.”

into “under-served real estate segments across the

improve economic recovery and development

Nordics” during the pandemic. Customer-centric

across South America.

experiences that benefit the cities we are in.”

146

Calls for sector to drive change

With consumers now more ready to embrace digital transformation than ever, the report

residential properties, care homes and modern

The World Travel & Tourism Council,

suggests changes including even a move to

logistics were stated as the main focus for the fund.

meanwhile, has launched a campaign to remind

digital passports, as a way to ease the transition

But hotels and flex office are on the list too.

consumers of the social benefits of travel

of travellers between countries. And it suggests

In reality, hostels are hardly a tired concept and

and tourism. Headed by a promotional video

that both domestic, and later global incentives

will again find their growth legs once the pandemic

shared across global social media platforms, the

to encourage tourism should be used, to build

subsides. In the meantime, expect a lot of talk about

campaign aims to remind travellers that their

back international travel.

pivoting towards a hybrid model.

trips have a social and economic benefit.

BUSINESS CENTRE

HA PERSPECTIVE

In addition, once there is a vaccine, it is unlikely

subscription offerings have been launched,

By Andrew Sangster: Building back better is a

to have complete efficacy. For example, flu vaccines

targeting both the dislodged corporate office

favoured three-word slogan right now. It is in the

typically protect between 15% and 50% of recipients.

worker, and those seeking corporate longer

same school of thought as not letting a good crisis

Even with a vaccine, there is unlikely to be any

stay lodgings.

go to waste.

immediate return to normality.

massive economic benefits travel and tourism brings. And it is a chance to help find solutions where the industry has proved a problem, such as Venice,

The coworking package combines access to CitizenM’s lounge workspace with three

The industry is absolutely right to point out the

Innovation for the win

nights overnight stay for a combined EUR550 per month. The package is being promoted to corporates as well as to those fed up with

Investors and operators are migrating

Covid-19 enforced working from home. “We

What is key is getting governments and other

towards longer stay formats, in a bid to win

do position this as something for those fed up

non-governmental actors to recognise the

back business. New investment in the long

with the barking dog,” said Lennert de Jong of

importance of our industry as a driver of economic

stay marketplace underlines the resilience

CitizenM. He said the group has been talking

growth. Historically, sectors like agriculture and

of the niche, while hotel group CitizenM is

to around 400 companies and travel managers,

manufacturing have garnered a far greater share

also targeting regulars, with an offering of

“and many are extremely interested”.

of attention. This is despite agriculture being ex-

subscription-based packages.

Amsterdam and Barcelona.

A second offering, named global passport, is

growth and manufacturing offering little chance

Investor APG has given its stamp of approval

being launched as a full stay package at USD/

of significant employment growth in developed

to the serviced apartment sector, announcing a

EUR/GBP1,500 per month. “It’s a long-stay

nations. With millions of unemployed, governments

major co-investment in Dutch aparthotel brand

solution, with flexibility on where you stay,”

are going to need to address what sort of economic

City ID. APG acquired a stake in the company last

said de Jong. “It really competes with rent in

policies are needed to get people back into jobs. And

year, and has now linked with fellow investor

New York.” The package requires a minimum

the answer here ought to be policies that support and

Aware Super, an Australian funder, with the

seven-night stay in one location, but ultimately

promote hospitality.

partners committed to creating a EUR500m

has the potential to substantially replace rent

European portfolio within the next four years.

for a digital nomad. De Jong noted that, in

In the UK, for example, hospitality creates more

Europe, it had the potential to offer a solution

than 40 jobs per GBP1m of output (according to

The financial firepower will take City ID from

Resolution Foundation and ONS data). The next

its current three Amsterdam properties to a

closest sector – admin and support activities –

chain with prime locations in major city centres

De Jong said the company had been looking

creates less than 30 jobs per GBP1m of output.

around Europe. The company has said it will

hard at the subscription model, and sees it as

Manufacturing is barely 10 jobs for each GBP1m of

look at newbuilds, conversions of all sorts and

a way to deepen relationships with customers

output. Scaling up hospitality is a jobs creator.

joint ventures. Soft branded, the properties are

over time. “We believe in subscriptions. We’re

individually decorated and have guest amenities

not for everyone, we want to gain a better

including fitness facilities.

connection with people.”

The latest numbers on youth unemployment, according to Eurostat, are terrifying. Youth (under

to dodging local Covid-19 lockdowns.

25) unemployment stands at more than 30% in the

Robert-Jan Foortse, head of European Property

CitizenM is already developing a hotel close

EU. In Spain and Italy, youth unemployment is more

Investments at APG, commented: “In our view

to Facebook’s global headquarters in Menlo

than 50%; in France it is above the EU average.

there is a significant market opportunity to

Park, USA, and sees the relationship with global

The hospitality industry is going to be a, perhaps

roll out a design aparthotel offering across

business travellers as a key differentiator for its

the, critical industry for getting young people back

the major European cities. We are delighted to

business in future.

in jobs. This gives the industry meaningful leverage

partner with Aware Super, who share our long-

both in keeping the industry in some form of shape

term strategic view for the sector. The City ID

HA PERSPECTIVE

during our own spell of long-Covid and when we

product has shown remarkable resilience during

By Chris Bown: CitizenM has long taken pride in

finally see a proper recovery.

the ongoing Covid situation and together with

doing things differently, from modular construction

Aware Super we look forward to supporting the

to its snug rooms combined with generous lounge

company in its growth phase.”

and common areas. Now, it’s decided that a series

On this latter point, it is worth reiterating that this is probably going to take longer than many are factoring in. Kate Bingham, the head of the UK’s

At hotel group CitizenM, the company is

of combo-style packages are worth testing in the

vaccine taskforce has been telling anyone who will

making a big play for subscription customers

market - ideal for the digital nomads it is targeting.

listen that there will be only a limited supply of

- a contrast to the loyalty programme schemes

The model is not unique - in the UK, Village Hotels

vaccines until midway through next year.

favoured by the big hotel brands. A pair of

already makes much of the subscription model with a

147

BUSINESS CENTRE

solid membership income from the health clubs in its

Analyst (still going after 17 years) there are many

hotels, as well as coworking spaces. But CitizenM’s

other examples, including the Substack platform,

linkage of work and stay is a great way to appeal to

which is enabling individual writers and thinkers to

another market niche.

launch viable email newsletter businesses.

HA PERSPECTIVE

with than hotel rooms (thankfully for me). There is

By Andrew Sangster: The distribution challenge for

almost zero marginal cost for media consumption

hotels has always been to avoid commoditisation.

(apart from a slight bump on server costs and a bit of

The industry has historically sold its rooms on the

admin). Rooms do have a significant marginal cost

basis of price. If you want an economy room it is

and have a narrow band of sales volume to make

x, if you want a midscale room it is y and if you

optimum pricing work.

Of course, media content is a lot easier to deal

want upscale or luxury it is z. There may be a slight

Hotels have, of course, always had subscribers,

supplement if it was a big brand or a trendy boutique,

regular users usually looked after by corporate

but essentially hotels commoditised themselves by

account managers. But these users are on a pay-

opting into one of the pricing bands for chain scale

as-you-go tariff. This leaves hotels open to being

segments.

commoditised via other channels.

The emergence of boutique brands a couple

If hoteliers can switch their biggest customers onto

of decades ago was so revolutionary because it

fixed tariffs (I know this is a tough call right now),

represented a break with being defined by physical

then the commoditising effects of other channels are

product and service offering. W Hotels, arguably

neutered. The problem is finding tariffs that work for

the big brand pioneer in the space, was able to

customers and at the same time hotels.

charge luxury rates on rooms that would normally

The CitizenM experiment is an interesting toe-in-

have been classed as midscale due to their size. Not

the-water. If executed right, it could be the ultimate

surprisingly, owners loved it.

loyalty scheme that delivers a compelling recurring

And it is here where CitizenM became the poster

revenue bundle.

child for a new generation of properties. Despite

Just as with something like Amazon Prime, there

small – some might say tiny – rooms, it is able to

may be bits you don’t like or didn’t even know about

charge upper midscale, even upscale prices. Its trick

or need. But overall, from a customer perspective,

was to be trendy and offer upscale common areas

the value offer is sufficient to make continued

alongside slick in-room amenities. It broke out of

subscription compelling.

the straight jacket of having a price imposed on it according to room size and service offering.

