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HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

THE LAKE COMO EDITION – ITALY • NEIL JACOBS – WILD ORIGINS • HOTEL IRADA – PUNE

Lighting designed to stand the test of time

CONTENTS ISSUE 126 100

HOTEL REVIEWS

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The Lake Como Edition

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The Newman

068

Soori

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Rosewood

082

Capella

090

Miiro Templeton Garden

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Hotel Irada

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The Dean

106

Hilton Bankside

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La Suite Novotel

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Italy

London © James McDonald

Penang Courchevel

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Macau

London Pune © Ben Anders

Berlin

London

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Parc des Princes

© Nikolas Koenig 003

CONTENTS ISSUE 126 FEATURES

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Meeting... Neil Jacobs 040

After stepping down as CEO of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs launches Wild Origins, a creative advisory collective that prioritises sustainable development, wellbeing and meaningful action.

25 Years Of AvroKO 046

Upon celebrating a milestone anniversary, the Founding Partners of AvroKO discuss the past, present and future of hospitality design.

Meeting... Aik Wee Ong 050

As Design Hotels targets growth in Asia Pacific, the region’s newly appointed Senior Director shares his vision for strengthening the portfolio, brand presence and partnerships.

A New Wonder Of The World

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124

One year after launching an international design competition to create a new sustainable landmark, social enterprise Shift reveals its five finalists.

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REGULARS Check-In 024 Drawing Board 026 The Lobby 055

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Design Details

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Business Centre

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Events 141 Spotlight

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Lighting & Control

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Specifier 167 Check-Out © John Athimaritis

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER The Lake Como Edition, Italy © Nikolas Koenig

Travel In Style otels have long defined themselves by location, design

H

The sectors are converging in other ways too. At Milan

and service, with the guest experience largely confined

Design Week, car manufacturers including Range Rover,

to the property itself, from the moment of arrival until

Skoda and Kia created installations and pop-up showrooms

the return of the keycard. But increasingly, operators are

to present their new models – in the case of Audi, partnering

looking beyond the front desk towards the journey; no longer

with Zaha Hadid Architects to translate its design philosophy

content with receiving guests at their destination, they want

into an architectural experience. Such initiatives are part of

to shape the entire travel experience.

a drive to go beyond the automotive, tapping into hospitality

A recent trip to France with Orient Express highlighted this

and lifestyle sectors to broaden their reach.

shift. Having recently opened its second hotel, attention now

Mobility is playing a central role in masterplanning too. In

turns to the brand’s mobile adventures – a move Accor CEO

addition to the traditional hospitality, residential and retail

Sébastien Bazin describes as “bringing the product to the

components, new developments are integrating marinas,

people”. Touring the full-scale model carriages of the reborn

helipads and even vertiports for eVTOL aircraft, ensuring they

Orient Express train offered a preview of the hotel in motion,

meet the needs of the future traveller.

while an exclusive look behind the scenes on board the yacht

For the groups that are staying put on terra firma, it seems

at Chantiers de l’Atlantique revealed how the Golden Age of

the mobility sector still has something to offer. As seen in

travel will be reimagined as a floating sanctuary.

this issue of Sleeper, Moon World Resorts has unveiled its

And Orient Express aren’t the only hotel group to set off on

masterplan for a mixed-use destination that replicates life on

an adventure. Belmond, Aman, Four Seasons and The Ritz-

the moon – complete with a lunar shuttle and moon buggy to

Carlton are among the luxury operators taking to the tracks,

give a true astronaut adventure.

the high seas and even the skies, with the vessels themselves

Many of these ideas are subtly interwoven into articles

becoming an extension of the hotel environment. The logic

across the following pages, while others will appear in the

is simple: by developing or co-branding their own modes of

forthcoming issue of Starboard, our sister publication. If you

transport, operators can maintain consistency in design and

would like to discover more about ‘Style In Travel’, please

service for the duration of a trip, subsequently capturing a

sign-up at the Sleeper Media store. In the meantime: Enjoy

greater share of the guest journey. Furthermore, it creates

Your Stay!

new revenue streams, deepens customer loyalty and provides differentiation in a crowded market. This topic came up repeatedly during IHIF EMEA in March, with the widely held belief that direct investment in mobility, or partnerships with transport companies as part of an ecosystem, is essential in providing a frictionless travel experience.

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

019

W W W. BAGNODE SIGN . I T

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GUEST BOOK

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077

100

© The Fishy Project

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090 Moinard Bétaille

077 Soo Chan

106 Rachael Gowdridge

100 Humming Tree

Known for their understated approach to quiet luxury, Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille have built a global portfolio of hotels, residences and fashion boutiques, all designed to celebrate the French art of living. For Capella at Galaxy Macau, the Parisian studio has combined its signature design language with a Gilded Jungle aesthetic – a response to the city’s appetite for show and spectacle.

As Moinard explains: “We’re in an extravagant city, so we had to come up with ideas that are extravagant yet elegant.”

After establishing multi-disciplinary architectural practice SCDA in 1995, Soo Chan ventured into hospitality in 2014, developing and managing a growing collection of hotels that showcase his quiet design philosophy in different ways. The newly opened Soori Penang takes a different approach to luxury, exploring heritage and the concept of home: “It’s a homecoming – a living tribute to place, memory and design,” says Chan. “The design direction is a personal tribute; it’s a way of reconnecting with my heritage.”

With a background working at Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and in-house at Ennismore, Rachael Gowdridge has developed an aptitude for combining brand-level hospitality thinking with a materially driven aesthetic. Now leading her own studio, the British creative recently completed her first largescale hotel project – a spirited and character-rich hotel in Berlin.

Owned by LHC Group, The Dean takes cues from the surrounding neighbourhood and its Irish roots, resulting in bold, layered and eclectic interiors.

Having met while studying architecture at university, Arun Shekar and Mohammed Afnan co-founded Humming Tree, a multidisciplinary firm with a philosophy rooted in material honesty, tactility and contextual sensitivity. Most recently, the Calicut-based studio turned its attention to India’s wine country, crafting a vineyard hotel inspired by the creative spirit of contemporary India, where playful patterns and a rich colour palette accompany tapestries, embroidery and carved woodwork.

021

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© Lit Ma

CHECK-IN

Robert Cheng The founder of Brewin Design Office takes a fantasy break to a secluded sanctuary nestled in the heart of a centuries-old Japanese temple.

Where are you?

seasonal fruit and warm hand towels lightly

and brick oven. The shelves are lined with Edo-

In Kyoto, deep within the gardens of centuries-

scented with hinoki.

period ceramics from the chef’s collection, each

old moss temple Saihōji – a place long described

course served on a different vessel with its own

as the garden of origins and new journeys. Here,

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

provenance, turning the meal into a dialogue

a single one-bedroom sanctuary is conceived

Constructed entirely through intricate Japanese

between food and craft. The bar is intimate and

as a once-in-a-lifetime temporary installation.

joinery, a 1,500ft2 cedar pavilion rests delicately

low-lit, formed from dark timber and stone,

It is not merely a hotel, but an experience; an

above a bed of rock so as not to disturb the

specialising in rare Japanese whiskies, seasonal

opportunity to rediscover one’s original self.

moss beneath, its structure lifted just enough

sakes and infusions of forest herbs and citrus.

to allow water and air to move freely below.

How did you get there?

The approach gradually shifts from moss-

Who are you dining with this evening?

As tradition requires at Saihōji, access begins

covered stepping stones to thick cast-glass

The collaborators behind this sanctuary, along

with a handwritten letter and permission must

steps at the villa’s threshold. Window apertures

with my mentor Calvin Tsao, to whom I owe

be granted in advance by the temple master. I

are calibrated to the sun, framing the stream

much of my foundation and way of seeing.

cross the Katsura River by small boat at dusk. A

and gardens. Inside, the walls are lined with

temple car awaits on the opposite bank, and as

patinated timber boards, almost black, monastic

Who’s manning the stoves?

we drive, the landscape softens into forest and

in character. The living room is adorned with

The head chef of Kodaiji Wakuden – a master of

mist. The final stretch is on foot along a narrow

handcrafted vessels by Edmund de Waal, with

Kyoto kaiseki whose cooking is guided entirely

stone path beside the stream.

celadon and matte glazes paying homage to

by season and restraint.

centuries of Japanese ceramic tradition. The Who is there to greet you on arrival?

view is intimate, the stream flowing gently

And what’s on the menu?

A resident monk-steward who is calm,

beneath the villa, moss undulating softly, forest

Clear broths with mountain herbs, sashimi from

grounded and quietly welcoming. Rather than

light shifting through the day. What makes it

the morning’s catch, charcoal-grilled fish and

a formal check-in, he offers hot tea and gently

extraordinary is not the setting alone, but the

crab, accompanied by warm rice nd vegetables

guides me through the retreat, setting the

convergence of disciplines – art, architecture,

from nearby farms.

tone for a contemplative, experiential stay. He

interior and craft.

Would you like something to drink with that?

curates moments during my stay, from guided meditation sessions to intimate tea ceremonies.

Who designed it?

Here, hospitality is knowledge shared and craft.

It is designed by photographer and architect

Château Lafite-Rothschild, 1982.

Hiroshi Sugimoto, constructed by an 85-year-

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

Who are you sharing your room with?

old fourth-generation Japanese master cabinet

Small bottles of rare single malt Japanese

No-one. This is a solitary journey where the

maker, and lined internally with installations

whiskies, roasted hōjicha tea and dark chocolate

rhythm of the forest becomes my companion.

by British artist and writer Edmund de Waal.

from a local artisan.

Is there anything you would like waiting for

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

What’s your essential travel companion?

you in your room?

The restaurant is an intimate six-seat counter

A mechanical watch by an independent maker;

A pot of freshly brewed roasted green tea,

facing a compact kitchen with a vintage stove

quietly engineered, timeless and built to last.

025

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Alatau Iconic Complex KAZAKSTAN

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has unveiled designs for Alatau Iconic Complex, a new mixeduse development combining hospitality, residential, office, retail and cultural programmes.

Situated within the new city of Alatau, the 276,800m2 vertical district is defined by a pair of gateway towers inspired by the surrounding TransIli Alatau – a 350km range of valleys, glaciers and stratified terrain.

Rising 80 metres, the first tower will accommodate a luxury hotel and branded residences, while the adjacent 272m tower will house offices and premium residences, becoming the tallest structure in the Almaty region and southern Kazakhstan.

Both feature high-performance façades and integrated shading strategies to reduce solar gain, while central atria draw natural light deep into the floorplates. At the base, a three-level podium terraces toward the public realm, accommodating retail, cultural venues and event spaces, while fostering pedestrian engagement.

In response to the region’s high seismic conditions, SOM has incorporated structural resilience within the architecture, installing seismically resilient systems that dissipate earthquake energy and ensure long-term safety and post-disaster functionality. The masterplan also extends to advanced micromobility infrastructure, with provisions for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Light Rail Transit (LRT) corridors to ensure the city is connected.

Upon completion, the Iconic Complex together with the surrounding Gateway District will form the vertically integrated, mobility-oriented urban heart of Alatau, setting a new benchmark for citymaking in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia.

DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

The Wolseley Hotel

Minor Hotels has announced the global launch

as the social centre of the hotel, the restaurant

of The Wolseley Hotels, with the inaugural

honours the grand café tradition of its London

NEW YORK

property set to open in New York City in 2027.

namesake, offering all-day dining in a vibrant

The North America flagship will occupy an

yet refined environment. Completing the F&B

architectural landmark dating back to 1905,

line-up is a cellar-level bar envisioned as a

originally designed by McKim, Mead & White

intimate and atmospheric speakeasy.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: BJGH Operator: Minor Hotels Architecture: McKim, Mead & White www.minorhotels.com

028

as a clubhouse for The Lambs Club. Having

“Inspired by the enduring success of The

long been associated with Broadway’s creative

Wolseley in London, our vision is to create hotels

community, the address remains an enduring

anchored in culinary excellence, architectural

symbol of theatrical and artistic heritage.

character and a genuine sense of occasion,”

The Wolseley Hotel New York will reinterpret

says Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor

the brand’s Art Deco elegance through a

International, parent company of Minor Hotels.

cosmopolitan lens, with interiors characterised

“The Wolseley Hotel New York establishes our

by bespoke craftsmanship. The 76 generously

first flagship and sets the standard for the

proportioned guestrooms are thoughtfully

brand’s global expansion.”

conceived to combine classical elegance with

The group is exploring further sites in

modern restraint, while a fully reimagined

cosmopolitan cities across Europe, North

wellness centre reflects a commitment to

America, Asia and the Middle East. Each

holistic luxury.

destination will be carefully curated to uphold

The venture will also introduce The Wolseley’s

the brand’s signature combination of culinary

dining concepts to the United States. Serving

excellence, elegant design and gracious service.

PHILIA, design Rodolfo Dordoni rodaonline.com

DRAWING BOARD

Virgin Limited Edition

Under a long-term management agreement

and swimming pool, as well as a range of

with Marrakech-based luxury real estate

recreational activities. Dining options include

MARRAKECH

developer Sazanes Immobilier, Virgin Hotels

three restaurants, a chef’s table and a speakeasy,

Collection has announced the development of

all supplied with homegrown seasonal produce

its second hotel in Morocco.

from the surrounding organic farm of citrus

Launching in 2027, the Virgin Limited

“Morocco has an incredible heritage of

creating a twin-centre with the nearby Kasbah

hospitality, and we are excited to bring our

Tamadot, an Atlas Mountains retreat from the

approach of offering exceptional experiences

same portfolio. The new venture is set within

and service with soul to a second Moroccan

a 10-hectare private agricultural estate, where

setting,” comments Joe Margison, CEO of

buildings are discreetly nestled amongst the

Virgin Hotels Collection. “We are delighted to

farmland to reflect the authentic agricultural

be partnering with Sazanes Immobilier, who

heritage of the region.

share our long-term vision and commitment

National culture is at the heart of the project, with architecture and interiors inspired by

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Sazanes Immobilier Operator: Virgin Hotels Collection www.virginlimitededition.com

030

orchards, olive groves and vegetable gardens.

Edition property is located close to Marrakech,

to creating extraordinary escapes with people at their heart.”

Moroccan craftsmanship and Berber traditions:

The Chreky family, founders of Sazanes

local materials include stone and wood, while

Immobilier, conclude: “Our vision for this estate

artworks throughout are by African artists.

is to create a destination that feels intimately

Along with 37 luxury suites, the hotel features a wellness facility with a traditional hammam

connected to its surroundings, shaped by the land and traditions of Moroccan design.”

Luna Beach Club, Bali

Comfort you don’t see.

Atmosphere you feel. magnovent.eu

hospitality@magnovent.eu

magnovent.living

DRAWING BOARD

Mandarin Oriental Esencia PUERTO RICO

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is strengthening

as a dedicated wellness space with a state-of-

its Caribbean presence with a new resort and

the-art fitness centre, outdoor lap-pool and

branded residences on the southwestern coast of

beauty salon.

Puerto Rico. Set to open in 2028, the project will

“With Mandarin Oriental at Esencia, our goal

form part of Esencia, a new coastal community

is to unite timeless design with the natural

owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and

landscape, defined by formal simplicity and

Three Rules Capital.

a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor

Designed by São Paolo-based Studio MK27,

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Reuben Brothers, Three Rules Capital Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Masterplan: Álvarez Díaz & Villalón, EDSA Florida Architecture: MK27 www.mandarinoriental.com

032

spaces,” says Marcio Kogan, founder of Studio

Mandarin Oriental Esencia will feature 106

MK27. “Our idea of sustainable architecture is

guestrooms and suites, each with a balcony,

in direct dialogue with the overall vision for the

terrace or private garden. Select suites will also

Esencia community, where stewardship of the

include plunge pools, whilst all villas feature

land includes new conservation areas and an

private pools. Beyond the hotel, the resort

intention to enhance and protect the ecosystem

incorporates 83 residential villas dotted across

for generations to come.”

the beach, hillside and cliffs, as well as 200

This vision complements the overall

private residences housed in boutique buildings

masterplan for Esencia, which has been designed

near the town centre.

by Álvarez Díaz & Villalón in collaboration with

Facilities available to both guests and

EDSA Florida. Furthermore, the development

residents include five dining destinations

has been approved to pursue Signature

ranging from a sophisticated lounge bar to a

Platinum Certification – the highest accolade

beach club, poolside bar and restaurant, as well

in environmental stewardship.

PERENNIALSANDSUTHERLAND.COM

DRAWING BOARD

The Okura Resort

Hotel Okura has announced plans to debut its

63m2, each with a private balcony and open-air

resort brand in the hot springs region of Japan’s

bathtub that draws on the mineral-rich waters

HAKONE GORA

Kanagawa Prefecture. Slated to open in 2029,

of Owakudani Hot Springs. Further facilities

The Okura Resort Hakone Gora is the result

include two treatment rooms and a communal

of a collaboration with owner and developer

bathing area equipped with an indoor hot spring

Nishimatsu Construction.

bath and dry and mist saunas.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Nishimatsu Construction Operator: Hotel Okura Architecture and Interior Design: Curiosity www.okura.com

034

Situated in the Hakone mountains with

Dining options range from a bar lounge in

views of the iconic Myojogatake, the new resort

the lobby to a fine-dining restaurant with a

will showcase Hotel Okura’s longstanding

teppanyaki counter, where cuisine will showcase

dedication to Japanese aesthetics and traditional

quality ingredients from across the region.

hospitality, rooted in the spirit of wa (harmony).

“We are delighted to be bringing our new

Architecture and interiors are being crafted

brand, The Okura Resort, to Hakone, one of

by Gwenael Nicolas, founder of Tokyo-based

Japan’s leading hot spring destinations,”

design studio Curiosity, who has devised

comments Toshihiro Ogita, President of Hotel

the concept of a forest hideaway. Expansive

Okura. “Known for its rich history, natural

windows bring Hakone’s mountains into view,

beauty and cultural charm, Hakone has long

while interiors showcase a neutral colour palette

been a favourite of both Japanese tourists

of earthy beige and moss green to harmonise

and visitors from overseas. We look forward

with the surroundings.

to offering a unique experience rooted in our

Comprising an East and West wing, the hotel will feature 58 guestrooms at an average size of

philosophy of omotenashi (hospitality) in this special location.”

BER-26302_SleeperMag-MayJune2026-FullPgAd-Final.indd 1

4/24/26 8:46 AM

DRAWING BOARD

Grand Hotel Locarno

Lupoi Design Studio (LDS) is working alongside

The overarching design narrative – ‘a

Artisa Group to reimagine Grand Hotel Locarno

crossroads of memories and dreams’ –

SWITZERLAND

in Ticino, Switzerland.

reinterprets the hotel’s heritage through a

Owned by Art Family Office and operated by

contemporary lens, blending past and present.

Arabella Hospitality, the hotel is slated to reopen

Drawing inspiration from the surface of the

in 2027 under Marriott’s The Luxury Collection

surrounding lake, interiors will explore fluidity

brand. Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore,

and perception through layered textures,

the hotel comprises 110 guestrooms and suites,

reflective materials and a palette of ochre, sienna

three F&B venues, a spa and wellness area, as

and luminous blue. This approach extends to

well as a conference and ballroom ensemble

the guestrooms, where neutral interiors will

overlooking the 4,000m2 estate garden.

evoke an abstract interpretation of the lake and

Originally designed by architect Francesco Galli, the Belle Époque palace will preserve listed

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Art Family Office Developer: Artisa Group Operator: Arabella Hospitality Interior Design: Lupoi Design Studio www.lupoidesignstudio.com

036

mountains beyond, with layered materials and subtle detailing.

features such as original stucco work, ornate

“Grand Hotel Locarno is not simply a

wall paintings and a Murano glass chandelier,

restoration – it is a reawakening,” explains

all of which will be carefully restored. LDS

Massimo Barbera, Creative Director at LDS.

will implement its signature balance of formal

“We were inspired by the shifting reflections

grandeur and playful intimacy through a

of Lake Maggiore, where reality blurs into

juxtaposition between neoclassical architecture

something more poetic. The design invites

and eclectic spaces such as the Red House and

guests to rediscover themselves within this

garden grottos.

ever-changing landscape.”

I

©2026 Waterworks is a Registered Trademark of Waterworks IP Company, LLC

. s e c e i tp n e m t s nve

DRAWING BOARD

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa MARRAKECH

Adding to a growing pipeline of projects in

At the social heart of the destination is the

Antigua, Ras Al Khaimah, Baku and Muscat,

brand’s iconic beach club, open to resort guests,

Nikki Beach Hospitality Group has revealed

residents and external visitors. Anchored by an

plans for a new venture in Marrakech.

expansive main pool with floating platforms,

Slated to open in 2028 on Route de l’Ourika

the venue will feature sunken bars, an upper-

– a scenic plain between Marrakech and the

floor restaurant, a DJ booth and stage, alongside

Atlas Mountains – the fully integrated lifestyle

a lifestyle boutique stocked with branded

destination comprises a luxury resort, branded

merchandise and select local goods. Designed

residences and a signature beach club. It will also

as a vibrant gathering space, it will seamlessly

feature a wellbeing centre with a beauty parlour,

blend music, dining and celebration.

therapy rooms and traditional hammams, and

“We are creating far more than a resort; we

an expansive sports complex offering a wide

are developing a complete lifestyle ecosystem

range of facilities, from yoga studios, squash

that brings together a luxury hotel, private

courts and a 500m2 gym to a cinema, games

residences and a dynamic beach club experience

room and golf simulator.

alongside a number of wellness and lifestyle

Inspired

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group www.nikkibeachhospitalitygroup.com

038

by

contemporary

Moroccan

offerings,” comments Rémi Delpech, COO of

design, the resort component will serve as the

Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts. “This project

architectural centrepiece of the development,

reflects the continued evolution of Nikki Beach

with 100-plus guestrooms, an all-day dining

as a global luxury hospitality brand and our

restaurant and al fresco bar set amongst oasis-

commitment to building iconic destinations in

style pools and tropical planting.

exceptional locations.”

DESIGNED FOR DAYDREAMS W H E R E S T I L L N E S S U N F O L D S , T H E L I G H T S O F T E N S A N D D AY D R E A M S D R I F T BY T H E WAT E R ’ S E D G E .

C R A F T E D F O R M O M E N T S W H E N T I M E S L O W S A N D T H E D AY B E L O N G S O N LY T O YO U .

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Meeting…

Neil Jacobs After stepping down as CEO of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs launches Wild Origins, a creative advisory collective that prioritises sustainable development, wellbeing and meaningful action.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Portrait Photography: © S&M

I

t’s my first time spending time amongst all this,”

out of a role like that is a bit of trauma. What now?” he

says Neil Jacobs, as he takes in the lush surroundings

reflects. “I didn’t really know what was next, so I formed

of Desa Potato Head in Bali. We are sitting at breakfast

Wild Origins almost for protection.”

overlooking the verdant grounds, where handmade,

Working across hospitality, residential, retail and wellness,

palm-leaf baskets filled with flowers and incense are

Wild Origins is a creative advisory collective that provides

left as daily offerings to Hindu gods.

developers and visionaries with a suite of strategic services

It is the morning of his keynote at Sleeper Sessions and

including asset management and financial assessment,

the weather has been mixed to say the least. “You know

operational analysis, brand and marketing strategy,

about the rain-stoppers, right?” he asks, referring to the

sustainability planning, pre-opening planning and concept

island’s weather shamans, who are traditionally called upon

development. Yet rather than imposing a rigid structure,

to ensure clear skies. “I lived here for five years and it got to

Jacobs is taking an organic approach. “I’m at a point in my

the point where I became dependent on them,” he jokes. It’s

life where I want to let my pursuits evolve naturally,” he

a throwaway anecdote, but it says something about Jacobs

explains. “Wild Origins has taken on a life of its own. We

and his instinct for embracing local culture. A noted hotelier

have a group of amazing people who we call Originals, all

shaped as much by place as by profession.

with very different skillsets. I almost see it as a cult.”

