Sleeper 98

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN ISSUE 98 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ – MADRID • TONY CHI • THE GRAND HOTEL – BIRMINGHAM

Lucca Recessed

Follow @astrolighting www.astrolighting.com

CONTENTS ISSUE 98 130

HOTEL REVIEWS

090

Mandarin Oriental Ritz

076

The Grand Hotel

083

The Star

090

The Newbury

096

Bodmin Jail Hotel

103

The Grove

108

Madrid

Birmingham © Paul Massey

Alfriston

Boston 108

Cornwall

Hertfordshire

Oku 114 © Mark Bolton

© James Andrew

056

Ibiza

Villa Copenhagen

120

The Tawny

130

Copenhagen

Staffordshire

FEATURES Meeting... Tony Chi

048

Meeting... Ole Sheeren

056

As he prepares to unveil another landmark renovation for Rosewood, acclaimed interior designer Tony Chi discusses family, building trust and planning his succession.

The founder of Buro Ole Scheeren reveals designs for his first fully integrated hospitality project and discusses the importance of bringing nature back to the built environment.

003

CONTENTS ISSUE 98 FEATURES

120

Spotlight... Ica

064

Shaping Up

136

The Sweet Smell of Success

144

Having orchestrated the design of hotels across the UK and Europe for the past two decades, Ica is planning for its next phase of growth.

A new generation of lifestyle hotels are raising the bar with their fitness facilities, developing holistic gym concepts that integrate design, programming and nutrition.

© Stine Christiansen

048

114

As hotels become multi-sensory spaces with appeal beyond the visual realm, can signature scents and the efforts of fragrance designers make a difference?

AHEAD 163

From a tented camp on Tanzania’s Serengeti Plain to a sleek newbuild on the doorstep of Dubai’s Downtown, the winners of AHEAD MEA are revealed to an audience of in-person attendees.

REGULARS Check-In 030 © Georg Roske

Drawing Board

032

The Lobby

067

Business Centre

152

Events 163 096

175

Bathrooms 175 Specifier 191 Check-Out

© Read McKendree

004

210

adv D+ / ph Marina Denisova

design Lorenzo De Grandis

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C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Welcome Change Ica create spaces where people, brands & businesses flourish.

Hospitality, Architecture & Interiors

ica.studio

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid © Manolo Yllera

Ratings Winner

A

t Sleeper, we regularly get invited on hard-hat tours

pair could quite easily have called time on their labour of love

of forthcoming hotels, with PR execs eager to whet

and sent the film crew packing, but they persevered, and the

our appetite with a preview of ‘the next big opening’.

three-part series documents in detail the entire journey, from

It usually involves donning a hi-vis vest and sturdy pair of

construction to completion. It highlights the design decisions

boots, taking a choreographed route around the almost-

made by Olga, from the size of bath towels specified to the

finished spaces – away from the loose floorboards or dangling

profile of the star logo. It follows her to Milan to select FF&E

cables – long after the contractors have clocked-off for the

and filmed her disappointment at the samples being not-as-

day. After all, a building site is no place for the prying eyes

expected, or “hideous” as per her straight-talking style. Alex

of the global press.

meanwhile takes a starring role as project manager and on-

So when Olga and Alex Polizzi – descendants of hotelier

site troubleshooter – with an offensive language warning –

Lord Forte – revealed they would be letting, not only the

which sees her squaring up to the contractors and whipping

media but the entire TV-watching population, behind the

front-of-house staff into shape.

hoardings of their under-construction hotel, we were more

The pair are pushed to their limit in the warts-and-all series,

than a little surprised. But while many of these so-called fly-

with Alex admitting the project was physically, mentally and

on-the-wall documentaries end up being a highly-polished,

financially draining, and Olga questioning why they took it

heavily-edited synopsis that barely scratches the surface of

on in the first place. In all, the hotel opened almost a year

the real issues faced, My Hotel Nightmare can be commended

later than planned and came in at £2million over budget; with

for its searingly honest account of designing, developing and

Olga’s two other hotels put up as collateral, the risk of losing

operating a luxury hotel.

everything was very real.

The initial plan was to let the cameras in to film the six-

Like all good dramas, this one had its fair share of tears

month transformation of The Star, a medieval coaching inn

and tiffs. Letting the cameras behind the scenes is a brave

in East Sussex, which would become the third property in

move for any hotel operation and it doesn’t always pay off.

The Polizzi Collection. Olga, who’s best-known for her role

Thankfully this story has a happy ending, as testified by our

as Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, was keen to

visit to the completed hotel. The no-nonsense approach of

add to her portfolio, while Alex wanted to put her money

the Polizzis, an innate love for all things hospitality and their

where her mouth was having spent 15 years telling people

natural charm shines through, making for a ratings winner on

how to run a hotel on TV show The Hotel Inspector. But no

the small screen and, more importantly, with staying guests.

sooner had the cameras started rolling, that the problems began. Rotten window frames, poor plumbing and crumbling structural beams resulted in significant unplanned works, leading to serious delays and spiralling costs. There were noise complaints from neighbours to deal with, as well as an ever-changing opening date and difficulty recruiting staff, and that was before the pandemic even took full force. The

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

025

Showrooms

London

Par is

Culemborg

Los Angeles

arte-international.com

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GUEST BOOK

108

114

© Gilles Bensimon

© Xxx

090

076

090 Olga and Alex Polizzi

114 MG & AG Arquitectos

108 Martin Hulbert

076 Gilles & Boissier

Embarking on their first venture as equal partners, mother and daughter Olga and Alex Polizzi transform a medieval coachhouse in East Sussex into a boutique hotel. Alex – best known for presenting long-running television show The Hotel Inspector – served as on-site troubleshooter and project manager, while Olga, Design Director at Rocco Forte Hotels, took charge of the interiors, opting for a nature-based scheme with botanical motifs to breathe new life in to the previously sombre spaces.

Having started the family business in 2012, Miguel Garcia Quetglas and Andres Garcia Castiella – the father and son duo behind MG & AG Arquitectos – have spent the last decade developing their signature style, in which they use the same construction materials as 500 years ago, adapting traditions to current ideals. Their latest venture, the laidback luxury resort Oku Ibiza, sees the pair eschew the island’s all-white aesthetic in favour of concrete modernist buildings softened by cedar wood shutters to create movement.

“I started designing the hotel about eight years before you wrote the first article, so it’s been quite a long process,” says Martin Hulbert as he flicks through Sleeper’s original feature on The Grove in Hertfordshire. Having masterminded the hotel’s original interiors in 2003, the designer has returned to write a new chapter in its ongoing story, taking a regenerative approach that sees the building adopt a homely and inclusive feel. “We didn’t want to completely destroy everything we had already created,” he notes.

“In the end, this had to remain a palace,” explains Dorothée Boissier of Parisian design studio Gilles & Boissier, who – together with partner and co-founder Patrick Gilles – completed the interiors at Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid.

In restoring the Belle Epoque masterpiece, the couple wanted to let old and new voices speak in harmony, so maintained a sense of history through the introduction of traditional Spanish craft techniques such as leatherwork, embroidery and wood carving, while adding a contemporary twist.

027

FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

FINANCE

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner

Design Manager David Bell

Finance Director Amanda Giles

Production Dan Seaton

Group Financial Controller Sarah Healey

m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Catherine Martin

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Assistant Editor Ben Thomas

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Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard

e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

PORTFOLIO

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Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi EVENTS & MARKETING

Brand Director Amy Wright

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CHECK-IN

James Thurstan Waterworth With a passion for sourcing antiques, the founder of Thurstan takes a fantasy break to a 17th century villa in Menorca, where a treasure trove awaits.

Where are you?

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

in the other corner. A scattering of covers,

The pared back but utterly sublime Menorca,

We enter the property via a long driveway

some of them spilling out onto the rocks, sit

hidden away on the south-eastern tip of the

surrounded by cattle, and are met by open

on natural platforms – my preferred spot. The

island, nestled between 17th century gardens and

kitchen gardens closer to the main house. The

glow of candlelight lends a gentle feel to the

farmland that spills out onto the cliffs.

building is a 17th century villa that has retained

space, while Congolese music from the early

its original features and is the beating heart

1980s plays softly in the background.

How did you get there?

of the public spaces. On the ground floor are

A short flight from London to the island’s small

two large living rooms, the first acting as an

Who are you dining with this evening?

airport, where we are greeted by a slightly rusty,

informal check-in and the second boasting

It’s an eclectic table comprising my wife,

burnt-orange Citroën Méhari.

views onto a stone terrace. Here sits the

musician Peter Gabriel, artist Barbara

restaurant, overlooking the ocean beyond and

Hepworth, comedian Eddie Izzard and sculptor

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

interrupted only by pine trees that sway slowly

Carl Aubock.

Claus Sendlinger, who I had the pleasure of

with the breeze. Elsewhere, an old barn finds

meeting recently and find the direction he is

new life as a spa with its own bar, living room

Who’s manning the stoves?

taking hospitality in incredibly inspiring.

and an outdoor pool, and a short walk around

Due to the setting and open-flamed dining

the cliffs, contemporary stone cabins form the

experience, Argentine chef Francis Mallmann

And who’s at the concierge desk?

guestrooms. Our suite is furnished with 17th and

is there to bring all his magic and theatre.

The team from Amanemu in Japan, the last

18th-century Spanish antiques and Mid-Century

place I stayed pre-lockdown. Humble, efficient,

armchairs positioned around the fireplace. A

And what’s on the menu?

caring and always accompanied by a smile.

bathtub out on the terrace, best enjoyed to a

There’s no official starter or main; instead,

spectacular sunset, completes the experience.

Mediterranean-style grilled dishes come and

Who are you sharing your room with?

go on sharing platters. For pudding we feast Who designed it?

on Brickell’s ice cream, made in Somerset with

The main house has been left largely untouched,

fresh milk from a herd of Holstein Friesian

Is there anything you would like waiting for

with age-old treasures from Kate Thurlow –

cows; they do a cinnamon toast flavour that is

you in your room?

an antiques dealer in London who specialises

out-of-this-world.

A fresh, ice-cold mint and lime water.

in early Spanish pieces. Architect Rudolph

My wife, daughter and dog Bini.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Soho House (various locations); The Bradley Hare, Wiltshire www.thurstandesign.com

Schindler has designed the barns and newbuild

Would you like something to drink with that?

cabins, taking inspiration from the Menorcan

We’ll start with an Alhambra Reserva 1925 beer,

landscape and his house in Los Angeles.

followed by a light white from a local vineyard.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

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

Shaded by pine trees and set within the original

Dow’s Vintage Port 2011.

patio off the house, it offers boundless views to the ocean. There’s a small, rustic bar as we

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

enter the venue and a roaring Asado kitchen

The latest auction catalogues.

031

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Mantis BAHRAIN HAWAR ISLAND

Accor has signed a partnership deal with Edamah to introduce the Mantis brand to the Middle East, with a new resort on Bahrain’s Hawar Island.

Slated to open in 2024, the 72-key project will comprise a beach resort encompassing overwater villas with direct access to the sea, five dining concepts, extensive sports and leisure facilities ranging from a waterpark to meditation spaces, as well as a private helipad.

“We are noticing that travellers are now more than ever looking for authentic experiences when travelling, while remaining conscious of the environment,” comments Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “In fact, they are becoming even more aware of the impact that an increase in tourism has on the environment and heritage sites, which puts sustainability at the centre of seasoned traveller’s decision-making. Mantis is the ideal brand to address these concerns.”

Situated on the west coast of the UNESCO-recognised Hawar Island, the property will be surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary making, it one of the first environmentally-focused projects in the region. Initiatives and systems will also be implemented to sort waste and reduce water and energy consumption to minimise impact. “The island’s pristine environment has been virtually undisturbed, resulting in a vibrant ecosystem which will appeal to nature lovers,” explains Amin Alarrayed, CEO of Edamah. “Our aim is to showcase this natural beauty while focusing on sustainability to preserve it for future generations.”

DRAWING BOARD

Dogpatch Power Station SAN FRANCISCO

Foster + Partners has revealed plans to transform

+ Partners. “Our proposals will deliver much-

a former industrial site in San Francisco

needed homes guided by a design approach that

into a mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood

is underpinned by people, sustainability and

comprising hotels, residences, retail outlets,

community, and rooted in the rich history of

F&B and up to seven acres of green space.

the place. Our aim is to give Dogpatch an urban

Slated for completion in 2035, with the first buildings expected to open by 2026, Dogpatch

034

inclusive 21st century live/work community.”

Power Station is flanked by the waterfront to

Inspired by the traditional courtyards and

one side and the Dogpatch neighbourhood to

alleyways of the area, the buildings are arranged

the other. The masterplan aims to stitch the

around a central space at ground level, which

site to the locale, reconnecting people with the

will be lined with retail and amenities such

waterfront and re-energising the area with

as daycare centres and parcel delivery areas.

homes, parks and jobs. As such, the practice

Pedestrian and cycle routes meander through

has designed two residential-led, mixed-use

the structures, while lower floors will house

buildings at the heart of the development,

several social spaces and co-working areas.

which seek to recreate an inclusive live/work

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Associate Capital Architecture: Foster + Partners, Herzog & de Meuron www.dogpatchpowerstation.com

framework to help create a vibrant, healthy and

community that features affordable housing.

The design is based on a series of interconnected two-storey elements within

“This project offers a unique opportunity to

a modular organisational grid that allows

reinvigorate an erstwhile industrial quarter and

for complete flexibility – both spatially and

infuse new life into this part of San Francisco,”

programmatically – while coming together as

says Armstrong Yakubu, Senior Partner at Foster

a dynamic assembly of stepped blocks.

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DRAWING BOARD

Six Senses Antognolla

Set within a 540-hectare estate featuring a 10th

demand for activity-based experiential travel

century Benedictine monastery and 12th century

and capitalises on the growth in the wellness

UMBRIA

castle once home to one of Perugia’s most

market, while taking advantage of the estate’s

powerful noble families, Six Senses Antognolla

unique natural resources and overcoming the

will bring 71 guestrooms and 79 branded

seasonality of similar resorts in central Italy.

residences to Umbria in early 2023.

understanding of the site’s topography, as well

interiors by Design Studio Spin, the luxury

as the use of local materiality in combination

resort will also be home to a wellness and

with more contemporary elements, and the

cultural offering, a cookery school and organic

reinterpretation of architectural traditions. As

farm, an equestrian centre and an 18-hole golf

such, the preservation of the estate’s original

course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

architecture is key to the development, while

The reincarnation of the site will see the

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Carabba & Partners, VIY Management Developer: VIY Management Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Architecture: Woods Bagot Interior Design: Design Studio Spin Main Contractor: Sacaim www.woodsbagot.com

036

The design also required a comprehensive

Boasting architecture by Woods Bagot and

historic castle and traditional borgo buildings

the new buildings will sensitively reflect the history, style and beauty of the location.

house the guestrooms and suites, while the

“Umbria really speaks to me. After many

existing main building will be remodelled as a

years of studying and living in the country,

destination spa and conference facility.

my connection to Italian people and culture

According to Woods Bagot, the masterplan

is strong,” says Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses

has been created to align with key trends in

Hotels Resorts Spas. “Six Senses Antognolla

the resort tourism sector and regional market

will touch the hearts of its residents and hosts

conditions. The concept caters to the growing

through honesty and respect for the land.”

DRAWING BOARD

One & Only Aesthesis

Kerzner International has signed a management

Following a partnership with health and

agreement with Grivalia Hospitality for One &

wellness brand Chenot, the development will

ATHENS

Only Aesthesis, a 21-hectare beachfront estate

also be home to Chenot Spa, offering tailored

opening in Athens in 2022.

programmes and treatments scientifically

Drawing inspiration from its surroundings,

designed to enhance guests’ vitality and

the 127-key resort will celebrate the Athenian

optimise health. A gym with indoor and outdoor

Riviera while showcasing elements dominant in

spaces rounds out the wellness offering.

Greek mythology, such as fire and water carved

“We are excited to be adding Athens to our

from a palette of natural stone and timber.

European footprint,” says Philippe Zuber,

The architecture will also pay homage to Mid-

CEO of Kerzner International. “This exclusive

Century design by way of high ceilings, woven

beachfront location is the perfect destination for

leather, muted tones and accent patterns. Like

guests to begin or end their Greek adventure.”

all One & Only resorts, the hotel will focus on

George Chryssikos, founder and Chairman of

exclusivity, with most of its accommodations

Grivalia Hospitality, adds: “Upon completion,

being secluded villas with private pools.

One & Only Aesthesis will be on one of the most

The F&B programme meanwhile comprises a

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Grivalia Hospitality Operator: Kerzner International www.oneandonlyresorts.com

038

cosmopolitan sites in Athens.”

beach club anchoring 1,600 metres of seafront

The property will continue the growth of One

as well as two signature restaurants that take

& Only’s European portfolio, following a recent

guests on a culinary journey of Greece via

opening in Montenegro and the forthcoming

mezes, seafood, meats and vegan delicacies, all

arrival of One & Only Kea Island in Greece later

of which are sustainably and locally sourced.

this year.

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

DRAWING BOARD

Dunas KUWAIT

Jasper Architects has won an international design competition to build Dunas, an immersive oasis hotel located in the desert of Kuwait. Estimated for completion in 2024, the project will offer a unique opportunity for hotel guests to observe the desert from within.

Inspired by elements of the natural sandy landscape, as well as the textures, shapes, colours and soft curvilinear geometries of the surrounding dunes, the 19,866m2 circular structure will feature a roof that folds down in a radial array, following the undulations of the desert dunes. Each curve will delineate the boundaries between the private suites, whilst the touchpoints will offer roof access via moulded stairs. Further blurring the boundaries between the resort and surrounding landscape, perforations of varying sizes in the roof will allow for direct visual access to the desert sky.

Ranging between 554-600m2, each suite will include a spa salon and private swimming pool. also gain access to a relaxed environment at the centre of the hotel where collective gathering may occur.

040

© Jasper Architects

In addition to common living spaces, guests will

Dimming in Style Timeless design, clear function and genuine metal: rotary dimmers in classic brass from the JUNG LS range.

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DRAWING BOARD

Siro Boka Place

Kerzner International has launched a new

The guestrooms will be quiet sanctuaries

fitness and wellbeing brand, Siro, with the

with in-built features to ensure a good night’s

MONTENEGRO

first property in Porto Montenegro slated for

sleep, in-room gym equipment and plenty of

completion by the end of 2023. Conceived by

space to work-out or meditate. Alternatively,

interior design firm Atellior, Siro Boka Place

the managed residences will range from studio

will feature 96 guestrooms with fitness at the

apartments to three-bedroom duplexes and

heart of the concept, a rooftop pool and bar, and

penthouses designed with an elegant, pared-

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Adriatic Marinas Operator: Kerzner International Architecture: Holder Mathias Architects Interior Design: Atellior www.sirohotels.com

042

144 managed residences. Further facilities will

back aesthetic.

include a large gym, yoga studios, a fitness and

By contrast, the hotel’s public spaces will

recovery spa, and a cinema.

emphasise the social aspect of wellbeing.

“It is always very exciting to create the first

Sculptural bleacher seating in the lobby’s

property for a new hospitality brand, especially

amphitheatre zone will offer an informal and

when it is based in such a beautiful destination as

open-plan space where leather cushions add

Porto Montenegro,” says Una Barac, Executive

comfort to the typical stadium experience,

Director of Atellior. “Siro is about blurring the

whilst power points hidden within integrated

boundaries between hospitality, fitness and

tables create potential work hubs.

wellness. With health and fitness at its core, the

Elsewhere, the ground floor restaurant will

hotel’s interiors and facilities aim to encourage

serve a range of healthy options for lunch and

more people to achieve an invigorated lifestyle

dinner. Overlooking the UNESCO Bay of Kotor

while providing a fresh perspective on modern-

and Porto Montenegro, the pool will feature a

day luxury.”

bar that plays host to live DJs.

bdbarcelona.com Gardenias collection

by Jaime Hayon contract@bdbarcelona.com

DRAWING BOARD

Botanic Sanctuary

Occupying the former convent site of Elzenveld

Taking charge of the main restaurant is

in Antwerp, Botanic Sanctuary will open later

Wouter van Tichelen, who will serve classic

ANTWERP

this year with 108 guestrooms and suites as

Belgian cuisine with a modern twist in the

well as four fine-dining restaurants, a botanical

conservatory of the Monastery Garden, home

bar and garden, and a spa reflecting a cloistral

to a wine cellar housing three compartments.

devotion to healing plants and herbs.

044

The hotel’s 1,000m2 spa meanwhile draws

The sensitive restoration of the 15th century

inspiration from monastic heritage and will

monastery has stripped away the fripperies of

focus on naturopathy, phytotherapy, traditional

times past to reveal ancient stonework and

European medicine, and ancient methods of

structures, with each guestroom championing

healing and prevention. Spanning three floors,

the historic significance of the complex while

the space comprises an 18m swimming pool,

channelling a Wabi-sabi approach to design.

sauna and Jacuzzi, alongside a lounge, vitamin

Bringing their Michelin-starred expertise

and herbal bars, and a bistro. A fitness club

to the city are Belgian chef Gert de Mangeleer

rounds out the wellness offer, hosting yoga,

and sommelier Joachim Boudens – who will

meditation and mindfulness classes that

recreate the West Flemish garden experience

energise the body and mind in equal measure.

in an intimate setting with its own glasshouse,

The property also features 18 conference

beehives and herb garden – as well as Dutch

rooms, a 421m2 exhibition hall and 2,450m2 of

chefs Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot,

banqueting and events spaces, while an on-

who will introduce their shared passion for

site chapel from the Middle Ages serves as a

seasonal and regional products at Fine Fleur.

backdrop for weddings and private gatherings.

www.marcojoefazio.com creative agency

bespoke stone fabrication for over 50 years

#stoneexperts #bringingstonetolife www.stone-circle.com

DRAWING BOARD

One Beverly Hills

Alagem Capital Group has partnered with Cain

At the heart of the development, the Botanical

International to unveil One Beverly Hills, a

Gardens will feature an elevated platform

CALIFORNIA

mixed-use resort in California designed by

overlooking more than 40 tree and 250 plant

Executive Architects Gensler, British firm Foster

species from 13 different regions of California.

+ Partners and landscape architects Rios.

The eight-acre haven – predominantly planted

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Alagem Capital Group, Cain International Developer: Aecom Architecture: Gensler, Foster + Partners Landscaping: Rios www.onebeverlyhills.com

046

Slated to open in 2026, the 17.5-acre

with water-smart landscaping and irrigated

site represents the unification of several

through an extensive greywater system – will

properties adjacent to the Beverly Hilton and

also encompass curated sculptures, water

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, with three more

features, shaded seating areas and two miles

sustainable buildings set to be added including

of pathways, while a community-based

two residential towers and a 42-suite luxury

conservancy – made up of One Beverly Hills

hotel, a fine-dining restaurant and 37 shared

residents, school and community leaders, and

ownership condominiums, all of which will be

representatives of the hotels – will oversee

set around eight acres of botanical gardens.

educational programming and operations.

The Beverly Hilton will also see extensive

“In its beginnings, Beverly Hills was

upgrades to integrate the gardens into the

agricultural flat land – a green oasis that fed

guest experience, with a new arrival drive and

a growing urbanity,” says Norman Foster,

lobby area, a restyled ballroom and pool, and

founder and Executive Chairman of Foster +

36 new poolside cabana rooms. Elsewhere, a

Partners. “A century later, we have seized on

38,000ft2 conference centre will be equipped

this as inspiration to create organic architecture

with advanced tech and outdoor breakout areas.

that merges with the surrounding landscape.”

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2021-08-20 1:40 PM

Meeting…

Tony Chi As he prepares to unveil another landmark renovation for Rosewood, interior designer Tony Chi discusses family, building trust and planning his succession.

Words: Guy Dittrich

E

ffervescent and engaging, Tony Chi has an enviable energy that spans years and time zones.

More than three decades in the business and his enthusiasm remains contagious, entertaining audiences at design shows around the world with his charm and charisma.

Recently however, he was confined to his apartment in

Taipei, where his planned stay of a few days turned into months as the global pandemic took hold. Speaking from the Taiwanese capital, Chi describes how lucky he was to be able to straddle the world’s time zones: “My coverage of this globalisation is fantastic as I am able to play the full field – offence and defence at the same time.” Dealing with the studio, then the current Asia-based projects followed by calls to artisans and craftspeople in Europe.

Chi is confident, yet doesn’t take himself too seriously. Of his ‘little place’ in Taipei, he explains: “I was born here, so it gave me a bit of a reminiscence, like an old diaper.” All said with a cheeky grin and sparkling eyes.

Established over 30 years ago, the studio now occupies a large, loft-like space in Manhattan’s West Village, elegantly decorated with subtle Asian motifs, mid-20 th century

furniture and contemporary New York artworks. The firm’s portfolio extends from projects with Four Seasons in the

MEETING…

© Nacasa & Partners

At Park Hyatt Kyoto, tonychi studio created a sense of place through the influence of Japanese architecture and artisanal craftsmanship

050

early 1990s, Mandalay Bay and Bellagio in Las

Carlton Millenia Singapore was a winner for its

Vegas towards the end of that decade, and

Colony restaurant at AHEAD Asia in 2017 and

since then a whole raft of projects spanning

went on to be judged at a global level in 2019,

the globe – Lebanon, Australia, Switzerland and

while the Rosewoods in London and Hong Kong

Germany – for a roster of top brands including

have been recognised with multiple shortlistings

Park Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental and The Ritz-

and wins over the years at AHEAD Europe and

Carlton. More recently, he has become a go-

Asia – the latter went on to receive the ultimate

to designer for the resurgent Rosewood Hotels

accolade of Hotel of the Year in 2020.

& Resorts – following the 2011 acquisition by

One of Rosewood’s philosophies is a sense

the then New World Hospitality – and has

of place, and for Chi this leads to overarching

worked on the group’s properties in London,

descriptions of hotels in residential terms; he

their flagship in Hong Kong and the soon-to-

refers to Rosewood London as a “mansion”

complete Rosewood Carlyle New York.

and Rosewood Hong Kong an “estate on the

Chi explains that he wants guests to “feel

harbour”. These residential aspects become

confident, comfortable and emotionally

a tool in Chi’s world, enabling the studio’s

engaged” when they visit these spaces, and “to

designs to cut away, as he puts it, from the

remember something positive about themselves

generic commerciality of globalisation and

and everything around them – that it was a

allow a personality to shine through.

great experience.”