But even CitizenM could not escape the tyranny of being ranked by price on metasearch and OTA websites. Something like a third of its rooms is sold via such intermediaries (at least pre-pandemic) and so it was still subject to these commoditising forces.

The relatively small size of its network makes the creation of an effective loyalty scheme more challenging, a key route for the global brands to fight back against being commoditised. CitizenM has alighted upon another option.

Room inventory has strong parallels with media content. Selling content on a piecemeal basis is tough, few publishers make money selling one-off stories. But getting people to subscribe to access can create a sustainable business model. Aside from Hotel

148

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

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21/10/2020 16:24

Performance Data September 2020 (year-over-year % changes and absolute values)

Covid-19 Update: Global Hotel Performance With the summer months in the past for most of the world, data shows continued variance in hotel performance recovery.

At the time of writing for instance, hotel occupancy in Mainland China is trending near pre-pandemic levels, while Europe has begun to retreat amid new lockdowns in response to rising Covid-19 case counts.

Infections in the US continue to increase too, but hotel occupancy remains flat from week to week, teetering at around 50%.

This post-summer period would usually feature conferences, events and a great deal of corporate demand. With that demand lacking for most markets, performance levels remain well below pre-pandemic levels, as illustrated in the significant year-over-year declines outlined in the graphic.

It is important to note that the metrics reflect STR standard methodology, which measures occupancy of all the open hotels in a market and tracks realised demand against realised supply. This methodology excludes temporarily closed rooms that can not be booked.

The number of Covid-19 temporary closures has decreased to just over 4,500 around the globe. More than 23,000 properties reopened after closing due to lockdown or a lack of demand that prevented profitable operations.

USA

Each of the three key performance indicators came in lower than August, which was the country’s best performing month since April.

Occupancy 28.2% to 48.3% ADR 24.9% to US$99.12 RevPAR 46.1% to US$47.87

COLOMBIA

In Colombia, each of the three key performance metrics are the highest since March. Showing the magnitude of the pandemic impact, the country has reported five consecutive months of single-digit occupancy prior to September.

Occupancy 79.3% to 13.0% ADR 23.0% to COP202,815.26 RevPAR 84.0% to COP26,291.91 BRAZIL

Across the board, Brazil’s KPIs reached their highest absolute level since March.

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

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

150

Occupancy 57.5% to 26.1% ADR 17.1% to BRL243.11 RevPAR 64.7% to BRL63.34

BUSINESS CENTRE

IRELAND

Each of the three key performance metrics are down from August, but higher than most of the other pandemic-affected months.

Occupancy 58.4% to 37.0% ADR 29.5% to EUR102.59 RevPAR 70.7% to EUR 38.00

POLAND

Each of the three key performance metrics are down from August. ADR is the lowest in Poland since May.

Occupancy 52.4% to 37.7% ADR 22.2% to PLN257.34 RevPAR 63.0% to PLN97.02

CHINA

Performance levels are down slightly from the previous month, but occupancy and RevPAR is closer to a positive year-overyear comparison than any month in 2020.

Occupancy 1.3% to 62.0% ADR 14.7% to CNY406.65 RevPAR 15.8% to CNY252.30

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia’s key performance metrics are slightly lower than August, when summer staycations and domestic demand following Eid al-Adha provided a small boost.

SOUTH AFRICA

Occupancy 32.5% to 34.4% ADR 12.7% to SAR508.80 RevPAR 41.0% to SAR174.78

Each of the three key performance metrics are up from August and at their highest level since March.

NEW ZEALAND

Occupancy 59.6% to 27.4% ADR 17.5% to ZAR982.48 RevPAR 66.7% to ZAR268.75

Occupancy 28.6% to 53.7% ADR 4.6% to NZD166.44 RevPAR 31.9% to NZD89.33

Occupancy is up from August, but ADR is lower month-over-month.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: S Y LV A N M Ü L L E R

ONE OF A KIND

19.10.20 16:54

AHEAD EUROPE

AHEAD, the Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design, has revealed this year’s finalists for the Europe region. From a playful retreat that speaks of craftsmanship, re-use and repair to a Cretan resort that delivers a soulful take on the Mediterranean escape and a floating spa complex in Sweden, the shortlist demonstrates the best executed and most ambitious design schemes and experiences the continent has to offer.

An independent panel of experts, chaired by Stuart Adolph – Senior Vice President of Development, Europe, at Sydell Group – recently met virtually to discuss, deliberate and assess the projects on their creative excellence and commercial viability, voting for their winners across categories such as Bar, Club or Lounge, Hotel Renovation & Restoration and Suite, as well as Spa & Wellness, Lobby & Public

Spaces, New Concept and the prestigious AHEAD Hotel of the Year.

“Drawn from a substantial number of entries, this year’s shortlist features a broad range of properties that showcase the very best of hospitality across the region,” comments Guy Dittrich, Sleeper’s Editor-atLarge and longstanding judge. “With some new faces on this year’s panel and a real depth to the quality and variety of hotels under discussion, we’ve had our work cut out determining the winners.”

Whilst the hospitality industry is facing testing times, the AHEAD programme will continue to recognise the achievements of architects, designers, developers and operators, and this year is no different. Winners will be announced on Monday 16 November in a virtual ceremony broadcast on both the AHEAD and Dezeen websites.

www.aheadawards.com

AHEAD EUROPE SHORTLIST

B A R , C LU B O R LO U N G E 40 Elephants at Great Scotland Yard Hotel – London, England Twenty14 / Gladstone Court Developments / Hyatt Hotels / EPR Architects / HBA

Market Street Hotel – Edinburgh, Scotland Carlton Hotel Collection / JM Architects / FG Stijl / Glintmeijer Design Studio

Double Standard at The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design

Nhow Amsterdam RAI – The Netherlands COD / Being Development / RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre / NH Hotel Group / OMA / Next Architects / MVSA / GLG Architects

Sibin at Great Scotland Yard Hotel – London, England Twenty14 / Gladstone Court Developments / Hyatt Hotels / EPR Architects / HBA

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N & R E S T O R AT I O N

The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych – London, England One Aldwych Hotel / Jestico & Whiles / Fabled Studio

Boho Club – Marbella, Spain Quartier Properties / Ismael Merida Arquitectos / Stylt Trampoli

The Malt Lounge at The Prince Akatoki – London, England Prince Hotels & Resorts / Seibu Holdings / Staywell Holdings / B3 Designers

Château de Vignée – Villers-sur-Lesse, Belgium Xior Group / Relais & Chateaux / WeWantMore

GUESTROOMS Apfelhotel – Saltusio, Italy Apfelhotel Torgglerhof / Family Pichler / noa* network of architecture Birch – Cheshunt, England Birch Hospitality / Red Deer / LRW Architects

La Maison d’Estournel – Saint-Estèphe, France Michel Reybier Hospitality / La Réserve / Michaelis Boyd Associates / António Rico and Fabien Mazenc Treehouse Hotel – London, England Cairn Group / SH Hotels and Resorts / Keane Brands Villa Arnica – Lana, Italy Schwarzschmied / Studio Biquadra

Boho Club – Marbella, Spain Quartier Properties / Ismael Merida Arquitectos / Stylt Trampoli

L A N D S C A P I N G & O U T D O O R S PA C E S

Domes Zeen – Chania, Greece Domes Resorts / Lambs and Lions / K-Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants / Fytron Landscape Design

Apfelhotel – Saltusio, Italy Apfelhotel Torgglerhof / Family Pichler / noa* network of architecture

Hotel Arlberg – Lech, Austria Benjamin Schneider & Patrick Krummenacher / Pointner Design

