Sleeper 99

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

PORT – EASTBOURNE • AVI BROSH • ACE HOTEL – BROOKLYN

Fuse 3

Follow @astrolighting www.astrolighting.com

CONTENTS ISSUE 99 082

HOTEL REVIEWS

145

The Londoner

059

Nature Eco Residences

069

London

Santorini

Kempinski Palace Engelberg 075 Swiss Alps

Habitas 082 Namibia

109

Six Senses

090

Numo Ierapetra

099

25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino

106

Hotel Riomar

109

Ibiza

Crete

© Ana Lui

© Kleinjan Groenvald

Florence Ibiza

126

Port 114 Eastbourne

Cheval Blanc Paris

119

LOCATION REPORT NEW YORK

As the USA reopens international borders, its most-visited city welcomes a host of new hotels in the hope that travellers will return. We take a look at the latest arrivals and future pipeline.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn

126

Civilian 132 © Stephen Kent Johnson

Park Lane

138

Pendry Manhattan West

145

003

CONTENTS ISSUE 99 FEATURES

059

Meeting... Avi Brosh

040

Meeting... Tony Capuano

047

After planting flags in Santa Barbara and Portland, the founder and creative force behind Palisociety talks about having an integrated approach, independent spirit and eclectic style.

As Marriott continues to expand its global footprint, Sleeper speaks to the group’s newly appointed CEO during IHIF to discuss taking the helm, the industry at large and plans for growth.

AHEAD 165

© Henry Bourne

040

099

From a tented camp in Utah’s Canyon Point to a vintage museum-style hotel in China’s Yunnan province, the winners of AHEAD Americas and AHEAD Asia represent the best of hospitality experience and design for 2021.

REGULARS Check-In 024 Drawing Board

026

The Lobby

051

Business Centre

154

Fabrics, Surfaces & Wallcoverings

181

Beds & Mattresses

195

Specifier 201 Check-Out 138

181

© Adrian Gaut

004

226

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Together Again

W

e don’t often go in for issue-wide themes in Sleeper,

force behind establishing the group was the realisation that

instead preferring to feature the best new hotel

travellers wanted to connect with like-minded people. And in

openings around the world, regardless of sector,

Bali, Ronald Akili’s Desa Potato Head is bringing its community

size or style. But in the final stages of putting this edition

together – both over the radio waves and in-person – with

together – in which we proofread the entire magazine from

a new on-site studio and record store. Also featured in the

cover-to-cover – there was one topic that cropped up time

following pages, hotelier Avi Brosh describes how the spirit of

and time again; that of togetherness.

coming together at a time of crisis led to conversations that

No doubt an after-effect of a certain virus that has kept people apart for so long, the reality of being able to get

wouldn’t have been had otherwise, subsequently resulting in an exciting portfolio acquisition.

together again has come to define the post-pandemic era.

By a stroke of luck, togetherness is also the topic that will

It would seem we’re all in need of not only an experience,

be explored in a Sleeper-hosted seminar at Hix in November,

but a shared experience, with hotels playing host to the most

with Jason Steere, Managing Director of Brand & Experience

anticipated reunion in a generation.

at The Student Hotel, amongst the speakers discussing how

Despite the variety of interviewees in this issue, not to

the design and development of hospitality spaces, as well as

mention the assortment of roles they play and properties

their culture and programming, can better foster connections,

they represent, talk of togetherness emerges as a shining

cultivating the idea of being a community rather than a service

example of the importance of hospitality venues. At Civilian

provider. And as Hix draws to a close, Sleeper will host its own

in New York, hotelier Jason Pomeranc explains that the

get-together through the AHEAD awards platform. In the first

overriding theme of his latest brand is togetherness, while

European event in two years, the ceremony is set to be the

David Rockwell adds that, through lockdown, he thought a lot

celebratory gathering we’ve all been waiting for.

about why people need to be together and brought his ideas to

If there’s one good thing that has come out of this pandemic,

the hotel’s interiors. Across the river at Ace Hotel Brooklyn,

it’s the widespread recognition that the hospitality sector

the group’s president Brad Wilson reveals that the goal has

has received in bringing people together. So in the spirit of

always been to make guests feel like they’re part of a tribe. And

togetherness, we hope to see you in person at AHEAD on

Yabu Pushelberg – the design duo behind two of this issue’s

Friday 19 November. In the meantime, enjoy your stay.

projects – believe that the best hotels are the ones that bring people together.

The sentiment is the same in Namibia, where Habitas recently made its African debut. In conversation with Sleeper, co-founder Oliver Ripley explains that the original driving

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

019

GUEST BOOK

132

106

© Johnny Miller

056

© Shayan Asgharnia

© Rachel Ecclestone

© Giovanni Gastel

059

106 Paola Navone

132 Jason Pomeranc

056 Jason Steere

059 Yabu Pushelberg

“Wherever you look, you are immersed in a magical universe that engages the senses, naturally welcoming you into our interpretation of Dante’s atmospheres and inspiring a sense of wonder and surprise,” says designer Paola Navone of her Divine Comedy-inspired interiors for 25hours Hotels’ Italian debut in Florence. This isn’t Navone’s first foray into hospitality however, having worked closely with Como Hotels & Resorts on properties around the world including in Phuket, Miami and Tuscany.

While New York was hunkering down amidst a pandemic, the ever-ambitious Jason Pomeranc was busy conceptualising Civilian, a Broadway-inspired hotel in the city’s Theater District, featuring interiors by hospitality veteran David Rockwell. Before launching Civilian, Pomeranc and his brothers founded Sixty Collective – a portfolio of luxury boutiques in New York and Los Angeles, each with its own unique design.

Building on the success of these properties, Civilian will be a new iteration that stands on its own.

“We build dynamic spaces that make it possible for a creative community to come together and enjoy the power of a shared experience,” says Jason Steere, Managing Director of Brand & Experience at The Student Hotel. Since joining the group in 2016, Steere has been on a mission to create memorable experiences – something that he and Amber Vesterborg, Director of Sustainability & Impact, will discuss at Hix during a session on how hotels can forge togetherness through design and programming.

Dynamic duo George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg have been particularly busy of late, with not one but two projects featured in this issue of Sleeper – a sprawling urban resort in Leicester Square for Edwardian Hotels London, and a whimsy-packed property on New York’s Central Park South for Highgate. The studio’s extensive body of work also saw it receive the Outstanding Contribution Award at AHEAD Americas 2021, which recognises celebrated industry figures and their contribution to the sector.

021

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

c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Ben Thomas

b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard

e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Content & Research Olivia Mavers o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi EVENTS & MARKETING

Brand Director Amy Wright

l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney

k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

a.wright@mondiale.co.uk

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme

CORPORATE

Event Manager Vicky Cruse

Chairman Damian Walsh

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

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

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xxx

CHECK-IN

Rose Murray Having transformed an 800-year-old farmhouse in Italy’s Piedmont wine region into an escapist 12-bed retreat, the Director of These White Walls takes a fantasy break to a private Ionian island, where a forested haven awaits.

Where are you?

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

Would you like something to drink with that?

A private island in Greece’s Ionian Sea; it’s

The architecture is unfussy, comprising a cluster

I’ll go for a glass of local wine and ask the

a forested haven with sandy beaches, hidden

of classic low-rise, white-washed villas hidden

sommelier to surprise me.

coves and crumbling ruins that cascade down

between the trees, with shuttered windows that

the cliffside towards the turquoise waters.

open out onto views of the water. Materials

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

are earth-toned to blend seamlessly with the

A naughty Negroni mix.

How did you get there?

surroundings, while bright bougainvillea add

We wended our way there, mostly under sail on

bursts of colour all over the walls. Each object

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

our Hallberg-Rassy, picking up a motley crew

placed within the interior has been lovingly,

A bespoke scented candle that fills the room

along the way.

locally crafted – I just wish I could take it all

with a heady perfume to soothe me into a deep

home with me.

dreamy sleep whilst I listen to the waves lapping

Who is at the concierge desk on arrival?

against the shore outside.

A Wes Anderson-style Monsieur Gustave

Who designed it?

character for a dash of old-school service.

Carlo Scarpa and Eileen Gray got together and

What’s your essential travel companion?

sketched their design out on a napkin.

Pocket books of poetry are my favourite travel

Who are you sharing your room with?

companion, a well-thumbed favourite being

Officially, my partner. Unofficially, our Airedale

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

David Whyte’s Essentials. And some cashmere

pup, and at some point during our stay my

It’s a humble taverna set back from the beach

socks to put on whilst reading.

coven of girlfriends come crashing in bringing

with a colourful, floral garden and tables that

a beautiful chaos.

spill-out onto the sand. Our preferred spot is at

Would you like a newspaper or magazine in

the end of the jetty that juts out over the water

the morning?

– candle-lit by night, of course.

A stack of newspapers stuffed with supplements

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?

that I can spread over the bed and spend the

A chilled bottle of Dom Perignon, a bowl of

Who’s manning the stoves?

plump medjool dates, a pillow menu and a

I cannot tell you his name, but the chef who

tonne of bath salts please.

masterfully made that sweet, tart green apple

What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?

sorbet that tasted like heaven in a tiny restaurant

A spritz of chilled High Vibes reiki mist,

in Lucca on our family trip to Tuscany when I

featuring rose, frankincense and Palo Santo.

morning sprawled over.

was 18. The memory of that dish still makes me drool all these years later.

Bath or power shower?

Both – a bath in the guestroom and an outdoor

And what’s on the menu?

NOTABLE HOSPITALITY PROJECTS Nordelaia, Italy; Hide, London www.thesewhitewalls.com

shower with a view.

Local seasonal specialities, freshly-caught fish and a hot plate of Saganaki cheese drizzled with

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

Greek honey.

The bottomless blue sea is all I need.

025

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Desert Rock SAUDI ARABIA

The Red Sea Development Company, the

regenerative tourism, Desert Rock aims to

developer behind one of the world’s most

acheive the highest Leadership in Energy and

ambitious regenerative tourism projects, has

Environmental Design certification. As such, it

revealed plans for Desert Rock – a new resort

is been designed to reduce energy consumption

built into the Saudi mountain landscape.

and regenerate native flora, with water retention

Conceived by Oppenheim Architecture, the

and distribution systems installed throughout.

project is designed to protect and preserve

Furthermore, materials excavated from the site

the environment, allowing guests to connect

will be reused to form the site infrastructure.

with the surrounding nature and culture of

“Desert Rock is one of the most dramatic

the region. The 60-key resort will comprise 48

desert landscapes in the world, which is why

villas and 12 guestrooms –ranging from ground

we wanted to use the architecture as a way

level dwellings to crevice hotel suites and a

to honour and respect it,” explains Chad

select number of excavated rooms within the

Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture.

rock massif itself. A world-class spa and fitness

“By utilising natural materials and integrating

centre, remote destination dining areas and a

the resort into the rock, guests can connect

feature lagoon oasis will complete the offer.

physically with the destination and experience

In line with TRSDC’s commitment to

Saudi Arabia’s stunning natural beauty.”

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Banyan Tree Varko Bay GREECE

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: RND Investments Operator: Banyan Tree Group Architecture and Interior Design: Elastic Architect & Interiors www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree has revealed plans to open its first

Asian healing therapies practiced across eight

European resort in Greece’s Varko Bay. Financed

treatment rooms, which are accompanied by an

by RND Investments and featuring architecture

outdoor pool, indoor hydrotherapy pool, gym

and interiors by Elastic, the development will

and beauty area.

comprise 121 villas and 43 private residences,

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in the

multiple dining options and a subterranean spa.

project too, with initiatives including renewable

“With our robust momentum in business

energy sources, grey water recycling and eco-

development and pipeline of new openings,

friendly building practices – such as planted

we are happy to plant our first Banyan Tree

roofs that correspond with the surrounding

resort in Europe on the scenic Varko Bay in

flora and low-slung elevations clad in extracted

Greece,” comments Ho Kwon Ping, founder

white stone – to reduce carbon emissions.

and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Group.

“Varko Bay will be defined as the ultra-

“Forming part of the Banyan Tree-Accor

luxury destination in the Ionic region,” says

strategic partnership, Banyan Tree Varko Bay

Gregoir Chikaher, Director of Development

is set to be an exceptional luxury destination

at RND Investments. “Sustainability is at the

as global travel gradually returns.”

forefront of the design philosophy, with the

Located on the east coast of Ionian Sea, the

aim of being the first in Greece to achieve the

resort is hewn directly into the rock, with atriums

LEED Gold certification. The bold encaving of

that bring light to the spaces beneath. Concealed

many structural elements is indicative of the

below ground, the spa will follow a high-

lengths to which the owners are prepared to go

touch, low-tech mantra that sees traditional

to minimise the environmental impact.”

© RND Investments

028

DRAWING BOARD

The Standard

Standard International has unveiled plans

“We are incredibly proud to announce the

to expand its global footprint with ten new

openings of The Standard Hua Hin, which is

BANGKOK

properties over the next four years. The latest

set for December, our incredible Asia flagship,

additions to the company’s portfolio include

The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, which will

The Standard Hua Hin arriving later this year,

debut next year, as well as our second property

and The Standard Ibiza opening in 2022.

in Europe, The Standard Ibiza,” says Standard

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Standard International Architecture: Ole Scheeren Interior Design: Hayon Studio www.stndintl.com

030

The group is also set to plant its first flag

International CEO, Amar Lalvani. “This has been

in Bangkok with The Standard, Bangkok

a time of unprecedented crisis for the hospitality

Mahankhon, a 78-storey tower that will become

industry and the millions of people around the

its Asia flagship. Housed within the King

world who work in the sector. Amidst such

Power Mahanakon Building, the mixed-use

challenges, we are incredibly grateful that we

developement has been envisioned by Spanish

continue to be able to delight our guests, serve

artist-designer Jaime Hayon in collaboration

our communities and create new opportunities

with The Standard’s in-house design team.

for our team members by building landmark

The project will comprise 155 guestrooms, a

hotels around the world.”

penthouse and a terrace pool, together with a

The group is exploring further sites across

fitness centre, meeting rooms and a variety of

the globe as part of its international expansion

food, drink and nightlife venues – from The

plans, with openings on the horizon in

Parlor and Tea Room to The Standard Grill, as

Singapore, Melbourne and Lisbon in 2023, while

well as Thailand’s first outpost from acclaimed

projects in Dublin, Brussels and Las Vegas are

Cantonese restaurant Mott 32.

slated for 2025.

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4/10/2021 12:20

DRAWING BOARD

Mandarin Oriental Etiler ISTANBUL

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Astas Holding, Yapi & Yapi Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Architecture: UNStudio Interior Design: FM Architettura www.mandarinoriental.com

032

FM Architettura has revealed the interior design

sheltered merchants and kept them safe from

scheme for Mandarin Oriental Etiler, a 158-key

highwaymen when traversing the ancient

hotel scheduled to open in Istanbul in 2022.

route. FM Architettura’s aim was to create a

Forming part of a three-tower development

modern caravanserai for like-minded travellers

that also comprises 16 serviced apartments

to exchange ideas, entertain conversations

and 251 private residences – all connected by

and trades. As such, the practice researched

a terraced pedestal with amenities, boutiques

patterns, symbols and elements from years

and views of the Bosphorus – the property takes

gone by, before applying its own version of the

cues from an imaginary journey along the Silk

Cintamani pattern – worn by Sultans of the

Road, with FM Architettura evoking a garden

Ottoman Empire to protect them with physical

of stolen roses – in homage to how the flowers

grit and spiritual fortitude – to furniture and

were secretly transported and traded – across

walls as a good blessing for the building.

more than 10,000m2 of fully bespoke interiors.

“We used the tactility of precious fabrics,

“Traditionally, Istanbul was the gateway

the radiance of brushed brass, and the smell of

between Europe and the Middle East,

scented woods to trigger emotion,” Muzio adds.

representing the last stop of the Silk Road,” says

From the guestrooms to the lobby, cinema

the studio’s founder, Francesca Muzio. “It felt

and spa, the design also acts as a contemporary

natural to draw inspiration from the network

interpretation of Turkish heritage and all its

that connected this array of cultures.”

influences, with FM Architettura paying tribute

Another key point of reference for the project

to the exterior architecture’s modern style by

was caravanserais, or roadside buildings that

way of custom-made furniture with fluid lines.

JUNG-GROUP.COM

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Photographer: Stefan Grau, Interior: Thatenhorst Interior GmbH

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

13.10.21 11:43

DRAWING BOARD

Domino ZANZIBAR

New York and Dubai-based architecture firm xCassia has signed an agreement with the Tanzania AICL Group and Edinburgh Crowland Management to design the forthcoming Zanzibar Domino Commercial Tower.

Situated on a 20-hectare, 4km-long site on Zanzibar’s west coast, the 370,000m2 mixeduse development is planned over three key sites linked via a high and low bridge structure: the Arrivals Plaza, Domino Tower and Island Resort.

The former acts as a stage-set triage point from which traffic can be managed on and off the island, whilst also offering shopping and dining experiences. The tower comprises two branded residences that rise towards hotel apartments, a five- and six-star hotel totaling 360 keys, and an observation deck accessed via a series of panoramic lifts.

Privately accessed by helicopter, boat or bridge, the Island Resort will house 104 overwater villas ranging between 360-500m 2.

The resort will also feature four helipads and berth arrival docks connecting the residences to a lighthouse structure, as well as a wedding chapel, three-par golf course, three pavilions, F&B and event spaces.

“First sketched in Paris in 2009 after my late father, two sons and I played a round of dominos, I dreamed of building this project for over a decade,” explains Jean-Paul Cassia, founder and Design Director of xCassia. “Between its innate mathematical order and geometries found in nature, its pure lines and proportions that evoke growth, progress and freedom, it had all the bearings of an icon anyone could remember and draw on a paper napkin. All it lacked was the right visionary investor and site to make it come true.”

034

P h B e r n a r d T o u i ll o n

eth imo.com

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

ven e xia by luca n ich et to

DRAWING BOARD

Hotel Nudibranch

Beijing and Shanghai-based architectural

The silhouette that the structure casts onto

design studio SpActrum has revealed its vision

the lower levels also provides shade from the

WENZHOU

for Hotel Nudibranch, an eco-friendly resort in

summer sun, cooling guests without the need

the East China Sea.

for air conditioning. In efforts to minimise water

Located on Nanji Islands off the coast of

waste, the top floor is equipped with rainwater

Wenzhou, the resort spans multiple buildings

harvesting devices, as well as technology

with the design inspired by the sea creatures

designed to recycle greywater from showers and

found in the surrounding ocean. Its namesake,

sinks. Furthermore, to avoid creating pollutants

Nudibranch, is a species of mollusc with a shell

from incineration, the hotel is equipped with

and outstretched tentacles; this translates as a

a state-of-the-art pyrolysis waste system to

conchiform structure housing the guestrooms

generate power sustainably.

and legs providing access to the elevated restaurants, bars, swimming pool and spa.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Pingyang Tourism Investment Company Architecture: SpActrum www.spactrum.com

036

Nestled between the island’s leafy mountains, guestrooms provide unique dual-aspect views of

In addition to the concept’s ode to natural

sunrise and sunset from east to west. Although

form, SpActrum has ensured that environmental

the project is only at concept stage, SpActrum’s

concerns are considered in the project’s low

vision has the potential to not only enhance the

energy consumption and zero-emission design,

island’s tourism, but to encourage ecological

from the double-skin, solar-powered shells of

protection whilst providing guests with a

the guest towers that provide natural ventilation

unique experience of the natural landscape

to eco-friendly technologies that create a sense

around them.

of dependency on the natural environment.

DRAWING BOARD

038

Art Tbilisi

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced the

Hotels & Resorts, which is even more relevant

debut of its newest brand, Registry Collection

as the industry recovers from the challenges of

GEORGIA

Hotels, with a 100-key flagship in Georgia.

the global pandemic,” says Dimitris Manikis,

Slated to open in early 2023, Art Tbilisi, a

President for EMEA at Wyndham. “We are

Registry Collection Hotel, will be located in

incredibly proud to introduce our Registry

Abanotubani in the city’s historic Old Town.

Collection brand and this property to Georgia,

Nestled on a hill with views of the area’s

a destination that has become hugely popular

traditional brick houses, the property is situated

thanks to its charming architecture, rich culture,

opposite Tbilisi’s hot springs and sulphuric

delectable cuisine and many historic sites.”

baths. Inside, it will feature stylish guestrooms,

Wyndham’s growing portfolio in Georgia

comprising a mix of suites, deluxe and executive

includes Wyndham Grand Tbilisi, Wyndham

accommodation options, as well as a restaurant

Batumi, Ramada By Wyndham Tbilisi Old

serving local delicacies and a rooftop wine bar

City, and Ramada Encore Tbilisi, in addition

with access to a garden overlooking the Mtkvari

to a development pipeline of 11 hotels across

river. Other facilities include a fitness centre

the country. In recent years, Georgia has

and wellness area with its own private thermal

experienced a record number of visitors, with

bathhouse and sauna.

tourism accounting for around 18% of its total

“Our newest brand is the perfect option for

GDP. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, according

independent luxury hotel owners who want

to analytics company GlobalData, by 2025 the

to maintain their spirit while tapping into the

total travel and tourism spend by all visitors in

global scale, capability and loyalty of Wyndham

the country is forecast to grow by 40%.

Stock FR fabrics and custom weaves - Made in France London Showroom - Chelsea Harbour Design Center - London SW10 OXE | + 44 20 7352 4798

Meeting…

Avi Brosh After planting flags in Santa Barbara and Portland, the founder and creative force behind Palisociety talks about having an integrated approach, independent spirit and eclectic style.

Words: Ben Thomas

W

e don’t get a chance to walk around

to real estate,” he admits. “But ignorance is bliss, so I just

in the rain very often,” says the ever-

went for it. Thankfully the hotel gods were with me and

charismatic Avi Brosh as he dials in

people responded well, coming to stay in the rooms but also

from the sunny shores of Los Angeles.

frequenting the restaurant and bar.”

“I cannot remember the last time it

Since then, Palisociety has grown into a fully integrated

rained, perhaps over a year ago!” Having

hospitality enterprise that owns, develops, designs and

grown up in New Jersey, where he was accustomed to four

operates all of its properties, with Brosh spearheading the

regular seasons every year, the man behind Palisociety – a

innovation, creative direction and operational strategies

collection of neighbourhood-centric hotels and residences

alongside his trusted crew. “Our strategy focuses on

across North America – took some time to adjust to the

providing economies of scale to smaller-keyed hotels

Californian climate after swapping the East Coast for the

through an institutional-quality management and

West following his years of study at Boston University.

centralised services platform,” notes Brosh. “We take a

Despite the unfamiliar territory, Brosh quickly got to work,

highly customised approach to programming, branding,

establishing his own real estate development company,

design and operational planning for each site under four

building a well-rounded portfolio of residential projects that

distinct monikers: Palihouse, Palihotel, Arrive by Palisociety

not only looked good but performed well from a financial

and an assortment of independently branded properties.”

standpoint. There was, however, a gap in the market that

The group is very much a family business; Brosh’s wife

Brosh was keen to plug. “I saw the need in Los Angeles for

Kirsten is Principal of Hotels & Branding, while son Archer

more of a New York-style hotel,” he explains. “The city had

works in both operations and design, and daughter Elle

plenty of variety, but there was nothing with an understated,

often spends time in the kitchen with the group’s Executive

almost upscale bohemian vibe.”

Chef William Marquardt. “When you take a family-style

A development soon came along that would prove

innkeeper sensibility to a big business, it’s infectious,” Brosh

difficult to convert into residential accommodation but,

enthuses. “The ethos permeates everything we do, from the

serendipitously, possessed all the nuances Brosh was

type of projects to the way that we design and run our sites.

looking for from his first hotel. And with that, Palihouse

And on a personal level, sharing it all with the people closest

was born, debuting in West Hollywood at the beginning of

to me is one of the joys of my life.”

2008. “I didn’t really understand the challenges involved

This tight-knit team, coupled with Palisociety’s fully

in opening hotels because it’s a totally different ball game

integrated approach, ensures control not only over the tone

041

MEETING…

MEETING…

Set in the heart of the Presidio Neighbourhood, Palihouse Santa Barbara is a coastal hideaway with 24 guestrooms, a Mediterraneanstyle courtyard and a cocktail bar

and aesthetic of its entire portfolio but also the budget and timeline from concept to completion, something that Brosh believes stems from his background as a developer. “Those disciplines were heavily ingrained in my mind before I got into the hotel business, so now it’s about trying to create a fluid process; when you’re working on smaller properties – typically of around 60 rooms – a single mistake can be detrimental to its entire performance.”

As such, he reiterates that Palisociety’s business model is somewhat proprietor-driven, with his own sensibilities woven into every aspect of the process, whether that be scouting a new location, designing interior spaces or even

“When you take a family-style innkeeper sensibility to a big business, it’s infectious.

That ethos permeates everything we do, from the type of projects to the way that we design and run our sites.”

“vintage preppy” with the “American Riviera” tag for which the city is often dubbed. Charm is found in abundance, from an intimate reception area that opens onto an airy lobby lounge with adjacent cocktail bar, to a Mediterranean-style courtyard and garden café that Brosh hopes will become a neighbourhood hub for the surrounding community. Equally homely are the 24 guestrooms, which tip their hat to the building’s past by way of restored fireplaces and original stone tiles underfoot.

Channelling a clear sense of place was the goal at Hotel Grand Stark too, which opened across the river from Portland’s downtown core this Spring. For its second venture in the Pacific

communicating with partners in the outside

Northwest – following the 96-key Palihotel

world. “My fingerprints are deeply ensconced in

Seattle opposite Pike Place Market and the

all of it,” Brosh confirms, before paying tribute

Elliott Bay waterfront – the group opted to move

to the group’s design studio for championing

away from its tendency to design everything in-

his idiosyncrasies. “I’m autocratic in certain

house, partnering with native firms North 45

areas but there’s now a trust within the team

Projects on the common areas and Submarine

that allows our properties to breathe a little

Hospitality for the F&B programme, comprising

more than perhaps they did in the early days.”

two distinct culinary concepts geared towards

And breathe they do, channelling an

locals to the same degree as guests.

unapologetically eclectic style that is unfussy

Though Brosh handed over some of the

and down-to-earth. No two hotels are alike

creative reins, the 57-room boutique retains

either, with each – from Palihouses in Miami

Placemaking is a skill that Brosh has honed

many of the hallmarks of Palisociety’s signature

Beach and Santa Monica, distinguished by their

during his career, with art curation contributing

style, starting with paying homage to the four-

cosy studio suites, to more traditional Palihotels

to its evolution, though he admits his selections

storey structure’s previous life as a furniture

in Seattle and San Francisco – featuring a

tend to be impulsive. “I am not a classically

showroom through its store-front façade.

bespoke aesthetic that sees everything from

trained designer, nor did I study art in college

Inside, guests are greeted by a gallery-

wallpaper to tableware play its part.

or anywhere along the line,” he confesses. “I

inspired lobby that showcases the work of

Brosh goes on to explain that part of creating

approach things in more of a pedestrian way;

local artists and makers. Lined with modernist

this independent spirit involves being realistic

if I walked into a flea market or vintage store,

archways, original hardwood floors and white-

about the confines of the structure, before

I might like the $125 portrait over a Picasso

washed walls, the space houses lounge-style

weaving together a narrative that takes in the

sitting right next to it, as I would have no idea

furniture such as wooden side tables and

history of the building and those who have

it was a Picasso! But I like doing things that way

leather chairs, with a central skylight adding

frequented it over the years. “I take a time

because it’s more authentic.”

natural illumination. To the right of the lobby,

capsule kind of approach, designing with a

Fittingly, art is infused into Palihouse’s latest

a dark green reception desk sits before a wall of

respect for the past while making it current. And

Californian bolthole, which sits at the heart of

Breccia Pernice terracotta marble, behind which

of course, the story needs to reflect what’s going

the Presidio Neighbourhood in Santa Barbara.

is a Study Hall that can be used as a communal

on in that neighbourhood. A hotel in Seattle,

Originally constructed in 1920 as a School of

workspace, meeting venue or private dining

for instance, will be completely different

Arts, the Spanish Colonial-inspired complex has

room. And to the left, Submarine Hospitality’s

to one in Florida because of its location, but

been transformed into a coastal hideaway that

Grand Stark Deli is a casual space with counter

fundamentally the tone is going to be the same

radiates the group’s playful style and boutique

service and café-style seating, while Bar

and certain aspects of the design will permeate

sensibility, with Brosh and the in-house studio

Chamberlain reimagines the classic watering

through to make sure it’s on brand.”

dreaming up an aesthetic storyline that blends

hole with brick floors and plush banquettes.

043

MEETING…

To avoid a stark contrast with the ground level,

reflects. “For us, that led to striking up conversations

Palisociety layered the guestrooms with a mix of

with the folks that had developed Arrive. We were then

millwork, textiles and patterns, which are offset by

fortunate enough to acquire the company and get the

light blue walls and a fusion of florals and tartan.

hotels on a sound footing very quickly.”