Chi easily makes the short jump from

Indeed the importance placed on experience

residential to family, with wife Tammy Chou

has seen tonychi studio do remarkably well at

and daughter Alison both working at the

AHEAD, the awards that recognise not only

studio. The designer relates at length about the

design but also guest experience. The Ritz-

importance of family. Prosaically he talks of the

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MEETING…

lost meaning of the dining room as family meals

of success, Chi refers not to the numerous

have become less common. Of course, he has a

accolades he has received nor the sparkling

solution, which will be seen in a forthcoming

hotels he has brought to life, but rather to the

project in Hollywood. But Chi also considers

fact that he is able to plan his succession.

family in the wider sense of trust.

In reimagining the East Wing at The RitzCarlton Millenia Singapore, tonychi studio designed a 1960s-inspired bar and lounge that evokes the warmth, intimacy and elegance of a private residence

“I decided in 2017 that I was going to start

Several key clients are discussed in terms of

working on my retirement. Not retirement,”

family, including the Chengs at Rosewood and

he corrects himself, “to step back and focus on

the Kwee family in Singapore, for whom he has

other parts of the canvas and allow someone

recently completed further work on The Ritz-

else to take the baton, or brush, to the control

Carlton Millenia Singapore. He discusses being

the canvas.” This succession will be led by his

part of these clients’ families and of the levels of

daughter, Alison, in the Managing Director role

trust he has developed with them. It’s personal;

and Paley as Creative Director.

he designed a home for the Chengs over 20 years

“Since 2019 and through the pandemic, it has

ago. Trust too in manufacturers and suppliers,

been a life-changing experience to take on a

many of whom he has collaborated with for

leadership role together with Bill, whom I’ve

long periods to deliver exactly the right product,

known for nearly three quarters of my life,”

something that has become increasingly

explains Alison, reflecting on their work to

difficult and important of late.

redefine the studio’s attitude towards design

And trust that he can leave his legacy of more

and living in general. The studio was always an

than 100 restaurants and 15 hotels in over 35

important part of her life and these experiences

cities around the world to his daughter and

from a young age fostered a focus on quality

long-term associate William – or Bill – Paley.

hospitality in the completion of her Masters in

Interestingly, when asked about the meaning

Finance and Hospitality from NYU.

© Felix Hug

052

LONG ISLAND COLLECTION

by Christophe Pillet

POINT1920.COM

MEETING…

Chi sees his daughter’s strengths being in her

gave each other courage over the years,” Paley

ability to bridge not only the generations but

continues. “It was challenging and took a lot of

also her traditional Chinese family, American

discipline. But it could also be very liberating

upbringing and experience of European life,

and allowed us to create a design harmony that

having studied in Paris for a few years. In a

became increasingly well-received outside the

moment of brutal honesty, Chi recognises that

walls of the studio.”

he needed a reboot and was not able to go

Will the design needle change? “The needle

further, referring to the time he took Alison to

is in constant motion,” says Paley. “Every work

a restaurant he had designed and she described

we have completed as a studio has moved the

as “not fun”. To which Chi chided, “you don’t

needle. But the motion is barely perceptible,” he

know what fun is,” before today correcting

states of the “unified hand” that progresses and

himself, “I was wrong. And she was spot-on.”

evolves their work. And what should we expect?

Paley, described by Chi as his most-trusted designer, has seen the development of the

Rosewood Hong Kong took home multiple awards at AHEAD Asia and went on to receive the ultimate accolade of Hotel of the Year in 2020

054

“I cannot tell you because I don’t know what to expect – this is the joy of design!”

studio’s style during their 28 years together.

Chi has nurtured the growth of his studio

“As a group, our aesthetic preferences became

from a one-man firm to a globally renowned

fluid and merged,” he recalls. “I think for any

design philosophy and way of life. He may be

studio to find success there has to be a kind of

passing on the baton but with daughter Alison

mind-meld, otherwise it is hard to find a voice.”

and long-term confidant Paley stepping up,

Whilst Chi pursued a “brown-on-brown, beige-

tonychi studio will doubtless continue to steer a

on-brown” aesthetic with minimal “visual

path that delights both clients and guests in the

noise”, it was the courage of Paley that added the

world of hospitality design that they understand

pops of powder blue and bubblegum pink. “We

so well and clearly love so much.

Meeting…

Ole Scheeren The founder of Buro Ole Scheeren reveals designs for his first fully integrated hospitality project and discusses the importance of bringing nature back to the built environment.

Words: Catherine Martin • Portrait Photography: © Iwan Baan

W

hile most of the world has grappled with

rural China at the age of 21 to studying at the prestigious

remote working and communicating

AA School of Architecture in London – coming together to

through a screen over the past 18

shape the way he approaches design. “Over the course of

months, some forward-thinking types

my life, I’ve had the opportunity to visit over 100 different

have revelled in the fact that it’s

countries and simply observe,” he explains. “I grew up with

business as usual, already accustomed

architecture so from very early on I had an understanding of

to this so-called new way of life by the nature of their set-

what space does for people. I’ve always been fascinated by

up. For Ole Scheeren, the pandemic hasn’t had much of an

the psychology of spaces and how people use the buildings

impact on the running of his eponymous studio. Of course

we create; I believe it’s very important to incorporate that

there’s less travel, but in terms of day-to-day operations,

context into our designs.”

there’s little change. “I’ve been working virtually for the

Scheeren’s early exposure to the world of architecture

past 20 years, so our office was entirely used to the system

stems from his father, also an architect, and by the age of

that the whole world had to adopt,” he explains, speaking to

14 he was in the studio getting a head start on his future

Sleeper via Zoom from his office in Berlin. “I was travelling

career. An innate curiosity about the world and the belief

so much that I could not be with my offices all the time; we

that architecture could better contribute to its surroundings

already had a daily routine of working virtually with each

led to stints working and studying in New York, London

other in addition to the physical encounter, so it was a very

and Lausanne, but it was landing a job with Rem Koolhaas

simple transition.”

at OMA that really set him on the road to success. “It was

With offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, New York,

a fairly important period in my early career,” Scheeren

London and Berlin, and projects in all corners of the globe,

explains. “Altogether I worked with Rem for almost 15 years

Scheeren admits that his pre-pandemic schedule was a

and in that time I took on a variety of different projects.

little extreme: “I was on an aeroplane three times a week,

I was in charge of the Prada flagship stores in New York

visiting three continents every month,” he notes, adding

and Beverly Hills, which played on the experiential idea of

that the enforced stay-home has been an interesting life

architecture, and later on I built the entire Asia business

lesson. Though he’s more stationary for the time being,

for the company and led the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing.

Scheeren doesn’t seem the type to sit still for long. The

My projects spanned from small scale to one of the largest

German architect has travelled extensively through his

buildings ever constructed, so that gave me the experience

life, with every experience – from backpacking through

to do what I’m doing today.”

057

© Büro Ole Scheeren

© Büro Ole Scheeren

058

MEETING…

Abaca Resort in the Philippines is described as a succession of discoveries with cascading waterfalls and tranquil clearings in the rainforest sheltered by tree canopies

In 2010, Scheeren went solo and founded his own studio, making the bold decision to remain in Asia to differentiate from the Western firms who were exporting their designs to the East. “I wanted to find a much more direct engagement with Asia and so headquartered the company out of Hong Kong,” he notes, going on to point out the irony that he’s now found himself with a rapidly growing portfolio of projects in Europe and North America. This method of working paved the way for broad scope of projects, both territorially and in terms of typologies: for example, there’s the archipelago cinema – a screen and floating auditorium in Thailand’s Nai Pi Lae Lagoon; Fifteen Fifteen, a highrise residential development in Vancouver;

“I grew up with architecture so from very early on I had an understanding of what space does for people. I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology of spaces and how people use the buildings we create.”

provides a social melting point where people come and go and can be an important part of a larger urban ecosystem,” he enthuses. “Hotels play a key role in activating and animating parts of urbanity.”

And what of mixed-use development in general, is there increased demand from clients to integrate more and more elements? “Our lives are an increasingly interconnected world where things no longer exist in the classical separations of this is where you work, this is where you sleep, this is where you eat; activities are coming to integrate and overlap in a very explicit way,” Scheeren explains, adding that the pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated a shift that was already in play. “This is where

and Shenzhen Wave, a new headquarters and

the role of architecture comes in, in bringing

innovation centre for a leading technology

all those different aspects of life together. If you

company. “It’s very exciting to move between

look at a lot of my work, it is an investigation

scales, to move between different architectural

of how we bring things closer together – not

typologies and to move between different

only work and life – but how we can bring the

cultures of the world,” Scheeren continues.

experience of nature to the built environment;

“We have a great team of 100 architects who

Abaca is a very explicit exploration of that.”

collaborate globally across continents and

Abaca Resort is the newly-announced project

help inform one project through the diverse

that will bring Scheeren’s ideas on architectural

experiences of another; it’s become a very

discovery to life. Located in Cebu in the Philippines, the 125-key hotel builds on an

interesting dialogue that we’ve established.”

This idea of dialogue is one that touches every

domain,” Scheeren adds. “With every project,

existing property on the island of Mactan, and

aspect of Scheeren’s work, not only through

we have to investigate how we can contribute

is inspired by the region’s traditional vernacular

communication with his team but between

to the way people interact with architecture and

and tropical landscape. “This project tells a story

the buildings he designs, their surrounding

space, and how it can add to their lives; I believe

of discovery and surprise, a story of wonder and

environment and the people who use them.

architecture is an important component in the

curiosity, a story of the language of architecture

“Architecture is a highly specific discipline; it

creation of experiences and memories.”

and the power of tropical nature,” he confirms.

doesn’t look the same everywhere and shouldn’t

The creation of memories is regularly the talk

“It is a journey through the rainforest and the

serve the same purpose,” he explains. “Each

of hospitality design, and Scheeren has had a

exploration of habitable structures with places

project is a very specific investigation of a place,

hand in a number of projects over the years,

of rest and repose.”

of a culture, of a client, of a vision of what it can

including the Guardian Art Centre in Beijing, a

Having been approached by Abaca Group

contribute. This diversity and multiplicity really

gallery and exhibition venue that also houses

and Cebu Landmasters to collaborate, Scheeren

drives our interest.”

The PuXuan Hotel; Duo, a mixed-use tower

spent time at the existing nine-bedroom hotel,

While there’s diversity in the scope of

complex in Singapore with an Andaz on the

an experience that came to shape his eventual

projects, they share a common goal in aiming

upper floors; and MahaNakhon, another mixed-

design. “During my stay, there was a feeling

to shape the way people interact with spaces.

use skyscraper, this time in Bangkok and slated

of intimacy that allowed me to have this very

“Architecture should be an active part of the

to include a hotel. With so many of the studio’s

personal feeling of being in a particular place,”

city and of the urban environment, it should

projects incorporating a variety of uses, how

he explains. “That was the inspiration; how can

enable and empower its users in many different

important is a hotel in this context? “What’s

we reinvent this spirit on a different scale, in a

ways and I believe that we have a responsibility

interesting about a hotel is that it always creates

different way for the new hotel?”

to make a lasting contribution to the public

an anchor for a mixed-use development; it

The answer, according to Scheeren, lies

059

© Büro Ole Scheeren

© Büro Ole Scheeren

060

MEETING…

Empire City in Vietnam will include a hotel, residences and office space within a high-rise development guided by nature

“What’s interesting about a hotel is that it always creates an anchor for a mixed-use development; it provides a social melting point where people come and go and can be an important part of a larger urban ecosystem.”

in creating spaces that unfold and reveal

perfectly framed by the arched windows and

standalone, some forming part of mixed-use

themselves over time. “The way I have imagined

hanging gardens.

developments. There’s an urban resort with

the experience is as a succession of discoveries,

Cebu’s rich history of craftsmanship will

Hyatt, and a soon-to-be-announced project

like a journey through the jungle where you

also play an important role in the project,

with IHG. And while the all-important guest

suddenly find a path through the greenery and

with local artisans, materials and construction

experience is at the heart of the studio’s concepts,

it happens to lead to the lobby,” he reveals,

practices all taken into consideration. “We

Scheeren is mindful of the role of the operator.

“or you descend into a grotto that opens out to

want to work with local stone and locally-

“I think it’s important to have the operator –

waterfalls, pools and gardens; it takes you on a

available materials,” confirms Scheeren. “This

the people who will be running the hotel day-in

whole journey of individual moments through

has ecological benefits but it also makes for a

day-out, long after construction has finished

the project.”

more interesting story if a place is rooted in

– on board from the very beginning,” he notes.

It may sound like the stuff of fantasy, but the

local culture. There are other elements such

“Of course that’s not always possible, but I

blueprints show just what Scheeren describes,

as the furniture and fabrics; Cebu has a strong

believe that the more you can plan a project as

with lush landscaping, cascading waterfalls and

tradition in weaving, so this will become part

a fully integrated vision, the stronger it will be,

tranquil clearings in the rainforest sheltered

of the story too.”

the better it will work operationally, and the more exciting the experience will be.”

by tree canopies. Punctuated by pockets of

While the studio has a vast portfolio of

greenery, the newbuild tower element is a

projects spanning the globe, Abaca Resort

One of the larger projects on the boards is

vertical lattice of arches that stack, recess and

marks the first time it has designed a hotel in

Empire City, which is spread across multiple

protrude to form shaded balconies and floating

this way, taking on architecture, interiors and

buildings and will create an entirely new

pools in the sky. At ground level, the building is

landscaping for a fully integrated experience.

district in Ho Chi Minh City. Incorporating a

defined by arched colonnades that recall ancient

This approach is one that Scheeren believes

hotel, residences, retail and office space, the

archaeological structures rooted in the jungle,

is becoming increasingly important. “When

development is anchored by an 88-storey tower

with multi-level terraces and water basins

there’s one team hired to design the shell and

that will be a new landmark on the banks of

offering intimate areas for gathering.

another to do the interiors, there’s a lack of

the Saigon River. Although it’s a shiny new

Despite a ten-fold increase in keys, Scheeren

integrated vision,” he believes. “We have quite

glass-and-steel high-rise in a rapidly growing

is confident he can retain the intimacy and sense

a few projects at the moment where we are

metropolis, Scheeren’s concept is once again

of place he experienced on his first visit. The

providing a holistic service, creating not only

guided by nature. “We have designed a project

layered topography with a series of semi-private

the architecture but the interiors and landscape.

that really explores how Vietnam’s landscape

spaces at each level was a conscious decision,

Abaca Resort is a great example of what we

can become an integral part of the city,” he

as was the way in which the guestrooms are

can do and by approaching projects as a fully

describes, pointing out the mountain-shaped

designed as if individual villas carved into the

integrated plan, it results in a better experience

podium that echoes the country’s terraced rice

rock. The curves of the façade extend inside

for guests.”

fields. The multi-level podium will link the

to the doorways and selection of FF&E, and

As talk turns to the future, Scheeren reveals

three towers and also serve as a public garden

each room offers sweeping views of the ocean,

that he’s working on a number of hotels, some

with leisure and dining facilities, while on the

061

MEETING…

“I believe that the more you can plan a project as a fully integrated vision, the stronger it will be, the better it will work operationally, and the more exciting the experience will be.”

Duo in Singapore is a mixed-use development designed by Scheeren with an Andre Fu-designed Andaz hotel on the upper floors

upper levels, hovering terraces cantilever out

So has the pandemic and resulting shift in

from the building’s central axis. “We asked

the way people think about space affected the

ourselves, how can the verticality of a tower

design of these ongoing projects? It would seem

contain moments of spectacular nature?” says

not. Much like Scheeren’s approach to running a

Scheeren. “So we created a floating element that

global business, his ideas on the importance of

we call the Sky Forest, which will be part public

space have long been ahead of their time. “On

observation deck, part hotel and part restaurant

one hand, the pandemic has changed everything,

some 300 metres up in the air.”

but at the same time, it hasn’t really changed

The overarching idea is to reflect the energy of

my architecture in the sense that I’ve been

the city’s economic growth – the development

talking about this responsibility of space for the

will be home to a number of major global

past two decades,” he concludes. “I’ve always

businesses as well as start-ups and entrepreneurs

been interested in how we live and I think the

– yet crucially reconnect the urban environment

pandemic has encouraged people to consider

to the tropics. The undulating platforms of the

the importance of space more than ever before.

Sky Forest feature open-air bars and landscaped

There are certain qualities that we have always

walkways amongst water features and a variety

tried to develop through our projects – the

of indigenous plantlife. “We wanted to capture

integration of nature, outdoor space and fresh

the spirit of the tropical city, where life indoors

air, and the ability to oscillate between zones of

and outdoors plays an equally important

togetherness and zones of individuality. I think

role and the presence of nature is incredibly

all of these experiences are crucial to the quality

important,” Scheeren notes, adding that the

of our lives, and architecture plays a key role in

aim is to “reconcile the tension between the

achieving that.”

dense built environment and nature”.

© Iwan Baan

062

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Welcome Change Having orchestrated the design of hotels across the UK and Europe for the past two decades, Ica is planning for its next phase of growth.

Words: Ben Thomas

A Holistic Approach Established in 2003, Ica is a 50-strong architecture and interior design studio dedicated to the international hotel market. With offices in Glasgow and London, the practice works across the UK, Europe and beyond, focusing on design, technical expertise and business acumen.

Hotels in the pipeline: The Gantry, London (2021); Moxy Spinningfields, Manchester (2021); Virgin Hotels, Edinburgh (2022); CitizenM Victoria, London (2022); Marriott Tribute Portfolio, Edinburgh (2024)

W

e started the business with three of us and now

approach however is that we understand our client’s

there are more than 50, so a lot of things have

requirements first, then analyse the site, design to their

changed in the process,” says Ian Burleigh,

specific requirements and contextualise those. What we

Executive Chairman of Ica, as he looks back on the

achieve is a functional, efficient and workable solution

studio’s journey in the world of hotel design so far.

that’s fit for purpose but also responds to its location.”

“It’s taken a long time and a lot of hard work to create a team of people that share our values and skills.”

THE INITIAL FOCUS

064

With the financial crisis of 2007–2008, Ica saw a surprising upturn in business. The reason? Clients

Launched shortly after the turn of the millennium

were moving away from large-scale developments and

with a studio in Glasgow and a client space in London,

instead focusing on cost-effective refurbishments. This

Ica started life as an architecture and interior design

led to the growth of its interior design team, creating a

practice solely dedicated to the international hotel

single studio that enabled its architects and designers

market. From the outset, the firm focused on designing

to collaborate and cross-pollinate ideas.

not only buildings and interiors but also businesses, specialising in how they operate as well as aesthetics.

This inside-out, outside-in methodology has since allowed the practice to deliver either the entire vision

“What made us popular was that we gelled quickly

or work with existing partners to bring a project to life

with clients and from a personality point of view we

with its architectural expertise. Equally, Ica’s interior

were easy to get on with, listened to what they wanted

designers can join forces with external architecture

to achieve and tried to use the design tools we had in

firms but draw on decades of experience that comes

our box to assist them,” Burleigh continues. “It’s about

from the synergy between its in-house teams.

having your finger on the pulse within a market.”

Click here to find out more on Ica’s approach

A TURNING POINT

Such was the case at The Gantry in Stratford, a

Part of Ica’s approach also involved being well

visually remarkable yet equally buildable development

prepared and getting things right early in the process,

in London’s Olympic Park. Opening in November 2021,

meaning the team wasn’t reliant on fixing problems

the dual-branded project comprises an 18-storey Curio

down the line when on site. As such, the studio was able

Collection by Hilton hotel with 291 guestrooms, an

to apply its holistic ethos to different cities with ease,

artisan food market and a rooftop bar, as well as a

resulting in the expansion of its portfolio across the

17-storey Adagio Aparthotel. In designing the structure,

UK to the likes of Dublin, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Ica drew inspiration from New York’s Flatiron building

“A lot of architecture responds to context first;

and Stratford’s industrial past in equal measure,

the location, the adjacent buildings and their style.

reflecting the heritage of the area through every element

It is designed to those criteria and then the client’s

of design, materiality and function. A curved two-storey

requirements have to fit into that,” explains co-founder

podium, formed by an interplay with the geometry of the

and Design Director Chris Fegan. “A fundamental of our

hotel tower above, achieves a singular building aesthetic

SPOTLIGHT

that manifests in a skin of copper-coloured

“The hotel is testament to our ability to

more complex and challenging,” says Fegan as

fins, allowing the property’s appearance to

solve problems – in this case conservation

he reflects on the evolution of the hotel sector.

change through the day as the light shifts – the

issues – but remain focused on what needs to

fins themselves are reminiscent of the heavy

be delivered from a functional and operational

ADAPT AND INNOVATE

engineering from the borough’s railway era.

point of view,” Fegan enthuses. “This approach

The past 18 months has had its challenges too,

unlocked the very complex urban site.”

with Covid-19 changing the face of retail and

The industrial aesthetic has, however, been softened by the organic form of the building,

office space in city centres and investors looking

with relaxed curves providing landscaped

A REALISATION

pockets and green edges that echo Stratford’s

In late 2019, Ica started planning for its next

in use, Ica has seen an increase in hospitality

market town past – a time when it grew food

phase of growth, with the firm’s senior team

projects backed by institutional investors,

that fed the whole of London. The columns of

reviewing the connections across its large-

including the redevelopment of the former

green combine with a series of terraced spaces to

scale projects. It quickly became obvious that

Debenhams department store on Edinburgh’s

embed the landscaping within the architecture,

the link was one where a love of hospitality

Princes Street, for which the team is designing a

rising up through the structure towards the bar

meets commercial focus and design excellence,

luxury hotel that will make full use of the site’s

on the top level.

as evident at The Gantry and Virgin Hotels

views over the castle and gardens opposite.

to hotels as part of the solution. With this shift

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh delivers the same

Edinburgh, not to mention Marmalade on

Despite the testing times, the practice is

impact but in an entirely different way – with

the Isle of Skye, which blends creativity and

looking ahead with promise, knowing that its

the added pressure of combining three listed

commercial understanding.

ability to create design solutions that operate

buildings in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set

Looking at these developments anew led

within the former India Buildings in the heart

the studio to develop a new way of describing

efficiently while working in tune with the locale

of the city’s Old Town, the scheme aims to

its offer: ‘Welcome Change’, a philosophy

“We set up Ica not as an architecture

revitalise the long-neglected gap site, with Ica

underpinned by three key pillars: creativity

business, not as interior design business, but

preserving its historic elements while laying the

that is profitably applied, candid support for the

as a hospitality business, so that’s where the

foundations for Virgin to add its signature style

client, and a deep love of hospitality.

‘welcome’ came from,” concludes Burleigh.

will stand it in good stead for years to come.

across 222 guestrooms and suites, several F&B

“In terms of our approach to design, the

“The ‘change’ derives from our approach, in that

outlets – including a flagship Commons Club –

fundamental strategy has remained consistent,

we’re not driving the agenda of design, we’re

and meeting spaces.

but the projects we are working on have become

using design to drive our clients’ agendas.”

065

THE LOBBY

Sweet Dreams In the age of smartphones, smart watches and the never-

lighting, hi-definition audio system and motorised base allow

ending pursuit to optimise every aspect of our lives, a standard

for customised relaxation, whilst a 70-inch screen and 4K

mattress and bedframe simply doesn’t cut it anymore. In

projector enhance the cocoon-effect by creating an immersive

response to the desire for the highly-coveted, but often

entertainment experience. HiAm also functions as a personal

unattainable, good night’s sleep, Italian furnituremaker

sleep coach thanks to integrated IoT sensors. In addition to

Hi-Interiors has carved out a unique position for itself as

tracking sleep data, the sensors collect environmental statistics

pioneer of the smartbed. Their latest innovation is HiAm,

such as air quality and optimum sleep temperature. “Italy is

a hi-tech four-poster bed dreamt up by Italian architect

the country of art and beauty par excellence,” explains Vinella.

and designer Fabio Vinella. Inspired by the ancient Roman

“With HiAm these values take on a new form in an evolved

concept of ‘otium’ – meaning leisure – HiAm brings together

product that, in combining design with technology, leads us to

wellness and entertainment through technology to spark

self-discovery, projecting us into a dimension in which leisure

physiological wellbeing and self-improvement. Promising a

assumes an active and extremely positive significance, just as

complete sensory journey, a built-in fragrance diffuser, smart

it did in classical antiquity.”

Circle of Life Radical Innovation announces the winners of its Parc Omega design competition.

With travellers increasingly seeking an escape

“Parc Omega’s mission is to raise awareness

from the bustle of overcrowded and built-up

about wildlife and local culture by creating

cities, hotels in rural settings are becoming

a memorable experience,” comments Claire

ever more desirable. With that in mind, Radical

Ruggieri, Chair of Batipart, the park’s owning

Innovation – an initiative that challenges creative

company. “We’ve been thrilled to follow these

thinkers to pioneer compelling ideas in travel

fabulous submissions and to work with our

and hospitality – launched an extension to its

esteemed jury to determine the winner and

annual design competition, calling for entrants

runner-up for the competition.”

to envision a 120-key hotel for Parc Omega in Quebec, Canada.