HOTEL CONVERSION Ameron Frankfurt Neckarvillen Boutique – Germany DZ Invest / Luigi Fragola Architects / Ute Giesecke Casa Popeea – Brăila, Romania Tracon SRL / Manea Kella Great Scotland Yard Hotel – London, England Twenty14 / Gladstone Court Developments / Hyatt Hotels / EPR Architects / HBA Stock Exchange Hotel – Manchester, England Zerum / Gary Neville & Ryan Giggs / GG Hospitality / JM Architects / Autoban

Arua Private Spa Villas – Merano, Italy Hidalgo / Menz Arch. Wilfried - Gritsch Arch. Claudia Studio Architettura / Studio Gallizia Domes Zeen – Chania, Greece Domes Resorts / Lambs and Lions / K-Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants / Fytron Landscape Design Ekies All Senses Resort – Vourvourou, Greece Alexandra Efstathiadou / Agarch+ Architects / Fytron Landscape Design The Newt – Somerset, England Koos Bekker and Karen Roos / Patrice Taravella

L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S Cretan Malia Park – Crete, Greece Golf Residences / Phãea Resorts / Vana Pernari Architecture Studio

The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design

Locke at Broken Wharf – London, England Edyn / Grzywinski+Pons

HOTEL NEWBUILD

Rooms Hotel Kokhta – Bakuriani, Georgia Adjara Group / Adjara Arch Group / Levan Mushkudiani

Dakota – Manchester, England Evans Dakota Hotels / KPP Architects / GMI Construction Group / Amanda Rosa Interiors Hart Shoreditch Hotel – London, England Hilton Worldwide / Fabled Studio Lindley Lindenberg – Frankfurt, Germany Rothenberger 4xS Vermögensverwaltung / Studio Aberja / Franken Architekten

Parīlio – Naousa, Greece Kanava / Interior Design Laboratorium

The Lobby Lounge at The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design

AHEAD

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

SUITE

57 Nord – Ardelve, Scotland Mumtaz Lalani / Outside In Studio / Rural Design

Arua Private Spa Villas – Merano, Italy Hidalgo / Menz Arch. Wilfried - Gritsch Arch. Claudia Studio Architettura / Studio Gallizia

Arctic Bath – Harads, Sweden Arctic Bath / Nordic / Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi / Annkathrin Lundqvist Camp Hox – Oxfordshire, England Ennismore / Ennismore Design Studio Casa Palerm – Mallorca Sa Rota D’en Palerm / OHLAB Treehouses at Ramside Hall Hotel – Durham, England Ramside Hall Hotel / Padgett White Architects / Space ID

RESORT Cretan Malia Park – Crete, Greece Golf Residences / Phãea Resorts / Vana Pernari Architecture Studio

Ekies All Senses Resort – Vourvourou, Greece Alexandra Efstathiadou / Agarch+ Architects / Fytron Landscape Design Lincoln House at Rosewood – London, England Rosewood Hotel Group / Ink Associates / Tonychi Studio Nobel Suite at Grand Hotel – Oslo, Norway Grand Hotel by Scandic / Scandic Hotels / Studio Gathe Nobu Hotel – Barcelona, Spain Nobu Hospitality / Selenta Group / Rockwell Group

VISUAL IDENTITY Birch – Cheshunt, England Studio AS-CC

Domes Zeen Chania – Greece Domes Resorts / Lambs and Lions / K-Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants / Fytron Landscape Design

Boho Club – Marbella, Spain Stylt Trampoli

Lefay Resort & Spa – Dolomites, Italy Leali / Lefay Resorts / Studio Apostoli

Château de Vignée – Villers-sur-Lesse, Belgium WeWantMore

Parīlio – Naousa, Greece Kanava / Interior Design Laboratorium

Hotel Arlberg – Lech, Austria Bureau Rabensteiner

Quinta da Comporta – Portugal Miguel Câncio Martins

Villa Arnica – Lana, Italy Bureau Rabensteiner

R E S TA U R A N T Decimo at The Standard – London, England Standard International Hotel Group / Archer Humphryes Architects / Shawn Hausman Design Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – London, England Maybourne Hotel Group / Pierre Yovanovitch Helios at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel – Athens, Greece Astir & AGC / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / K-Studio Memories Sven Wassmer at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – Switzerland Grand Resort Bad Ragaz / Carbone Interior Design Mouries at Cretan Malia Park – Crete, Greece Golf Residences / Phãea Resorts / Vana Pernari Architecture Studio

S PA & W E L L N E S S Apfelhotel – Saltusio, Italy Apfelhotel Torgglerhof / Family Pichler / noa* network of architecture Arctic Bath – Harads, Sweden Arctic Bath / Nordic / Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi / Annkathrin Lundqvist Hotel Arlberg – Lech, Austria Benjamin Schneider & Patrick Krummenacher / Pointner Design Lefay Resort & Spa – Dolomites, Italy Leali / Lefay Resorts / Studio Apostoli The Newt – Somerset, England Koos Bekker and Karen Roos / Simon Morray-Jones

12 MARCH 2020

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10 JUNE 2020

ORGANISED BY

FOUNDATION SPONSOR

POWERED BY

GLOBAL SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

www.aheadawards.com

16 NOVEMBER 2020

TROPHY SPONSOR

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08/10/2020 15:25

FRAMEWORK COLLECTION In collaboration with Gensler, product design consultant

FEATURED FABRIC - FUSE VISIT BRENTANOFABRICS.COM FOR A FULL LISTING OF OUR VERSATILE FABRIC SELECTIONS

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10/15/20 7:51 AM

SPOTLIGHT FABRICS, WALLCOVERINGS & SURFACES With textiles under the spotlight in current times, here is our top pick of fabrics, wallcoverings and surfaces paving the way forward.

Brentano Framework Brentano has launched Framework, a series of textiles featuring distinct anchor fabrics, which create a consistent modern narrative within interior spaces. Produced in collaboration with Gensler, the collection comprises energetic chromatic tones, clean pastels and usable neutrals, all of which interact to generate a colour-guided dialogue. Scene, a reversible wool blend flannel available in 16 colourways, transforms the traditional ideals of plaid, reimagining them in a fresh and accessible manner. Meanwhile, Huddle is a hard-wearing deep pile boucle available in 18 dimensional colourways with Brentano’s signature stain-repellent Tri-sistant finish. www.brentanofabrics.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

160

4.

1. Neolith Six-S

2. Création Baumann Sigmacoustic

3. Drapilux Sustainable Textiles

4. Ariostea Imperial Grey

Neolith has launched its Six-S range, a set of surfaces that draw inspiration from the natural world and humanity’s fight against Covid-19. Showcasing Neolith’s cuttingedge decoration technology and finishing techniques, the range has been designed to embody six essential characteristics, communicating the brand’s commitment to wellbeing, community and sustainability. Himalaya Crystal pays homage to salt crystal landscapes; Layla is inspired by magic and mysticism; Abu Dhabi White looks towards the UAE capital’s striking Sheikh Zayed mosque; Amazonico encapsulates dark, mysterious tones; and Winter and Summer Dala are an ode to the natural world. www.neolith.com

Création Baumann has introduced a dynamic texture to its acoustic collection with the Sigmacoustic fabric. The transparent curtain fabric helps create welcoming interiors and absorbs up to 75% of sound. Boasting a soft draping weave, the yarn is reminiscent of natural fibres and is flame-retardant. The surface relief effect of the weave lends volume and brings the texture to life, whilst the processing of the diverse yarns brings depth of colour into play. Additionally, the diverse shades of the facing and reverse side make the fabric a perfect room divider and come in a comprehensive colour palette that encompasses light, broken and earthy tones. www.creationbaumann.com

Drapilux is commited to sustainability in its production, management and operations. “Wherever we can, we go beyond the legal requirements and our goal is to conserve resources,” comments Hubert Reinermann, Head of Sales at Drapilux. Studio Manager, Kirstin Herrmann adds: “In close partnership with yarn manufacturer Trevira, we have succeeded in developing three articles that are made using sustainably produced fibres that are flame retardant and satisfy our brand standards.” New to the brand is Drapilux 131, which features a downscaled print design with a Scandinavian flair.