“We have to be very careful about the way we

Having witnessed early success with Arrive by

approach the design of each and every project,” says

Palisociety, as well as the new outposts in Santa

Brosh, adding that when collaborating with external

Barbara and Portland, Brosh is turning his attention

partners, there should be a mutual appreciation

to growing the portfolio further, with seven hotels in

between those involved as to exactly what the hotel

the pipeline for the next two years, including sites in

represents. “After all, our guests want to be inspired,

Hollywood, San Diego and New Orleans. “Now that

surprised and enamoured by what we’re bringing to

we’ve got a great corporate team, it allows me to dive

the table.”

deeper into the placemaking components and try new

Despite the challenges facing the hospitality industry, Brosh also took the decision to broaden his

At Hotel Grand Stark in Portland, guests are greeted by a dark green desk that sits before a wall of Breccia Pernice terracotta marble

044

things, customising the properties even more than we have done before,” he explains.

company’s horizons during the pandemic, acquiring

And though there’s been talk of expanding beyond

Arrive Hotels & Restaurants earlier this year to build

the States, Brosh is cautious to put a date on the

a presence in tertiary markets across North America.

group’s international debut as things stand: “We’re

With four locations already under its belt – Austin,

looking forward to doing something outside of the

Memphis, Wilmington and Palm Springs – and another

US, but I’m not sure what that quite looks like yet,”

two in planning, Arrive by Palisociety will share the

he concludes. “We now have four distinct brands that

same DNA as the wider collection, championing low-

we’re able to deploy in different markets, so I’d like

key luxury that is tailored to its destination. “When

to think it will be on the cards for us very soon.” You

there’s a crisis, people tend to come together,” Brosh

heard it here first.

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MEETING…

Meeting…

Tony Capuano As Marriott International continues to expand its global footprint, Sleeper speaks to the group’s newly appointed CEO during IHIF to discuss taking the helm, the industry at large and plans for growth.

Words: Ben Thomas

PROFILE Tony Capuano CEO Marriott International

What are you hoping to bring to your new role?

a given region. Because we have visibility into

I hope to continue the focus and commitment

real-time data, we’ll see occupancy drop from

that Bill Marriott and Arne Sorenson made around

70% to 20% overnight. The good news is that

After 26 years at Marriott International, previously serving as Group President of Global Development, Design and Operations Services, Tony Capuano was appointed as CEO in early 2021 following the passing of Arne M. Sorenson.

our key constituents. We lead with putting our

when the virus is contained, we see a spike right

people first and the impact of the pandemic has

back up to 70%. As a result of that volatility, and

been particularly hard on our associates around

with the concerns around new variants, we’ve

the world, so doing everything in my power to

resisted offering forecasts beyond the end of

repair and nurture the company’s culture is a

2021. And that’s not because we don’t want to be

priority. For our guests, I want to inspire their

transparent. It’s a result of the murkiness for the

confidence in the safety of travel and drive

year ahead and the uncertainty about precisely

enthusiasm for the future, so we’re making sure

how the pandemic may evolve. If you’re running

we have the right products in the right locations,

a large multinational corporation, that makes it

and are delivering the cleanliness and insurance

challenging to peer into the future. We’ve got to

promises that they should rightfully expect.

be a little more tactical, taking things day-to-day

During Capuano’s tenure in his former role, the company grew from 3,200 properties in 2009 to more than 7,600 properties by 2020. He was also responsible for the growth and globalisation of Marriott’s development pipeline to 498,000 rooms as of 31 December 2020, with over half representing projects outside of the USA. Marriott now has 30 brands – split across Luxury, Premium, Select and Long Stay sectors – and a presence in 138 countries, with hotels in the US and Canada (5,670); the Caribbean and Latin America (297); Europe (645); Middle East and Africa (303); and Asia Pacific (882).

Recent Openings: St Regis Downtown, Dubai; The Reykjavik Edition; W Rome; The Ritz-Carlton, Amman; Westin London City Upcoming Openings: The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad (Q1 2022); JW Marriott Madrid (Q2 2022); W Florence (2023)

or week-to-week.

What’s your take on the industry at present?

I would characterise it as tempered optimism, as

What lessons have you learned from the crisis?

performance varies significantly from market to

I’m an eternal optimist, so I’ll give you a positive

market, country to country, tier to tier. Marriott

lesson I’ve learned. After 26 years at Marriott, I’m

has been through conventional recessions, the

a deep believer in the strength and power of the

Great Recession, the post-9/11 period and wars; in

company’s culture. As I’ve travelled around the

each of those we had a high degree of confidence

world, the best learning for me is the resilience,

in our ability to forecast, with some level of

adaptability and passion of our associates. It is

precision as to what the shape and steepness of

hard not to be confident about the long-term

the recovery curve might look like, but there’s

future of travel and tourism when I’m out there

not much predictable about the shape of the

talking to our dedicated teams worldwide.

recovery from a global pandemic. China, which is our second largest market, recovered quickest

Has the pandemic affected plans for growth?

across all three of our business segments, but

The short answer is yes, of course, and maybe

even today, we can see outbreaks of the virus in

there’s been more urgency created by the

047

MEETING…

“I’m an eternal optimist and it is hard not to be confident about the longterm future of travel and tourism when I’m out there talking to our dedicated teams worldwide.”

pandemic, but our growth plans were well

What trends have you witnessed of late?

in the areas of loyalty and technology. As such,

under way before it began. Our resort portfolio

There’s a few that come to mind. Number one is

there is now a fairly significant gap between

continues to be a priority and we have seen

an increased familiarity, comfort and adoption

seller and buyer expectations, which is why we

remarkable resilience and strength in leisure

of the technological tools we had already rolled

haven’t seen a flood of transaction volumes. Over

demand, so the ability to expand our leisure

out prior to the pandemic. Perhaps by necessity,

the next several quarters, I think we’ll probably

footprint will have a strong impact. Secondly,

more and more of our guests are using the app to

see more opportunities.

before the crisis took hold, we started hearing

check in and secure a mobile key. If they require

much more frequently from our guests on the

something in their room, rather than head down

What challenges lie ahead for Marriott?

desire for an all-inclusive experience due to the

to the front desk or pick up the phone, they

For our model, I always think about challenges

simplicity of pricing. So, we acquired a small,

are using the chat function. Our guests like the

and opportunities through the lens of our most

all-inclusive company on the island of Barbados

flexibility, so if they’re visiting for a one-day

important constituents, which is our owners,

and announced a 19-resort affiliation project in

business trip, and don’t want or need to talk to

associates and guests. For our owners, we

partnership with Canadian brand Sunway. The

anybody, they receive their mobile key and off

must put ourselves in their shoes. What can we

aim is to grow our all-inclusive portfolio not only

they go. On the other hand, three weeks later,

do within the confines of our business model

across the Caribbean and Latin America but also

with their spouse and children, they may go on

to support them? Whether that is delaying

on a global basis, tapping into markets in Europe

a vacation, check in at the front desk and ask

requirements for a scheduled renovation with

and Southeast Asia. We’re bullish on the prospect

for recommendations on local attractions. We

their lender’s permission by a year or two, or

of growing our Fairfield collection across Europe

have to offer that flexibility and engage with our

allowing them to tap into their replacement

too, having announced plans to debut the brand

guests in a way that they desire. I also get lots

for reserve funds to help cover some of the

along Copenhagen’s waterfront in 2023.

of questions about business travel – is it coming

operating shortfalls. For our associates, it’s

back and at what percentage? It’s hard to say.

about driving demand recovery as we want to

Which of your forthcoming openings are you

We’re optimistic based on what we hear from our

bring back those who have been furloughed or

most excited about and why?

guests, but we think it’ll look a little different.

given a reduced workload. With 20-40% of the

We have opened 50 new hotels worldwide during

I’ll use myself as an example; I’ve been to this

global employment force in travel and tourism

the past 18 months, which is truly remarkable

conference for a decade. Usually I’d fly in, spend

permanently leaving, it’s incumbent on us as a

considering the environment. In terms of our

a couple of nights here and fly on. I looked at this

leader in hospitality to increase our efforts in

pipeline, we have a number of high-profile

trip and thought, ‘if I’m going to Europe, I’m

telling people what an amazing industry this is

projects currently under construction, including

going for two weeks’. I’ve never taken a two-

to build a long-term career. We’ve got to be more

an Edition in Rome and our first W in Florence.

week business trip! So two of the trends that we

deliberate, pushing the narrative not just on our

Notwithstanding having a global portfolio

believe will survive well into the a post-Covid era

behalf but on behalf of the entire sector. And

approaching 8,000 hotels, there are still a few

is a blending of trip purpose and perhaps fewer

lastly for our guests, we must inspire confidence

markets where we are yet to make our debut.

trips but of a longer duration.

and be communicative in a transparent manner.

And what about key urban markets?

Are there any other areas of the industry that

understand that we’re working our way out of

Global gateway cities hold a rich appeal and they

could pose opportunities going forward?

the hole that’s been created by the pandemic.

will come back. What will be critical for hotel

While Starwood was our biggest acquisition, prior

What they have less patience with us on is not

companies is how effectively the vaccine is being

to that we had a consistent cadence, whether it

letting them know what to expect, so we’re doing

distributed, what impact that could have on a

was buying AC Hotels in Spain, Delta Hotels in

everything we can to give them that assurance.

return to the office, and whether that will be a

Canada or Protea Hotels in Africa. The pandemic

catalyst for the return of business travel. Leisure

has shone a light on some of the challenges that

has been booming, but we expect it to moderate.

are facing smaller regional chains, particularly

When I read the guest emails, the vast majority

048

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THE LOBBY

Streaming Success Music is often credited with bringing people together, so

creatives and musicians, the platform is set to live stream

with the world starved of live gigs and festivals for almost

daily from 7am-7pm (Indonesia Central Time) directly from

two years, hospitality brands have been asking themselves

the hotel, occasionally accompanied by contributions from

what they can do to connect like-minded travellers whilst

satellite locations such as Jogja, Malang, Jakarta and Bandung.

restrictions keep them apart. Enter Headstream, a new on-

For the full experience, music lovers are encouraged to tune

site studio space and record store at Desa Potato Head in Bali,

in to both the audio and visual channels, the latter provided

which doubles as a digital streaming platform showcasing the

via cameras broadcasting from within the studio and across

voices, stories and sounds from Indonesia and beyond.

Potato Head venues. And for hotel guests, a communal space

Located at the entrance of the 160-key hotel, Headstream

serving Jamu, tea and pour-over coffee neighbours the studio,

sits beneath The Womb – a 90-metre bamboo archway

meaning in-person visitors can immerse themselves in the

built by artist Nano Uhero. Remaining firmly on brand, the

music while browsing a carefully curated collection of new

studio itself is a temple of repurposed materials and has been

Indonesian vinyl releases and zines.

sustainably designed in collaboration with rising Bali-based

Kicking off with 30 artists – including Dea Barandana, DJ

architect, Zhi Xiong Chan of ZXC Studio. In all, it comprises

Jnett, KiTA, Gabber Modus Operandi, Komang and Mairakilla

564 kilograms of recycled plastic, making use of discarded

– who played live from Seminyak and Melbourne, Headstream

bottles collected from across the island. Everything from the

will soon evolve into a series of documentary films and other

wall panels to the flooring – crafted from industrial rubber

surprise progressions, all fuelled by one core notion – to

rejects – has been made from waste.

discover new pathways for Potato Head while enhancing its

Seeking to unearth new voices, connect communities and provide a global stage for the archipelago’s many DJs,

offering of music, art and dialogue. If the opener is anything to go by, then the next track promises to be a good one.

THE LOBBY

Hotel Dynasty

Celebrating in Style Ever since its foundation, Gucci has been closely

addition, art and antiquities from auctioneers

linked with the theme of travel, referencing the

Christie’s were carefully selected to complement

iconography of luxury hotels and the jetsetters

the aesthetic, which has been conceived to

who populated them in the early 1900s. It was

harmonise with the design and heritage of its

reportedly with irony, pride and self-awareness

iconic surroundings.

that the fashion house’s founder, Guccio Gucci,

Spanning the entire length of the fifth floor

introduced these ideas after his first-hand

with views over the Thames, the suite evokes an

experience. Still very young, he was employed at

exclusive showroom feel, with all items added by

The Savoy as a luggage porter and liftboy, where

Gucci and Christie’s available to purchase. And

he gained direct access to the tastes and desires

on top of its elegant interiors, the space comes

of travelling customers whilst escorting them

with a dedicated butler, use of The Savoy’s Rolls

from floor to floor. Seeing the luxurious luggage

Royce within a three-mile radius, bespoke in-

and elegant clothes of the hotel’s guests was a

room amenities and a host of Guuci experiences,

major impetus in his desire to start a leather

which will be rolled out further later this year.

goods company shortly after returning to Italy from London.

052

“I’m delighted that we are partnering with Gucci in such a creative way to celebrate its

One hundred years on, The Savoy and Guuci are

centenary year,” says Franck Arnold, Managing

celebrating their shared history, transforming the

Director at The Savoy. “It’s wonderful to bring

hotel’s Royal Suite into a voguish reflection of the

our shared history to contemporary audiences,

Guuci world, featuring furniture and ornamental

providing them with experiences and service that

items from the brand’s Décor collection. In

befit two brands with such global renown.”

‘Avanti Sempre Avanti’, or ‘Forward, Forever Forward.’ That’s the motto on the Gelardi family crest and is a philosophy that has guided the lives and careers of four generations of hoteliers – Giuseppe, Gustave and Giulio, Bertie and Geoffrey. Having recently stepped down from his position as Managing Director of The Lanesborough after nearly three decades at the helm, Geoffrey has now ventured into the world of publishing, putting pen to paper on a new book that tells the inside story of how he and his ancestry redefined the luxury hotel business.

Titled Hotel Dynasty, the tome recalls how Giuseppe managed hotels in his native Italy during the 19th century, before delving into his sons’ success in London at Walsingham House – now The Ritz – The Savoy and Claridge’s to name but a few. Geoffrey also recounts his father’s role working alongside Lord Forte to build the Forte hotels empire – highlighting the acquisition of George V and Plaza Athenée in Paris, Sandy Lane in Barbados and The Pierre in New York – before providing insight into his own career at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles and Hotel Sorrento in Seattle.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also anecdotes of encounters with royalty, musicians, politicians and film stars, from King Edward VII and Madonna to Benito Mussolini and Sophia Loren.

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THE LOBBY

Behind the Curtain

054

Interiors embellished with 24-carat gold leaf,

90-minute tour will allow visitors to relive

30 different types of marble and a ceiling made

the hotel’s past through interactive augmented

from 21,000 Swarovski crystals – the largest of

reality displays at the Experience Suite. Utilising

its kind in the world – not to mention a menu

detailed blueprints from the building’s architect

offering 17 pillow varieties and duvets filled with

Tom Wright, then Head of Architecture at Atkins,

eiderdown harvested from abandoned nests in

the tour will transport visitors back through

Iceland. These are just some of the luxuries on

time to gain a unique insight into the vision

offer at Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, often billed as the

behind the global icon, exploring what makes it

world’s first seven-star hotel. Since it opened in

a landmark of innovation and how it came to

1999, only paying guests were fortnuate enough

define Dubai’s skyline. “Providing a stunning

to experience the opulence and grandeur first-

window into the world of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah,

hand – until now. For the first time in 22 years,

the tour will appeal to those intrigued by its

the iconic hotel will open its doors to visitors

story, not just of the building, but of its people,

for ‘Inside Burj Al Arab’, a one-of-a-kind

creativity and ingenuity, as well as its Emirati

immersive experience conceived by Jumeirah

hospitality, Arabian opulence and world-class

Group. In addition to taking in some of the

service,” explains Ermanno Zanini, Regional

property’s most sumptuous spaces – such as

Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al

the Atrium and Royal Suite, which have recently

Arab Jumeirah. “We are proud to deliver this

been refurbished by KCA International – the

exceptional experience to the world.”

Slowing Down “Slow travel is an invitation to explore things at a pace that allows you to absorb your surroundings as you move through them – on terms that are meaningful for both you and the people and places you encounter,” writes John Burns, Editor-in-Chief of Kinfolk, in the latest addition to the publication’s guidebook series: Travel. The self-proclaimed pioneer of slow living, Kinfolk is bringing the concept of slow travel to the masses with a new book that celebrates the idea that an attitude of discovery is more meaningful than any particular action or itinerary.Published by Artisan, the 352-page hardback is divided into three sections – Urban, Wild and Transit – and draws on the magazine’s global community of writers and photographers to offer a roadmap for readers to plan trips that foster meaningful connections with local people and authentic experiences of culture.

From museum-hopping in Tasmania to birdwatching in London, the guidebook seeks to transport readers to over 25 locations across six continents through travel tips from natives, thoughtful essays, immersive photography and visuals. “The hope is that Kinfolk Travel can act as a guidebook of a different stripe,” explains Burns.

“One that sparks deeper ways of thinking about new journeys and destinations.”

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s travellers begin to venture back out into

A

Part of that culture also means creating more

the big wide world, hotels are becoming

than just a place to sleep. TSH is uncompromising

cathedrals of togetherness, with their

on its responsibility as an operator, taking into

lobbies, restaurants and bars enabling people to

account the way its properties are built and

reconnect with family, friends and colleagues.

how they engage with the locale. For Amber

Harnessing the power of design and

Westerborg, Director of Sustainability & Impact,

programming to forge these communities is now

the process has been a steep learning curve.

key to the success of hospitality projects, with

Having joined the company in 2019, Westerborg

today’s guest seeking out places where they can

has now masterminded an ambitious agenda.

interact with like-minded individuals. So, how

“We have figured out how we want to leave

can operators create such environments?

our mark on the world and what our positive

That’s the question we’ll be putting to The

contribution looks like,” she explains. “We’ve

Student Hotel (TSH) during Hix – a two-day

gone from ‘if’ to ‘when’, and that’s confirmation

gathering at London’s Business Design Centre,

of TSH’s commitment to tackling social issues

which has been billed as a unique hotel design

and contributing positively to the environments

experience solely dedicated to hospitality.

in which it lives.”

All Together Now Set to take to the stage at Hix, The Student Hotel explores the role of hospitality in forging togetherness.

With a presence in 16 cities across Europe –

With the aim of having 65 fully operational

including new openings in Bologna, Delft and

properties open by 2026, including outposts in

Vienna – TSH adopts a hybrid approach that

Madrid, Florence, Lisbon, Barcelona and Rome,

comprises student accommodation, hotel rooms,

TSH is focused on delivering “one experience,

co-working and events venues. Focusing not on a

one community, and one team” by moving

single demographic but on a mindset, the group

away from products, overnight stays and buffet

believes its model is not just a passing trend,

breakfasts, and instead offering opportunities to

but a longstanding shift in the way people live

connect, make friends and collect memories.

their lives.

Words: Ben Thomas

056

“One day, TSH won’t be known as a hotel

“We build dynamic spaces that make it possible

or student accommodation brand,” says Steere

for a creative community to come together and

on his mission to make the group a household

enjoy the power of a shared experience,” says

name. “It will be recognised for what it is – a

Jason Steere, Managing Director of Brand &

community platform where people can build

Experience. “We like to think that we’re so far

personal and professional relationships for life.”

outside the box, we can’t even see it anymore.”

Hix hopes to achieve a similar sense of unity,

This is evident in Steere’s focus on keeping

and the session’s sponsor, Swiss bathroom

communal spaces open-plan and flexible,

specialist Laufen, is confident it will. “We

capable of hosting everything from conferences

naturally gravitate to partners who share our

to DJ sets while remaining memorable in design.

values – whether that be on sustainability, design

“We understand what our guests want while

or locality,” says Global Projects Corporate

inviting them to engage in our unique culture,”

Director, Ilker Hussein. “Where better to

he adds. “It’s a collaborative relationship.”

reconnect, renew and re-energise than at Hix.”

Design: Arcus Storm

Image Credit: Pictureguy shutterstock.com

nature inspired carpet collection

© Andrew Beasley

The Londoner LONDON A decade in the making, Edwardian Hotels finally opens its urban resort on Leicester Square, bringing together a curated collection of intimate spaces.

Words: Catherine Martin, Ben Thomas Photography: © Andrew Beasley, Henry Bourne

T

here’s been plenty of debate over the

we’ve coined because we truly believe this is

years as to what qualifies as a boutique

what we’re offering.”

hotel, but the one fundamental on which

The sentiment is shared by Hotel Director

most agree, is that it is small in size. So when

Charles Oak, who adds: “It’s really about the

Edwardian Hotels London labelled its new

atmosphere, the ambience and the service of a

flagship – with 350 guestrooms, six restaurants

boutique property. The interiors don’t feel as

and bars, and an 850-capacity ballroom – as

vast or cavernous as the building may give the

boutique, industry commentators could be

impression of; every space has been curated –

forgiven for being somewhat perplexed. After

we just have a lot more of them than you will

all, even Wikipedia says that such properties

find in a traditional boutique hotel.”

typically have between 10 and 100 rooms.

Indeed, the building is a considerable size.

In a bid to define this new class, the group

Standing on the corner of Leicester Square – an

came up with the concept of ‘super boutique’,

enviable spot that Edwardian Hotels acquired in

describing The Londoner as ‘boutique in feel

2011 – the newbuild spans an entire city block

yet staggering in scale’ with a collection of

and is as tall as it is deep. Its design, build and

spaces that are ‘individual, intimate, eclectic

construction is the culmination of a decade of

and curated’.

work involving a number of specialists. Woods

For Krishma Singh Dear, Head of Design at

Bagot led on the architecture, Yabu Pulshelberg

Edwardian Hotels London, the parallels are

took on the interiors and EE Smith were

through shared values rather than key count.

awarded the fit-out – their largest contract

“A boutique hotel has intimate spaces and is

to-date – while Arup provided expertise across

designed with attention to detail and touches

mechanical, electrical and façade engineering.

of the locale,” she explains. “It’s a term that

The entire process was overseen by Edwardian

059

© Henry Bourne

© Henry Bourne

© Andrew Beasley

060

The Residence – for overnight guests only – incorporates the timber-panelled Y Bar (top left) and intimate Whisky Room (bottom)

Hotels London’s in-house team, including founder Jasminder

London, space is a premium,” explains Nik Karalis, CEO of

Singh and Creative Director Rob Steul.

Woods Bagot. “With limited constraints and height controls

Having been appointed soon after the site was acquired,

– and to offer 350 guestrooms, front-of-house experiences

Woods Bagot began drawing up architectural plans almost a

and back-of-house support – the only option was to

decade ago, and though the scheme has gone through several

excavate. With this decision came a series of innovations to

iterations, the brief has remained the same; to create a new

ensure both light and air was circulated downwards, and to

landmark for Leicester Square. The high-profile location

encourage guests to circulate in both directions.”

brought a wealth of design inspiration but it also meant

The excavation also served to lessen the building’s

that there were certain requirements that came as part of

footprint – contributing to its BREEAM Excellent rating

Westminster Council’s approval. One stipulation was for a

– and resulted in some creative architectural solutions.

piece of public art, but rather than an add-on, the team opted

Woods Bagot developed what they call a ‘vertical resort’,

to integrate it into the façade of the building, resulting in

in which the hotel’s spaces wrap around an internal spine.

a regal blue colouration of ceramic tiles by local artist Ian

The masterplan sees interconnecting volumes, a central void

Monroe. Punctuating a Portland stone base, the 15,000 glazed

and grand stairwells combine for a journey of discovery,

terracotta tiles scale the height of the building and nod to the

allowing each amenity to act independently or together as a

material history of the area, which was once revered for its

whole. “Every space emanating from the central void volume

tilemaking. Each individual tile took six weeks to make, with

contains activated guest experiences,” Karalis enthuses.

the three-dimensional geometric shapes coming together

“Collectively, they take a London high street and turn it

to form a mosaic-like installation. The result is not only

into a vertical interconnected community.”

an artistic triumph, but a technological one too, involving

This interconnected community features a wide range

hand-drawn sketches and paper-cut models as well as BIM

of venues, all designed by Yabu Pushelberg to the brief of

framework and an advanced fastening system – a solution

bringing the surrounding district in. While it may seem at

developed in conjunction with project engineers Arup.

odds for a US-based studio to design a London-centric hotel,

Another of the conditions was for the building to be in

Edwardian were keen to bring a fresh perspective to the city.

harmony with its surroundings. With that in mind, the

And, like so many hospitality projects, the selection was the

16-storey structure has been integrated into the urban

result of personal connections.

fabric of Leicester Square in both scale and design. Thanks

“Krishma used to work for us, she was an intern at our

to the curvature of the façade, the architecture complements

New York office,” explains Founding Partner George Yabu,

the adjoining Odeon cinema complex – which has been

referring to Edwardian Hotels London’s Head of Design, who

reinstated with its own separate entrance and houses two

is also the daughter of the group’s founder. “Through her,

private screening rooms powered by Odeon-Luxe technology

we met the Singh family and felt there was synergy between

– while a mansard zinc roof houses an izakaya lounge with

us. The original plan was to take on some small renovation

views across the capital.

projects, but then The Londoner came along and we knew

Minimising the impact on the locale – along with height restrictions imposed by the council – also led Woods Bagot

it was a big opportunity. It’s rare we get the chance to work with such a passionate, family-run business.”

to dig down, creating what is now the UK’s deepest hotel and

Speaking to Sleeper, Founding Partner Glenn Pushelberg

one of the world’s deepest habitable basements. With eight

commends the confidence of the client in gifting the entire

floors above ground and eight below, some amenities are

interior design scheme to them, believing that this approach

situated 30 metres below street level, which came with its

makes for a more cohesive scheme. “If you’re generous with

own challenges, not least the shoring system and complex

your ideas, you can actually create different expressions of a

engineering methods developed together with Arup. “In

theme that are still connected,” he notes. “That way, interiors

061

© Andrew Beasley

Scenographic murals depicting flora and fauna descend from the ceiling as dusk falls in The Drawing Room, part of The Residence

don’t become disjointed. There’s one thought

cast and crew to personify spaces within the

process, one quality and one materiality. Spaces

hotel. Setting the mood, ‘the cinematographer’

can have a different identity yet work in flow.”