068

A panel of jurors from the fields of hospitality, design and investment evaluated entries based on

The brief was to design a hospitality venue that

their originality, creativity, feasibility, viability

meets the needs of visitors to the region yet is

and impact, with the deciding factors being the

in keeping with the natural beauty of the 2,200-

best architectural design, best use of land and

acre wildlife park. Four-star accommodation,

the best sustainability plan; as a result, they have

restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, wellness

named Les Cercles du Lac, submitted by Stanislas

facilities and a multi-functional conference

Cheuvreux of WAW Architectes, as the winner.

centre were amongst the requirements, but

His concept nestles between the lake and a valley

ultimately, guidelines stated that it is imperative

with circular structures that echo the circle of

the hotel’s architecture, interior design and

life, an important symbol in Native American

methods of operation be aligned with the park

culture. The seven circular buildings fan out from

and its core values of sustainability, conservation

a central reception and each provide 360-degree

and wildlife preservation.

views of the park, while a network of connecting

THE LOBBY

pathways allow for immersion in nature. With a

Monolab Architects, which takes the dispersed

clear focus on minimising visual impact on the

approach to make full use of the site; Quttow House

site, Cheuvreux’s design sees a low-rise structure

by RHT Advisory, inspired by the longhouses

partly concealed beneath the tree canopy, with

built and inhabited by east-coast indigenous

the recreation centre integrated into the natural

nations; Le Retrainte by Ignacio Fernandez de

slope of the landscape. The architect will be

Castro, evolved from a passion for wood, water

awarded CA$10,000, and there will be further

and wildlife; Parc Omega Hotel by Bagua + Bhava,

discussions as to the realisation of the hotel.

designed to explore the relationship between

The competition’s runner up is Samsara

humans, animals and nature; and Park Omega

Lodge, submitted by Matthew Beerman of 25:8

Hill Hotel by Biophilic Architecture, in which the

Architecture + Urban Design, Canada, who will be

entire building appears to be immersed in the

awarded CA$5,000. Beerman’s concept – named

land beneath native vegetation.

after the Buddhist word for the cycle of death and

“Radical Innovation discovers and spotlights

rebirth – mimics the vernacular of a fallen tree,

creative thinkers from around the world

with the various facilities branching off from a

with ideas to propel the hospitality industry

central trunk housing the check-in and gift shop.

forward,” explains John Hardy, founder of

A sloping roofs pays homage to the rolling hills

Radical Innovation and CEO of The Hardy

of the region, allowing for the resort to blend

Group. “We were pleased to add this new design

seamlessly into the landscape, while a 25-metre

competition to the Radical family and are excited

observation tower captures views of the park.

to congratulate the winners of the competition.”

Les Cercles du Lac (above left) by Stanislas Cheuvreux of WAW Architectes has been named winner of the Parc Omega design competition, with Samsara Lodge (above)

by Matthew Beerman of 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design coming in second place

Other entries given an honourable mention include: the nature-driven Seven Tales by

069

THE LOBBY

Island Life W London teams up with artist Georgia Tucker to create a virtually immersive island getaway in the heart of the West End.

With countries both near and far constantly

The Escapist cocktail and Tropical Rocks dessert,

moving between green, amber and red travel lists

before being taken to their room where they will

in the UK, the idea of an island getaway feels

be greeted with a VR headset and soundscape.

more and more like a pipe dream. Luckily, W

From there, visitors will be transported to the

London has brought the island to us with the help

balmy beaches of the tropics without leaving the

of immersive technology artist Georgia Tucker.

hotel room, with the virtual holiday soundtracked

Set within the hotel’s signature WOW Suite, Tucker has created the Advena Island Escape as a

the ultimate escape.

way to break free from the monotonous everyday

As international travel gradually begins to

and explore the meaning behind a ‘sustainable

resume, the Advena experience will seek to

resort’, all without having to catch a flight. A

explore the ecological and social impact of

paradisal landscape of tropical fauna, colourful

tourism, in addition to provoking conversation

architecture, opalescent orbs and warm beaches,

around what travellers now seek from their

Advena integrates the virtual with the physical,

holidays and if the need for ‘Instagrammable’

creating an immersive experience through a

moments and experiences has eclipsed the desire

mixture of projections and vinyls, brought to life

for the destination itself.

via a VR headset.

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by lapping waves and swaying palms to provide

“I want people to find a sense of escapism

Those looking to fully immerse themselves

within this space and a sense of playfulness,”

within Tucker’s installation can opt for the

explains Tucker. “But I also want it to start a

Advena Island Escape package, designed to be

conversation – leading people to question why

enjoyed from the comfort of the W’s luxury

it is they travel, and the effect Instagram has

rooms and suites. Guests will be welcomed with

played on this.”

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THE LOBBY

Pink Palace Champalimaud Design reintroduces a sense of Old Hollywood glamour to The Beverly Hills Hotel’s legendary poolside cabanas.

For over a century, the swimming pool at The

to reintroduce a colourway that complements

Beverly Hills Hotel has been the place to see

the original green of the hotel’s interiors. With

and be seen. On any given day, guests could

its distinctive hues and vibrant prints, the

catch the likes of Joan Rivers learning to swim

wallcovering remains intrinsically linked to the

freestyle or Katherine Hepburn diving in after a

hotel, even developing its own celebrity status

tennis lesson – fully-clothed. But after countless

amongst both designers and guests.

A-list parties and secret trysts over the years, the

The atmosphere surrounding the poolside

poolside was due a refresh. Tasked with restoring

retreats is established through details such

the legendary hotel’s 11 private cabanas was

as terrazzo coffee tables and basket weave

Champalimaud Design, who were asked to create

seating, while locally sourced peach pink tables

an inviting residential atmosphere whilst paying

perpetuate the palette. Although a trip to the Pink

homage to the property’s iconic design elements.

Palace’s pool is undoubtedly all about socialising

“What distinguishes The Beverly Hills Hotel

and people-watching, topiary walls act as space

from all others is its magical history,” reveals

“Vivacious and brimming with life, there is a

of the New York-based firm. “Through time it

particularly strong culture around the swimming

has been the destination of movie stars and

pool and cabanas,” notes Champalimaud. “The

socialites, kings and queens.”

cabanas hold prime seats to a mesmerising show

Champalimaud’s scheme sees pink-andwhite striped interior awnings complemented by a feature wall of banana leaf wallpaper made

by CW Stockwell, who delved into the archives

072

dividers, creating a sense of privacy.

Alexandra Champalimaud, founder and President

of beautiful people wading in clusters, chatting in groups as laughter permeates the air.”

O

ut of adversity comes opportunity,”

For Zoku, a brand that was arguably ahead of

as the saying goes, and never have the

its time, this shift towards a more nomadic way

words of Benjamin Franklin been more

of thinking feeds nicely into its work-meets-

relevant than today, with the pandemic forcing

play concept. As such, Meyer spoke of how the

hospitality businesses to rethink every aspect of

group has tripled its portfolio with openings in

their operations from the ground floor up.

Copenhagen and Vienna, both of which are now

So what lessons has the industry learnt over

renting out floors to businesses looking to unite

the past 18 months? What changes are for the

their workforces for days and weeks at a time.

better? And where are the new opportunities for

“What we’ve learnt is that the square-metre we

growth? These were just some of the questions

normally allocate for just one role can be used

put to panellists at the International Hospitality

for multiple,” he reflected. “Our mission is to

Investment Forum (IHIF) in September.

connect people, so while there may be challenges

IHIF has long been at the forefront of the

ahead for offices, we can be part of the solution.”

changing hospitality landscape and this year

Similar growth has taken place at Edyn, which

was no different, with a new pop-up event

launched Cove earlier this year in response to the

tapping into the rise of adjacent spaces – from

growing demand for flexible living. With sites

How Not to Waste a Good Crisis IHIF’s new pop-up event asks hospitality innovators how to get the best out of the most testing period in the sector’s history.

Words: Ben Thomas

074

co-working to serviced apartments – during the

already acquired in Liverpool, London and The

crisis. Exploring investment beyond the hotel

Hague, McCall reiterated the need for hoteliers to

room, the programme invited owners, operators,

react quickly to the market: “Horizons are getting

architects and designers to share knowledge,

shorter and today’s world is unpredictable, so we

exchange ideas and shape the next generation.

must keep ourselves nimble and open-minded.”

Fittingly, three of those with experience in

And for Slow, a brand that was already in the

dreaming up forward-thinking concepts –

incubator pre-Covid with properties in Ibiza

Hans Meyer of home-office hybrid brand Zoku;

and Tulum, a more conscious approach to travel

Stephen McCall from Edyn, parent group of

sparked by the crisis is one that should stick

design-led aparthotel brand Locke and newly

around for the long-term. “The pandemic hasn’t

launched serviced apartment brand Cove; and

changed the world, it has accelerated the long-

Serdar Kutucu of hospitality collective Slow –

needed correction of many values and mindsets,”

were trusted with rounding out the pop up’s

explained Kutucu, adding that Slow will aim

proceedings, delving into how their companies

to educate guests on the movement at Marina

have capitalised on the events of late, why they

Marina – a creative campus that it will debut in

are ensuring that lessons are not wasted, and

Berlin’s Rummelsburg neighbourhood next year.

how they will approach the next step of recovery.

The answer to what the future holds for

Though social distancing and PPE were deemed

hospitality isn’t straightforward, and the road

as simply serving a purpose, plenty of takeaways

to recovery will be a winding one, but as Charles

were discussed as having promising prospects for

Darwin once said, “it is not the strongest of the

the industry in years to come, none more so than

species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it

the ability for people to work from anywhere.

is the one most adaptable to change.”

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Mandarin Oriental Ritz MADRID Rafael de la-Hoz and Gilles & Boissier team up to restore César Ritz’s Belle Époque masterpiece to its former glory, whilst adding a contemporary twist.

Words: Agnish Ray • Photography: © Manolo Yllera

T

he legend goes that King Alfonso XIII of Spain had Madrid’s Ritz hotel built because he needed somewhere to host guests travelling for his wedding to Victoria

Eugenia of Battenberg. The illustrious location – right by cultural treasures like the Prado Museum, the commercial hub of Gran Via and leisure areas like El Retiro Park – would make it a fitting home for the great and good on their visit to the Spanish capital.

A nice story, but a far-fetched one according to Spanish architect Rafael de la-Hoz, whose studio has handled a three-year transformation of this historic building. Instead, he says it is more likely that the hotel was part of the monarch’s wider ambition to put Madrid on the global stage, in particular by holding a World’s Fair in the city.

Although this dream was never actually fulfilled, de la-Hoz argues that Alfonso’s ambition moved him to create a hotel that put the city on a par with its leading global counterparts – not just for tourism, but for national excellence in heritage and innovation. The regal commission was appointed to Swiss hotelier César Ritz, acclaimed for his properties in London and Paris. Madrid became his third, where he created an establishment whose aesthetics reflected the decorative styles of the Belle Époque that was sweeping across Europe at the time.

076

077

078

Interiors maintain a sense of history with nods to traditional Spanish craft techniques such as leatherwork, embroidery and carved wood

Today, the Ritz brand speaks for itself. Synonymous the world-over with classic grandeur, it acts as a

shadow and the light – it gives a completely different look to the space.”

benchmark of prestige for establishments far and wide.

De la-Hoz adds: “The original roof must have

Now, over a century after its creation, this bastion

functioned very poorly in terms of acoustics, humidity

of world-class hospitality in Madrid has had a €100

and temperature.” Today, in contrast with the simpler

million revamp, reopening under the management of

technology available back then, the new, highly-

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

resistant glass-and-steel structure allows Madrid’s

Decorating the new 153-key hotel, interior design

bright sunshine to pour down yet protects from

studio Gilles & Boissier wanted to let the old and new

its searing heat. Beneath, guests enjoy afternoon

voices speak in harmony. “In the end, this had to

tea while a pianist provides musical ambience. A

remain a palace,” says Dorothée Boissier, co-founder

fragmented mirror sculptured by contemporary

of the Parisian practice. “But it’s good when you don’t

artist Juan Carlos García Pérez hangs on the walls,

know what is new and what isn’t.”

its geometric shapes in contrast with the softness of

The designers maintained a sense of history with

the linen and velvet furnishings. This is one of several

nods to traditional Spanish craft techniques such as

newly commissioned artworks found in the hotel. By

leatherwork, embroidery and carved wood. In the

the piano, a vibrant, modern tapestry by textile artist

guestrooms for example, the pattern embossed into

Clara Sulla has replaced the 17th century pieces that

the Cordoba leather of the headboards and embroidered

hung here previously, and the cocktail bar, Pictura,

thickly into the upholstered footboards is inspired by

is adorned with a series of portraits by photographer

Spanish bullfighter costumes.

Paula Anta of eminent Spanish cultural figures,

Downstairs in the Palm Court – the hotel’s principal

composed to imitate Spanish Golden Age paintings.

lounge area – interiors are floral and fertile, with

This bar area exudes the hue of a warm sunset; rusty

lush tapestry-style fabrics embroidered in botanical

shades of orange and brown blend with glistening

patterns. Four original sofas from the old hotel sit at

gold and brass, as if bathing the space in whiskey and

the centre, while Gilles & Boissier’s own new, bespoke

cognac. The original Ritz Madrid crest is engraved into

items populate the rest of the space. The most striking

the fireplace – the crown floating above the shield

architectural change is the installment of the glass

serves as a reminder that this has been royal property

ceiling overhead. The original 1910 hotel also had

from the outset; the new hotel still seeks to treat its

a glass roof here, reflecting a popular Belle Époque

guests like kings and queens with crowns embroidered

fashion, but it was built over around the mid-century.

into the doormats of each guestroom.

The architects have therefore revived the splendour of

Another symbol in the emblem is Madrid’s native

César Ritz’s vision by once again flooding the space

madroño strawberry tree. Overhead in the hotel’s

with daylight. The result is resplendent, allowing Palm

lobby is a new lighting installation by London-based

Court’s plants and trees to flourish, and breathing

design studio Haberdashery, whose botanical shapes

further life into the already rich interior design. “When

are inspired by this, and other local plant species.

you have such natural light, the decoration becomes

Come mealtime, dining experiences by Michelin-

more powerful,” explains Boissier. “The volumes are

starred chef Quique Dacosta await. The main

more interesting, the bright colours can receive the

restaurant, Deessa, offers a tasting menu of iconic

079

dishes that Dacosta has served over the years in

Although some purists were suspicious of

his signature restaurant in Denia, a coastal city

this much-talked-about makeover, López says

in the Valencia region. These include stingray in

sceptics have eaten their words at the unveiling

black butter sauce, a smoked eel rice dish served

of the finished product. There were concerns

with cherries, Denia prawn poached in sea water

about what an international brand like Mandarin

and a spectacular spread of caviar and fish roe.

Oriental might do to an institution so steeped

There’s

also

an

intimate

eight-seat

in Madrid’s history, but the result proves that

champagne lounge with a towering display

this is not so strange a marriage of cultures.

cabinet, an enchanting garden terrace open

The clue is found in the reception area, where

through the summer months, and, for the

a glass frame displays an antique 17th-century

first time in its 110-year history, the hotel has

embroidered fan made from lace and mother

introduced a spa, where soothing white marble

of pearl. Fans hold strong significance in both

and gold-tiled experience showers pair with

Spanish and Oriental cultures – the fan is also

palatial chandeliers designed by Preciosa and

the principal symbol of the Mandarin Oriental

specially adapted to suit the humid environment.

logo. The artefact’s origins – whether European

Another major change is the size of the

or Asian – remain uncertain. Complementing it,

workforce, which has more than doubled

a dynamic sculpture representing the movement

with Mandarin Oriental’s takeover. Though

of a flamenco dancer’s fan sweeps across the

there’s plenty of new talent, management were

wall behind the desk. Together, the two pieces

conscious to retain staff from the old days, who

act as a tribute to the power of this timeless

have witnessed quite the transformation – the

accessory to unite two worlds.

longest standing among them is Luciano López, a doorman who has worked here for 48 years.

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Olayan Group Operator: Mandarin Oriental Architecture: Rafael de La-Hoz Interior Design: Gilles & Boissier www.mandarinoriental.com

We are thrilled that luxury lifestyle hotel NoMad London, a collaboration with the Sydell Group and Roman and Williams, has opened its doors.

As architect and lead designer, our design has sensitively refurbished and extended the Grade II listed Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station to create an outstanding destination in the heart of Covent Garden.

The Grand Hotel BIRMINGHAM Starwood Capital Group step-in to save a city landmark, enlisting Robert Angell to design a scheme befitting of its name.

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Tom Mannion

I

n the 20+ years that Sleeper has been publishing,

developments that sit in harmony alongside the

we could probably count on one hand the

historic landmarks.”

number of hotels featured in Birmingham.

Bradshaw is right, the city is undoubtedly

Despite being the UK’s second largest city – with

in the throes of regeneration, spurred on

strong offerings for both business and leisure

in part by its status as host for the 2022

travellers – development here has lagged behind

Commonwealth Games. “All that was missing

its northern counterparts. New hotel openings

was a centrepiece,” he continues. “A landmark

have been few and far between, so when our

gathering place to serve as the crown jewel for

friends at Starwood Capital asked us to come

Birmingham’s renaissance into a truly global

and take a look at what they’ve been quietly

city of commerce, art and culture.”

working on for the last five years – with the

And this is where the group’s knack for

promise of a “remarkable transformation” – it

investing in the right asset, in the right

was hard to say no.

location, at the right time really comes into

“Birmingham has been under the radar for

play. Granted, the project hasn’t been without

global hotel investors in comparison to other UK

its challenges. Having lay empty for almost two

destinations like Edinburgh and Manchester,”

decades, it was originally planned as a Principal

confirms Cody Bradshaw, Managing Director

hotel before the brand and its assets were sold;

and Global Head of Hotel Asset Management

an initial opening date of Summer 2020 was

at Starwood Capital Group. “However we

postponed for obvious reasons; the November

believe the sheer scale of urban regeneration

launch lasted just a matter of days before

underway in the city centre is remarkable, with

shuttering once again; and the eventual opening

block after block of demolition on 1970s-era

in May 2021 was plagued by the ‘pingdemic’ of

buildings making way for modern mixed-use

dozens of staff being forced into isolation. But

083

Isaac’s takes on a New-York-meetsBirmingham vibe and is clad in Metro tiles – just like those found in New York’s subway stations – in a deep shade of Victorian green

thankfully, the worst is over, and The Grand

vision, which is where Starwood Capital Group

Hotel has opened its doors with a look that’s

came in.”

befitting of its name.

Capital took on the remaining restoration and

scheme from Hortons Estate, an independent

operation of the building in exchange for a 175-

development group with a portfolio of office,

year leasehold interest in the hotel. With Hortons

retail and leisure properties across the Midlands,

Estate having already explored ideas with

which has gradually transformed the vacant

Robert Angell Design International, Starwood

ground-floor units around the perimeter of the

stuck with the plan and set about making the

building and brought in tenants such as Tattu,

scheme their own. “We were not only impressed

Gusto and The Alchemist. Occupying a prime

with Robert’s initial design work for the hotel

position on Colmore Row overlooking St Philip’s

as well as his track record delivering high-

Cathedral, the Grade II*-listed property was

profile luxury projects around the world, but

built by Isaac Horton to the design of Thomson

also his enthusiasm and willingness to consider

Plevins; it opened as a hotel in 1879 and has

alternative design schemes in-line with our

been in the Horton family ever since.

unique vision,” says Bradshaw. “Together

“Hortons had painstakingly restored the façade and structural elements as well as

084

A deal was structured whereby Starwood

The hotel is in fact part of a wider mixed-use

we have delivered a sophisticated and elegant interpretation of modern luxury.”

activated all of the retail along Colmore Row,”

The vision was for a top-to-bottom overhaul

Bradshaw continues. “What remained was the

that would celebrate the history of the building

design, restoration and fit-out of the historic

yet usher in a new era of luxury, without the

interiors; they were in need of an experienced

stuffy trappings of a stereotypical grand dame

partner to develop and execute on a grandiose

hotel. Gone are the dusty old drapes, frightful

Guestrooms, such as the Grand Suite with vaulted ceiling, feature furniture from Parla and lighting

by Chelsom

carpets and drab colour combinations, making

restored, from the marble pillars in the lobby

way for light, bright and vibrant interiors that

to the decorative plasterwork, mosaic tiled

carry off a look best described as contemporary

floors and sweeping grand staircase. New

with character.

elements are sensitively incorporated too – the

The 185 guestrooms – ranging from lofts

shapely frosted glass canopy over the entrance

beneath the eaves to a sprawling penthouse

for example doesn’t go unnoticed, nor does

– benefit from generous natural daylight

the lighting scheme throughout, developed

and marry dark timber casegoods with soft

by Manchester-based studio Artin Light to

furnishings in elegant citrus tones. Sleeper’s

dramatically enhance the historic details.

room, a Grand Suite, boasts a vaulted ceiling,

Inside, the hotel’s two main F&B venues

four-poster bed and plenty of space to work or

come with their own distinct identities. On

lounge; no expense has been spared in bringing

the ground floor, Madeleine Bar is a Parisian

this ageing building up-to-date, with power

chic lounge designed in rich tones of blush and

points in all the right places, smart TVs and

deep blue. By day, the space serves as a living

Marshall Bluetooth speakers on hand.

room offering morning coffee, light lunches and

Bathrooms meanwhile are Art Deco in style,

afternoon tea, with natural daylight flooding

with double-basin marble vanities, geometric

in through towering arched windows that are

mirrors and Crittall-style glazing to the

likely the envy of any newbuild. By nightfall, it

spacious shower and WC.

transforms into a moody cocktail bar, with the

In the public spaces, the character comes inpart from the architecture – an eclectic mix of

086

dark timber panelling and sparkling chandeliers taking full effect.

French Renaissance, Victorian and Art Deco –

The restaurant meanwhile takes on a New-

with original features retained and painstakingly

York-meets-Birmingham vibe. Named Isaac’s

after the hotel’s founder, it has its own street

that combine period features with the latest

entrance – a seemingly derelict doorway covered

technology. For the wow-factor, the Grand

in graffiti – and plays on the idea that when

Ballroom is something of a showstopper, with

Horton was as the helm, the underground bar

its listed Louis XIV-style character restored to

was a popular haunt for travelling tradesmen.

its former glory and a lighting scheme once

In Angell’s new iteration, Metro tiles – just like

again playing a key role in highlighting the

those found in New York’s subway stations –

handsome detailing.

line the walls in a deep shade of Victorian green,

For Bradshaw, who has spent time in the

accompanied by curving leather banquettes by

city through the course of the restoration, the

Parla, which custom-made a variety of loose

project has been a been a highlight, not only

furniture and casegoods throughout the hotel.

for its design scheme but for the way in which

Brass light fittings and artworks curated by

the community has embraced the return of an

Elegant Clutter to pay homage to the hotel’s

iconic Birmingham institution. “We felt an

history complete the look. The cuisine

undeniable sense of duty to move beyond the

meanwhile is unapologetically New York with

boundaries of traditional luxury hotel design

American comfort food such as hot dogs, cod

in order to create a true sense of place,” he

and grits and cheesecake alongside brasserie

concludes. “Of the two dozen or so historic

classics including a seafood platter and 30-day

restorations Starwood Capital has completed

aged steaks.

across the UK over the last 10 years, involving a

The hotel also has a sunken garden terrace – a

capital investment well in excess of £350m, The

hidden gem of a space where General Manager

Grand Hotel Birmingham truly holds a special

Peter Kienast is planning a series of pop-

place in our hearts.”

up events – as well as ample meeting rooms

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Hortons Estate, Starwood Capital Group Architecture: Synergy Architects Interior Design: Robert Angell Design International Art Consultant: Elegant Clutter Lighting Design: Artin Lighting www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk

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The Star ALFRISTON Mother-and-daughter Olga and Alex Polizzi take on their first project as equal partners, overcoming countless challenges to transform a medieval coaching inn into a boutique hotel.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Paul Massey

T

he village of Alfriston in East Sussex has

project,” Alex continues. “I love The Hotel

a lot going for it: great walking along the

Inspector but I don’t want to be one of those

River Cuckmere, a handful of interesting

people who teach because they can’t do.”

independent shops housed in handsome timber-

The pair initially looked in Devon and

framed Tudor buildings, and the market town

Cornwall but could only find enormous money-

of Lewes practically on the doorstep. Yet the

pit Edwardian piles; then they stumbled across

former hotel at the centre of the high street was

The Star, not far from where Olga has a house.

gradually becoming more dilapidated. “As it fell

“I’ve always longed for the opportunity to

deeper and deeper into disrepair, it became more

open a hotel in Sussex,” she reveals. “When

and more attractive to us,” quips Alex Polizzi,

The Star Inn came on the market, Alex and I

who is best known for presenting long-running

were immediately interested. We want it to be

television show, The Hotel Inspector, in which

an integral part of the community and provide

she uses her expertise to help struggling hotels

a welcoming environment for all, from walkers

try to turn their fortunes around. In Alfriston,

to opera goers.”

the seasoned host has teamed up with her

They bought it at the end of 2019 and began

mother Olga Polizzi, Design Director at Rocco

what they thought would be a six-month

Forte Hotels and owner of Hotel Tresanton and

renovation; several lockdowns and countless

Hotel Endsleigh, both in Cornwall, on their

unexpected structural alterations later, the

first official joint project – Alex has previously

hotel finally opened in June this year.

overseen the restaurant at Tresanton and ran Endsleigh for several years when it opened.