Over the past three decades, Jacobs has built a career

That lack of definition is almost the point. The result is a

at the intersection of luxury, design and transformative

service that resists straightforward categorisation: advising

lifestyle concepts. Following senior leadership positions at

luxury brands such as Capella and Patina; working with

Four Seasons and Starwood Capital Group, he later joined

culturally driven concepts like Desa Potato Head in Bali;

Six Senses, where he transformed the niche resort brand

collaborating with investment bankers in London; assisting

into a globally recognised name synonymous with wellness,

extended-stay business Luxe Nomad in Singapore; and even

sustainability and experiential travel. Under his guidance,

contributing to national tourism strategies in Guatemala.

the company grew from a collection of just eight hotels to a

“The nice thing is, all the projects are completely different,”

portfolio of 26, with dozens more in the pipeline.

he shrugs. “You can’t have two Potato Heads.”

Following a 13-year tenure as CEO, Jacobs recently stepped

Jacobs describes himself as someone who fell into the

down to launch his new venture, Wild Origins. “Coming

industry by accident. Growing up in the UK, he studied

MEETING…

MEETING…

The Wild Origins portfolio comprises a diverse array of clients, from Desa Potato Head (top) to Capella Hotels & Resorts (bottom)

languages without a clear sense of direction.

multiple brands, Jacobs advocates for integrated

sustainability and mindsets are changing; it’s

“I didn’t really know what to do,” he recalls.

programming that considers physical, mental

just taking too long.”

“Hospitality seemed like a great way to use

and emotional wellbeing. “It’s about how all

The conversation shifts towards growth - the

what I’d been studying and see the world.”

the pieces come together, otherwise it becomes

industry’s default setting. “I think you’ve got

just another trend,” he says.

to be careful,” Jacobs warns. “Not everything

And travel he did – Italy, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, South America, the United States.

Jacobs approaches longevity with cautious

needs to be 100 hotels.” He references both Six

“Quite a typical international hotel career,” he

enthusiasm. “At my age, I’m all for it,” he

Senses and Capella as examples of brands that

says modestly, rattling off a list of hotel posts

jokes, but is quick to emphasise that longevity

are consciously limiting scale. “Maybe it’s 30

that sounds more like his favourite children than

cannot be reduced to a menu of treatments or

hotels, 40 at most. If you want more growth,

a CV – Pegasus Reef Hotel in Sri Lanka, Glitter

capital-intensive amenities. “You can’t just

create another brand.”

Bay in Barbados, the Sheraton just outside of

install a hyperbaric chamber and say you’re

It’s a view that sits uneasily with the prevailing

Caracas, hotels in Colorado and Arizona and

in the longevity business,” he argues. In his

logic of the listed groups, where success is often

one the tennis-focused Grand Champions in

approach, Jacobs sees wellness less as a product

measured in net unit growth. “It’s all about

Palm Springs. With operations giving way to

and more as a lens through which hospitality

numbers, not necessarily experience,” he says.

development, a stint in Los Angeles saw him

can be reimagined. “In many ways, hospitality

The result, he argues, is a flattening of identity:

and a small group building a number of Four

is the offshoot of what I really want to do,” he

“There’s no narrative anymore. Everything

Seasons hotels. Then came the economic

suggests. “It’s the platform through which you

looks the same.” And of the subtle differences

downturn of the late 1980s. “We hit a recession

can express wellness and sustainability.”

between brands, the incremental positioning,

and our capital dried up,” he recalls. “So, Four

While wellness is now widely adopted,

the proliferation of flags? There is, he concedes,

Seasons asked me to open their hotel in Bali.”

sustainability remains, in Jacobs’ view,

room for everyone, but the challenge is clarity.

Whilst working on this project, Jacobs was

inconsistently applied, with little progress

“If you don’t know what you are, it’s very

tasked with overseeing the resort’s wellness

made as an industry. During Sleeper Sessions,

difficult for anyone else to,” he notes.

offering, a thread that runs through his career.

delegates were invited to participate in Potato

Alongside wellness and sustainability, Jacobs

“It was being here in Bali that it began,” he

Head’s Follow the Waste tour to experience the

identifies a third major shift shaping the

reveals. “Rituals and healing arts weren’t really

resort’s sustainable approach first-hand. It is

future of hospitality: the rise of community.

part of the hospitality industry at the time.” He

one of the most comprehensive demonstrations

This manifests itself in a variety of brand

is somewhat sceptical when talking about the

of circular hospitality currently in operation.

extensions such as branded residences, private

Western approach: “We like to think we have all

“What they’re doing here is exemplary,” Jacobs

members’ clubs and hybrid hospitality models.

the answers with technology and advancement,

notes. “It’s having an impact, and it can have

“I genuinely believe that people want to be

but here it’s about belief and experience.”

an even greater one as the initiative grows.”

together with like-minded people,” he states.

That early experimentation would later

The counterargument, particularly in Western

Recent openings, such as Six Senses London,

become central to his work at Six Senses,

markets, is cost. Labour versus automation,

illustrate this convergence. Combining hotel

where wellness was not an add-on but a core

efficiency versus intent. Jacobs acknowledges

rooms, residences and a private members’ club

pillar. Under his guidance, the brand expanded

the challenge. “You’re not going to have eight

all under one roof aims to create a sense of

its focus beyond spa and fitness to include

people sorting rubbish in Europe,” he says of

belonging that extends beyond the traditional

nutrition, sleep and increasingly, longevity.

the full-time cadre at Potato Head. But that, he

guest stay. But there is an obvious tension,

Within the discipline of wellness, longevity is

suggests, is not the point: “It proves that it can

as much of this community is, by definition,

the latest frontier. The Symposium programme

be done. The question is, can you be bothered?”

selective. Membership-based, price-driven,

at Sleeper Sessions included a panel that

There are signs of progress, though he stops

curated. Acknowledging this elitism, Jacobs

examined holistic approaches to longevity in

short of optimism: “Post-Covid, people are

notes: “These ideas often start at the higher

hospitality. From dedicated clinics within urban

looking at the world differently,” he says.

end, but with the right focus they don’t have

hotels to broader wellness strategies across

“There’s more awareness around wellbeing and

to stay there.” The principle, he argues, is

043

MEETING…

“The most important element of design is the emotional response it provokes...

The emotion that design can generate is critical.”

During his 13-year tenure at Six Senses, Jacobs oversaw the launch of the brand’s first urban hotel in Italy

transferable: “You can create community at any

to define, but you know it when you feel it,”

level. It’s about how you design it.”

he concedes. The emphasis on emotion over

With design a key focus at Sleeper Sessions,

appearance runs counter to the increasingly

Jacobs’ perspective is notably understated. While

visual nature of contemporary hospitality

acknowledging the importance of aesthetics and

design, where spaces are often conceived with

functionality, he returns repeatedly to a single

social media in mind. However, that’s not what

simple question: how does a space make you

creates lasting value according to Jacobs.

feel? “The most important element of design is

Wild Origins feels less about building a

the emotional response it provokes,” he states.

legacy in the traditional sense, and more

“Not the reaction to whether it’s blue or green

about enabling others. A network rather than

or pink, or the shape of the chair, but rather, am

a hierarchy. A fluid structure with diverse

I feeling comforted? The emotion that design

contributors. A collection of people rather than

can generate is critical.” At Six Senses, this was

a defined business. “The only thing I promised

formalised as ‘emotional hospitality’, but how

them is that once a year we will all get together

do you create that?

somewhere and have a party,” he laughs.

True design, in his view, requires a deeper

It’s a remark that encapsulates both his

understanding of human behaviour – how

open, easy-going manner and the powerful

people move through spaces, how they interact,

intent behind the venture. Jacobs is exploring

and how environments can support both

a different model – one that prioritises

individual and collective experiences. “Everyone

connection, curiosity and a willingness to let

talks about service, and yes, that’s part of it, but

events unfold naturally. It requires self-belief,

it’s not the whole story.” This idea of emotional

as well as trust in others. The latest adventure

response comes up repeatedly. “It’s difficult

for a man who just loves what he does.

© John Athimaritis

044

25 Years Of AvroKO Upon celebrating a milestone anniversary, the Founding Partners of AvroKO discuss the past, present and future of hospitality design.

© Susan Shek

Adam Farmerie, Kristina O’Neal, William Harris and Greg Bradshaw founded AvroKO in 2001, combining their expertise in architecture, interiors, art and branding. Headquartered in New York, the multidisciplinary firm also has offices in London, Bangkok, Miami and San Francisco.

Key Projects: 1 Hotel, New York; Tri Vananda, Phuket; Arlo Soho, New York; The Hoxton, Chicago (F&B); Centara Reserve, Koh Samui; The Jay, San Francisco; Perry Lane Hotel, Savannah; W Prague; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai (F&B); Six Senses, London

B

uilt on the foundation of life-long

consistent. What has changed is our scale and

friendship,

a

expansion in such a variety of regions. Early

reputation for its richly layered interiors,

on, we were focused on high-end restaurants

holistic approach and narrative-driven process.

and cheeky bar projects: what a purely playful

Now, a quarter of a century after the studio’s

time! As the studio grew, clients began asking

inception, its Founding Partners – Adam

us to shape much more structured hotel and

Farmerie, William Harris, Kristina O’Neal and

resort experiences, which brings narrative and

Greg Bradshaw – reveal more about the journey

environmental psychology to a whole new level.

AvroKO

has

earned

so far.

ON THE INITIAL VISION

one story. Now we think more about how a place

Adam Farmerie: When we established AvroKO

lives over decades, and likely tells a lot of diverse

in 2001, we were coming from an idea-driven

stories under the master theme. Materials,

position rather than solely an interiors ‘line, form

cultural relevance and operational logic have

and space’ perspective. At the time, hospitality

always been part of our mission though.

interiors were often clean and sometimes

The studio has also become global, which has

formulaic. We also wanted to design spaces that

had a positive impact on nearly everything we do.

felt emotionally alive, rather than austere or

That forces a huge shift in cultural understanding

commercially generic. We believed hotels and

and how hospitable thinking is applied to design.

restaurants could carry narrative, history, craft

Creating in varied places such as Bangkok,

and emotional charge.

Prague, Dubai or Tokyo requires deep cultural

The four of us also came from different disciplines: architecture, interiors, art and branding. From the beginning, we treated

immersion and observation before any design process is even touched.

projects as complete conceptual worlds rather

ON MILESTONE PROJECTS

than isolated interiors. This meant concept,

Kristina O’Neal: Host on Howard is a gallery and

story, graphics, objects and spatial design all

gathering space at the intersection of food, wine,

working in synergy - when we got it perfectly

art and design. It brings people from different

spot on! It has taken a good deal of refinement

parts of the making world into the same room

over the years.

and creates a shared experience that feels both

ON ITS EVOLUTION William Harris: The core philosophy has stayed

046

Another shift is longevity. In the early years, a project might be about a single great space with

subconscious and tangibly human. It’s all about connection and belonging inside those four walls.

What makes it a milestone is the way it collapses

MEETING…

“The fact that AvroKO has remained collaborative, experimental and independent for more than two decades is something that makes us all proud.”

WILLIAM HARRIS

boundaries. Creative disciplines, industries and social circles come into direct dialogue with another. A chef, a designer, a collector, a friend. They meet over something tangible in the celebration of design, and that opens a different kind of conversation. You feel a sense of belonging form, not just as an idea but also as something lived in real time.

Host holds that exchange. It creates space for a diverse form to move beyond designing for others and instead shapes the conditions where people connect so new relationships begin.

ON CHANGES IN HOSPITALITY DESIGN Greg Bradshaw: The biggest change is that guests have become

© Eric Laignel

of curiosity and for unexpected alignment. It also allows us

far more sensitive to authenticity and land connectivity.

Twenty years ago, many hotels asked for a recognisable luxury language: marble, symmetry, predictable layouts, soft, austere vibes. Today, clients ask for the opposite. They want spaces that feel rooted in localisation, which could be the spirit of an urban or farm landscape, alongside bio-hacking or spa wellness, all with warmth baked in.

Another change is the blending of programmes. Hotels are no longer isolated places to sleep. Instead, they are social or sometimes land ecosystems with restaurants, retail, wellness, art, education, farm connectivity and community that operate like neighbourhoods under one roof.

ON PROUD MOMENTS WH: The proudest moment is looking around the studio 25 years later and seeing that the four of us are still working

© Owen Raggett

programming. Our clients now ask us to design ecosystems

together, alongside a global team of people who have helped build the culture of the company over so many years. We are in awe of all the talented people in the AvroKO world.

Milestone projects for the studio include (top to bottom) Host on Howard, New York, 1 Hotel New York and Tri Vananda, Phuket

047

MEETING…

Hospitality design is an intense field. Studios often fracture over time, and we have always been aware of that pressure. The fact that AvroKO has remained collaborative, experimental and independent for more than two decades is something that makes us all proud.

ON NEW OPENINGS AF: AvroKO is currently working on several hotel projects across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We recently completed Six Senses London, which saw the historic Whiteleys department store transformed into a luxury wellness-focused hotel. The design balances the building’s Victorian heritage with Six Senses’ philosophy of sustainability and sensory experience.

Meanwhile in Greece, we are working with Hilton on the revival of an Athenian landmark as a Conrad hotel with a NYNN Members Club, as well as Branded Residences by Hilton and Waldorf Astoria.

GB: We’re also working with the team behind the three-Michelin© Jiri Lizler

starred Single Thread on the renovation of the historic River Belle Inn, a Healdsburg mansion first built in 1895 as the home of American wine industry pioneer Isabelle Simi Haigh.

ON THE NEXT 25 YEARS KO: We hope that the studio remains deeply curious. Hospitality will keep evolving and our role will likely expand beyond traditional architecture and interiors into brand, product and cultural programming. The ambition is to continue designing places that guests remember emotionally, and that make an imprint in revolutionary new ways. If the studio still feels experimental and collaborative in 25 years, we’ll be very happy.

ON HOTEL DESIGN IN 2100 KO: Hotels will likely be far more integrated with ecology and technology. Buildings will behave more like living systems, and we are excited about that evolution. Energy production, water capture and climate response will be embedded into the architecture itself. Spaces may adapt dynamically to guests and © Rupert Peace

changing environmental conditions.

At the same time, the human need for story, beauty and true belonging will remain the same. Even in 2100, the most meaningful hotels will still be the ones that feel rooted in place and connected to culture. Technology will change the tools, but

Recent openings include (top to bottom) Six Senses London, W Prague and Rialto at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai

048

the heart of every excellent hotel will thankfully stay hospitable and human.

NEW FORM OF DIALOGUE VITREON STEEL REIMAGINES BATHROOM ARCHITECTURE LAUFEN.COM

Meeting…

Aik Wee Ong As Design Hotels targets growth in Asia Pacific, the region’s newly appointed Senior Director shares his vision for strengthening the portfolio, brand presence and partnerships.

© Guo Jie Khoo

Aik Wee Ong Senior Director APAC Design Hotels As Senior Director APAC of Design Hotels, Aik Wee Ong is responsible for increasing member numbers, brand presence and partnerships across the region. Ong most recently served as Deputy Managing Director at Singapore-based design-andbuild studio ID21, prior to which he spent over a decade with Design Hotels, playing a key role in developing the brand’s commercial presence across Asia Pacific and building relationships with member hotels and regional partners.

Words: Luo Jingmei

ik Wee Ong’s career started in the skies,

A

“My time in the design-and-build industry

working as part of the pioneering revenue

fundamentally deepened my understanding

management team at Jetstar Asia, a low-

of how spaces are conceived, executed and

cost carrier under Qantas Group. But now, as

ultimately experienced,” Ong reflects. “Being

Senior Director APAC at Design Hotels, he spends

closely involved from concept through to delivery

his days traversing mountains, cities, villages and

sharpened my appreciation for the tension

seas, connecting with member hotels across the

between creative vision, commercial realities and

region. In hindsight, the Singaporean believes he

operational constraints. It reinforced how human

was always destined for hospitality.

behaviour is shaped by space, and how light,

DESIGN-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

interaction and wellbeing.”

Ong graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in

These elements are what Design Hotels

Economics and Marketing from the University

members prioritise, so the five years away were

of Western Australia, which led to a role in

not in vain, as Ong affirms: “This perspective

aviation. However, his aspirations lay elsewhere

naturally feeds back into hospitality and travel,

and he started looking to other sectors for career

where hotels are not just places to stay, but

progression. “At the time, I had several offers,

environments that frame memory, meaning and

but Design Hotels stood out,” Ong recalls. “Its

connection.” He defines Design Hotels members

creative ethos, strong sense of individuality and

as guided by “intent rather than scale or style,

lifestyle-driven approach resonated deeply with

driven by a clear point of view – whether cultural,

me, so it was an easy decision.”

architectural, social or personal”. Independence,

Ong joined Design Hotels in 2008 as Regional

originality and being rooted in culture are the

Revenue Manager, working his way up to Regional

underlying ethos of properties, regardless of

Director, Account and Revenue Management,

changing design expressions over the years.

Asia Pacific, before leaving in 2020 to work at

050

materiality, scale and flow influence emotion,

ID21, a Singapore-based, family-run design-

CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

and-build company. He returned to the Design

Beyond the building, the people – both those

Hotels collective in 2026, where his focus is now

who create it and those who stay in it – are

on growing the portfolio, brand presence and

key. “Community has always been central to

partnerships across the region.

Design Hotels, but its definition is expanding.

MEETING…

Public House, Bangkok

Today, this incorporates wellbeing, education, cultural preservation and environmental responsibility,” notes Ong. “Increasingly, our member hotels act as conveners, bringing locals and travellers together through shared interests, learning and dialogue. This reflects a broader shift in travel, where guests seek meaningful participation rather than passive consumption.”

“Community has always been central to Design Hotels, but its definition is expanding. Today, this incorporates wellbeing, education, cultural preservation and environmental responsibility.”

For instance, at Cap Karoso in Sumba, Indonesia, the three-hectare farm sustains the hotel’s restaurant while serving as a platform for exchange by hosting artist residencies, craft ateliers and workshops. “Guests

The emergence of a new generation of owners

can collaborate with local communities to engage with

dedicated to the cause helps too. They are “highly

the island’s Marapu heritage through activities like

design-literate and globally aware, yet still deeply

ikat weaving and Sumbanese sandalwood horse riding,

rooted in the local heritage and community,” Ong

turning cultural preservation into lived experience

observes, highlighting Jacopo and Rosa Sertoli – the

rather than observation,” he says.

owners of newly minted member Magia de Uma in Bali

Preservation of cultures and communities is vital in

– whose shared vision for culturally rooted hospitality

the globalised world, where heritage is often passed

helped guide the project into the Design Hotels

over in favour of the new and modern. Hotels are able

community. Aside from cultural events, the property

to be that bridge for authenticity, and are increasingly

preserves traditional Javanese structures, including a

committed to doing so. Arcadia Place at Lugu Lake

150-year-old joglo.

in Yunnan Province, China – a new Design Hotels

Design Hotels’ older members are still relevant,

member – is an example. Surrounded by snow-capped

having set the benchmark. One of the longest-standing

mountains, the property’s striking design by Imago

member hotels in the APAC portfolio is The Surin

celebrates the ancient culture of the local matriarchal

Phuket, which joined the collection in 1999. Over four

Mosuo people. “It stands out for its profound

decades, the resort has continually reinvented itself

connection to landscape, culture and community,” says

through multiple renovations by Ed Tuttle, yet its

Ong. “These are projects that go beyond visual design,

founding design principles have remained intact. From

embedding local heritage and environmental sensitivity

woven palm-frond panels and a palette of raw, natural

into the guest experience.”

materials that draw the surrounding landscape indoors,

051

MEETING…

to the deliberate absence of elevators – encouraging

intimate retreat in Kurashiki that echoes the traditional

guests to move through the property via a network of

townhouse-style of Japan’s Edo period.

stairs and walkways – these design choices reflect an

Still, there is much potential: that there are currently

approach grounded in immersion and intention. The

only 45 members across a region that represents more

project demonstrates how Design Hotels has grown

than 60% of the world’s population spanning over

alongside properties defined by purposeful design,

40 countries, gives some indication. China and other

where every spatial decision helps create a stronger

emerging destinations across Southeast Asia are key

connection with the surrounding environment.

markets, as Ong explains: “More broadly, we are

“Many of these members have evolved organically

looking at secondary cities and less obvious destinations

over time while remaining true to their founding

– places with strong cultural identity, creative energy

vision,” states Ong. “Their continued commitment

and untapped stories.”

to individuality, experimentation and community

Ong’s return to Design Hotels comes at a time when

engagement reinforces what Design Hotels stands

the group required a representative who is familiar

for and provides a powerful reference point for newer

with the inner workings of the collective, in addition to

members joining the portfolio.”

being well-equipped to steer the growth of the region.

PIONEERING PRESENCE

052

“I bring a hybrid perspective, grounded in commercial strategy and revenue management, yet deeply informed

Looking ahead, Ong is on the hunt for new members

by design, storytelling and placemaking. I have

to maintain Design Hotels’ growth momentum across

worked across aviation, hospitality and design-and-

Asia Pacific. In 2025, the collection welcomed more

build, so I am comfortable navigating both analytical

than 14 properties across the region, accounting for a

and creative worlds. Equally important is my long-

record 28% of the overall portfolio global growth – a

standing relationship with many of our hotel owners

first for the group. Representing a diverse collection

and industry partners,” Ong concludes. “There is trust,

of experiences, the new additions range from Public

shared history and a common language, and this will

House – a contemporary and inclusive twist on a

allow us to move quickly while remaining thoughtful

British gentlemen’s club in Bangkok – to Yoruya, an

and aligned.”

© Yoshiro Masuda

Yoruya, Kurashiki

passionately designing hospitality experiences rooted in culture and community

Owwi ACTIU

by Arnau y Reyna

Showroom Actiu Londres: 28 Seward Street Clerkenwell London, EC1V 3PA

www.actiu.com

THE LOBBY Over The Moon Though holidaymakers have a bit of a wait before donning their

guests a taste of space exploration without ever having to leave

space boots and rocketing away for an intergalactic escape, soon

Las Vegas. There’s even a lunar shuttle and moon buggy for a

they may be able to experience the next best thing – right here

true astronaut adventure.

on planet Earth.

Orbiting the resort’s celestial centre, beyond lush parks

Slated to touch down in the Nevada desert as soon as 2032,

and lagoons, 10,000 branded residences will be housed within

Moon is an aptly-named integrated resort defined by a distinctly

16 smaller spherical buildings and 20 towers, atop which a

lunar-looking orb at its centre. Delivered by Canadian studio

panoramic sky walk encircles the entire resort. Above, an

Moon World Resorts, the 312m structure is set to break records as

exclusive AAA commercial real estate offering is available for

the world’s tallest true sphere, all while evoking the interstellar

Tier 1 companies from within the space and aerospace sectors.

and becoming the bridge to space tourism.

“Wellbeing and longevity form the cornerstone of Moon’s

According to Moon’s smart city masterplan, the cosmic

masterplan, as will the inclusion of the sensory environment,

construction will feature a 4,000-key all-suite hotel,

transforming guests in a profound, meaningful and memorable

accompanied by a 200-room boutique property and a base

way,” concludes Sandra G Matthews, co-founder and President

comprising restaurants, wellbeing facilities and an events centre.

of Moon World Resorts. “It is our mission from day one to

The star of the show however, is on the upper levels, where an

connect guests to themselves, to others, to planet earth, to the

authentically designed lunar surface and moon base will give

galaxy and beyond.”

Objects That Speak More than ever, hotels are transitioning beyond merely a space to rest, becoming key cultural touchpoints in the expression of locality, history and art. In pursuit of the latter, Rosewood has positioned itself among the greats, becoming part of the dialogue with its Milan Design Week debut, Objects That Speak: A Conversation Continued with Andrea Branzi.

Curated in collaboration with Deyan Sudjic, Director Emeritus of London’s Design Museum, the installation brought together Branzi’s signature paper lamps and, in a continuing legacy of the late designer’s pioneering work, pieces by a new generation of creatives including Jaime Hayon, Bianca Tschaikner and Marc Quinn, all of whom have works displayed in Rosewood hotels around the world. Demonstrating Branzi’s belief that design reflects the distinct culture of time and place, the installation embodies Rosewood’s commitment to this ethos, platforming the pioneering artists shaping modern design.

“Local culture and history are the heartbeat of our design process,” explains Trish Luyckx, Chief Design and Project Services Officer at Rosewood.

The Permanent Pop-Up

“They guide us in every decision, from the materials we select to the narratives we weave into the space.

For me, it’s about creating an authentic connection to the destination.”

Each year, as Milan transforms into a city-wide playground for creatives, dozens of pop-up installations offer a limited-time-only glimpse into the future of design and hospitality. Tom Dixon’s new hotel concept, however, is an exhibition built to last.