Available in four colourways, the product lends a luxury feel to interior spaces. www.en.drapilux.com

Known for its constant research, innovation and experimentation, Ariostea has further tapped into the marble-look trend with its Imperial Grey collection, which joins the brand’s existing range of marble interpretations. The appearance stands out for its characteristic veins and grey nuances that cross over the white base colour, giving the material its unique personality. The Ultra Marmi Imperial Grey large slabs evoke antique charm with a classic yet modern twist. The use of advanced manufacturing technology allows the creation of a high quality and versatile product that can be used in a number of applications: from floor and wallcoverings to furnishing elements. www.ariostea-high-tech.com

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12.10.20 09:14

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

162

4.

1. Dedar Impression Nocturne

2. Morbern Europe MorCare

3. Sunbrella Bahia & Odyssey

4. Or.nami Wallpapers

Italian family-run fabric house Dedar has unveiled Impression Nocturne, the newest colourway addition to the popular Dalie Papaveri Tulipani textile pattern.

The abstract floral motif is the product of special woven effects such as yarn floats and fil coupé, which mimic the effect of a reverse jacquard fabric. Exposing the search for a new perspective, the accent on the reverse of the fabric makes it suitable for curtains. The multi-dimensional navy, gold and copper material embodies Dedar’s continued effort to experiment and innovate by working with craftsmen and textile specialists familiar with the techniques used to produce quality fabrics. www.dedar.com

The pandemic is driving designers to assess what materials are being specified for newbuild and refurbishment projects; and coated fabrics can be treated with biocidal active substances to inhibit the growth of microbes such as bacteria and viruses. The smooth, non-porous and durable surface of coated fabrics is resistant to scratches and cracks, where bacteria may thrive. All Morbern Europe coated fabrics are resistant to bleach and can be disinfected using alcohol-based products such as hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol without the risk of fading over time. MorCare comes in 22 plain colourways and 10 coordinated contemporary prints. www.morberneurope.com

Sunbrella is launching over a hundred new textile references this year, divided into two major collections: Odyssey and Bahia. With a palette of vibrant colours or pastel shades, refined geometric or solid patterns, bohemian influences or a classic spirit, the fabrics are suitable for a range of interiors. The novelties are imagined around six different moods, each thought of as a moment of life inscribed in a place, an atmosphere or a special occasion. Bringing together 148 references, including 53 new designs, these harmonise with Sunbrella’s wider collection, offering considerable possibilities of arrangement for a sense of exoticism and escape. www.sunbrella.com

Or.nami prides itself on studying the purity of colours in order to adorn living spaces with beauty, light and poetry.

Founded in 2018, the brand’s wallpapers are contemporary decorative works, guided by the creativity of colour and customisable patterns. The products are 100% Italian – from conception to production – and are a result of a constant collaboration with young artists and stylists, who translate their creative thoughts into poetic images, original graphics and emotional decorations on 410 and 330 gram vinyl media, or on pure silk. These high-quality materials guarantee excellent results both in terms of colour fidelity and easy installation. www.ornami.it

AN EYE-CATCHING GEOMETRIC PATTERN Abstract, understated, modern – that is drapilux 809. Inspired by the shape language of Bauhaus artist Anni Albers, oversized triangles in smoky, pastel shades adorn the material, allowing the fabric to blend in well with the design language of modern interiors.

Further fabrics at: www.drapilux.com

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12.10.20 10:50

SPOTLIGHT

Talented Performers Spanish tiles are the safe choice for the commercial sector The unique ceramics of the Spanish tile industry have always been popular within the spa and hospitality sector.

They are a safe choice – hygienic, toxin-free, fire and chemical resistant – and suitable for a variety of challenging settings, including wet or high-traffic areas. Products are available in anti-slip versions, in bespoke thicknesses and in formats for indoor and outdoor environments. A number of brands also produce specialist pieces for swimming pools – borders, corners and steps – in addition to ventilated façades for use as external cladding.

As well as being practical, ceramics are aesthetically pleasing and can be customised to create striking, individual designs. Choose from large formats for a contemporary, grout-free look, the latest 3D geometric pieces or traditionalstyle artisanal bricks.

Modern digital-printing techniques further allow ceramic tiles to replicate all types of raw materials faithfully whilst still retaining the many benefits of porcelain. Marble-effects are

164

Ceramics from Azteca, Todagres and Dune add to the character of hotel projects

particularly sought-after at the luxury end of the market and are ideal for a spa or hotel setting. Tiles that imitate metal, cement or wood can help designers create an extensive range of alternative atmospheres.

When you consider the long lifespan of tiles, ceramics are a sustainable option too. As the environmental impact of manufacturing is ever more keenly felt, Spanish makers are continuing to scrutinise the lifecycle of their products and make improvements to their processes. Most tiles now have DAPs (ecological labels) that reveal their recycled content and lifecycle, so that customers can make informed choices.

Tile of Spain is the voice of the Spanish tile industry, encompassing more than 125 tile manufacturers. Renowned worldwide for an inspiring blend of aesthetic and technical innovation, Spanish tiles draw on a rich heritage of skill and creativity while remaining at the cutting edge of design. www.tileofspain.com

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23.10.20 09:05

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

4.

166

1. Gebrüder Munzert Acoustic

2. DuPont Tedlar Colour Theory - Chromatic I

3. Edmund Bell Sensation

4. Style Library Contract Queen Square

People talking, phones ringing, music playing, construction materials reverberating – Gebrüder Munzert has created a stylish solution to the inevitable distraction caused by noise pollution.

Design Director Hannes and Designer Tobias Batrla collaborated on the Acoustic Line to create inherently flame retardant fabrics which are compelling both in terms of the appearance and noise cancelling effects. The combination of noise reducing yarns and intelligent sound absorbing weaves, enables semisheer constructions to become masters of sound. The collection is available in shimmering solids, stripe variations, striking patterns and subtle designs. www.munzert.de

The Chromatic I Series – comprising six new embossing patterns, 70 colour choices and 420 customisable possibilities – enables creative flexibility, without sacrificing the durability and performance of Tedlar Wallcoverings. The online sample tool enables designers to visualise every combination of embossing and colour choices. The wallcoverings can stand up to the harshest industrial cleaning products without discolouration, making them suitable for high-traffic spaces such as hotel lobbies and restaurants. The inherent scratch and stain resistance, ease of cleaning and broad chemical compatibility ensures the styles will endure. www.dupont.com

Edmund Bell has introduced a unique curtain fabric to its offerings with Sensation. Boasting flame retardant and blackout features, the curtain material exudes luxury and sophistication. The knitted velvet is produced with a low pile, allowing for a forgiving nature and ensuring a soft, tactile texture. In addition to flame resistance and complete light exclusion, this contract standard blackout has thermal properties, ensuring sound insulation and energy saving. Comprising 26 colourways ranging from trendinspired jewel tones and contemporary pastels in both narrow and wide width, the fabric is suitable for both commercial and domestic spaces. www.edmundbell.com

The Queen Square collection – comprising original patterns across 18 fabrics and 18 wallpapers – has been designed in collaboration with architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath.

Willow Bough, a vibrant interpretation of the classic 1887 design, is now available as both fabric and wallpaper in a range of colour combinations including Tomato/ Olive and Pink/Leaf Green. To preserve the integrity of William Morris’ original production methods, the wallpapers are surface printed on paper to retain an original look and feel. Meanwhile, cotton and linen cloths provide the closest match to archival pattern books, with each design screen printed for intense colour. www.stylelibrarycontract.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

4.

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1. Claybrook Urban

2. Vanelli Contract Fabrics

3. HI-MACS by LG Recycled Colours

4. Nicholas Haslam Paolo Moschino

Urban features Bianco Carrara and White Thassos tiles, seamlessly fused together to create a striking two-tone finish.

This contemporary fusion technique minimises grout lines to ensure a clean, sleek interior look. The Urban collection joins Claybrook’s wider tile and stone surfaces, ranging from the regimented Belle Epoque to the textured Kintsugi.

Drawing inspiration from classic British bathroom interiors, Claybrook specialises in uniting the finest natural and recycled materials sourced from around the world, with an innovative approach to design.