– or lobby – is responsible for establishing the

Extending to public spaces and guestrooms,

look and feel of the film, while ‘the director’

the overarching theme honours the hotel’s

– or lobby bar – is the gatekeeper to the guest

West End location. “The Londoner is designed

experience, guiding cast and crew in fulfilling

to play into the roots of Leicester Square as

the overall vision for the dramatic and artistic

London’s historic theatre district,” says Yabu,

elements. Other touches of theatre include

“We began by developing an understanding of

marquee lighting – the type you might see

the area, then took ideas from set design and

around a dressing-room mirror – floor-to-

the exuberance of theatre and elevated them.

ceiling drapes, which are actually undulating

We created layers of programming up into the

timber screens clad in velvet, and murals

sky and deep into the earth to emphasise this

that look more like set designs. There’s also

extroverted, alluring, playful voice.”

a stage, where live music performances add to

Yabu Pushelberg’s greatest challenge was to

062

the ambiance.

engage visitors and create a guest experience

Throughout the hotel there are props aplenty,

on all floors, particularly those below ground,

coming in the form of artworks and sculpture

as well as adhering to the boutique sensibility.

dressing shelves and lining walls, perhaps

Their solution was to create spaces within

most notably in The Gallery, housing a series

spaces, with subtle touches of British humour

of meeting rooms named after London’s art

for those who look close enough.

galleries. In the lobby, a floating moon by

In ode to the art of performance, the studio

Andrew Rae keeps watch over those checking in,

crafted archetypes of a theatre production’s

and in The Whisky Room, seductive sculptures

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13.10.21 09:20

© Henry Bourne

At rooftop izakaya lounge, 8 at The Londoner, a network of intricate roping is suspended overhead the terrace, accompanied by a firepit and plantlife

of hands and eyes – the latter with shimmering pearl

breakout spaces and a 6,000ft2 pillarless ballroom –

crystal eyebrows – have been created by Moss & Lam.

physically and technologically designed to adapt to

The art collection meanwhile has been curated in

any set-up – kitted out with stylish stackable chairs

collaboration with James Robertson Art Consultants

from Excalibur Furniture.

and incorporates a mixture of mediums and genres,

And there’s plenty of restaurants and bars to choose

spanning classic and contemporary with pieces from

from, for the overnight guest at least. In a fresh

both emerging and established artists. All reflect the

approach, Edwardian Hotels has opted to set aside

multifaceted and diverse character of London as a city

a number of its spaces for residents only, the idea

and are expertly lit by specialists at TM Lighting.

being to create a members’ club feel and charge higher

Other lighting features include Lasvit’s Cipher

room rates for the privilege. The Residence, as it’s

pendants, which are suspended over the bar and grand

known, is a collection of intimate spaces for relaxing

staircase and form part of Yabu Pushelberg’s growing

and working, each with its own identity: The Y Bar is

portfolio of product designs. The duo have been savvy

wrapped in timber panelling carved with symbols and

in specifying their own collections to furnish the hotel,

characters, artfully backlit in red veneer; The Drawing

with pieces from B&B Italia, Molteni&C and Henge

Room features scenographic murals depicting flora

alongside the Blink and Taylor ranges they designed

and fauna that descend from the ceiling depending on

for Stellar Works.

the time of day; and The Whisky Room is a sensuous

In line with the urban resort concept, The Londoner has a wide range of facilities. The Retreat houses a

064

space dressed in seductive velvet to accompany a display of the world’s finest spirits.

gym, treatment centre, juice bar and swimming pool,

Venues open to public access include Joshua’s

with private cabanas and expansive daybeds beneath

Tavern, named after artist Joshua Reynolds, who lived

skylights that cleverly imitate natural light. There’s

on the square. Targeting the local after-work crowd,

extensive events spaces, comprising meeting rooms,

the watering hole takes on a relaxed ambiance thanks

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© Andrew Beasley

to industrial-style detailing such as leather

floor-to-ceiling in either a vibrant teal or bold

saddle stools and shiny copper ale canisters

mustard. Worth a mention are the colossal

overhead. On the ground floor, Whitcomb’s – an

glass doorknobs on all 350 guestroom doors,

all-day dining restaurant serving Mediterranean

each handblown and embellished with gold leaf.

fare – has a fashion focus in homage to the

Once inside, the rooms are defined by a calming

millineries on Whitcomb Street; upholstery

palette, with natural hues accompanying stained

displays a loose check as a nod to Burberry,

oak panelling. They’re elegant and residential in

while artworks are by fashion illustrator Frida

style, but look hard enough and there are subtle

Wannerberger. Rounding out the F&B offer is 8

nods to British humour.

at The Londoner, a rooftop izakaya lounge that

Since Sleeper’s visit, a few nights prior to

appears to hover over the building’s central void.

the official opening to road test both sleeping

Yabu Pushelberg personify the space as ‘The

quarters and cuisine, the hotel has attracted

Performer’, and the design scheme undoubtedly

plenty of local attention from those eager to

plays up to its moniker. The bar and dining area

see what the fuss is about, after all, expectations

feature a moody palette with dark timber slats

were high; the ambitious project was accepted

lining the walls and ceiling, while the terrace

into Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious

has a lighter, airy feel thanks to the double-

Legend Collection before construction had

height volume and fully retractable roof. A

even topped out. Regardless of whether or not

network of intricate roping, reminiscent of the

you can get on board with the terminology of

Japanese art of shibari, is suspended overhead,

it being a super boutique hotel, The Londoner

and is accompanied by a firepit and plantlife.

is true to its word, offering intimate spaces

The energy of the rooftop emanates down through the guestroom corridors, coloured

066

designed with attention to detail and touches of the locale.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Edwardian Hotels London Architecture: Woods Bagot Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg Art Consultant: James Robertson Art Consultants Lighting Design: Inverse Lighting Graphic Design: AvroKO Fit-out: EE Smith Main Contractor: Blue Sky Building Engineering: Arup www.thelondoner.com

The Londoner Hotel, opening 2021

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Interior design: Yabu Pushelberg -

Photography: Andrew Beasley -

Artwork: Andrew Rae -

Lighting design: Inverse Lighting

Spotlights: TM ZeroFifty

ai16351554895_Sleeper - October 2021 (3).pdf

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25/10/21

10:51

Nature Eco Residences SANTORINI Hotelier Kostas Maltezos ventures to the less-developed south coast of Santorini to open a nature-inspired resort.

Words: Emma Love Photography: Courtesy of Design Hotels

T

he majority of hotels in Santorini are

two Serifos hotels, and this latest addition

clustered around the caldera. White

has been accepted into the Design Hotels

buildings cascade down the craggy rock

collective, in which each member is selected

in the postcard-pretty, tourist-magnet towns of

for being a unique creative expression, steeped

Oia, Imerovigli and the capital, Fira, so that from

in the history, culture and the nature of its

a distance, the volcanic land resembles a snow-

environment. “I wanted to give the hotel more

capped mountain. Perhaps surprisingly, this is

of a Greek character and add touches of our taste

not the location that hotelier Kostas Maltezos

but also follow the concept of nature,” Maltezos

– who owns Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos

continues. The building has nine rooms: four,

and the new Nature Serifos – picked for his

on the first floor are 40m2 and come with a

first property on the perennially popular island.

balcony; the five at ground level are smaller

Instead, he searched in the less-developed

at 25m2, but each has an outdoor Jacuzzi and

south, just outside the village of Akrotiri and

private terrace. All look out to the communal

its pre-historic archaeological site. “Santorini

swimming pool and dazzling blue of the Aegean

is the most magical and mysterious island; it

Sea beyond. “The brief was to create cosy, calm

has very good energy but I wanted somewhere

interiors so that guests can really relax during

quiet, so I chose to go away from the buzz of

their stay,” says Loukas. “It’s important to have

Oia and Fira,” he confirms.

spaces where people can disconnect from their

Maltezos settled on a decade-old building that

busy, daily routines.”

was previously a low-budget hotel, bringing

The aesthetic is simple; white pressed

architect George Zafiriou and interior designer

concrete walls, grey concrete floors and oak

Dimitris Loukas on board for the renovation.

furniture custom-made by local carpenters.

The trio previously collaborated on Maltezos’

“Pressed concrete is very common in Greece,

069

The six residences are built into the rock and inspired by the traditional cave houses found across the island

070

especially in the Cycladic islands and it

about being part of nature rather than on top

combines well with the wood, which helps

of it; with the residences, I tried to imitate the

achieve a connection with the environment

type of construction that you find around the

around the building,” adds Loukas. Other key

caldera in Santorini using the same materials

pieces from Greek companies include low black

and colours,” says Zafiriou. “I wanted to find

coffee tables from Agouridi D Bros in Athens,

the best way to capture a view while offering the

bedside lights from Bright Special Lighting

guests privacy, and at the same time respect the

and ceramics by Nikolaos Gagiatsos. “With the

look of the old houses, which are full of curves.”

ceramics for instance, we wanted to promote

Currently the residences are far more private

a local tradition but within a modern setting,”

than rooms in the main building, where each

notes Loukas. This notion of craft is also evident

terrace is yet to be shielded from its neighbour

in reception, where the check-in desk is an old

with rustic, chestnut tree branches (this will be

wooden carpenter’s work bench that has been

completed by next season). They also feel more

adapted and repurposed.

elemental, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows

Alongside refurbishing the building, Zafiriou

and an outdoor Jacuzzi bookended either side

has also designed six residences, all built into the

by terracotta brick walls. The larger residences

rock and inspired by the traditional cave houses

are especially spacious, with a mini kitchenette

found across the island. So well camouflaged

and L-shaped built-in sofa along one wall

are the stairs to these rooms, barely visible

and shelving for eye-catching pots, a day bed

among the low stone walls by the pool, that

with patterned cushions by Kamarinos Design

going down them feels a bit like entering a

and television on the other. Above, a long oak

bunker until you reach the residences and the

mobile sculpture hangs from the ceiling, further

vista is revealed. “My architecture is always

elongating the space.

071

Outside, the pool already existed but the

rooms and a Mediterranean menu overseen by

area around it has been kitted out afresh with

Yiannis Liokas, Executive Chef at Coco-Mat Eco

rope-handle grey concrete stools, squashy

Residences Serifos. “The food will be seasonal,

beanbag loungers – both from Agouridi D Bros

and as at the other hotels, incorporate touches

– and wicker umbrellas; at the back, a raised

from Asia,” says Maltezos, who is equally

section has been added with built-in seating

excited about his other new developments, a

and accessorised with smooth pebble-shaped

kitchen garden and a vineyard, planted last

tables. “We added the extra level at the back

year with Assyrtiko grapes, which are typical

for a better view of the pool,” explains Zafiriou

in Santorini.

of the thinking behind the design, which, as

Like many hotel projects, this one – which

elsewhere on the property, takes its cues from

has been three years in the making – was

the surroundings. The other social space is the

delayed by Covid, opening briefly last year

bar and restaurant, which will be ready for

before having to close during lockdown. Now

the 2022 season; a new building adjacent to

though, it is almost complete and the idea of

the main rooms, it will be positioned so that

back-to-nature spaces that encourage slowing

every table has a sea view. “We will adapt the

down, away from the crowds, has never seemed

building to fit into and around the rocks, and it

more needed or relevant. “I try to create spaces

will be covered to protect guests from the wind.

where guests can spend the whole day, places to

Santorini is a breezy place so the orientation

relax and read, where there’s no need to hurry,”

will offer shelter.”

concludes Maltezos. “This is the concept of my

Here, guests can expect cohesive quiet interiors that tie in with the aesthetic of the

072

hospitality; to have rooms that guests don’t want to leave.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: M&R Inhive Operator: Nature Hotels Architecture: George Zafiriou Interior Design: Dimitris Loukas Brand Identity: Butter n’ Cream Main Contractor: Pan-Tex www.naturesantorini.com

© Kempinski Hotels

Kempinski Palace Engelberg SWISS ALPS Jestico + Whiles breathes new life into a 19th century Swiss grand dame with its signature oldmeets-new approach.

Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: © Timo Schwach (unless otherwise stated)

A

19th century pioneer of tourism in the

order to streamline the guest journey to the

village of Engelberg, hotelier Eduard

suites. London and Prague-based interior

Cattani was driven both by a spirit of

design firm Jestico + Whiles meanwhile were

innovation and the preservation of tradition to

handed the reins on the interiors, with the

shape the Swiss mountainscape into a globally

responsibility of honouring the hotel’s storied

renowned health resort. To do so, he enlisted his

past, whilst introducing contemporary services

brother, architect Arnold Cattani, to design and

and amenities for the modern day guest.

build a grand hotel. At the time, it attracted a

With Engelberg operating as a year-round

legion of fans, but over the years, with increased

destination, the interiors had to fit with all

competition, its popularity waned.

seasons. As such, the firm drew on the property’s

That was until 2020, when under new

rich natural surroundings for inspiration,

ownership and with an international brand on

creating a scheme that follows the changing

board, came the intention of transforming it into

of the seasons in the Swiss Alps. “We were

a five-star hotel. Opening as Kempinski Palace

inspired by the seasons, in abundance,” says

Engelberg earlier this year, the reincarnation

Associate Joanna Grotowska. “The mountains

promises to attract holidaymakers back to this

are extremely dramatic – the colours, the air,

picturesque part of the world.

the sunsets and sunrises all have a heightened

Iwan Bühler Architekten was faced with

quality only found in that environment.”

the daunting task of completely restoring the

Associate Director Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins

existing Belle Époque structure and the historic

elaborates on the creative process. “We cycled

Kursaal, while Sigrist Schweizer Architekten

through the seasons selecting colour palettes

were called on to build a new wing with a

from various times of year,” she explains,

bridge over the listed performance space in

adding that the intention was to enhance and

075

Original marble columns, a grand staircase and refurbished mosaic flooring surround a new glowing elevator inspired by the lit-fromwithin glaciers on Mount Titlis

076

frame rather than dominate the views. “The

The first of these interventions can be seen

guestrooms and public spaces take on a hybrid

in the former dining room, which has been

character between the seasons, being calming

transformed into the new entrance and lobby.

but with a sporty elegance.”

Original marble columns and wall panels, a

The firm also introduced its signature

grand staircase and refurbished mosaic flooring

approach: bringing contemporary interventions

surround a new glowing elevator inspired by

into gentle dialogue with heritage features. “One

the lit-from-within glaciers on Mount Titlis.

thing our studio is known for is contemporary

Reflective and glassy, the semi-transparent lift

interventions within historic buildings,”

strikes a careful balance between old and new

explains Director James Dilley, referencing

without obstructing the character of the space.

the practice’s refurbishment of Villa Honegg

“This is an extremely unapologetic insertion

near Lake Lucerne. “To have these strong yet

that is meant to be seen,” explains de Vere-

sensitive contemporary interventions shows

Hopkins. “It represents quite well how we felt

progression, it adds interest and animation.

about the design as a whole; we didn’t want

It’s important to unlock that interest by making

to recreate a pastiche of the past, but instead

the space feel different and new.” Though this

develop a dialogue between old and new in a

wasn’t without initial resistance from the Swiss

respectful but undoubtedly modern way.”

heritage authorities, who were concerned about

The traditional columns and coffered ceilings

retaining the integrity of the historic building.

continue in the reception area, offset by a palette

“They took a lot of persuasion generally across

of natural hues, calming greens, blue-greys and

the project, and rightly so – it’s a protected

muted tones of cyclamen and heather. Natural

building, but they actually understood very well

textures such as wool, wicker and wood grain

what we were trying to achieve,” Dilley adds.

also contrast the grandeur of the space.

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29/10/21 12:24

Inspired by stalactites and featuring hundreds of hanging glass rods, a 14-metre bespoke chandelier from Preciosa presides over the hotel’s Cattani Restaurant

From the lobby, doors open onto the Wintergarden,

while snow-white terrazzo floors are complemented by

a fully-glazed lounge with its own terrace that

decorative brass inlay, merging traditional craft with

overlooks the Kurpark. Formerly the boot room

modern sensibilities. “This is another intervention

where ice skaters would lace-up, the space has been

that gives a counterpoint of old and new,” points out

reimagined as an all-day destination ideal to take in

Dilley. “It has the feel of an avalanche coming down

the impressive mountainscape over a morning coffee,

the stairs – it’s deliberately bold and contrasting.”

afternoon tea or even a quiet nightcap away from

Named after the building’s founder, the 190-cover

the bustle of the main bar. Contemporary furniture

Cattani Restaurant exudes a sense of contemporary

joins hexagonal terracotta tiles – which inspired other

grandeur characterised by soaring ceilings, mirrored

flooring throughout – in another example of Jestico +

wall panels and double-height windows that invite

Whiles’ expertise in marrying old and new.

the outside in. “Our starting point here, as for every

Where the Wintergarden centres its design around

restaurant we design, is that there are no bad seats,”

the surrounding nature, the fumoir does the exact

explains de Vere-Hopkins. Tan leather banquettes and

opposite, according to de Vere-Hopkins. “We

oak dining tables introduce an autumnal warmth to

embraced the fact that this is one part of the hotel

the otherwise cool tones. The centrepiece however, is

that does not have the best views so we consciously

a 14-metre bespoke chandelier conceived by Jestico

shifted the focus inside, introducing wood panelling

+ Whiles and realised by Preciosa designer Martin

and mood lighting to create an intimate cigar lounge

Prokeš. Inspired by stalactites, the installation

perfect for cosy evenings curled up in an armchair.”

comprises hundreds of hanging glass rods in a mix of

In the newbuild part of the hotel, a sweeping

078

colours and surface finishes.

sculptural staircase connects the restaurant and event

Spread across the original listed building and new

spaces. Crafted from stone, its balustrades are lined

extension, the 129 guestrooms presented Jestico +

with timber, referencing the surrounding landscape,

Whiles with the challenge of establishing uniformity

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across both wings. “We were keen for the old

square-footage as well as balconies with

and new rooms to be harmonious with each

loungers to take in the Alpine air.

other,” says de Vere-Hopkins. “They are

A former health resort in the Swiss Alps would

distinctly different on the floorplan as there are

not be complete without a comprehensive spa

very beautiful features in the original building,

experience. Occupying the rebuilt roof space,

but we didn’t want the extension guestrooms to

Kempinski The Spa is a 880m2 retreat away from

feel short-changed.”

the hustle and bustle of the main hotel. Its decor

As such, both have been treated with the

is informed by the surrounding mountainscape,

same colour and material palette: brushed

with textured monolithic stone and natural

oak panelling surrounding the sleeping area is

timber embracing the spirit of the modern

complemented by natural tan leather accents

cabin. The pièce de résistance is an infinity pool

and herringbone wood flooring. Gentle shades

overlooking the treetops of the Kurpark and

of duck-egg blue and aquamarine convey

beyond to Mount Titlis. “We talked at length

a feeling of fresh mountain air, playfully

about how to create that really special moment

combining textures. “There’s nothing that

with the pool,” reveals de Vere-Hopkins. “It’s

we could design that would compete with

both exciting for bystanders, to entice them

the scenery, which is what people are there

in, and a lovely pool to spend time in if you’re

for,” she continues. “Instead we focused on

staying at the hotel or visiting as a spa guest.”

creating a backdrop, something that felt really

As the sun sets over the snow-capped

comfortable, welcoming and referenced many

mountain resort, Kempinski Palace Engelberg

of the best local crafts and materials.” To

welcomes a new dawn, bringing the next

compensate for the lack of heritage features,

generation of discerning travellers looking for

the newbuild guestrooms benefit from a larger

modern luxury with a Swiss flair.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Kempinski Hotels Architecture: Architekturburo Iwan Buhler, Sigrist Schweizer Architekten Interior Design: Jestico + Whiles www.kempinski.com

N O M A D L O N D O N

NOMAD LONDON AND BERMONDS LOCKE S H O R T L I S T E D AT A H E A D E U R O P E 2 0 2 1

B E R M O N D S L O C K E

Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to have been the main contractor on NoMad London and Bermonds Locke. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd: vbudd@beckinteriors.com

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Habitas NAMIBIA Overlooking an expanse of acacia-studded plains, Habitas’ African debut reimagines the safari experience with sustainability in mind.

Words: Julia Freemantle • Photography: © Kleinjan Groenvald

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s far as hospitality concepts go, Habitas is hard to pigeonhole. A hybrid brand that celebrates community and connection, it doesn’t merely offer places to stay,

but rather those that immerse and engage.

The founders – Oliver Ripley, Kfir Levy and Eduardo Castillo – forged Habitas in 2014 around the pillars of ‘adventure, conversation, music, wellness, culture and food’, and these all inform what is an unusual and disruptive travel proposition. The brand was born out of the idea that ‘luxury is more about experience than anything else’, and starting as pop-up retreats, has evolved into permanent global escapes; the first opened in Tulum in 2017, and there’s projects in Saudi Arabia, Bhutan and Costa Rica currently in the pipeline.

Habitas Namibia launched earlier this year as the group’s first venture outside of the Americas and, aside from offering an escape to one of Africa’s vastest wildernesses – Namibia boasts one of the lowest population densities in the world thanks in part to the large stretches of uninhabited desert within its borders – offers immersive experiences where guests participate and interact. Grounded in the location but elevated by concepts that go beyond just this lodge, it is a multi-sensory destination.

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Designed in a utilitarian, safariinspired style, the lodge’s tented suites feature sides that can be rolled up completely to the bush

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“We quickly realised that what travellers

the execution. “For us, luxury is the ability to

wanted and needed was the ability to connect

connect with nature. Our home is designed for

with like-minded people and live a life with

human connection, with gathering spaces and

purpose,” says Ripley. “So we created something

panoramic views as the backdrop. Our design

that we ourselves wanted to experience and

philosophy is simple: we let nature speak for

hoped our friends would too.”

itself,” Levy explains.

The 12 tented suites, whose utilitarian,

The founders have steered the entire concept,

safari-inspired design allows the sides to roll

design and construction process themselves.

up completely to the bush, are spacious and

“We never set out to create a hospitality

simply kitted out. That’s not to say there aren’t

company – Habitas was born out of passion.

comforts and facilities synonymous with luxury

We did things differently because we knew no

travel – guests have everything they could need,

better. We faced many problems, and ended

from locally-made bathroom amenities and air-

up creating solutions in-house, step-by-step,

conditioning to plentiful cupboard space and

building the different pieces of the company,”

hairdryers – but there’s no excess clutter. This

says Castillo.

is done primarily to create a sense of low-key,

As such, Habitas designs, manufactures,

low-fi peaceful relaxation, allowing the setting

develops and operates its own hotels, using

to remain the central focus.

technology to create efficiencies in scale, timing

Nature played a fundamental role in the

and cost – by doing it all under the Habitas

creation of Habitas Namibia too, and the

brand, they are able to streamline the process

design was conceived to enable immersion into

of building and designing. “We created our

the landscape while considering comfort and

own factory in Mexico to build modular; we

sustainability. This is a thread that ran through

standardise different modules and flatpack and

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Perched on an elevated vantage point, the public deck features earthy textures and craft-inspired décor that grounds guests in their immediate surroundings

containerise the rooms to ship them to the sites.

There they are assembled like Lego. As a result, we can turn around a build in under 12 months,” Ripley confirms. This flexible method allows for easy adaptation, enabling each destination to reflect the brand’s overarching ethos, as well as its location. In Namibia, eclectic details allude to the global influences that have formed Habitas, while the elevated vantage points, earthy textures and craft-inspired décor ground guests in their immediate location, with mudcloth cushions, rugged wooden furniture and natural artefacts all nod to the African setting.

And the location is possibly Habitas’ strongest attribute. Very few other destinations can offer the same sense of space that Namibia can, and the lodge’s site on a hilltop with views in all directions – 50,000 hectares, to be precise – is quite simply staggering. Guests would be forgiven for being amazed that Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport is only 30 minutes away.

The sheer scale, as well as Namibia’s diverse and ancient cultures, set the stage for much of the hotel’s programming; fireside storytelling, music performances and sunrise yoga on a deck with 360-degree views of the veld all emphasise the sense of place and its history. “I’d always fantasised about one day looking at the African

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expanse, vastness and sky, and connecting to it, being

minded focus on sustainability and reciprocal learning

grounded in it,” Castillo recalls. “The first time I set

inspire and bring people together time and again.

foot in Namibia I was overwhelmed by its impact on

We’re excited to bring that vision to life to create an

my heart and soul. All I wanted to do was preserve it,

enduring positive impact on both our guests and the

to be its steward, like the many others that have done

community that welcomes us,” adds Ripley. And to

so for centuries before me.”

this end, the brand’s philanthropic arm, Habitas Rise,

Activities are focused on reinforcing this preservation of culture through authentic experiences,

local community empowerment.

from a welcome to the lodge with an intention-setting

This sense of community and coming together is

ritual fragranced by Himba Myrrh – an aromatic resin

part of what makes Habitas Namibia an excellent

collected by the nomadic Himba people believed to

destination to rent as a group. An easy informality is

have healing properties – to wilderness walks with

part of the business model – the team operates with a

members of the San community, on which guests can

family ethos – and the seclusion and communal design

learn about plants integral to traditional medicinal

equips it perfectly for celebrations, with open-to-the

use and bush survival techniques. There are also

elements social spaces and a generous deck and pool

local music performances, bush braais (barbecues)

with panoramic views offering areas from which to

and storytelling, together with sound journeys,

lounge, eat, drink and contemplate.

meditations and wellness treatments incorporating native ingredients.

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will focus on wildlife conservation, sustainability and

Aside from the hotel team and fellow travellers, the only creatures that guests share this vastness

“The country’s rich history, culture, landscape and

with are the resident rock hyraxes and the occasional

wildlife lends invaluable perspective to those who

kudu wandering into camp, but beyond these curious

seek greater understanding of the world through

visitors, and the game that can be spotted on daily

shared experiences. We’ve seen our community-

drives, there isn’t a soul in their sightline.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Habitas Architecture and Interior Design: Habitas www.ourhabitas.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.

Six Senses IBIZA Architect and developer Jonathan Leitersdorf realises his vision for a rejuvenative coastal retreat, drawing on the culture, community and terrain of Ibiza’s secluded north.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill Photography: © Patricia Parinejad (unless otherwise stated)

A

place to come in, get calibrated and recharge before going back out to the urban world: this is what Jonathan Leitersdorf and his team set out to achieve

when they first envisioned the Ibiza outpost of Six Senses.

“We wanted to solve a problem,” explains the architect and real estate developer. “When people leave Ibiza, what do they need? Another holiday. So we wanted to create a place where people leave feeling recharged.”

Cala Xarraca became the setting for the ultra-luxury

wellness-focused retreat, with this remote side of the Balearic island’s rugged landscape and bohemian spirit as its guiding inspiration. “The north of Ibiza is a beautiful place with an amazing community of spiritual people who love to celebrate,” says Leitersdorf. “We came to the conclusion that Ibiza, and especially the north of the island, is about three elements – community, spirituality and celebration. We’ve brought those three elements into this utopian retreat with a village layout that is all about discovery.”

The sprawling complex staggers the gradual slope leading down towards the rocky coastline with structures at the lowest point built into the cliffside. Guests are met on entry with a minimalist white building housing the boho-chic wood-and-white arrival area and, down some steps, the light and airy central gathering space: an open-sided indoor farmers’ market home to a gleaming red Porsche tractor and looking out, via an indoor-outdoor lounge, towards the sea.

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Built directly into the cliffside, the hotel’s Beach Caves are home to a live music venue, several suites and a range of F&B destinations

From here, steps and meandering pathways lead to the 116 guest villas and suites, as well

cocktails are served.

as two townhouses, spanning the 20-acre site,

With wellness a key part of the experience,

along with an array of indoor and outdoor

the Six Senses Spa offers a layered approach

venues bringing music, art, sustainable fashion,

that unites a pioneering spirit with treatments,

wellness, spirituality, culture and plant-based

a state-of-the-art fitness area, rooftop yoga

gastronomy into the experience.

platform, outdoor boxing ring, steam room,

“The village is about discovery and you never

salon, hot bath and more. Accessed via steps

see it all in one shot,” explains Leitersdorf.

leading beneath ground-level on the cliffside,

“You walk through the farmers’ market, down

the 1,200m2 spa is a tranquil hideaway for

through a garden to the pool, then down again

results-driven treatments, including the

to the beach caves. When you arrive there’s the

longevity programmes of its new wellbeing

hero view but everything else is hidden; there

concept The Rose Bar, which combines

are plenty of wow moments.”

diagnostics with nutritional guidance and

There are wow moments in the cuisine too; organic, seasonal and local ingredients are

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creations, detox juices and non-alcoholic

modern healing methods to optimise health and performance.

highlighted in the menus of HaSalon, the first

Representing the fashion aspect, the resort is

European outpost of renowned Israeli chef

home to the sustainable fashion concept store

Eyal Shani, and plant-based dishes are served

of Daniela Agnelli and Tiffanie Darke. And art

in the farmers’ market, with The Orchard also

is brought into each space through pieces by

offering local seafood cooked over fire. Locally

local artisans – curated by Muzéo – as well as

grown ingredients are brought into mixology

photographic artworks selected in partnership

at Pharmacy Bar too, where healthy herbal

with Magnum Photos. Celebration meanwhile

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Championing sustainability, the Earth Lab highlights Six Senses’ efforts to reduce consumption, produce locally, and support communities and ecosystems

shows in the resort’s music offering with its Beach Caves building housing a recording studio, Live Cave music venue, rehearsal room and cave suites, all built into the cliff. “When you come to Ibiza, at any time of the year, the elements of community, spirituality and celebration are always a part of your experience,” says Leitersdorf, “so this is how we wanted to capture that in this particular location.”

The pristine setting was the priority from the off with the resort designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. Construction materials match the colour of the rocky cliffside, cantilevered roofs hide glass surfaces from outside view and the use of local wood and stone further connects each structure with the bay and its trees. “All the materials we used mirror the colours, smells, feelings and textures of the bay – we didn’t really introduce anything new so that when you come into the bay, the structure is almost hidden. We painted the entry hall white but everything else is the colour of the cliffs with light and shadow creating pattern.”

The all-natural look weaves its way into the

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Six Senses, Ibiza

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© Six Senses

selection of FF&E too, with highlights including

and a smart automation system for lighting

custom rugs from Alarwool, woven from jute

and air conditioning in rooms; it plans to

and seen in guestrooms and Beach Cave, and an

become plastic-free by 2022; and has a farm

extensive range of furniture from RH, dressing

nearby, where ingredients are grown for the

both indoor and outdoor spaces.

restaurants. It also has its own Earth Lab to

This village-like complex is immersed in

introduce guests to its sustainability projects

plantlife with green roofs and flourishing

and runs a dedicated Sustainability Fund to

foliage running throughout. Edible produce,

support local organisations with a positive

such as pomegranates and lemons, grows in

social and environmental impact.

More developments are to come in the form

every corner and flanks each pathway.

Sustainability is a key factor too, permeating

of 16 townhouses with private pools and roof

both design and operations, so much so that it is

gardens, two mansions – the resort’s take on a

the first BREEAM-certified hotel in the Balearic

presidential suite – two new swimming pools

Islands. As well as being built using locally

and a 500m2 longevity clinic dedicated to its

sourced, sustainable and natural materials, the

Rose Bar concept. Work is set to complete in

resort was strategically constructed for optimum

the opening months of 2022 before reopening

insulation, maximum daylight and natural

to host winter retreats. “We’re now in our cool

ventilation, with measures taken to protect the

season, which is very exciting,” Leitersdorf

surrounding area and restore disturbed terrain

enthuses. “This is a year-round destination

post-construction.

where the experience is all about the people

Furthermore,

096

the

resort

reduces

its

in each space and what is happening there.

carbon emissions through renewable energy

At Six Senses Ibiza, it’s all about the human

production, the use of two geothermal wells

architecture.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Jonathan Leitersdorf Developer: Beachbox Hotelco Investor: Beachbox Hotelco, Metric Capital Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Architecture and Interior Design: Six Senses, Jonathan Leitersdorf, GCA Architects, Janfri & Ranchal Studio Art Consultant: Muzéo, Magnum Photos Procurement: Sunnyland Consulting Landscaping: Aeland, GMP Paisajistas Main Contractor: Grupo Avintia, Grupo Sanjose Project Manager: Hill International www.sixsenses.com

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Numo Ierapetra CRETE Championing sustainability, authenticity and contemporary design, a new hospitality group in Greece opens its debut hotel.