Debuting during Milan Design Week as part of a wider takeover of the Mulino Estate, Mua Mua Hotel not only opens as a platform for Dixon’s AW26 collections, but as the precursor to a permanent, fully operational hotel. Envisioned by Dixon’s interiors agency, Design Research Studio, the 12-room micro-hotel features a lobby furnished with terrazzo marble coffee tables and sculptural vases, as well as a cosy reading room and a gift shop stocked with accessories from the new collections.

The hotel’s guestrooms – some with en suite bathrooms designed in Dixon’s signature style – can be found across both floors, each with a Vispring bed serving as its focal point. Designed as a collaboration between the two British brands, the hotel features three bespoke models created exclusively for Milan Design Week, each adding a touch of whimsy and vibrancy to the otherwise minimalist spaces. Lighting from Dixon’s Melt collection features prominently throughout, while copper-toned Whirl pendants above the staircase serve as the hotel’s dramatic centrepiece.

“We created Mua Mua Hotel with some exciting partners who share a love for placemaking and creating alternative narratives in design and interior architecture,” Dixon reveals. “More than just a few days of commerce during the crazy week of Salone, our objective is to initiate a longer-term vision, using design to create permanence and regeneration.”

056

THE LOBBY

Italian Grandeur L’Appartamento by Artemest returns to Palazzo Donizetti to showcase Italy’s artistic legacy.

Attracting celebrated designers and brands from around the world, Milan Design Week is a hub of creativity that showcases the best of international design year after year. As it returns for its fourth edition, L’Appartamento

by Artemest shines the spotlight on homegrown talent, unveiling a new curatorial chapter dedicated to Italian Grandeur. Set within the storied Palazzo Donizetti, five acclaimed design studios explored Italy’s artistic legacy, architectural language and exceptional craftsmanship through a series of curated roomsets, each meticulously

Reading Room by Sasha Adler Design

transformed through the lens of the country’s cultural capitals. The result is an immersive journey that unfolds in an homage to place and tradition, featuring a considered selection of Italian furniture, lighting and décor from Artemest’s finest artisans.

VESTIBULE BY SASHA ADLER DESIGN Conceived as a contemporary Venetian courtyard, the Vestibule is anchored by a sculptural metal tree, surrounded by handcrafted materials, artisanal pieces and a preserved mural.

READING ROOM BY SASHA ADLER DESIGN Shifting into a more intimate rhythm, warm saddle leather and glass accents complement a palette of deep greens in a nod to Venice’s craftsmanship heritage.

DINING ROOM BY ROCKWELL GROUP Grand Salon by March & White Design

Echoing the exuberance of Naples, the Dining Room evokes both leisure and performance through sculptural seating, gold-toned metals and marble.

GRAND SALON BY MARCH & WHITE DESIGN In a reinterpretation of classic Roman architecture, a palette of deep reds, bronze details and marble surfaces foster a quietly theatrical atmosphere.

ENTERTAINMENT SALONS

BY CHARLAP HYMAN & HERRERO Inspired by Palermo’s Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi, overlapping seating and off-axis tables encourage © Manfredi Gioacchini

Alcove by Urjowan Alsharif Interiors

intuitive circulation through warm, informal spaces.

ALCOVE BY URJOWAN ALSHARIF INTERIORS Celebrating Renaissance interiors and Florentine villas, the Alcove is a layered sanctuary that combines refined textiles and intricate decorative accents.

057

F

or decades, Italy’s hotel market has had

investors, the opportunities lie in strategies such

a reputation for its fragmented status,

as the repositioning of underperforming assets,

shaped largely by independent, family-run

conversion of independents to international

businesses. From palatial palazzos to rustic rural

brands and the redevelopment of historic

retreats, a significant proportion of properties

buildings into luxury hotels. In fact, hotel

have been passed down through generations,

investment volumes reached approximately

preserving the strong sense of place and personal

€2.1 billion in 2024, with international investors

service that has long defined the country’s

playing a major role in transactions.

international appeal. Yet this independence

Notably, these opportunities are not confined

has historically stood as a barrier to entry for

to the country’s traditional strongholds. While

international hotel groups.

gateway cities such as Rome, Milan and Venice

Today, however, Italy’s hotel market is

remain popular due to their strong international

undergoing a renaissance, driven by record visitor

visibility and stable tourism demand, emerging

numbers, international investment and the

destinations including Puglia, Sicily and Calabria

growing presence of branded hotels. Recognising

present opportunities for resorts, boutique hotels

this momentum, Hospitality Investor has

and adjacent asset classes including serviced

Investing in Italy Hospitality Investor partners with ITA to publish a white paper exploring the renaissance of Italy’s hotel market.

058

partnered with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA)

apartments and student housing. Still, the report

to publish a white paper exploring the trends,

balances these opportunities with key market

opportunities and challenges reshaping the

considerations for evaluating projects, from

country’s hotel landscape. “Italy is one of the

heritage preservation regulations and permit

most attractive hospitality markets in Europe for

complexities to labour availability and evolving

international investors,” states the report. “The

short-term rental regulations.

country combines globally recognised tourism

Rounding out the picture, the report outlines

demand with a diversified hospitality landscape

Italy’s structured framework of public incentives

and a large stock of real estate assets with

and institutional support mechanisms designed

potential for repositioning and redevelopment.”

to facilitate tourism investments. A combination

Entitled Investing in Italy’s Hospitality Market,

of grants, tax credits and subsidised financing is

the 13-page report opens with an analysis of

complemented by the Invest in Italy programme,

current travel demand, highlighting the 458.4

which provides a central access point for

million overnight stays logged in 2024, according

international investors, offering support across

to the Italian National Institute for Statistics.

site selection, incentive access, institutional

This record-breaking demand can be attributed

coordination and workforce analysis.

to the country’s globally recognised cultural

2026 events cement this focus. Milan Design

heritage, diverse offering and strong positioning

Week reported an uplift in visitor numbers, while

in luxury and experiential travel.

the forthcoming Sleeper Sessions will take place

The focus then shifts to the forces underpinning

in Sicily to a sold-out crowd of owners, operators,

the market’s evolution, building a case for Italy’s

designers and suppliers, eager to capitalise on the

hospitality real estate sector. For institutional

nation’s growth prospects.

You are welcome to visit us at: JUNG UK Showroom · 6 / 7 Albemarle Way · Clerkenwell · London Visit by prior arrangement: jung.group/london JUNG.GROUP/LSTOUCH

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© INTERIOR: DESIGN POST KÖLN, PHOTO: CONSTANTIN MEYER

MADE TO TOUCH. DESIGNED TO CONTROL. THE SMART KNX ROOMCONTROLLER

13.03.26 14:10

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The Lake Como Edition ITALY A 19th-century palazzo is reworked through a lens of restraint, revealing a quieter, contemporary expression of lakeside luxury.

Words: Naomi Chadderton Photography: © Nikolas Koenig (unless otherwise stated)

T

here’s an alluring concept at the heart of Lake Como known as villeggiatura – the tradition of long, leisurely stays by the water, which has historically drawn

aristocrats, intellectuals and celebrities to its glamorous shores. It is this laidback movement that has informed the recent transformation of a 19th-century palazzo in

Cadenabbia into the second Italian outpost for Marriott’s luxury lifestyle brand, Edition Hotels, following its Rome opening in 2023.

Occupying a sprawling site on the lake’s edge and overlooking the promontory of Bellagio, The Lake Como Edition has been developed by Omnam Group in partnership with Bain Capital and Marriott International. Conceived as a contemporary, lifestyle-led retreat, the hotel offers a distinct counterpoint to the destination’s more traditional luxury properties, reimagining the Lake Como experience for the next generation of travellers.

“What immediately stood out about the former Hotel Britannia Excelsior was its extraordinary position on Lake Como and its inherent architectural presence,” reveals William Montecchi, Design Manager at Omnam Group. “At the same time, the building carried layers of additions and transformations that had diluted its original identity, giving us the opportunity to reinterpret it in a contemporary way.”

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Fine-dining restaurant Cetino is guided by chef Mauro Colagreco’s affinity for natural textures and earthy tones

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In bringing the project to life, Omnam

frame a sculptural marble staircase – an Edition

enlisted Milan-based firm De.Tales and

signature, as well as a subtle nod to Italian

American-Chinese duo Neri & Hu, who worked

architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, whose

alongside Edition’s Creative Directors Kirstin

tactile approach to materials informs the design

Bailey and Paul Haslhofer. Together, they

of the public spaces. “We worked with stone,

adopted a measured approach to restoration and

terrazzo, timber and plaster in a very honest way

intervention, preserving the palazzo’s historic

– Palomba stone, Calacatta marbles, Dolomite

façade, including its signature palette of cream,

plaster and European oak recur throughout,”

buff and almond, as well as key architectural

explains Bailey. “The marbles were chosen for

features such as the double-height vaulted

their subtlety – veining that feels almost like

lobby, classical archways and a series of restored

movement rather than pattern.”

French balconies. “The process was selective

Craftsmanship is Italian where possible –

and intentional,” explains Bailey. “Rather than

think local stone, Murano glass and millwork

preserving everything, we focused on retaining

by Extra Ordinario – to ensure the building feels

the building’s proportions and spatial rhythm,

grounded in its geography. The colour palette

introducing a new architectural layer that feels

is also deliberately muted and mineral, drawing

precise and current. The result is a study in

from the natural tones of Como; ivory plasters,

restraint and material sensitivity.”

soft celadon greens, pale blues and warmer

The core language of materiality is

tones like rose Dolomite make appearances

immediately evident through a dramatic

throughout. “It’s a palette that allows light to

cantilevered teak entrance. Inside, white

move through the space and gives prominence

Palomba stone terrazzo floors take pride of

to material and texture rather than colour

place in the lobby, while matching stone borders

itself,” notes Bailey.

© Jiri Lizler

Framing views of the lake, guestrooms are furnished with walnut headboards and custom curved sofas by Neri & Hu

Across the 148 guestrooms, including 25

of the hotel. “The spa shifts the experience

suites and two crown-jewel penthouses, there

inward,” notes Bailey. “It is more enclosed,

is a strong emphasis on spatial flow, with

more tactile – focused on softness, shadow

interiors designed to frame the lake at every

and material depth. Natural elements are still

opportunity. “The positioning of the bed, the

present – stone, wood, filtered light – but used

alignment of the doors and balconies – all of

to create a sense of protection and calm.”

it is designed so the landscape becomes the

Where the guestrooms and spa are quieter

focal point,” explains Bailey. Guests enter

and introspective, the restaurants and social

through a marble archway, which leads to an

spaces bring a different energy – being more

arrangement of custom curved sofas by Neri &

open, social and expressive. “There is a clear

Hu, alongside walnut headboards and hand-

shift in tempo,” says Bailey. “This is achieved

tufted rugs that subtly reference the colour of

through scale, material richness and light –

the water. Bathrooms meanwhile, are crafted

higher ceilings, stronger architectural gestures

from Calacatta gold marble, accented by fluted

and a layered mix of materials and furnishings.”

glass doors in polished brass frames.

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A case in point is Cetino, conceived as cosy,

Wellness forms a central pillar of the guest

womb-like setting guided by Michelin-starred

experience, delivered in collaboration with

chef Mauro Colagreco’s affinity for natural

pioneering Italian wellness brand The Longevity

textures and earthy tones. Marking the chef’s

Suite. Home to seven treatment rooms, Finnish

debut in Italy, the fine-dining restaurant

and herbal saunas, plus separate steam rooms

showcases Mediterranean flavours through

and Turkish baths, the spa leans into a more

inventive dishes inspired by lake, sea and

cocooning atmosphere – a contrast to the light

land. Meanwhile, all-day dining destination

–filled, outward-looking nature of the rest

Renzo spills out onto a sun-drenched terrace,

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creating a relaxed, sociable backdrop that feels

features, and the design approach focused

rooted in the rhythm of the lake. The menu

on enhancing and refining this condition,”

draws on the spirit of long family gatherings,

explains Montecchi. “Rather than trying to

reworking familiar recipes with a lighter, more

blur the pool into the landscape, the intention

contemporary touch.

was to preserve its clarity as an architectural

The Lobby Bar is perhaps the most striking

element – something that sits in dialogue with

space of all, anchored by an oversized bar

the lake rather than disappearing into it. This

crafted from celadon green Sekoya marble and

creates a more deliberate experience, where the

surrounded by handpainted landscapes by Italian

surrounding nature is framed and amplified.”

artist Costanza Alvarez De Castro. Elsewhere, a

Guests can also enjoy a lakeside lido – designed

billiard table – another Edition signature – sits

by Omnam Design Studio – which is the perfect

alongside a Steinway baby grand piano and a

spot for a bite of lunch and a dip.

carved Palomba stone fireplace. “The Lobby

Ultimately, The Lake Como Edition offers a

Bar is deliberately grand,” describes Bailey.

quieter counterpoint to the region’s established

“With its five-metre ceiling and a monumental

aesthetic. “It was less about creating a new

marble bar, it is designed as a place of energy

language and more about removing excess,”

and interaction.”

concludes Bailey. “Lake Como is often

Step back outside and the experience opens

expressed through ornament and tradition. We

up again with the floating infinity pool, which

wanted to distill that – retaining its elegance,

sits almost directly on the edge of the lake,

yet translate it into something more restrained

surrounded by bespoke outdoor seating by

and architectural. The intention was to create a

Talenti and Tribù. “From the outset, we saw

sense of modernity that feels deeply connected

this as one of the project’s most distinctive

to place, rather than imposed onto it.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Bain Capital Developer: Omnam Group Operator: Marriott International Architecture: De.Tales Interior Design: Neri & Hu Art Consultant: Visto www.editionhotels.com

Yuyun

by Joana Bover

+34 93 871 31 52 info@bover.es |

bover.es

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The Newman LONDON Kinsfolk & Co enlists Lind + Almond to create a Bohemian boutique dotted with Art Deco details and creative characters.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of The Newman

W

e simply couldn’t place a flashy hotel in the heart of this cherished part of London; it doesn’t have the glitz of Mayfair or the bright lights of Soho,” says

Richy Almond of Lind + Almond, designers of The Newman.

“Fitzrovia is eccentric, yet hidden behind a façade somehow.

The hotel needed to feel deeply grounded in its surroundings while still offering a fresh, contemporary experience.”

The hotel has been created by Kinsfolk & Co, a Londonbased hospitality firm headed by Paul Brackley, previously Managing Director of Corbin & King’s The Beaumont, with owner and developer Gerent Group. Brackley’s starting point in conceptualising the hotel was to explore the layered history of the neighbourhood, drawing inspiration from its distinct heritage, community, architecture and artistry. This was then chanelled into the overarching brand strategy, naming and narrative - a process led by Latitude – before Lind + Almond took the creative reins.

Almond, a trained architect, and his partner Pernille Lind, an interior designer, are best known in the hotel world for their previous work at Sanders Copenhagen. The Newman bears similar traits of a rich warmth, but they have interwoven references to Fitzrovia throughout, particularly its status as a Bohemian enclave in the 1920s and 1930s.

Key cultural figures who lived there through the Art Deco period have given personality and direction to the interiors, with Nancy Cunard – society hostess, political activist and former heir to the shipping line that still bears her name – a notable point of reference. Cunard was a muse and mistress to many famous writers and artists – Aldous Huxley, Ezra Pound and Percy Wyndham Lewis among them – and now,

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Victorian influences and Art Deco nods are evident in the joinery and screens at Brasserie Angelica

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some 100 years later, she has influenced Lind +

Summers, whose bent plywood armchair, shaped

Almond in their creative endeavours here.

from a single sheet of the material, was created in

Her avant-garde sense of style – particularly her

his workshop on nearby Charlotte Street in the 1930s.

signature geometric bangles crafted in wood, bone or

The architecture of the surrounding area,

ivory and worn from wrist to elbow – are reflected in

highlighted in a photographic study of Fitzrovia

lighting fixtures and the totem-style elements that

specially commissioned during the design stages, has

flank the guestroom headboards. Triangle motifs

provided further inspiration. The glazed façades and

from her headscarves appear in Sinclair Till rugs and

bubble balconies of buildings in nearby streets are

ceiling designs. Polka dots – another Cunard trope –

echoed in the mirrored bedside tables, custom-tiled

are subtly referenced through the globe lamps found

shower rooms and bathroom vanities carved from

on desks and by beds, porthole mirrors, circular

solid blocks of stone – the latter crafted by Mitra

occasional tables and timber flooring by Horning.

Marble and installed by Chiltern Contracts.

Cunard seems a doubly fitting source of creative

Across the 81 guestrooms, suites and apartments,

inspiration, since the extensive use of polished chrome

the interiors are calm, refined and sophisticated with

Art Deco detailing and curved walnut finishes lend the

a deliberately understated palette – an aesthetic that

property the feel of a luxury cruise liner. According to

extends to the switches and sockets too, having been

Almond, these sweeping curves also “represent the

created bespoke by Focus SB. The backdrop may be

pen strokes of the illustrators who have frequented

relatively restrained, but artworks curated by Sterling

the district’s drinking holes over the decades”. Line

Art and SOTA bring the hotel to life, adding another

drawings and photography of many more colourful

layer of local reference. “We commissioned hundreds

local characters adorn the walls.

of bespoke artworks celebrating Fitzrovia’s rich

Another Fitzrovia figure to exert their influence

Bohemian literary history, curating pieces for the

is Mid-Century Modern furniture designer Gerald

guestrooms and suites, as well as the extensive public

areas,” say the art consultants. “Collaborating closely with both the interior designers and the hotel management team, we leveraged our unique network of artists to create an eclectic, mixed-media art collection, shaping the hotel’s identity. In addition, we developed and managed an artist-led photography campaign for the hotel’s social media, capturing local characters and strengthening the brand’s sense of place.”

According to Pernille Lind, this was a critical element in bringing heart and soul to the project: “The art plays a crucial role in telling this story, avoiding the blandness often seen in hotel decor,” reveals Lind. “Fitzrovia and London’s artists will continue to provide inspiration and decorate the walls through their artwork.”

The ground floor comprises a large openplan space encompassing a reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar. Brasserie Angelica is an expansive all-day dining offer that occupies a prominent street-facing site with a light airy feel thanks to extensive glazing. Traditional Victorian influences, as well as those of the

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Creativity without boundaries The most compelling hospitality brands are shaped by a clear point of view. Expressed not just in how they look, but in how they feel, operate and connect.

At Latitude, we bring that thinking to life through strategy and storytelling, creating brands with depth, relevance and a distinct sense of place.

From global names to independent voices, our work reflects the individuality of each brand, including recent projects with: The Newman, London, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio & Luxury Collection, Capella Group, Cooks Club, Four Seasons, Kimpton, Regent and St. Regis.

l at i t u d e age n c y.com

i nfo @lat i t ud eag ency.com

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Art Deco period, are evident in the joinery and

of the era. Natural materials such as warm oak,

glass screens. Bespoke furnishings by MOB

bronze, leather, textured coloured glass, antique

are complemented by Charlotte Perriand’s

brass and walnut have been carefully selected

Indochine chairs for Cassina, which can seat up

to imbue the space with a soothing cosiness.

to 100 diners in the main dining area, with an

It is perhaps in the subterranean Gambit

additional 24 covers on the terrace. Two private

Bar that the louche, Bohemian feel of old

dining rooms, Talland and Little Talland, take

Fitzrovia is most strongly evoked. Just as the

their names from a holiday home belonging to

artists and writers of the day once gathered in

Virginia Woolf, another celebrated local resident

the neighbourhood’s hidden corners, visitors

of the early 20th century. The menu offers

to Gambit descend into a dimly-lit den of

modern European dishes with a distinctly Nordic

inebriation via a dramatic spiral staircase

influence – think pear and endive salad spiked

twisted around a large illuminated column

with Danish Blue, and a classic Swedish potato

offering another nod to Nancy Cunard’s

and sprat gratin. At lunchtime, a bespoke trolley

African-inspired bangles. The fractured pattern

carrying smørrebrød-style open sandwiches

of the backlit coffered ceiling takes its cue

offers locals a quick bite with theatricality.

from Percy Wyndham Lewis, founder of the

The wellness floor also riffs on Scandinavia,

Vorticist art movement – a geometric style of

its design driven by the warm, elegant aesthetic

sharp, cubist angles that emerged in response

of the Swedish Grace movement, which emerged

to the fragmentation of Europe during the First

in the 1920s and 30s as a restrained, modern

World War. Graphic references to occultist

response to the excesses of Art Nouveau. The

Aleister Crowley lend a slightly dark edge to

textures, tones and patterns channel Märta

the proceedings as do cocktails named Angels

Måås-Fjetterström, a celebrated textile designer

& Demons and Excitement and Fate.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Gerent Group Operator: Kinsfolk & Co Developer: FMCM Architecture: Reardon Smith Interior Design: Lind + Almond Brand Identity: Latitude Art Consultant: Sterling Art, SOTA Detailed Lighting Design: DPA Lighting Consultants Spa Consultant: Raison d’Etre Visual Identity: Latitude www.thenewman.com

&

Sterling Art and SOTA are industry-leading and internationally renowned art consultancies specialising in large-scale hospitality projects. Our partnership brings together experienced scalable production capabilities with a priceless knowledge of the dynamic, emerging artist market.

JIMMY@STERLINGART.CO.UK EMMA@SOTAMARKETPLACE.CO

www.rvastley.co.uk

Soori PENANG Architect-turned-hotelier Soo Chan returns to his birthplace to transform his childhood home into a deeply personal hospitality experience.

Words: Luo Jingmei • Photography: Courtesy of Soori

F

or architect and hotelier Soo Chan, his

different approach to luxury, exploring heritage

native Penang provides much inspiration.

and the concept of home. “It’s a homecoming –

The city of George Town in particular, is

a living tribute to place, memory and design,”

rich in culture – a designated UNESCO World

says Chan, now based in Singapore. “The design

Heritage Site that is a melting pot of Chinese

direction is a personal tribute; it’s a way of

Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences.

reconnecting with my heritage.”

The state capital is also home to Leong San

Speaking to Sleeper, the architect recalls days

Tong Khoo Kongsi – Malaysia’s second largest

spent playing in the grounds of the compound,

Hokkien clan house, where Chan was born and

where a highly ornamented temple built in 1906

raised until he was three years old. While his

is now a tourist attraction. He highlights the

time in the historic compound was brief, it was

defensive urban planning, which positions the

instrumental in conceiving Soori Penang, the

temple and wayang stage at the centre of the

latest outpost from his luxury boutique brand.

courtyard, surrounded by rows of shophouses.

Having founded multi-disciplinary architectural

“It was built as a fortress because of turf wars,”

practice SCDA in 1995, Chan ventured into

Chan explains.

hospitality in 2014, developing and managing a

While Soori Penang can be accessed via

growing collection of hotels that showcase his

Cannon Street, the architect has converted a

quiet design philosophy in different ways. The

small car park into an arrival experience, so that

inaugural resort in Bali is all about nature and

“guests have the feeling of entering into a secret

spirituality, while Soori High Line in New York

garden”. Bordered by towering walls, the al

is an urban resort that offers suites with private

fresco space is lined with bamboo and features

heated pools.

a reflection pool topped with water lilies and

The newly opened Soori Penang takes a

lotus flowers, which soften the hardscape of

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Interiors are characterised by the interplay between light and dark, inspired by architect Soo Chan’s memory of place

the solid granite tiles and traditional Chinese

distinct palette. In the common spaces, dark

clay bricks. From here, guests pass through a

timber cladding that has been wire-brushed to

sunlit vestibule before turning into the hotel.

reveal the grain alternates with lime-washed

A single piece of solid alabaster signals arrival,

walls finished in a Venetian plaster technique.

and the daylight fades to a level of darkness that

Ribbed ceramic panels with a crackled glaze

is immediately calming. “The entry sequence is

finish – like traditional Chinese bowls – add a

not axial,” Chan says of the serpentine route.

crafted quality, embodying Chan’s design ethos

“This is deliberate, based on traditional feng

of “surfaces, textures and subtleties”.

shui principles that state the front door should not directly face the street.”