The combination of in-house production and partnerships with specialised artisans results in an authentic product. www.claybrookinteriors.com

Established in 1976, Vanelli is a textiles company focused on service, innovation and technology. The brand offers a range of products, from flame-retardant fabrics and sheers to furnishing and upholstery fabrics, in various sizes with antimicrobial treatments and stain repellents.

The contract fabrics are suitable for commercial spaces – hotel guestrooms, lobbies, aboard ships, theatres, casinos or restaurants. Available in both narrow and wide width, collections feature furnishing fabrics for upholstery, drapery, curtains and print fabrics. The brand also produce velvets, jacquards and satins ideal for decorative drapes. Almost any colour is available as a bespoke product. www.vanellitextile.com

HI-MACS is making strides in sustainability with a selection of new recycled colours, created to meet the demand for environmentally-friendly materials and products. Comprising three new colours for the Granite collection and three existing colours from the Volcanics range containing 16% recycled materials, the latest additions are aesthetically high impact, yet environmentally low impact. Durable, colourfast and easy to maintain, the stone-effect Granite designs are perfect for all surface finishes, making them ideal for both domestic and commercial interiors, while the Volcanics palette brings a naturally luxurious look to any design concept. www.himacs.eu

This carefully curated fabric collection designed by Paolo Moschino – which now includes over 40 designs across a range of colours – is available on various substrates to cater for all technical specifications. Continuously introducing new products and designs that are available for customisation, the Paolo Moschino range inspires truly unique interior spaces. Most fabrics featured in the eclectic series are available as either printed wallpaper or can be produced as paper-backed wallcoverings. The Londonbased design studio, a destination for the global design community, constantly sources and utilises the finest design elements in its products. www.nicholashaslam.com

Luxury Hotel Collection

Since 1924, Sleepeezee is proud to have been working in partnership with world-class hotels to find the perfect sleep experience for their guests. www.sleepeezee.com/contract contract@sleepeezee.com E V E R Y T H I N G’S E A S Y W H E N YO U S L E E P E E Z E E

SPOTLIGHT

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2.

3.

170

4.

1. Linwood Kami

2. Rubelli Carnevale

3. Creative Matters Tellurian – Mountainscape

4. Wall & Decò Wet & Out Systems

Hampshire-based family business Linwood has launched Kami, a new collection of printed velvets suitable for curtains and upholstery. Embodying modern luxury, the brand’s Omega velvet is printed with vibrant intricate patterns.

Taking inspiration from a 19th century document, the collection is available in a palette of 19 colourways that spans timeless reds to playful pink and greens.

The Topaz colourway – featuring the signature Linwood pattern – uses black alongside vibrant pinks, blues, creams to make a bold statement within any interior.

Combining style with practicality, the Kami range is stain-resistant, washable and inherently fire retardant. www.linwoodfabric.com

Created in collaboration with Luca Nichetto, Carnevale is a vibrant, colourful collection that takes inspiration from The Carnival of Venice. During this festival, the city comes to life with music and dancing, bold and bright costumes, and masks.

The range is intrinsically Venetian in its subject matter and, like Rubelli’s other products, display the finest craftsmanship and quality. Coriandoli S represents the festive and colourful elements of the Venice Carnival; Coriandoli XL recalls the shapes of confetti; and Festa is characterised by a sea of stars and inspired by a fabric designed by Vittorio Zecchin for Rebelli, which was first presented at the 1934 Venice Biennale. www.rubelli.com

Creative Matters design and create custom fair-trade floor and wallcoverings.

Mountainscape is a collection of bespoke needle-felted wallcoverings, adding warmth, texture and acoustic qualities to its surroundings. To create the Mountainscape range, felted fibres are permanently interlocked to produce a soft blending of colours and texture – the perfect technique to depict this painterly design. In addition to wallcoverings, the Canadian design studio produce digitally printed wallcoverings for a range of discerning clients. With their emphasis on design, distinction and durability, these wallcoverings evoke warmth and sophistication in any setting. www.creativemattersinc.com

Wall & Decò has introduced two new Wet System wallcovering collections and one new Out System collection for 2020. The former is designed for bathrooms and shower rooms, while the latter comprises wallcoverings for external walls and façades. Black & White New Religion is a meeting of opposites synonymous with elegance and refinement, while Melting Walls – enriched with material effects and 3D tone-on-tone – has a strong visual impact in continuous dialogue with the urban landscape. Meanwhile, Utopia Reloaded is a reinterpretation of one of the moodboard protagonists from the brand’s Contemporary Wallpaper 2020 range, yet with new chromatic meanings. www.wallanddeco.com

© Carlo Battiston

Trevira CS Advertisement „Fabric for Ideas“ Size 236x275mm for Création Rubelli „Sleeper Nov.2020“

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FABRIC FOR IDEAS Plan with more safety.

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Trevira_Anz_Fabric-for-Ideas_engl_236x275_Rubelli_Sleeper, Ausgabe_Nov_2020.indd 1

12.10.20 16:55

THE CANDYLAND COLLECTION Seats/Tables/Storage

By Esti Barnes T: 020 7795 3333 www.formitura.com

SIPPING

Sweet Dreams With cleanliness and sustainability both hot topics in light of the Covid-19 crisis, we take a look at the products giving guests peace of mind before they hunker down for the night.

Words: Ben Thomas

C

ovid-19 has impacted many aspects of everyday life,

easily recycled or have been produced with greater amounts

so it comes as no surprise that the pandemic has also

of salvaged content, such as polyester fillings made from

affected an important part of the night – sleeping.

otherwise discarded plastic bottles.

The cleanliness of beds, bedding and mattresses is now

“The circular economy is about making things last, and

firmly under the microscope, while national lockdowns and

with less than one in ten mattresses currently recycled,

economic constraints have led consumers to adopt more

there’s a huge opportunity to improve on that by addressing

sustainable lifestyles, meaning the provenance of goods for

product design, material use and end-of-life treatments

improving health and wellbeing is in the spotlight too.

from a whole life cycle perspective,” comments Jessica

Though bed bugs and lice remain an ongoing concern for

Alexander, Executive Director of the NBF.

hotel guests, the spread of a highly contagious health crisis

In response to changing consumer behaviours around

is unsurprisingly at the front of their minds today. In a bid

sleep, some properties are even dedicating themselves to

to drive confidence amongst users, luxury bedmakers have

the science behind a restful night. Launched this February

responded by highlighting the hygienic qualities of their

in London’s bustling Piccadilly district, Zedwell bills itself

products, whether that be mattresses that can easily be

as ‘the hotel you check-in to tune out’ and worked with

rid of sweat, dead skin and general bacteria, or sheets and

psychologists, scientists and sleep experts ahead of opening

linens that can be washed at high temperatures to eliminate

to devise a concept that would be effective for its windowless

anything left behind by previous occupants.

setting, removing the distractions of the outside world that

On the sustainability front, manufacturers have ramped up

often disturb guests as they snooze. The focal point of the

their efforts to embark on greener approaches to business,

hotel’s rooms, or ‘cocoons’ as they’re referred to here, is

both in terms of their operations and products – a necessary

naturally the bed, which is encased in an oak frame that

move given that less than one in ten mattresses are currently

extends overhead to create a sanctuary. A high-quality

recycled, according to recent figures by the National Bed

mattress adds to the offer and is topped with 100% cotton

Federation (NBF). Many bedmakers are taking steps to reduce

sheets, best for conducting heat away from the body, while

or mitigate their environmental impacts, including reducing

filters purify the air and maintain a steady temperature.

energy, water consumption and their carbon footprint, while

There are few things more important to weary travellers

others are offering takeback services, ensuring that old

than getting a good night’s kip, but with Covid-19 still rife

mattresses are responsibly recycled and, in certain cases,

and greener lifestyles on the rise, guests are looking for

remanufactured – particularly in the hospitality sector.

greater peace of mind on the cleanliness and sustainability

New materials are emerging too, which can either be more

of their sleeping quarters before they can rest easy.