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of Numo Hotels & Resorts

T

he belief that in nature, nothing is

the Troulis family – who have further hotels

perfect, has found its way into the

under the Troulis Royal Collection banner – the

world of hospitality design in recent

venture aims to build a portfolio of properties

years, encouraging guests to see beauty in the

across Greece and beyond, with a focus on

simple, rustic and unfinished rather than overly

sustainability, authenticity and design.

ostentatious displays of perceived luxury. So

While most developers target holiday hotspots

when Constantina Tsoutsikou was developing

such as Chania, Heraklion and Malia, Numo

a design concept for a nature-inspired resort –

is taking a different direction, instead opting

the renovation of a charming yet tired hotel in

for lesser-known destinations in a build-it-

southern Crete – the notion of ‘embracing the

and-they-will-come approach. As such, the

imperfections’ seemed a fitting approach.

group’s debut is located in Ierapetra, a town

Having been extended a number of times

on the southeast coast some 90 minutes from

then unoccupied for two years, the existing

the nearest international airport. For Managing

property was in need of a refresh, specifically

Director and Partner Spyros Kouris, the debut

a unified scheme that would bring harmony

project encapsulates the group’s philosophy

to the assortment of low-rise buildings and

in its entirety. “We see ourselves as the

make better use of the oceanfront site. For new

ambassadors of the destinations we operate

owners Numo Hotels & Resorts, the project

in,” he explains. “Our goal is to reinvent unique

was an opportunity to launch their brand, and

locations by forming strong bonds with their

to introduce its aspirations of ushering Greek

respective communities and showcasing the

hospitality into a new era of relaxed modernity.

best they have to offer.”

Formed by a group of passionate hospitality

In Ierapetra, the resort’s location is very

professionals and part-owned by members of

much about the landscape, with rocky peaks and

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In guestrooms, colours are earthy while materials are textured and tactile, ranging from locally sourced timber to jute and rope

100

gorges to one side, and a grey pebble beach and

style kafeneio. For Tsoutsikou, it was important

turquoise waters to the other. With the existing

to assess the characteristics of the site and be

property turning its back to the sea, Kouris

guided by its environs. “Instead of going in with

reveals that the first step was to make changes

a preconceived rigid plan, we allowed nature

to the overall site plan. “When you’re dealing

and the landscape to speak to our souls first,”

with an existing property, it can be difficult to

she explains. “We then worked closely with

create exactly what you envision because of

the client team around the existing buildings

restrictions such as walls and foundations,” he

and made enhancements where needed, adding

confirms. “But we managed to work with the

outdoor terraces or private pools where possible

existing buildings and infrastructure to create

and capitalising on every opportunity to create

something new.”

memorable experiences.”

The most significant changes were for the

In line with the design concept of embracing

F&B; an inward-facing events pavilion was

the imperfections, original alleys, archways and

transformed into a waterfront restaurant with

some surfaces such as cobblestone paving have

spacious outdoor terrace, while a new bar in the

been retained rather than replaced, bringing

form of a handsome timber pergola was added

a certain charm and ensuring the fast-track

to the poolside. The pool itself was remodelled

project remained on schedule. “When I first

too, taking on a more organic shape.

walked the site, I realised that it wouldn’t be as

The majority of the site was retained however,

successful unless we really embrace what is here

with the clusters of buildings feeling more like

already and bring out the good,” Tsoutsikou

a quaint Greek village than a hotel – there’s

continues. “This was also more practical and

even a chapel, water fountain and piazza that

gave us the opportunity to upcycle. We kept

will soon see the addition of a neighbourhood-

wardrobe boxes but upgraded them with new

www.marcojoefazio.com creative agency

An inward-facing events pavilion has been transformed into a waterfront restaurant with spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the turquoise waters

doors for example, while we added feet to

to the surroundings. There’s also a palpable

existing bedside tables; you wouldn’t recognise

connection with nature that encourages an

what’s old and what’s new, it all became one

escape from city life, further enhanced by the

consistent visual language.”

way in which the resort cascades down from the

Another plus to this being a refurbishment

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roadside entrance to the ocean.

is that the landscaping had already matured; a

While the 132 guestrooms dotted across the

perennial problem with newbuild resorts being

site are made for lazy afternoons, the public

that trees and plants take years, if not decades,

spaces are more lively, with peak season

to bed in. At Numo, there’s pockets of serenity

programming including visiting DJs and chefs.

amongst the Mediterranean gardens, and the

Along with the bar – accessible from both the

site is dotted with tamarisk, a native tree that

poolside and an outdoor lounge – there’s a

came to inform the entire scheme. Having taken

speciality restaurant, modelled on a traditional

a piece of bark and a single leaf from one of

Greek taverna serving farm-to-table Cretan

the tamarisk that still stands at the poolside,

cuisine, and the main restaurant, Tamarisk,

Tsoutsikou developed a palette of colours and

designed for all-day dining beneath a beautiful

materials for the guestrooms and public spaces.

timber canopy. There’s also plenty of terrace

Colours are earthy with natural tones of olive,

space, where guests can recline on the outdoor

slate and taupe, while materials are textured

sofas in the shade of the tamarisk trees, and

and tactile, ranging from locally sourced timber

an al fresco cinema, which comes into its own

to jute and rope, the latter used to cleverly

at nightfall thanks to the atmospheric lighting.

screen the open-plan vanity from the bedroom.

Given that authenticity is key to Numo’s

It’s a pleasingly simple scheme – nothing feels

approach, fostering a connection, not only

forced or out of place – and there’s a sensitivity

with the surrounding environment but its

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104

inhabitants and their livelihoods too, was an

Though it had its challenges, the benefits

important factor. Local joiners put their skills

were clear. “It meant we didn’t have long

to good use during construction, ceramic tiles

lead times or have to wait months for pieces

and terracotta came from nearby potteries, and

to be delivered, we could just drive from the

the majority of produce used in the restaurants

resort and see our furniture being made in the

is locally sourced from small farms such as

factory,” says Tsoutsikou, pointing out that the

the award-winning Karalakis and bio olive

reduced carbon footprint adheres to Numo’s

oil press Skoutari. And though sourcing local

aspirations to be a responsible operator. It also

is something that many hotels subscribe to,

ties in with their brand elements of creating

Tsoutsikou reveals that, in the early days of

authentic experiences that connect guests to the

the project, there were discussions with the

local community, however subtle that may be.

client as to exactly what ‘local’ means. “I soon

This approach is one that will continue

realised that our perceptions were different; for

through the group’s future endeavours. Kouris

me, local meant Greek or Southern European,”

is currently scoping out potential sites across

she explains. Despite having spent part of

Crete as well as on other Greek islands, and

her childhood in Greece, the project was still

reveals that while each hotel will be different,

a learning curve for the designer. “For Numo

they’ll all share the same values. “First we’ll

Hotels & Resorts, local meant their island,

look at the characteristics of a location to find

Crete, and the immediate vicinity. So we had to

the story and the concept, then we’ll bring the

investigate what was possible – what materials

design in to support it,” he concludes. “Our

and crafts are available – and that came to

priority is to find places where guests can

inform the design.”

connect with the destination.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Numo Hotels & Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Studio Lost Lighting Design: Foss Graphic Design: Phantom Landscaping: Kanakari Alexia Consultants: Globe & Trotter www.numoierapetra.com

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25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino FLORENCE For its Italian debut, 25hours enlists Paola Navone to reinterpret Dante’s Divine Comedy for a heaven and hell-themed hotel.

Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: © Dario Garofalo

W

idely recognised as one of the world’s greatest

crimson with mismatched flock wallpaper, velvet curtains

works of literature, Dante’s Divine Comedy has

and black bed linen. Snake-like bedside lamps emerge

been the source of inspiration for many since its

from behind the headboard poised to slither over guests’

original publication in the late 15th century, with sculptors,

shoulders, while a devilish light installation hangs from the

filmmakers and writers influenced by the poem’s imaginative

ceiling, adorned with tags printed with sins found in Dante’s

vision of the afterlife. But never before has it been the source

text. The bathroom is equally chilling, vandalised with the

material for a hotel concept. For its Italian debut however,

words ‘welcome to hell!!!’ scrawled in a blood-like paint.

25hours Hotels enlisted Milan-based designer Paola Navone

“The colours communicate the mood of the guestrooms at

to playfully reinterpret the seminal text for a heaven and

first sight; intense reds for the environments inspired by hell

hell-themed scheme, taking guests on an illuminating

and light ethereal colours for heaven,” says Navone. “Then

journey through Dante’s world of virtues and vices.

materials and objects - objet trouvé, upcycled furniture

So, how does one approach a medieval masterpiece steeped

and bespoke elements honouring the traditions of Italian

in such history and acclaim? “We enjoyed imagining a free

manufacturing - work together to define the different

and visionary interpretation of the theme, as it gave us the

moods, immersing guests in a unique experience linked to

chance to transform the existing monumental complex into

the city of Florence.”

a narrative and pop scenography,” reveals Navone.

Emerging from their own personal heaven or hell, guests

The immersive experience begins at reception, where

continue the voyage through the public spaces, where they

guests can choose to spend the night in heavenly paradise

can experience Navone’s idiosyncratic style of combining

or blazing hell. The Paradiso rooms – named after a key

the traditional with the contemporary. Divine entertainment

section of the text – are ethereal in style and feature all-

can also be found in the hotel’s own Cinema Paradiso, which

white trompe-l’oeil walls that cultivate the illusion of

showcases a variety of Dante-inspired films from the past

floating amongst the clouds. Accents of aquamarine can be

and present.

seen in the upholstery and accessories while wall-mounted

“Wherever you look, you are immersed in a magical

angel wings and rugs depicting cheeky cherubs continue the

universe that engages the senses, naturally welcoming you

theme along with a celestial mobile over the bed. In keeping

into our interpretation of Dante’s atmospheres and inspiring

with the playful spirit synonymous with the 25hours brand,

a sense of wonder and surprise,” concludes Navone. “Like

there are ‘fly to heaven’ t-shirt installations, ‘life is good’

an extraordinary box of wonders waiting to be discovered,

shower panels and ‘come as you are’ bags.

the Dante allusions are multiplied in an unexpected mix of

Posing a stark contrast, the Inferno rooms – for those brave enough – are characterised by an intense shade of

references, quotes, digressions and contaminations that cross times and places freely.”

107

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Hotel Riomar IBIZA Following a complete renovation, Santa Eulalia’s original boutique hotel channels a taste of nostalgia through a contemporary lens.

Words: Ben Thomas

N

ever judge a book by its cover, as the saying

MA Hotels Management of Blakes London and

goes, and nowhere are the words more

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch fame. Having relocated

fitting than Ibiza. Often misperceived for

its design team to Isla Blanca just before the

its hedonistic nightlife, the island has plenty

pandemic, the company set about continuing

more to offer beyond the famous Sunset Strip,

its work on-site as lockdown restrictions were

from quaint villages and yoga retreats to sandy

gradually lifted, developing the project in phases

coves and luxury farmsteads set amongst its

before its grand unveiling in the summer.

pastoral inlands.

“We wanted to create something unexpected,

A short drive up the eastern coast from the

away from the preconceptions that people have

airport is Santa Eulalia del Río, a resort town

of Ibiza,” says the property’s Creative Director

with just the right blend of laidback luxury

Sichi Bon. “There is another aspect to the island

and buzzing gastronomy. Despite the changing

that is totally different from its fast-paced

face of travel over the years, much of the

energy and offers a much calmer alternative.

area’s original ‘60s and ‘70s appeal remains,

Hotel Riomar is somewhere in-between these

with a scattering of traditional Ibizan stores,

on the periphery of nature and urban density.”

restaurants and bars interspersed amongst

Given the hotel’s origins as the first of its kind

modern villas, boutiques and social spots,

in Santa Eulalia, having been established back

including W Ibiza, the casual-luxe Marsol

in 1968, the new design scheme embraces the

Apartments and Pecador, a Maritime-inspired

inherent features of Mid-Century Modernism,

eatery by Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany.

most notably through its clean lines, inset

One of those to maintain its nostalgic charm

balconies and layered aesthetic.

is Hotel Riomar, a 116-room beachfront bolthole

“With Ibiza’s local planning laws being

that has been fully refurbished by UK-based

very conservative and leaning towards the

109

© Filipe Wiens

The hotel’s multi-purpose lobby functions as a breakfast area, and later transforms into a lounge and cocktail bar

less development the better, we had to respect the

Other walls on the ground level are panelled

original structure and work solely on the interiors,”

with woven raffias by Alicante-based manufacturer

Bon continues. “The hotel was just the third to open

Naturtex, forming a backdrop for upholstery in a mix

on the island – ahead of the ‘70s tourism boom –

of warmer creams and deep orange tones, accented

and pre-dates much of Santa Eulalia itself. With this

by natural fabrics and woven textile cushions. A taste

conscientiousness at heart, our aim during the design

of nostalgia and timelessness were core principles for

process was to highlight the features of the building,

the in-house design team when selecting furniture

restoring them rather than compromising them.”

too, which is made up of classic pieces such as Pierre

As such, the red marble floor from a previous refurbishment was retained throughout the lobby and

110

Jeanneret’s Easy armchairs as well as customdesigned contemporary sofas.

repaired where required, while original columns were

“We decided on a less-is-more design style, whilst

clad in slatted timber and the space was rearranged to

ensuring a comfort that invites guests to relax and

better meet the needs of the modern traveller.

take time out from their busy lives,” adds Bon. “As

Guests are now welcomed by a pair of brass-topped

such, different zones are formed around a diversity

reception desks, behind which sits a curated vinyl

of materials, mostly natural timber and stone with

library with portable record players that they can take

additions of engineered surfaces where essential.”

to their rooms for an afternoon’s entertainment. From

Moving through the lobby, a set of glass doors open

here, the multifunctional lobby marries timber, raffia

onto a decked terrace from which guests can take in

and brass, with a grand bar and a six-metre-wide,

unobstructed sea views while dining al fresco at the

handpainted tile mural – created by Visible Curated,

hotel’s restaurant, Ocean Brasserie & Bar, which serves

who appointed artisans in Portugal to reproduce an

international flavours alongside signature cocktails, or

original watercolour artwork – depicting a nostalgic

even better soak up some Mediterranean sun on the

scene of beachgoers.

pool’s bespoke loungers.

© Lutz Vorderwülbecke

To incorporate the Ibizan landscape into

soil, while neutral ceramics act as a base for

the project, the design team also created Tribe

bespoke furniture, which has been developed

– a secret garden terrace with swing beds by

by MA Hotels Management in partnership with

TiiPii, additional loungers and crushed seashells

FF&E company Agregado Union. Bathrooms

in place of sand. There’s also a stage for the

channel a similar sense of purity, with Noken

wellness programme, which includes yoga,

fittings in black, Corian vanity tops, and pale

pilates and sound baths as well acoustic music

stone-effect Porcelanosa tiles lining the walls

nights titled Sunset Sessions.

and walk-in shower.

“Our inspiration came from two elements;

And despite the somewhat restrictive scale of

firstly the building’s inherent architecture,”

the 1960s structure, which means everything

Bon explains. “The second is the location,

included in the rooms has its own place and

where the Río de Santa Eulalia river – the only

purpose, be it a function or an accent of décor,

one of its kind in the entire Balearic archipelago

Bon believes this has resulted in a laidback

– meets the sea. The local term for the setting’s

luxury that equates to being, “in a word, Ibiza.”

mythical quality is ‘la magia existe’. Embracing

Up next for Hotel Riomar is a 120-cover

both the history and natural surroundings lead

restaurant, which will open in 2022 as a breakfast

to finding an equilibrium between the two.”

venue during the morning and a fine-dining

Guestrooms are more serene, with half

destination once the sun sets. Here’s hoping the

overlooking the bay and the others offering

forthcoming phase of its redevelopment carries

views across Ibiza’s rural heritage, including

the same charming nostalgia as its latest one.

ancient church Puig de Missa. Touches of MidCentury Modern are coupled with scorched earth reds inspired by the region’s iron-rich

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: MA Hotels Management, Defruitera Properties Operator: MA Hotels Architecture: M·20 Arquitectura Interior Design: MA Hotels Management in-house team Branding: Vacancy Bureau Art Consultant: Visible Curated www.hotelriomar.com

Port EASTBOURNE Hotelier Peter Cadwallader reimagines the British seaside stay with a Scandinavian-style bolthole on the East Sussex seafront.

Words: Emma Love • Photography: © Emma Croman

O

ver the last few years, Eastbourne has been quietly shrugging off its sleepy reputation. From the buzzing creative scene spearheaded by the big-draw Towner

Eastbourne gallery to cool cafés and quirky independent shops, there are plenty of reasons to visit this evolving coastal town. Yet it has always lacked a contemporary, design-led hotel – until now. Enter Port, which opened in May right on the seafront. It’s impossible to miss the building, a former run-down hotel that’s been painted charcoal black. “We’re not trying to create a traditional seaside hotel; we’re reimagining what that should look and feel like in the modern idiom,” explains co-founder and Managing Director Peter Cadwallader, a newcomer to the world of hospitality. “The strategy is to create a seaside hotel brand focusing on Victorian towns that perhaps lost their sparkle in the 1970s but now have so much potential,” he adds. “We chose Eastbourne partly because the opportunity came up but also, how many places have a seafront and are backed by a national park like the South Downs?”

The project took 16 months – plus a couple of lockdowns – and aside from the dramatic colour change on the outside, the biggest alterations were structural. A wall on the ground floor was removed to create an open-plan restaurant, bar and cosy hang-out by the fire, while an exterior glass box at the front, common with many of Eastbourne’s hotels, was removed to create an outdoor terrace.

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115

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Furniture from Scandinavian design brands including Hay, &Tradition and Gubi sits alongside British matresses from Hypnos and Farrow & Ball paint

“We wanted to create a hotel that is a

by The Poured Project and black fittings create

place for calm contemplation, where guests

a modern, industrial vibe. “I wanted to bring

can get away from their stresses and connect

colour in through the concrete sinks so I literally

with nature,” Cadwallader continues of the

sent swatches of paint and asked if they could

underlying ethos behind Port. In the hands of

match the shades,” he continues.

interior designer Imraan Ismail, this translates

Downstairs, the standout feature is the fluted

to a rooted spin on the Scandinavian aesthetic,

wooden bar with a backlit circle of pink onyx.

achieved through a restful paint palette that

“It was important to have a similar language

reflects the landscape. “Being coastal, we’ve

throughout for a consistent experience,”

taken inspiration from what you see outside and

explains Ismail, citing the leather strap detail

thought about how best to bring that inside in

on the banquette seating in the restaurant as

an interesting way,” says Ismail. “For instance,

another example – they were made by Roar

we chose Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground for the

Studio, which was also behind the leather-and-

restaurant and bar to reference the soft pinkish

wood clothes rails in the guestrooms. Finishing

hue that bounces off the sea at sunset.” In the

touches include abstract paintings by artist

19 guestrooms – some of which were gutted

Jonathan Murphy and ceramics by potter Karen

and reconfigured – colourways are two-tone:

Peters, who is part of the town’s Devonshire

Farrow & Ball blue-grey for the lower half of the

Collective – a great way to tap into the East

rooms at the back, nodding to the distant views

Sussex creative arts scene.

of the South Downs, and a mix of Oxford Stone

“One thing we’d like to do is work with

and Dead Salmon for the deeper colours in those

Towner Eastbourne – who recommended

facing the sea, to reflect the pebble beach view.

Jonathan’s work to us – on creating experiences

Warm, natural materials are also key. Rooms

where people come to learn pottery say, and

have cork floors and handmade oak panelled

just happen to stay in a really great hotel,” says

bedheads, with accents of brass such as the

Cadwallader. “We also want this to be a place for

bedside tables by Domkapa. “We wanted to

locals to come and meet for cocktails or dinner,

elevate the bedheads in some way so mirrored

or stop by for a coffee during the day.” The

the idea of a porthole by sourcing off-cuts of

majority of ingredients for the informal small

marble, crafting them into circles and inserting

plates menu are sourced from within 30 miles

in each one,” says Ismail. The furniture is a

and include local suppliers such as Trenchmore

cohesive mix of Scandinavian brands, all in

Farm for the beef, Yowarth’s for fish and the

soft curving shapes, from the Gubi Beetle

Poppyseed Bakery. He concludes: “The idea is

chairs to the Palissade cone tables by Hay. In

that we help our guests discover new things,

the bathrooms, terrazzo tiles – also linking

whether that’s a local wine, a favourite dish or

back the pebbles – paired with concrete sinks

a new area.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Peter Cadwallader, Ian Douglas and Clive Douglas Architecture: Jorges Salman Architects Interior Design: Imraan Ismail Interiors Brand Identity: Olivia Knight Graphic Design: Molly Denton Landscaping: Aycorn Garden Design & Lifestyle www.porthotel.co.uk

117

Cheval Blanc PARIS The highly anticipated Cheval Blanc Paris arrives in the newly refurbished La Samaritaine department store.

Words: Nicola Leigh Stewart Photography: © Alexandre Tabaste

W

hen the Art Deco extension of La

by Vik Muniz nod to the Parisian joie de vivre

Samaritaine opened in 1928, it was the

spirit of the property. Despite its size, Cheval

glory days of the Parisian department

Blanc has intended for guests to feel at home

store. With its pioneering design and the promise

in an intimate maison, and the formality of the

that ‘You’ll find everything at Samaritaine!’,

traditional check-in desk has been eschewed

the store became a beloved fixture in the city’s

in favour of more relaxed lounge furniture.

Pont Neuf district until it was forced to close

Marino’s creamy colour palette provides a

in 2005 due to safety concerns. Now, after a

neutral backdrop for an eclectic mix of bold

complex 16-year refurbishment, French luxury

modern art, sculptural light fittings, textured

goods group LVMH has revived the iconic grand

metal wall panels and zesty lime and orange

magasin in the original Art Nouveau building,

armchairs. If there is any reference to the Art

and installed the fifth maison from Cheval Blanc

Deco origins of the building, it is perhaps only

in the Art Deco masterpiece next door, which

in the geometric lines of metalwork overlaid

enjoys a prestigious location on the banks of

on golden columns that signal the luxurious

the River Seine.

credentials of the hotel.

Édouard François was entrusted with the

High-tech design elements have been

architectural side of the project, creating the 72

incorporated into Marino’s modern interiors

spacious guestrooms and suites before handing

with ease. In the lifts, immersive videos of the

the keys over to long-term LVMH collaborator

Seine by artist Thierry Dreyfus highlight one

Peter Marino, who has completely reimagined

of the city’s most iconic sights and transport

the interiors with his contemporary vision.

guests outside of the hotel as well as to the

The high-ceilinged lobby sets the scene for

26 rooms and 46 suites. Understated elegance

grandeur, whilst a duo of Eiffel Tower paintings

underpins each and Marino has once again

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Understated elegance underpins the design of the guestrooms and suites, with Marino introducing layers of texture to add interest to the sophisticated magnolia colour palette

introduced layers of texture to add interest to the sophisticated magnolia colour palette, from plush rugs and glossy parquet flooring to bespoke furniture crafted from natural wood, smooth marble and textured bronze. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows not only put the spectacular Paris views centrestage but have allowed Marino to play with light, which casts shadows over a sculptural handmade fixture by artist Philippe Anthonioz and illuminates the golden highlights on walls and the parquet de glace geometric trims on the bed linen – a nod to the Art Deco lines of the building’s stone façade. Bathrooms are luxuriously dressed in marble with a subtle wave finish that references the flowing waters of the Seine, while craftsman Charles Schambourg has weaved 50 years of experience with leather and gold to create the shimmering fabric that covers bathroom drawers. The final touch is the toiletries, seductively perfumed with one of two exclusive scents created Dior’s master perfumer François Demachy – a natural partnership given that the brand sits within the LVMH portfolio.

Décor in the haute gastronomy restaurant Plénitude also feels suitably restrained with

120

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Neil Holroyd Studio Publication: Sleeper

Issue: 99

Page size: 236 x 275mm;

Subject content: Bodmin Moor Jail, COrnwall

Date: 30-09-2021

Print Deadline: 15-10-2021

Job Number: NEW-1079

Project Manager: Emma Whitehead, Newhey

Revision Number: Art

Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall

122

muted tones and a minimalist style, save for

its kind at a Paris hotel and is open to overnight

the monotone yellow and orange seating and

guests only, with not even spa clients allowed

bubble textured walls, whilst in the ground

in for a dip. They can, however, take a glimpse

floor restaurant Limbar, Marino has ramped

through glass walls at the pool’s cool blue wave

up with the colour with rich shades of wood

mosaics, handcrafted by the celebrated Michael

and banquettes covered in red African-inspired

Mayer, and the video backdrop of the Seine

prints. However, it’s the seventh-floor Le Tout-

by visual artist and filmmaker Oyoram, which

Paris restaurant that has Parisians flocking to

almost plunges guests into the water outside.

the venue for the sweeping city views, and which

In the hallway to the spa, high-tech digital

arguably makes the boldest design statement.

artwork by American Jennifer Steinkamp sits

Marino has made a strong departure from the

beside traditional haute couture in the form

hotel’s signature design codes with a primary-

of an ethereal Dior gown by fashion designer

coloured carpet and glossy red and yellow

Maria Grazia Chiuri. Inside, the Salon Cheminée

seating. There’s some thoughtful attention to

waiting room has been recreated in the style

detail here too; the standalone bar facilitates

of Monsieur Dior’s own private atelier with

easy access to the outdoor terrace without

soothing shades of cream punctuated by red and

disturbing diners, whilst the partitioned booths

pink floral artwork. Clients are spoilt with an

are set slightly higher off the floor to offer a

exclusive range of Dior treatments, performed

more privileged viewpoint.

in one of six suites furnished with white onyx

Downstairs, via Sophie Mallebranche’s

bathrooms and custom-designed massage beds.

sculpted stone staircase, is the much-hyped

For more indulgence, guests can also browse the

Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris. The vast 30m

range of Dior beauty products and accessories

swimming pool is rumoured to be the longest of

to take home the ultimate Parisian souvenir.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: LVMH Operator: LVMH Hotel Management Architecture: Édouard François Interior Design: Peter Marino www.chevalblanc.com

123

NEW YORK

LOCATION REPORT As the USA reopens international borders, its most-visited city welcomes a host of new hotels in the hope that travellers will return.

Words: Catherine Martin

F

or a city that never sleeps, New York has

time lows in both occupancy and RevPAR. For

its fair share of hotel rooms. Ranging

New York City, this equates to an occupancy

from cosy crash-pads to sprawling

of 46.9%, a fall of 45.6% on the previous

suites, the inventory spans the full gamut

year, and a RevPAR of US$71.17, down 67.5%.

of accommodation types, catering to every

This is well below 2018 and 2019 levels, when

budget, every demographic and every possible

the city was the best-performing in North

design preference.

America by some margin.

The city itself needs no introduction. Over

2021 has shown some signs of improvement

the years it has attracted hordes of tourists

but given that New York’s hotels rely heavily

enticed by world-class museums, galleries,

on business travellers and international

shopping and sights, while sporting events

tourists, both of which are still largely off-

and its status as a global business hub have

limits at the time of writing, recovery has been

served to bolster visitor numbers. In 2019,

slow. The latest data from STR reveals that

New York reached a record high of 66.6 million

for year-to-August 2021, the city’s occupancy

visitors – 80% of whom came for leisure –

stands at 53.9% while RevPAR is US$91.90 –

marking a decade of year-on-year growth.

that’s 53.6% below 2019 rates. Any uptick in

But much like other large cities, New York

performance will be welcomed by operators,

has suffered enormously at the hands of the

however the general consensus amongst

pandemic. Visitor numbers tumbled to 22.3

analysts is that New York – and other cities

million in 2020, a fall of 67%; full lockdowns

that depend on corporate and group travel –

and ongoing work from home advice has left

will not fully recover until 2024 at the earliest.

hospitality venues such as restaurants, bars

Despite the challenges of a post-pandemic

and cafés empty, and the lack of international

world, not to mention the high costs associated

travel has resulted in fewer heads-in-beds.

with running a hotel in New York, appetite

In fact, the impact on US hotel performance

amongst owners and operators for an asset

has been so catastrophic that STR went so far

here remains strong. Openings through 2020

as to name 2020 the worst on record, stating

and the early months of 2021 have been few

that the hotels in its database reported all-

and far between, but with stalled projects

restarting and restrictions gradually lifting,

refurbishment market is hotting up too:

challenges for existing hotels. Prior to the

the second half of the year is in the midst of

Rosewood’s The Carlyle has recently completed

pandemic, New York was already seeing new

an influx of new supply. In addition to those

a multi-year refresh courtesy of Tony Chi; The

supply outpace demand, meaning performance

featured in the following pages, other recent

Surrey will undergo a top-to-toe makeover

was beginning to flatten. In a bid to curb

openings include Modernhaus SoHo, a Bauhaus-

and reopen in 2023 as a Corinthia; while works

development, Mayor Bill de Blasio is pushing a

inspired urban resort from Thor Equities

are under way at Waldorf Astoria – the most

controversial plan for all new hotels to be subject

Group; Arlo Midtown, the latest addition to the

expensive hotel ever sold when Anbang (now

to council approval, but critics fear the scheme

rapidly-growing lifestyle brand, with interiors

Dajia Insurance Group) acquired it for a cool

could endanger recovery, not to mention cost

by Meyer Davis; Graduate Hotel Roosevelt

US$1.95 billion in 2014.

jobs and millions in lost tax revenue.