Within the compound, Soori comprises 15

guestrooms have been reduced to just 15 suites

restored shophouses in addition to a courtyard

so that each enjoys the full shophouse encounter.

restaurant, lounge and wine bar with a small

“I’m selling an architectural experience,”

library. For the layout, Chan opted to remove

describes Chan, adding that the front door was

internal walls, reinstating the elongated

restored to its original design and floor beams

floorplan that is typical of such dwellings.

were repaired and exposed.

While this limits the daylight, Chan felt it was

Where the common areas employ smoky hues,

an important part of the experience. “I wanted

the suites feature natural timber to better show

to create the spaces based on the impression I

the effects of light and dark. Their larger size

had as a child living here, which is about light

has also enabled the re-insertion of airwells,

and darkness,” he shares. “The light coming

bringing in extra light as well as ventilation.

from the windows was very dramatic.”

More than a practicality, the openings are

It is this recollection that guides the hotel’s

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These materials are also found in the accommodation. The former hotel’s 40

an architectural feature, with a pebble-lined

079

080

reflection pool installed beneath – a design that

cultural legacy, and Chan’s touch permeates

is inspired by Chan’s memories of playing in the

every aspect. He has not only designed the hotel,

rainwater during tropical downpours.

but curated the programming with trips to clan

The water feature is one of many reminders

houses or religious buildings on custom trishaws

of place, along with stone lions guarding

made by a local craftsman. The region’s culture

guestrooms and carvings of Chinese mythology

is incorporated through native traditions and

figures to mirror those seen in the temple.

cuisine, often channelled through Chan’s own

The iconography is woven into the design of

lens. Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) troupes

the shophouse, both spatially and sensorially.

perform in the private courtyard for example,

“Guests see the lion statues, hear the water

while the restaurant offers the architect’s

and feel the textures of the stone floor beneath

curation of the best local fare, served in custom

their feet,” Chan describes. Custom rattan

wooden tiffin boxes.

headboards, alabaster lamps and faucets

As the clock strikes 5pm, the gates to Leong

designed for Cristina Rubinetterie add to the

San Tong Khoo Kongsi are closed. But for Soori

tactility. Screens divide the open-plan space

Penang, a private world is just opening up.

sequentially, while built-in furniture maintains

As the hotel is located within the compound,

a seamless interior architecture, as Chan

guests have exclusive access until the gates

explains: “We designed the sofa to be low and

reopen to the public at 9am. Devoid of tourists,

horizontal in order for it not to detract from the

the courtyard feels calm and surreal, with the

overall feeling of the space.”

temple lighting up like a jewel. Back in their

The resulting ambience is one of quiet luxury,

suites, guests end the night with local snacks

where design is in harmony with heritage. It’s a

and a flask of tea. It feels just like the warmth

deeply personal interpretation of Penang’s rich

of home – Chan’s home.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Soori Architecture and Interior Design: SCDA Visual Identity: Sonia Castillo Studio Landscaping: EHS Landscaping Main Contractor: Pro Tech Heritage, Corten Interior Solutions www.sooripenang.com

Rosewood COURCHEVEL Tristan Auer adopts a refined, material-driven approach to create a new vision of alpine living in Courchevel 1850.

Words: Naomi Chadderton • Photography: © Ben Anders

S

et high in the French Alps, Courchevel has

for the houses that shaped its reputation,” says

come to define a particular kind of winter

the hotel’s Managing Director François Arrighi.

luxury, where high-end hotels and private

“Our ambition was never to compete; it was to

chalets are complemented by an impressive

offer something uniquely Rosewood. For guests

number of Michelin-starred restaurants and

familiar with our urban or beach destinations,

designer boutiques. Its position within Les Trois

this opening completes a circle. They can now

Vallées – the world’s largest interconnected ski

experience the same curated, discovery-led

domain – places it at the heart of a particularly

approach in the mountains, in a setting that

popular Alpine landscape, while maintaining

has its own rhythm and sense of occasion.”

a reputation for polish and precision in its hospitality offering.

This duality is reflected in Courchevel’s

to life by French interior architect Tristan

structure as a collection of six villages, each

Auer, who has translated the language of a

with its own character and clientele. As the

traditional chalet into a 51-key luxury hotel

altitude rises, so too does the level of exclusivity,

inspired by the region through the 1940s and

culminating in the uppermost addresses, where

1950s. “Courchevel carries 80 years of Alpine

privacy and design take centre stage. It is

audacity, a glamour inherited from a golden

within the elevated setting of Courchevel 1850

age that asserts itself powerfully,” Auer tells

that Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin has

Sleeper. “The project was born from a desire

opened its doors, marking the Hong Kong-based

to honour that legacy while projecting it into a

brand’s first venture into a ski destination and

new era, creating a hotel that stands apart from

introducing a new layer to the resort’s evolving

everything else in Courchevel.”

architectural and hospitality landscape.

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Conceived as a contemporary interpretation of Alpine living, the resort has been brought

Indeed, on arrival, this narrative is

“Courchevel 1850 is home to some of the best

immediately apparent. The building’s façade,

names in hospitality, and we have great respect

composed of quartzite sourced from Vals in

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At the heart of the property, Salto is a sultry restaurant and lounge with a copper fireplace and timber flooring

084

Switzerland, is paired with timber and copper detailing,

materials that live and evolve with the building.” The

while a handcarved entrance door crafted from local

copper fireplaces in the restaurant and bar are among

wood introduces a level of artistry, which continues

the clearest design gestures, subtly referencing the

throughout the interiors. Artwork has been carefully

bold architectural language of Courchevel’s landmark

curated to harmonise with the surrounding landscape,

buildings without feeling overly literal. “Refinement

with Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson’s

here is never decorative,” Auer adds. “It emerges from

monumental lobby installation deserving particular

the quality of execution and the honesty of materials,

mention. “It stops you the moment you arrive,

an interior that feels entirely bespoke, rooted in place,

celebrating verticality, the energy of the elements, and

yet timeless.”

the founding audacity of the resort, setting the tone

Accommodation ranges from 25-35m 2 Deluxe

for everything that follows,” explains Auer. Equally

Rooms to a 552m2 apartment designed for up to

impressive is a bespoke artwork of chamotte stoneware

eight guests. Low ceilings come dressed in sculpted

and glass by French artist Amandine Haeghen, which

plasterwork, while layered details include Himalayan

sits behind the concierge desk.

salt wall sconces, padded headboards, bouclé fabrics

Throughout the resort, an emphasis on materiality

and plush rugs by Edition 169. Bathrooms are equally

and craft is evident, with a focus not only on local

impressive, complete with double marble vanities,

sourcing where possible, but on selecting materials

freestanding tubs and walk-in showers that also

and makers that deliver a consistently high level of

operate as private steam rooms.

quality. “Craftsmanship was not a choice, it was a

“Every element was custom designed, nothing was

necessity,” continues Auer. “Every material was

left to chance,” states Auer. “The practical gestures

selected for its authenticity, its durability and its

speak to genuine comfort – heated wardrobes for ski

ability to acquire a beautiful patina over time. Stone,

gear, a private terrace for every room and technology

wood, copper – worked in solid form; these are

that is discreet yet absolute. The ambition was for

TEXTILES • WALLPAPERS • CARPETS • CURTAINS • ROLLER BLINDS • MOTORIZED TRACKS 3 ΕVIAS ST MAROUSI 151 25 ATHENS GREECE • T +30 210 6120277 • INFO@VAGENAS.EU • WWW.VAGENAS.EU

The penthouses showcase craftsmanship through handsculpted concrete headboards and handblown Murano glass lights

guests to feel immediately at home in a space made entirely for them, yet connected to the mountain at every moment.”

Detail and individuality increase with each room category. The two-bedroom Signature Suite, for example, centres around a bar crafted from pink Himalayan salt, while the twobedroom penthouses and private residences feature handsculpted concrete headboards, suspended handblown Murano glass lights

by Italian designer Christian Pellizzari, and traditional fireplaces that combine brushhammered bluestone with patinated brass.

At the top-end of the offering is the fourbedroom Jardin Alpin Apartment, designed by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty of Studio KO. Accessed via a private lift, it is conceived as a self-contained residence, complete with a private cinema and professional-grade kitchen.

In keeping with Courchevel’s well-established après-ski culture, dining plays a central role in the overall experience at Rosewood Courchevel.

At the heart of the property sits Salto, a sultry restaurant and lounge offering elevated Alpine cuisine. Defined by a palette of raw materials, natural light and uninterrupted mountain views, the venue is designed to shift naturally throughout the day, transitioning from a more

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Photographer • Ambroise Tézenas

169 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 8 533 Kings Road, London, SW10 0TZ www.edition169.com

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open, relaxed setting at lunch to a quieter,

counter carved from a block of hand-hammered

refined atmosphere in the evening. Details are

marble to set the tone on arrival. “The instinct

considered yet understated, from timber flooring

was to turn to raw, elemental materials – ones

laid using the traditional end-grain technique to

that speak the language of the mountain,

the two copper fireplaces that ground the room,

so we opted for stone, ceramic and water;

referencing the practical craftsmanship of the

textures that are grounding, honest and quietly

1950s. “These fireplaces anchor the space with

powerful. The goal was an atmosphere that feels

warmth and drama, while the bar brings a sense

simultaneously immersive and effortless, where

of occasion without formality,” explains Auer.

the sense of escape comes not from spectacle,

“It is a space that feels alive at every hour.”

but from depth.”

After a long day on the slopes, guests can

It is the harmony between these elements

retire to the Asaya Spa, a holistic sanctuary

that positions the hotel as a natural extension

specialising in signature treatments inspired

of Courchevel’s identity, offering an elevated

by Alpine wellness practices. Located on

sense of place. “The design rests on a single

the lower ground floor, it is conceived as a

ambition: for guests to feel at home, while being

complete wellness destination with a 17m

transported somewhere entirely exceptional,”

indoor pool adorned with a unique ceramic

concludes Auer. “What I hope lingers is

fresco, five treatment rooms, two saunas and

something hard to name, a sense of having been

steam rooms, a hot tub, cold plunge pool and

held by a place. The mountain was always at the

a multisensory shower, as well as a fully-

heart of this project, and it is that connection

equipped gym complete with a reformer pilates

to something elemental, something larger than

machine. “Material choice was everything,”

ourselves, that I hope stays with guests long

explains Auer, who commissioned a reception

after their stay.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Rosewood Hotel Group Interior Design: Tristan Auer, Studio KO www.rosewoodhotels.com

GRID COLLECTION BY HENRIK PEDERSEN WWW.GLOSTER.COM

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Capella MACAU Moinard Bétaille draws on a residential sensibility to craft a gilded jungle retreat at Galaxy Macau.

Words: Baldwin Ho Photography: Courtesy of Capella Hotels & Resorts

I

t’s a lesser-known fact that in 2006, Macau surpassed Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world. Since then, the influx of tourist revenue has transformed the special

administrative region, once a Portuguese trading post, into an opulent leisure destination.

Standing proud along the Cotai Strip – Asia’s answer to the Vegas Strip – Galaxy Macau is a 1.1 million-squaremetre integrated resort housing a plethora of retail, F&B, entertainment and leisure attractions, as well as a collection of hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Andaz, Banyan Tree and Raffles. The latest addition to the complex is Capella, a refined retreat that offers a fresh interpretation of luxury – one that prioritises quality over quantity. While the hotel has just 95 suites and penthouses – minuscule in comparison to the market’s typical key count of 1,000-plus rooms – they are in fact the largest hotel rooms in Southern China.

“Galaxy Macau was created as a destination where the world’s finest hospitality and ultra-luxury experiences come together,” states Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer, Galaxy Entertainment Group. “Capella at Galaxy Macau showcases a new expression of our signature and ever-evolving World Class Asian Heart service – that is not just personalised but anticipated; promising that true exclusivity is no longer about spectacle - but about scarcity.”

To bring the residential-inspired sanctuary to life, Capella Hotels & Resorts enlisted Parisian studio Moinard Bétaille,

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Each suite features vibrant jungleinspired feature walls, handfinished by Laura Cheung

known for a style of quiet luxury that can be

Capella Rituals such as tea ceremonies, baijiu

seen at the likes of Hôtel Plaza Athénée and

tastings and cultural introductions.

Hotel du Marc, as well as Cartier boutiques and Karl Lagerfeld’s private residences.

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From the public spaces to the suites, soothing, undulating curves dominate the interiors.

Here, they have crafted a Gilded Jungle design

Feng shui has played an important role too, as

scheme that transports guests back to the days

Bruno Moinard, co-founder of Moinard Bétaille,

when Macau was covered in tropical forests,

explains: “We have been actively working in

before its urban development. The arrival

Asia for almost 20 years: China, Japan, Korea –

experience is anchored by the Tree of Life, a

all destinations where feng shui is a major art.”

pulsating porte cochère framed by soothing

The ancient practice is seamlessly integrated

pools, lush foliage and a mustering of carved

into their designs, acting not as a constraint,

wooden storks. A three-metre immersive LED

but as an added layer of meaning.

installation by couture wallcoverings and décor

There are bolder interventions too. “We’re in

brand Lala Curio displays a jungle narrative

an extravagant city, so we had to come up with

that evolves from the misty morning light to

ideas that are extravagant yet elegant,” notes

afternoon rainfall and twinkling night skies.

Moinard. And it doesn’t get more extravagant

The aesthetic continues in the signature

than 700m2 four-bedroom penthouses with an

Capella Living Room, a cocooning social salon

11m infinity-edge lap pool, light-filled balcony

anchored by an abstract oil paining by Bruno

and outdoor lounge. The overall residential

Moinard entitled Jungle Blue. It is here that

experience continues inside, where a butler

guests are introduced to their personally-

pantry and games room is complemented by a

assigned Capella Culturalist, a guide who shares

wellness room complete with massage chair and

local knowledge and understanding through

TechnoGym equipment.

The suites’ vibrant wallpaper was also made

enhance soundproofing and showcase a refined

by Lala Curio using a hybrid approach that

patina. Meanwhile, diamond-stitched leather

combines print with hand-gilded detailing.

upholstery inspired by vintage automotive seats

“Every animal was first handpainted at full

appears in the winter garden.

scale, then scanned in ultra high-resolution

Reflecting Capella’s commitment to culinary

to preserve the nuance of each brushstroke,”

excellence, the F&B line-up includes Botanica,

explains Laura Cheung, founder of Lala Curio.

a 48-seat bistro serving contemporary classics

The wallpaper is a continuous landscape rather

reimagined with Asian influences. Interiors

than merely repeating patterns. The bespoke

evoke a greenhouse atmosphere enveloped by

gilding techniques used mean light is caught

ceiling detail designed to mimic pillow-like

and reflected in a controlled manner that adds

fungi. Pillars wrapped with lush botanicals and

luminosity to the final product.

climbing vines are accompanied by indoor water

Lighting is a key element across Moinard’s

reflections and red oak sculptures by Mexican

work. The exterior window view of the lift lobby

artist Joel Escalona. Deviating from the jungle

utilises a light blue-hued glass, also found in

for a dark-hued masculine scheme, Pony &

the winter garden of every Capella Penthouse.

Plume is an equestrian-themed bar that offers

It acts as a filter to deliver a calming serenity

more than 650 premium whisky labels curated

and sense of wellbeing. In the guestrooms, a

with consultant Blair Bowman – one of the most

textured white colour scheme exudes elegance,

extensive collections in the region. Still to come,

while the bathrooms are accented by deep jade

Michelin-starred chef Vicky Cheng will debut

or ruby red pristine stone panelling.

a new fine-dining concept, presenting modern

Artisanship is evident throughout. Entrance doors are clad in horsehair panelling to

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French cuisine shaped by his distinctive and adventurous culinary vision.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Galaxy Entertainment Group Operator: Capella Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Aedas Interior Design: Moinard Bétaille www.capellahotels.com

Miiro Templeton Garden LONDON Drawing on nature and the changing seasons, Thurstan envisions a tranquil retreat where contemporary design meets British elegance.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: © James McDonald

M

iiro Hotels has enjoyed rapid expansion in its relatively

Thurstan. “Bringing together an incredible team of British

short lifetime. Since the company was launched in

designers has been such a collaborative experience, and the

December 2023 by InterGlobe Enterprises – India’s

synergy formed has resulted in a unique, serene space that

largest aviation and hospitality conglomerate – it has ramped up quickly with successive launches across Europe, from Barcelona and Gstaad to Paris and now, London.

As the hotel’s name suggests, much of the design narrative takes cues from the site’s expansive garden – a unique

Situated amongst pillared townhouses in Earl’s Court,

feature for a London property. Art and sculpture echoing the

the 156-key Templeton Garden is a quintessentially

colours, shapes and textures of the outdoors are seamlessly

English property, where contemporary design blends with

interwoven with the scheme throughout. In the Sprout bar,

timeless elegance. London-based architecture and interior

for example, a custom light sculpture commissioned by Cox

design studio Holland Harvey was tasked with leading the

London provides an organic, artistic focal point. Hand-

property’s extensive refurbishment, encompassing structural

forged in metal, the installation features an illuminated oak

alterations, as well as an extension into the site’s spacious

branch chandelier that echoes the surrounding parks, with

rear garden, inspired by traditional Victorian orangeries,

each leaf handpainted in a unique patina of autumnal shades.

reimagined in a contemporary architectural language.

The adjacent Sprout restaurant is home to a large-scale

The interiors, overseen by London-based studio Thurstan,

mural, designed and painted on site by decorative artist

embrace the building’s historical architecture, incorporating

Tess Newall. Tasked with creating a piece that draws

traditional shapes and details throughout. Subtle elements

inspiration from the foliage growing in the property’s garden

from the leafy green exterior have been woven into the bar,

and references to the bar’s name, she has painted softly

restaurant and carefully curated artworks to create a space

layered silhouettes of branches into a textured limewash

with dynamic energy and a comfortable atmosphere. The

background, incorporating new leaves and buds growing

studio also used upcycled materials and antique furniture,

on the occasional branch. Taking its cue from the delicate

sourced locally and the result of collaboration with London-

shadows and silhouettes of sunlight filtered through swaying

based craftspeople.

tree canopies, it has an earthy colour palette that pairs

“Working with old buildings is always a fascinating

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we are looking forward to guests experiencing.”

coherently with Cox London’s oak branch chandelier.

process – there’s a unique thrill in engaging with their

Throughout the hotel, an extensive art collection curated

history, stories and the energy they’ve accumulated over

by consultancy Artstory celebrates local talent while

the years,” says James Thurstan Waterworth, founder of

complementing Thurstan’s neutral interiors. The studio has

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collaborated with contemporary British painter

The remaining public spaces are comfortable

Bethany Holmes to bring her abstract originals

and adaptable – equally suited to relaxing with

to the restaurant, bar and library. Furthermore,

a drink and a book or working on a laptop. The

each guestroom showcases a limited-edition

Library offers a curated collection of books

piece next to the headboard. Other works chosen

referencing British literary heritage, particularly

by Artstory keep the local neighbourhood at

the famous authors that have resided in Earl’s

their core through subtle references to Earl’s

Court. A neat addition is the Refresh Room – a

Court’s rich creative heritage, as well as the

Miiro signature – providing guests both before

wider history of Kensington borough.

check-in and after check-out with access to

The garden and the changing seasons also serve as inspiration across the F&B line-up.

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a shower, toiletries and changing space, in addition to secure luggage storage.

Sprout bar offers an ever-evolving selection of

Maintaining its momentum launching

cocktails, incorporating traceable ingredients at

individualistic properties in key European cities,

the height of their season and freshly grown

Miiro has recently opened two additional hotels

herbs from the hotel garden. Meanwhile modern

in Vienna. Located on the historic Rudolfsplatz

British restaurant Pippin’s evokes a sense of

Square, the 64-key Palais Rudolf is also designed

nostalgia with its flavour combinations – think

by Thurstan and local studio Archisphere, with

chicken and chips followed by a classic dessert

soft, warm tones, vintage-themed furnishings

of rhubarb and custard. Lighter fare is available

and locally sourced antiques. Miiro Spittelberg

at Pip’s, a grab-and-go counter located at the

meanwhile offers a playful stay in the heart

front of the hotel, seeking to entice locals with

of the 7th District – a charming, cobblestoned

a quick coffee and pastry, as well as guests

neighbourhood with a thriving café and art

looking for a more casual dining experience.

gallery scene, buzzing with vibrant energy.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: InterGlobe Enterprises Operator: Miiro Hotels Architecture: Holland Harvey Interior Design: Thurstan Art Consultant: ArtStory www.miirohotels.com

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Hotel Irada PUNE Inspired by the creative spirit of contemporary India, Humming Tree crafts a vineyard hotel defined by playful patterns and tactile textures.

Words: Shiraz Randeria • Photography: Courtesy of Hotel Irada

O

n the approach to a 66-acre vineyard in the heart of India’s wine country, a colonial-style villa comes into view. Cradled by 4,000 acres of reserve forest, the

estate was originally the private residence and offices of Vijay Mallya’s Four Seasons winery. Now completely replanted and redeveloped, the working vineyard and villa has become Hotel Irada. “The building itself was a manufacturing facility with offices and a conference room on the ground floor,” explains the hotel’s founder, Yash Malhotra. “It was nothing like what you see today.”

What you do see today is a modern Indian countryside retreat, with a vastly different offering to the urban luxury hotels and palaces that the country has become synonymous with. “I’ve always wanted to build my own version of an interesting hotel company for India,” Malhotra continues.

“A lot of that came from my upbringing and time in the US.” Malhotra grew up in the family business of hotels and restaurants in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, before studying at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Administration and working in New York. “Having worked for one of the founding partners of Ace Hotels, I thought that there should be a version for India: hotels with public spaces and cross-pollination of creativity,” he explains. “India has some incredible talent across art, media, fashion and F&B,

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The interiors are rooted in a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, enhanced by locally sourced wood and a playful layering of texture and pattern

but we hadn’t seen that translate into the hotel

wood panelling often found in lobbies,” explains

space yet. That’s how Irada was born.”

Shekar. “Instead, I proposed a large tapestry – a

The other half of this story comes from the

hand-sketched caricature of the entire project.”

hotel’s designers, Arun Shekar and Mohammed

Handmade by Jaipur Rugs, the wallhanging

Afnan of Calicut-based firm Humming Tree.

depicts guests enjoying the vineyards, playing

“I was at El Fenn, an amazing boutique hotel

padel and relaxing at the spa. Shekar continues:

in Marrakech when I got the call from Yash.

“It gives a sense of place. Guests gaze at the rug

He wanted to create a boutique hotel with a

and see what their ideal weekend will be like.”

chicness to it,” recollects Shekar. “From the

Adjacent to the lobby is Rosso, an Italian

moment we started speaking about Irada, we

lounge with a burgundy colour scheme and

had this energy, so we started sharing ideas

bespoke furniture. “Rosso was always going to

about the project immediately.”

be a destination restaurant,” explains Malhotra.

Malhotra confirms that the collaboration

“Given it’s in a winery, we decided on comfort

came about quickly: “I spoke to many designers

Italian food, nothing overly sophisticated or

but none of them really clicked until I spoke to

complex.” Shekar adds: “We wanted the space

Arun and Afnan. It was incredibly collaborative:

to be transitional. The flooring and seating

we were arguing about every door handle, about

arrangements are like a lounge; it is not a rigid

every chair – but in a good way. It was an

dining layout so the mood switches at night.”

excellent journey working with them.”