000

Clockwise from top left: Naturalmat’s Homes and Gardens collection; Beaumont by Hypnos; Ammique’s mattress-free system; Hotel Supreme

by Sleepeezee; Silkeborg Uldspinderi’s woollen bedspreads; Sprint by Harrison Spinks

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Handcrafted by artisan bedmakers at its factory in

CREATURE COMFORTS

Named after some of the most famous gardens

Yorkshire, meanwhile, the Sprint rolled mattress

Developed with quality of sleep and hygiene in

near Naturalmat’s headquarters in Devon, the

range from Harrison Spinks marries sustainably

mind, Ammique’s mattress-free sleep system

Homes and Gardens collection comprises three

sourced fillings and innovative spring systems,

features thousands of precision-engineered

beds – The Rosemoor, The Clovelly and The

helping to achieve a balance of comfort, support

components arranged to the natural contours

Buckland – with matching storage solutions,

and body temperature management. The fifth-

of the body, which provide tailored support

as well as organic linens that champion the

generation manufacturer has included three

irrespective of weight or shape. Within the main

brand’s sustainable ethos. Standing at 183cm

variations in the collection – Pace, Tempo

structure also lies a void, allowing for increased

tall, The Rosemoor and The Clovelly come in

and Momentum – each of which features its

air circulation and more comfortable regulation

King and Superking sizes; the former features

Posturfil and Cortec Quad pocket springs, which

of body heat, whilst a modular construction

a sweeping curve and cut-out base, while the

provide more points of contact for deeper and

means that the bed can be lengthened, shortened

latter is characterised by its high back, large

more targeted support. The latter system is

or manoeuvred easily if required. Featured in

buttons and turned oak legs. Meanwhile, The

also glue-free and means the mattresses can

the Chelsea Suite at The Berkeley, the system

Buckland is a mini version of The Clovelly and

be disassembled and recycled at the end of

is structured to allow for thorough vacuuming

comes with unvarnished beech bun feet. Crafted

their lifetime, resulting in zero to landfill. The

and steam cleaning, with all padding removable

from FSC timber, the beds are glued and screwed

company’s sustainability credentials are boosted

and washable at 60 degrees, whilst an outer

together before being padded with layers of

by the addition of its Ecotex comfort layers, a

frame with interchangeable decorative elements

organic lamb’s wool, which is inherently fire-

soft and cushioning filling made entirely from

affords designers greater customisation. The

retardant so eliminates the need for chemicals.

recycled materials, together with 100% fire-

bed is available in single, king, super king or

There’s no room for foam or synthetics during

resistant and chemical-free covers that come

bespoke models, as well as a Calico upholstered

production either, whilst the 500 thread count

as standard with each mattress in the range.

option with removed side and end panels, and

linens come from a certified mill in India.

a choice of maple, oak or walnut corner posts.

Hypnos Contract Beds champions sustainability

174

Having taken great pride in its sustainable

practices too, producing beds that are 100%

Similarly luxurious is the J. Marshall by Vispring

approach since 1924, British manufacturer

recyclable and never go to landfill. The Royal

range, which features a top layer of woven

Sleepeezee recently became the first bed maker

Warrant holder was the first carbon neutral

Belgian Damask, known as ticking, to create

to receive The Planet Mark accreditation after

bedmaker in the world, while both its factories

a feather-soft surface and smooth feel. Hand-

drastically reducing its carbon emissions,

have achieved FSC and PEFC certification,

tufted at its factory in Plymouth, the mattresses

energy and water consumption – an effort that

ensuring that timber is sourced from managed

come in a choice of five sizes – single, double,

has led to recognition by the Furniture Industry

forests. Its new Beaumont pillow top mattress

king, super king and emperor, as well as a

Sustainability Programme. It is also an advocate

– filled with breathable and sustainable wool

shallow divan – and ensure users sleep easy

of the Campaign for Wool, which promotes the

and silk to regulate body temperature no

thanks to moisture-wicking and breathability.

renewable and biodegradable benefits of wool,

matter the season – has also been designed

while all of its timber is sustainably sourced

with cleanability in mind, offering a practical,

SCANDINAVIAN SENSIBILITY

under European Union Timber Regulations,

time-saving solution for hoteliers without

Showcasing the qualities of Scandinavian

as well as being FSC certified. Furthermore,

compromising on guest comfort. Thanks to

wool, Danish textile manufacturer Silkeborg

no waste from its production has gone to

a sewn-in topper, the British-made mattress

Uldspinderi’s bedspreads are woven in a palette

landfill since 2012 and the brand went fully

requires no turning but rather seasonal rotation,

of earthy tones and can be both cooling and

carbon-neutral in 2017. It’s latest creation,

minimising maintenance for housekeepers – a

warming thanks to the unique structure of their

Hotel Supreme, combines soft cotton and

job made easier by the fact that it is 20% lighter

fibres. Naturally dirt-repellent and boasting

wool with 1,400 pocket springs to regulate

than Hypnos’ other hardwearing products. In

antibacterial properties, the bedspreads can

body temperature and provide comfort. Each

addition, each pillow top mattress comes with

be paired with the brand’s wider selection of

mattress is finished with a deep tufted damask

anti-bacterial and anti-bed bug protection,

lightweight throws and cushions, available in

cover, while nickel vents promote cool airflow.

giving users greater peace of mind.

delicate hues of rose, grey, brown or beige.

175

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20.10.20 11:22

SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Atelier Alain Ellouz Édition Comprising four alabaster lamps – Lyra, Gama, Mona and Athena – the Édition collection by Atelier Alain Ellouz offers up to eight hours of use at a time, providing a warm and cosy ambiance by way of softly diffused light. Drawing inspiration from the deeply ingrained patterns of alabaster, which denote smoky swirls, spirals and clouds, the Lyra lamp evokes a precious and contemporary candy jar thanks to its sleek, cylindrical design. Its surface is delicate to the touch, while an elegant brass ornament serves as the dimmer and switch. Users can also plug the lamp into a power supply to create a mellow atmosphere at their bedside. www.atelier-alain-ellouz.com

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SPECIFIER

178

CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

Bette The Standard, London

JC Hospitality The Lanesborough, London

German manufacturer Bette has supplied glazed titanium-steel baths and shower trays to the guestrooms at The Standard in London. Complementing the 266-key hotel’s distinct interior design scheme, envisioned by Shawn Hausman, the freestanding, semi-recessed and fitted baths – including the BetteLux Oval Silhouette in 180x80cm, the semi-recessed BetteLux Oval Highline in 180x80cm and the fitted BetteForm bath in 150x70cm – come in a white gloss finish and are easy to clean thanks to the titaniumsteel material, which is shaped under high pressure and finished with a thin coating similar to glass. The unique manufacturing process combines high-tech industrial production techniques with tailor-made methods, allowing products to be moulded smoothly with maximum precision. Meanwhile, the shower trays and shower floors – namely the BetteFloor flush-to-floor shower floor and the BetteUltra shower tray in rectangular and corner versions – were provided in a range of different shapes and sizes from 80x80cm to 180x90cm. All are made from durable and hygienic glazed titanium-steel in matte white, or ‘Snow’, and feature the almost invisible BetteAntislip Pro finish. Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annexe, a Brutalist structure overlooking King’s Cross, The Standard London is the first property outside America for The Standard Hotels – founded in 1999 by André Balazs – and builds on the success of outposts in LA, New York and Miami, bringing its distinctive culture and irreverent style to a new audience. www.my-bette.com

Jonathan Charles entered the hospitality world with a splash five years ago, collaborating with the late, great Alberto Pinto and global procurement firm Benjamin West on the refurbishment of The Lanesborough in London. The five-star hotel’s luxurious guestrooms were kitted out with JC Hospitality side tables, while in the library, tea is served on the brand’s handsome coffee tables. Meanwhile in the Royal Suite, the hand applied gilding on exquisitely carved furniture glimmers in the light, as it does on accent pieces in other public areas and guestrooms. JC Hospitality employed the traditions of 18th century craftsmanship for the landmark project, including the wax casting of brass and hand painting techniques. Veneers were also hand cut and matched by eye, while every curved detail was carefully shaped by an artisan with a chisel. “We have 1,700 artisans working in our manufacturing facility,” says founder and owner Jonathan Sowter.