The 30 rooms and suites, which range in size from 20m2 to 35m2, are split between a 1930s

“Rather foolishly, I thought this was a good

building and newer 1960s wing. Everything from

moment in my life to venture on a proper

plumbing to electrics, flat roofs and oak-framed

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Guestrooms take on a contemporary nature-based theme while the older parts of the building successfully marry original features with new interventions – such as the bronze picture lights in the Library, produced by TM Lighting

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windows is new, while rooms in the 1960s wing

that appear throughout. Wallpapers are by artist

now either come with a small private patio or

Mark Hearld and Lewis & Wood – “the majority

Juliet balcony. One of the biggest changes the

of them are coloured for us or the patterns are

pair made was demolishing an office block that

blown-up so they’re not too twee,” says Olga –

sat in the middle of the site, to add outside

while fabrics are by East Sussex-based Richard

space. “Although the hotel worked in winter

Smith. Aside from key pieces such as the Italian

because of the open fires, it wasn’t so attractive

linen that tops the Hypnos beds and Carrara

in summer as it didn’t have a garden,” says

marble in the bathrooms, sourcing locally – and

Alex. “We looked at the plans and realised that

employing local craftsmen, from upholsterers to

by pulling down a modern part of the building

blacksmiths – is a theme that runs throughout.

and sacrificing a bedroom or two, we could

“Partly this came from how difficult it was to

create a Mediterranean-style courtyard at the

get things from abroad with Brexit and Covid,

heart of the hotel. It has bought in so much light

but in a way, it made us focus our minds to

and air; it’s made a huge difference.”

buy locally. It’s been a pleasure because there

While Alex became the on-site troubleshooter

is so much talent in this part of the world,”

and project manager, Olga was naturally in

says Alex, citing antique pieces from Diana Kelly

charge of the design. “I always start by thinking

Interiors in Alfriston – she also helped collect

about where a hotel is and what the buildings

all the teapots and candlesticks – and Martin

are like. I want people to wake up knowing

Johnson in Heathfield as examples.

where they are and to feel a real sense of place,”

The latter was responsible for finding the

explains Olga of the thinking behind the rooms.

three-metre-long, 16th-century oak sideboard

Here, this translates to nature-based blue and

for the restaurant, which sits beneath Rob and

green schemes, and floral and animal motifs

Nick Carter’s Transforming Portrait Painting, a

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20-minute looped film in the style of a Dutch

been painted a natural brown and the wooden

Old Master. Perhaps the most eyecatching

tables are a joint effort by a local carpenter and

feature however is the monochrome Elizabethan

blacksmith. “I’ve really changed it up in the

design stencilled on the wooden floor by artist

inn,” continues Olga. “Everything was black

Amanda Lawrence. “It took six men to carry

and felt very dark, so we lightened it all up. I

the wonderful sideboard in and we made the

found one light in my loft and asked Thomas

doorways either side the right size so it fits

Gontar to reproduce it.”

exactly between them,” says Olga. “Then

Gontar, a local blacksmith, also made the

there’s the beautiful floor, which has made

wrought iron trellises in the courtyard, where

the restaurant really; it’s added something

stone walls and planting accompany botanical

unusual.” Completing the room are Carrara

print cushions and furniture by Vincent

marble tables, inherited chairs recovered in

Sheppard and Ethimo.

hessian and a triptych of white plaster reliefs

Sustainability was a consideration from

on the back wall, which Olga pinched from her

the outset so single-use plastics are banned,

bathroom at home.

there are biodegradable cane sugar refillable

There’s also a wood-panelled boot room in

bottles of Bramley products in the bathrooms

the ground floor corridor with wellingtons and

and glass bottles by the beds. “I can’t pretend

straw hats that guests can borrow; a private

everything’s perfect but I’m really happy with

dining room; and a cosy library where the

how well it turned out,” Alex concludes. “I said

reading selection is curated by Much Ado Books

to mum the night before we opened, no-one’s

– also on Alfriston’s high street – and includes

going to realise how much we’ve done because

a section dedicated to the local area, flora and

it all looks like it’s been here forever.” And that,

fauna. In the inn, the original beams have

of course, is exactly as it should be.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Olga and Alex Polizzi Operator: The Polizzi Collection Architecture: Olga Polizzi, Jon O’Dwyer Interior Design: Olga Polizzi Procurement: Elmira Ebrahimi Landscaping: Olga Polizzi, George Carter Main Contractor: J H Payne & Sons Project Managers: Alex Polizzi, Paul Norton www.thepolizzicollection.com

The Londoner Hotel, opening 2021

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The Newbury BOSTON Jeffrey Beers, Alexandra Champalimaud and Mario Carbone join forces to restore Boston’s grand dame to its former glory.

Words: Ayesha Khan Photography: © Nikolas Koenig (unless otherwise stated)

A

sk any Bostonian what their idea of luxury is, and they’ll probably mention two things: Newbury Street and The Ritz. They will no doubt go on to regale you

with stories of how they had their wedding, first high tea, or a friend’s graduation party at what they always thought to be the fanciest hotel in town, perched at the edge of the manicured public garden and, of course, Newbury Street.

Originally built in 1929 as the flagship to the nowubiquitous Ritz-Carlton brand, this storied property was the first in the country to offer a private bath for every guest and enlisted pioneering French chef Auguste Escoffier to create an enviable benchmark for hotel cuisine.

After languishing in obscurity for decades, the grand dame has re-emerged following an extensive makeover to reclaim her rightful place as Boston’s ritziest hotel – pun intended.

Helping her on her way were masterful architecture and interior design firm Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), luxury hotel interiors expert Alexandra Champalimaud, and chefrestaurateur Mario Carbone of Major Food Group, widely regarded as a modern-day culinary virtuoso.

For the design of the public areas, developer Highgate had a clear brief for JBI. “It was never meant to feel alien or completely different from what the people of Boston had come to know and love,” explains Christina Zimmer, Highgate’s Senior Vice President of Design. JBI chose to imbue the space with a dark, sophisticated appeal by bathing the lobby walls in a signature grey-blue and laying Nero Dorato marble on the floor. “The palette is modern, strong and handsome,” says Jeffrey Beers. “The tones complement the history of the

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© Douglas Friedman

Celebrated designer and Boston native Ken Fulk together with chefrestaurateur Mario Carbone of Major Food Group have reimagined the restaurant as a chic Italian resort

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iconic property while providing a contemporary

this notion. “I am very partial to the hotel’s

and edgy feel.”

well curated art collection and the dialogue that

A staircase carpeted in the more saturated

exists between each piece, its location and the

cobalt tone widely known as ‘Ritz Blue’ and

surrounding design,” he confirms. As fate would

topped with a chandelier from Dutch maker

have it, his RISD compatriot Lynne Kortenhaus,

Brand van Egmond leads to the second level,

in her own right an esteemed Boston curator,

where the storied Ritz dining room and

was enlisted to choreograph the art salon, much

beloved Ritz tea salon – the setting of many

like elite art purveyor Isabella Stuart Gardener

a Boston memory – both sit. Rather than start

once did. “Most of the artists were selected

from scratch for the interiors on this level,

because they represented a modern take on

JBI chose to enhance elements original to the

art through a historic lens,” says Kortenhaus,

1929 structure. “A struggle we had through the

citing Dejuner 2020, a contemporised version of

course of the project was what to retain and

Édouard Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe that

what to throw away,” Zimmer reveals. “Keeping

sits squarely behind the check-in desk and

some of the original design elements really

was commissioned from Maine-based artist

allows for authenticity. I truly believe if you

Elise Ansel. Other interesting contemporary

ripped everything out, the scheme wouldn’t be

reinventions include a ‘trophy head’ hewn

as successful.”

from fabric and repurposed table legs, and a

Integral to the design of these spaces is the

series of painted photographs by Amy Arbus

use of art to create what the hotel describes

in which modern-day portraits are inspired by

as a 21st century salon for the arts. An alum of

those of masters like Amedeo Modigliani and

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and an

Paul Cézanne. Kortenhaus likens the collection

artist himself, Beers was particularly fond of

to that of a personal residence, where guests are

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© Read McKendree

able to interact with, and in most cases, even touch, the pieces of art and sculpture.

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The hotel’s rooftop once housed a makeshift tent structure but has now been converted into

For the guestrooms, Champalimaud Design

the hottest table in town, where diners sip on

was at liberty to be generous with reinventing

Negronis while marvelling at 360-degree views.

the aesthetic. “A lot of the people who used the

Along with celebrated designer and Boston

building had never seen the rooms, so that gives

native Ken Fulk, chef-restaurateur Mario

you a little more latitude to do something new,”

Carbone imagined the restaurant as a homage

Zimmer says of the brief. “The spaces were

to a chic Italian resort. “This was the first Ritz-

fussy and heavy, so we wanted a comfortable

Carlton in America, so I started to think of this

room with touches of history and a palette that

Italian aristocrat that may have come over as

would be very soothing.”

the first of her generation,” he explains of the

Champalimaud’s first order of business was

story behind the eatery, aptly named Contessa.

to expand the bathrooms into the corridors to

Northern Italian cuisine and Carbone’s debut

make them more spacious. They then infused

venture into pizza delights amid a colourful

rooms with a neutral colour palette, adding

interior filled with plants – a nod to the park,

blonde woods and warm, indirect lighting

to be sure – are topped off by a scalloping

accents to create sanctuaries that deftly float

retractable roof.

above the public garden’s canopy. Personal

As the sun sets over Contessa, Boston’s grand

touches such as illuminated two-pane dressing

dame, who once defied soaring electricity bills

mirrors – a nod to the fashion houses of

during The Depression and turned on all her

Newbury Street – Frette robes and linens, and

lights to give the illusion of being full, shines

chaises on which to steal a nap by the window

once again. This time though, she truly is at full

add to the appeal.

occupancy, and may she be for years to come.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Highgate Interior Design: Jeffrey Beers International, Champalimaud Design, Ken Fulk F&B Consultant: Major Food Group www.thenewburyboston.com

Bodmin Jail Hotel CORNWALL Twelve Architects leads the conversion of a crumbling 18th century jail on Bodmin Moor in to a luxury hotel.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill Photography: © Ian Kingsnorth

W

hen Matt Cartwright, Lead Architect for

skylight giving them the sense that something

Bodmin Jail’s conversion, embarked

new is happening,” Cartwright continues of the

on this project in 2016, he was faced

300-year-old penitentiary, regarded as one of

with a semi-ruinous landmark. “We were

the first modern prisons in the UK thanks to

working with a building that hadn’t had a roof

its individual cells, segregated male and female

for 70 years,” he says, explaining how attempts

areas and airy spaces for prisoners to live and

to demolish the building all those decades ago

work. “Entering through the historic walls and

only succeeded in bringing the roof down. As

looking up at the small windows, visitors get

a Grade II-listed site, built in 1779 during the

this sense of confinement. But then walking

reign of King George III as part of the Prison

into the atrium, which is now filled with natural

Reform by military engineer Sir John Call, every

light, they really feel its tranquillity.”

step of the transformation process had to ensure

On arriving at the reception of the atrium,

elements of historic significance were retained.

attention is drawn to the full-length skylight

High stone walls surround the ancient

overhead – through which guests have a

structure, comprising two prison wings – the

unique view of the tower – and the original

Civil Wing and Naval Wing – and the former

stone structure, now juxtaposed with modern

administration building linking the two

elements like steel columns, a glass elevator

together, which features a historic tower –

and ambient lighting. Reinstated walkways in

part of the original jail’s innovative ventilation

their original planned form lead to guestrooms

system – the old Governor’s Office and a chapel.

that flank each light-flooded wing’s upper

“Approaching the building from the town

levels, once home to those locked up for crimes

centre, the first thing people see is the jail’s tower, but then either side of that they see the

ranging from theft and arson to murder.

“As residents walk up through the atrium

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Reinstated walkways in their original planned form lead to guestrooms flanking each lightflooded wing’s upper levels

and around each floor, they get a very linear perspective and feel the drama of the walkways,” explains Cartwright. “In the daytime, as the sun goes down and at night, they witness the beautiful calmness of the development but are also very aware of its history. It’s really thought-provoking as a building.”

Twelve Architects designed the 70 guestrooms to feel like an inner sanctum, with luxurious tiled bathrooms sumptuous furnishings and sleek light fittings by Astro offsetting ancient stone walls, where original details like barred windows now meet an array of amenities including flatscreen TVs, well-stocked minibars, freestanding bathtubs and, in the Executive Rooms, Nespresso machines.

The front door to each room is painted yellow, referencing the colours of the Duchy of Cornwall’s coat of arms, while the others – reclaimed from Wandsworth Jail – are finished in a light grey. From the padded headboards to the pleats on the backs of chairs, a vertical bar motif is subtly integrated throughout to pick up on the jail analogy of barred windows.

During their stay, guests can also tuck in to casual fare at The Jolly Hangman Tavern, which features an al fresco dining area and caters for visitors of the redeveloped Bodmin Jail attraction, opened in October 2020. Those

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Neil Holroyd Studio Publication: Sleeper

Issue: 98

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Date: 07-07-2021

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looking for more of a fine dining experience

Summing up the overall vision for the project,

can head to The Chapel Restaurant, which takes

Cartwright comments: “We wanted to retain the

cues from the hotel’s surroundings to serve

natural beauty of the semi-ruinous state that the

up Cornish favourites like roasted turbot with

building was in when we took it on and offset

saffron crushed potato. Housed within the site

that against lighter, more luxurious furnishings

where inmates once gathered for worship, the

and fabrics to achieve a juxtaposition between

space pairs the Gothic character of the original

old and new, with the skylight giving off the

structure with a stylish dining set-up.

impression that the atrium is still without a

Classic cocktails, local gins and champagne by the glass are offered at the Gin Bar &

brought back to life is a proud moment.”

Lounge, which is located just moments from

Rob Cox, Managing Director at Mallino

the restaurant in the jail’s now sumptuously

Development Group, adds: “From our first visit,

furnished

Office,

we could see the potential of this historically

distinguished by its rich velvet seating, wood

former

Governor’s

important but ultimately ruined building.

panelling, fireplace and floorcoverings by

Working closely with Twelve Architects and the

Newhey, who designed and manufactured over

wider project team, we were able to develop a

3,700m2 of bespoke carpets for the entire hotel.

clear vision and brief to deliver the property that

Meeting and events venues catering for up to

stands before us today. Alongside our recently

300 guests – the largest on offer in Cornwall –

completed museum, we feel that the hotel

and a fitness space aptly known as the Exercise

finally does justice to an incredible structure

Yard complete the guest experience, while an

that sat empty for so long. We are proud to be

Executive Lounge is soon-to-be revealed, and

part of its rich history and successful future.”

a spa and glamping site are both on the cards.

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roof for added drama. To see this building now

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Mallino Development Group Operator: Interstate Hotels & Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Twelve Architects & Masterplanners Planning & Heritage Consultant: Montagu Evans Landscaping: Arup Main Contractor: C-Field Project Manager and Procurement: Total Project Integration www.bodminjailhotel.com

C O M P L E T E R E N O V AT I O N O F T H E H I S T O R I C G R A D E I I L I S T E D, B O W S T R E E T M A G I S T R AT E S ’ C O U R T I N T O A L U X U R I O U S B O U T I Q U E H O T E L .

Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to have been the main

contractor on NoMad London. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd: vbudd@beckinteriors.com

The Grove HERTFORDSHIRE Having masterminded the hotel’s original design in 2003, Martin Hulbert returns to write a new chapter in its ongoing story.

Words: Ben Thomas Photography: © Mark Bolton (unless otherwise stated)

I

started designing the hotel about eight years before you wrote the first article, so it’s been quite a long process,” says Martin Hulbert as he flicks through Sleeper’s original

feature – published in 2003 – on The Grove in its library, a cosy setting that the designer has brought to life with tonal greens, earthy hues and contemporary artworks.

Having graced the pages of Sleeper some 18 years ago with its melange of quirky features – think six-metre-tall giraffes and Perspex tables filled with feathers – the property is back for a second appearance after the renovation of its three dining spaces – The Glasshouse, The Stables and The Lounges – lobby and 189 West Wing rooms, all updated by Hulbert and his long-term colleague Jay Grierson thanks to the pair’s trusted relationship with the owner.

Entering the hotel following a short drive through its leafy surrounds, it quickly becomes clear that Hulbert’s thoughtprovoking style and search for the unusual have not waned over the years, but given the seismic shift in consumer behaviour since the early 2000s, was the approach different this time around? Hulbert pauses to reflect before confirming that his biggest challenge was to acknowledge what had been created in the past whilst looking ahead and pushing the boundaries: “We did a lot of research into what the future guest may desire but we already knew the answer, which was to be more natural and inclusive. We didn’t want rules, so nobody has to conform, wear a shirt or be anything.”

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The Blue Lounge weaves rich, textured fabrics such as tweed and velvet with jewel-like teal hues, while handmade Irish linen and eclectic artworks adorn the walls

Part of the process also involved recycling

of gold offset by a palette of browns, blues

many of the building’s existing furnishings

and gentle creams that evoke a sense of calm.

and finishes, not only to preserve its character

Here, a new mirror and marble cocktail bar

but to champion sustainability, from salvaging

nestles within an original feature alcove, while

CDs to create a series of tables in the lobby,

in homage to traditional Georgian styles, the

to repurposing plates and spoons from the old

walls have been thoughtfully embellished with

restaurant into a piece of abstract art. “We

a hand-finished painterly striped fabric.

didn’t want to completely destroy everything we

Rounding out the spaces, and the setting from

had created,” says Hulbert of his approach. “A

which Hulbert reveals all of his new vision, is

lot of refurbishments take place every five to ten

The Library – a biophilic bolthole featuring

years, so the fact our scheme lasted 18 shows

mustard sofas, dark timber panelling, and

it stood the test of time and has worn well.”

handpainted fabric covers that flank its curved

The Grove’s shabby chic feel is perhaps most

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walls and echo the verdant gardens outside.

evident within its characterful drawing rooms,

The designer’s homely aesthetic feeds into

which interlink the ground floor of the 18th

the new F&B spaces too, which seek to bring

century mansion yet possess their own distinct

guests closer to those manning the stoves and

identity. As the name suggests, The Blue

bar. Signature restaurant The Glasshouse, for

Lounge weaves jewel-like teal hues with rich,

instance, now takes the form of a food hall-

textured fabrics such as tweed and velvet, while

style market where diners can interact with

handmade Irish linen and eclectic artworks

chefs and choose from a variety of cuisines

sourced by Hulbert himself adorn the walls.

thanks to its open kitchens and live cooking

The mood changes as guests enter the second

stations. The theatrical culinary experience is

lounge, or Newspaper Room, which sees touches

complemented by a palette of sumptuous ochre

© Chris Tubbs

© Chris Tubbs

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and rich earthy tones, while custom-made

While the communal areas are teeming with

kinetic sculptures dangle from the ceiling above

life, the guestrooms are havens of serenity,

airy voile drapes that give way to views of the

coupling neutral tones with dashes of green and

manicured courtyard and lush grounds beyond.

sepia that reflect the estate’s rolling hills and

At the neighbouring Glasshouse Bar, the

woodland. Sliding mesh doors have replaced

introduction of glass partitions create a

wardrobes for a more open feel, whilst the

seamless transition between the F&B venues

floors are lined with plush carpets by Ulster,

and the lobby, while over at The Stables, tan

and king size beds – topped with Lansdowne

leather seating and equine artworks tip their

Cashmere mattresses by Hypnos – are framed

hat to late English painter George Stubbs. The

by handwoven wall hangings from Italy.

latter also follows a regenerative agriculture

“We have a lot of creative freedom thanks to

movement that sees its locally sourced cuisine

our longstanding relationship with the owner,”

reject pesticides, artificial fertilisers and

concludes the designer as he kicks back in one

chemicals in favour of increasing biodiversity,

of The Library’s low-slung, teal armchairs after

improving water cycles and strengthening the

a tour of the hotel’s revitalised spaces. “They

world’s resilience to climate fluctuation, tying

trust us enough to understand our creative

in nicely with Hulbert’s considered approach to

process and how it will develop, knowing they

sourcing furnishings for the interior spaces.

are going to get a great result at the end of it,

“Our design has that bit of theatre that

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even if they’re not sure at first!”

everybody likes,” Hulbert enthuses. “We

The latest chapter in The Grove’s ongoing

wanted to create restaurants, bars and lounges

story may well have been written, but the tale is

that had their own atmospheres, where guests

most certainly not over yet, with Hulbert already

don’t feel like they have to sit up and be stiff.”

putting pen to paper on his next installment.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Ralph Trustees Operator: The Grove Architecture: Purcell Architects Interior Design and Art Consultant: Martin Hulbert Design Lighting Design: Kate & Sam Landscaping: Natasha Geldenhuys, Abby Evans Main Contractor: Komfort Services www.thegrove.co.uk

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Oku IBIZA Oku Hotels brings its laidback luxury to the White Isle, enlisting father and son MG & AG Arquitectos to create a modernist hideaway.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Georg Roske

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n recent years, Ibiza’s hippy soul has been somewhat overshadowed by superclubs, superyachts and the super rich. Yet there are signs that the Balearic island’s holistic

side is slowly coming to the fore once again – particularly with the opening of Oku earlier this summer. Owned by Westfort Capital, which has relaunched two former Casa Cook resorts under the new brand – the other on the Greek island of Kos – the property is set on the outskirts of San Antonio yet feels like a world away. “San Antonio is an area which, at the moment, doesn’t have the best reputation,” confirms Enrique Mandl, Chief Operating Officer of Oku Hotels and General Manager of Oku Ibiza. “In recent years, mass tourism has taken over, but the area is changing back to its original beauty and we think that our concept of laidback luxury is perfectly positioned for this.”

Casa Cook was a single building, so the company bought the neighbouring plot and tasked Ibiza-based firm MG & AG Arquitectos with designing two more. Eschewing the allwhite aesthetic synonymous with the island, the trio of lowrise, grey concrete modernist buildings are softened with vertical cedar slats that offer shade and privacy to the balcony of each room. “Although they are very modern buildings, we wanted to create a natural look,” explains architect Miguel Garcia Quetglas of the two-year project. “When you see the architecture from a distance it doesn’t stand out; it is well integrated with the planting and mountains behind.

As guests open and close the wooden shutters, it gives the building movement, and at night when you see the rays of light shining out from the rooms, it looks wonderful.”

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The low-rise, grey concrete buildings are softened with natural colours and textures such as rattan, oak, hessian and stone, selected for their connection to nature

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Inside, the 184 rooms and suites, which range

been crafted in Bali, while jute rugs are from

from 23m2 to 138m2 – there is also a standalone

Rocaflor. “The modern bohemian aesthetic

180m2 four-bedroom villa with a private pool at

combines warm and natural colours and

the back of the property – are equally low-key.

textures – rattan, oak, hessian and stone – in

“We kept the rooms very simple and used only

a way that reflects the beach and pine forests

a few natural materials such as wood and stone,

around the hotel, connecting the design with

which are a similar colour to the sand on the

nature,” explains Mandl. Each room also

beach,” continues Quetglas, with Mandl adding:

features a black-and-white figurative artwork

“The design ethos of Oku is such a key element

by American painter and sculptor Steve Tepas,

of the brand. We are inspired by our Japanese

some on canvas, others on Japanese paper.

namesake concept, which is both a spiritual

“Steve believes in the power of simplicity and

and architectural notion meaning inner space.

his work instantly struck our team with its bold

The principals of Oku are brought to life in the

lines and monumental shapes,” Mandl recalls.

rooms through the meaningful use of space

Tepas’ work is the most striking feature of

and the Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy, which

the minimalist lobby too, which is housed in

champions a connection to earth.”

the original building and features a series of

Most of the furniture and accessories have

paintings that hang above its grey concrete

been designed in-house by LMEY Investments

reception desk, with palm front lights and

– a Westfort Capital shareholder – and produced

wooden cube tables by Australian-based

by Dutch interior design company Interiora,

company Water Tiger adding character. The

from the simple timber bed frames to drop-

other two buildings are located around the main

down black bedside lights and mango wood

pool – the longest on the island at 50 metres and

floor lamps. Brown linen modular sofas have

the social hub of the hotel – while there is also

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a smaller family pool by the third and a semi-

Healthy eating and Japanese influences

private pool for six swim-up rooms. “We are

converge in the two restaurants, both overseen

close to Cala Gració but there is not a direct view

by Executive Chef Mark Vaessen of Sushi Samba

of the sea, so it was important to have a pool

fame. The first is To Kima, where help-yourself

this size as the centrepiece,” explains Garcia,

breakfasts are eaten outside under a rustic

citing the palm trees, cacti and tropical planting

wooden pergola. Poured concrete floors, rattan

around the property as key to the design. “We

chairs and raffia pendant lampshades complete

wanted to give the feeling of being in a natural

the look, which is echoed at Oku Restaurant by

rather than an urban environment, so we have

the main pool and could act as a blueprint for

separated the hotel from the outside world, yet

future endeavours, which include several more

at the same time reflected the mountains and

hotels in the Mediterranean – the next to open

pine trees that surround us.”

will be Mallorca, slated for 2023 – as well as the

Around the pool, a glass-fronted gym is

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possibility of standalone restaurants.

kitted out with wooden equipment from NOHrD;

Of course, Oku Ibiza is not all holistic and zen:

there’s a yoga shala for early morning classes;

a DJ plays chilled-out house beats by the pool,

spa treatment rooms; and a juice bar opposite

there’s live music at the restaurant and guests sit

the actual bar, all of which tap into the hotel’s

at the laid-back bar until it closes at midnight.

wellness-first ethos. “Wellness and fitness are

“The most important thing is that people are

both fundamental to our brand, which is why

enjoying the hotel,” concludes Quetglas. “I have

we added a juice bar and host yoga retreats,”

visited several times since opening and it is full

says Mandl. “Next year, we want to focus on

of guests reading, swimming, spending time

attracting more families and guests looking to

by the pool. If the common areas are busy, we

incorporate fitness into their holiday.”

know that we’ve got it right.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Westfort Capital Operator: Oku Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: MG & AG Arquitectos Art Consultant: Steve Tepas Procurement: LMEY Investments Landscaping: E+B Paisajismo Main Contractor: Hermanos Parrot www.okuhotels.com

Villa Copenhagen COPENHAGEN The century-old Danish landmark undergoes a complete transformation to bring a new level of luxury hospitality to Denmark.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Stine Christiansen (unless otherwise stated)

E

xiting Copenhagen’s central station, a glance down the street sees the late summer sunshine sparkling off the dark glazed rooftiles of a monumental Neo-

Baroque building. Behind the stone and brick façade was once the Danish Central Post and Telegraph Head Office, which has now been transformed into a 390-room hotel, part of the growing collection of Nordic Hotels & Resorts.

Villa Copenhagen is a tribute to the vision of Petter Stordalen, founder of the collection that includes similarly idiosyncratic hotels such as At Six and Hobo in Stockholm, Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre and The Thief in Oslo. Each is known for its independent spirit and design.

Villa nudges up against the railway lines. The mail wagons used to roll up right beside the building to offload their cargo down to the basement for sorting and onward distribution.

Either side of Heinrich Wench’s 1912 building are tourist attractions Tivoli Gardens and the city’s Meatpacking district.

Nearby cranes are testament to the hotel as the cornerstone of the redevelopment of this new quarter of the city.

The north-facing entrance leads to a square courtyard, which has been covered with a domed grid shell of faceted glass by architects Krook & Tjäder. Adjacent is another similar-sized courtyard under which lies the hotel’s main event space, now topped by the three mounds of a Hidden Garden. From here, an overlooking rooftop swimming pool is accessed by a substantial Corten-steel spiral staircase.

The interiors have been led by two UK-based firms;

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Honouring Scandinavian design sensibility, F&B spaces pay homage to the building’s original stylistic features such as exposed brick walls at brasserie Kontrast and copper arches at breakfast spot Public

122

Goddard Littlefair took responsibility for the F&B

The F&B spaces within Villa were undertaken by

venues plus parts of the public spaces, while Universal

Goddard Littlefair’s sister company, F&B design

Design Studio (UDS) conceived the guestrooms, most

studio Epicurean, which was established, as partner

suites, the corridors and staircases.