Also onsite is the casual Irada Pool Club, decked

The guest journey flows from the villa’s imposing curved stone staircase through a glass

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out in tones of earthy brown and light green, serving breakfasts and all-day Indian fare.

entryway to the lobby, where a grand tapestry

The 32 guestrooms are arranged around the

hangs on the wall. “We wanted to avoid the

central courtyard and tower, though a second

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outhouse building with additional rooms is soon

panelling, for example. I love the small diamond

to open. The entry-level Reserve Rooms with

detail; it instantly elevates your mood. And the

balconies overlooking the courtyard or vineyards

textures of the architectural embroidery on the

are fitted out in light woods and neutral linen

couches is something guests notice when they

tones, with extensive black and burgundy linear

sit down with a glass of wine.”

details on the bedlinen, seat cushions and

Even a quick stay at Irada provides a non-

table lamps. The accompanying Mid-Century-

stereotypical Indian hotel experience. It’s not

inspired bathrooms are dominated by black and

just staying in a working winery and the rural

white parallel lines with wooden vanities and

countryside environs, it’s also the high level of

sanitaryware, alongside fittings from Indian

modern Indian design on show, without a single

manufacturer Jaquar. The ground-floor Gallery

visual cliché, which makes it an unsurprising

Rooms lose the balcony but gain the same

choice for Design Hotels’ reintroduction to India

custom-made freestanding resin bathtubs as

following a five-year absence.

the suites. “All the furniture was tailor-made

“For us, entering or re-entering a market is

in India,” Shekar confirms. “We didn’t want

never about geography alone; it’s about finding

anything too bulky or minimalistic.”

the right moment and the right partners,”

Throughout the property, bold geometric

explains Stijn Oyen, Managing Director at Design

patterns dominate, from the checkerboard

Hotels. “India is a deeply layered market and we

floor of the swimming pool to the backgammon

wanted to return in a way that felt authentic to

design behind the lobby desk. “This project

both the destination and our brand. With Hotel

offered us the chance to play with lines, textures

Irada, we saw that alignment clearly: it offers a

and materiality,” Shekar explains. “There’s

contemporary yet local interpretation of India,

so much detailing that’s gone into the wood

rather than a nostalgic one.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Yash Malhotra Affiliation: Design Hotels Architecture: Navzer Irani Interior Design: Humming Tree Visual Identity: Studio Krygn Landscaping: The Mad Mali www.hotelirada.com

The Dean BERLIN Dean Group makes its international debut with a spirited and character-rich hotel in Charlottenburg.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of Dean Group

S

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tep into The Dean on any given day and it’s a hive

to take the creative reins has led to an approach that combines

of activity. To one side, the queue for freshly baked

investment strategies and asset management with design-

sourdough and buttery almond croissants extends out

driven and community-focused development. “The Dean

the door, and to the other, tables are packed with locals

hotels are all different and intentionally so,” explains Tan.

enticed by fluffy pancakes and generous servings of eggs

“Past generations were looking for quality and consistency,

benedict. So busy is the all-day breakfast bistro that the hotel

but today’s consumers seek authenticity and narrative. It’s

almost plays second fiddle, which, for a group that attributes

not about a brand book; every one of our properties will have

50% of its revenues to F&B, was exactly the appeal.

a different designer and a different story to tell.”

Occupying a prime site in Berlin’s Charlottenburg

In a deliberate departure from homogeneity, LHC looks to

neighbourhood, the property was acquired by Lifestyle

its partners to deliver this differentiation, and in return, their

Hospitality Capital (LHC) Group in 2024 as part of an

services are championed on Dean Group’s website. “One of

expansion drive for The Dean – a brand founded by

our core pillars is profiling and platforming,” Tan confirms.

hotelier and restaurateur Paddy McKillen Jnr. Having taken

“We see our assets as a spotlight for talent – any form of

a majority stake in 2023, LHC has set about scaling and

talent, whether it’s design, art or culinary.”

repositioning the portfolio, expanding from Dublin, Cork and

This is overseen by Kiernan Moriarty, Vice President of

Galway to Berlin, Munich and beyond, all while honouring

Design & Creative, who works with the different design

the brand’s Irish heritage. “I fell in love with the warmth of

studios selected for each property. For the soon-to-open

Irish hospitality,” recalls Keith Evans, founder and CEO of

Munich outpost, Tatjana Von Stein has designed destination-

LHC. “We were drawn to the exceptional collection of locally

specific interiors, and for the forthcoming Miami venture,

designed and curated hotels, bars and restaurants that Paddy

the scheme has been entrusted to Loren Daye of Love Is

and his team have developed – they’re very much a reflection

Enough. In Berlin, the group turned to Rachael Gowdridge

of Ireland’s culture, energy and character.”

– a former colleague of Evans and Moriarty from their time

At the time, Dean Group’s portfolio comprised 650 rooms

at Ennismore. Having first carried out a feasibility study to

across eight hotels (three within The Dean brand), 30

assess the potential of the property – previously operating

restaurants and bars, six leisure facilities and a cinema. For

as a Max Brown hotel – the London-based designer was

LHC, the goal was to invest in the existing assets in Ireland,

then tasked with developing the interior scheme, marking

while utilising its own experience to build the businesses

her largest project to-date since the 2021 establishment of

and expand to new markets. Though Evans and co-founder

her eponymous studio. In preparation, Gowdridge toured

Kai Tan had typically sat on the investment side, previously

Dean Group’s existing properties and identified the key

working together at Starwood Capital, their shared ambition

hallmarks of the brand, and though this process was crucial,

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A neutral palette accompanied by patches of exposed brick forms the backdrop to an eclectic array of furniture

a clear directive from leadership ultimately steered the

to show, we wanted to lean into the fact that it has

approach. “This is the new era of The Dean, so the

a history.”

brief was to avoid repeating what has gone before,”

Peeling back the layers – quite literally in some

she explains. “They didn’t want a conventional hotel,

cases – involved stripping out ceiling treatments and

meaning that when guests enter the lobby, they should

patterned wallpapers to reveal a well-worn backdrop

feel like they’re walking into a friend’s home.”

with a patina of its own. A neutral palette now sets

This homely ambiance comes primarily from

the tone, accompanied by patches of exposed brick

the considered space planning and selection of

and stained glass with a former life. “The chromatic

furnishings: café-style tables and chairs are situated

pillar is all about the colour contrasts of the local

alongside the grab-and-go bakery, while a lounge area

area,” Gowdridge continues. “You see a bright orange

features low-slung sofas and a cosy library nook. And

building next to an acid green one; in theory, they

though the check-in desk is front and centre, it comes

shouldn’t go together, but there’s something very

by way of a glass display cabinet rather than a formal

Berlin about how they sit side by side, so we tried to

counter, and within is an artistic arrangement of dried

inject that into our chromatic application.”

wheat, which can be changed according to the season.

The contrasting colourways can be seen throughout

To develop the narrative, Gowdridge immersed

the interiors. A guestroom might pair a vibrant

herself in the Charlottenburg neighbourhood,

turquoise sideboard with burnt orange curtains.

scrutinising the site, exploring the surrounding streets

Doorways and vestibules are deeply saturated in

and photographing buildings to establish three design

burgundy or midnight blue, a marked difference

pillars. “The architectural pillar was about peeling

against the peachy-pink wall panelling. And a

back the layers of time,” she explains. “The building

highlight of the bathroom is the mirror, framed in

has gone through various uses and changes over the

crimson and lime green glass.

years, and though there weren’t any original features

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The third pillar relates to the eclectic array of FF&E.

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Contrasting colourways can be seen throughout the interiors, with doorways and vestibules in burgundy a marked difference against the peachy-pink wall panelling

Guestroom casegoods are custom designed by Gowdridge – a necessity owing to the variation of unconventional layouts – while public spaces display a “melting pot” of pieces from different eras: 1980s-style dining chairs alongside a 60s sofa and contemporary side tables, spanning Bauhaus to MidCentury to Postmodern. These are accompanied by off-theshelf furnishings such as a Paul Smith collection Anglepoise and a Ruark radio – both selected for their coordination with the overarching scheme. “It’s all about the rebellious Berlin spirit,” the designer reveals. “We wanted the contemporary interventions to really stand out, so there are interesting materials and unusual applications, resulting in pieces that make you look twice.”

Perhaps the most unusual intervention is a light that hangs in the guestrooms. “We designed the shape of the light and went back and forth on its materiality,” Gowdridge explains. “The obvious choice would be silk or ruched linen, but it felt too feminine for the space. We eventually went for latex in a nod to the nocturnal energy of Berlin, though it’s only when you get up close that you realise what it is.”

The nods to Germany’s creative heritage continue in the details, from the coffee table tomes sourced from a local bookshop to the design of the headboard – a geometric pattern on textured bouclé inspired by textile artist Anni Albers. Though the hotel is very much of its place, there are references to Dean Group’s roots too – the mini-bar is stocked with Irish snacks including the famed Tayto crisps, while a Guinness tap has been installed in the bar.

Art also plays a central role in the scheme. More than simply decoration, Dean Group regards art as the lens through which guests experience their surroundings, and as a result, its hotels become living galleries. The groupwide programme is curated by Jenn Ellis of Apsara Studio and is guided by the belief that art captures the spirit of a destination; entitled Stories of Place, it explores the culture

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LIGHTING THAT ELEVATES EVERY STAY TRUSTED BY THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS HOTEL BRANDS, FROM CONCEPT TO ROLLOUT FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING

|

FASTER DELIVERY

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EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

and communities that shape each location’s

in Tel Aviv, it has become something of a

identity, delivered through site-responsive

Berlin institution. A light-touch refurbishment

commissions and local partnerships. In Berlin,

taking in wallcoverings and lighting has lifted

Ellis partnered with independent curator Thom

the interiors to align with the hotel, and locals

Oosterhof to build a collection around the

can rest easy in the knowledge that their

theme of Wanderers. Spanning public spaces,

neighbourhood hangout carries the same energy

guestrooms and even the façade, the artworks

it always has.

reflect the transience of the city and the human

Such a strong F&B concept has helped in

desire to find belonging. Some invite stillness

populating the hotel’s public spaces too, with

and a moment of reflection, while others are

the experience being a world away from the

conversation-starters. “Every artist has a

lifeless lobbies of the past. The collaborative

connection to Berlin – from local galleries to

nature of the project has also resulted in a hotel

local academies,” notes Tan, himself an avid

that feels part of its locale, rather than simply

collector. “This forms an ecosystem: we serve

an add-on, and it’s this spirit that Dean Group

the creative set and want them to visit our

hopes to achieve in its forthcoming ventures.

hotels, so by displaying their work, the hope is that they come back.”

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“Berlin is a one-of-a-kind property, and Munich will be a one-of-a-kind property,”

And come back they do, so much so that it’s

Evans concludes. “In each of these hotels,

difficult to get a seat at Benedict, the hotel’s

we’re really getting beneath the skin of

main F&B venue. Part bakery, part restaurant,

the neighbourhood, working with the local

part bar, the popular eatery predates The Dean,

community to create true cultural hubs; that’s

having built a loyal following since its 2016

our primary motivation, and you can’t do that

debut, and though the concept was founded

without collaboration.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: LHC Group Operator: Dean Group Interior Design: Rachael Gowdridge Art Consultant: Apsara Studio, Thom Oosterhof Lighting Design: Weiser Lighting Graphic Design: Stacks Studio Procurement: Acacia Global Procurement Landscaping: Underleaf Main Contractor: ERL Hotel Project Management www.deangroup.com

Marco Joe Fazio Creatives

#stoneexperts #bringingstonetolife

bespoke stone fabrication for over 50 years www.stone-circle.com

PICCHIO Alessandro Munge

contardi-italia.com

Hilton Bankside LONDON Space Invader looks to one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods to deliver an expansion grounded in local flair.

Words: Hannah Wintle • Photography: © Mark Weeks

W

hether weaving through Borough

the cultural, the creative and the connected,”

Market, perusing the galleries of the

explains Senior Interior Designer Shreena

Tate Modern or listening to a sonnet

Patel. “Bankside is known as ‘the other side’ of

at Shakespeare’s Globe, it’s impossible not to

London – it has theatres and galleries, and was

feel the creativity, theatricality and unbridled

always seen as quite rebellious, a place for the

culture of Bankside.

free thinkers. We approached this project with

Situated on the south bank of the River Thames,

the

neighbourhood

wears

its

eccentricities proudly, making it a fitting muse

these concepts in mind, which allowed us to be more daring with the colour scheme, the prints and even the stitching details.”

for those wishing to capture London’s artistic

This bold approach is exemplified in the

essence. With its recent expansion, Hilton

sculptural headboard, which swoops across

London Bankside has done just this, introducing

the wall and folds around corners to cocoon

86 new guestrooms and suites, all of which

the bed. In the absence of artwork above – an

embody a distinctly creative flair.

intentional decision – the headboard serves as

Splendid Hospitality Group entrusted the

the focal point. “You would expect there to be

project to Manchester design firm Space

art above the bed,” Patel admits. “But in the

Invader, who developed a total of four schemes

streets of Bankside, there’s an unexpected piece

of varying colour palettes for the 12 new

of artwork around every corner, so we wanted

guestroom categories. Occupying a two-storey

to replicate this experience in the rooms. Now,

rooftop extension, each room has been curated

when a guest walks in, they see the headboard

in line with Bankside’s history and character.

first. It’s when they turn a corner that they find

“We always look at the area and local context,

the art, and the room becomes a gallery.”

which led us down three unique concept threads:

Multiple artworks in various mediums

115

contribute to this gallery feel, with a scheme curated by

bedside cabinets by Egger, Bankside’s identity is honoured in

Studio Graphite to pay homage to Tate Modern and local

the smallest of details. “We brought the playhouse style into

graffiti culture. While the pieces differ from standard rooms

the guestrooms through piping and fringing details on the

to suites, a sense of tactility and motion is ever-present,

cushions and perch bench, which itself feels sculptural with

chosen to mimic the flowing river and bustling nature of

arch-inspired legs,” explains Patel. “We’ve mimicked the

the neighbourhood.

surrounding architecture too; the fluid lines of the headboard

The floor and wallcoverings continue this dialogue, with carpets mimicking an artist’s brushstrokes and wallpapers

mirror reference Tate Modern.”

depicting human-form silhouettes in celebration of

The desk follows the form of the headboard with a

Bankside’s thinkers. “It’s quite abstract,” says Associate

similarly asymmetrical shape and cantilever design, while its

Director Imogen Woodage. “We wanted to bring people into

warm-grain stone and double bull-nose edge lends dramatic

the design, whether through cut-outs in the corridors, or

curves and a more premium feel. “Those little touches make

miniature sculptures on LED-lit shelves. It’s about creating

the room a theatrical experience,” says Patel, and Woodage

that personal element.”

agrees. “The details are key,” she adds. “It feels considered,

A defining feature of the art story comes courtesy of Hilton

and that’s what has given each room its wow factor.”

London Bankside’s wider scheme, with its recurring vulpine

The range of guestrooms and suites cater to the ever-

motif said to hark back to when a fox regularly visited the site

evolving guest profile – some come with kitchenettes and

during the hotel’s construction. “We wanted to incorporate a

spacious lounges, while others feature walk-in showers

fox into the scheme, so we came up with the idea of a panel

or private mini-gyms – yet all maintain a deeply-rooted

above the desk containing a point of interest, something to

dialogue with its setting. “Each room feels unique, but

observe,” Woodage remarks. “We knew it would be some

you can see a relation with the local area – it’s what ties it

sort of sculpture, we just didn’t know what until the hotel

all together,” Woodage concludes, and it’s true. Standing

suggested a fox head.”

hundreds of metres above Bankside, looking down across the

Aside from these more playful pieces, which accompany wallpapers by Wall & Decò, carpets by Ege and natural oak

116

are more organic, while the angular joinery and full length

sweeping views of the neighbourhood and beyond, certainly doesn’t detract from feeling immersed in it.

La Suite Novotel PARC DES PRINCES An accessible hotel room within a 47,929-capacity football stadium is highlighting Novotel’s drive to democratise longevity.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Andrea Montano (unless otherwise stated)

esigning experiences that are accessible to all may seem like

D

Inside, the design is based on Novotel’s Hypothesis scheme, which

an obvious principle, yet in practice, it remains far from

prioritises space optimisation through adaptable and flexible layouts.

universally achieved. Many hospitality businesses still approach

A curved ceiling creates a cocooning feel, while a mirrored wall and

accessibility as a regulatory obligation, often resulting in surface-level

smart, locker-style wardrobe enhance the sense of space. There’s

solutions and frustrated travellers.

a queen-size bed, a mini-bar and a Lutron lighting system with

Novotel is seeking to change this narrative. Accor’s founding brand

customised scenes. The suite also features a wet room kitted-out

has recently launched Longevity Everyday, an ambitious new vision

by Laufen with the new MySpa digital shower, where light, sound

that aims to redefine the role of hotels in supporting the wellbeing of

and water converge to transform the bathroom into a sanctuary of

guests, whatever their requirements. Activated through programming,

relaxation and wellness. For many, however, the highlight is the

products and partnerships, the approach is built on the pillars of

spacious terrace offering a birds-eye view of the PSG team in play.

Eat, Sleep, Move and Meet, which collectively encompass everything

But even more impressive is the fact that the entire suite is

from diet and rest to mental wellbeing, physical activity and social

fully accessible, ensuring those with mobility, visual, auditory and

connection. A venture that is already showing the strategy in action is

cognitive conditions can partake too. To put this to the test, Accor

La Suite Novotel, billed as the first-ever permanent hotel room inside

invited Paralympian Michaël Jeremiasz to stay. Besides his sporting

a European football stadium.

success, the wheelchair tennis champion is an advocate for the rights

Located at Parc des Princes, the home of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG),

of people with disabilities. A tour of the suite with Jeremiasz revealed

the self-contained, purpose-built suite offers loyal supporters the

the key features of the room, from wide doorways and clear floor

chance to experience one of the world’s top teams in action, as well

space for manoeuvring, to easy-to-reach switches, roll-in showers

as spend the night after the final whistle.

and grab bars. What’s notable too, is the flexible nature of the

The project is part of Accor’s ongoing partnership with the football club, which extends to the ALL.com Bar, a VIP hospitality experience

118

space; interventions are discreet – fold-down, detachable or heightadjustable – ensuring the suite is user-friendly for all.

with a panoramic pitch-side view. Its inception was led by Federico

In testing La Suite Novotel, Jeremiasz was able to highlight

Toresi, Global Senior Vice President of Design for Accor’s Premium,

potential improvements, and Accor are the first to admit it’s been

Midscale and Economy brands, working alongside Damien Perrot,

a learning curve. “Until now, longevity has often been framed as a

Global Chief Design, Technical Services & Innovation Officer. Together,

luxury pursuit built around extreme wellness practices. At Novotel, we

they faced some unique challenges in bringing the idea to fruition. The

believe longevity is not about radical transformation, but about small,

location of the suite – perched over the stadium’s upper-tier seating,

incremental actions that last and compound over time,” explains

high above the dugout – presented difficulties owing to structural

Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. “Novotel’s strength

beams, differing floor levels and access, not to mention operational

is its universal appeal. We therefore have a unique opportunity to

hurdles such as plumbing and food service.

democratise longevity and make it possible for everyone, every day.”

Courtesy of Laufen

119

DESIGN DETAILS

NEWBUILD

Pür Recording & Residence Based on the simple idea that surroundings affect creative output, design innovation studio Sour has created Pür Recording & Residence – a hotel and recording studio that bridges craft and world-class acoustics.

Located on the Turkish island of Cunda, the creative retreat explores the tensions between design and technology, place and sound. 12 guestrooms play host to visiting musicians, while facilities include vocal and percussion rooms, reverb chambers and editing suites.

At the heart of the complex is the Musician’s Lounge, a naturally-lit cave that provides a subterranean atmosphere ideally suited to music production. A glass fibre reinforced concrete shell introduces a fluid design language, with the sculptural interiors flowing as a sequence of soundscapes, each defined by variations in volume, proportion and carefully calibrated surfaces of reflection and absorption.

Built as a box-in-box system with the capacity to host a 75-piece orchestra, the recording studio incorporates sliding partitions and rotating ceiling panels, which enable the space to be tuned like an instrument, expanding the range of acoustic possibilities. “Our initial recording artists have reported that the studio removes all barriers to creativity,” explains Pieter Snapper, Music Director at Pür. “There is time, freedom, calm and inspiration, which allows creative ideas to develop naturally and with a sense of playfully chaotic inevitability.”

© Inanc Eray

DESIGN DETAILS

LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS

Mantis Hiddn in Addo

As travellers continue to seek immersive

Expansive timber decks invite guests to connect

experiences that offer a deliberate pause from

with the land and its wildlife, while infinity pools

modern life, a new wave of off-grid retreats are

and South African-made, wood-fired hot tubs

redefining contemporary hospitality through

encourage relaxation and introspection. Beyond

low-impact, nature-led design. In South Africa’s

design, Mantis Hiddn embeds sustainability into

Eastern Cape, Mantis Hiddn in Addo reflects

its infrastructure, with the retreat powered by

this shift, with an architectural approach that

solar energy and supported by water harvesting

prioritises seclusion, environmental sensitivity

and recycling systems.

and material authenticity, establishing a close dialogue with its surroundings.

“As our third property in this region, Hiddn is rewriting the script for wellness, nature-led

Set on an 800-hectare private reserve within

experiences and sustainable luxury travel,”

Addo Elephant National Park, the retreat

says Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis Collection.

comprises 12 suites and two private villas, each

“This remote retreat overturns the rule book.

perched atop a mountain to maximise privacy

Here, rituals replace rigid schedules and tick-

whilst providing uninterrupted views of the

list activities. The name Hiddn reflects both its

surrounding wilderness. Constructed from locally

physical, secluded setting and its philosophy: a

sourced materials to minimise environmental

place of quiet discovery for travellers seeking

impact, the cabins have been designed to blur

transformative, curiosity-led experiences rather

the boundaries between interior and exterior.

than conventional tourism.”

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23/4/26

12:40

A New Wonder Of The World One year after launching an international design competition to create a new sustainable landmark, social enterprise Shift reveals its five finalists.

Words: Eleanor Howard

T

hroughout history, humans have created

brief called for a 25,000-30,000m2 purpose-driven

landmarks – from pyramids to cathedrals

destination that incorporates a hotel, conference centre,

to skyscrapers – to serve as protection,

food court and a 10,000m2 immersive experience. While

gathering places and status symbols.

the first Shift Landmark is planned for Waterkant, a new

Now, Shift, a new social venture founded

waterfront district in the south of Rotterdam, Shift’s

by Dutch entrepreneur Don Ritzen, is

longer-term ambition is to build a global network of

advancing this tradition with a new landmark for the 21st century, creating a place that makes sustainable living more desirable.

Landmarks across six continents.

“Shift aims to turn climate ambition into something people can experience,” continues Ritzen. “By

“Shift currently exists as a digital platform, but for

combining art, architecture, innovation and education,

real impact, it also needs to exist in the physical world,”

the Landmark is designed to make a circular future

explains Ritzen. “As physical destinations, landmarks

visible, tangible and irresistibly compelling, giving

have the ability to empower people in ways digital

millions a clear pathway from inspiration to action.”

platforms simply cannot – in our case, to transform

After receiving 80 entries, Shift together with New

the dominant narrative from denial and powerlessness

York-based agency DVDL and a jury of experts in

to hope and action. A landmark for sustainability – the

architecture, sustainability, biodiversity, culture and

Shift Landmark – is key to this mission.”

impact investment, has selected the five shortlisted

To turn this ambitious vision into a reality, Shift

design firms – Ecosistema Urbano, Heatherwick, Office

launched an international competition to design a new

for Political Innovation, Mecanoo and MVRDV – the

‘Wonder of the World’ that is 100% sustainable. The

proposals of which can be seen overleaf.

1. URBAN REEF Heatherwick Studio

1.

Inspired by a reef ecosystem, Heatherwick Studio proposes a six-tiered tower comprising a series of immersive and multi-sensory spaces that spark curiosity and build understanding of climate action. Designed as a regenerative, adaptable landmark, the structure minimises embodied carbon through a timber structure and modular systems that evolve over time.

Bio-based, recyclable materials reduce waste, while planted terraces enhance biodiversity.

Natural ventilation, daylight and integrated water systems ensure environmental efficiency, creating a calm, comfortable and future-focused public and guest experience.

2. THE HOUSE OF SHIFT Mecanoo

Rooted in the urgent realities of delta harbour cities such as Rotterdam, The House of Shift places upcycling, carbon storage, energy neutrality and ecological integration at its core.

Indoor spaces invite reflection and action, from the welcoming Great Hall to the immersive environments within The Elysium that explore the forces shaping our world. Meanwhile, outdoor realms such as The World of Sounds and Garden of the Senses are designed to reconnect visitors with nature. The Tower of Change, constructed from modular crosslaminated timber boxes and clad with solar panels, houses a 200-key hotel, F&B venues, co-working facilities and event spaces.

2.

126

3. ROTTERDAM ROCKS! MVRDV

3.

Dutch practice MVRDV seeks to strengthen the city’s experimental character by transforming architecture into a regenerative urban ecosystem. Combining biodiversity, architecture and public life, Rotterdam Rocks! imagines a stacked landscape of plant-covered rocks, each porous and irregular in shape to facilitate circulation, social interaction and ecological integration. Ultimately, the project offers an immersive spatial experience that reflects new models of climate-responsive urban living.