“Our craftspeople are reviving the now rare arts of the finest furniture makers of the 18th century. One look at any of our pieces will tell you everything you need to know about our dedication to producing the finest furniture in the world.” JC Hospitality is a division of home furnishings brand Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture, known for its craftsmanship and skills in antique reproduction.

Since The Lanesborough, JC Hospitality has worked on notable projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, Regent Singapore, The Singular Santiago in Chile and Hotel Chelsea in New York. www.jc-hospitality.com

SPECIFIER

Astro Lighting Plaster + Ceramic The Plaster + Ceramic collection by Astro Lighting embodies the simplest of forms, presenting minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture of a hotel or restaurant. Using flawlessly smooth, high-grade plaster, each luminaire can be painted to complement a range of interiors. The Shadow Wall + Surface variations, seen here, are dimmable and come in a plaster finish, while other styles such as Velo, Aria and Pella take on a similar aesthetic and are available in a variety of sizes. Elsewhere in the series, Rio features an integrated LED and is offered in four sizes, while Gosford and Milo boast a ceramic finish and Eclipse comes in round and square versions. www.astrolighting.com

Bolon Acoustic Felt Backing Bolon has launched a new and improved sound insulation layer for its acoustic flooring. Enhancing sound insulation up to 22dB, the layer is crafted from 90% recycled polyester fibres – originating from post-consumer waste and plastic bottles – and gives the brand’s acoustic flooring a total thickness of 5mm, meaning it can be combined with non-acoustic textiles if required. “We are proud to finally launch this product to the market, as acoustic flooring will improve the quality of the indoor environment and the overall guest experience,” says CEO Marie Eklund. “This is extremely important in hotels, offices, hallways and conference rooms. The floors absorb up to 15% of all sounds and noise.” www.bolon.com

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SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Lundhs Real Stone Farris Bad, Lavrik Located in Lundhs Real Stone’s hometown of Larvik in Norway, Farris Bad is testament to the versatility of the brand; its natural stone surfaces form an intrinsic part of the hotel’s design narrative, from the façade, lobby, reception and bar to the walls and floors of the spa and pool areas. Specified in a range of finishes such as satin, flamed, brushed and silk, together with the company’s specialist hammered and ‘sandwaterjet’ finishes, all four of its materials feature throughout the development – made possible thanks to the technical properties of the natural stone, which make it frost-, heat- and stain-resistant – and lend themselves to its natural setting and atmosphere. Lundhs Real Stone also boasts almost zero absorption, meaning it is not affected by the daily wear and tear of high traffic spaces like bathrooms and can therefore withstand a variety of applications in spa and poolside areas. Meanwhile, different finishes can be applied to the surface of pool surrounds to reduce friction, with the brand’s wet stone retaining the same colour and pattern as its polished stone. Striking a balance between practical performance and natural beauty, Lundhs’ unique combination of feldspar crystals and natural stone background – the result of extracting rough blocks of Larvikite and Anorthosite rock from its very own quarries in Norway – complement both contemporary and traditional bathroom schemes, whether the stone is being used for a seamless countertop and integrated basin surface or a striking countertop basin piece. www.lundhsrealstone.com

SHOWROOM

Gessi Casa Gessi London Gessi, the Italian manufacturer of faucets and shower systems, has opened a showroom in London marking its first major presence in the capital. Occupying the lower level of Old Sessions House, a Grade-II listed building in the heart of Clerkenwell, Casa Gessi London is a celebration of Italian bathroom design, offering a wellness experience for architects and designers actively working on commercial and residential projects worldwide.

Collections such as the droplet-shaped Goccia, the David Rockwell-designed Inciso and the minimalist Rettangolo – all available in a range of finishes including antique brass, warm bronze and black metal – are displayed in a series of styled room sets to showcase the product in situ. The building itself, characterised by vaulted ceilings and original brick walls, has been integrated into the design scheme to create a sensorial journey, with the experience culminating in The Architectural Wellness space where a spectacular performance of light and water features alongside a unique planning tool that enables specifiers to hand-select novel combinations of Gessi products and finishes.

Rounding out the showroom is a bar and lounge designed to host product launches and networking events. www.gessi.com

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HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

Living Design AB Brovägen 1, 18276 Stocksund, Sweden T: +46 8 755 17 65 info@livingdesign.com

FIND OUT MORE AT LIVINGDESIGN.COM

SPECIFIER

184

CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

Furniture Fusion Amba Charing Cross

AD Associates Sleep Set at Sleep & Eat

One of London’s grandest 19th century railway hotels, Amba Charing Cross has recently undergone a refurbishment, with Furniture Fusion supplying much of the furniture for the new-look interiors. The renovation is the latest in a number of collaborative projects between the firm and the in-house design team at GLH Hotels – parent company of the Amba brand – which has seen existing properties in the GLH estate upgraded to a premium offering. “This project gave us a chance to do what we love best – creating bespoke pieces,” says Sam Samuels, Managing Director of Furniture Fusion. “We supplied two different bespoke tub chairs for the deluxe bedrooms and suites, and a family of three custommade tables.” The studio suites also feature a bespoke chaise characterised by a minimalistic style and upholstered in Sunbury Design’s soft Madison velvet in a pale dove grey. Elsewhere, custom-made tables all feature the same marble effect laminate with a black protective profile and powder-coated steel legs, while a small, round breakfast table sits neatly beside the tub chairs, and a rectangular lamp table is positioned alongside a sofa bed.

The most distinctive piece (pictured) is a nesting set comprising a crescent-shaped top table and a smaller round table that slots effortlessly underneath. Located right in the geographic centre of London just off The Strand, Amba Charing Cross is housed in a Grade II-listed Victorian building and draws on period features while at once delivering convenience through modern technology. www.furniturefusion.co.uk

London-based design agency AD Associates has revealed the mood board for its guestroom concept at this year’s Sleep & Eat Virtual event. Paying homage to the restorative nature and growing portfolio of InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) conversion brand, Voco, the room set – specially designed for the hotel guest of 2035 to mark Sleep & Eat’s 15th anniversary – adopts a sustainable and personalised approach to the guestroom experience. Looking to subvert today’s throw-away society, each product and material selected for the space has been consciously sourced; from the Foresso timber terrazzo drawer linings, made from offcut recycled waste timber mixed with wood dust; to the Marwoolus side table, which utilises the production waste wool from the textile industry; and the air purification system by Briiv, crafted from 90% natural and sustainable materials and featuring a 100% biodegradable filter.

Set to be unveiled as part of the event’s 3D Hotel 2035 initiative, comprising a series of conceptual spaces that look to the future of hospitality design, AD Associates’ Sleep Set will help to breathe new life into existing or otherwise discarded objects. In addition to the popular Sleep Sets, Hotel 2035 will also feature a virtual Hotel Lobby, Lounge Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant and Networking Lounge. These spaces will be showcased via a 3D walkthrough created by Sleep & Eat’s visualisation partner Fumo Studios, who will use captivating imagery, sketches and animations to truly immerse attendees in the varying design concepts. www.adassociates.london

FOCUSED CUTION VENT. RADICAL INNOVATION AWARDS 3 DECEMBER 2020 RADICALINNOVATION.IO WATCH AS CREATIVE VISIONARIES PRESENT THEIR CONCEPTS FOR THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY & VOTE FOR THE WINNER.

1

Produced by

Media Partner

2

PROFESSIONAL FINALISTS 1 / Camp Sarika by Amangiri by Luxury Frontiers

Educational Partners

2 / The Modern Monastery by Indidesign 3 / Dream Pod by Populous Nowhere in hospitality is there a shorter path from future-focused concept to real world execution than a Radical Innovation event. Through an annual competition, Radical Innovation mobilizes innovators from around the world with the ideas to propel the industry forward. radicalinnovation.io

3

SPECIFIER

Studio 104 104 Collection Studio 104 has unveiled the 104 Collection, a pre-designed formal and casual uniform range that can be ordered and delivered twice as fast as its usual bespoke projects, and to a smarter budget.