Martin Goddard explains “because we believe F&B is

There is also the Earth Suite, designed by Danish

a specialism that needs a more 360-degree approach

architect Eva Harlou of Earth Studio. From the bricks

around ideas of service, animation and theatre”.

to the masonry work, sporting accessories and

Following with the idea of community connection,

furniture, all elements of the suite have a sustainable

Epicurean structured its overall concept for the F&B

profile – though you wouldn’t know it looking at the

venues around the idea of resonating with the locale.

shiny, mirrored finish on the lamellae that curve up

The studio’s ambition was to appeal to hotel guests,

the wall. Dutch manufacturers Auping supplied the

the general public and local residents by creating

bed, made from longlasting solid beechwood topped

unique yet informal spaces that each offer something

with their environmentally-circular Evolve mattress.

distinctive. Given that the Danes don’t like to show

Beneath the glass canopy of The Courtyard, the

off, the hotel’s main restaurant is of a more brasserie

large lobby has been curated by Shamballa Jewels,

than fine-dining style, while Public and T37 benefit

who also designed eight of the suites. The aim of this

from direct street access in a bid to lure in passers-by.

space is to draw in the local community through a

At Kontrast, exposed brick walls and a variety of

series of activations, such as pop-ups and live music,

seating types corral an open stainless-steel kitchen.

that feature alongside a more prosaic, design-related

“This is not a display kitchen,” confides Jo Littlefair.

retail offer. Reached via a ramp are three check-in

“It is the main event.” On the other main corner of

pods, each beautifully sculpted from three different

the hotel is T37, a play on the site’s address. The bar, a

coloured stone, their weightiness in strong contrast to

“strong space, stoic and grand” per Littlefair, occupies

the delicate, gold-painted shelving behind.

the former Post Office and is focused around four

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In the Earth Suite, all elements have a sustainable profile to them, from the bricks and paste used to the bed linen and Mater furniture

sturdy Arabescato marble columns beneath a restored

categories for their work on At Six in AHEAD Europe

coffered ceiling. A dramatic central feature of the bar,

2017. Colour schemes are heavily influenced by the

suspended from the ceiling, is a collection of leather

work of Danish master Vilhelm Hammershøi, who lived

satchel straps in reference to the bag’s former use.

nearby. The beauty of the northern light is captured in

Here and in the adjacent Playroom, a flexible, adult-

pale greens, greys and yellows. Heritage requirements

oriented event space, there are heritage-style rugs by

were strict and included the reinstatement of all

Ice International, soft leathers, plush velvets and a

windows and their surrounds. The new twin sets

variety of layers of lighting that ensure good ambiance

of double-glazing ensure guestrooms are totally

and comfort.

soundproofed. There was also much reinstalling or

Public, the downstairs breakfast area and neighbouring Rug bakery occupy the former sorting

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restoring of original period features such as cornices, panelling and architraves.

office. Using archive photographs, Epicurean saw the

“All that was left was a shell,” explains Head of

re-introduction of lights with draped flex and a play

Hospitality and Associate Director, Richard McConkey,

on original archways now recreated from ‘rescued’

of the starting point. “A repetitious grid of windows.”

copper. “We were visiting the site one day and saw the

In spite of this seeming conformity, there were in fact

copper being stripped off the roof of the post office and

more than 50 different room types over five floors.

had it saved for re-use,” explains Littlefair.

Some with four-metre ceilings and near full-height

Both Goddard Littlefair and UDS agree that no

windows, others with exposed timber beams and

crossover was encouraged by their joint client and yet

small roof-lights. The response to this was to create

there is a harmony between their styles. Separate and

a modular approach to wardrobes and dressing tables.

different, yes, but not conflicting. As Goddard Littlefair

A variety of furnishings in similar sized rooms cleverly

looked to the past so too did UDS, who were previously

provides change for repeat guests and the option of a

recognised in the guestrooms and hotel conversion

more work-focused or lounge space.

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Guestrooms combine Danish and European design with bespoke furniture and statement lighting pieces, while public spaces include furniture from Stellar Works and handtufted loose rugs by Ice International

© Andy Liffner

Essentially the guestrooms by UDS are calm, relaxing havens. Bed headboards are multilayered, sofa-like constructs. Daybeds and furnishings are mostly bespoke designs that speak of the crafted UDS design aesthetic.

McConkey explains: “The hotel is businessoriented and the guestrooms have a residential quality to appeal to long-stay guests.”

Contrast comes by way of mixing highpressure laminated wardrobe doors with solid walnut surrounds. Textured glass panels bring light into bathrooms to highlight the irregular, vitrified enamel glazing of each Zellige tile.

Bathrooms see the oak herringbone parquet pattern repeated in the dark Nero Marquina stone, while sanitaryware combines the Raindance Select shower from Hansgrohe with the Axor Montreux collection at the basins. Its brushed black chrome – the Axor signature finish – contrasts neatly with the pale grey © Andy Liffner

126

marble of the basin surrounds.

“The mix of Danish and European design is a theme within the guestrooms,” reveals McConkey, referencing the customised Louis

Foto: Christian Kretschmar

Hamburg City

HOSPITALITY DESIGN

www.JOI-DESIGN.com

Poulsen black-and-white desk lamps and Finn

property extends to greater sustainability.

Juhl armchairs. Set against these is the playful,

Pedersen points to the conversion of the existing

dual-stemmed VV Cinquanta Suspension lamp

building as perhaps the single most important

designed in 1951 by Italian architect Vittoriano

sustainability story. At the same scale are the

Viganó and now produced by Astep, as well as

new windows and insulated roof. The 25-metre

a variety of bespoke lamps designed by UDS

long, stainless-steel-lined swimming pool

and produced by Flos. The fall of the light from

is heated by the excess heat produced by the

conical lampshades creates compelling patterns

hotel’s centralised cooling systems and is one of

in both corridors and guestrooms. One, a cone-

only two in the Danish capital. The banqueting

shaped lampshade in opaque white glass was

seating, the Nova Sea chair, contains 2.7kg

reproduced from an archive photo and involved

of ocean waste – mainly fishnets – and was

no less than 40 prototypes before being resolved.

developed for Villa in collaboration with Mater.

McConkey refers to the natural materials

And at a smaller scale still are the recyclable

that add a human level of variation. The use

There are indeed many stories at Villa

not replacement, and allows them to “wear in

Copenhagen. Just one of many is the magic

and not wear out”. Picking up on this, Peter

worked by Nordic Hotels & Resort’s Art Curator,

Høgh Pedersen, Managing Director of Villa

Sune Nordgren, with sculptures from Jaume

Copenhagen, comments: “Guests are definitely

Plensa and the lone, unique charcoal drawings

noticing the quality of the interiors and the

in every guestroom that each tell their own tale.

storytelling that goes with it. Both make for a

The big story is one of a new level of luxury

good connection with our guests.”

hotel for the Danish capital.

And such attention to quality across the

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wooden key cards.

of quality materials allows for their repair,

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Strawberry Properties Operator: Nordic Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Krook & Tjader Interior Design: Universal Design Studio, Goddard Littlefair, Shamballa Jewels, Earth Studio Art Consultant: Sune Nordgren Procurement: Holmris Designbrokers Main Contractor: Hent www.villacopenhagen.com

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The Tawny STAFFORDSHIRE Rural Staffordshire welcomes a cleverly conceived ‘deconstructed hotel’ spread across the verdant gardens of the 70-acre Consall Hall Estate.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © James Andrew

T

he site of a former colliery is perhaps the last place

Another 21 timber pods are also available exclusively to

you would expect to find some 70 acres of beautifully

guests of popular wedding venue Foxhill Barns, which sits

landscaped gardens, but that is what the former owner

at a discreet distance from the main hotel.

of Consall Hall Estate, William Podmore, created over a fifty-

“We have been inspired to create a collection of bold

year labour of love to transform the grounds surrounding his

eco-conscious structures with sleek, expressive interiors,

family home. Under Podmore’s stewardship, the mining pits

against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty,” explains

and slag heaps were replaced with a quirky and eclectic mix

Managing Director William Scott-Moncrieff. As a result, each

of secluded gardens, woodland walks, semi-ruined follies,

guestroom is influenced by its surroundings, sympathetically

lily ponds and lakes.

designed by co-owner Sarah Reeves with luxurious touches

Now under new ownership, the estate plays host to

that intertwine with the natural environment. The Shepherds

The Tawny, a cleverly conceived ‘deconstructed hotel’ in

Huts are cosy and welcoming with Scandinavian-style

the heart of rural Staffordshire. New owners – locals Fran

interiors, eco-friendly wool-insulated walls, log burners and

and William Scott-Moncrieff, and Ben and Sarah Reeves

stargazing skylights. Private decking areas accommodate

– embarked on a joint venture in 2018, working with CTD

outdoor tin baths for the single units, whilst a handful of

Architects to provide an economically viable and sustainable

double-brace huts allow the addition of a spacious living area

future for the gardens.

and indoor freestanding bathtub.

Today, that stunning landscape is the backdrop to a variety

The Lookout Lodges meanwhile take an elevated position,

of standalone accommodations including Shepherds Huts,

with floor-to-ceiling windows maximising the views

Treehouses, Boathouses, Retreats and Lookout Lodges, all

across the lakes and valley of the estate. Features include

overlooked by The Plumicorn – an imposing double-vaulted

freestanding baths in the main bedroom, outdoor hot tubs

Corten-steel structure that houses the main restaurant and

and al fresco showers sheltered from other guests with

bar. A smaller reception annexe is housed in the original

rough-hewn, crenelated timber.

manor house.

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The Treehouses also command imposing views over the

At the time of Sleeper’s visit there were 20 rooms

gardens, their lofty interiors exhibiting a natural, rustic feel,

completed and construction underway on a further 14 cedar-

while the Boathouses offer a more romantic and secluded

clad hillside Retreat cabins on the eastern side of the site.

waterfront location overlooking the lakes to the south of

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At The Plumicorn globe pendant lighting and floral upholstered seating set the scene for Head Chef Chris Alexander’s dishes, made using local produce

the gardens. Two of the Boathouses can sleep four with the addition of an extra room with bunk beds. All accommodations are fitted out to a high standard with furnishings from Coach House and Style Matters, Hypnos beds, Farrow & Ball paint finishes, and decorative lighting by Pooky. The sleek, matte black bathroom fittings are by Crosswater, with all indoor freestanding baths by Victoria + Albert and the outdoor tubs

by William Holland.

The standalone lodgings are subtly integrated into the landscape, in marked contrast to the striking main building, which houses The Plumicorn, named after the tufts of facial feathers found on various owl species.

Entering the restaurant, a games room to the left provides a pool table and board games. The Feather Lounge offers a shorter, more casual menu, served on Maisons du Monde side tables beneath Atticus gold pendants by DAR Lighting.

Plans are also in the pipeline for The Perch, an intimate private dining space with access to a Chef’s Table.

Upstairs, an events space provides overspill seating for the restaurant, but it’s the towering, double-height dining room that is the main

132

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event. Festooned with globe pendant lighting

The owners have also gone to considerable

and a living wall flanking either end of the

lengths to ensure The Tawny is sustainable as

space, the Style Matters seating is upholstered

well as sensitive to its surroundings, be it in

in bright floral fabrics. The kitchen, run by Head

the timber cladding used on the cabin exteriors,

Chef Chris Alexander, offers a menu inspired

the foundations engineered so as not to harm

by the quality local produce found throughout

tree roots, the food waste utilised as fertiliser

Staffordshire and the Peak District.

throughout the grounds, and the outdoor

The views from the outside terrace are spectacular, with steps and statuary leading

bathtubs that require no chemicals, just fresh warm water.

down to a protected outdoor pool that is heated

“We are delighted to be associated with this

all year round. From this central vantage point,

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revive and

five miles of meandering paths weave throughout

restore Consall Hall Gardens by the creation of

the grounds, leading to the many sheltered spots

this new leisure hotel,” says Chris Hesketh of CTD

and quiet nooks where guests can stretch out

Architects. “The contemporary building at the

on the yoga mats provided in each room, find

head of the gardens makes a statement befitting

quiet sanctuary to read a book, or enjoy a picnic.

this extraordinary project, whilst the innovative

The wildlife is abundant, as evidenced in the

range of rooms blend within the restored and

evocative names of various cabins and lodges:

conserved landscaped garden, originally created

Skylark Ridge, Owl’s Nest and Pheasant’s Roost

by the late William Podmore. The new owners’

for the Lookouts and Treehouses; Lapwing,

creative vision for the gardens will ensure their

Kingfisher or Oystercatcher for the Boathouses

long-term upkeep, sustainability and conserve

and Buttercup, Honeysuckle and Primrose for

their ecological value.”

the Retreats.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Fran and William Scott-Moncrieff, Ben and Sarah Reeves Architecture: CTD Architects Interior Design: Sarah Reeves Main Contractor: Cumberbirch Construction Graphic Design: The Capture Factory www.thetawny.co.uk

135

Shaping Up A new generation of lifestyle hotels are raising the bar with their fitness facilities, developing gym concepts that integrate design, programming and nutrition.

Words: Ben Thomas

T

he hotel gym has come on leaps

“We don’t just build rooms on top of a gym,”

and bounds in recent years, with a

said CEO Chris Norton at the International

new generation of lifestyle brands

Hospitality Investment Forum earlier this

elevating their fitness facilities to

month. “The idea is that our hotels are

USP status. Setting the pace with

positioned at the luxury end of the market.”

forward-thinking concepts that

With growth on the cards for Equinox in

raise the bar, these innovators are combining

Los Angeles and Chicago after its success in

mindful interiors with an understanding of

the Big Apple, others around the world have

training types, top-of-the-range equipment

followed suit by replacing plastics with leathers,

and nutritious cuisine to tap into the needs of

introducing organic materials such as timber

today’s health-conscious traveller, who want

and stone, and providing plenty of daylight

to maintain, and even improve, their physical

and greenery. Oku Hotels for instance, which

wellbeing on the road.

recently launched its first property in Ibiza, has

As reported in issue 96 of Sleeper, a handful

kitted out its gyms with handcrafted wooden

of properties were already putting serious

equipment by NOHrD that works in harmony

thought into the design of their workout spaces

with its bohemian aesthetic.

– Sir Victor Hotel in Barcelona uses natural

So why was the hotel gym so frequently

materials and plenty of daylight to create an

overlooked in the past? According to Matt

appealing environment for training, while

Aspiotis Morley, founder of gym design and

White City House in London features multiple

advisory firm Biofit Health & Fitness, it really

studios and zones for classes, weightlifting

comes down to numbers: “Floor space in any

and TRX workouts – but it wasn’t until luxury

hotel or resort is at a premium, with priority

fitness group Equinox announced its entry into

given to revenue generating solutions first.

the hotel sector in 2019 that the movement

This is where the lower-ground shoebox with

really gained ground; the brand’s first property

no natural light comes in – it ticks the box for

at Hudson Yards in New York – housing the

operators in terms of providing a facility but

largest club in its portfolio at 60,000ft2 – set

goes no further, leaving amateur athletes, yoga

a new standard with its facilities and services.

fanatics and Crossfitters largely unaddressed.”

“The first and most important element is to understand that fitness is too narrow a vertical upon which to build a wellbeing concept.”

CHRIS PENN – STEEL HOTELS

Blurring the lines between hospitality, fitness and wellness, Siro Boka Place will offer performance-based activities and a spa featuring cryotherapy chambers, a Recovery Lab and red-light saunas

138

Kerzner International’s Senior Vice President

in-house athletes, nutritionists and technicians

of Operations Martin Chung agrees, explaining

– including Olympic gold medal-winning

that historically, gyms were neglected as fitness

swimmer Adam Peaty, recently named as Siro’s

wasn’t seen as central to the travel experience,

first ambassador – who are set to host a variety

but with guests now considering health and

of classes across hi-tech studios, state-of-the-

wellness as deciding factors when choosing a

art gyms and championship-worthy pools.

destination, gyms must stand out in a similar

Aside from its programming, Siro Boka Place

way to a dining offer. “In the past, holidays

– the brand’s first flag, designed by London-

were thought of as opportunity to indulge and

and Zagreb-based firm Atellior – will comprise

switch off from exercise, but that’s certainly not

96 keys with in-room equipment and plenty

the case now,” he says of the shift in mentality.

of workout space, as well as yoga studios; a

“Increasingly, travellers are looking to come

spa with cryotherapy chambers, a Recovery

back from trips feeling healthy, energised and

Lab and red-light saunas; and a restaurant

revitalised, with guidance from instructors,

serving nutritious dishes throughout the

trainers and specialist practitioners.”

course of the day. “Siro blurs the boundaries

In response to these shifting demands,

between hospitality, fitness and wellness,”

Kerzner has launched its own fitness and

says Atellior’s Executive Director Una Barac.

wellbeing-focused hospitality brand, Siro – or

“With health and fitness at its core, the hotel’s

Strength, Inclusiveness, Reflection and Original

interiors and facilities encourage people to

– which will make its debut in Porto Montenegro

achieve an invigorated lifestyle while providing

in 2023. Together with offering performance-

a fresh perspective on modern luxury.”

based activities such as sailing, cycling and

A similar approach has been taken by London-

skiing, the resorts will be manned by a team of

and Cyprus-based practice Kyriakos Tsolakis

© Biofit

Architects in Mykonos, where it recently completed

be looked at through either a soft or hard lens,” Penn

a wellness resort that aims to help professional

reflects. “At Birch, we look at wellbeing more through

sportspeople rehabilitate during the off-season or

the soft lens, looking at balanced wellness that

simply whilst on holiday. Designed specifically for

encourages happiness, emotional health, togetherness,

athletes, the retreat houses 12 luxury suites and two

positivity and a sense of freedom. Steel however looks

public pools alongside outdoor and indoor gyms with

through a hard lens, identifying ways to improve

top-of-the-range equipment, hydrotherapy pools

people’s productivity, efficiency and performance.”

and hot tubs for hydromassages, which ease aching muscles using the pressurised water jets.

In Norfolk, Biofit is working with private members’ club Fritton Lake on a barn gym that will launch this Autumn with a focus on highperformance sports equipment

140

Morley, who is working with private members’ club Fritton Lake in Norfolk on a barn gym that will

In the UK, Chris Penn – co-founder of lifestyle

launch this Autumn with a focus on high-performance

concept Birch – is targeting an active clientele with

sports equipment, also believes that there is no one-

his new Steel Hotels brand. Though details of its

size-fits-all approach to developing a successful

debut remain firmly under wraps as Penn continues

fitness concept. As such, he begins with three main

to seek out the right asset, the hotelier’s two-phase

strategic inputs: industry trends, an understanding

rollout will include the launch of rural resorts that

of guest profiles, and the hotel brand itself, which

immerse visitors in nature through swimming, cycling

can help steer the process: “Balancing these elements

and running, together with urban retreats that act as

means we ground the concept in market knowledge to

an extension to guest’s existing high-performance

minimise risk while ensuring it matches the training

networks – whether they be an individual, professional

requirements of the target guests and integrates

team or company.

smoothly into the personality of the brand.”

“The first and most important element is to

With the events of late leading to the temporary

understand that fitness is too narrow a vertical upon

closure of gyms worldwide, virtual and often individual

which to build a wellbeing concept, as wellbeing can

workout routines have also taken precedence. And

T U U C I E Q U I N O X W I T H A U T O M AT E D L O U V E R E D R O O F, L I G H T I N G A N D H E AT I N G

T U U C I .C O M

TUUCI29042021_SLEEPER_Creative_2021_cnt.indd 1

29-4-2021 16:56:42

© Georg Roske

with some travellers still unsure about using public

The pandemic has increased the desire to work up a

spaces, hotel groups have been quick to ensure that

sweat in the great outdoors too, with some brands now

guests can stay active from the comfort of their own

turning their attention to developing hybrid concepts

rooms. Morley himself has joined forces with Sani

that bring together both indoor and outdoor facilities.

& Ikos Resorts to create boutique experiences that

As such, Rixos Hotel Group has joined forces with

are more akin to what residents are accustomed to

Turkish gym brand Woodsman to design open-air

at home, while Kempinski recently partnered with

spaces that feature the latter’s all-wood equipment,

Technogym, and Westin is working with Peloton to

while at the forthcoming Tearose Hotel just outside

bring its classes to the guestroom.

Florence, opening in Q1 of 2023, Biofit is even creating

Taking a different approach that doesn’t involve hefty investment in hardware, aparthotel brand

The gym at Oku Ibiza has been kitted out with handcrafted wooden fitness equipment by NOHrD that works in harmony with the bohemian aesthetic

142

an on-demand equipment delivery service for those who want to train privately amongst nature.

Locke and Shangri-La The Shard have teamed up with

“Wellbeing design that creates healthy gym interiors

fitness app Fiit to offer a 30-day free membership

with functional benefits for the mind and body are

to all guests, providing access to more than 700

going to be big business,” concludes Morley, who cites

interactive workouts for the duration of their stay.

circadian lighting systems, indoor air purification,

Available via an in-room television app, the classes

non-toxic material choices and sustainable flooring

range from yoga and HIIT to barre and strength-

tiles as trends to watch out for in his latest hotel gym

based workouts, each led by one of the app’s global

report, as well as eco-cleaning protocols, biophilic

trainers. “Designing spaces that empower guests to

schemes that bring the outside in, and multi-sensory

maintain their day-to-day habits when they travel

experiences combining scent, sound and tactile

is central to our experience,” states Eric Jafari, Chief

finishes. “Why gyms have not harnessed such design

Development Officer and Creative Director at Locke’s

strategies yet is beyond me, but the revolution is

parent company, Edyn.

definitely coming!”

© Air Aroma, Lillie Thompson

The Sweet Smell of Success As hotels become multi-sensory spaces with appeal beyond the visual realm, can signature scents and the efforts of fragrance designers make a difference?

Words: Kristofer Thomas

A

study by the Sense of Smell

but perhaps all it takes is a dash of aftershave

Institute demonstrated that

to really charm guests and form a bond. It is not

whilst visual recall falls to 50%

uncommon for people to have a signature scent,

after three months, humans

something that is returned to time and time

can remember smells with 65%

again, so why should it be different for hotels, a

accuracy up to a full-year later.

medium progressively turning to individual and

Be this freshly baked bread or a mysterious odour

overarching identities for their properties that

in a public bathroom, the fragrance of a space

define both design and atmosphere.

sticks in the mind for better or worse. Indeed,

“Strategic application of aroma within

it is not only the scent that is remembered, but

the design process opens a deeper level of

how the scent made the smeller feel in that

communication with the consumer,” says

moment, as similar research from Mood Media

Maurice Joosten, Creative Director for @Aroma,

highlights that 75% of all emotions generated in

a scent marketing specialist with a collection of

a day are down to the olfactory sense.

hotel clients including Hampshire’s Heckfield

Combined, this synthesis of staying power and

Place and Marylebone’s The Prince Akatoki.

emotional resonance has become a touchpoint

“When implemented artfully, scent triggers

for hospitality concepts looking to make a

an often-unconscious response, engaging

subtle yet lasting impact. As travellers have

consumers more fully. Scents are able to

become increasingly motivated by the desire for

enhance a certain dramatic quality of a space

experience, the hotel marketplace has become

by adding notes that are light or heavy, soft

saturated with grand, swooping gestures in

or hard, masculine, feminine or androgynous,

hopes of standing out in the sizeable crowd,

active or quiet, and so on.”

“Strategic application of aroma within the design process opens a deeper level of communication with the consumer.”

MAURICE JOOSTEN – @AROMA

Designed by Toshihiko Sakai, @aroma’s All In One Type professional diffuser creates aromatic spaces by releasing essential oils

146

At The Prince Akatoki, this work takes

audience than retail spaces, this sentiment can

the form of a signature scent built on notes

be directly translated. If guests like what they

of lavender. Drawing on Japan’s blossom

smell, they will be happier. If that same smell

season, it brings a hint of Eastern zen to the

can then engage them on a deeper level with

first project beyond the country’s borders for

some signature notes based on a hotel’s local or

Tokyo-based Prince Hotels & Resorts. Likewise,

cultural context, then it can function to uniquely

for the historic Fujiya Hotel in Kanagawa,

fuse branded content with lived experience –

which dates back to 1891, Joosten drew from

perhaps the ultimate goal for today’s luxury

the surrounding hills of Hakone to elevate

sector. “Scent marketing is more than just

proceedings with a scent rooted in place and

diffusing a pleasant fragrance in a space,”

geographical sensibilities. Via these methods,

explains Alison Lobay of Air Aroma, the scent

he notes that the fragrance is able to contribute

marketing and delivery system manufacturer

“a more intuitive understanding of the brand

with clients including Sixty Hotels, The William

narrative and values, while also contributing to

Vale and Virgin Voyages. “It is the art of taking a

customer loyalty”.

company’s brand identity, marketing messages

These tactics have long been used in the

and target audience, and translating these into

retail sector, where reports find that one-in-

a scent that amplifies these values. We are

three shoppers stay longer in a store because of

essentially creating a scent logo for brands.”

a pleasant scent, whilst one-in-five say a nice

At Brooklyn’s The William Vale, this logo

scent makes them more likely to buy something.

comprises notes of marine accord, sandalwood,

Whilst hotels benefit from a more captive

leather, tonka bean, frankincense and white

Armani Hotel Dubai

Rooms aren’t just for sleeping BUTLER VIP SERVING MODULE Designed in collaboration with luxury hospitality extraordinaire Armani Hotels, this flawless system is truly one of the world’s greatest.

Celebrating the resurrection of in-room silver service, the Butler delivers seamlessly… cocktails, coffee, dessert, or a complete gourmet spread. This is a design feat worthy of its celebrity status.