Island, a 224-key newbuild with architecture

And there’s plenty more to come. According to

In all, the road to recovery for New York’s

by Snøhetta and Stonehill Taylor; and Casa

Tophotelprojects, there are 16,108 rooms across

hotel sector won’t run smoothly, but what is

Cipriani, a private members’ club with rooms

62 projects in the pipeline, with over 60% slated

clear is that the city has a certain resilience, as

located in the meticulously-restored Battery

to open before the end of 2022. As expected,

evidenced in the years after 9/11 and the Lehman

Maritime Building and featuring interiors by

New York has more hotels under construction

Brothers collapse. Even more encouraging is the

Thierry Despont. Ian Schrager’s Public hotel

than anywhere else in the Americas, behind

uptick in performance seen in recent weeks –

has also been given a new lease of life thanks

only Dubai and London when compared on a

early September recorded 500,000 room nights

to additional F&B including a chef’s tasting

global scale. The research also shows that of the

sold for the first time in the pandemic era.

table and a multimedia experiential nightlife

big players, Marriott International is the most

And with borders finally open on 8 November,

performance space.

active with 15 projects (4,730 rooms) in the

the city will once again be able to welcome

Set to make their debut over the coming

pipeline followed by Hilton Worldwide, which

vaccinated travellers from its largest feeder

months are The Ritz-Carlton, a newbuild

counts 9 projects (3,081 rooms). From Marriott,

markets of the UK and China. It’s unlikely New

hotel and branded residences with architecture

there’s forthcoming hotels from the Aloft, Moxy

York will ever lose its appeal.

by Rafael Viñoly and interiors by Yabu

and Le Meridien brands, while Hilton is planting

Pushelberg; and the much-anticipated New

flags with the Motto and Tempo brands.

York debut of Aman, which will see Jean-

A high volume of new projects is undoubtedly

Michel Gathy of Denniston breathe life into

good news for the product manufacturers and

Manhattan’s landmark Crown Building. In

service providers involved in the design and

a bid to keep up with the newcomers, the

construction process, however it does present

The following pages feature four recent hotel openings across New York, as well as previews of what’s to come.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn NEW YORK Marrying raw concrete with natural timber, New York’s second Ace Hotel is an homage to the artistic flair of its locale.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Stephen Kent Johnson

W

hen the Ace Hotel brand planted its first flag in New York in 2009, city dwellers jokingly called it ‘the Ace in the hole’, alluding to the nondescript

wasteland of ragtag wholesale garment and luggage shops that line the strip of Broadway where it resides. But founders Wade Weigel, Doug Herrick and the late Alex Calderwood pioneered a vision for what’s now known as the ultra-au courant NoMad area, where luxury residences and hotels – including the forthcoming Ritz-Carlton – mingle with eateries, boutiques and chic co-working spaces. Delighted with this success, the Ace team soon set their sights on a similarly dubious block at the nexus of Downtown and Fort Greene in Brooklyn. Sure, there’s an unemployment line across the street every morning, but Ace – whose Seattle flagship had origins as a halfway house – has a penchant for being first to market and transforming neighbourhoods into hotel havens. “Brooklyn is a city on its own. It would be considered one of the largest cities in the US just by itself,” says Brad Wilson, President at Ace Hotel Group. “Downtown Brooklyn isn’t exactly rife with hotels; you see hotels in Williamsburg and on the waterfront, so there’s tremendous room for growth here,” he adds. “It’s the type of location that attracts us, a lot of interesting people live in the area.”

This residential feel is exactly what Wilson aimed to bring to the interiors, coupling a cosy, homely ambiance with the industrial side of Brooklyn.

126

LOCATION REPORT

127

The property’s restaurant and bakery, As You Are, echoes the ethos of both the hotel and Brooklyn as a whole, serving cuisines that define the borough

The story begins with the building’s façade,

with local artists. In the adjacent lobby bar, a pair

orchestrated by hospitality design favourites Roman

of soaring, semi-circular sculptural windows hold

and Williams, who collaborated with Ace some 20

court, filling the space with either natural or artificial

years ago in NoMad. “We wanted the finished hotel to

light from the street as the day progresses. Furniture

have the raw energy of a building under construction

is either vintage or custom-designed by Roman and

– incompleted and continuing to evolve,” says co-

Williams, with both styles speaking to the rawness and

founder Stephen Alesch of the structural concrete and

honesty of the building. “The furniture is architectural

cable conduit façade, punctuated by industrial metal

yet restrained in detail,” explains co-founder Robin

windows. “We carved out a large space at the entry

Stadefer. “We wanted it to be made from strong

and gave it to the street, making an open-air alcove

materials with sturdy, efficient joints, avoiding

with a steel stair. We treated this area like an interior

anything false.”

entry with sculptural lights and concrete furniture, built to withstand all weather conditions.”

128

Wilson’s favourite space, and another nod to Brooklyn, is the hotel’s garden, a greenhouse-inspired

The Stoop, as it’s known, is designed as a gateway

terrace housing an organic wine bar. “When you go

for the community – for casual congregation. The stair

through restaurants and bars in this neighbourhood,

leads directly to the events spaces, and to the rear

you often walk through a dark space that opens out

is a two-storey mural by organic modernist ceramic

to a garden. It’s one of absolute my favourite things

sculptor Stan Bitters. Inside, the hotel’s lobby deftly

about restaurants in Brooklyn,” he says. Here, a

blends the brutalist Brooklyn-tough façade with a

double-sided fireplace and more artwoks by Stan

welcoming warmth that is profoundly symbolic of

Bitters complement Douglas fir wall panelling and

the borough itself. An expertly crafted cast concrete

plenty of plantlife.

reception desk features covetable carved wood lamps

As You Are, the property’s restaurant and bakery,

and a gallery of merchandise created in partnership

echoes the ethos of both the hotel and Brooklyn as a

LOCATION REPORT

129

LOCATION REPORT

whole, telling the story of unpretentious food

the community, Ace Hotel Brooklyn houses a

from the various immigrant cuisines that define

variety of events spaces. There’s The Atrium, a

the borough. Roman and Williams’ design idea

light-filled ballroom with green cork panelling

for this space was to not have a design idea

and a large-scale, celestial light installation;

at all. Instead, the duo channelled a bustling

and Demo Kitchen, a venue for culinary and

lunchroom or cafeteria. Alesch explains: “The

community engagement, hosting restaurant

idea is that it is a communal space buzzing with

pop-ups, mixology workshops, gastro-

creative energy; it’s not trying to be something

symposiums and cooking classes.

exotic or thematic.”

card in the deck, the Ace Hotel brand thrives on

and Williams opted for a community feel,

the dichotomy between the innately exclusive

creating “an imagined art school dorm or an

nature of a design-centric hotel and a more

urban art retreat”. Custom-designed furniture

pared-down democratic feel. “We recognise

such as sculpted rocking chairs and crafty bar

that when you travel it can be a very lonely

carts sit alongside retro-modern conveniences

thing, so have always wanted to bring people

like turntables hooked up to Bluetooth speakers.

together and make them feel part of a tribe;

Each room features a unique piece of textile

a community,” Wilson remarks. Fervently

art, curated by longtime Ace collaborator Niki

agreeing, Alesch chimes in: “We hope our

Tsukamoto and hewn by local artists, whose

large entry alcove becomes a macro stoop and

work symbolises the unique urban tapestry of

is a place to hang-out, skate, talk, dance sit

Brooklyn, rife with diverse cultural influences.

and socialise for the community – where the

True to the group’s promise to offer

security guard doesn’t chase you away but joins

hospitality spaces that serve as a living part of

130

Symbolising both the highest and the lowest

In the 287 guestrooms meanwhile, Roman

you and does a rail slide down the stairs!”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: GFI Development Company Operator: Ace Hotel Group Architecture: Stonehill Taylor, Roman and Williams Interior Design: Roman and Williams Lighting Design: L’Observatoire Art Consultant: Niki Tsukamoto Graphic Design: Atelier Ace www.acehotel.com

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14-10-2021 09:54

Civilian NEW YORK Hotelier Jason Pomeranc adds to his Sixty Collective with a new brand, enlisting David Rockwell to bring the drama of Broadway to its debut.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Johnny Miller (unless otherwise stated)

A

fter developing the wildly successful Thompson hotel

legendary New York show Hamilton, cast members would

brand and primping it to be picked up by none other

put on impromptu aftershows at the Stage Door, allowing for

than Hyatt, New York-based hotelier Jason Pomeranc

fans who were unable to afford the hefty price tag to witness

launched Sixty Collective and seemed content to nurture its

132

some of its highlights.

four flags around the US. As it turns out, while New York

Guests enter by way of a Broadway-style marquee that

was hunkering down amidst a pandemic, the ever-ambitious

magically turns into an infinity mirror installation once

Pomeranc was busy conceptualising his next brainchild. “I

inside. Check-in at the tech-savvy hotel is done via app

love that it seems to allude to the democratisation of style

or kiosk (remember the democratasation mandate). Guests

and luxury,” he says when asked why he chose to coin this

then proceed through an exposed brick corridor that feels

new brand Civilian.

like a theatre’s backstage, leading to elevators lined with

For Civilian’s first foray, Pomeranc chose to partner with

illustrations from Broadway’s finest costume designers. Also

hospitality veteran David Rockwell, to whom the Midtown

on the ground floor, a diner-style restaurant with mirrored,

West hotel’s theme was a no-brainer. Given its proximity

vaulted ceilings harkens back to the once-ubiquitous theatre-

to the glittering marquees of Broadway and his own passion

district diner. On any given night at these establishments,

for set design – which has won him multiple Tony Awards –

distressed playwrights would have clandestine meetings with

Rockwell imbued the property with a fitting theatrical theme.

dramaturges and hopeful leading ladies would be feverishly

“I had been thinking about a Broadway-centric hotel for a

running lines before their big audition. This iteration features

while and as I was writing my book, Drama, I thought a

brass-trimmed sconces etched with sketches of all 41 of

lot about why people need to be together,” says Rockwell.

Broadway’s theatres, executed by famed illustrators such as

“Editing this book during the pandemic gave me a chance

Tony Walton and Es Devlin, while the hotel’s secret alley-

to think about my love affair with theatre and some of the

facing garden has a mural by famed scenic painter Joseph

powerful experiences I’ve had.”

Forbes, whose credits include A Chorus Line and Evita.

The overriding theme at Civilian is togetherness, and

Up a cast-iron stair surrounded in a luscious velvet stage

with that the hotel hopes to carry the Stage Door tradition,

curtain, guests are brought to the nerve centre of the hotel

where adoring audience members line up at a theatre’s back

– a space that Rockwell describes as the “watering hole”

door at the end of a show to be delighted by cast members

as he laments the loss of popular hotspots such as Café

coming out to interact with them. During the debut run of

Edison. With an eclectic blend of furnishings, an expansive

LOCATION REPORT

133

LOCATION REPORT

balcony space and a floor-to-ceiling vitrine showcasing models of every current Broadway show set, this space is unlike any other hotel lobby lounge. Rockwell is determined that this will be the ultimate spot for thrilling after-show jam sessions among cast members and adoring fans. So determined is he, that he donated his personal piano to the venue to get impromptu performances started.

Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner is a lush library decked out with plush furniture in hues of deep blue. The space is accessorised with vitrines featuring prop memorabilia from iconic shows, while walls are plastered with artworks by a host of creatives including New York Times theatre photographer Sara Krulwich.

One of Rockwell’s proudest art moments is a collection of pieces commissioned around a Broadway lyric. “In the show Company there is © Courtesy of Civilian

134

a lyric that goes, ‘it’s a city of strangers, some come to stay, some come to play.’ We asked 15 artists to show through their craft, what made them stay in New York,” Rockwell explains.

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LOCATION REPORT

136

In the hotel’s 203 rooms, guests are invited

space. “You have to look at the advantages of

to pick from three different service options,

small rooms,” says Rockwell. “One of the things

ranging from a basic package to one that offers

we discovered was that in a micro hotel you can

dining, housekeeping and minibar services.

have every surface within reach, allowing you to

“We’re trying to use technology to allow

focus on every little detail.”

guests to decide where they want to spend their

And if there’s one thing that sets this property

money – to truly curate their own experience,”

apart from the ubiquitous urban micro hotel,

Pomeranc explains. Although the rooms are

it’s a painstaking attention to detail and

noticeably small, they don’t skimp on efficiency

authenticity. Pomeranc refers to it as “the

or design.

democratisation of design.” He explains: “This

Rockwell’s design concept for the guestrooms

type of hotel, which is targeting a younger

once again looks to the theatre for inspiration.

demographic, tends to lean towards what I call

“We thought about the private box at a theatre,”

the coffee shop aesthetic. I wanted to convey

he explains, pointing out the sweeping drapery,

a sense of richness because I know our guests

old-fashioned brass toggle switches and plush

have an incredibly sophisticated palette. We’re

velvet seating. The larger rooms come in

not falling into any clichés. I would describe this

shades of dramatic red with framed Broadway

aesthetic as highly finished with dark, moody

photography from the archives hanging on

colours. It’s very American.”

the walls and costume trunk-inspired closets.

As American as New York, and as New York as

Smaller rooms meanwhile are a deep midnight

Broadway, Civilian truly embodies its sense of

blue and feature platform four-poster beds –

place and it also has a heart – a portion of the

with neat under-bed storage – bringing a feeling

proceeds goes to support the American Theatre

of extravagance. Although compact, the design

Wing’s efforts to assist theatre workers affected

team have worked hard to make the best of the

by Broadway’s two-year shutdown.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: YYY Atlas 48, a joint venture between Joy Construction, Madd Equities and Atlas Hospitality Operator: Civilian Hotel Architecture: Gene Kaufman Architect Interior Design: David Rockwell, Rockwell Group Main Contractor: Joy Construction www.civilianhotel.com

Park Lane NEW YORK Highgate entrusts acclaimed hospitality designers Yabu Pushelberg with scripting a new tale for Leona Helmsley’s beloved hotel on Central Park South.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Adrian Gaut

he incredibly ambitious, sometimes crooked, one-

T

In order to script this tale, Highgate entrusted luxury

time convicted felon Leona Helmsley is something of

hospitality darlings Yabu Pushelberg. But here’s the catch,

a New York legend. Dubbed the Queen of Mean for

it was meant to be a purely cosmetic refurb on a shoestring

her tyrannical behaviour and penchant for humiliating and

budget. The studio’s Founding Partner Glenn Pushelberg,

firing employees, Helmsley amassed a sizeable fortune, not

recalls his first reaction to the space: “There was this lobby

as the bored housewife of, but as a determined equal partner

and a wide corridor to the 58th street entrance; we questioned

to billionaire American hotelier and real-estate developer

how we could work with it.”

Harry Helmsley.

developer and designers, it was to create a space that

Postmodern architectural boom, the pair commissioned a

shunned the exclusivity of the traditional uptown hotel. “We

soaring 47-storey skyscraper on Manhattan’s glamorous

live in a time where there is so much social segmentation

Central Park South. At the time, the property offered a break

and divisiveness, but this hotel harkens back to an era when

from the more traditional gilded palaces that were The Ritz-

the proper society lady from Park Avenue would hang-out

Carlton, Essex House and The Plaza. But Helmsley’s interior

with her artist friend in SoHo,” explains George Yabu, fellow

design choices were quite antithetic to its forward-thinking

Founding Partner. “The principal of crossing those societal

façade. Panelled walls, garish chandeliers and gaudy furniture

lines is quite wonderful.”

led the hotel to be considered by some as a missed design

The resulting lobby is a cheery space that doesn’t take

opportunity, and although its neighbours enjoyed a steady

itself too seriously. Splashes of red and green welcome

patronage well into the 2000s, Park Lane began to languish

guests, while whimsical topiaries and ceramic bunny

in obscurity. “The hotel had fallen off the map – it was never

sculptures take inspiration from the park opposite, as does

in any competitive set and no-one really talked about it any

the handcrafted ombre rug by Creative Matters – who also

more,” recalls Managing Director Prince Sanders, who was

supplied the ballroom, events corridor and entry staircase

hired by Highgate to tap into his credentials as a published

with digitally printed carpets.

author to tell Park Lane’s new story.

138

If there was one overarching mandate among both

In 1967, during the height of New York’s ambitious

The true star of this, and most other spaces however, is a

LOCATION REPORT

139

Park Lane’s F&B offer includes Rose Lane, a charming indooroutdoor restaurant, and Harry’s New York Bar, set in shades of grey and petrol blue

140

series of murals that were commissioned by a

a delightful speakeasy set in shades of grey and

very special collaborator. “One of the creatives

petrol blue. The space is accented with natural

involved used to work at Yabu Pushelberg as

materials, while classic vinyls and portraits of

a designer. After leaving our firm, he met

New York City icons line the walls.

Diego, an artist,” Yabu confirms. “He always

Park Lane’s three F&B venues are operated by

kept in touch and would do freelance work

The Sartiano Group, who worked closely with

for us under their business, En Viu. They are

Highgate to develop each concept. Rounding out

great collaborators because you can give them

the trio is Darling, a rooftop oasis perched above

a general direction and they dream to create

Central Park. Ironically, the 47th floor pièce de

something truly amazing.”

résistance was something of an afterthought,

As such, En Viu murals line the barrel vaults

but became a chance for Highgate’s Senior

that give the building its instantly recognisable

Vice President of Design, Julie Frank, to

arched windows, while what was once an under-

exercise her design muscle. Decadent and

utilised thoroughfare has been converted into a

ornate with a hint of curiosity, the space brings

dazzling monochrome catwalk of sorts housing

unexpected moments of delight. “We drew on

a lively bar. Parallel to this space is Rose Lane,

Yabu Pushelberg’s inspiration but developed a

a charming indoor-outdoor restaurant featuring

narrative around a crazy aunt,” Frank explains.

curtained canopies and an expansive green

“The space is packed with all the furniture

wall. Influenced by Parisian Art Nouveau with

she’s been hoarding for years. It feels eclectic

a Riviera flair, the light-filled space is as suited

but it’s charming and continues the notion of

to a morning coffee as it is to a nightcap.

embracing the quirks of this existing structure.”

Up two glamorous staircases adorned with

The hotel’s once-iconic main dining room,

more En Viu murals, sits Harry’s New York Bar,

which was a venue for deal-making and

LOCATION REPORT

141

LOCATION REPORT

142

power breakfasts over the years, is now one

chairs and sofas are from Stellar Works’ Taylor

of the most sought-after event spaces in the

collection. And although small, the bathrooms

city. Here, Yabu Pushelberg did away with the

pay homage to the glamour of adjacent Fifth

tired wood panelling and glass chandeliers,

Avenue. Set in a bold black and white, they

but not by swapping them out – “that’s too

recall the monochrome stripe of now-defunct

easy,” Pushelberg quips. Instead, they chose to

legendary department store Henri Bendel.

recolour the panels in petrol blue and create

“The best hotels in the world are the ones

the illusion of gilding on the glass chandeliers

that can bring disparate people together,”

by simply painting them. Whimsical murals

Pushelberg says as he muses on the overarching

on the ceiling add to the appeal, their designs

theme of inclusion. For Sanders, an African

mirroring the park visible through the towering

American, this theme truly resonates too. “As

arched windows.

an operator, you rarely have an opportunity to

The 610 guestrooms and suites – half of which

create a culture,” he reflects. “I want to create a

offer views towards Central Park – also echo

place where I feel like I belong, a place where my

the theme of bringing the leafy surrounds in,

friends and I choose to hang-out; that definitely

and once again feature the boundless creativity

didn’t exist around the park previously.”

of En Viu. Murals cover everything from the

It’s difficult to know what the Queen of Mean

headboards to the drapery to the TV credenza, and

would think about her beloved hotel’s new life.

even the TV itself by way of interactive displays

Frank quips that, on more than one occasion,

of chirping birds and woodland creatures. Floor

she felt her presence. “We had floods, fires

lamps and accessories meanwhile are the work

and countless catastrophes that don’t usually

of RH, who also provided casegoods such as side

happen in the typical renovation, so I often

tables for the communal areas, while lounge

thought ‘wow, Leona is having a ball!’”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Witkoff Operator: Highgate, The Sartiano Group (F&B) Architecture: PBDW Architects Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg Graphic Design: Mother Design Art Consultant: Creative Art Partners Procurement: HPG International Landscaping: Blondies Tree House Main Contractor: Plaza Construction www.parklanenewyork.com

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LOCATION REPORT

Pendry Manhattan West NEW YORK Pendry Hotels & Resorts makes its first foray into Manhattan, landing in Brookfield Properties’ sprawling mixed-use development.

Words: Ayesha Khan Photography: Courtesy of Pendry Hotels & Resorts

S

et along the Hudson River on abandoned

not be more honoured to help define a new

cargo docks, Hudson Yards is where it’s at

neighbourhood and cultural centre for one of

in the always-fickle Manhattan property

the great cities in the world.”

market. It is here, and adjacent to the ultra-

If New York is the nexus of all things creative,

impressive Moynihan Train Hall, that New

so too is Pendry Manhattan West; its design was

York-based Brookfield Properties has launched

expertly executed by a team led by American

its most ambitious project to-date – an eight-

architectural behemoth Skidmore, Ownings &

acre, six-building mega block chock-full of

Merrill (SOM), while the interior scheme was

dining concepts, shopping, art installations and,

left in the capable hands of Christine Gachot,

of course, the first outpost in New York City for

whose past hospitality props include work with

California-based Pendry Hotels & Resorts.

Andre Balazs and luxury goods brand Shinola.

This foray into the Big Apple was a long time

Inspired by the California Light and Space

coming. “New York is unlike anywhere else,

movement led by James Turrell, Gachot knew

it has its own gravitational pull,” says born-

from the start that lighting would play a pivotal

and-bred Californian Michael Fuerstman,

role, so enlisted the skills of L’Observatoire

who oversees the creative direction of Pendry,

International founder Hervé Descottes.

the brand he founded with his father, Alan J.

“Mike [Fuerstman] had a narrative in mind

Fuerstman, under his Montage International

to bring the California sensibility to New

group. “It is the nexus of design, fashion,

York; he wanted to create something that he

luxury, culinary innovation and hospitality in

personally would like to live in,” says Gachot,

America, and this is an opportunity for us to

explaining that this was a dream project with

bring the things that inspire us as a brand to

an unusually generous budget. “It’s so great not

this iconic and electric metropolis – we could

to have handcuffs on as far as what you can do

145

Adjacent to the lobby, Gachot and her team have devised a charming Garden Room replete with verdant flora that adds a Californian touch

146

creatively.” This is immediately apparent upon

obvious nod to the work of Turrell. “I wanted

entering the lobby, anchored by a welcoming

to create a space that everyone feels special

fireplace clad in rich limestone. Underfoot,

in,” Gachot says of the bar, which is anchored

bespoke carpets and oiled oak flooring complete

by a colossal gold leaf and gesso installation

the ethereal envelope that Gachot refers to as

by Brooklyn-based painter Nancy Lorenz,

a “palate cleanser.” Rich leather furniture set

complementing the vaulted ceiling that is

in neutrals and butterscotch tones was custom

further adorned with gold leaf. “The idea was to

designed for the project.

introduce a warming colour palette that glows,”

Adjacent to the lobby, Gachot and her team

Gachot continues, alluding to the rich golds and

paid particular attention to what could have

maroons on several pieces of bespoke furniture.

been a lacklustre transition space, devising the

The palpable sense of welcome continues to

charming Garden Room replete with diverse

the guestroom floors. “As you walk through

flora – the California touch Fuerstman requested

the corridors, you pick up the gentle aroma of

– indoor tile set smartly in an outdoor paving

the signature cedar candle Mike developed; it

pattern and seating that is a gentle nod to park

brings a certain warmth to the senses,” Gachot

benches. A vertical light installation of white

explains, pointing out the timber batten detail,

Moriki collage panels by artist John Wigmore

edge-lit by Descottes and once again showing

lends a soft glow too.

the project’s generous budget.

It is through this space that guests are led to

In the 164 rooms themselves, Gachot was

Gachot’s favourite room – the inimitable Bar

able to try something she had never been able

Pendry. Glimmering and glistening by firelight

to do before; separating the bathroom into two

and Descottes’ masterful use of warm, indirect

distinct spaces with a WC to one side of the entry

lighting, the setting is perhaps the hotel’s most

hall and a shower room to the other. “Having

LOCATION REPORT

147

LOCATION REPORT

something that’s almost like a powder room in a

round out the star-studded collaborations by

typical guestroom makes it feel larger and more

partnering with local restaurant-scene veterans

luxurious, like a suite,” she says with pride.

Quality Branded. The resulting Zou Zou’s is a

Another delightful way in which typical

lively Eastern Mediterranean space activated by

rooms are made to feel more generous are the

a feature kitchen and wood-fired hearth. The

bay windows afforded to each room by SOM’s

moody, layered décor – by F&B interior design

undulating façade. “There are a couple of tricks

masters AvroKO, who also created a smart,

that help to expand a guestroom; one is floor-

celebratory fourth floor bar and terrace for the

to-ceiling glass, another is a lanai, or an indoor/

hotel – is inspired by the Levant in tones and

outdoor terrace – SOM did both,” Gachot recalls.

materiality, featuring dark woods and vibrant

She goes on to explain how a truly successful

blue and green tiles highlighting open spaces

Manhattan guestroom will visually capture

punctuated by arches and domes.

the city’s energy and views but deftly filters

Summing up the ethos of Pendry Manhattan

out all the noise to create a sanctuary floating

West, the always-witty Gachot quips: “There

above the maddening crowd. The tranquillity

are a lot of other properties in New York that

of these rooms is furthered by a miraculously

are cool-looking but have an aloofness; this

clean ceiling, void of any of the requisite devices

hotel embraces the guest and says welcome

or lighting fixtures. “When you’re in bed, the

home!” And it is that welcoming spirit that

only thing you see before falling asleep is a

defines the Pendry brand, and imparts, literally

harmonious glow,” Gachot confirms, pointing

and figurately, that unmistakable sun-kissed

once more to the work of Turrell and the Light

California warmth that is welcome in this

and Space Movement.

bustling corner of the concrete jungle.

For its Manhattan outing, Pendry chose to

148

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Montage International Developer: Brookfield Properties Operator: Pendry Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Interior Design: Gachot Studios, AvroKO Lighting Design: L’Observatoire International Art Consultant: Picture Room Main Contractor: Pavarini McGovern Project Manager: Darren Allen www.pendry.com

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21/10/2021 11:10

LOCATION REPORT

1.

NEW YORK LOCATION REPORT

According to Tophotelprojects, there are currently 62 hotel projects in the pipeline, accounting for more than 16,000 new keys over the coming years.

150

1. Aman

2. The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel

Expected to open its doors before the end of 2021, the highly-anticipated Aman New York is set to bring comprehensive spa facilities to Manhattan along with the very first urban Aman Residences.

Occupying the landmark Crown Building, the hotel is being designed by JeanMichel Gathy of Denniston International, who has been tasked with honouring the building’s heritage while imbuing the brand’s Asian roots. In all, the hotel offers 83 guestrooms and suites, 22 private residences, three F&B venues, a jazz club and a 2,300m2 spa.

Having recently been acquired by the Reuben Brothers, The Surrey is now undergoing extensive renovation before reopening as a Corinthia Hotel in 2023.

The project marks the group’s debut in the US and its second collaboration with the private investment firm, which has enlisted Martin Brudnizki to oversee the redesign of the hotel’s 97 guestrooms and 12 luxury residences. The consortium will also partner with Casa Tua to curate the F&B offering, which will bring the brand’s Miami Beach hotspot – Casa Tua Cucina – to New York for the first time.