Specifically targeted at the luxury sector, the 47-piece series has been conceived to accommodate a wide selection of brand styles and locations, with an eclectic palette of colours and materials catering for both traditional and modern hotels in varying climates.

In line with the bespoke ethos of the company, each client also has the ability to customise the uniforms to meet their individual tastes at no extra cost, meaning no two uniform designs are the same. www.studio-104.com

FW Lighting Designer Collection Created specifically for the hotel sector, the Designer Collection from Baulmann Leuchten – distributed by FW Lighting, a group of family-owned European manufacturers who produce custommade mirrors and decorative lighting for the UK hospitality sector – features metal meshwork detailing that draws the eye and when illuminated, creates interesting shadows on surrounding surfaces.

Hidden behind the mesh is an opal tube that diffuses an LED light source along its length, meaning the wall sconces can be used safely in a bathroom environment. Covering all aspects of guestroom lighting, from reading lights to pendants, wall sconces, table and floor lamps, the handmade pieces in the Designer Collection provide long-lasting quality in demanding environments. www.fw-lighting.com

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BIE NVE NUE BY EG O PARIS

LUXU RY O UT D O O R F U R NITU R E

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SPECIFIER

Jung Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Building-technology supplier Jung has updated the colour range for its popular LS990 switches to incorporate all 63 shades in Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s expansive Les Couleurs palette. Putting the depth of his Architectural Polychromy, or colour theory, into perspective, the switches – crafted from plastic and metal – are manufactured in Germany and handpainted following the removal of all particles and dust grains. Once dry, a further coat is applied to obtain the velvety haptic and matte look. Ranging in size from a single unit to a five-gang frame, and with various button configurations, the LS990 collection offers designers the chance to use switches as signalling or wayfinding fixtures within a space. www.jung.de

Burgess Furniture Open Concept Burgess has launched a range of contemporary bedroom furniture, created to offer greater flexibility to hotels with options to suit different layouts and needs. Designed by Peter Roth, the Open Concept collection features a multi-purpose open wardrobe, which is made to order and can be specified to fit any space. It can also be modified to become a shelving unit only or with clothing rails at various lengths. In addition, there’s a matching desk, coffee table with two height options, and a side table that fits neatly over a sofa.

Each piece comes with a choice of laminate surfaces, while frames are made from lightweight steel and can be finished in any solid colour, including Burgess’ new Architectural series. www.burgessfurniture.com

Roman Showers Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels Roman has added fluted glass options to the Wetroom Panels from its Liberty range. Available in five colour finishes – Silver Chrome, Matte Black, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel and Brushed Brass – the panels coordinate with brassware across a variety of bathroom spaces. A new white option is also set to launch to complement chrome fittings and accessories. The nature of the fluted glass panels mean they can be installed on a tray or straight into the floor, with a tape sealing system eliminating all visible silicone – a breakthrough for cleaning and maintenance. “The glass texture distorts light and offers a degree of obscurity without reducing the light in the shower,” says Managing Director David Osborne. www.roman-showers.com

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The Big Apple at Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Dubia

CONTACT TO ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE: supper@mondiale.co.uk • Tel: +44(0)161 476 8390 • www.suppermag.com

@suppermag

SPECIFIER

Rigasan Penguin Dispenser Handwash and sanitiser dispensers have become commonplace in public spaces, helping to maintain the wellbeing of hotel guests and staff alike. Catering to this growing need, Rigasan’s Penguin Dispenser is operated by foot and provides just the right amount of sanitiser to keep hands germ-free. The non-electric mechanism has a capacity of five litres for long lasting use and is available in a black or white powder-coated finish, with personalised wraps available upon request. Durable and easy to clean, the touch-free station comes with a wheel option for mobile usage and can be fitted to the floor for added security. www.rigabrands.com

Day Seven Functional Workwear Founded by Australian designer Molly Kent during her time in Osaka, bespoke uniform label Day Seven provides hospitality venues with everything from shirts, jackets and aprons to pants, shorts and jumpsuits. Taking inspiration from Japanese design aesthetics and driven by Kent’s belief that there should be a higher concentration on staff and workplace wellbeing, the traditional made-to-order service is dedicated to producing pieces that are comfortable and functional while at once stylish and unique. “Staff are the first and last point of contact for customers; they’re the walking, talking brand,” explains Kent, who herself has over 10 years of experience in both FOH and BOH roles. “They deserve to feel comfortable, confident, appreciated and respected at work. At Day Seven, we seek to help hospitality achieve this.” www.dayseven.com.au

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THE VISUAL WORLD OF HOTEL DESIGN ... dive into the fascination!

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ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 93

AA Corporation

179

Feuerring

152

Neolith

AD Associates

073

Feuring

144

Newhey Carpets

057

Albrecht Jung

061

Formitura at Topfloor By Esti

172

Nicholas Haslam

067

Aliseo

049

Furniture Fusion

071

North 4 Design

192

Gebrüder Munzert

165

Preciosa

037 185

Ariostea

111

118

Astro Lighting

002

Gommaire

137

Radical Innovation Award

Baulmann Leuchten

059

Harrison Spinks

127

RH Contract

Beck

079

Hector Finch

084

Roca

103

Bette

033

HMD Interiors

075

Roman Showers

124

Brentano

158

Hoad & More

093

Rubelli

171

Burgess

141

Hypnos Contract Beds

157

Sanipex Group

109

Chelsom

031

Janus et Cie

Sleepeezee

169

Claybrook

083

JC Hospitality

SNS

112 014-015

025

Style Library Contract

016-017

Laufen

196

Sunbrella

087

Leds C4

041

Tapeçarias Ferreira de Sá

039 097

161

Kettal

Creative Matters

123

Kohler

010-011

Day Seven

131

129

Stellar Works

Création Baumann

Credible Hospitality

012-013

006-007

008-009

Deirdre Dyson

050

Leisure Plan

187

Tece

Dernier & Hamlyn

054

LG

167

Tophotelprojects

Drapilux

163

Ligne Roset

DuPont

117

191

020

Tribu

035

Living Design

183

Tuuci

095

Edmund Bell

192

Modio

107

UHS

149

EE Smith

181

Monitor Audio

101

Vanelli

176

EPR Architects

081

Morbern

195

Vincent Sheppard

043

Ethimo

022

Muzeo

053

Wall & Decò

005

Feel Good Design

192

Naturalmat

063

193

CHECK-OUT

A Star-Studded Stay

We’re all in need of an escape from reality right

Entirely eco-sustainable, the cabin is built

now so what better way to disconnect than

from fir timber and features a small bathroom,

spending a night or two in the total silence of

dining area and double bed – the latter positioned

the Dolomites?

within a fully-glazed cube. Interiors meanwhile

Fortunately for those seeking a taste of the quiet life, Faloria Mountain Spa Resort in Cortina

Italy’s Faloria Mountain Spa Resort elevates its experiential offer with a new suite for guests to sleep under the stars.

are furnished with materials that honour the charm of traditional mountain lodges.

d’Ampezzo – a ski village in northern Italy – is

The adventure begins at base camp just before

offering just that. The chalet-style hotel – which

sunset, with guests whisked up to their suite to

underwent an extensive renovation and expansion

find an Ampezzo-style welcome of goodies. On

in 2018 – recently unveiled its Starlight Room, a

the menu are a selection of dishes that celebrate

solitary suite created in collaboration with local

the region, from cold cuts and cheese to a range

lodge Rifugio Col Gallina.

of homemade soups, all washed down with a

Nestled into the mountains at an altitude

glass of Italian wine to ensure they sleep easy.

of 2,300 metres, the one-of-a-kind space is

A room with a view? This year-round experience

accessed via off-road vehicle or snowmobile and

takes the idea to another level, bringing new

uniquely, can rotate a full 360°, providing guests

meaning to the term elevated luxury.

with an ever-changing view of the landscape by day and the stars above by night.

© Giuseppe Ghedina

194

Mor Care™ Collection

Standout fabrics for the new normal www.morberneurope.com