Coffee

Dessert

Champage

www.ihs-design.com

© Lillie Thompson

Air Aroma’s Havana fragrance oil blends notes of Virginian cedar, whisky and oak with vanilla, incense and tobacco leaves

148

musk – a combination reflective of aesthetic

generate not only commercial clout but so too

touchstones in Carrara marble and glowing

the kind of cultural currency that sees guests

brass. This scent is subsequently delivered

consider their choice of hotel not only as a place

through the lobby by the brand’s own cold-air

to stay, but as an extension of a certain lifestyle.

diffusion technology, part of a wider range of

The rise of scent marketing may now play

modernist-inspired diffuser units that double

a different role however, as the pandemic has

as sculptural design elements in their own right.

seen the act of breathing, and likewise both the

“To create a signature scent, we work

presence and quality of ventilation, burdened

closely with our client to ensure the scent fits

with health anxieties. Never before have guests

seamlessly within their brand’s ethos, visuals,

been more aware of the air they breathe, and

auditory cues and overall message,” Lobay

soon the function of scent marketers will be

adds. “In addition to our ambient diffusion

to reassure guests a space is clean as much as

equipment, we also help brands capitalise on

it is stylish. The next step for this sector then,

their signature scent programme through sales

may be found in combining signature fragrance

of various retail items that we create, such as

tones with an element of purification, or at least

candles, reed diffusers and room sprays. This

crafting scents around this idea – giving the

allows a hotel guest to take the scent experience

concept of cleanliness itself a distinct scent

home and keeps the hotel at the front of their

profile that eases some of these concerns now

mind, encouraging a repeat visit.”

that the masks are coming off.

In a marketplace wherein hotels are required

In the meantime, scent remains one of the

to be so much more than shelter overhead and

most potent means of relaying brand standards,

a square meal, only those with a unique identity

local context and cultural signifiers in a manner

that stay in the mind of guests will go on to

that truly stays fresh in the minds of guests.

NOWHERE IN HOSPITALITY IS THERE A SHORTER PATH FROM FUTURE-FOCUSED CONCEPT TO REAL WORLD EXECUTION THAN A RADICAL INNOVATION EVENT.

AUGUST 2021

1

Radical Innovation challenges the global hospitality and travel industry by calling for new concepts and ideas to reimagine the future. Each year, submissions are received and reviewed by a jury of top industry thinkers. These select finalists present their concepts in front of industry influencers and investors where the audience votes to determine the winner. Since its founding, Radical Innovation has awarded over $200,000 to progressive architectural and hospitality-minded thinkers and provided unparalleled networking and mentoring opportunities. radicalinnovationaward.com

2

Produced by

Media Partner

Education Partners

PROFESSIONAL FINALISTS

3

1 / BioFrame by Arno Matis Architecture 2 / Float With Us by Ocean Builders 3 / Waterlust by Indidesign

STUDENT FINALISTS 4 / Game Hotel by Abdullina Adelina 5 / INNSERT by Vladislav Krayushkin

PRODUCT CATEGORY WINNERS

4

Co-Submissions: Complete Plate and Vase-Like Tissue Holder by Di Lu

5

Hotel Construction Pipeline Middle East & Africa A hugely diverse region when it comes to hotels – ranging from tented camps to city skyscrapers – the Middle East & Africa counts 904 projects in the pipeline, a total of 244,849 rooms.

The UAE continues to be the most attractive market for developers and operators, and while Dubai remains top of the list – not only in the region but in global rankings too – other emirates are adding to their hotel stock. Conrad, Anantara and Radisson Collection properties are being built in Ras al-Khaimah, while Sharjah is set to see new openings from Emaar across the Rove, The Address and Vida brands.

In Saudi Arabia – the second most active market in the region – Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah all fall within the top five cities.

Makkah in particular is of note for its large key counts; 33,804 rooms across 30 hotels equates to an average size of over 1,100 rooms per property.

Elsewhere, Israel is emerging as one of the rising hotspots for new hotel development.

The growing popularity of Tel Aviv as a holiday destination has led to a host of signings, with a Kempinski, Nobu and Mandarin Oriental all in the works along with an MGallery from Accor and LXR and Curio Collection ventures from Hilton.

Locally-grown groups are also expanding their portfolios significantly; Browns Hotels has four properties in the pipeline, and Isrotel counts five.

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

152

TOP CITIES DUBAI Projects 136 Rooms 41,659

MAKKAH Projects 30 Rooms 33,804

RIYADH Projects 43 Rooms 9,896

TEL AVIV Projects 27 Rooms 5,118

JEDDAH Projects 37 Rooms 9,139

MUSCAT Projects 19 Rooms 4,142

TBILISI Projects 16 Rooms 2,531

DOHA Projects 35 Rooms 9,149

RAS AL KHAIMAH Projects 17 Rooms 5,468

SHARJAH Projects 15 Rooms 2,610

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

UAE 192 55,992

SAUDI ARABIA 167 72,592

ISRAEL 61 12,042

EGYPT 52 16,188

QATAR 44 12,700

6

7

8

9

10

TURKEY 40 7,249

MOROCCO 37 7,990

OMAN 31 6,181

GEORGIA 29 4,892

NIGERIA 25 6,064

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 904 projects in the pipeline, 22% are in advanced stages of planning and over half (55%) are under construction. A further 10% are in pre-opening with circa 18,000 rooms set to come online before the end of the year.

VISION

Projects 11 Rooms 2,174

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

PRE-OPENING

Projects 102 Rooms 24,660

Projects 203 Rooms 55,880

Projects 500 Rooms 142,029

Projects 88 Rooms 20,106

GROUPS AND BRANDS Accor continues to be the frontrunner in the region thanks to new signings including a 160-key Fairmont on Saudi Arabia’s Ajdan Waterfront development; a Swissôtel in Çeşme, Turkey, due to open in 2022; and three properties in Djibouti – namely Pullman Living, Novotel and MGallery – amounting to 291 keys by 2023.

122 98 95 79 50

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

32

10,077

Radisson Blu

30

6,281

Radisson Hotels & Resorts

27

4,712

Novotel

22

6,391

Hilton Garden Inn

18

3,827

Doubletree by Hilton

17

3,384

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts

16

5,035

Millennium Hotels

15

5,073

Four Points by Sheraton

14

3,324

InterContinental Hotels

14

3,098

YEAR OF OPENING

2021 (18%)

2022 (36%)

2023 (15%)

2024 (5%)

2025 / UNCONFIRMED (26%)

153

HOTEL COLLECTION

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Recovering hostels attract interest

starting to improve, but remains up and down

the country. Vozpopuli reports that Accor is

across its portfolio, depending on local market

looking to expand its Jo & Joe brand, which

uncertainty. However, Safestay will look to grow

includes a mix of private and group shared

Leading hostel brands are looking to restart

again: “We’ve got our eyes very wide open.”

rooms, and has Madrid in its sights. Louvre is

their businesses as the pandemic wanes. But it

However, he believes it will be a few months

already scoping out Madrid for its Hosho brand.

seems they may be welcoming new investors,

before opportunities appear.

as well as returning backpackers.

Carlos Miró, director of expansion for Spain

For A&O, private equity owner TPG has

and Portugal at Hilton, said the group was keen

The niche was hit harder than hotels as

continued to provide support as the group

on cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga or

lockdowns hit. Even during times when

looks to further growth. It opened in Budapest

Seville as it rolls out its Motto brand – which has

they were able to operate, social distancing

last Autumn, has the Edinburgh site as its first

hostel-like elements such as connecting rooms.

regulations meant hostels could not use multi-

toehold in the UK market, and has further sites

Motto was originally slated to launch in London,

bed shared rooms at anywhere near capacity,

in Copenhagen, Florence and Heidelberg in the

but lost the site; to-date it is live in three US

further exacerbating cashflow issues.

pipeline.

cities, with a pipeline of 14 locations including

Queensgate Investments, which includes

Speaking at the opening of the Edinburgh

Generator hostels in its portfolio, announced a

site, CEO and founder Oliver Winter said: “In

EUR600m refinancing in March. Existing debt

this, our 21st year of operations, we now have

Ivar Yuste of PHG Group, who maintains a

with lenders HSBC, Société Générale and Aareal

properties in 24 cities and nine European

database of hostel operators, said the model -

Bank was refinanced, with a further EUR100m

countries and have ambitious expansion plans;

now refined for a broader audience – particularly

provided from Apollo Global Management. With

we are looking at multiple locations across the

lends itself to office conversions. “Buildings in

the refinancing complete, Queensgate CEO Jason

UK and Ireland.”

city centres are complicated, old and irregular,

its first European property in Rotterdam, due to open next year.

Gow commented: “With the millennial and

Hybrid brand Meininger currently has 30

but with this flexible concept you have many

generation Z customer base, we are confident

sites across Europe, and is opening five new

possibilities. More and more are adopting the

of a rapid and resilient recovery once travel

properties in 2021, having already launched

mixed concept where they mix conventional

restrictions are lifted.”

Zurich, Bordeaux and Geneva. “Our industry

hotel rooms with hostel rooms with bunk beds.”

Generator has 19 properties, of which it owns

is experiencing tough times and facing many

Yuste says the sector is ripe for expansion

17 freehold; in 2019, Queensgate also acquired

challenges caused by the pandemic and its

and for growing stronger brands: “It is the

US hostel group Freehand, adding its four US

consequences. However, we have been able to

only non-professionalised hotel segment, the

properties into the brand.

shift priorities, drive digitalisation and growth,

smallest in volume and the one that is most

including the five new openings for 2021,” said

dispersed at the chain and owners level. Nobody

CCO Doros Theodorou.

has consolidated it at a national level, much

UK-listed Safestay has sold its Edinburgh hostel to Germany-based operator A&O. The GBP16m deal represented a 22% premium to

And in a sign that major hotel groups are

book value for Safestay, which has been battling

paying greater attention to the hostel niche,

fixed costs on its portfolio through periods of

Louvre Hotels has quietly launched a new hostel

HA PERSPECTIVE

Covid lockdown. In a statement, the group said:

brand, Hosho. The first site, south of central

By Chris Bown: Before the pandemic, every decent

“The board believes this sale was the best option

Paris in Kremlin-Bicêtre, is offering beds in

hotel group realised they needed an extended-stay

to protect shareholders’ interests and place the

shared rooms from EUR20 per night. The site,

brand or two in their locker. With that box ticked, it

company in a strong position for when the

a converted office building, has 236 beds in 39

looks as though a hostel-style brand is fast becoming

market recovers, being able to take advantage

rooms. According to a report in Les Echos, the

the next desirable addition.

of new opportunities that are expected to arise.”

brand expects to draw in families, travelling

And why not? With A&O and Meininger hosting

Chairman Larry Lipman said that the sale was

groups and professionals, not just backpackers.

hundreds of school groups, here’s the opportunity to

a necessary step to support the business: “We

According to reports in the Spanish media,

hook those consumers when they are young - and

reduced our debt by 35%, and we’ve got some

several major hotel groups are now angling to

keep them in the brand portfolio through to the years

cash in the bank.” He also said occupancy is

introduce an offering in the hostel space across

when they’re high spending road warriors. Louvre is

less globally.”

155

the latest to spot this logic… who’s next?

reposition the venue to reach its full potential”.

34,000 beds by 2024 including some in the USA.

“It’s not like a normal year - but it’s

hostel space right now, and having survived the

Hard data and transparency will help transform the

promising,” said Ivar Yuste, partner in PHG

pandemic, those with the deepest pockets will

appeal of hostels.

Hotels & Resorts.

doubtless be looking for more growth. A&O is in a

Selenta faced the pandemic with around

good position, Accor has skin in the game, and now

EUR200m of debt, having spent EUR60m on an

Louvre is testing the water. Again, the hostel concept is diluting from its clichéd backpacker demographic

Little pain in Spain

unfortunately timed refurbishment of its Sofia hotel in Barcelona in 2019.

and joining the ever more blended world of hotel-

Spain’s hotels are facing a second summer of

Yuste said both deals look to have specific

like accommodation.

trade disrupted by pandemic restrictions. But

circumstances driving them. The Selenta sale

despite this, would-be investors are seeing

was driven by debt, with the owner looking to

precious few opportunities.

have used the hotels as collateral for funding

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: Like other emerging

Two recent deals have seen new investment

other parts of his business empire. “The

accommodation sectors, the hostel market is far from

partners Bain Capital and Stoneweg make

logical move in this case will be to put in new

being a clearly defined category. Most commercial

aggressive bids to win hotels, ahead of other

management, and an international brand.”

operations offer facilities that can be loosely defined

private equity players, as they declare the

He said the H10 sale was driven less by debt

as hybrid, with dormitory-style accommodation

market one with an attractive medium-term

issues, and more as the Marbella property is in

offered in the same building as individual rooms.

opportunity. And other investors are gathering

a non-core location, and has reached a point

Most operators are still feeling their way as to

fire power, with Banco Santander and Signal

where major capex is required.

what works best: simultaneously chasing the family

Capital each putting in EUR100m to seed a new

market, school / youth group market and the youth

European hospitality opportunities fund.

“The general feeling is that now things are picking up – but I wouldn’t expect to see a lot

party market is not easy to pull off. As brands mature,

However, there are few signs of distress in

of transactions. The horizon looks promising,

there will be biases towards certain markets. But for

the country. Local experts suggest the main

so the expectations of sellers are going to be

now, most brands seem to be chasing all markets,

opportunities lie in the holiday hotspots of

more rigid.” Many Spanish businesses remain

styling themselves as both hostels and hotels.

the Balearics, Canaries and the Costas, as the

well funded, or well supported, with the

package holiday market further restructures.

exception of some with major exposure to lease

The emphasis is providing an affordable and central location, with some brands like Generator

The largest recent deal saw Bain Capital and

contracts; several operating companies have

particularly pushing the style and party element

Stoneweg win the bidding for Spanish hotel

got into trouble off the back of a major lease

and others, like Meininger, keener on promoting the

group Selenta, with a bid of EUR460m, beating

commitment.

family-friendly nature of their offer.

rivals including Goldman Sachs and Brookfield.

Yuste said the one exception to the deal

For property owners, the key sell is around

The company came with five hotels in

stalemate is likely to be in the holiday

profitability per square-metre. Dedicated hostel

Tenerife, Barcelona, Marbella and Valencia,

destinations such as the Canaries. “Tour

operators argue they deliver better than typical

having already sold off the Nobu in Barcelona

operators have been the ones taking the risk,

hotel brands. The push of hotel brand owners into

at the turn of the year in a bid to reduce debts.

packaging with flights.” But with the loss of big

the space, most notably Accor but also at the upper

That asset was snapped up by ActivumSG, for

name and small tour operators every year, come

end of the market with Hilton’s Motto, enables a

EUR80m.

opportunities for new investors to take hold of

direct comparable.

156

a significantly sized operator. It has plans to have

Private equity is doing quite nicely out of the

For Bain and Stoneweg, the aggressive move

hotels and move them into branded territory.

Meininger might be an entry point for a hotel

follows their first Spanish acquisition barely

Yuste himself advised on the conversion of

company wishing to grab a head start in the hostel

a month previously, as the pair look to build

a hotel in Benidorm, which was upgraded and

market. But its leased portfolio makes a sale to

a portfolio of Spanish hotels. They started

reflagged under Accor’s Mercure brand. “Accor

private equity or a resurrection of its IPO more

their campaign with the purchase of the H10

will change the approach of selling the hotel –

probable. The sale process underway at the end of

Andalucía Plaza in Marbella from seller H10 in

this is going to happen more and more.”

2019 was dumped in favour of a potential listing

a deal reckoned to be worth around EUR100m.

but this too met an untimely end at the start of the

Bain Capital director Fabio Longo said the 400-

longstanding real estate investor Sonae Capital

pandemic in March 2020.

Meanwhile,

in

next

door

Portugal,

room property will continue to be operated by

has decided now is the time to launch its own

A listing of Meininger would undoubtedly help

H10 in the short term, as they prepare plans

brand. The Portuguese listed group has interests

the profile of the hostel sector, particularly as it is

“to invest strategically in the facilities and

across a range of industries, and owns six hotels

BUSINESS CENTRE

in the country, with committed additional

6.3% and 4.2% respectively). Spain, which currently

that helps members become better travellers

openings in Lisbon this year, and Porto next

does not require tests or quarantine for EU travellers,

by saving them money so they can get more

year.

suffers a 3.7% fall in GDP with all travel remaining

out of every trip they take. You can save more

domestic.

to spend more on what you’ve been missing,

“The Editory is a brand that was created to reposition our hotels in the market as we

Countries that benefit from no international

prepare to open two more units in the main

tourism being allowed are the most likely to keep

urban centres of the country,” said Isabel

their borders closed. These include Norway, Canada,

The company claims many new subscribers

Tavares, director of Marketing & Sales at Sonae

Germany and Brazil (increases in GDP of 2.5%, 1.0%,

will more than make their money back on a first

Capital Hotels. The brand is “adapted to current

0.8% and 0.7% respectively).

booking, with “an average of USD350 savings

trends and with a focus on expansion”.

If borders are open, 14-day or 10-day quarantines

whether a quick weekend away or a postponed honeymoon.”

per stay”.

The group has set a medium-term target of

are required in the Philippines, China and the UK.

Hertz, as car rental partner, will not only give

a dozen hotels open by 2025. Pedro Capitao,

GDP increases here were 1.8%, 1.7% and 1.1%

subscribers instant ‘Five-Star’ status within

Director of Hotel Management commented:

respectively. Australia sees a 0.6% uplift if borders

their own loyalty scheme, but will also actively

“This crisis is another opportunity to focus in

are shut to all tourists, so its economy is benefitting

promote Tripadvisor Plus subscriptions to their

a very fragmented sector - I’ve heard about the

overall from its decision to keep all borders closed

own car rental customers.

focus for many years and haven’t seen any clear

until 2022.

signs of that happening.”

On a previous earnings call, CEO Stephen

This will create, I suspect, a temptation for

Kaufer commented: “We see a huge opportunity

governments with a negative balance of payments

ahead and fully expect that Plus is going to be

HA PERSPECTIVE

on tourism to reach for border controls at the first

a very exciting part of our future. Converting

By Andrew Sangster: When looking at the Spanish

sign of any resurgence of the virus. Given that

even a small percentage of engaged Tripadvisor

hotel market, it is important to distinguish between

this winter is widely predicted to see a rise in

traffic, not to mention the hundreds of millions

two parts – the resort market and the urban market.

infections, it would be a brave traveller to bank on

of visitors per month that are searching on

While the former is under significant pressure this

all international controls to disappear permanently.

Tripadvisor for hotels and experiences, implies

summer, the latter should be recovering at the same

A full recovery for the resort market looks unlikely

a potential long-term growth opportunity of

pace as the rest of Europe.

until at least 2023.

tens of millions of subscribers and a multibillion dollar recurring revenue stream.”

It is the resort market where the biggest anticipated action will be. With what will almost certainly be two years of difficult trading, it will be a bleak period for resort hotels. But most independent hotels are not particularly leveraged and will be able

“We’re absolutely dedicated to making a

Tripadvisor launches subscription service has

formally

win for hoteliers just as much as it’s a win for the travellers.” Speaking of a trial in the US, he added: “What we’ve learned over the past

to ride out even two years of difficult trading. If the

Tripadvisor

launched

its

couple of months is that a number of chains

family business is the hotel, selling it cheaply is not

subscription service to US customers, as it

and independent hoteliers really like what we’re

going to be an attractive option and the preference

looks to transition its business model out of

doing. They’re perfectly comfortable with how

will be to struggle on until better times.

the pandemic. The move comes as other hotel

we’re displaying the Plus, our merchandising,

Even next year, there is no guarantee of normal

groups, from CitizenM to Soho House, look to

how we require a traveller to buy a Plus

trading. Governments have shown a willingness to

the recurring revenues of subscriptions as a way

subscription in order to book at discounted

close borders, particularly where there is a negative

to build baseline income.

rate.”

A new, USD99 per year subscription will give

Kaufer said the model was about curation,

Analysts at Bernstein published a note about

Tripadvisor members access to a range of travel

rather than domination: “We don’t need every

governments interference in travel. It found a link

deals, including the promise of discounted hotel

property. We just need a few dozen in all the

between those countries that benefit from what was

stays. As well as savings on accommodation,

geographies that people are traveling to. So, it

called the “domestication” of tourism and those that

members will be offered discounts on

may take a little longer than others for some of

have kept restrictions in place.

experiences such as tours and attractions,

the chains to hop on-board, to see the benefit.

special car hire rates from Hertz, personalised

But we want to make sure all of their properties,

advice and flight deal alerts.

again, get the share of bookings that Plus will

balance on tourism.

In other words, the likes of Greece, Portugal, Iceland and Turkey are all offering no quarantines and tests on arrival. All these countries will see a

Lindsay Nelson, chief experience and brand

fall in GDP if all travel stays domestic (7.5%, 6.6%,

officer, called Tripadvisor Plus “a programme

be driving.”

“The basic model we’re working with... is

157

BUSINESS CENTRE

that we’re encouraging hotels of all types to

the subscription paywall, any deal does not

identify a discount that we are able to pass along

need to be directly comparable to other, publicly

to the traveller. And we’re in fact passing along

quoted room rates. “It’s the pay gate that

the entire discount they’re able to offer to be

enables hotels to give us a discount that they’re

kind of the most beneficial to the consumer to

not putting out there on their own website or

get that consumer to book to the properties.”

through other channels and that’s what makes

“There is a minimum discount when we sign

our deals special. So, in the weeds I guess if the

up the hotels, but that is something that they

hotel is offering this discount – same discount

can kind of toggle up and down depending

on some other opaque discount site or packaged

on their demand needs at a particular point

with an airline flight – that would be fine with

in time. Of course, down the road, we could

us. But if it’s also on a deal that’s also on their

always choose to not pass along the full

own website, then it’s not going to work.”

discount to the consumer, but that’s not our

Also looking to major on its subscription

plan at the moment, as we want this to kind

business is Soho House. The hotels and clubs

of catch fire with consumers as quickly as

business has confirmed its intention to list in

possible. Maximising the discount is one way

the US, filing papers with authorities for a full

to do that and we’re still making our money

IPO. Emphasising its subscription business

on subscription and growing that recurring

value, the company will rename as Membership

revenue stream.”

Collective Group and list under the ticker MCG.

“If we have a lot of properties with a very

In an email, founder Nick Jones emphasised the

small discount, it doesn’t move the needle for

company’s digital offering to its membership.

us. But when we’re getting the 10%, 15%, 30%,

The group has a range of membership options,

40% discounts, those become best sellers pretty

depending on a customer’s usage and location.

quickly and we’re really helping those hotels fill that empty room and that’s why the whole

HA PERSPECTIVE

model is so powerful.”

By Chris Bown: Welcome to the new Secret Escapes.

“We’ve been in the lead generation business

Tripadvisor has launched something that’s not

for hotels, the transaction business just like

unique - but does promise to be different by having

the other OTAs for experiences, and now we’re

broad appeal. The company insists that if it gets

introducing this new direct-to-consumer

millions of sign-ups at USD99, then it doesn’t need

subscription model. So it’s not that other

to make a commission on the hotel deals it offers.

folks can’t, it’s that it’s a new way to think

However, it will surely move to a commission-

of something in travel. The challenge with

based model as it scales up – and invests millions in

somebody else doing it, a start-up or a new

promoting Plus along the way.

company, is that they may not have the traffic

For hotels, here’s another chance to try a new

to expose the subscription product to. But that’s

distribution platform that could help fill off-peak

not Tripadvisor’s challenge, we already have so

nights – and keep those offers away from pesky

much of the traffic.”

competition authorities, and the OTAs.

Kaufer acknowledged that a travel subscription is different to something such as Netflix or Amazon Prime: “Travel is more episodic, but the value that we’re presenting in this form of subscription is oftentimes much higher and can offer that instant savings. Because we have the traffic, we think we’ll be successful where others might be challenged.”

Kaufer also pointed out that, as it is behind

158

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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Performance Data July 2021 vs 2019* (year-over-year % changes and absolute values)

Covid-19 Update: Challenges and Opportunities

CANADA

Owing to the reopening of the country, Canada posted its highest ADR since December 2019, while occupancy and RevPAR were the highest since February 2020. Further improvement is expected with the reopening of the border to vaccinated US travellers.

Recent months have presented plenty of ups and downs on the global hotel industry’s path to recovery. While recovery continues to play out unevenly, the only certainty is there are both challenges and opportunities ahead.

In the US, pandemic-era performance peaked along with the height of a summer travel surge. As leisure travel waned in late July and early August however, so too did hotel demand. Such seasonality in the data is a sign of normalcy, but growing concerns around Covid-19’s Delta variant have reduced optimism around a return of business travel and groups post-Labor Day. Reflecting a later reopening, the UK is still on the rise and continues to lead Europe in performance recovery due to domestic demand. Other European countries are further behind because of an even later reopening, as well as additional restrictions on travel.

In Asia, the Olympics were held behind closed doors, however Tokyo did see a substantial performance lift as hotels accommodated media, staff and teams who opted not stay in the athletes village.

This great variance by country is expected to continue with a direct correlation to the pandemic situation in each region.

Regardless, each country will remain at least primarily dependent on domestic demand sources with international travel only slowing returning for some.

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

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

160

Occupancy 27.6 % to 54.5% ADR 18.2% to CAD151.31 RevPAR 40.7% to CAD82.53

USA

ADR and RevPAR levels were the highest in US history on a nominal basis. When adjusted for inflation, both KPIs were lower than the all-time highs recorded in 2019.

On an absolute basis, occupancy was the highest for any month since August 2019.

Occupancy 5.5% to 69.6% ADR 6.0% to US$143.30 RevPAR 0.2% to US$99.71

COLOMBIA

Occupancy and RevPAR levels were the highest in the country since February 2020 while ADR was the highest since January 2021.

Occupancy 25.8% to 44.7% ADR 5.3% to COP243,853.36 RevPAR 29.8% to COP108,944.04

PERU

A surge in Covid-19 cases and the ensuing movement restrictions implemented by the government lowered levels during the first half of the year.

However, with most lockdown restrictions lifted on 1 July, ADR and RevPAR hit their highest points since March 2020.

Occupancy 56.0% to 26.3% ADR 17.8% to US$76.29 RevPAR 63.9% to US$20.09

BUSINESS CENTRE

UK

Occupancy and RevPAR levels were the highest in the UK since February 2020. ADR reached its highest point since December 2019.

Occupancy 23.4% to 65.0% ADR 16.9% to GBP87.04 RevPAR 36.4% to GBP56.54 INDIA SPAIN

Despite a dramatic fall in international arrivals, Spain registered its highest occupancy and RevPAR since February 2020 as well as its highest ADR since August 2019.

India’s occupancy was its highest since February 2020, while ADR and RevPAR were higher than every month since March of last year.