Owner and Developer: Crown Invest Operator: Aman Architecture and Interior Design: Denniston International

Developer: Reuben Brothers Operator: Corinthia Hotels Interior Design: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

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LOCATION REPORT

152

2.

3.

4.

5.

3. The Ritz-Carlton NoMad

4. Six Senses

5. Virgin Hotel

Occupying a slender, 38-storey tower designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, The Ritz-Carlton NoMad is set to open in 2022 with interiors

by Yabu Pushelberg. Facilities include 250 guestrooms and serviced residences, a spa, 24hour fitness centre and rooftop bar.

There will also be a 36th-floor club lounge featuring 180-degree views of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, and a fine-dining restaurant helmed by Michelinstarred chef José Andrés.

Also slated to open in 2022, the North American debut of Six Senses will form a key element of The XI, a new mixed-use complex between Manhattan’s Hudson River and The High Line. Marking the group’s first urban venture, the 137-key hotel is housed in a pair of twisting towers designed by Bjarke Ingels, and will comprise 60,000ft2 of amenities including two restaurants and a spa, with interiors by Gilles & Boissier and Gabellini Sheppard.

Set to become the brand’s flagship when it lands in NoMad, Virgin Hotels New York City is being developed by Lam Group and features architecture and interiors

by Mark Zeff. The newbuild’s lower floors will house retail outlets, while Virgin will populate the upper levels with 463 guestrooms and signature suites, meetings and events spaces, Commons Club F&B venues, and the new Pool Club concept featuring a roofscape swimming pool and bar.

Owner / Developer: Flag Luxury Group Operator: Marriott International Architecture: Rafael Viñoly Architects Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg

Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Architecture: BIG Interior Design: Gilles & Boissier, Gabellini Sheppard

Developer: Lam Group Operator: Virgin Hotels Architecture and Interior Design: Mark Zeff, VOA Associates

For more information on new hotel projects in planning or under construction, visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

Hotel Construction Pipeline Europe With the pandemic having had a significant impact on construction timelines over the past 18 months, Europe is set to see a bumper number of new openings through 2022 according to the latest data from Tophotelprojects.

A total of 1,793 projects are in progress across the continent, amounting to 305,387 rooms, 39% of which are slated to come online before the end of 2022. The UK maintains its position as the most active country in Europe, with five of its cities making the top ten. London will see new offers from CitizenM, Radisson Red and Hilton’s Curio Collection, while Manchester will get a Residence Inn from Marriott and a 275-key newbuild from Leonardo Hotels.

Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s pipeline is being driven by projects in Hamburg and Berlin – such as the 750-key Estrel Tower, billed as the country’s tallest hotel. And across the border in France, Paris is picking up pace thanks to the likes of a 700-key H Hotel due to open in 2023, as well as a number of new ventures from Accor.

Amongst the largest projects in the pipeline across the continent is a 1,700room luxury hotel at Lamda Development’s mixed-use Ellinikon project on the Athens Riviera, where Kengo Kuma & Associates and Foster + Partners are responsible for creating new architectural landmarks.

TOP CITIES LONDON Projects 102 Rooms 17,538

HAMBURG Projects 28 Rooms 5,740

DUBLIN Projects 53 Rooms 7,463

MANCHESTER Projects 27 Rooms 5,019

LIVERPOOL Projects 24 Rooms 3,411

GLASGOW Projects 21 Rooms 3,766

PARIS Projects 32 Rooms 6,398

BERLIN Projects 24 Rooms 5,752

EDINBURGH Projects 23 Rooms 3,823

VIENNA Projects 20 Rooms 3,423

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

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

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Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

UK 431 63,638

GERMANY 357 56,085

FRANCE 111 18,129

ITALY 87 13,795

IRELAND 76 10,976

6

7

8

9

10

SPAIN 67 12,638

AUSTRIA 67 8,922

POLAND 60 11,749

SWITZERLAND 58 7,284

RUSSIA 50 11,072

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 305,387 rooms in the pipeline across Europe, 41% (733 projects) are in advanced stages of planning, while a further 35% (609 projects) are currently under construction. A total of 28,145 rooms are in the pre-opening phase and expected to debut in the coming months.

VISION

Projects 39 Rooms 5,981

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

Projects 225 Rooms 40,407

Projects 733 Rooms 124,664

Projects 609 Rooms 106,190

PRE-OPENING

Projects 187 Rooms 28,145

GROUPS AND BRANDS Accor takes the top spot by number of projects in the pipeline according to Tophotelprojects data, though Hilton Worldwide has more rooms, totalling 20,198 in comparison to Accor’s 19,728. The Mercure and Novotel brands are driving growth at Accor, while Hilton continues with significant expansion of its upper-midscale Hampton brand.

115 113 81 74 65

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hampton by Hilton

41

6,929

Radisson Blu

26

5,309

Mercure

22

2,792

Hilton Garden Inn

21

3,467

Radisson Red

18

3,860

Novotel

18

3,180

Hotel Indigo

17

2,165

Holiday Inn

16

3,620

Intercity Hotel

16

3,530

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

15

4,642

YEAR OF OPENING

2021 (10%)

2022 (29%)

2023 (18%)

2024 (9%)

2025 / UNCONFIRMED (34%)

155

Washrooms for Bars Restaurants Retreats Airports Studios Workspaces Hotels Train Stations Universities Schools Hospitals Offices Museums Galleries Theatres Cafés Ideal Standard Hygiene Redefined LE ARN MORE idealstandard.co.uk/products/highlights/washrooms

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Investors back British bounceback

Matt Lederer, hotel acquisitions director at

and former Travelodge CEO Grant Hearn

Castleforge, told Hotel Analyst that his team is

overseeing a shuffling of the brands that saw

looking to pick up 10 or more hotels by the end

Jurys Inn properties in key city locations convert

UK investor Henderson Park has made a big bet

of 2022, and is also seeking out opportunities in

to Hilton flags, and Thistles convert to Accor

on the recovery of British city hotels, buying

some mainland European markets. “We’re big

brands. Jurys Inns in Chelsea and Islington were

a portfolio of 12 Hilton-branded hotels in a

believers in the long-term travel trends we were

also converted to Doubletree in a bid to win more

GBP555m deal.

seeing pre-Covid,” said Lederer, who pointed to

international guests from the brand, while the

The properties were bought from Israeli-

the 63% growth in international tourism over a

211-room Edinburgh Carlton switched to Hilton

backed LRC, which purchased the hotels in

decade. “While Covid has interrupted that, it’s

in 2016 following a GBP17m refurbishment.

2018, combining 23 properties under the Amaris

a relatively short interruption.”

The Hotel Collection properties were disposed

Hospitality business, and seven Hilton-branded

He also said that measuring the rebound

of individually. In 2017, the Jurys Inn business

properties from Oaktree Capital Management.

against a return to 2019 levels of business “in

and assets were sold to Israeli operator Fattal

The package includes one Hilton-branded hotel,

some ways, is the wrong question. Ultimately,

and Scandinavian landlord Pandox in an

in Edinburgh, one Garden Inn in Dublin, and ten

the recovery is not going to be uniform.”

GBP800m deal. And in 2018, LRC acquired the

Doubletree properties.

Instead, a granular approach searches for

remaining Amaris business for a rumoured

suitable assets in individual markets that have

GBP600m, allowing Lone Star a profitable exit.

The acquisitions will add to Henderson Park’s existing links with Hilton in the UK.

strong fundamentals.

Following the disposal, LRC’s Amaris

The company bought the Hilton Metropoles

The fact that two of the investor’s first buys

in London and Birmingham in 2017 with a

are both in Edinburgh was, he said, simply

GBP500m deal that signalled its entry into the

down to opportunity - albeit “it’s one of the

UK hotel market.

strongest UK markets outside London, with a

HA PERSPECTIVE

60/40, leisure/corporate split, and we’d buy

By Chris Bown: It feels as if the smart money is

again in Edinburgh.”

starting to move in the UK hotel space. The deals

Nick Weber, founding partner of Henderson Park, explained the rationale for the acquisition:

business is left with 17 Mercure hotels and one Ibis-branded hotel, all located around the UK.

“We see a massive recovery coming and so our

Lederer is working closely with operating

being done are not distressed - though the sellers

bet on the Hilton portfolio is on phenomenal

partner Axiom Hospitality, both on pre-

may, perhaps, have a strong reason to accept a

assets. We feel we are buying it at a very

acquisition work and in planning rolling

sensible offer. Rather, the buyers are convinced that

attractive price - not a distressed price. We

refurbishments of properties which he said

the right sort of hotels, in the right locations, will do

believe we are playing into the recovery that

are already promising to deliver “really

well from this most curious of upturns.

we are seeing in our other assets.”

positive numbers right to the end of the year”.

Lederer’s point about worrying over the wrong

At the London Hilton Metropole, Henderson

Castleforge is eyeing a five-year hold for their

question is an interesting point. The Covid lockdown

Park said its current bookings for meetings and

hospitality assets - “but that’s not to say it

delivered enforced working from home, and its legacy

events in 2022 have risen to effectively match

won’t change”.

is still working through. We all breathed cleaner air,

forward bookings two years ago.

The Henderson Park deal looks set to seal

too - so it looks as though journeys will be fewer in

Henderson Park is not the only investor

the demise of Amaris Hospitality, a vehicle

future. But the flip side may be an intensive visit to

backing a solid future for UK hotels. Also

established by Lone Star as a hotel management

the office for a couple of days a week; or a three-

actively buying in the last few months is

platform in 2015. The portfolio included

day business trip, rather than three one day trips. In

Castleforge Partners, which so far this year has

properties from Puma, renamed The Hotel

both those cases, mid-market city hotels could end

acquired three properties. It kicked off in May,

Collection, joined in 2015 by the Jurys Inn

up being a net beneficiary.

purchasing Bruntsfield Hotel in Edinburgh,

business, bought for GBP680m. Also added were

Looking back at Lone Star’s Amaris adventure is

followed the next month with the acquisition

21 Mercures, 19 Thistle hotels and three Hiltons.

fun - its deals gave us plenty to report on, as it picked

of the Hilton in Cardiff from Tonstate. Most

At its peak, Amaris grew under Lone Star’s

up, repositioned and disposed of a raft of UK hotels,

recently, the group added Crowne Plaza Royal

ownership to a portfolio of 89 properties, with

some of which had already kept agents in work

Terrace in Edinburgh.

a senior team including veteran John Brennan,

amply over the previous cycle. It also looks to have

157

done quite well out of the process. Not everything

overshot the reality – which was still bad at more

the reins with my longtime friend and now co-

went so smoothly, however - Shearings being one

than 1,000 deaths a day at its peak. Thus, it is

CEO, Gaurav.”

that they were left holding as Covid struck the sector.

possible for the Government to ignore expert advice,

And so to what’s left from Amaris. Will LRC go

despite pledging to always be led by it.

again into the UK hotel market? Or will they be able

For investors in hotels and other operational real

Hoxton brand by acquiring the first hotel site

to exit the remaining portfolio tidily, as another

estate that is impacted by social distancing measures,

in Shoreditch. He transformed the property,

investor sees an opportunity?

it is going to be a nail-biting winter. While Covid

then took the brand on the road, adding sites in

is endemic, we have to take every opportunity to

London, the US and mainland Europe. In 2015,

HA PERSPECTIVE

lobby against social distancing restrictions becoming

he branched out by purchasing Gleneagles in

By Andrew Sangster: The big risk in the recovery

endemic too. Otherwise, the recovery will die out

Scotland, turning that around and planning

remains Covid. Although it is increasingly clear that

before it takes hold.

brand offshoots. Along the way, a number of other hotel, restaurant and nightlife brands

Covid is an endemic disease that we have to learn to live with, there remains pressure on governments to retain emergency restrictions, particularly on international travel.

Accor’s new lifestyle

have been born and tested in the market.

The leased assets within the Ennismore portfolio are being shifted into a separate

A locus of this pressure is coming from what can

Accor has completed the acquisition of

vehicle, created with a fund managed by Keys

broadly be described as the health lobby. The British

Ennismore, bringing its lifestyle and boutique

Reim. Of this, Keys will hold 51% with Accor

Medical Association, the trade union for doctors, is

brands together in a new division that is set to

and Ennismore the remaining stake, holding

demanding the return of face masks and social

operate at arms-length from the main business.

24.5% each.

distancing measures. It accuses the UK Government

The deal sees the Accor brands, including

The fund manager, founded in 2011 and based

several acquisitions and co-investments

in Paris, specialises in creating alternative

of being “wilfully negligent”.

The stridency of these appeals is a challenge for

from recent years, combine with those of the

investment funds for sophisticated investors.

the Government and if the data on infections and

Ennismore business, blending hotel offerings

The group has already backed several hotel

hospitalisations continues to worsen, it will be a

with restaurant and nightlife brands.

developments across France, as well as the UK’s

surprise if there are no further concessions.

The transaction completed by way of an all-

first Jo & Joe, converted from a historic cinema

UK infections are now above 50,000 a day and

share merger, splicing together the Ennismore

health secretary Sajid Javid is warning that they

business with Accor’s lifestyle business. Accor

Established as a stand-apart business,

may soon rise above 100,000. The UK Government’s

has two thirds of the new entity, which retains

Ennismore will retain its own in-house creative

current position is that restrictions will only be

the Ennismore name, with Ennismore founder

studio, a platform for developing restaurants

introduced if the National Health Service comes

Sharan Pasricha holding one third. Together, the

and bars, and a digital innovation lab.

under unsustainable pressure.

aim is to draw on Ennismore’s brand building

Speaking recently to Hotel Analyst, Gaurav

Right now, the pressure looks bearable. The

and creativity, while Accor will contribute the

Bhushan said the deal had been born only due the

vacancy rate at NHS hospital beds is currently

group’s proven experience in growing brands to

pandemic, with Pasricha joining him for dinner

5.5% and Covid patients occupy less than 5% of the

scale, and in effective distribution.

after the first lockdown eased. Unencumbered

in London.

occupied beds. And even here there is a cause for

Ennismore takes control of 14 brands,

by a diary full of meetings and flights, the pair

scepticism on the pressure: evidence shows fewer

including 21C Museum Hotels, 25hours, Delano,

found time to chew over Ennismore’s challenges

than half of current Covid admissions are caused

Gleneagles, Hyde, Jo & Joe, Mama Shelter,

of scaling up its exciting brand ideas, and

by Covid. The majority of Covid admissions are for

Mondrian, Morgans Originals, SLS, SO/, The

turning a profit - and found a way for Accor’s

people going into hospital for other reasons – an

Hoxton, Tribe and Working From. Currently,

infrastructure to lean in. “It would never have

accident or other disease – and are subsequently

there are 87 operating hotels, and more than

happened if life had been normal.”

found to be infected.

140 in the signed pipeline, along with over 150

The track record of the scientific forecasting

158

Pasricha started Ennismore in 2012, persuading his father-in-law to back his

restaurants and nightlife destinations.

Several of the Accor brands that will be passed into the custodianship of Ennismore were partly

of Covid is poor. So poor that it makes economic

The new Ennismore lays claim to being the

owned. Accor has spent close to EUR500m

forecasters look good. For example, the UK

largest and fastest growing lifestyle hospitality

buying out the remaining stakes of businesses

Government presented scenarios from four groups

company. Pasricha commented: “I couldn’t be

including the 50% of SBE it did not own, while

of experts almost a year ago for the then forthcoming

more excited to bring together our unrivalled

also settling a buyout deal with the founders of

winter. All these expert predictions significantly

portfolio of brands in this new entity, and share

hotel brands 25hours and Mama Shelter.

BUSINESS CENTRE

Commenting at IHIF in Berlin, Accor CEO

Prior to these changes, hotels had been largely a

Hotels.com. Faced with such metrics, there are

Sebastien Bazin spoke of the opportunity that

business-to-business transaction. They were sold

plenty of investors ready to back innovation in

the higher end of the portfolio promises to

more as a commodity, with the branding serving to

the travel space, as witnessed by two recent

deliver, saying he expects the group’s luxury

reassure about basic standards.

deals.

brands to soon account for around 30% of group

Lifestyle went straight for the consumer, selling

One potentially disruptive tech company,

revenues. Luxury resort brand Rixos is gaining

on emotion rather than facilities. The advent of

Spotnana, has just attracted a new USD34m

traction, and he said he is most excited by the

the sharing economy took this to the next stage,

round of funding, giving it more than USD40m

potential of Orient Express, with its first hotels

introducing notions of experience, sense of place

of development firepower. The startup launched

in Rome and Istanbul.

and purpose.

in 2019 and is working on a platform that will

At Ennismore, he promised: “We’ll have 99

Just as it became apparent that hotels were not

hotels by the end of the year, and 120 more

just sold to anonymous suits, the needs of families

signed in the next 18 months. There are another

and youth groups were increasingly being catered

CEO Sarosh Waghmar comes from the travel

80 in negotiation between 18 and 36 months,

for. Apartments and hostels came in from the cold to

industry, and told TechCrunch that he is

and 150 standalone bars and restaurants.”

be part of the accommodation mainstream.

working to fix the “highly broken and highly

help travel buyers and suppliers automate key administrative parts of trip preparation.

Bhushan said several brands have substantial

Accor has been at the forefront of recognising

fragmented” sector. “Travel is a USD1.4 trillion

growth potential, noting Hoxton could become

these changes, but the most important impact has

industry and just corporate travel is growing

a global brand, easily three times its current

not been with the lifestyle or hotel-adjacent products

5% to 6% each year, but accounted for USD700

size. He also expects several of the Ennismore

themselves, rather in the core of Accor’s offer – Ibis

billion of that last year in spite of the pandemic.”

restaurant concepts to be a good fit for other

and Novotel. It is here that the reinvention will

The company has been piloting its platform

Accor hotel properties outside of the Ennismore

be most transformative. The new look Ibis is part

with 50 corporate travel customers, and has

portfolio. A typical lifestyle hotel’s food and

of this change and so far is proving to be a rather

already grown to more than 120 staff.

beverage offering can attract lots of business

compelling proposition.

external to hotel guests, delivering around 45% of total revenues from a site, rewriting the rules

Steve Singh, former founder and CEO of corporate expense and travel software company Concur, is Spotnana’s chairman of the board

about traditional hotel restaurants and bars.

Travel innovation crescendo

HA PERSPECTIVE

A new breed of tech travel start-ups is

In a recent blog, Waghmar commented: “Bad

By Andrew Sangster: We’ve previously written about

successfully tapping funders, in a bid to

service and high prices are a byproduct by a

this deal and smart move to form a standalone

accelerate their development into a post-

dated technology stack that hurts travellers

company – based in London – to lead growth in this

pandemic travel landscape.

and disconnects travel providers from travel

and describes the company’s offer as “AWS for the travel industry.”

segment. What news of the completion of the deal

New arrivals to the space such as Spotnana

agencies. The global travel industry is limited

offers is a chance to reflect on how Accor as a whole

promise to break down old barriers to improve

by legacy technology built 50 years ago during

has changed in response to these trends.

efficiency across the travel space, feeding

the era of mainframe computing. To get around

into an area where others are already testing

limitations baked into the system, a variety

artificial intelligence and machine learning.

of solutions provide workarounds that cause

Mostly, it has been for the best. There have been a few missteps along the way, notably in the tech and distribution space, but Accor looks a very different company than it was a decade ago.

Lifestyle hotels – sometimes called boutique – were born from the same disruptive forces that

Recently, the UK Short-term Accommodation

another set of problems to arise.”

Association revealed it is pushing to integrate

Spotnana has been built as an open platform,

member inventory into the GDS, breaking

allowing users to get into the software and

another barrier to ease corporate bookings.

adapt it as they need. “Our mission is to bring

created the sharing economy and the emergence of

And consumers are clearly looking for

trust and transparency back to travel by creating

hotel-adjacent accommodation offers like hostels

simple, on-the-move solutions, as witnessed

a perfect experience for travellers from the time

and extended stay.

by app download volumes. Analysis by sector

they book a trip to when they arrive back home.”

The essence of this force is in the tension between

specialist SensorTower recently revealed that

And another tech-led accommodation

service and hospitality; the difference between the

app download volumes are already ahead of

company that has successfully tapped fresh

top-down, supplier driven star-rating classification

2019 levels, based on US market figures.

investment is US-based Blueground. The

and the bottom-up, demand-driven provision of customer needs.

Hopper was the most downloaded app,

company has drawn in USD180m of funding

followed by Booking, Expedia, Priceline and

to help drive growth in its rental business.

159

BUSINESS CENTRE

It concentrates on minimum monthly rental

And then there’s Blueground. A tech business?

periods, and currently has 5,000 apartments in

The cynics among you might compare its model

15 global cities. USD140m was raised from Geolo

to WeWork, renting long and subletting short. Or,

Capital, VentureFriends and Prime Ventures,

in the overnight accommodation space, Sonder.

alongside a USD40m debt facility from Silicon

Blueground has a major property lease liability,

Valley Bank.

and so the actual tech bit only seems to deliver

Blueground signs flexible long-term leases

around efficient asset management, operations

with landlords, promising a minimum rental

and distribution - all areas where high efficiency is

guarantee, and takes on the risk of maintaining

highly valuable, but areas that plenty of others are

occupancy with shorter lets. During the

competing in, too.

pandemic, the company said it managed to maintain a minimum 92% occupancy. It claims

HA PERSPECTIVE

it “recently reached cash flow positivity”, and is

By Andrew Sangster: There is now a widespread view

“now back in hyper-growth mode” in a sector

that the impact of Covid and associated lockdowns

where it claims leadership in the monthly to

has been to pull forward what was happening pre-

yearly furnished rental space.

Covid, maybe five or even 10 years. This has created

“Blueground is uniquely positioned to address

a culture which favours start-ups. The time that

the growing need for flexibility in real estate as

incumbent – often called legacy – businesses have

companies continue to delay return-to-office

to react is much less.

mandates,” said John Pritzker, Geolo Capital’s

Venture capitalists are particularly excited about

founding partner and director. “There’s an

the opportunities in Europe across all industries,

immense opportunity here; and with Alex and

including travel. McKinsey says there are three

the Blueground team as the clear leaders in 30+

factors in favour of European start-ups right now:

day stays, we’re confident that Blueground will

Europe offers better value than the US; Europe has

continue to see success.”

a mature funding market alongside deep pools of

Geolo has long had a commitment to the

business expertise to provide talent; and Europe’s

accommodation sector, investing in growing a

economies need innovation, which is fertile ground

portfolio that brought together Alila, Commune

for the nimble and unencumbered.

Hotels and Destination Hotels before selling to

Travel remains a messy, fragmented marketplace

Hyatt in 2018. Earlier this year, the company

that is ripe for disruption. Lots of people talk about

sold the Ventana Big Sur resort to Hyatt in a

disruption, but very few actually deliver it. I’d love to

USD148m deal.

be able to tell you where this disruption is going to

Alongside physical assets, Geolo has also

occur but I don’t know – if I did, there are better ways

backed a number of tech businesses in the travel

to make money out of the knowledge than writing

space, including WhyHotel, mini apartment

about it.

designers Ori Living, and rental management software developer Livly.

What I do know is that the conditions to create truly impressive disrupters are better than I have ever known them in my three-plus decades reporting

HA PERSPECTIVE

on this sector. The next few years are going to be fun.

By Chris Bown: Prop tech comes in many forms, it seems. While Spotnana quite clearly is working on a technological solution to what its founders see as a broken part of the travel data chain, Blueground is altogether different. So, we look forward to seeing what Spotnana can come up with - we’d all love travel booking sites and systems to be a much more seamless experience.

160

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

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

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

FEURING Hotel Development Europa GmbH / Heinkelstr. 19-21 / DE-73230 Kirchheim u. Teck / +49 (0) 7021 73 60-0 / www.feuring.info Contact us at info@feuring.info Photo: BERGWELT GRINDELWALD, Alpine Design Resort / HRS Real Estate AG, Frauenfeld (Photographer: Anja Zurbrügg)

Performance Data September 2021 vs 2019*

(year-over-year % changes and absolute values)

Covid-19 Update: ADR recovering faster than occupancy

NETHERLANDS Occupancy 36.7% to 51.2% ADR 25.9% to EUR99.42 RevPAR 53.1% to EUR50.91

Momentum has continued to build in Europe’s hotel performance recovery, even though the summer months did not meet expectations.

The UK had led occupancy recovery since restrictions were lifted during the spring, but most recently, Turkey posted the highest index to 2019 (90.5) with 67.1% absolute occupancy.

At the same time, Turkey’s ADR of TRY890.41 indexed at 172.4. The UK’s 72.1% occupancy indexed at 86.7 in September, while the country’s ADR of GBP100.08 indexed at 98.3.

Russia (index: 104.6) and Italy (index: 100.5) also surpassed their 2019 comparables in ADR, while occupancy indexed at just 82.8 and 71.8 respectively.

When looking at different regions, Northern Europe’s leisure markets saw strong performance during summer, driven by domestic demand, while Southern Europe struggled because of travel restrictions. The Turkish Riviera and Canary Islands posted September occupancy indexes of 85.4 and 74.2 respectively. The Balearic and Algarve came in with an index of just 64.3. ADR in these markets however was well above 2019 levels, most notably in the Turkish Riviera (index: 223.9).

Looking ahead, leisure markets should continue to drive performance as consumers swap international breaks for staycations.

There has, however, been momentum in major markets like London, and there should be more balance once international arrivals and business travel pick up.

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

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

162

UK Occupancy 13.3% to 72.1% ADR 1.7% to GBP100.08 RevPAR 14.8% to GBP72.14

BELGIUM Occupancy 41.6% to 46.7% ADR 21.0% to EUR98.16 RevPAR 53.9% to EUR45.82

FRANCE Occupancy 18.9% to 63.0% ADR 8.4% to EUR130.89 RevPAR 25.7% to EUR82.42

PORTUGAL Occupancy 39.0% to 52.8% ADR 3.2% to EUR124.07 RevPAR 40.9% to EUR65.53

SPAIN Occupancy 31.0% to 58.7% ADR 7.4% to EUR113.85 RevPAR 36.1% to EUR66.79

BUSINESS CENTRE

GERMANY Occupancy 27.2% to 58.0% ADR 18.0% to EUR95.51 RevPAR 40.3% to EUR55.44

RUSSIA Occupancy 17.2% to 62.2% ADR 4.6% to RUB6077.80 RevPAR 13.3% to RUB3779.39

POLAND Occupancy 24.1% to 60.0% ADR 12.4% to PLN290.63 RevPAR 33.5% to PLN174.38

ITALY Occupancy 28.2% to 58.4% ADR 0.5% to EUR169.15 RevPAR 27.9% to EUR98.73

TURKEY Occupancy 9.5% to 67.1% ADR 72.4% to TRY890.41 RevPAR 56.1% to TRY597.51

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

163

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SIPPING

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

WAT C H O N C AT C H - U P AWA R D S C E R E M O N I E S F E AT U R I N G E XC L U S I V E INTERVIEWS WITH JUDGES CAN BE VIEWED IN FULL ONLINE

www.aheadawards.com

000

From a vertical mansion in the sky overlooking Hong Kong’s harbour to a vintage museumstyle hotel set under the snow-capped mountains of Lijiang, this year’s AHEAD Asia winners represent the most outstanding designs and experiences the continent has to offer. International travel restrictions prevented the AHEAD community from gathering in Singapore for an in-person event as planned, however Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich hosted a virtual ceremony for which Global Headline Sponsor RH Contract held a viewing party to enable those based in the region to gather and celebrate.

Demonstrating the resilience of the hospitality industry in the face of the global pandemic, the AHEAD team received over 200 entries from 80 locations around the world.

Each was discussed, debated and deliberated by a 20-strong panel of judges chaired by Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development for Galaxy Entertainment Group. “Because we hadn’t been travelling or been able to see or experience projects, I found judging the awards to be very therapeutic,” explains Greg Farrell from Radisson Hotel Group, reflecting on the judging experience.

“It gave me a wonderful sense of escapism.”

Amongst the big winners of the night was a locally-inspired hotel in China’s Yunnan province, which scooped an impressive three awards including Hotel Newbuild, Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces and New Concept. The panel applauded its “deeply considered approach

to seasonality” as well as “the manner in which it blurs the lines between natural and constructed environments.”

One of the most prestigious awards of the evening was for Outstanding Contribution.

From Kerry Hill to Bill Bensley, previous recipients have included legends who defined a style and approach, or a genre of hotels and design in hospitality. This year’s honouree, Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotels Group, was recognised for the leadership, passion, dynamism and energy that she brings to the sector. “I extend my deepest congratulations to Sonia for all that she has made possible for our hospitality industry and the global traveller,” says Tony Chi, founder of tonychi studio and Cheng’s frequent collaborator.

“She is a true ambassador of our industry today and for many generations to come, and I am grateful to be part of that journey.”