4. A LIVING LANDMARK Ecosistema Urbano

4.

Blending public space, ecology and civic life, Ecosistema Urbano has conceived a living ecosystem that fosters biodiversity and community connection. Built from reclaimed steel and timber, the structure is designed to minimise carbon emissions and return long-term urban value to the city. The façade is wrapped in greenhouse textiles and biodegradable nets that serve as habitats for plants and wildlife, while regulating climate. Inside, visitors are invited to take a vertical journey through green spaces, from the ground-floor Plaza to the Observation Stage Summit.

5. PLANETARY LANDMARK FOR THE CLIMATE CHANGE AGE Office for Political Innovation

Led by Andrés Jaque, Spanish studio Office for Political Innovation submitted an amorphous concept that reimagines architecture as an inhabitable ‘Climate Section’ through the earth’s Critical Zone. Rather than a static icon, it operates as a live interface that actively senses climate systems. Integrating research, public life and environmental data, the structure positions Rotterdam as a testing ground for a new civic infrastructure grounded in ecological awareness and shared agency.

5.

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W W W. BAGNODE SIGN . I T

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15/04/2026 5:57 PM

Hotel Construction Pipeline Americas Reflecting a steady and diversified growth trajectory, the Americas maintains a substantial development footprint with 1,842 projects in the pipeline according to the latest data from THP. By city, Miami leads by project count, with neighbouring Miami Beach also ranking among the top ten, underscoring South Florida’s position as a key hotspot. Buoyed by the ongoing branded residence boom, the area’s influx of new developments includes mixed-use projects from Waldorf Astoria, Rosewood and Mandarin Oriental.

TOP CITIES MIAMI Projects 34 Rooms 8,100

CHICAGO Projects 20 Rooms 5,056

Meanwhile, New York continues to build momentum with 8,094 rooms on the way thanks to new ventures from IHG, Marriott and Ennismore. Plus, there’s no let up in appetite for luxury assets in Manhattan, as Minor Hotels prepares to launch the inaugural outpost for The Wolseley Hotels in 2027.

NEW YORK Projects 28 Rooms 8,094

MIAMI BEACH Projects 20 Rooms 4,162

PUNTA CANA Projects 25 Rooms 10,002

LOS ANGELES Projects 19 Rooms 4,785

AUSTIN Projects 18 Rooms 3,332

Elsewhere in the region, development is gaining pace across the Caribbean.

Hard Rock International has set its sights on Puerto Rico, while the Bahamas is preparing to welcome a Ritz-Carlton Reserve & Residences, in addition to a Bvlgari Resort & Residences, both expected in 2029.

NASHVILLE Projects 23 Rooms 5,696

TORONTO Projects 19 Rooms 4,086

CANCUN Projects 17 Rooms 7,095

TOP COUNTRIES

In total, the Americas is set to add 94,840 rooms to its inventory in 2026, with a further 87,225 due to open through 2027.

Projects Rooms

THP is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide.

For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

130

Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

USA 1,361 245,126

CANADA 112 22,566

MEXICO 101 20,215

DOM REP 42 15,262

BRAZIL 36 7,230

6

7

8

9

10

ARGENTINA 24 3,144

TURKS & CAICOS 15 2,417

PUERTO RICO 14 2,866

BAHAMAS 13 2,129

PERU 12 1,546

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 346,828 rooms in the pipeline across the Americas, 33% (114,607 rooms) are in the latter stages of planning and a further 37% (128,536 rooms) are currently under construction, with interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs being implemented.

VISION

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

PRE-OPENING

Projects 53 Rooms 8,871

Projects 437 Rooms 77,240

Projects 630 Rooms 114,607

Projects 622 Rooms 128,536

Projects 100 Rooms 17,574

GROUPS AND BRANDS While Marriott International remains the most active group in the region, Hilton is rapidly gaining ground, supported by the launch of new brands such as Apartment Collection and Outset Collection, alongside the continued growth of its extended-stay and select-service portfolio.

370 Projects 320 Projects 117 Projects 73 Projects 38 Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Home2 Suites by Hilton

76

8,712

Towne Place Suites

50

5,395

AC Hotels

45

6,680

Hampton by Hilton

42

4,843

Tribute Portfolio

36

7,702

Tempo by Hilton

32

4,784

Autograph Collection

31

7,273

Tapestry Collection

31

4,162

Hyatt House

26

3,597

Fairfield by Marriott

26

2,865

YEAR OF OPENING

2026 (27%)

2027 (27%)

2028 (16%)

2029+ (9%)

UNCONFIRMED (21%)

131

BUSINESS CENTRE

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Two takes on platforms with Series and Yotel

and a pipeline of new developments, with the

That distinction is critical. Where Marriott

assets to be grouped under a regional brand

is effectively curating a collection of regional

that will sit within the Series portfolio. Marriott

brands within its own Series framework,

Marriott and Hilton are reshaping how they

secures distribution, loyalty penetration and

Hilton is acting more as a platform host. Select

grow: less reliance on hard brands, more on

incremental rooms; Amapa retains operational

by Hilton is designed to connect third-party

platform-style affiliations. Marriott’s Series

influence and local positioning. The balance is

brands into Hilton’s system without subsuming

expansion in Europe and Japan, alongside

deliberate.

them. In Yotel’s case, this means access to

Hilton’s Yotel tie-up, shows two distinct

The UK agreement with Splendid points to

scale – distribution reach, loyalty demand

approaches to the same problem – how to add

how Marriott intends to scale the concept.

and technology infrastructure – without

rooms, distribution and fee income without full

Splendid is not a new partner but one that has

relinquishing brand control.

brand control.

already worked with Marriott on Four Points

Marriott’s push with Series underlines

Flex by Sheraton. By bringing a portfolio of UK

HA PERSPECTIVE

a broader shift in how the global groups are

hotels into Series and exploring further projects,

For owners, both models address the same

approaching the softer middle of the market.

Marriott is effectively building a repeatable

underlying need: access. Loyalty programmes

Rather than imposing a single global flag,

conversion channel with an experienced

approaching or exceeding 250 million members,

Marriott is building a structure that allows

operator. That suggests Series is not a one-off

combined with global booking engines and revenue

regional brands and independent operators

experiment but a core component of Marriott’s

management systems, are increasingly decisive in

to plug into its system while retaining local

European growth strategy, particularly in

driving performance. Whether through Series or

identity. The latest moves – Amapa in Italy,

markets where independent supply remains

Select, the value proposition is the same – plug into

Splendid in the UK and the brand’s debut in

fragmented and conversion opportunities are

the system, lift distribution and benefit from brand-

Japan – demonstrate how that strategy is being

abundant.

backed demand without necessarily adopting a fully

executed across different geographies and

Japan adds a different dimension because it

standardised product.

shows the brand in operation. The opening of

The divergence lies in how tightly that system is

Series matters because it fills a structural

a Series hotel in Osaka under a locally resonant

structured. Marriott’s Series sits closer to a curated

gap. Marriott introduced the brand in 2025 as

name highlights how Marriott is positioning

collection, where the group retains a degree of brand

a global collection for midscale and upscale

the brand: the property identity remains front-

oversight within its own architecture. Hilton’s Select

properties, initially gaining traction in India

facing, while the Marriott system sits behind

model, as demonstrated by the Yotel agreement, is

before expanding into Europe and Asia Pacific.

it. The approach is consistent with the broader

looser: a franchised platform connection that leaves

Crucially, it is positioned not as a tightly

Series logic – local brand equity combined with

the external brand largely intact.

standardised brand but as a wrapper: a way to

global distribution – and reinforces the idea that

There are implications for both approaches.

bring “established, regionally relevant brands

Marriott is prioritising network expansion over

Marriott’s model offers greater coherence but

and hotels” into Marriott Bonvoy without

strict brand uniformity.

requires careful curation to avoid dilution. Hilton’s

ownership contexts.

forcing them into an existing flag. For Marriott,

Hilton’s Yotel deal operates in the same

model is more flexible and potentially faster to scale,

this is as much about conversions as it is about

strategic space but with a different structure.

but risks becoming a loose federation if partner

branding. Conversions already account for a

Hilton has signed an exclusive agreement that

brands vary too widely in positioning and quality. In

significant share of signings, and Series gives

brings Yotel into its newly created Select by

both cases, execution will determine whether these

Marriott a more flexible tool to capture that

Hilton platform. The key point is that Yotel

platforms enhance or erode brand clarity.

pipeline.

remains an independent brand. Hilton is not

What is clear is that both companies are responding

The Amapa deal illustrates the model in

rebranding the hotels or absorbing Yotel into

to the same structural reality. Growth in many

practice. Rather than building a new brand

its existing portfolio. Instead, Yotel continues

markets now lies less in newbuild development and

footprint in Italy, Marriott is aligning with a local

to manage and develop its brand while gaining

more in conversion of existing stock. Independent

owner that already understands its markets.

access to Hilton’s distribution, technology and

hotels and regional brands remain significant,

The agreement covers multiple existing hotels

Hilton Honors loyalty ecosystem.

particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. Capturing

133

At the end of 2025, Minor reported net debt

execution, including asset selection, pricing and

to EBITDA of 4.60x and interest cover of 3.41x,

investor appetite for hotel-backed cashflows.

Marriott’s Series deals with Amapa, Splendid

underlining the balance sheet rationale for

However, the choice of Singapore as a listing

and its Japan launch, alongside Hilton’s Yotel

monetising mature assets. A REIT structure

venue underlines a broader point: while capital

partnership, point to a shared conclusion: the

would allow the group to crystallise value and

for hospitality real estate is available in public

next phase of expansion will be platform-led. The

redeploy capital into expansion, particularly

markets, it is not evenly distributed, with Asia –

difference is in interpretation. Marriott is building

as it continues to grow its global operating

rather than Europe – continuing to offer the most

its own collection ecosystem. Hilton is opening its

platform.

receptive environment for listed hotel vehicles.

that supply requires flexibility – both in branding and in operating models.

system to external brands.

Two takes on the same idea, with the same objective – scale without full control.

The contrast with the UK market is notable.

While London hosts one of the largest and most liquid listed real estate sectors globally, no dedicated hotel REIT has been established, with investor demand typically concentrated in

Hotel executives arriving in Berlin in March

sectors offering long-dated, inflation-linked

were not short of reasons to be cautious.

income. LondonMetric Property illustrates

Conflict in the Middle East, rising operating

that dynamic. The UK-listed REIT, focused on

costs and uneven economic growth across

Minor Hotels’ plan to establish a hotel-focused

long-income assets, has recently completed

regions all featured heavily in discussions. Yet

REIT in Singapore highlights the city-state’s

a GBP1.5bn refinancing of unsecured debt

what stood out across multiple IHIF sessions

position as the leading public market for

facilities, reducing its average drawn margin

was not anxiety, but a recalibration in how the

hospitality real estate vehicles, in contrast to

to 105bps and extending debt maturity to 4.4

industry is framing disruption.

the UK where no pure-play listed hotel REIT

years. Its portfolio is weighted towards logistics

“Uncertainty is the only certainty we have

has emerged despite a deep and active property

and distribution, with around 18% exposure to

every year,” said Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG

sector.

Hotel REITs find home in Singapore as UK shuns sector

entertainment and leisure assets, within which

Hotels & Resorts, speaking on stage at the

The group said it is targeting a potential

hotels account for roughly a third, implying

InterContinental Berlin. For Maalouf, the point

2026 listing for a vehicle holding stabilised

only a mid-single-digit allocation to the sector

is no longer to predict shocks, but to assume

hotel assets across Europe and Asia, allowing

overall.

them. Tariffs one year, geopolitical conflict the

it to recycle capital from owned properties,

That limited exposure reflects broader

while retaining operational control through

investor preferences in the UK market, where

management contracts and brand agreements.

hotel income – typically more volatile and

That mindset is shaping strategy. Rather than

The proposed Singapore listing reflects both

operationally driven – has struggled to align

retreating in volatile periods, global operators are

investor familiarity with hospitality REIT

with the income stability sought by listed real

leaning more heavily on scale and diversification.

structures and the availability of capital for

estate investors. As a result, hotel assets have

IHG’s presence across 100 countries allows it to

more operationally exposed income streams.

remained largely outside the core REIT universe,

absorb demand displacement rather than suffer

held instead by private investors, operators or

outright demand destruction. “It matters less

within diversified portfolios.

where people are travelling, as long as they’re

“By separating asset ownership from hotel operations where appropriate, the REIT is

next, are now treated as recurring conditions rather than exceptional events.

expected to play a key role in accelerating Minor

Singapore’s REIT market, by contrast,

Hotels’ shift toward a more asset-right model,”

has demonstrated a greater willingness

Sebastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor,

the company said.

to accommodate variable income profiles,

described the same dynamic from the demand

travelling,” Maalouf said.

Singapore’s market has a track record of

supported by structures that blend fixed

side. Travel behaviour has become more

supporting hotel REITs with cross-border

and performance-linked components. This

reactive, with a growing proportion of bookings

portfolios and hybrid income structures,

has enabled the development of dedicated

made close to departure. “60% of customers

making it a natural venue for operators seeking

hospitality platforms with geographically

decide within 12 days – they don’t know where

to separate property ownership from operating

diverse portfolios, providing a precedent for

they’re going,” he said. The implication is

platforms. Minor’s move follows an established

transactions such as Minor’s proposed listing.

not weaker demand, but faster shifts between destinations. In recent weeks, Bazin noted,

model in the region, where listed vehicles have

134

Stability is no longer the plan

been used to unlock capital while maintaining

HA PERSPECTIVE

travellers have moved away from parts of the

brand and management exposure.

The success of Minor’s REIT will depend on

Middle East and into markets such as Morocco,

BUSINESS CENTRE

Turkey and Greece. “We don’t lose people, they

estate, with Maalouf pointing to improved

end and in more value-driven segments.

just go to another destination,” he said.

performance as a result. The aim is not just to

“We’re seeing over-indexing within the luxury

drive revenue, but to respond more dynamically

space, but we’re also seeing over-indexing in

to changing demand patterns.

midscale,” he said.

For large operators, this reinforces the importance of network breadth. Capturing demand is increasingly about retaining the

Cost pressures remain a central concern,

This divergence is shaping development

traveller within a system rather than relying

particularly in Europe and North America.

strategies, with operators expanding across

on any individual market.

Labour, insurance and taxes have all increased

multiple segments rather than focusing on a

While volatility dominates the short-term

since the pandemic, putting pressure on margins.

single part of the market. Across all segments,

narrative, executives remain focused on longer-

Operators are responding with procurement

however, the underlying driver remains

term demand drivers that continue to support

scale, design efficiencies and pricing tools, but

consistent: a growing willingness to spend on

growth. Chief among these is the shift towards

the environment remains challenging.

travel and experiences.

spending on experiences rather than goods.

Despite this, much of the discussion in Berlin

Loyalty is also shifting. Traditional points-

“I don’t see many industries that have these

centred on growth, particularly in emerging

based programmes remain important, but

tailwinds,” Maalouf said. “People are selecting

markets. India in particular was highlighted

younger travellers are less tied to individual

experiences much more than products. Travel

as a key opportunity. Bazin described India as

brands. Muckermann suggested this reflects

is the ultimate life experience.”

“probably the best market” globally, pointing to

a preference for convenience rather than a

That shift is now influencing how hotel groups

sustained GDP growth and major infrastructure

rejection of loyalty itself. “Younger people

design and market their products. Barbara

investment. Yet he also acknowledged the

have much less patience – any system that will

Muckermann, group CEO of Kempinski Hotels,

difficulty of operating there. “It took us 45 years

give them a frictionless environment is what is

described a clear change in guest behaviour.

to get to 78 hotels,” he said, underlining the

driving behaviour,” she said.

“They actually want to throw themselves inside

complexity of the market and the importance

the destination,” she said, pointing to a move

of local expertise.

For operators, this means rethinking loyalty as part of a broader ecosystem rather than a

away from insulated, standardised experiences

Maalouf reinforced the broader shift

standalone programme. The goal is increasingly

towards more local and authentic engagement.

eastwards, noting that the bulk of new aviation

to keep customers within a network of brands

This is altering how hotels generate revenue.

capacity and infrastructure investment is taking

and experiences rather than relying on repeat

Peter Krueger, CEO of Holiday Experiences at

place outside Europe and North America. The

stays at a single flag.

TUI Group, noted that around half of experiences

expansion of middle classes, combined with

The discussions in Berlin point to an industry

are now sold before guests arrive. “People book

airline growth, is expected to drive continued

that is adapting its operating model to a more

the summer holiday now, and they already think

increases in travel demand across the region.

volatile environment while remaining confident

today what they will do in the destination,” he

Europe, however, remains central to global

in its long-term growth prospects. Disruption

said. The hotel stay is increasingly just one

tourism flows. Maalouf pointed to the region’s

is being treated as a constant rather than an

component of a broader travel experience that

unique concentration of culture, geography

exception, and strategies are being shaped

begins well before check-in.

and infrastructure as key advantages. Despite

accordingly. Bazin summed up the approach in

Technology is accelerating this shift. Mark

relatively weak GDP growth, demand for

simple terms. “Don’t ever stop, don’t change

Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt,

European travel remains strong, supported by

the course,” he said, referring to Accor’s use of

described how generative AI is reshaping how

international visitors.

rolling three-year plans. varies

For an industry that has historically reacted

destinations and dates, users are increasingly

significantly. Bazin highlighted structural

quickly to external shocks, that may prove to be

describing what they want to experience.

differences between markets, noting that

the most significant change of all.

“You’re expressing an intent and you get back a

in Italy, for example, the vast majority of

whole bunch of offerings and options,” he said.

hotels remain independent. That creates both

HA PERSPECTIVE

For operators, this creates new opportunities

opportunities and challenges for international

The language coming out of Berlin suggests an

brands seeking to expand.

industry that has made its peace with disruption.

customers search for travel. Instead of selecting

for personalisation but also raises expectations.

Within

Europe,

performance

Understanding guest preferences in real time

At the same time, demand patterns are

Executives talk less about navigating individual

is becoming central to both marketing and

evolving. Neal Jones, president EMEA at

crises and more about operating within a constant

operations. IHG has rolled out an AI-driven

Marriott International, described a market

state of uncertainty. The question is whether this

revenue management system across its global

where spending is increasing at both the high

reflects a genuine shift in how hotel groups behave,

135

BUSINESS CENTRE

or simply a more polished way of describing what

Even so, it would be premature to describe this as a

they have always done.

full recalibration of the industry.

There is some evidence that the shift is real. The

Much of the evidence remains rhetorical.

most striking change is not that leaders acknowledge

Executives are clear on how they want to position

volatility – hospitality has always been cyclical – but

their businesses, but less explicit on how this

that they now treat it as a permanent feature rather

translates into capital allocation or risk tolerance.

than an interruption. When Elie Maalouf, CEO of

There is little discussion of whether hurdle rates have

IHG Hotels & Resorts, describes uncertainty as an

changed, whether development pipelines are being

annual certainty rather than an occasional shock,

reweighted towards more resilient asset classes, or

he is reframing the baseline assumptions that sit

whether balance sheet strategies are evolving to

behind strategy.

reflect a more volatile world.

That reframing matters because it influences

There is also a risk of overstating the novelty of

how decisions are made. If volatility is expected,

what is being described. Large hotel groups have

then resilience becomes a design principle, not

long relied on diversification, long-term planning

a contingency plan. The repeated emphasis on

and the assumption that travel demand will recover.

geographic spread, brand segmentation and

What may be changing is not the strategy itself, but

customer ecosystems points in that direction.

the clarity with which it is articulated. In that sense,

Diversification is no longer just about capturing

recalibration may be less about new behaviour and

growth. It is about ensuring that demand, wherever

more about a more explicit acknowledgement of how

it moves, can still be captured.

the industry already operates.

Sebastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor, takes

The more convincing interpretation sits

this a step further. His insistence on maintaining a

somewhere in between. The sector is not reinventing

three-year strategic plan “whatever happens” is, on

itself, but it is formalising its response to volatility.

the surface, a statement of discipline. It also suggests

What was previously implicit – diversification, long-

a deliberate effort to insulate long-term decisions

termism, reliance on demand recovery – is now

from short-term noise. Historically, hotel groups

being codified as deliberate strategy.

have been quick to slow development or retrench

For investors, the distinction matters. If this

in response to shocks. The idea that strategy should

is a genuine shift, it should eventually be visible

remain fixed even as conditions shift is a more

in harder metrics. More consistent development

assertive stance.

pipelines through downturns, greater investment

There is also a practical dimension to this. Bazin’s

in technology and distribution platforms, and a

observation that travellers are not cancelling trips

reduced tendency to retrench in response to shocks

but redirecting them – “we don’t lose people, they

would all point in that direction. If it is not, then

just go to another destination” – only becomes

the language of resilience risks becoming another

useful if companies are structured to follow that

cyclical narrative, deployed when conditions are

demand. The growing focus on loyalty ecosystems

uncertain and forgotten when they stabilise.

and network breadth implies that operators are

Berlin offered a clear view of how industry

trying to do exactly that. Capture the traveller, not

leaders want to be seen. Disciplined, long-term and

just the destination.

structurally positioned for growth despite volatility.

Technology reinforces the argument. The rollout

The next phase will show whether that positioning is

of AI-driven pricing and operational tools across

borne out in behaviour, or remains largely a matter

large portfolios is not a short-term response to a

of framing.

single disruption; it is an attempt to build systems that can adapt continuously. When Maalouf points to measurable performance gains from automated revenue management, he is pointing to a capability designed for ongoing volatility, not episodic recovery.

136

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

BUSINESS CENTRE

3.

1.

4.

2.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry 1. SÃO PAULO

Thanks to a packed events calendar, Paris’ hotel industry posted its highest March ADR and RevPAR on record. Fashion Week, the ChangeNOW planet-impact summit, the tech-focused Upperside World Congress and two Rosalía concerts contributed to the strong performance, with ADR peaking at EUR438.22 on Sunday 8 March.

March 2026 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 67.8% (+13.0%) ADR BRL871.48 (+7.4%) RevPAR BRL590.79 (+21.3%)

March 2026 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 73.9% (-1.3%) ADR EUR351.64 (+7.8%) RevPAR EUR259.70 (+6.5%)

2. RIO DE JANEIRO

4. MILAN

February 2026 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 80.1% (-0.9%) ADR BRL1,312.23 (+49.4%) RevPAR BRL1,050.78 (+48.0%)

March 2026 (year-over-year % change) Occupancy 66.6% (-2.5%) ADR EUR202.42 (+17.2%) RevPAR EUR134.71 (+14.3%)

Rio Carnival drove the host city’s room rates to an all-time high in February. ADR and RevPAR surpassed BRL1,000 for the duration of the festival, with ADR climbing above BRL2,000 on five consecutive nights from 13-17 February. Both KPIs show an uplift of close to 50%, however this is due to last year’s Carnival taking place in March.

138

3. PARIS

Boosted by Design Week, São Paulo’s hotel industry posted its highest March ADR and RevPAR on record, according to preliminary data from CoStar. The annual festival ran 5-15 March, with performance peaking across all metrics on Wednesday 11 March: occupancy (88.9%), ADR (BRL 1,041.59) and RevPAR (BRL926.37).

A combination of events also led Milan to its highest ADR and RevPAR for any March. ADR peaked during the closing days of Fashion Week, while the market’s highest occupancy (91.7%) and RevPAR (EUR225.83) were recorded on the second night of MCE 2026, a biennial HVAC+R, renewable energy and water trade show.

CoStar with STR benchmarking is a global provider of hotel performance data, collated from 90,000 hotels and 11.8 million rooms.

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

DESIGN

|

PROCUREMENT www.occa-design.com

|

BRANDING

EVENTS

Sleeper Sessions 10-13 March 2026 BALI

Hospitality trailblazers come together in Bali for three days of connection, collaboration and culture.

Words: Adam Cymbaluk Photography: © Oerrs Studios (unless otherwise stated)

Sleeper Sessions headed to Bali for its eighth

experience offered a tangible introduction to the

edition, bringing together leading voices from

resort’s ‘Good Times, Do Good’ ethos in action.

the hospitality sector across the Asia Pacific

As evening approached, the programme

region. Hosted at Desa Potato Head, a creative

officially opened with a gathering at Sunset Park

village on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the

overlooking the ocean. Drinks and conversations

three-day programme welcomed specifiers and

flowed as a DJ, housed in a pop-up booth on the

suppliers to connect, collaborate and explore the

rooftop, created a scene-setting Social session

ideas influencing the sector’s future. Framed

that set the tone for the events ahead.

around four key pillars – Symposia, Sync,

Day two commenced with morning rituals

Sustenance and Social – the event delivered a

that created space for reflection through yoga

dynamic and immersive experience grounded in

and meditation. From there, guests dived into

place and purpose.