Occupancy 24.4% to 48.0% ADR 16.8% to IND4,173.40 RevPAR 37.1% to IND2,003.16

Occupancy 36.1% to 52.3% ADR 0.3% to EUR130.16 RevPAR 35.9% to EUR68.13

JAPAN

Thanks to the Olympics, Tokyo posted its highest occupancy in 17 months. Overall, Japan registered its best occupancy and RevPAR since February 2020 and highest ADR since January 2020.

UAE

EGYPT

Egypt’s occupancy level was its highest since February 2020. ADR was the highest for any month in STR’s Egypt database and pushed RevPAR to its highest point since November 2019.

With fewer restrictions for international travellers, UAE performance remains close to 2019 levels ahead of Expo 2020, now due to take place in October 2021.

Occupancy 45.5% to 45.2% ADR 10.5% to JPY13,190.54 RevPAR 51.3% to JPY5,958.40

Occupancy 11.2% to 56.5% ADR 5.1% to AED355.78 RevPAR 6.6% to AED201.06

Occupancy 22.5% to 57.0% ADR 5.1% to EGP1,519.48 RevPAR 18.6% to EGP865.79

*Due to the steep, pandemic-driven performance declines of 2020, STR is measuring recovery against comparable time periods from 2019

161

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AHEAD MEA

After a long and arduous 18 months of virtual conferences and Zoom events, the AHEAD community was more eager than ever to reunite in Dubai earlier this month, gathering at Caesars Forum, Bluewaters Island, to kick off the AHEAD awards season. With judges, sponsors and leading hospitality professionals all in attendance, the awards celebrated design and the guest experience at hospitality projects across the region, with winners announced in 14 categories.

Each entry was discussed and deliberated by a 20-strong panel of judges chaired by Isabel Pintado, Senior Vice President of Design and Innovation at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. The judging day took place virtually in July, with the panel – comprising owners, operators, architects and designers – asked to assess projects on their commercial

viability, creative excellence and ability to provide a memorable experience. From a sleek newbuild on the doorstep of Dubai’s Downtown neighbourhood to a tented camp on Tanzania’s Serengeti Plain, this year’s diverse list of winners showcased the most ambitious and innovative projects the Middle East & Africa has to offer.

“Despite all the challenges of the last 12 months, we are delighted to see that new hotels have been able to open their doors against all the odds,” says Awards Director Matt Turner. “This year’s winners are testament to the resilience of the sector, and the quality of design talent across the region.”

Marking the first AHEAD event of the year, the resulting winners will now go on to compete against other regions, with worldwide champions set to be crowned at the next AHEAD Global edition.

www.aheadawards.com

B A R , C LU B O R LO U N G E THE CHURCHILL BAR AT LA MAMOUNIA – MARRAKECH, MOROCCO Oger Maroc / Jouin Manku The best bars, clubs and lounges within a hotel are successful at cultivating a distinct atmosphere, whether that’s of intimacy, exclusivity or originality. The sultry Churchill Bar at La Mamounia has managed to achieve all three. A tribute to the illustrious former Prime Minister, the lounge exudes British refinement in the heart of Marrakech. Judges praised interior design studio Jouin Manku for its choice of materials, detailing and lighting, applauding the “intimate, seductive bar” for its “beautiful execution with bold, often monolithic statement pieces”.

E V E N T S PA C E S / L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S

THE ST REGIS CAIRO – EGYPT Qatari Diar Real Estate & Tourism Investment Company Egypt / Marriott International / Mga-Hks / Michael Graves Architecture & Design With guests wanting to spend as much time in the lobby as their own rooms, designers are focusing their attention on these spaces more than ever. So, what set St. Regis Cairo apart from the rest? According to the judges, the hotel offers “an impressive, consistent design approach” with “many different stories to tell”, from the sky lobby through to the Astor Library.

Later in the evening, The St Regis Cairo also took home the prize for Event Spaces, with judges recognising the grandeur of the main staircase as ideal for weddings.

GUESTROOMS FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA – QATAR Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Pierre-Yves Rochon Celebrated for pushing the envelope on traditional Middle Eastern guestroom design was the newly renovated Four Seasons Hotel Doha. French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has introduced lighter, sea-inspired colours to the accommodation whilst paying homage to Qatar’s heritage with mother of pearl inlays and decorative Arab motifs. “White minimalism is very bold in the Middle East,” noted one judge. “I believe it was a provocative gesture, and it worked perfectly.” Another highlighted “the beautifully executed balance of materiality, tonality and accents” that make the space feel “luxurious, comfortable and very much a Four Seasons”.

AHEAD

HOTEL NEWBUILD HOTEL INDIGO DUBAI DOWNTOWN – UAE Sunflower / IHG / Norr / Dsgn Design It’s one thing to renovate or restore an existing property, but to start a project completely from scratch is certainly a big undertaking. So, what made Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown stand out from the competition in the Hotel Newbuild category? “Hotel Indigo shows true commitment to the design narrative and consistency of the brief throughout as a true exemplar of a cohesive guest experience to all aspects of the hotel,” commented one judge. “The bravery of the project should also be commended to bring to the forefront regional art commissions that are not typical or cookie-cutter, showing a spirit of creativity and collaboration.”

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

SINGITA SABORA TENTED CAMP – TANZANIA Singita / GAPP Architects / Cecile & Boyd Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps has become an increasingly competitive category thanks to a wealth of new openings popping up across Africa. This year’s winning project was the newly refurbished Singita Saborain, where Cecile & Boyd worked with GAPP Architects to retain the original essence and spirit of the camp while introducing remodelled interiors that capture the ultimate modern safari experience. One judge commented: “This lodge takes the tented safari experience to the next level. While sophisticated and luxurious, the design remains true to the concept of a canvas lodge that touches the earth lightly and the authenticity required by such a prospect.”

R E S TA U R A N T L’ASIATIQUE AT LA MAMOUNIA – MARRAKECH, MOROCCO Oger Maroc / Jouin Manku Jouin Manku clearly knows a thing or two about F&B spaces, so much so that it scooped another award, this time in the Restaurant category for its work on La Mamounia’s Asian eatery, L’Asiatique. What made the venue resonate with the judges was the well-balanced mix of cultural references. “A multitude of references can be tricky to take on,” explained one judge. “But the mixture of Asian elements and traditional Moroccan architecture and interior design elements work very well.” Another praised how well the interiors complement Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s culinary offering.

S PA & W E L L N E S S SENSASIA STORIES AT KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES – DUBAI Majid Al Futtaim Group / Kempinski Hotels / Roar Over the past 18 months, taking care of the body and mind has become more important than ever, with travellers now choosing a destination based on its wellness offering. Tasked with designing a spa for Kempinski that not only looks good but creates an unforgettable experience, Roar utilised a restrained colour and material palette, striking architectural statements and statement lighting pieces to tell a story rooted in Asia.

The judges hailed the interiors as “spot on”, highlighting the cohesion between the materials, lighting and overall design to create “a well-considered and detailed space”.

SUITE L’ESCALE RESORT MARINA & SPA – SEYCHELLES Winch Design / Add Locus Architects With the desire for private space at an all-time high, this year’s Suite category included a host of strong contenders.

So, how did L’Escale beat off the competition? Making a departure from luxury yachts and private jets, Winch Design demonstrated versatility for its first resort project, utilising locally-sourced, natural materials thoughtfully selected for their tactility to create sprawling suites that foster a unique connection with Mahé. The judging panel commended the design team’s honesty, generosity and commitment to the interiors, as well as the “exquisite attention to detail while maintaining a consistent narrative across all elements.”

VISUAL IDENTITY SINGITA SABORA TENTED CAMP – TANZANIA Singita / GAPP Architects / Cecile & Boyd The Visual Identity award is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate how a project uses every detail of its branding to convey a clear image and message in line with the guest experience – from graphic design and digital marketing materials through to signage and physical collateral. Scooping the prize this year, Singita Sabora was described as having a “strong visual identity that doesn’t just support the brand but elevates it, expressing the destination and offering”. Judges also cited the retreat’s “unparalleled attention to detail” evidenced in the well-curated uniforms, “honest” typography and “impeccable” OS&E selection.

AHEAD

NEW CONCEPT THE RED SEA PROJECT – SAUDI ARABIA The Red Sea Development Company Judges were wowed by The Red Sea Project, a new development that will comprise nine islands with 50 hotels totalling up to 8,000 guestrooms, a town for 35,000 inhabitants and a new airport, all of which will rely on on-site generated renewable energy and sustainable practices. “This project is attempting to define not only a new type of responsible tourism as the new luxury, but also to open up a new global destination,” commented one judge. “It is a difficult challenge, but a postpandemic world offers a unique opportunity to present this type of transformative hospitality to an audience that is now much more aware of nature and her importance.”

HOTEL OF THE YEAR / RESORT HOTEL / L A N D S C A P I N G & O U T D O O R S PA C E S

SUSSURRO – MOZAMBIQUE Sarah Birkett & Adam Humphreys The project on everyone’s lips at this year’s judging day was the “achingly beautiful” Sussurro. So, it’s hardly surprising that the beachfront boutique hotel took home an impressive three awards on the night, including the most coveted of them all – the AHEAD MEA Hotel of the Year.

Located on the secluded peninsula of Nhamabue in southern Mozambique, Sussurro was conceived to engage with the surrounding land and local community and speaks to the increasingly pressing nature of the climate crisis, which has resulted in more and more guests factoring in a hotel’s sustainability credentials when booking their next stay. As such, lodgings are constructed from only locally-sourced materials and are powered by renewable energy, while the guestrooms feature furniture created on-site and artisinal pieces obtained from sub-Saharan Africa.

When picking their Resort winner, judges applauded the designers’ “sustainability ethos, energy efficient methods, environmental awareness and involvement of the local community”. And it wasn’t just the project’s environmentallyfriendly spirit that made an impression on the judges, with its landscaping and outdoor spaces also receiving an award for creating “an emotive feeling of wanting to visit”. Members of the panel cited the emotional desire to visit the resort as prompted by its open-air spaces, while others hailed the “seamless transition between indoor and outdoor” areas.

And as to why Sussurro was named Hotel of the Year, the judges said it best: “Sussurro is quietly sophisticated barefoot luxury at its best. A perfect example of African minimalism without being contrived or too harsh in its realisation.”

9 SEPTEMBER 2021

16 SEPTEMBER 2021

3 NOVEMBER 2021

19 NOVEMBER 2021

CAESARS BLUEWATERS – DUBAI

VIRTUAL

FAENA FORUM – MIAMI

EVOLUTION – LONDON

www.aheadawards.com

25 MORRIS RD, LEICESTER, LE2 6AL TEL: 01162706946 WWW.EESMI TH.CO.UK SOCI AL @EESMITHCONTRACTS

1.

2.

Radical Innovation

An architectural prosthetic, floating seapods

Hotel by Abdullina Adelina, from Kazan State

and an eco-sensitive buoyant resort have

University of Architecture & Engineering in

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

been announced as the finalists for this year’s

Russia, is a hospitality concept for gamers

Radical Innovation competition. The annual

offering guests the opportunity to experience

scheme, which invites hoteliers and designers

another world using virtual and augmented

to submit groundbreaking concepts in travel

reality, while Innsert by Vladislav Krayushkin,

and hospitality, received 80 entries from around

also of Kazan State University of Architecture &

the world, with the jury selecting finalists based

Engineering, proposes to make use of obsolete

on the creativity of their vision as well as its

gaps and alleyways between buildings through

feasibility and potential to impact the industry.

the creation of hospitality spaces. Both students

Arno Matis Architecture, Ocean Builders

will be invited to explain their designs alongside

and Indidesign will now go head to head to

the professional finalists.

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

determine the US$10,000 grand-prize winner,

Since its founding in 2006, Radical Innovation

decided by an audience vote during a virtual

has awarded nearly US$200,000 to creative

event later this year.

talents who push the boundaries, and through

In addition to the professional concept finalists, Radical Innovation has named Di

its new Radical Labs division, will work with submitters to bring their ideas to reality.

Lu from Southwest University of Science &

170

Technology in China as winner in the product

Radical Innovation is produced by The Hardy Group

category; his entries include a vase-like tissue

with support from UNLV School of Architecture, the

box and innovative plate that incorporates a

University of Illinois School of Architecture, NYU

niche for soy sauce. In the student category,

Center of Hospitality, and media partner Sleeper.

two finalists have been announced: Game

www.radicalinnovation.io

EVENTS

3.

1. BIOFRAME ARNO MATIS ARCHITECTURE

2. FLOAT WITH US OCEAN BUILDERS

3. WATERLUST INDIDESIGN

Conceived by Vancouver-based Arno Matis Architecture, BioFrame is described as an architectural prosthetic that upgrades existing buildings through a modular clip-on frame designed to improve sustainable performance and structural capacity. The mass-timber hybrid structure is lightweight and prefabricated allowing for quick assembly, and promotes the adaptive re-use of ageing buildings rather than demolition.

BioFrame not only improves a building’s visual appearance, it also increases natural light, greenery and fresh air through extra outdoor space on every floor. The additional space could be used by hotels as balconies to guestrooms and suites or a terrace for the restaurant, thus improving the wellbeing experience for visitors.

Following extensive research and development, Ocean Builders have created Float With Us, an oceanfront living concept made up of SeaPods that allow people to experience living on water. Perched 7.5ft above the waves and constructed from a fibreglass shell atop a steel and concrete foundation, the pods offer 800ft2 of living space across 2.5 floors and comprise a master bedroom, spacious bathroom, kitchen, lounge and patio. Having successfully trialled the concept off the coast of Thailand – where the structures also served to restore a marine ecosystem beneath the waves – the first SeaPod community is under construction at Linton Bay Marina in northern Panama and is expected to debut later this year.

Waterlust by LA-based Indidesign is a scalable, eco-sensitive resort that floats on water, with guests guided by the idea of exploration, free from the constraints and limitations of a permanent structure.

The individual units feature pointed roofs for architectural interest, and each houses a hotel suite or facilities such as a dining space or spa, with interiors described as compact yet well equipped. The structures are grouped in clusters that, similar to the floating markets of Southeast Asia, are connected by buoyant platforms with additional outdoor space designed to enhance connection with the setting and reenergise mind, body and soul.

171

The Lobby 24 August 2021 COPENHAGEN

The Nordic hotel event returns with a stellar line-up of speakers, sponsors and supporters.

Words: Guy Dittrich

172

I

t may have been the end of summer but it

handful from further afield. Keynote speaker

felt like new beginnings in Copenhagen last

Ilse Crawford, founder of Studioilse opened the

month, as against all odds, The Lobby took

talks programme using her portfolio of projects

place, bringing together luminaries from the

to illustrate her views on the importance of

world of hotel architecture and design.

community in design; highlights included a

Organised by Dorte Bagge and Mads

shake-up of Cathay Pacific’s airport lounge to

Arlien-Søborg with support from Sleeper and

emphasise the importance of people, and Ett

a committed group of sponsors – namely

Hem, a small guesthouse in Stockholm where

Kvadrat, Carl Hansen & Son, Auping, Louis

the owner’s investment in the front-of-house

Poulsen, Vola and Harman – the third edition

team makes the real difference.

of The Lobby emphasised the need to make real

Staffing was also a theme for the discussion

life connections, with the idea of community

around creating a better world, with Pia

serving as a fitting theme.

Heidenmark Cook, Chief Sustainability Officer

The event opened with a meet-the-speakers

at Ingka Group, a holding company of Ikea,

cocktail evening hosted by D Studio, a new

talking about the retraining of personnel to

multi-brand design destination occupying a

adapt to its new online model. Hotelier Eugene

composition of beautifully restored 18th-century

Staal meanwhile promoted the idea of hotels

military buildings in the freetown of Christiania,

being more like a nurturing family unit with

now home to showrooms from B&B Italia,

management providing guidance for their talent,

Maxalto, Arclinea and Flos.

and Mikkel Juel Iversen, founder of Under One

The next day, The Lobby proper took place

Sky, highlighted the efforts of his organisation

at Villa Copenhagen, with the 200 delegates

to provide support to rough sleepers in London,

comprising Scandinavians, Europeans and a

many of whom were employed in the hotel

EVENTS

industry. “It’s a vehicle of social change and

Embassies of Good Living, a premium hybrid

makes way for a zig-zag of connected trails that

a civic duty,” he explained of the care and

model for cross-generational living via a rental

allow guests to ski-in, ski-out of every room.

compassion provided by his team of volunteers.

model within a boutique setting. Suzanne

Picking up on BIG’s core value of “giving form

And volunteering was just one of the

Oxenaar, Artistic Director of Seven New Things,

to the future”, Ingels transfixed the audience

sustainable initiatives explored by Guy

spoke of her work at Lloyd Hotel & Cultural

with tales of creating habitable spaces on the

Heywood, Chief Operating Officer for Six Senses

Embassy, and the Sweets Hotel project that

moon in cooperation with NASA as part of their

Hotels Resorts Spas. Referencing educational

brought new life to Amsterdam’s historic

Artemis programme. Incredible detail was

programmes at several of the group’s resorts,

bridge houses. And Rob Wagemans, founder

simplified by Ingels as he related the enormous

Heywood revealed how the group’s insistence

of Concrete Amsterdam, looked at his studio’s

body of knowledge held about how life on the

that owners donate 0.5% of total gross revenues

work on the inaugural cruise ship from Virgin

moon could be realised. NASA aims to put the

to a local development fund is a deal-breaker;

Voyages as well as the “extravagant simplicity”

first woman on the moon in 2024 and BIG’s

the funds are then used to support initiatives to

of the recently opened W Osaka. “This is a new

moon station – “a little gem on the edge of a

help local communities. Heywood has been busy

generation of W,” he declared. “A little more

crater on the South Pole of the moon” – within

with five openings in 2021, a prelude to their

mature and not just a selfie moment.”

the decade.

first major urban resorts in Rome, London and

By far the most radical item on the agenda

Of the event, Patricia Holler, founder of

New York, after an earlier property in Istanbul.

was the presentation by Bjarke Ingels, Founding

Woid Concepts summed up, stating: “It was

“Our plans for sustainable and community-

Partner of BIG, who asked ‘can we hospitalise

wonderful to come home with a sack full of new

based activities in these urban settings will

space?’ Ingels began by presenting BIG’s hotel

inspirations, new acquaintances and deepened

continue the great work at our resorts just in a

credentials via two projects – a Scandic hotel

friendships – what a joy!”

different context,” Heywood explained.

in Aarhus with interiors by Stylt Trampoli

The Lobby was the return to real-life events

With The Lobby looking to the ever-changing

and a hospitality venture for Swiss watch

the hotel sector has been waiting for, and

world of hospitality for its programme, the

manufacturer Audemars Piguet – where the

audience heard from Jan Garde about The

“shredding out of the typical guestroom stack”

Sleeper was delighted be part of its success.

www.thelobbycph.com

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W E

R E A L I Z E

W H AT

Y O U

I M A G I N E

We provide a quality and creative approach to custom made products exceeding our clients expectations.

INFO@ALHKG.COM WWW.ALHKG.COM

SPOTLIGHT BATHROOMS & AMENITIES With hygiene and cleanliness more important than ever, brands are re-examining how to make the washroom both functional and stylish.

Laufen The Kartell by Laufen Swiss brand Laufen and Italian company Kartell have reissued and expanded their joint collection of bathroom fixtures. The collaboration encompasses sanitaryware, washstands, faucets, showertrays and bathtubs, as well as furnishings and accessories. The relaunch expands on the original range, introducing new colours and finishes that can be combined in various ways to create open and adaptable spaces, challenging traditional bathroom designs. www.kartellbylaufen.com

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Tece TECEvelvet

2. Kallista Central Park West

3. Focus SB Bespoke Solutions

4. Roman Colours

TECEvelvet is a new type of toilet flush plate that is ultra-soft touch, super matte and completely resistant to fingerprints, scratches and cleaning agents. Designed

by Konstantin Grcic, the plate utilises the innovative, award-winning surface material from Italian manufacturer Arpa Industriale – Fenix NTM – for the first time in a bathroom setting to give an extremely opaque, velvety matte appearance. A new generation of acrylic resins forms a closed surface too, preventing the penetration of dust and water. Available in six trend-driven colours, the plate is compatible with Tece’s universal cistern and can be integrated into a wallcovering for a smooth finish. www.tece.de

Kallista and Robert A.M. Stern Architects have collaborated on Central Park West, a chic brassware series that captures the sophistication of early 20th century design. The versatile collection comprises multiple sink and bath faucets, a full range of showering components and complementing accessories, as well as a shower door handle pull, towel bar and handle escutcheon – a first for Kallista. Crafted from solid brass, the pieces feature classic design references, engraved fluting and stepped details.

Central Park West offers a complete bathroom solution designed to cater to both commercial hospitality and residential audiences. www.kallista.com

Focus SB enables hospitality designers to develop their own custom finishes based on its standard collection, for a bespoke design and finish solution across all electrical accessories specified throughout a guestroom interior.

Offering a wide variety of faceplate styles and metal finishes, Focus SB’s in-house manufacturing capabilities allow designers the flexibility to specify quality metal bathroom charging sockets to match light switches and socket outlets, do not disturb and bespoke multi-service combination bedhead plates, in addition to bathroom brassware, metal fixtures and fittings, and finish details across a range of interior styles. www.focus-sb.co.uk

Representing a breakthrough in soft close hinged doors, the Colours range features hinges hidden inside an advanced hydraulic soft close system; luxury PVD brass components with a large designer handle; low iron 10mm glass and a silicone-free wall fixing system. From any point of release, the doors will close themselves quickly, until the final soft close operation. Available in 10 colours, the Roman Dam system adapts to link the wall fixing beneath the glass and door to give complete water integrity. Glassto-glass corner joints also negate any need for silicone sealant, as a specialist invisible seal is supplied with the side panel and is activated during installation. www.roman-showers.com

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Aliseo Me Mirror

2. Riobel Parabola

3. Perrin & Rowe Langbourn

4. Kohler Brazn

Engineered for maximum efficiency, Aliseo’s ME Mirror offers a modern sense of visual comfort and luxury. Multiple rotating pivot joints ensure a wide range of precise movements that provide the best possible angular reflection, while Aliseo’s pin-point halo illumination is powered by an SMD LED shadow-free lighting platform that guarantees visual clarity and comfort. The ME Mirror effortlessly integrates a moulded translucent acrylic canopy too, which emits a distinctive backside light that defines a space within a space. Known for its versatility, clean lines and modern aesthetic, the ME Mirror is a natural addition to any bathroom interior. www.aliseo.de

Canadian manufacturer Riobel is launching in EMEAA this Autumn, bringing its distinctive blend of North American flair and European panache to a global audience for the first time. The brand’s design language is exemplified by the Parabola brassware collection, which draws inspiration from a parabolic surface – the only surface that allows focusing of multiple elements into a single point.

A winner at the Grands Prix du Design, Parabola’s sculptural shape and nuanced details demonstate Riobel’s mastery of geometric forms. Refined in a chrome finish or boldly sophisticated in black, the Parabola collection brings something fresh and exciting to the bathroom. www.riobel.design

Brassware is often defined as traditional or contemporary, but many bathrooms don’t easily fall into either category. Perrin & Rowe’s new Langbourn collection is similarly hard to classify. Specified in a Polished Brass finish, the range has a tradition feel, but in chrome it would suit any transitional or contemporary bathroom. As with all Perrin & Rowe brassware, Langbourn is cast by hand in England from a high-grade brass, before being precision-machined and handpolished. Every tap is fully water-tested as part of quality assurance. Langbourn is a comprehensive collection covering every format of bath and basin, with a choice of matching shower systems. www.perrinandrowe.co.uk

The Brazn suite from Kohler takes inspiration from the Modernist movement with pieces that combine the simplicity of minimalism with elegant, functional solutions. Available in Honed Black or White, the Brazn collection includes a freestanding bath, vessel basins, undercounter basins and three toilet options: a one-piece toilet that integrates tank and bowl and benefits from an elongated seat; a two-piece toilet; and a wall-hung toilet that enhances the clean aesthetic of the piece and space. The freestanding bath has been designed to support the curves of the body, while the vessel basin features an asymmetric front for both form and function. www.kohlercompany.com

HighLine Colour

B R I N G P E R S O N A L I T Y A N D H A R M O N Y I N T O T H E B AT H R O O M U n id ra in Ref rame Co l lect i o n i s a s e r i e s of b at hro o m ac c e s s o r i e s gro un d e d i n S ca n d in avia n d e sig n an d q ual i t y – w hi ch p ai red w i t h t h e award - w i nn i ng H i gh Li n e C o lo u r f loor d ra in s g i ve s yo u t h e o pp o r t u ni t y to match al l met al d et ai l s. Th i s i s yo u r o pp o r t u ni t y of ref rami n g t he b at hro o m ex p e r i e nc e.

www.unidrain.com

SPOTLIGHT

Geberit AquaClean Shower Toilet

PRODUCT INNOVATION Washing with water technology has always been at the heart of Swiss manufacturer Geberit’s product innovations. Its original shower toilet, the ‘Geberella,’ launched back in 1978 and brought groundbreaking technology to the market, with a WC enhancement solution and built-in spray functionality. The seat was also designed to fit virtually any ceramic bowl and came in a range of colours that matched with the bathroom furnishings of the day.

Geberit’s AquaClean shower toilet was then introduced in 2011 and continues to pave the way for washing with water revolution today.

ENHANCING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE From odour extraction technology that purifies the air to an automatic lifting seat that rises as the user approaches, AquaClean incorporates a range of features that have been designed to improve guest experience with wellness and hygiene front of mind.

At the touch of a button, the shower toilet’s integrated spray function provides users with a

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fresh-out-of-the-shower feeling, with premium models also offering features like orientation lighting and heated seating.

Designed by London-based architect Christoph Behling, each model brings with it a contemporary, compact wall-hung design that can complement any washroom aesthetic.

SELLING EXPERIENCES As the trend for selling experiences and creating an escape continues, so too does the value of developing innovative products that build strong, positive memories and ensure customers keep coming back.