As AHEAD Asia draws to a close for another year and attentions turn to the Global edition, AHEAD host and Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich reflects on the calibre of projects opening across the region: “The quality of the delivery amongst the shortlisted properties was a given, with the front-runners being those with that little bit extra – elegant, quirky, harmonious or experiential. Of the winners, we saw a good balance between branded and independent properties. A few hotels hit the zeitgeist for the judges with multiple trophies and it was also great to see more maverick, independent hotels in the mix.”

JUDGING PANEL Nicholas Clayton – Capella Dirk Dalichau – Eaton HK Greg Farrell – Radisson Hotel Group Michael Goodman – EDG Design William Harris – AvroKO Karen Hay – IN-dulge Troy Hickox – Galaxy Entertainment Rowena Hockin – BAR Studio Annalyn Hood – Design Hotels Billie Khoo – Hilton Worldwide Karen Kim – Marriott International Dharmali Kusumadi – Banyan Tree Soo Jeong Lee – Rosewood Sun Mi Moon – 8M Fabio Ongarato – Studio Ongarato Jinou Park – Normal Toby Smith – Swire Hotels Isabelle Vergnaud – Kerry Hill Architects Tracey Wiles – Woods Bagot Maria Wong – WOW Architects

AHEAD

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TOO HIGH AT ROSEWOOD GUANGZHOU – CHINA New World Development / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates / Yabu Pushelberg Kicking off the virtual awards ceremony was the Bar, Club or Lounge award, which went to Too High at Rosewood Guangzhou – the highest bar in all of Guangzhou, as the name suggests. Offering staggering views from the property’s 107th floor with unparalleled service to match, the judges praised the “exceptionally well-considered and detailed” whisky bar as “right on brand” for the hotel group, applauding Yabu Pushelberg on the venue’s “rich and handsome design” that reveals more and more with each viewing.

E V E N T S PA C E S

CAPELLA HOTEL BANGKOK - THAILAND Country Group Development / Capella Hotel Group / Hamiltons International / Bamo / Pia Interior Co / HBA Bangkok Some hotels are fortunate enough to be entrusted with hosting their guests’ most important life events, meetings and special occasions. So, it’s no suprise that Capella Bangkok pulled out all the stops when bringing to life its event spaces, earning an AHEAD award in the process. Each of the urban resort’s venues enjoy river views, five-star planning services and unmatched catering options. According to one judge, “it feels like a blank canvas, which means that hosts can make the space their own”.

GUESTROOMS ZANNIER HOTEL BÃI SAN HÔ PHU YEN, CENTRAL VIETNAM Zannier Hotels / Zannier Hotels Interiors / Sko (masterplan) / Beyond Design Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô won over the judges with its 73 standalone villas, which take cues from the Vietnamese tradition of architecture as an art form. “Bãi San Hô offers something new to the Vietnam hospitality scene,” explained one judge. “The hotel demonstrates a true commitment to the locale in the rooms’ use of materials and finishes, as well as the different room typologies inspired by diverse vernacular styles.” Another judge simply stated: “You want to inhabit these spaces and feel the walls!”

HOTEL CONVERSION

HOTEL K5 TOKYO – JAPAN Ferment Inc / Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects Originally erected in 1923 as the Dai-ichi Bank Building, the structure survived the WWII fire-bombing of Tokyo and was recently converted into the 20-key hotel, with Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects retaining original interior characteristics such as exposed concrete walls and restoring parquet flooring. While honouring its history, the former bank has been injected “with a new lease of life and purpose” that judges described as “quirky and fresh”, adding that it “oozes originality in a self-assured and self-contained package that embraces and truly celebrates the original building it inhabits.”

H O T E L R E N O VAT I O N & R E S T O R AT I O N / V I S U A L I D E N T I T Y

THE CHOW KIT, AN ORMOND HOTEL – KUALA KUMPUR, MALAYSIA Ormond Group / Post Company / Tropical Area Before becoming a 113-key boutique hotel that is rich in character, The Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur underwent a top to toe renovation that involved gutting the entire building, a complete redesign of the M&E infrastructure, guestroom layout, interior design and façade architecture. “An amazing transformation with a consistent design language and a true sense of space,” and “a clever use of colours and materials to create a distinctive experience,” said the panel. Later in the evening, the property also took home the prize for Visual Identity, with judges praising its focus on simplified luxury.

AHEAD

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

LIJIANG HYLLA VINTAGE HOTEL – CHINA Lijiang Jietuolin Tourism Development Co / Chengdu Wuyulan Cultural Tourism Development Co / Hylla X Yang Fei / Yang Fei, Li Jun, Tian Shen, Cheng Yue / Hangzhou Guantang Interior Design Co / Z’Scape / Gad

One of the big winners of the night was Lijiang Hylla Vintage Hotel, which took home an impressive three awards. Set under the snowcapped mountains of Lijiang, with a palette of locally sourced stone, rammed earth and timber, the property is grounded in the ancient Naxi Kingdom – home to the Naxi group, who have inhabited the foothills of the Himalayas since the 11th century.

So, what made it stand out in the New Concept category? A combination of Hygge and Villa, Hylla describes itself as “a vintage museum collecting essence of time, bringing warmth and texture with classic masterpieces and timeless designs”.

And it wasn’t just the concept that impressed the panel, with its landscaping and outdoor spaces also receiving an accolade. One judge commented: “Lijiang Hyla Vintage Hotel’s success rests on the manner in which it blurs

the lines between the natural and constructed environments, is attuned to both the indigenous landscape and local land uses, and the way in which it takes a deeply considered approach to seasonality.”

According to judge Toby Smith, Managing Director at Swire Hotels: “In a newbuild property, there is perfect opportunity to centre everything around the guest experience, to make it intuitive, welcoming and to create that emotional bond with the guest.”

When it came to picking their Hotel Newbuild winner, the judges credited the project’s architecture and interior design with underscoring a sense of place. One judge made the bold statement that, “there is nothing like it in Mainland China”, which explains why several judges were left with a desire to be transported to the “magnetic” and “magical” resort immediately.

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

PARK HYATT NISEKO HANAZONO – HOKKAIDO, JAPAN PCPD Investments / Hyatt Hotels Corporation / Nikken Sekkai / Bar Studio Nikken Sekkai and Bar Studio were tasked with creating an international hotel that exudes the warmth and hospitality typically found in an intimate mountain lodge. The lobby, public spaces and spa facilities bring together architecture that both frames and references the natural surroundings with interiors that layer comfort, warmth, intimacy and detail.

“The restrained and beautifully detailed design, as well as the limited use of natural materials, are very on brand as a Park Hyatt,” explained one judge. “It feels fresh and open yet warm and intimate, which is very tricky to achieve.”

R E S TA U R A N T THE CHINESE NATIONAL AT SWISSOTEL JAKARTA INDONESIA PT. Multi Artha Pratama / AccorHotels / PTI / EDG Design Conceived by EDG Design, The Chinese National is a complex of four Chinese specialty venues in one, based on the four great inventions of China: Letterpress, Iron Needle, Black Powder Red and Paper Duck. One judge recognised the “clever use of space” and “bold design statement that combines different spaces whilst maintaining a consistent character”, whilst another described the venue as “a very well considered and creative concept, enabling transformability for the client, and triggering curiosity to return for the customer.”

SUITE

HARBOUR HOUSE AT ROSEWOOD HONG KONG New World Development / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Kengo Kuma Associates / tonychi studio The Asia Suite category included a host of strong contenders, but there could be only one winner. Billed as the ultimate expression of exclusive residential luxury, the 670m² Harbour House – designed by tonychi studio – is a private vertical mansion in the sky that is “bursting with personality and love of detail”. Located on the 57th floor of Rosewood Hong Kong overlooking Victoria Harbour, the suite facilities include two outdoor lap pools, a private gym, and wraparound landscaped gardens. The panel highlighted the studio’s “thoughtful attention to detail expressed through art and accessories”.

AHEAD

RESORT / HOTEL OF THE YEAR

AMAN KYOTO – JAPAN Kyoto Resorts Co / Aman / Kerry Hill Architects / Toyo Architects & Engineers Office / Design and Management Inc

One of several winning projects in Japan, Aman Kyoto scooped not one but two awards by the end of the ceremony, demonstrating that the Japanese aesthetic is winning over designers and operators across the Asia region.

Located within an eight-acre secret garden surrounded by forest on the outskirts of Kyoto, the small luxury hotel blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Conceived as a contemporary version of the traditional Japanese ryokan, the design concept comprises four main pavilions, with simple architecture to allow nature and the landscape to dominate.

From ski resorts to rural mountain escapes, this year’s Resort category was a tight contest.

So, what set the hotel apart? Toby Smith reveals: “When I’m judging, I’m looking for a property that has fully integrated into its environment through landscaping and the use of materials. Aman Kyoto does just that.”

Another judge explained that “with high sensitivity and respect for the environment, the elegant resort reflects the Aman brand and the style of the architect perfectly. The simplicity of the design fits harmoniously within this beautiful region.”

In fact, the panel were so bowled over with Aman Kyoto that they bestowed it with the most prestigious award of the night – the AHEAD Asia Hotel of the Year. Following up on its success with Amanyangyun Shanghai as Hotel of the Year in 2019, Kerry Hill Architects triumphed once more with a long, well thought-out project that delivers true harmony in its location.

“A beautifully curated and crafted series of spaces within a spectacular landscape,” surmised one judge. “An exceptional creation that has embraced and enhanced the existing forest garden where it is located.”

From a hedonistic bolthole in Miami’s Art Deco district to a tented camp in Utah’s Canyon Point, the winners of AHEAD Americas 2021 recognised conceptual, aesthetic and functional breakthroughs across the region.

Revealed as part of a virtual ceremony and also shown during a lunch at The Standard, High Line in New York City – hosted by Global Headline Sponsor RH Contract and featuring a live interview with Toronto and Tribeca-based design firm Yabu Pushelberg, who received this year’s Outstanding Contribution award – those triumphant on the night impressed the 14-strong panel of operators, developers, architects and designers with an inspiring mixture of style and substance.

“There’s no magic formula, but a winning project more often than not has a strong story and concept, a strong identity and point of view,” says AHEAD judge Anne Wilkinson, Principal at Bamo. “When those elements work together and it resonates with people, you have a winner.”

One of those that resonated was a soulful sanctuary in Mexico City, which scooped two trophies for its “elegant and simple, yet warm and inviting” scheme that seeks to emphasise the building’s original character while channelling a sense of clean, minimal luxury. Its simple graphics and use of tactile materials like leather, which “invite without overwhelming”, were also met with applause.

Given the staff shortages currently being faced by operators across the globe, the New

Concept accolade deservedly went to Saira Hospitality, with judges describing its work as “setting an example” on where brands should look to make the industry more valuable.

Partnering with groups like The Standard, Rosewood and Four Seasons to create pop-up schools, the non-profit organisation provides communities with the knowledge and skills they need to build a career in hospitality, reducing staff turnover while delivering lifechanging employment opportunities for those who need it most. “The concept uses hospitality to do better for the world,” said one judge, who admitted that they wish they had thought of the initiative themselves.

The most coveted prize however, was given to an all-villa retreat in Mexico, which the judges were desperate to visit having admired its “architecturally commendable” and “beautifully executed” design during a day of virtual deliberation in September. Having pipped a number of strong contenders to the post in two entered categories, the property stole the show by “blurring the lines between interior and exterior” with aplomb, leaving guests feeling like “they’ve been transported to another place where they can be rejuvenated”.

Representing the very best of hospitality experience and design from the Americas, the winners – who took home bespoke trophies in hand-blown glass designed and manufactured

by Lasvit – will now go on to compete against other regions, with worldwide champions crowned at the next AHEAD Global edition.

JUDGING PANEL Mari Balestrazzi – Airbnb Gray Davis – Meyer Davis Gary Dollens – Hyatt Sara Duffy – Stonehill Taylor Interiors Leo Ezkenazi – Hilton Worldwide Alessia Genova – Tihany Design Ari Heckman – Ash NYC Verena Haller – Standard Hotels Aliya Khan – Marriott International Greg Keffer – Rockwell Group Little Wing Lee – Atelier Ace Eileen Madigan – Las Vegas Sands Corporation Lisa Pasternack – Four Seasons Anne Wilkinson – Bamo

AHEAD

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CATBIRD AT THOMPSON DALLAS – TEXAS Todd Interests / Hyatt / Merriman Architects / SWA Group – Landscape Design / Cindy Zelazny Interiors / Todd Interiors The opening award at AHEAD Americas was scooped by Catbird at Thompson Dallas, an Art Deco-style cocktail lounge that nods to the building’s history as a First National Bank.

Judges applauded designers Caroline Todd and Cindy Zelazny for creating “moody yet vibrant interiors” filled with a unique collection of art and accessories, from a photograph of the real Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort, to a Russian nesting doll dressed in Coco Chanel. “The material choices and multitude of textures make this space a visual delight!” said one judge.

E V E N T S PA C E S

HUTTON BRICKYARDS – NEW YORK Karl Slovin / Salt Hotels / Kristina Dousharm Architecture Hutton Brickyards impressed the judges with its mix of indoor and outdoor venues, each of which is surrounded by picturesque scenery on the banks of the Hudson River. The panel praised Salt Hotels for carefully repurposing what it labelled as a “one-of-a-kind site”, describing its event spaces – from Butler Pavilion with a 4,000-guest capacity to Hutton Hall, which can host up to 400 people standing and 160 in banquet seating, as well as two other pavilions – as being “well integrated into the landscape” with a “simple, elegant and casual” fit-out that is approachable while providing flexibility.

GUESTROOMS / VISUAL IDENTITY CÍRCULO MEXICANO – MEXICO Grupo Habita / Ambrosi Etchegaray “Restrained beauty that allows the hotel to breathe and just be,” was how one judge summed up Círculo Mexicano, which took home this year’s Guestrooms trophy after being commended for its “elegant and simple, yet warm and inviting” sense of clean, minimal luxury. Occupying a 19th-century residential building at República de Guatemala 20, the address where celebrated Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo was born and shot a series of his most iconic work, the 25-key hotel also picked up the Visual Identity prize, winning over the panel with simple graphics and tactile elements, including leather room occupancy signs, that “invite without overwhelming”.

HOTEL CONVERSION

LYLE – WASHINGTON DC Lore Group / OTJ Architects / Jacu Strauss For its second US property, Lore Group transformed an early 1940s Art Deco building in Washington DC’s Dupont Circle district into a world of calm, with Creative Director Jacu Strauss devising a space where guests could say goodbye to the noise of the outside world. “Less is more,” said the judges, who were particularly inspired by Strauss’ nods to craftsmanship and natural materials, including the Burl wood headboards, rattan seating and Berber carpets in each of the 196 guestrooms. The property also caught the eye with its restaurant and bar, Lyle’s, which features bespoke furniture, a pendant cluster by Herman Miller and an open kitchen.

HOTEL NEWBUILD THE GOODTIME HOTEL – MIAMI Imperial Companies / Groot Hospitality / Morris Adjmi / Raymond Jungles / Ken Fulk As the name suggests, it’s all about generating a positive experience – or “spiritual Wi-Fi” – at The Goodtime Hotel in Miami, and that resonated with the AHEAD Americas panel, who handed it the award for Hotel Newbuild. Situated in the city’s Art Deco district, the Wes Anderson-esque bolthole was dreamt up by musical great Pharrell Williams, who partnered with nightclub magnate David Grutman, real estate developers Michael D. Fascitelli and Eric Birnbaum, and American designer Ken Fulk to concoct a hedonistic sanctuary that dances eloquently between haven and playground.

AHEAD

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

UNION CLUB HOTEL AT PURDUE – INDIANA White Lodging / HKS Architects / Simeone Deary Design Group Originally constructed from 1929-53 on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus, becoming an extension of the Purdue Memorial Union, Union Club Hotel recently underwent a complete renovation that included the addition of a new restaurant, bar and coffee counter. Now, the property captures the spirit of Purdue’s innovations, pulling through historic architectural elements while celebrating alumni who have had an impact around the world. Judges also pointed to its “clever details and inventive storytelling”, which include patterns and palettes taken from the university’s classic colours and icons.

L O B B Y & P U B L I C S PA C E S

THE MAKER HUDSON – NEW YORK Fresh / Lev Glazman / Alina Roytberg / Damien Janowicz / Kipp Edick / Glazman Having swapped the beauty industry for hospitality to transform a Georgian mansion, its carriage house and Greek Revival annexe into an 11-room boutique, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg – co-founders of the now LVMH-owned natural beauty brand Fresh – set out with the aim of celebrating the world of makers, drawing on the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods as well as Mid-Century Modern styles to create an eclectic lobby and public spaces – from a quaint conservatory to a scent library – that the judges hailed as “beautifully curated with a strong point of view design-wise”.

LO D G E S , C A B I N S & T E N T E D C A M P S CAMP SARIKA BY AMANGIRI – UTAH Canyon Equity / Aman Resorts / Luxury Frontiers / Selldorf Architects Despite a quartet of strong contenders in the Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category, Camp Sarika by Amangiri came out on top for what the judges described as a “beautiful integration of nature and design” that “appreciates the sustainable materials used”. Named after the Sanskrit word for open space and sky, the 10-tent cluster overlooks 55 hectares of flat-top mesas towards Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with each lodge boasting a private plunge pool and outdoor terrace.

Another judge added that the project is “the ultimate way of camping that is true to the brand, experience and location.”

R E S TA U R A N T

THE PEACOCK MEDITERRANEAN GRILL AT AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL – TEXAS The Kor Group / Proper Hospitality / Handel Architects / Kelly Wearstler “A fresh and interesting interpretation of a Mediterranean grill that isn’t pastiche” were the words of one judge when praising the ground-floor restaurant and lobby bar at Austin Proper in Texas. Envisioned by LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler, the 180-cover venue serves an Israeli and Turkishinspired menu – developed by McGuire Moorman Hospitality – against a backdrop of hand-selected tiles and textured wall tapestries sourced from the coasts of Portugal. “You feel the concept in every aspect of the space,” the judges concluded.

S PA & W E L L N E S S

PARADERO TODOS SANTOS – MEXICO Paradero Hotels / Yektajo Valdez Architect / B-Huber South America took this year’s Spa & Wellness category by storm, with three finalists from Mexico and one from Brazil, but it was Paradero Todos Santos in Baja California Sur that claimed the top spot on the night. Shaded by almost 100 palm trees and other endemic species, its Ojo de Agua Spa pays homage to the secret watering holes that coexist between Sierra La Laguna and the Pacific with a focus on Mexican healing traditions. “The design of the spa and its lighting brought the narrative to life,” said the panel. “The finished result is beautifully detailed yet simple and calming.”

SUITE THE JOSEPH – NASHVILLE The Pizzuti Companies / Marriott International / Arquitectonica / INC Architecture & Design Art curation clinched the victory in the end for The Joseph Nashville’s Presidential Suite, which couples prints by fine art publisher Joseph Editions with unique artworks sourced by owners the Pizzuti family. “What a visual delight!” the judges remarked, noting that “no detail was left unconsidered” and “the art was the cherry on the cake”. Spanning more than 2,100ft2, the space is centred around a living room with wraparound sofas, oversized chairs and a commanding marble bar, not to mention a fully restored 1920s-era Steinway Model A salon grand piano with its very own self-playing feature.

AHEAD

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

ONE & ONLY MANDARINA MEXICO RLD by BK Partners / RLH Properties / One & Only International / Studio Rick Joy / Studio Caban

The big winner on the night was One & Only Mandarina, which took home the awards for Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces, Resort, and the AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year.

Set along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, the all-villa retreat was lauded by the judges for “breaking down the boundaries between inside and outside” with a “well-thought through and executed” design that balances contemporary styling with sustainability measures.

American practices Studio Rick Joy and Studio Caban – who consulted several botany experts during the development process to minimise its impact on the surrounding environment – were also commended for integrating native materials such as Cumaru wood and indigenous stone that speak to the exterior landscape, with one judge referring to the design as “architecturally commendable” and one that made them all want to visit.

The low-density planning approach sees the spa spread across a collection of six isolated and enclosed treatment rooms, whilst a specialised outdoor gym was carved into the site. Surrounding the communal areas are 105 standalone suites, all of which take cues from the Mexican backdrop and feature private outdoor decks with plunge pools. “Guests will feel like they’ve been transported to another place where they can be rejuvenated,” said the panel of the villas, which combine locally crafted woodwork with native artefacts and earthy tones that add rich, textural warmth.

In envisioning the villas – perched either on the cliffside or amongst the trees – the designers introduced floor-to-ceiling glazing that can be fully retracted to bring the outdoors in, something the judges pointed to as creating a “strong connection with the stunning landscape” that is “elegant yet refined”.

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CAESARS BLUEWATERS – DUBAI

VIRTUAL

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EVOLUTION – LONDON

www.aheadawards.com

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SPOTLIGHT FABRICS, SURFACES & WALLCOVERINGS Designers are looking beyond aesthetics for their fabrics, surfaces and wallcoverings, instead focusing on hygiene and durability.

Spradling Linetex Spradling has developed PermaCool, an innovative technology designed to decrease the amount of radiant energy or heat absorbed by surfaces, thereby reducing the temperature of upholstery by up to 16°c.

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SPOTLIGHT

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Bringing together 148 references, including 53 new designs, the Odyssey collection features varied fabrics available in a wide range of colours. From discreet to contrasting, the compositions are punctuated according to desires in an elegant and timeless spirit. Standout fabrics include Komo, a small jacquard inspired by the craft of raffia weaving; Heritage, an upholstery fabric comprising 50% virgin fibres and 50% recycled fibres to reflect the company’s commitment to the environment; Solids, a classic fabric that comes in 50 colours with ottoman, pique and chine effects; and Majestic, a luxurious dual-aspect fabric with a shapely drape ideal for window hangings. www.sunbrella.com

Designed by Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam, this carefully curated collection of fabrics and wallpaper is available on several substrates to cater for all technical specifications. Continuously introducing new products and designs in range of signature colours – enabling the creation of unique and memorable spaces – the eponymous range includes a mix of linens, silks, cottons and velvets, all of which are sourced from Europe’s finest mills, manufacturers and artisans.

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In a continued expansion of its recently launched textiles division, Jamie Stern Furniture, Carpet & Leather has unveiled Viceroy – a luxurious velvet that represents the high-end of the company’s upholstery fabric offerings.

Available in 15 colourways including all-time classics such as Sea Shanty, Pale Ale and Silhouette, the cotton-blend fabric features a supple hand and is suitable for upholstery purposes on all aspects of hospitality, corporate and residential projects alike. In addition to its stylish appearance and luminous sheen, Viceroy also boasts unparalleled durability, surpassing heavy duty abrasion requirements with 100,000 Double Rubs. www.jamiesterndesign.com

Hampshire-based family business Linwood has launched Velvet Wonderland, a new collection of printed velvets. A deep viscose pile, soft feel and vivid colours elevates this fabric collection to the pinnacle of luxury. The nine designs, which celebrate fantastical dreamscapes, are enlivened with a bold, contemporary colour palette and the occasional glint of glamorous metallic.

Not only is the fabric sumptuous in look and feel, it is also durable and naturally water repellent. The collection comprises: Moonlight Serenade, One Thousand and One, Double Dragon, We Built This City, Wonderland, Mandai, Kimono Dream, Nightfall and Close Encounters. www.linwoodfabric.com

SPOTLIGHT

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Camira has introduced 21 new colours to the palette of Sumi, a worsted wool fabric originally released in an exclusively neutral selection of six shades, designed to work in harmony with sister range Kyoto. Building on the popularity of the series, the additional colours expand its versatility and appeal, creating a palette that encompasses darker tones, along with a variety of delicate pastels and brighter, more saturated hues. With a relaxed handle and mélange surface, Sumi is designed for multiple uses, enhancing both straight lines and organic curves, complementing the defined and the delicate with its lightweight structure and soft-to-the-touch feel. www.camirafabrics.com

Developed specifically for the contract sector, the Herriot collection has a wool-look quality with the added benefit of a waterproof layer, antimicrobial protection and soil resist. Inspired by the natural wilderness of the Moors and Dales, Herriot is a nod to the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside, with a natural texture and classic design. Comprising a mix of neutrals and bright tones, the four designs include a large-scale hearth-side check, a tailored diamond, a two-tone basket-weave and bold dogtooth. Herriot has been developed using new backcoating technology to minimise the use of chemicals as a more environmentally friendly, flame-retardant solution. www.skoposfabrics.com

Combining aesthetics with hygiene, Hi-Macs has expanded its solid surface portfolio with the introduction of two new colours in a Terrazzo finish: the neutral Classico and industrial Grigio. Made from a mix of minerals, pure acrylic and natural pigments, the solid surface material is hardwearing, resilient, seamless, hygienic and stain resistant. The surface can also be thermoformed into curves, ideal for seamless wet room applications, kitchen islands and professional projects.

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Contemporary fabric and wallpaper supplier, Lelièvre Paris, has introduced the contract-focused Numéro 25 collection. Featuring oversized graphic patterns, geometric lines and maze motifs, the range draws inspiration from Greek mythology, showcased in the Hera, Ariane and Platine fabrics. Developed with luxurious hotel public areas and guestrooms in mind, having undergone high rub tests, the line boasts refreshing colours while offering the weaving quality that Lelièvre Paris is widely known for as one of the rare textile companies with its own in-house weaving mill. As such, it offers flexibility and value engineering options for small to very large projects. www.lelievreparis.com

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Inspired by traditional craftsmanship, Costura is a collection of wallcoverings formed with a needle and thread through striking stitching and impressive patchwork. The range comprises six patterns: Urban, which gives a second life to used silk fabrics in an irregular patchwork style; Bojagi, the result of a traditional Korean sewing technique to create an open linen look; Gabarit, which refers to a calibrated pattern or template and produces a stylish bicolour contrast; Tela, which resembles coarsely woven linen; Botanis, a nod to the monstera and palm plants using coarse stitching and contrasting colours; and Manchas, which sees brush marks give it a painted-effect. www.arte-international.com

Collaborating on personalised, individual pieces with customers is a core aspect of Palecek’s business. While many are purchased and enjoyed just as they were designed, Palecek also offers a range of opportunities for interior designers to modify and finish pieces to their own specifications and needs. From custom paint colours to finish options like distinctive nailheads and limitless upholstery choices, Palecek furniture can be customised in just a few simple steps. For convenience, the Californiabased furniture manufacturer also stocks a broad variety of fabrics and leathers designed for both indoor and outdoor use with performance in mind. www.palecek.com

The growing demand for cleaner and greener solutions worldwide is driving Morbern’s ambition to be amongst the leading suppliers of eco-friendly surface solutions. As such, the firm has pioneered the ‘FR-free’ revolution in Europe with MorGreen, a collection of vegan leather with no chemical or fire-resistant additives, still achieving the European Fire Norm EN1021 (Part 1 and 2) and OekoTex label. With two ranges already launched, Morbern’s development programme includes a third, outdoor-resistant offering planned for 2022, which will claim a 75% renewable content whilst still providing the durability and high-cleanability of standard coated fabrics. www.morberneurope.com

Stone Circle has fabricated and installed marble and porcelain throughout the public spaces of the newly-opened Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London. The entrance hall feautres an oval domed recess in the ceiling, which has been precisely mirrored on the floor with an inlaid pattern of Calacatta and Moon Cream marbles, bordered with bronze. On the ground floor meanwhile, the public washrooms showcase vein-matched Cremo Delicato marble walls, floors and vanity tops. Porcelain floor tiles were installed throughout the pool and spa too, with marble and onyx used for wall cladding, benches and vanities in steam rooms, saunas and treatment rooms. www.stone-circle.com

Design-Led. Technical Expertise.

Global Service.

A leading global supplier of fabrics to the commercial, institutional and domestic interiors markets.

Offering design-led technical expertise, support and service to designers, specifiers and contractors in the hospitality, leisure, healthcare, education, workspace and public sectors.

edmundbell.com

Image features new woven fabrics; LIMIT, CONNECT and TWIST (launching soon).