Klymax – Potato Head’s bunker-like, state-

Day one unfolded at a gentle pace as guests

of-the-art nightclub for the first Symposia

settled into the ‘Desa’ or village – Potato Head’s

session. Head of Wellbeing Kim Herben led a

evolving cultural hub shaped by craft and

group ‘rising ritual’, inviting guests to set their

community. A Follow the Waste tour offered

intention for the days ahead, with the usual

delegates behind-the-scenes insight into the

frenetic energy of the nightclub transformed

property’s industry-leading sustainability

into a tranquil space of reflection and focus,

initiatives. From waste sorting and hands-

a golden glow emanating from the huge

on upcycling, to the creation of a composite

mirrorballs to the haunting sounds of Brian

material used in everything from bathroom

Eno’s ‘An Ending (Ascent)’.

amenities and the Wasted furniture range

Neil Jacobs, founder of Wild Origins and

designed in collaboration with Max Lamb, the

erstwhile CEO of Six Senses, explored the

141

142

EVENTS

evolution of hospitality in a conversation piece entitled

of the hotel, which offered time to unwind, reflect

‘Where the Wild Things Are’. From purpose-led

and reconnect, a convivial close to a content-rich day.

development and sustainability to wellbeing, design

Is Longevity the New Luxury? with Nort Janssen

and lifestyle, the conversation established a strong

of The Longevity Suite Asia, Ian di Tullio of Minor

thematic foundation for the programme.

Hotels, Leo Altomar of Revīvō Wellness Resorts

Sync meetings followed, bringing together those

and Ingo Schweder of Goco Hospitality and

actively working on hotel projects across the region,

Horwath HTL Health & Wellness, opened day three

including designers such as AvroKO, Cheng Chung

with an exploration of one of the industry’s most

Design and HBA, and operators including Ennismore,

influential emerging themes: how longevity, wellness

Six Senses, Hyatt and Marriott International. Senior

and preventative health are reshaping hospitality, from

decision-makers from each company took part in a

integrated resorts to holistic, sustainable approaches.

series of one-to-one conversations with suppliers;

Following further one-to-one meetings, Ross

these meetings were focused and efficient, designed

Woods, founder of PT Hotel Investment Advisory,

to spark meaningful connections and introduce new

then took delegates to Bali & Beyond, delivering a

ideas, products and partnerships that will extend long

data-driven perspective on the region’s future. The

after Sessions ends.

talk addressed the challenges of over-tourism, global

That afternoon, Decoding The Desa with Dan

volatility and the need to design for resilience. This

Mitchell, Chief Creative Officer of Potato Head, offered

was followed by All’s Well That Ends Well, a forward-

a deeper dive into the venue’s philosophy. Joined

looking discussion between Verena Haller of Hyatt’s

by members of its creative community, the session

The Lifestyle Group, Samuel Ding of Capella Hotel

unpacked how the Desa continues to evolve through

Group, Mark Schicker of Geonet and Catherine Chan

collaboration, cultural exchange and a commitment

of Marriott International, on holistic hospitality,

to regeneration.

balancing creativity with commerciality and experience

Sustenance break-outs and workshops allowed

with responsibility.

guests to engage in a series of hands-on activities,

As the programme drew to a close, guests gathered

from crafting incense and cocktails to exploring a

around the beachfront amphitheatre for a contemporary

century of Balinese hotel architecture through books

take on the Balinese ‘megibung’: a communal dining

selected by Paras founder Radit Mahindro, and the

tradition rooted in equality, togetherness and shared

secrets of making local tonic ‘jamu’. These moments

experience, mirroring the spirit of Sessions itself.

provided an opportunity to connect beyond the

Sessions then reached its climactic finale back at

meeting room and to be immersed in the rich cultural

Klymax, which returned to its traditional function as

traditions the island has to offer.

a high-octane nightclub for guests to give Sessions a

The day concluded with a communal gathering in the Bamboo Garden, a hidden courtyard at the heart

fitting farewell dancing long into the night.

www.sleepersessions.com

143

EVENTS

Sleeper Sessions Bali kicked off with a Follow The Waste tour, exploring Desa Potato Head’s waste streams, upcycling labs and zero-waste design.

Here are the highlights...

LOST SOLES

In an effort to highlight the environmental damage caused by flip-flops, millions of which wash ashore globally each year, Potato Head teamed up with German art activist Liina Klauss to create Lost Soles, a large-scale installation comprising over 5,000 plastic flip-flops collected from Bali’s west coast during six beach cleanups. On display at the entrance to Potato Head Beach Club, the rainbow-hued structure takes the shape of an ocean wave, built on a sustainably harvested bamboo frame by Bali-based firm Ibuku.

BUILDING BLOCKS

Sustainability shapes the architecture of Desa Potato Head at every scale. The resort’s first building, envisioned by Indonesian architect Andra Matin, comprises 1.8 million hand-pressed bricks, echoing traditional Balinese temple construction, while the second structure, designed by OMA, blends contemporary techniques and recycled materials with the local vernacular. This approach continues at the beach club, where a façade of 6,600 antique shutters sourced from across Java showcases a commitment to repurposing historically significant materials, while the Headstream radio station incorporates furniture and floors made from recycled plastics and rubber.

WASTE LAB

144

© Tommaso Riva

Established to address the environmental impact of construction, Waste Lab is Desa Potato Head’s in-house research and design studio dedicated to transforming waste into new materials and products that now feature across the resort. Creations range from hotel amenities formed from Styrofoam, HDPE and oyster shells to candles that blend paraffin and discarded cooking oil from the resort’s kitchens. Elsewhere, beer bottles find new life as water glasses, while discarded linens are reworked into aprons and bags, available in the gift shop.

EVENTS

FURNISHED FORMS

The resort’s circular design ethos continues through the interiors, with furniture that combines contemporary design and locally made waste-based materials. Studio TooGood created a bespoke range of rattan seating wrapped in recycled plastic bottles, while Spanish designer Andreu Carulla collaborated with Waste Lab to design stools made from recycled Styrofoam composite. For the guestrooms and suites, Max Lamb worked with artisans from local furniture studio Kalpataru to craft desk chairs from Kaleido plastic – a combination of upcycled yoghurt pots and waste cosmetics bottles pressed into mouldable sheets.

FROM ROOT TO FRUIT

© NVKR

Kitchen waste remains the largest waste stream across the resort, driving an F&B programme built around reduction and re-use.

Guided by Culinary Director Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, the six restaurants and bars prioritise local and plant-based ingredients, working closely with nearby natural farms and fishermen. Circular principles are embedded throughout sourcing and preparation, with ingredients used nose-to-tail and root-to-stem. For example, fruit and vegetable offcuts are fermented into kombuchas and vinegars, leftover bread becomes a garam-style sauce and fruit peels are repurposed as syrups and garnishes.

SEEDS OF LIFE

Shifting the focus from recycling to regeneration, Potato Head collaborates with local makers on Seeds of Life, a collection of apparel and accessories inspired by the natural cycles of growth and renewal. Using low-impact, tradition-led processes, pieces are crafted from organic, bio-based fibres and dyed with natural pigments derived from mangrove bark, jolawe nuts and tunjung – an iron-rich water long used in Indonesian textile practices. Select items feature motifs from Aksara Bali and the Javanese Parang pattern, while the Seeds of Life symbol appears as an embroidered signature throughout the collection.

146

sensiolighting.com

CREATIVE LUXURY LIGHTING FROM

DOWNLOAD THE QUINTIESSE CATALOGUES enquiries@quintiesse.com | quintiesse.com Quintiesse is part of the Elstead Lighting Group Scan for PDF Catalogue

Elstead_Sleeper_FP_May_2026.indd 1

16/04/2026 17:41:41

SIPPING

www.aheadawards.com

000

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

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

THE CATEGORIES

TOP TIPS TO ENTER

AHEAD operates globally across four regional programmes, each with 17 categories available to enter:

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

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

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

CRITERIA AND DEADLINES

THE JUDGES AHEAD’s judging panels comprise over 60 industry-leading figures, including owners, operators and developers as well as architects, interior designers and consultants. Follow on Instagram and LinkedIn for panel announcements.

Hotels that meet the following criteria are eligible to enter: ASIA • Eligibility: opened between January 2025 and May 2026 • Final Entry Deadline: 8 May AMERICAS • Eligibility: opened between January 2025 and May 2026 • Final Entry Deadline: 8 May

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

MEA • Eligibility: opened between January 2025 and June 2026 • Final Entry Deadline: 3 July

Following the shortlist announcement, the regional judging panels meet in person to discuss the merits of every hotel shortlisted. They then cast their votes to determine the winners. All entries are also considered for Hotel of the Year.

EUROPE • Eligibility: opened between January 2025 and August 2026 • Final Entry Deadline: 14 August

For further information, download AHEAD’s entry guidelines via aheadawards.com

AHEAD

THE CEREMONIES

11 SEPTEMBER 2026

15 OCTOBER 2026

PAN PACIFIC ORCHARD SINGAPORE

GOTHAM HALL NEW YORK

2 NOVEMBER 2026

26 NOVEMBER 2026

BLUEWATERS FORUM DUBAI

MAGAZINE LONDON

For tickets, visit the Sleeper Media Store All entrants save 10% www.sleeper.media/store/

EVENT SPONSORS

Silver Lining Combining an international approach with local know-how, Silveroc reveals how its tailored services are supporting the hospitality sector.

W David F Jeannet Founder, Silveroc

154

hether a select-service city inn or a remote

capital, whether they’re entering a new market or

mountaintop retreat, hotel projects are

elaborating a potential purchase,” Jeannet explains.

seldom straightforward. Even for the most

“Our processes are disciplined, but our approach is

experienced owner-operator, the complexities of

tailored specifically to the client and their needs –

site feasibility, regulation codes, construction and

our framework doesn’t change, but the interpretation

procurement can be tough to navigate, often resulting

does. It’s Neapolitan tailoring, applied to real estate.”

in budget overruns and lengthy delays. But it doesn’t

Silveroc Advisory also covers the project lifecycle,

have to be this way: overcoming the obstacles that

with the company able to act as architect of record

arise between concept and completion are all in a day’s

and lead on design and technical services. This could

work for Silveroc.

involve reconciling discrepancies between prescribed

Founded by David F Jeannet in 2008, the privately

brand guidelines and the demands of the site, or

held group offers a holistic approach to real estate

implementing the operational standards required for

David F Jeannet founded Silveroc in 2008, building what is now a boutique real estate services and construction company. Based between the group’s headquarters in Flims and an office in Riga, he is personally involved in every aspects of the development cycle, working hands-on on-site on key projects to ensure a seamless client experience.

development, positioning itself not only as a project

the project to be a success.

Key Hotel Projects: Grand Hotel Belvedere, Wengen; Les Roches Rouges, Saint-Raphaël; The Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt; Florens Lake Resort & Spa, Lake Brienz

manager, but as a strategic partner at the intersection

The second service category is Silveroc Management,

of capital protection, architectural quality and

which spans project, cost, tender and construction

disciplined delivery. From its headquarters in Flims,

management across the full development lifecycle.

Silveroc operates as a boutique real estate services

“While Silveroc Advisory establishes investment

and construction company, though it was initially

logic and strategic positioning, Silveroc Management

established as an owner’s representative for Swiss

translates that framework into controlled delivery.

clients. “I started the business 18 years ago, and

Oftentimes, we start with a limited advisory role

at the time, Switzerland’s hospitality market was

then as the project progresses, we take on additional

very insular; there were few major brands,” says

management services,” Jeannet continues, pointing

Jeannet, referring to the nation’s high proportion

out the benefits of the company’s senior-level

of independent owner-operated hotels. “I had been

engagement approach.

working across CIS countries and when I returned, I was able to bring an international approach.”

Further services in the framework are Silveroc Logistics – a unified site logistics infrastructure

This international approach combined with local

covering access control, delivery scheduling, inventory

know-how proved a winning formula for Jeannet,

tracking and installation coordination; Silveroc

and Silveroc has since evolved to offer six service

Studio – a brand-led design-and-build service

pillars. Silveroc Advisory provides governance-

where identity, interior design and architecture are

driven support during the critical early stages of a

tailored to the client and delivered by one team, under

development, taking in a range of pre-acquisition

one contract; and Silveroc 360 – a fully integrated

functions including feasibility studies and technical

structure for large and complex developments,

due diligence. “It covers all of the services an investor

tendering world-renowned architects and interior

needs before they commit a significant amount of

designers into each project to match the best creatives

SPOTLIGHT MEETING…

“Our processes are disciplined, but our approach is tailored specifically to the client and their needs.”

DAVID JEANNET

to the brand and brief. However, the greatest success story is Silveroc Procurement, which spans FF&E, OS&E and architectural finishes. The service provision has been a major contributor to the company’s penetration in the hospitality market owing to crucial differentiating factors. “We’re not only a procurement agent, but a procurement contractor; the advantage is that the client has a single point of contact, as well as a single point of contract,” Jeannet explains, adding that an open-book policy has helped build trust among clients. “Like our competitors, we have approximately 100 trade accounts across Europe; the key difference is that we have favourable terms due to the fact that I go to these factories several times per year to personally negotiate with the owners. It takes time, but it’s worth the outcome.”

A supply chain in the Baltics, operated from Silveroc’s Riga office, has also been hailed a success, with Jeannet championing Eastern Europe’s work ethic, value for money and quality of joinery and metal works. “All of these factors – our open-book policy, our agent and contracting style, and our presence in Latvia – enable us to service everything from an Ibis to a Four Seasons.”

When it comes to projects, Silveroc boasts an impressive portfolio. At Grand Hotel Belvedere – one of several projects for KSL Capital Partners and Beaumier – the company acted as owner’s representative, overseeing the construction process on the client’s behalf. The Beaumier partnership also marked Silveroc’s entry into the wider European market, with procurement mandates delivered across the operator’s properties in Switzerland, France and Spain. For the recent refurbishment of Novotel Zurich Airport Messe, services spanned architect of record, procurement, and project, tender and construction management. Silveroc has also contributed to Alila La Gruyère and The Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt. And there’s plenty more to come, as Jeannet concludes: “We have some really exciting projects on the boards, which will further showcase how Silveroc’s integrated methodology brings clarity, control and consistency to even the most demanding developments.”

www.silveroc.com

Recent and ongoing projects for Silveroc include (top to bottom): Nivalia in Zermatt, Surprada in Flims Waldhaus, and Florens Lake Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Brienz

155

SPOTLIGHT

Beyond The Reveal

H

ospitality is an industry built around the

There is a discipline to the way Occa approaches

grand reveal, but for integrated studio Occa,

design. Materials are selected for aesthetic value,

the real measure of success begins once the

durability, lead time and lifecycle cost. Layout

doors have opened.

As Occa continues to strengthen its global profile, founder Kate Mooney outlines a strategy that aligns design, delivery and long-term performance.

much as guest experience. Procurement is structured

on a clear-eyed observation: hotel design rarely

through transparent, open-book frameworks. Risk

fails for lack of creativity. Instead, it falters between

is mapped early. Brand standards are interpreted

concept and completion – in procurement strategy,

strategically rather than applied superficially.

coordination, cost control, brand interpretation and

That commercial acuity was further sharpened

operational reality. Occa was conceived to occupy

during the financial crisis of 2008, when Mooney

that liminal space deliberately, though Mooney’s

founded and scaled a global, design-led e-commerce

perspective was shaped long before its inception.

platform from zero revenue to £5m turnover and a

Raised within a family contract furnishings

£9m valuation, securing Series B investment along

business, she witnessed the mechanics of delivery

the way. Operating across 90 countries and serving

from the supply side – the friction between vision

30,000 customers, the venture demanded fluency in

and viability, and specification and installation. An

systems, supply chains, margin control and customer

architecture degree and years working across global

experience at scale. It became, in Mooney’s words,

hotel groups, interior design studios and boutique

“a formative recalibration” – embedding investment

operators sharpened that understanding. The lesson

discipline and operational clarity into Occa’s DNA.

was consistent: design is only as strong as the system supporting it.

Today, the studio unites architecture, interior

in Glasgow, London and Palma, with projects across the UK, Europe, the USA and Saudi Arabia.

branding under one strategic framework. The

The geographic spread is less notable than the

structure is intentional. Owners and developers do

consistency of the approach – prioritising narrative

not experience projects in silos; they experience

depth over trends; lifecycle performance over initial

them as capital exposure, programme risk and brand

optics; and infrastructure that supports, rather than

accountability. Reflecting that reality, Occa’s model

constrains creativity.

from feasibility through to opening and beyond.

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Re-established in its current studio form in 2016, Occa now works internationally from offices

design, FF&E and OS&E procurement and hotel

aligns creative ambition with commercial rigour,

Current Projects: Crowne Plaza, Sofia; Fairfield by Marriott, Europe and the Middle East; The Resident, Edinburgh; Crossbasket Castle, Glasgow (FF&E procurement)

decisions consider operational choreography as

Founded in 2003 by Kate Mooney, Occa was built

At Occa, hospitality design is treated as strategy – a means of aligning brand story, guest experience

Across more than 400 hotel projects for the likes

and capital deployment into a cohesive, durable

of Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Accor, Wyndham and

asset. The studio’s work is therefore measured

Choice, Occa has worked at every scale of hospitality.

in occupancy rates, operational efficiency, brand

Yet scale is not its defining trait. The studio is often

resilience and sustained returns.

engaged at the earliest stages, when planning

“Hospitality design isn’t just about how a space

efficiency, specification logic and procurement

looks,” concludes Mooney. “It’s about how it works

pathways determine whether an asset will merely

– for the guest, for the operator and for the investor

open well or trade well.

– year after year.”

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27/04/2026 17:06

Renaissance, a range of beautiful low profile screwless switches and sockets with superior square corner insert detail. Available with dry contact retractive combination switches for stylish dimming and control.

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SPOTLIGHT LIGHTING & CONTROL

Whether its an ornate table lamp or a sparkling chandelier, lighting is stealing the spotlight in hotel interiors.

Zero Lighting Curve Cluster In 2019, when Front Design was commissioned to create a new, characteristic floor lamp as an homage to the classic library lamp for Nationalmuseum Stockholm, Zero was subsequently selected to produce the luminaire. Following its success, Zero has expanded the concept into a full product family named Curve. New for 2026, the latest addition to this range is Curve Cluster, which reinterprets the lamp’s original shapes. Featuring an organic and almost living formal language, where softly curved arms extend from a central stem, the resulting composition recalls plant-like growth.

Each light acts as its own element, while the clean, spherical glass shades balance the flowing lines, creating a calm yet sculptural expression. www.zerolighting.com

2.

3.

4.

1.

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1. Pooky Ellen Merchant Spring 26

2. Northern Lights 2026 Ceiling Collection

3. Chelsom Portables

4. Sensio Pixel

In its third collaboration with British textile designer Ellen Merchant, Pooky’s latest collection evokes the quintessential English garden. Reimagining spring florals through a playful, contemporary lens, the range features four hand-carved and handpainted designs – Palmette, Posy, Poppies and Spriglee – transposed onto Pooky’s signature gathered linen shades.

Showcasing craftsmanship, colour and a sense of fun, the palette balances vibrant cornflower blue and canola yellow with sophisticated earthy tones. Available in silhouettes ranging from 14-50cm, each piece retains the artisan texture of the original linocuts, delivering elegance and joyful pattern. www.pooky.com

Designed with precision and handcrafted in Britain, the Northern Lights 2026 ceiling collection is a series of customisable, sculptural statements. Celebrating decades of artisan glassmaking, the designs are expressed through handslumped and kiln-fused forms, tinting, hand-cut panels and custom moulds. With a material palette comprising alabaster, brass and metalwork, each is crafted to maximise texture, material expression and light interaction. “We pushed glass, alabaster and metal to reveal their full potential, shaping forms that hold space, command presence and create visually rich narratives,” Head of Design Michael Jackson explains. www.northern-lights.co.uk

Launching at Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, Portables by Chelsom is a curated collection of wireless, battery-powered table lamps, specifically designed for fast-paced hospitality environments.

The range features six distinctive designs, finished in aged brass or oil-rubbed bronze, each reflecting Chelsom’s signature style. With compact proportions and ambient light effects, the luminaires have been designed with dining, bar and lounge settings in mind.

Advanced battery technology delivers fast two-hour charging and 90 hours of illumination, supported by practical, clutter-free charging solutions for modern professional environments. www.chelsom.co.uk

Sensio has unveiled Pixel, a range of flexible LED sheets designed to create captivating centrepieces in hospitality settings, from reception desks to coffee tables and splashbacks. Sitting beneath translucent materials such as onyx, stone, acrylic and glass, a gentle glow radiates from within, highlighting organic textures and adapting to a range of forms.

Designed with adaptability in mind, Pixel can be cut to any shape or size and can bend with ease around corners. While Pixel emits a natural white light, Pixel Pro delivers a seamless transition from warm to cool white. Compatible Sensio controls adjust brightness and temperature according to its setting or situation. www.sensiolighting.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Original BTC Outdoor Lighting Finishes

2. Hector Finch Box Wall Lantern

3. Palecek Seville Tiered Chandelier

4. Elstead Lighting • Quintiesse

British lighting manufacturer Original BTC has introduced new finishes for two outdoor designs. The Mast Light, a heritage piece originally used on sailing masts, is now offered in Verdigris, a green patina that lends texture and a sense of age to its crisp, nautical profile.

Meanwhile, the Exterior Bracket Light is now available in a Weathered Bronze finish, bringing greater depth, warmth and architectural character to the well-glass design. Available with either a right-angle or canted arm, and with or without a cast reflector, it offers notable versatility.

Made in England, both additions reflect a continued interest in patinated materials across hospitality and residential projects. www.originalbtc.com

Soon to be featured in the Munder Skiles Courtyard Garden by Richard Miers Garden Design as part of WOW!house 2026, Hector Finch has unveiled Box Wall Lantern, a striking geometric luminaire that brings a contemporary edge to the traditional lantern format. Available in antique brass or bronze with options for ribbed or opal glass, its eye-catching silhouette is bold and offers a warm light to subtly illuminate a range of interior and exterior schemes including hallways, doorways and living spaces. The lantern joins an extensive collection of designs, each exemplifying Hector Finch’s reach as a luxury brand that illuminates highly curated spaces across the globe. www.hectorfinch.com

Designed to feel both fluid and deliberate, Palecek’s Seville Tiered Chandelier strikes the balance between structure and softness. Suspended from an antique gold-finished chain with an adjustable length for customisable hanging heights, the chandelier unfolds in softly sculpted layers, each handwrapped in natural abaca rope. The warmth of its woven fibres brings an organic tactility, contrasting the strength of its powdercoated metal frame to create a presence that is at once grounded and elevated. The Seville Tiered Chandelier further showcases Palecek’s passion for crafting timeless and sustainable furnishings using natural materials. www.palecek.com

Through a partnership with Atlantabased Currey & Company, Quintiesse presents Novatude, a new collection of chandeliers and floor lamps. Designed

by Tom Caldwell to evoke a constellation of effervescent stars, the collection is entirely steel in its composition, from the body and clasps in an antique gold leaf finish, to the thin ribs that shade the bulbs in contemporary silver leaf. Novatude is one of almost 100 new lighting products

by Currey & Company to have been specified for the 220-240V markets, and will feature at Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, located at stand L22 in the design festival’s former-prison-turned-exhibitionspace, House of Detention. www.quintiesse.com

Novatude

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1. Louis Poulsen PH Centenary Collection

2. Astro Montreal Coastal

3. Focus SB

As a tribute to the 100th anniversary of System PH, an innovative lighting design developed by Poul Henningsen in 1926, Louis Poulsen presents the PH Centenary Collection. Featuring a series of heritage lamps with an aged brass finish, the range also reintroduces the PH Chandelier, adding a sense of history to any setting. Originally launched in 1927, the PH 3½ - 2½ Floor Lamp Centenary Edition and PH 3/2 Table Lamp Centenary Edition are both based on a three-shade construction, as designed by Henningsen and developed by Louis Poulsen in 1926.