Considering how we can improve both mental and physical wellbeing through a multi-sensory approach can also help transform the humble bathroom into a modern day sanctuary. Key to this approach for Geberit is biophilic design, which encompasses everything from surfaces and design choices, to air quality, ventilation, acoustics and lighting. www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk/hotelowners

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Roca In-Wash In-Tank

2. Unidrain ClassicLine

3. Acquabella Acquawhite

4. Agape Evo 21

Roca’s latest innovation in shower toilets – the In-Wash In-Tank – combines maximum hygiene and greater freedom of installation. The Soft Air injection system provides an effective yet quiet flush, while its two simultaneous water outlets guarantee a stronger flow with minimum water consumption. The state-of-the-art In-Tank is combined with the advanced hygiene of In-Wash to offer a front and rear wash, with the In-Wash nozzle able to adjusted to reach delicate areas thanks to its oscillating massage, which also provides gentle drying. The removable nozzle disinfects itself before and after each use and includes an extractable tip for in-depth cleaning. www.uk.roca.com

First introduced in 2003, ClassicLine is the original linear floor drain that helped establish Unidrain. The patented wall and floor flanges, which enable the drain to be positioned against the wall while ensuring the surfaces remain 100% waterproof, were a game-changer in the drainage world. Unidrain has expanded the original design series to include six different options in brushed stainless steel: the Column, Stripe, Anniversario, Classic, Square and Inca, each with their own unique grating design. Available as matching brushed stainless steel soap shelves, the new patterns both create effective drainage and enhance stylish shower and floor surfaces. www.unidrain.com

Spanish bathroom manufacturer Acquabella’s new Acquawhite collection has made its UK debut. Inspired by the purest forms of nature, the range features refined and minimalist lines and puts the colour white centrestage. Made from Dolotek, Acquabella’s environmentally friendly, UV- and shock-resistant, easyto-clean and anti-bacterial material, the Acquawhite collection comprises a range of bathtubs, totems, basins and worktops for the contract market. Joining the growing Acquabella portfolio of trays, furniture, wall panels, shower columns and accessories, the series captures the popular spa theme, with more than a soupçon of hotel glamour. www.acquabella.com

Designed by Giampaolo Benedini, Evo 21 is a newly developed storage system inspired by the trilithion – the original architectural architype according to Benedini. The chest is closed only on the sides and bottom with two horizontal beams that give strength and stability, while the top can freely accommodate any Agape countertop washbasin including the new Undici range, also created by Benedini Associati. Conceived to offer ultimate simplicity in configuration and installation, Evo 21 brings together structural flexibility and creative freedom, with numerous potential combinations of materials and finishes offering a wide range of distinctive looks. www.agapedesign.it

Shower enclosure with Brushed Brass hardware, integrated solid surface panel and vanity unit.

With a Matt White anti-slip shower tray, Onyx Dust vanity top and Natural Halifax Oak drawer unit

Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 36 years, and is home to the UK’s largest manufacturing plant.

All Roman products are designed and created in Britain, offering the ultimate in quality, precision and craftsmanship.

▪ UK Manufacturer and Dedicated In-House Design Team

▪ Products Exceed all Compliance Standards

▪ Supplier to Major International Hotel Groups

▪ Promotes Sustainability and Circular Economy

▪ Experienced in Large Project Work with Bespoke Product Capability

▪ Global Manufacturer to over 60 International Markets

▪ Bespoke Joinery and Case Goods Manufacturer

▪ Solid Surface Fabrication of Basins, Vanity Units and Bathroom Structures

Visit our A&D Showrooms; London, UK: 648 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW6 2DU Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Cosentino Centre Kuala Lumpur, Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh, 47000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

www.roman-showers.com

SPOTLIGHT

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1. Bette BetteEve

2. Malmo Stickdown Luxury Vinyl Tile

3. Vola RS11

4. Groupe GM La Compagnie de Provence

Designed by Dominik Tesseraux, BetteEve is a modern interpretation of the elliptical shape of the planetary orbits celebrated

by Baroque artists and architects. The range comprises three models each made from glazed titanium-steel: an oval built-in bath with a 20mm rim that blends seamlessly with surrounding furniture; a rectangular built-in bath that allows flushmounted installation; and a freestanding bath, which is available in over 400 colours, including matte white, glittering midnight and flattering blue satin. At 180 x 100cm, BetteEve is a natural and comfortable bath that features symmetrical back rests, making it suitable for two to bathe together. www.my-bette.com

Malmo has updated its collection of stickdown luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring to include 13 new designs. Ideal for the bathroom, the flooring is water and slip-resistant, sound absorbent, naturally warm and suitable for use with water-piped underfloor heating. The new décors comprise seven planks, five tiles and a herringbone option, with designs spanning large square concrete and cement-effect tiles, elegant woodgrains and a chic light grey herringbone.

Offering a durable 0.55mm wear layer with greater impact resistance than tiles, Malmo stickdown LVT delivers a smooth surface that is easy to clean and does not require ongoing maintenance. www.malmoflooring.com

In response to the global pandemic and a focus on hygiene, Vola has launched the RS11 as part of a new series of dispensers designed to make sanitation as inviting as possible. The RS11 dispenser is available in three configurations – freestanding, wall-mounted and table-mounted – to suit any environment. Comprising a wellproportioned one-litre capacity cylinder, the device is adaptable for dispensing hand sanitiser gel, foam and soap, and is easy to clean and refill. The extruded aluminium cylinder, available in black or white, is also resistant to fingerprints.

Each option is available in the full range of 27 Vola colours and is powered by rechargable batteries. www.en.vola.com

La Compagnie de Provence has launched its third exclusive fragranced amenity line in partnership with Groupe GM. Designed in the heart of Provence, the hotel line is perfumed with the ‘Extra Pur’ collection’s bestseller, Olivewood. The range is offered in 40ml tubes of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body milk, as well as scented soaps available in 30g and 50g. In line with Groupe GM’s Care About Earth programme, the packaging is made from a 90% plant-based material with a recycled plastic cap. The range also features the 300ml Ecopump in recycled plastic with a bio-resin pump, designed to reduce waste by dispensing the exact amount of product needed. www.groupegm.com

The original

Hands-free Dispenser

Sculptural and hard-wearing.

Hand-made sustainably in Denmark.

Explore the product on vola.com RS11/3 Freestanding hands-free sanitiser spirit, foam or fluid soap/sanitiser gel dispenser in brushed gold.

Follow us on instagram for more inspirational design and architecture @vola.denmark VOLA INTERNATIONAL STUDIO 32-36 Great Portland Street London W1W 8QX Tel.: 020 7580 7722 | sales@vola.co.uk

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

vola.com

SPOTLIGHT

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3.

4.

1.

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1. Absolute Lifestyle Manila

2. Ritmonio Elementa

3. Schluter Systems Schlüter-Shelf

4. Ideal Standard Silk Black

Based in Hong Kong, Absolute Lifestyle is a boutique product design company specialising in the design and manufacture of elegant and luxurious products for the hospitality and residential markets. Its team of developers, interior and product designers, and hotel consultant have a deep knowledge of materials and designs suitable for the hospitality sector. With existing product lines and the ability to create bespoke solutions, Absolute Lifestyle caters to every budget and area of a project, while its sister company – hospitality consultancy AL Studio – specialises in decorative products, curated styling, procurement and installation. www.alhkg.com

Ritmonio has unveiled Elementa, a new collection of accessories designed to give everyone the opportunity to shape made-to-measure environments and to create new ways of embellishing spaces. Available in 19 finishes and various materials including stainless steel, the range comprises modules of various sizes and lengths, which can be assembled together according to taste or functional needs. Dynamic with a clean design, the individual elements can be combined to create unique and personalised combinations that respect the architectrual characteristics and mood of a space, from the classic shelf to toothbrush holders and soap dispensers. www.ritmonio.it

The Schlüter-Shelf range is a stylish addition to bathrooms, wetrooms and shower rooms. Available in five designs, various sizes and multiple finishes including brushed stainless steel and textured options, there is no end to the creative possibilities on offer. For refurbished bathrooms, most shelf variants can be easily retrofitted into the joints of tiled walls. Alternatively, for newbuild projects, all shelves can integrated into the tile assembly during the installation stage. To create a cohesive and coordinated look, the shelf design and colour can be matched to a Schlüter-Kerdi shower drain grate, as well as tile edge profiles. www.schluterspecifier.co.uk

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has launched a new Silk Black finish across a selection of the company’s Bathroom Collections ranges, which comprise taps and mixers, basins, toilets, shower trays, shower enclosures, furniture and accessories. Offering a contemporary alternative to traditional white and chrome bathroom suites, the new finish enables designers to elevate any room with an all-black effect or create visual contrast with a touch of black. Suitable for injecting new life into renovation projects as well as making a statement on newbuilds, the Silk Black finish can create an intimate and powerful atmosphere in any hotel bathroom. www.idealstandard.co.uk

WHITE TULIP www.duravit.co.uk

DUK_SpaceAqua_WhiteTulip_236x275.indd 1

22.07.21 10:49

SPOTLIGHT

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3.

188

4.

1. Sanipex Group Anthracite

2. Duravit White Tulip

3. Kaldewei Superplan Zero

4. Tom Dixon Travel Collection

The soft gunmetal hue of the new Anthracite brassware finish brings a fresh twist to contemporary bathroom design.

Bagnodesign’s Revolution mixers, M-Line Showering and Options Round accessory collections now feature products available in Anthracite, including a variety of basin, bath and shower mixers, as well as accessories for a complete, comprehensive look. An alternative to the brand’s popular Matt Black and Zanzibar finishes, Anthracite pairs harmoniously with grey-toned marble tiles and slabs, in addition to organic textures such as natural stone and wood. It is also versatile enough to work across a range of design aesthetics, from traditional to modern. www.sanipexgroup.com

White Tulip is the first complete bathroom range created entirely by Philippe Starck for Duravit. The elegant silhouettes and shapes of the components within the series echo the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom. Inspired by Starck’s love of natural forms, the collection features sophisticated sanitaryware, brassware, soft-close furniture and complementary heated mirrors with app-controlled lighitng. Designed to harmonise with all interior styles, White Tulip is available in various sizes and finishes including five colours in high gloss or satin matte lacquer and solid wood fronts in Natural Oak or American Walnut, complete with an anti-scratch and fingerprint coating. www.duravit.co.uk

Developed by Berlin-based designer Werner Aisslinger, Superplan Zero is a steel enamelled shower surface with an absolute floor-level finish. Characterised by elegant and precise lines, the surface becomes one with the floor as its narrow edges make it possible to tile directly up to the shower edge with near invisble joints. The waste is positioned close to the wall to ensure comforty and safety.

The steel enamel base is both luxurious due to its glass surface, and thoroughly sustainable thanks to its durability and 100% recyclability. Created using a patented manufacturing process, Superplan Zero comes in a wide variety of colours and dimensions. www.kaldewei.co.uk

With expertise in designing interiors and products, Tom Dixon is bringing his aesthetic to a range of amenities for the first time, featuring the unique Underground fragrance – an evocative blend of ginger, cardamom and vetiver.

“Underground is a reference to the hidden world of creativity that is always happening invisibly in music, fashion and art,” says Dixon. “It’s instantly recognisable, fresh, cleansing, unisex and rarely used in the perfume industry.”

Available exclusively through Buzz, the collection is designed to elevate the senses and comes in a full range of formats, including large bottles with a custom-designed bracket solution. www.buzzproducts.com

TOUCH OF MAGIC High-tech material for an ­ ultrasoft feel and extremely matte ­appearance. The ­ TECEvelvet ­toilet flush plate made of ­innovative FENIX NTM®.

More insights, more highlights You can now also find these and other new products in our digital new ­products portal TECEspotlight.

See you there! spotlight.tece.com

TECE GmbH | Hollefeldstrasse 57 | 48282 Emsdetten | www.tece.com | international-business@tece.de | T + 49 25 72 / 9 28 - 999

Only stands out if you want it to.

Pure design.

Complete creative freedom.

The first shower tile: BetteAir. betteair.my-bette.com

*1 Further information on our guarantee terms

at www.my-bette.com

SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Bolon Bolon by Patricia Urquiola Swedish design company Bolon has collaborated with architect and designer Patricia Urquiola to launch a new flooring collection. Comprising one design that comes in four colours – grey, beige with blue details, a claycoloured pink and a calm green – the range contains recycled materials, and has a high-performance classification of 33 Heavy commercial. While working on the series, Urquiola found a resemblance between the weaving technique of Bolon flooring and the Japanese tradition of Sashiko stitches.

By developing, experimenting and combining the two, the colours, patterns and designs emerged naturally. www.bolon.com

SPECIFIER

BRAND LAUNCH

L.Ercolani

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To commemorate over a century of furniture making, Ercol has launched L.Ercolani, a new refined luxury brand named after founder Lucian Ercolani.

Combining Ercol’s past and future heritage, the brand is the new home to classic pieces such as the Butterfly chair and Studio couch, as well as original works from a collection of both international and homegrown designers.

Inspired by the tactile, elemental beauty of wood, L.Ercolani reinvents and reinterprets Ercol’s unadorned aesthetic using solid ash and walnut. Made by expert craftsmen at Ercol’s 16,000m2 factory, L.Ercolani furniture maintains the founder’s approach of combining traditional furniture-making with state-of-the-art technology by using CNC machines alongside traditional approaches such as steam bending, dovetail, wedge and tenon techniques.

“As we move into our 101st year of business, we are proud to launch a new British brand inspired by my great-grandfather,” says Henry Tadros, Director of L.Ercolani. “He believed in making furniture that was modern and honest,

designed and crafted to be cherished for generations. His iconic pieces from the 1950s inform our DNA, but much like Lucian always looked to the future, we too are looking to create a new collection, combining archival and original designs.”

A standout piece from the launch is the low-slung Reprise lounge chair designed by Danish studio Norm Architects. Uniting Ercol’s woodturning and steambending techniques with classic 1950s Danish design, the weighty, spindle-back chair, worked in either solid walnut or ash, reflects L.Ercolani’s considered ethos and warm minimalist aesthetic.

“By partnering with global design talents, we are challenging our perceptions, evolving our collections with fresh eyes and diverse perspectives,” Tadros continues. “United in our belief that the key parameters in quality furniture are form and function, we are creating thoughtful pieces with a distinct yet enduring presence, imparting a sense of home, heritage and belonging.” www.lercolani.com

The Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages

Please visit us: Stand 728 Cruise Ship Interiors Expo tableplacechairs.com | 0330 1222 117 | EC1V 7DA

SPECIFIER

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CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

Sanipex Group The Coach House and The Stables, Ripon

Tuuci Falisia, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Portopiccolo

Named after their former functions, The Coach House and The Stables sit right on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales in Ripon.

Situated in the oldest city in England, one might expect to find a traditional design style that pays homage to the history of the area – yet there is a contemporary twist to this conversion.

The attention to detail by owners James and Ali Mortimer makes the project feel more residential, which in turn exudes a welcoming and intimate ambience across open-plan kitchens and five spacious bedroom suites decorated with luxurious soft furnishings and a carefully curated art collection by local creator David Stead. The same level of familiar luxury awaits in the bathrooms, all of which boast views over the rural countryside beyond and are equipped with lacquered Zanzibar finish brassware by Bagnodesign, one of Sanipex Group’s premium sanitaryware brands. Whilst each has its own individual sense of character, a common theme of rest and recuperation runs throughout the spaces, with sumptuous bathtubs and walk-in showers allowing guests to practice self-care and wash any troubles away.

In the elegant master bathroom, conserved beams complement wooden countertops, atop which sit bold basins that wouldn’t be out of place in a trendy hotel bar. One might also expect the freestanding stone bath to be the centrepiece here, yet onyx-effect slab tiles by Del Conca – another of Sanipex’s brands – draw the eye in the form of a striking feature-wall behind the shower. www.sanipexgroup.com

Tuuci has supplied over 300 shades to Falisia, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Italy’s charming coastal village of Portopiccolo.

Situated along a 300-metre shore area that also includes a private marina and yacht club, the property’s beach club has been equipped with the Bay Master FiberFlex Classic and Ocean Master M1 Zero Horizon models. Whilst both feature Tuuci’s patented bracket system, the former takes its inspiration from the windswept ocean and desert landscapes of the Baja Peninsula – incorporating flexible fiberglass struts that absorb punishing wind conditions, sudden gusts and corrosive salt air environments – and the latter takes a more minimalist approach to shade equipment design, maximising the overhead umbrella utility with a zero vertical canopy profile that provides a minimal fixture impact in any enclave.

“We decided to use the Tuuci parasols in the two most iconic areas of the Portopiccolo Beach Club because the elegance, design and technology absolutely correspond to the style of Portopiccolo,” explains the hotel’s management team.

Since it was founded in 1997, Tuuci has launched a wide range of products including classic umbrellas, cabanas and lounges in contemporary design as well as in vintage style, all of which are handcrafted. In addition to aesthetics, Tuuci attaches great importance to the long-lasting quality of its products and their ease of use. As such, a number of major hotel chains and luxury resorts have selected the brand’s products for projects around the world. www.tuuci.com

INTRODUCING THE HAMPTON COLLECTION Ideal for hospitality settings • Ask about our recover service for custom fabric shades

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

SPECIFIER

SkLO Website Launch Sitting at the intersection of modern Californian design and centuries-old Czech glass tradition, SkLO has been supplying lighting and sculptural glass accessories to the hospitality sector for over a decade, with partners Karen Gilbert and Paul Pavlak crafting handblown collections that aim to achieve “the simplest expression of beauty”. The brand’s latest endeavour was to launch a new website that allows clients to experience its work and connect with the SkLO story, inviting architects and designers to discover the many colours and finish options on offer – from opaque and transparent to brushed brass, oxidised metals and polished nickel – with opportunities to tailor the look of fixtures to their projects. www.sklo.com

CASE STUDY

JOI-Design Fraser Suites, Hamburg Hamburg-based studio JOI-Design has revived the glamour of the Golden Twenties with the first Fraser Suites in their home city, creating a journey through time that highlights the hotel’s history as the listed headquarters of a former tax authority. Art Deco interior touches recall the style starting to emerge during the building’s 1910 construction and were inspired by the light and elegant details rediscovered during the renovation, while on closer inspection, elements echo the 1950s period of the property’s last major reconstruction following the war. Velvets in slate blue and platinum contrast with chocolate-hued marble cladding and plush carpet, all enlivened with gilt accents such as scalloped wall panels and a twinkling galaxy of illuminated ceiling lights. This palette of complementary colours brings a fresh lightness to the lobby’s heavy timber and stone elements, alluding to the many waterways of the maritime Hanseatic locale. In restoring the property, JOIDesign has revived the epochs of the past while sensitively transporting them to more modern times. www.joi-design.com

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THE PODCAST

Manufacturing experts at Wood Couture roll down their workshop sleeves and sit down at a microphone for their new podcast show.

The Wood Couture Podcast launches with a series of interviews with personalities within the ecosystem of hospitality, design & leisure.

The show provides a forum for discussing current and timeless information, sharing ideas, and getting to know the figures who help shape & influence the larger community. Among the many topics discussed in this pilot are sustainability, gender equality, the future of hospitality, and everyone’s favorite trigger word: value-engineering. However, the most interesting moments come from glimpses into the lives and quirks of the guests whom we typically put up on a pedestal. The audience follows Filippo Sona, a co-founder of Wood Couture and host of the program, who picks the brains of these legends and in the process learns who they are, what drives them, and what insights they can provide.

The show has so far released episodes featuring Kristina Zanic, Luca Franco, Robbyn Carter and Neel Shukla as of this writing. It promises more engaging conversations and insightful commentaries as the show continues. All episodes are available on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify.

Sitting Down with Industry Rock Stars

www.woodcouture.com

SPECIFIER

Nanimarquina Formula Contract Nanimarquina has launched a new contract division to provide bespoke solutions and address the needs of architects and designers. To kick-start the venture, the Spanish manufacturer has unveiled the Formula Contract collection, which has been created with sustainability in mind. Handmade in India and Pakistan, the series comprises five models and 30 colours, offering more than 250 possible combinations for both indoor and outdoor settings.

The collection is also crafted using local fibres and recycled materials, from Eco-sheen and Jutex biodegradable to chemicalfree cleaning products and recycled plastic packaging. www.nanimarquina.com

Elstead Lighting Somerset by Hinkley The Somerset collection by American manufacturer Hinkley exudes a quiet and precise sophistication, fusing modernity and vintage elements such as a streamlined metal yoke and ring that frames either a white or clear G-bulb, together with understated turned metal knocks for an authentic touch. The pendants are suitable for use in bars and restaurants as well as above a check-in counter, while the semi-flush globes are ideal for corridors and rooms with lower ceiling heights. Offered in Heritage Brass, Brushed Nickel or Black finish, the range is available in the UK from Elstead Lighting. www.elsteadlighting.com

Wood Couture Shock Sticker Being prepared for setbacks is essential in hitting a hotel’s targeted opening date, especially when it comes to shipping and receiving new furniture. Helping to combat the undiscovered issues that arise when unboxing FF&E items, Wood Couture’s new Shock Stickers work as an indicator to determine whether a package has taken on a force more than normal handling or shaking, with a red mark signalling that the item within has potentially sustained damage. As such, the manufacturer can instruct its logistics partners to look out for the mark, allowing hoteliers to make agile responses rather than wait for shipments to arrive on site. www.woodcouture.com

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SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Newhey Carpets Telegraph Hotel, Coventry Newhey Carpets has manufactured carpet for the Telegraph Hotel in Coventry, which opened earlier this year under the operation of Bespoke Hotels following a two-year, £18million refurbishment.

Home to the city’s newspaper for over five decades, The Telegraph Building now comprises 88 guestrooms, a 110-cover restaurant and a 160-seat function room, as well as two ground-floor bars and a rooftop bar overlooking Belgrade Plaza.

Tasked with designing the interiors, Oliver Redfern of Squid Inc – who Newhey has worked with previously, providing custommade carpets for Manchester’s Grade II*-listed Hotel Gotham, also operated by Bespoke Hotels – specified the Atlas range from the brand’s wool-rich Connect Naturals collection, which features a pattern inspired by geometric design in warm contrasting greys.

Bespoke Colortec carpets were also designed for the corridors, with inspiration drawn from the building’s original chequerboard flooring, while customised carpet was supplied for the function areas ahead of events taking place during the Coventry UK City of Culture 2021. In total, over 4,300m2 of wool-rich, heavy commercial carpets were expertly fitted by local contractor Midlands Flooring.

“Working with Newhey on such a unique project in Coventry was a delight,” comments Redfern on the collaboration. “The firm’s Atlas collection offered the perfect Mid-Century vibe required for the project, whilst the bespoke designs brought about a connection to the building that added another layer to the retelling of its past.” www.newheycarpets.co.uk

Life Fitness The Stanglwirt, Austria

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Photo credit: www.nicksmithphotography.com

Life Fitness has teamed up with The Stanglwirt in Austria to renew its hotel gym with a revised concept that is precisely tailored to the requirements of today’s traveller who want to maintain, and even improve, their physical wellbeing while on the road.

“We have noticed that our guests are increasingly asking for specific equipment or training methods,” says Björn Schulz, Sports Director at The Stanglwirt. For the planning of the new ‘Fitnessgarten’, the team has therefore been working with Markus Duller, Vertical Sales Manager DACH at Life Fitness, for the past year to curate the best possible selection for its residents.

“We chose Life Fitness for several reasons,” adds Maria Hauser, Junior Manager of the wellness hotel. “On the one hand, the function of the equipment is perfect and well thought-out down to the last detail. Secondly, the look and feel is very high-quality.”

Originally however, the collaboration was triggered by a recommendation from a very special person. “We came across Life Fitness through our friend and regular guest Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is passionate about training on Hammer Strength equipment,” Hauser explains. Among other things, the star actor used the apparatus while on the set of blockbuster film series The Terminator to keep in shape. After the end of filming, he sent the equipment – which remains in use as part of the hotel’s fitness facility – to The Stanglwirt and as a result connected the five-star resort with the team at Life Fitness. www.lifefitness.com

Tina Norden, partner, Conran and Partners

Vince Stroop, founder, Stroop

Cédric Etienne, founder, Studio Corkinho

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TA LKIN’ BOUT A REV OLUTION Hotel design in our post-pandemic age must understand and respond to social change. HIX is your new event, leading this new conversation for our new world.

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Lasting Impression

The passing of Peter Corby, inventor of the iconic Corby Trouser Press, reignites an admiration for the game-changing guestroom staple.

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From Sir James Dyson to Russell Hobbs, British

the trouser press became something of a target

innovators have streamlined many aspects of

in British comedy over the years – who could

daily life, becoming household names in the

forget Steve Coogan’s alter-ego Alan Partridge

process. Lesser-known but equally influential –

dismantling the contraption in his budget hotel

particularly in the world of hotels – was Peter

room as a means of alleviating boredom? Yet

Corby, the man behind the Corby Trouser Press.

sixty years on, the Corby Trouser Press is still

Inspired by the temperature controls aboard

going strong. Manufactured in Huddersfield by

Concorde, the inventor built on the technology

new owners Fired Up Corporation, the brand

developed by his father to incorporate an

has built on the global success of the pioneering

electric heating pad into a multi-purpose valet

device, expanding to produce a variety of hotel

stand. Billed as both ‘man’s best friend’ and

guestroom electricals ranging from irons and

the solution to baggy knees, the appliance was

hairdryers to kettles, minibars and even security

designed to hang a jacket and press trousers

safes. With innovation and engineering firmly

back into shape adding a neat vertical crease.

rooted in its DNA, the company has brought

As popularity grew through the 1980s, the press

the iconic device into the 21st century with the

was installed in almost every hotel room up

introduction of a sleeker Executive model that

and down the country, effectively solidifying

will ensure Corby’s legacy lives on in guestrooms

its cult status. Despite its ubiquitous presence,

around the world.

Sleep your best sleep with a quiet air purifier

In the highly competitive hospitality industry, wellness is a trend that is growing in importance. Hotel air quality management is an area that can provide great value to customers and be a competitive advantage, so it’s no surprise that hotel air purifiers are increasingly common.

Page8 is one of London’s first hotels to protect guests from air pollution by placing air purifiers from Blueair in all 138 rooms.

The new Blue air purifier combines plug and play simplicity with signature Blueair performance, giving you clean air at the touch of a button.

Equipped with Blueair’s unique HEPASilent™ filtra­tion technology that effectively removes germs, allergens, dust, mold, pet dander and microplastics. With interchangeable premium pre-filters inspired by Scandinavian nature, Blue is designed to fit your personal style.

Today, our award-winning air purifiers create the safest environment for you and your family.

To learn more visit: blueair.com/gb/blueair-for-business-mow.html