SPOTLIGHT

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1. 4Spaces Aura

2. Ultrafabrics Uf Select

3. Edmund Bell Limit

4. Panaz Gallery

With more than 30 years experience working in the hospitality sector, Swiss textile company 4Spaces produces its own exclusive fabric collections for interiors across Europe. The manufacturer appreciates interior design elements that create an experience of an object that looks back at guests, rather than overwhelming them. With a sense of zeitgeist, the Aura collection refers to an aesthetic presence of art that embraces the authority held by the unique and original work. This new wallpaper line also investigates the relationship with luminosity and discovers walls in a new way, exploring the theme of light in an inspiring and poetic manner. www.4spaces.ch

Animal-free performance fabric producer Ultrafabrics has launched Uf Select, a North American-made collection with an inaugural offering of two different lines of fabric. The curated selection of soft and creative fabric textures and colours are all inspired by traditional Mexican handicrafts. The two lines in the collection, Lino and Montage, explore artisan textures and elements that have not been available on any Ultrafabrics design thus far. Lino emulates a printed two-tone woven linen fabric, creating the impression of a textile weave with its refined crosshatch design, while Montage mimics a collage, with a weather texture that is both soft and rich. www.ultrafabricsinc.com

Naturally relaxed and suitably creative, the new Limit woven fabric captures the perfect in the imperfect style of wabi-sabi. Channelling a certain sense of creativity in its spontaneity, the staggered vertical lines are suitable for drapery and cushions, while the design also complements other Edmund Bell plains such as its anti-microbial upholstery fabrics. The range is recyclable too, with practical qualities such as a stain-resistant finish, and is independently tested for UK and international flame retardant standards. Limit is widely used across the hospitality, marine, healthcare and workplace markets, although it can also be used in a domestic setting. www.edmundbell.com

Gallery is the first wide-width printed collection from British manufacturer Panaz’ in-house design studio. Created with an unparalleled sense of scale, the range of eight exclusive designs can set a subtle tone or bring a sense of drama to any interior design scheme, with each of the patterns standing at 280cm tall, without repeating. Inspired by the experiences of visiting art exhibitions, the Gallery collection brings together a diverse range of styles and design disciplines. All of the designs are available across a selection of colourways and can be further influenced by the chosen print base cloth, including blackout, woven and sheer. www.panaz.com

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1. Nemwor Wallcoverings Newmor x Lois O’Hara

2. Yarwood Leather Vintage

3. Wall & Decò Wet System

Following a brand refresh, Newmor Wallcoverings has launched a vibrant and playful collaboration with mural artist Lois O’Hara as part of its Newmor Designer range.

The collection comprises large-scale, digitally-printed murals designed by O’Hara specifically for the contract interiors market. Her brand ethos explores how colour can have a positive effect on how people feel when they use spaces, while her unique colour combinations and use of shape and movement form her signature style. “We are launching the Lois O’Hara collection at a time when designers are reconsidering the use and functionality of public spaces,” says Newmor’s Marketing Manager Eleanor Cardwell. “The Newmor Designer ranges are fully customisable, and we believe this flexibility contributes to their popularity. We can even work with the artists directly to develop completely unique designs based on a client’s brief.” www.newmor.com

Established in 1967, Yarwood Leather is a leading supplier to the furniture, automotive, aviation and marine industries, bringing a distinct leather look to interior designs. From natural leathers in a wide offering of tones and finishes to faux leathers with enhanced anti-bacterial properties, Yarwood can cater to every request, no matter the design brief. The leather look can introduce a relaxed feel to guestroom seating and panelling or create enticing public dining spaces. Most recently, Yarwood launched the Vintage faux leather range, a distressed leather-look faux with enhanced anti-bacterial properties and a combination of neutrals, warm classic tones and vibrant colours. The leathers and fauxs are also treated to Crib5 and IMO fire regulations as standard. Yarwood offers a bespoke colour service and leather embroidery service too, which can add extra detail to seating, headboards and wall panelling designs. www.yarwoodleather.com

The Wet System from Italian manufacturer Wall & Decò is a patented, completely waterproof wallcovering dedicated to wet and damp environments, opening up a range of embellishing possibilities in areas ranging from showers to kitchens, gyms and spas.

The wallpaper combines a high decorative value with technical properties such as resistance to water and humidity, yellowing, abrasion and aggression from household chemicals. A valid alternative to traditional wallcoverings, its specific configuration makes it suitable for applications on vertical surfaces made from cement plaster, plasterboard, PVC, glass and directly on ceramic tiles. The new Wet System creates intimate and welcoming atmospheres outlined by a sophisticated elegance that has been reinterpreted in a contemporary way, with ethereal settings characterised by non-full colours mixed with earthy tones and the patina of time. www.wallanddeco.com

Swift & Stylish Crafted exclusively with our hand-picked and trusted mill partners, the innovative performance and comfort of Ultrafabrics is now more accessible than ever. With an array of timeless textures and tones inspired by traditional handicraft, the collections within Uf Select make inspired designs and quick turnarounds feel effortless.

ultrafabricsinc.com

Uf Select_Sleeper Ad_10-19-21.indd 1

10/19/21 12:40 PM

SPOTLIGHT

Encaustic-style porcelain by Realonda and mosaics by Onix (spa) and Mosavit (pool)

Stars of the Show Spanish tiles are a popular choice for creating hotel spas with character

Known for their hi-tech performance, the unique ceramics of the Spanish tile industry have always been popular within the spa and hospitality sector. They are a safe choice – hygienic, toxin-free, fire and chemical resistant – and suitable for a variety of challenging settings, including wet or high-traffic areas.

As well as being practical, ceramics are aesthetically pleasing and can be customised to create unique designs.

Many Spanish manufacturers work closely with architects and interior designers to construct striking features in guestrooms and hotel receptions or opulent finishes for swimming pools or saunas.

Modern digital-printing techniques further allow ceramic tiles to replicate all types of raw materials faithfully whilst still retaining the many benefits of porcelain. Contemporary takes on traditional encaustic tiles, such as those by Realonda, have become increasingly sought-after in recent years as they are both easier to install than cement tiles and

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are UV-resistant and non-slip, making them ideal for patios and outdoor terraces.

Mosaic tiles have also been reinterpreted by Spanish brands. With interesting colour palettes and a variety of geometic designs, mosaics can be the star of any design scheme. Long used in swimming pools and spas, the rich vivid hues of glass tessara conjure a magical atmosphere, mirroring the beauty of coastal scenery. Not only are glass mosaic tiles by Onix and Mosavit a statement design feature, they are also crafted from purely recycled materials, making them a sustainable solution.

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

Geo FRee

™

Part of the

Less is More 🌱 www.morberneurope.com

collection

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SPOTLIGHT BEDS & MATTRESSES

Sleepeezee Hotel Premier Pillow Top

British bed specialist Sleepeezee favours a traditional yet sustainable approach to manufacturing and tailoring, using high-quality materials to create its mattresses. The Sleepeezee Hotel Premier Pillow Top is a prime example; carefully crafted with 1,000 individually pocketed springs that adjust to suit the body shape of the guest, the mattress contains

natural wool as well as sumptuous rebound cotton and comfort fibres, both of which provide support and regulate body temperature throughout the night.

Specifically designed with the hospitality industry in mind, the mattress doesn’t need to be turned and instead can simply be rotated from head to foot. www.sleepeezee.com/hospitality

SPOTLIGHT

Hypnos Contract Beds The Hospitality Origins Collection With a growing number of guests willing to pay more to stay in a hotel that demonstrates authentic green credentials, The Hospitality Origins Collection from Hypnos Contract Beds represents a new era of sustainable sleep solutions for the sector.

The range comprises three fully recyclable mattresses made from sustainable fibres with traceability credentials such as ethical cotton sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative and 100% British wool from Red Tractor assured farms. The Woolsleepers Elite, a hand-finished, pocket-sprung mattress featuring 11 layers of sustainable comfort, is upholstered in unbleached, naturally fireretardant woven cotton and viscose ticking. www.hypnoscontractbeds.com

Naturalmat Exmouth As one of the first in the British bed industry to establish itself as a values-driven business – thanks to the use of organic ingredients as standard across all products – Devon-based manufacturer Naturalmat is at the forefront of design and product development derived from nature. Lying low to the ground, its Exmouth range is inspired by the sleek silhouette of a Japanese platform bed.

Handcrafted from 100% natural materials, the frame is completely synthetic-free – as are all Naturalmat mattresses – made instead with FSC-certified wood and lined with springy coir for cushioning.

It is then wrapped in Soil Association-certified wool sourced from organic farms that surround the brand’s West Country workshop. www.naturalmat.co.uk

Get Laid Beds Low Four Poster Bed Get Laid Beds is a leading manufacturer of wooden bed frames, offering a wide spectrum of environmentally-friendly and versatile collections for the hospitality sector. Its full range comprises 60 bed designs that can be customised, from four poster options and ottoman storage beds to outdoor solutions. The brand’s minimalistic Low Four Poster Bed takes centrestage in any guestroom and promises to leave a lasting impression. Carefully crafted from 100% solid and sustainable wood, it uses traditional carpentry techniques to ensure the design will stand the test of time, and comes in a choice of 17 different finishes. All beds are handmade to order in the UK and shipped worldwide. www.getlaidbeds.co.uk

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C O M F O RT W I T H I N T E G R I T Y H O S P I TA L I T Y O R I G I N S C O L L E C T I O N

Carbon Neutral, 100% sustainable and recyclable +44 (0) 1332 497111

Advert SPACE Oct 21.indd 1

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25/10/2021 17:32

SPOTLIGHT

Dux The Dux 3003 From the iconic opulence of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai to the enigmatic charm of Pater Noster in Sweden, luxury hotels around the world rely on Dux beds by Duxiana to provide guests with the ultimate sleep experience. The most popular choice is The Dux 3003, with unique personalised comfort zones that allow users to alter the amount of support under their shoulders, hips and legs.

Every Dux bed is built using over one mile of Swedish steel, formed into a seamless, continuous coil spring designs. The final product features up to 4,180 interconnected springs that provide maximum pressure relief to every part of the body. The Dux philosophy is component-based, for the benefit of sustainability and economics.

Each individual part of the bed is replaceable and upgradable to minimise waste and room downtime. Having received the OekoTex Standard 100 certification, which has strict human-ecological requirements, Dux beds are a sustainable choice for hotels too. www.duxiana.co.uk

Richard Lampert Stockholm Bed German furniture manufacturer Richard Lampert has launched the Stockholm bed, envisioned by Alexander Seifried and based on his Lönneberga design. Conceived back in 2009, Lönneberga is a stackable bed with a high recognition value that derives from slanted head- and footboards, which facilitate stacking whilst also giving the bed a unique character. 12 years later, Seifried has revisited his original design, building on the characteristic slanted head- and footboards. “When Richard asked me about a new stacking bed, the overlapping wooden slats came directly to mind,” he explains. “This initially led to Lönneberga. With its equally distinctive shape, the Stockholm double bed picks up the characteristic design language of Lönneberga.” With widths of 140, 160 and 180cm, Stockholm offers more space than its predecessor and is also available with a higher headboard and an optional drawer. Initially launched in a multiplex birch, white melamine and black-brown phenolic resin finish, Stockholm is now also available in solid oak. “The evolution from Lönneberga to Stockholm seems so simple and obvious now that it is part of our collection,” concludes Lampert. “But first you have to come up with the idea.” www.richard-lampert.de

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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 lo or d ra in s g i ves 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

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Ulster Carpets Natura Magnifying the beauty of nature, Ulster Carpets’ new Natura collection comprises seven designs in 24 different colourways, each of which is suitable for a range of applications, from lobbies and guestrooms to restaurants and corridors.

Infused with both harmony and balance, the series sees Earth’s strongest hues and hushed tones transformed into a contemporary colour palette, before being intuitively paired with the new designs for maximum impact. Ulster’s patented weaving process also adds depth and texture, with each pattern woven in eight-row Axminster quality that is suitable for heavy contract environments.

Manufactured from 80% wool and 20% nylon, Natura is available in four-metre width with a maximum vertical repeat of one metre. www.ulstercarpets.com/contract

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SHOWROOM

Vimar London Showroom Vimar, the Italian manufacturer of smart home systems and luxury light switches, has opened its first London showroom in Pimlico.

Having supplied its products to luxury hotels around the world, the space will now showcase the company’s three series of highperformance switch ranges: Eikon, Arké and Plana, each of which comes with its own unique aesthetic and functionality. Available in a variety of classic finishes from marble and stone to metallic, glass and wood, the Eikon controls offer different touches and shapes all connected in a unique platform, while the Arkè switches are the newest from the brand and stand for simplicity and character by way of large surfaces. The latter also allow users to create wired and wireless solutions, meaning they can expand their electrical system with ease whilst maintaining control. The Plana switches meanwhile are sleek and modern – think four contemporary materials and a colour palette of warm, natural and cool tones – and feature 200 functions to manage every room. Vimar’s systems connect smart installation too; with the View Wireless devices, designed specifically for its switches, users can manage lighting, roller shutters or motorised curtains, as well as control energy consumption and manage scenarios with classic one-way switches, via an app or directly by voice. Rounding out the brand’s offer is Vimar View, a platform that includes systems and products connected for new buildings – whether small or large – renovation projects or the upgrading of existing systems. www.vimar.com

Kohler Rock.01 Kohler has collaborated with contemporary artist Daniel Arsham to design a limited-edition, 3D-printed sink named Rock.01. Crafted in Wisconsin and set to be debuted at Design Miami in December, the sink follows the same philosophy as much of Arsham’s work in that it is an homage to time. Comprised of 3D-printed vitreous china and hand-poured brass, its vessel blends modern-day technology with Kohler’s nearly 148-year manufacturing legacy into what can only be described as functional high art. The effects of time are reflected in the patina of the brass ‘rock’ and achieved through a forced coercion process. Kohler’s method of 3D-printing vitreous china is at the forefront of innovation in the industry, and the technology itself is what made it possible to create Arsham’s design, which was too complex to produce using traditional methods. “Rock.01 melds the future of 3D-printing technology with the most basic methods of hand-cast brass,” says Arsham, who has worked with the likes of Adidas, Dior, Pharrell Williams and Pokémon during his career. “It is literally the new resting on top of the old, and I find that incredibly poetic. Kohler was the ideal partner to bring such a complex and futuristic design to life.” The collaboration – born out of the brand’s relationship with The Art Lab Studio, an marketing and partnership consultancy by Sana Rezwan – reflects Kohler’s longstanding commitment to the arts.

Since 1873, it has been on a mission to contribute to gracious living through the highest level of design, craftmanship and innovation. www.kohlercompany.com

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SPECIFIER

Preciosa Lighting Diamond Cloud

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Czech manufacturer Preciosa has unveiled its newest Signature Design, Diamond Cloud, inspired by the Bohemian Diamond Cut. The design principle for the launch was to emphasise a crystal’s properties in combination with light. As such, the suspension of the components and their arrangement, along with the special cut, means Diamond Cloud excels in the refraction and reflection of light.

“When a crystal triangular rod featuring the Diamond Cut is lit, each of the facets looks different and adds a rich depth to the installation as a whole,” says Michael Vasku, Creative Director at Preciosa Lighting.

The strategic arrangement of the triangular rods also gives the installation diversity, layers and a richness of rhythm. Each side of the light’s pattern has a unique look, because every edge is defined using a component with a different surface treatment. The smallest detailed cut on every piece escalates the fixture’s overall appearance, while the combination of carefully placed triangular rods, with various surface treatments and precise cuts, gives Diamond

Cloud its geometrically clean and contemporary composition.

“Our aim was to reduce the amount of crystal components to the relevant amount and align them correctly,” adds Vasku. “Once they are properly oriented, they appear organised but still maintain the sparkling quality that communicates the use of a precious material.”

The versatility of Diamond Cloud is one of its greatest attributes; designers can choose clear or frosted components, as well as the fixture’s size and shape. The installation can be static, while RGBW capabilities can be added to make it more dynamic. Interior experts can also choose a Preciosa-designed Diamond Cloud to adapt to their space, or create one themselves with support from the company’s creative team.

“Like all Signature Designs, Diamond Cloud was created to enhance the beauty of crystal and light,” Vasku concludes. “The fixture is a contemporary addition to luxurious and classical interiors, and works wonderfully as a sparkling statement chandelier in minimalist spaces.” www.preciosalighting.com

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Creative Matters La Samaritaine, Paris Creative Matters has been offering floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 25 years, working on a wide spectrum of projects, be that large or small, luxurious or practical. The Toronto-based studio’s signature designs and environmentally conscious production expertise has seen it supply a variety of hotels in 28 countries around the world, from crafting hand-tufted red carpet for the lobby at Faena Hotel Miami Beach to producing 128 hand-knotted rugs for The Shinola Hotel in Detroit. The brand’s latest assignment was to supply a selection of abstract circular rugs to the La Samaritaine department store in Paris, collaborating with Yabu Pushelberg to augment the modern design and luxurious retail experience of the men’s section, using mixed pile heights to add texture to the handtufted and sustainable wool fabrication. www.creativemattersinc.com

Gresham Relo Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, Gresham’s Relo collection mirrors the aesthetic of pebbles and stones that have been shaped by the ocean, with a curved, cushioned base and back that balances form with function. Imbuing comfort, calm and contemplation, the rounded chairs also feature a winged element that is visually striking yet serves a practical purpose, enabling users to rest their arms at an ideal height. The series is presented in a contemporary colour palette, with combinations ranging from cool coral and grey, to sea blue and white, and a multitude of textural blends, meaning each piece can be made specifically to meet the needs of varying interior styles and settings. Relo comes with an optional Swivel or Static base too, while there is the choice of a fully upholstered or Tech PU shroud available in five standard colours. After the WFH experiment of the past 18 months, the British manufacturer sees the range as a way to welcome the global workforce back to its offices. The chairs will join an extensive portfolio of workspace furniture, from desks and tables to screens and pods, all of which are produced at its factory in Manchester. www.gof.co.uk

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OUR STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDIO AND FACTORY IS A SPACE WHERE WE COLLABORATE WITH DESIGNERS TO TURN THEIR BESPOKE LIGHTING IDEAS INTO REALITY.

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L.Ercolani Reprise Designed by Danish studio Norm Architects, the Reprise chair draws on L.Ercolani’s longstanding legacy as craftsmen and purveyors of fine design, bringing together Lucian Ercolani’s traditional woodturning and steam-bending techniques. With roots dating back to 1944, the chair’s seamless silhouette is achieved by steam-bending a single piece of timber to create a sinuous, uninterrupted line that stretches all the way around the backrest.

Offered in both walnut timber and solid ash – the latter variation is also available in nine bespoke finishes, including a soothing natural hue and the brand’s new Modern Tones series – the collection comes with either a webbed, hide or upholstered seat. www.lercolani.com

Forest Group DS-XL LED Forest Group has partnered with Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity to kit-out its properties at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin and Paddington in London with motorised design track, DS-XL LED. Combining a stylish aesthetic with a unique way of lighting, the smart system – which received the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 – pairs well with the ethos of Staycity’s interiors concept, which is inspired

by Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde. The brand aims to fuse superior design with touches of the unexpected, offering space for guests to escape, relax, cook and work. www.forestgroup.com

Chelsom Edition 27 Forming part of Chelsom’s Edition 27 collection – set to be presented for the very first time at HIX – the Hybrid range of wall, floor and table lamps centres around an overscaled cylindrical head, which creates ambient light through a top dome in matte opal glass and a directional task light below. The head also swivels from left to right with a mechanical stop to prevent over rotation.

Available in an assortment of finish options and characterised by striking brass tones, textured Venetian glass and cutting-edge LED pieces, the wider Edition 27 series – the result of a two-year in-house process led by Robert and Will Chelsom – offers hotel designers creative lighting solutions for a range of interior spaces. www.chelsom.co.uk

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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

Champagne

www.ihs-design.com

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Bette BetteAir Set to be unveiled at HIX, the BetteAir collection from German bathroom manufacturer Bette is billed as the world’s first glazed titanium-steel shower tile. Completing the evolution of the shower tray into part of the bathroom floor, the solution is barely noticeable at only 10mm high, meaning it can be glued directly to the screed like a conventional tile. Available in eight sizes from 900 x 900 to 1400 x 1000mm and in a choice of 31 colours, BetteAir is durable, easy-to-clean and boasts all the advantages of a tile without any of the traditional drawbacks. The product is also crafted from natural materials with no plastic, so it is fully recyclable. Joining the launch on Bette’s main stand at HIX will be its ellipse-shaped freestanding bath, BetteEve Oval Silhouette, and a range of washbasins, while a secondary display area at the show will highlight the benefits of BetteAnti-Slip Sense, which can be applied to both shower trays and baths in the brand’s gloss finish glazed titanium-steel. www.my-bette.com

ADA Cosmetics Shape Hotel cosmetics company ADA Cosmetics has launched the Shape dispenser system – the name of which stands for Sustainability, Hygiene, Aesthetics, Pump, Evolution. Shape is a synthesis of form and function, with a crisp, bold aesthetic set against fresh modern accents. The contemporary style blends advanced technology with optimum safety, while precise engineering results in effortless dispensing that sees one light press generate an exact dose of product, meaning there are no drips. A tamper-proof pump lock prevents germs from entering the cartridge too. On the sustainability front, the eco-friendly 300ml bottles are produced in a resource-saving manner and are 100% recyclable, with one single dispenser replacing 20 to 25 mini portions of hotel cosmetics, thus reducing plastic and liquid waste by 85%. The equally significant benefit is that hotels save approximately 40% in costs. Catering for a wide variety of bespoke body care brands, from economy to luxury, mainstream to boutique styles, as well as bio-certified natural cosmetics, the dispenser system also features brackets that are available in different designs for a unique look. www.ada-cosmetics.com

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The worlds first super boutique hotel, The Londoner,

by EE Smith Contracts

2 5 M O R R I S R D, L E I C E S T E R , L E 2 6 A L T E L : 01162 7 0 694 6 W W W. E E S M I T H .CO. U K S O C I A L @ E E S M I T H CO N T R AC T S

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Aliseo The Londoner The Londoner by Aliseo is a distinctive faux leather collection that comprises handcrafted tea service items, functional accoutrements and desk top accessories. Designed around sturdy forms of versatile shapes and sizes, the range’s rich appearance in a distinctive black or neutral taupe finish is enhanced by its smooth texture and intricate seams, while its sculptural angles and geometric planes create an elegant presentation. The sandwich fabrication features PV faux leather layered over a smooth cartonlike material and an MDF fibreboard. A water-resistant surface is then fixed via an odourless green strength non-toxic adherent, with superior ribbed stitching ensuring years of long-lasting service. www.aliseo.de

Hector Finch Scallop Edge Developed in response to rising demand for scallop detailing, the Scallop Edge lanterns by Hector Finch are crafted from acid etched zinc or brass and finished in soft antique brass. “Scallops are everywhere in nature – rose petals, leaf edges, and of course the shell itself – and we wanted to introduce something with a more organic feel,” says the London-based studio, which has produced the lanterns in both hanging and wall versions. “The scallop edge has been used since medieval times in furniture, fabrics and decoration, and has an enduring appeal that has again resurfaced.” www.hectorfinch.com

Schlüter-Systems LED Niches Bringing spa-like elements to the guest bathroom, SchlüterSystems’ LED niches are crafted from Schlüter-Kerdi-Board-N, or prefabricated units and shelves for wall areas of all kinds. The multi-functional tile underlayment is installed using the German manufacturer’s Liprotec technology, an advanced plug-and-play system that makes the process even easier for fit-out contractors – an ideal solution for both newbuilds and renovation projects.

Creating a tiled, illuminated niche within a bathroom or shower area can serve a number of purposes, from offering additional storage space to enhancing the overall design, while the introduction of soft, ambient lighting can add to the spa-like feel. www.schluterspecifier.co.uk

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Brianna Chandelier

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH UNIQUE DECORATIVE LIGHTING USA designed lighting available to the 220-240v market through Elstead Lighting +44 (0)1420 82377 | enquiries@elsteadlighting.com | www.elsteadlighting.com

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Feelgood Designs Kakī Envisioned by New Zealand-born product and furniture designer Jamie McLellan, who has worked with the likes of Pearson Lloyd and Tom Dixon during his career, the Kakī lounge chair is sturdy yet light, combining a powder-coated frame with a rattan slimit shell.

Created with comfort and ergonomics in mind, the chair can be stacked into units of four and is available in indoor and outdoor versions, with the latter made from polyethylene to help withstand the elements. To meet the needs of the hospitality sector and its range of interior styles, Kakī comes in several colours including a charcoal frame with natural rattan slimit, an oxide red frame with rust rattan slimit, and a charcoal frame with wheat polyethylene. www.martaonline.eu

Parla Oyster Inspired by seashells and other natural forms, the Oyster range from Parla Design was dreamt up by in-house creative Enis Altınkaynak. The softly rounded, characteristic silhouette of its upholstery is reminiscent of an oyster, while the coloured steel legs and frame – a combination of back and powder-coated metal – feature a similarly distinctive look to match a high-quality solid wood structure. The foot and surface have also been produced with special technique shapes, while the enveloping design and padded shell was carefully studied to maximise comfort. Different leg colours, fabrics and marbles in various RAL tones mean the Oyster chair, armchair and coffee table can be adapted to various interior environments, from large-scale hotels to boutique retreats.

With showrooms in New York, London, Istanbul and Dubai, the designer and manufacturer combines traditional craftsmanship with high-tech Italian machinery. Its 15,000m2 factory in Turkey is a hive of activity, producing over 30 containers of furniture a month. www.parladesign.com

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The Vinci at Watergate Bay, Cornwall

making places for everyone_ hotels JOIN US AT HIX STAND U1

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SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Laufen Nobu Hotel Warsaw Collaborating with Polish studio Medusa Group, Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen recently created custom-made washbasins and solid surface shower trays for the guest bathrooms at Nobu Hotel Warsaw. Manufactured in specific colours to match other elements in the space, the bespoke pieces are complemented by sanitary fixtures from the Kartell by Laufen and Laufen Pro collections, while the Executive rooms feature Cleanet Riva shower toilets and the male washrooms downstairs include Caprino urinals. www.laufen.com

Elstead Lighting Wellington Forming part of Elstead Lighting’s Quintessentiale collection, the vintage-inspired Wellington wall light is IP44-rated for the bathroom but is equally suitable for other interior applications, from a hotel’s guestrooms and corridors to its lounges and restaurants. Available in a warm aged brass finish or a more contemporary polished chrome, the tall and linear fixture – made in the UK from steel and glass using a combination of handcraft and CNC machines – has been supplied with an elongated LED E27 tube lamp, which is retrofit and easy to replace when required. Wellington joins a wider range of indoor and outdoor lighting that includes chandeliers, floor lamps and pendants, as well as bollards, pedestals and lanterns. www.elsteadlighting.com

Hamilton Conte Ollie Armchair Characterised by its subtle curves, the Ollie armchair from Parisbased furniture maker Hamilton Conte features a solid wood structure in plywood, MDF and hard pine with a webbed seat suspension. Crafted with high resilience in mind, the collection uses variable-density polyurethane foam, upholstery in fabric or leather, and a decorative cushion combining polyester and feather fill. The chair’s base meanwhile is offered in four wooden finishes – Espresso, Cognac, Tobacco or Natural – as well as brushed brass, while other colour variants and lacquer are available on request. www.hamiltonconte.com

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Create a feelgood environment.

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

England

INTERIOR. ARCHITECTURE. HOSPITALITY. FRANKFURT / MAIN

special interest for interior designers, architects and hospitality experts

DU: 15.10.2021

11.– 14. 1. 2022

72421-006_HT_IAH_Sleeper_242x281 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • ek |

www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 84

ARE YO U IN?

PUBLIC HOTEL CHRYSTIE STREET New York, United States of America ARCHITECT(S): Herzog & de Meuron Basel INTERIOR DESIGNER(S): Ian Schrager Company SUPPLIED BY: Laufen

5

www.TOPHOTELDESIGN.com

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Add to my album

Tina Norden, partner, Conran and Partners

Vince Stroop, founder, Stroop

Cédric Etienne, founder, Studio Corkinho

Dex Hunter-Torricke, former communications executive, Google, Facebook and SpaceX

Jason Steere, managing director of brand & experience, The Student Hotel

Hen'a Yadav, principal, Studio Carter

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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The ever-changing design experience that makes hotels incredible

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CHECK-OUT

Head in the Clouds

Accor reaches new heights with the installation of a guestroom atop Germany’s highest mountain.

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Through Accor Live Limitless (ALL) – which

the now global hotel group over 50 years ago.

combines a loyalty programme and global

There’s a double bed, nightstand and desk, as

lifestyle platform – Accor promises experiences

well as a lounge chair from which to take in the

that extend beyond the walls of its hotels. It

surroundings, but before the thrillseekers start

could be tickets to a concert or sporting event,

packing their bags, we regret to inform you that

or an exclusive dinner hosted by a star chef. For

spending a night in the pop-up will remain a

its latest venture, the group is reaching new

dream for the foreseeable future. While it is not

heights – quite literally – with the launch of the

yet possible to sleep at altitude, the mountaintop

highest hotel room in Germany. In collaboration

structure can be reached on foot, and those who

with Zugspitze, Accor has unveiled a fully-

make it will be handsomely rewarded: a scanable

furnished suite on the slopes of Zugspitzplatt,

QR code on the façade invites experience hunters

the tallest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains,

and point collectors to secure 500 ALL points,

standing 2,962m above sea level. Occupying a

which can be redeemed during a stay in any

specially-constructed steel box with floor-to-

of the 5,100 Accor hotels worldwide. Although

ceiling glazing that extends overhead, the room

the installation is only temporary and primarily

offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape

designed as a marketing campaign to promote

and is kitted out with furniture from Accor’s

ALL, it does go to show that when it comes to

Novotel brand, which formed the foundation of

guest experience, the sky truly is the limit.

SHIELD by CHELSOM EDITION 27 NOW AVAILABLE

chelsom.co.uk