At the centre of the Centenary Collection is the PH 1/1 Chandelier Centenary Edition, originally known as the Bombardement Chandelier and part of the Louis Poulsen catalogue from 1933 until the mid-60s. The PH Chandelier Centenary Edition is available in three sizes, with 3, 6 or 9 arms. www.louispoulsen.com

The Coastal collection, rooted in Astro’s simplicity and durability, is where the brand’s minimalist aesthetic, engineering expertise and rigorous quality standards are showcased to the maximum, with a range of functional yet elegant designs that excel in challenging environmental conditions. Designed to withstand harsh weather, the collection comes in a wide range of finishes, including an innovative PVD brushed brass finish that resists heat, scratching and tarnishing.

Rigorously tested, the collection features robust materials, including marinegrade stainless steel, pressed ceramic and concrete, ensuring long-lasting performance in any outdoor setting. www.astrolighting.com

Focus SB has expanded its Renaissance screwless range to include bespoke multi-service combination plates, offering flexibility to mix-and-match switch styles in one electrical faceplate. When paired with automation systems, the switches become part of a fully integrated experience, whether dimming lights, activating scenes or adjusting blinds.

This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of advanced installations while maintaining a simple interface.

Specified by Lind + Almond for The Newman, bespoke bedhead panels included combined lighting and power elements, while echoing the design details found in the hotel’s interiors. www.focus-sb.co.uk

Renaissance Combination Plates

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Contardi Picchio

2. Point Zuma

3. Marset Gambosa

4. Lum Confundo

Designed by Alessandro Munge for Contardi, Picchio is a new collection of lamps inspired by the posture and movement of the woodpecker. A stylish reinterpretation of the reading lamp, the design features an articulated structure that recalls the bird’s gestures. The diffuser, reminiscent of a beak, opens and tilts to precisely modulate the light, while the joint ensures maximum freedom of movement. Picchio comes in wallmounted and table lamp varieties, and is available in aluminium with leather details in a range of colour variants ranging from contemporary minimalism to warmer interpretations, allowing for a multitude of customisation options. www.contardi-italia.com

Point has expanded its Zuma portable lighting collection with a new table lamp, carrying the collection – designed by Boti de Dominicis Studio – into a more intimate scale. Crafted in powder-coated aluminium and available in Mineral White and Metallic Grey, the Zuma Table Lamp is defined by contemporary simplicity and clean lines. It joins the Zuma family of rechargeable luminaires, characterised by a signature conical silhouette which flows into an integrated handle. Built for the outdoors with IP76 protection, the luminaire’s battery-powered LED module boasts up to 6 hours of autonomy, dimming control and wireless induction charging with USB-C connectivity. www.point1920.com

Conceived by Mathias Hahn as a modern take on the table lamp, Gambosa challenges the traditionally static and rigid nature of the original. Made from steel, the lamp simplifies the traditional structural elements – shade, stem and base – by joining them together without appearing connected. Defined by its colour palette matrix, the luminaire is available in pale pink or black opaque versions that provide direct light, or in opal methacrylate for softer illumination.

The stem comes in orange and moss grey and the base in stone grey. The cable also adds to the lamp’s visual appeal, descending from the top where a clip guides and anchors it. www.marset.com

Combining natural material and artisanal knowledge, Confundo is a suspended lighting piece with a refined and balanced composition. Naturally shed deer antlers and Murano blown glass are arranged along a vertical axis, creating a layered structure defined by contrast and continuity. The interplay between opaque and transparent elements allows light to move through the piece with subtlety, enhancing its visual lightness and depth. The illumination remains soft and controlled, revealing the material without overwhelming it. The work reflects Lum’s ongoing exploration into the relationship between craftsmanship, natural materials and contemporary design. www.lumtrentino.com

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2.

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1. Jung Dornbracht Collaboration

2. RV Astley Rosella

3. Bover Yunyun

During Milan Design Week, Jung and Dornbracht showcased their expanded surface partnership, presenting six PVD brushed-metal surfaces – including dark platinum, light gold, dark brass, gold, bronze and dark bronze – that link fittings and switch ranges to create a consistent design concept. In collaborating, the brands are pooling their expertise in processing high-quality metal surfaces.

The Jung switch ranges are refined at Dorncracht’s manufacturing facility and precisely matched to the surfaces of the fittings. The result is a consistent materiality across all brands, culminating in a design approach that considers the interaction between individual products. www.jung-group.com

Drawing on more than half a century of experience, RV Astley pairs considered design with the technical understanding to support detailed interior projects.

Bringing together a rich dark bronze body with soft, natural alabaster and a warm latte-toned shade, Rosella is an elegant, thoughtfully designed range in a balanced mix of materials and tones that feels both refined and inviting. The resulting range fosters a strong sense of cohesion, complementing a variety of contemporary interiors. With a focus on materiality and finishes, every piece is carefully considered to celebrate its individual character, while working harmoniously as part of a wider collection. www.rvastley.co.uk

Created by Joana Bover in 2025, Yunyun is a lighting piece that combines refined aesthetics with functionality. Its slender, vertical design is particularly suitable for double-height spaces, where it adds visual presence while maintaining a sense of lightness and balance. With a concept that focuses on verticality and harmony, Yunyun delivers efficient illumination while preserving a delicate, elegant character. Its silhouette defines the piece, offering a contemporary yet timeless expression. With craftsmanship at the heart of its design, the handmade production of its lampshades reflects a commitment to tradition and expertise, giving each piece a unique identity while ensuring high-quality standards. Flexibility is another key feature. The lamp allows the combination of two shade sizes within the same structure, enabling tailored compositions that adapt to different spatial needs. Its neutral stone-grey beige finish enhances versatility, blending naturally into a wide range of interiors.

Made with durable material, Yuyun provides uniform, warm light, enriching spaces with character and a welcoming atmosphere. www.bover.es

SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

Preciosa Lighting Andreas Klug and Michael Vasku With a vision to inspire emotion and connection through innovative lighting solutions, Preciosa’s co-Creative Directors discuss how their immersive installation combines traditional glassmaking techniques with cutting-edge technology to offer a moment of pause amidst the excitement of Milan Design Week.

Tell us about Drifting Lights...

As our latest Signature Design, Drifting Lights represents a meeting point between technical innovation and the craftsmanship that sits at the heart of everything we do. For Milan Design Week, we’ve created an immersive installation composed of 60 glass panels, brought to life through our exclusive 3D light-mapping. This allows colour to move fluidly across the installation – blooming, fading and passing from one panel to the next, as if ink dispersing. The glass itself is highly distinctive, filled with countless air bubbles that give each panel a unique depth. It’s a piece that creates a calm and contemplative atmosphere, inviting both technical appreciation and emotional response.

How does the exhibit reflect Preciosa’s creative direction?

Beyond creating lighting installations, we want to express the artistry and creative thinking that define Preciosa. At Milan Design Week, we share that perspective with a global audience, while presenting something deeply rooted in our own identity. Drifting Lights showcases our age-old craftsmanship while pushing it into a more contemporary context, balancing heritage with innovation.

What does Preciosa bring to hospitality interiors?

Flexibility is central to our approach. Like all of our Signature Designs, Drifting Lights is fully customisable and can be configured to suit a range of spaces and scales. We understand the demands of commercial and hospitality environments, and work with clients to meet both their aesthetic and functional requirements. With our 3D light mapping, clients can create bespoke colour sequences, adding a dynamic and immersive quality to a space, transforming a lighting piece into a true focal point.

What’s next for Preciosa?

Having already been specified in residential contexts, we’re working with partners to bring Drifting Lights to larger scale hospitality projects where its full spatial and atmospheric potential can come to life. We are also developing a new Signature Design that will be introduced next year. www.preciosalighting.com

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LONDON | HIGH POINT info@indian-ocean.co.uk

Indian Ocean - Sleeper Option 6.indd 1

+44 (0)20 8675 4808

www.indian-ocean.co.uk

16/04/2026 12:46

SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Tribù Tosca Characterised by a rounded silhouette and powdercoated stainless steel frame upholstered with extra-wide braiding, the Tosca outdoor sofa has become one of Tribù’s most recognisable and enduring designs since it first launched over a decade ago. Now, the sofa has been reimagined as a modular piece comprising linear, corner and island elements to offer an array of configurations that meet the evolving demands of contemporary al fresco living. “In an almost musical rhythm, light and shadow chase one another,” says Monica Armani on her design vision. “It is how a weave becomes alive and magical, defining the Tosca collection.” www.tribu.com

CASE STUDY

Sandalyeci Belvedere Hotel, Ontario

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At Belvedere Hotel in Ontario, the interiors are shaped by materiality, proportion and light. Within this refined yet inviting setting, Sandalyeci’s furniture contribution is deliberately understated, allowing craftsmanship and detail to shine.

The collection was developed as a cohesive language rather than a series of individual pieces.

Solid wood frames, softened profiles and tactile upholstery selections create a rhythm across guestrooms and shared spaces, blurring the line between residential comfort and hospitality performance. Each element is considered not only for its appearance, but for how it is experienced over time. From early design dialogue through to production, the process remained rooted in precision and adaptability. Prototypes, material studies and technical refinement ensured that every detail aligned with the broader architectural vision while meeting the demands of daily use.

The resulting interiors feel composed rather than constructed, with furniture that integrates seamlessly into the spatial narrative, supporting both function and atmosphere. www.sandalyeci.com

SPECIFIER

Janus et Cie The Snow Lodge Aspen and The Apres-Ski Club Snowmass Janus et Cie has partnered with The Snow Lodge Aspen and The Après-Ski Club Snowmass to present a curated selection of outdoor furniture. At The Snow Lodge, located within The St Regis Aspen Resort, the Fountain Courtyard features Matisse Teak club chairs and sofas accompanied by Tahoe cocktail tables and Drum side tables, while Montpelier lanterns provide a warm glow.

Meanwhile, at The Apres-Ski Club at Viewline Resort Snowmass, Matisse club chairs and sofas are paired with Duo cocktails tables, Ditto side tables and Lorient lanterns, creating a thoughtfully composed outdoor atmosphere just steps from the slopes. www.janusetcie.com

WISA – James Latham WISA-Birch Premium WISA-Birch Premium is a Finnish birch plywood that balances aesthetics, performance and sustainability. Its premium face veneer offers a light, consistent finish in long- or cross-grain options, which work in their natural state and provide a suitable base for lacquering, varnishing and staining. Beyond aesthetics, the panel offers structural substance in the form of cross-banded birch veneers and EN636-2 EN314-2 Class 3 certification, available in thicknesses from 6.5mm to 30mm. Manufactured in Europe to rigorous environmental standards, WISA-Birch Premium is PEFCcertified and meets E1 low formaldehyde emission requirements.

Available from James Latham and stocked across 12 UK trading depots, WISA-Birch Premium is a reliable choice for designers, makers and specifiers who refuse to compromise on quality. www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Mitra Marble The Newman Established in 2021, Mitra Marble combines SIMEC technology with hand-finishing to produce high-quality natural stone surfaces at its Istanbul factory. The company recently worked with FMCM Management and Chiltern Contracts to deliver stonework for The Newman in London. Guided by the Art Deco-inspired vision of Lind + Almond and Kinsfolk & Co, the manufacturer supplied intricate waterjet-cut stone flooring for the F&B spaces, showcasing advanced production capabilities and attention to detail. This craftsmanship is echoed throughout the property, including the spa changing rooms, where intricate architrave details demanded precision and sensitivity. The Newman demonstrates Mitra Marble’s ability to deliver complex, design-led stone solutions. Looking ahead, the company will strengthen its UK presence with a new branch at London’s Business Design Centre in June 2026. www.mitramermer.com

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Arte Corium Arte has introduced Corium, a series of wallcoverings offering a contemporary interpretation of classical patterns and authentic historic motifs from the Early Renaissance. Crafted from supple yet strong caprine leather with a luxurious finish, the collection takes its name from the Latin word corium, underlining the essence of leather. Some designs feature a satin-finished surface, while others showcase lightly-sanded nubuck. The leather is carefully cut, stitched and assembled into an elevated composition, upon which embroidery is applied. The result is an intriguing interplay between material and design, tradition and modernity. www.arte-international.com

Sterling Art • SOTA The Newman Sterling Art and SOTA are two internationally renowned art consultancies positioned at the forefront of the dynamic contemporary art market. Their partnership brings together a prestigious client base and experienced scalable production capabilities with knowledge of the emerging artist market and a commitment to ethical practices, providing clients with a full and unparalleled service. The two companies were recently appointed as art consultants for The Newman in London.

Together, they commissioned hundreds of bespoke artworks celebrating Fitzrovia’s rich Bohemian literary history, curating pieces for 84 guestrooms and suites, as well as the extensive public areas. Collaborating closely with both the interior designers and the hotel management team, they leveraged their unique network of artists to create an eclectic, mixedmedia art collection that helps to shape the hotel’s identity.

Sterling Art and SOTA also developed and managed an artistled photography campaign for the hotel’s social media and preopening strategy, capturing local characters and strengthening the brand’s sense of place. wwww.sterlingartconsultants.com www.sotamarketplace.co

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SPECIFIER

Forest Group DS-XL – Matte finishes The DS-XL motorised curtain track system from Forest Group is now available in matte white and matte black – two contemporary finishes that enhance the track’s minimal, architectural look and integrate into modern hospitality interiors. Its clean silhouette gives the DS-XL a refined presence, transforming the curtain track system into a subtle design feature. The system’s organic form and new premium finishes make it well-suited to hotel environments, where it can be used as an elegant room divider to create flexible spaces, or as a solution for guestrooms where smooth, motorised operation enhances comfort and the overall guest experience. www.forestgroup.com

Actiu Owwi Actiu presents Owwi, a lounge seating collection designed to meet the evolving needs of hospitality and hybrid public spaces.

Comprising armchairs and two-seater sofas, the collection brings together comfort, visual identity and specification-ready performance. Designed by Arnau Reyna (A+R), the collection is defined by an enveloping backrest and exterior upholstery featuring characteristic wrinkles that create a repeated ‘W’ pattern, giving the collection its name while generating a strong visual signature. Supported by a full set of technical resources for specifiers, including digital configuration tools and 3D files in AutoCAD and Revit/BIM formats, Owwi complies with recognised contract standards such as UNE-EN 16139:2013 and is aligned with sustainability and eco-design frameworks including Level 2 and UNE-EN ISO 14006:2020. www.actiu.com

Lemi Group Sorrento Head Spa Developed to meet the demands of modern wellness centres, Sorrento Head Spa is a multifunctional treatment bed with an integrated retractable washbasin and a head spa that combines scalp-washing and massage. The FSC-certified timber and metal base is topped by a memory foam mattress designed to distribute weight evenly and eliminate pressure points. Comfort is further enhanced by a removable and adjustable horseshoe headrest that provides ergonomic head and neck support. With three motors for height, backrest and legrest adjustment, the fully electric system enables operators to fine-tune the bed’s position with millimetric precision. Operational management is further simplified by intelligent functions, such as a dedicated memory for the ideal hairwash position or an end function that automatically returns the bed to the end-of-treatment position. www.lemi.it

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SPECIFIER

Jo Annah Kornak Holly Hunt As the expectations of luxury hospitality continue to evolve, Holly Hunt’s Senior Vice President shares how the brand approaches collaboration, craftsmanship and lasting design.

How do you describe Holly Hunt’s approach?

Our approach to design is grounded in restraint, material integrity and longevity. We bring a residential soul paired with hospitality rigour, creating pieces that feel warm and lived-in while meeting the demands of highperformance environments. Often described as modern heirlooms, our pieces are designed for longevity – how they patina, evolve and continue to hold meaning over time.

In hospitality, where the guest experience is increasingly centred on authenticity and emotional resonance, this perspective feels especially relevant. Luxury hospitality today is moving beyond the purely visual or theatrical toward something more grounded, substantial and tactile, defined by exceptional craftsmanship. This means creating spaces where comfort, convenience and personal preferences seamlessly follow the guest. It’s not about excess, but about precision, quality and delivering a lasting impression through thoughtful, intentional design.

How do you select design collaborators?

As a design-driven manufacturer, our focus is less on maintaining a broad portfolio of designers and more on ensuring that everything we produce reflects a consistent point of view.

Whether a piece originates from internal design or longstanding creative partnerships, our priority is clarity of intent, material excellence and longevity. In hospitality environments especially, that discipline matters. Our process is conceived to support design teams and brands with collections that feel cohesive, refined and purposeful, allowing the overall experience of the space to lead. We are very deliberate in how we collaborate. It’s not about authorship for its own sake, but about shared values, an understanding of proportion, restraint and the emotional impact of materials. That alignment allows us to create collections that feel cohesive, rather than disparate.

What do your products bring to hotel interiors?

Increasingly, the most compelling hospitality environments draw from a residential point of view; spaces that feel intuitive, layered and deeply comfortable. Our collections are inherently aligned with that sensibility, bringing warmth, tactility and a sense of ease that fosters genuine connection. We are also acutely aware

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of the performance demands within hospitality.

Our custom and made-to-order capabilities are designed to support both consistency and nuance, allowing designers and operators to maintain a clear brand language across properties, while still creating environments that feel distinct and personal.

What sets Holly Hunt apart?

What truly sets Holly Hunt apart is our ability to support luxury environments that must perform, endure and evolve. Material integrity is foundational to our work. We source the finest wood, stone, glass and metal, and develop finishes that showcase the natural, artisanal qualities of each. Our pieces are designed to age gracefully and look better over time; a few standouts are our Kori Lighting Series and Stilt Coupe Lounge Chair. Textiles are made from the highest-quality fibres, from wool and linen to cashmere, alpaca and cotton, in a rich, nuanced colour palette. And our outdoor textiles are crafted with custom yarns and innovative performance materials, making them beautiful and luxurious enough for indoor use, too. Ideal for heavy-duty upholstery, Lionheart is a plush, fur-like chenille, woven with a specialty solution-dyed acrylic yarn exclusive to Holly Hunt. It is looped, creating a rich textural look and feel of a pile fabric. Equally important is our custom expertise – we routinely adapt dimensions, finishes, upholstery and detailing to support a designer’s vision and a brand’s DNA, without diluting design intent or compromising operational efficiency.

What’s next for the brand?

Hospitality continues to be an important area of focus for Holly Hunt, and we’re approaching that growth thoughtfully and intentionally Looking ahead, we’ll continue investing in materials, craftsmanship and custom solutions at scale. We’re especially aligned with hospitality brands that value longevity, emotional connection, and a more residential interpretation of luxury. For us, sustainability is rooted in durability and timeless design.

We create products that last for decades, not seasons. As hospitality becomes more experience-driven and human-centred, our approach feels increasingly relevant. www.hollyhunt.com

The leading brand for hospitality experience and design

Inspiring magazines and community-driven events to connect those creating exceptional hospitality experiences around the world. www.sleeper.media

PORTFOLIO

POWERED BY

SPECIFIER

What was your initial vision for Ruark?

Our vision is very much the same as when we started. My father and I launched the company out of a shared passion for music and hi-fi – he was a hi-fi cabinetmaker and I trained as an engineer. That combination of craftsmanship and technical understanding shaped what we do. Early on, we realised that to stand out, our speakers needed to be more than just functional boxes, they had to be beautifully designed pieces of furniture. Good design naturally draws the eye, and that philosophy has stayed with us over the past 40 years.

What role does sound play in the guest experience?

Acoustics alone can change how a room feels – poor acoustics can make a space uncomfortable, whereas a well-balanced environment feels calm and welcoming. In a hotel setting, even something as simple as music playing when guests enter a room can transform a space. Instead of walking into silence, they’re greeted by a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Music is such an important part of everyday life, and when done well, it enhances the overall guest experience in a subtle yet powerful way.

Alan O’Rourke Ruark As Ruark celebrates its 40 anniversary, Managing Director Alan O’Rourke discusses the role of sound in shaping the guest experience. th

What do your products bring to hotels?

While our products have always been renowned for delivering a natural, rich sound, we’re now gaining attention for how well they elevate interiors. The R1, for example, is a perfect bedside radio and doesn’t require complex installation; its intuitive design with our signature RotoDial controller enables guests to easily connect via radio or Bluetooth without instructions. In hospitality, that ease of use is essential. Optional hotel firmware also restricts volume and allows housekeeping to reset our systems between guests.

How do you balance aesthetics with function?

The two go hand-in-hand. We could be more experimental with our design, but it’s important that people immediately understand what our products are and how to use them. Most of our products have a screen, so you can clearly see what you’re listening to, and we use physical controls – like our RotoDial – so there’s a direct interaction. There’s been a trend towards more abstract, app-led products, but we think people still value something tactile such a button you can press or a dial you can turn. We also maintain a consistent design language across the range, so there’s a recognisable identity. It’s about creating products that look right in a space, but also feel intuitive and straightforward to use.

Tell us about some recent hospitality projects...

Most recently, Firmdale Hotels selected custom R1S Smart Radios as the in-room radio solution for multiple properties across its UK and US portfolio. Each unit has been finished in a bespoke Firmdale Green, specially mixed to harmonise with the group’s eclectic interiors. Meanwhile, a discreet screen-printed Firmdale Hotels logo reinforces brand presence.

What’s next for the brand?

We’re focused on continuing to refine what we do best – creating high-quality systems with strong design and longevity. Rather than constantly launching new models, we take an evolutionary approach, with products designed to last five or six years. We’re also exploring more bespoke opportunities, particularly in hospitality, where tailored solutions make a real difference. Ultimately, the focus remains the same: creating products that people enjoy using for many years. www.ruarkaudio.com

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ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 126 ABI Interiors

081

LUM

065

Actiu

054

Luteca

023

Arte

005

Magnovent

031

Astro Lighting

002

Mitra

071

Beck London

117

Naturalmat

045

Bernhardt Hospitality

035

Northern Lights

111

Bover

067

Occa

140

CDW

157

Oliver Hemming

179

Original BTC

099

Chelsom

010-011

Coco-Mat

123

Palecek Hospitality

093

Contardi Lighting

114

Perennials & Sutherland

033

Edition 169

087

Point

018

Egger

014-015

Pooky

105

Elstead

148

RH

EPR Architects

053

Roca

063

Focus SB

158

Roda

029

Gloster

089

Ruark

132

016-017

RV Astley

076

Guardian Glass

109

Sandaleyci

180

Hector Finch

095

Sanipex Group

HICAP

153

Sensio

147

008- 009

Silveroc

127

Gommaire

Holly Hunt

006-007

020-129

Indian Ocean

166

Sterling Art and Sota

075

James Latham

145

StoneCircle

113

Jonathan Charles

139

THP

176

Jung

059

Tribu

012-013

Latitude

073

Tuuci

039

Laufen

049

Vagenas

085

Lemi Group

137

Waterworks

037

Light 26

175

177

CHECK-OUT

Sweet Dreams

Whether bar-shaped, tucked inside a ribbon-

As a counterbalance, The Blue Room provided

wrapped box or drizzled across a decadent

an intimate space for ‘Bright Reflections’,

dessert, chocolate makes the perfect gift for

where cobalt tones set the scene for deeper

those deserving of a moment of indulgence.

conversations. A retro-style vending machine

So, to reward a privileged few, The Social Hub

dispensed miniature Tony’s chocolate bars, each

teamed up with Tony’s Chocolonely to deliver

accompanied by candid conversation starters.

a chocolate-drenched hotel suite in Amsterdam

And finally, up a spiral staircase, The Black &

that celebrates human kindness and togetherness.

White Room embodied ‘Bold Recognitions’

Designed by Tasty Lemon, the penthouse pop-

by encouraging guests to leave sweet notes of

up comprised three monochromatic rooms filled

The Social Hub teams up with Tony’s Chocolonely to deliver a sensory celebration of chocolate and human connection.

affection for future visitors to discover.

with 2,000 bars of Tony’s chocolate, accompanied

The suite opened in March for just 10 days,

by themed cocktails and a curated playlist of

welcoming only the ‘world’s sweetest people’

artists from cocoa-producing regions. Promoting

following nominations from Tony’s fans across

‘Shared Connection’, The Red Room combined a

Europe. Providing more than just a sugar-fix,

kitchen, living and sleeping area all saturated in

the pop-up represented the ongoing mission to

the crimson tones of Tony’s chocolate wrappers.

end exploitation in cocoa, demonstrating how

A selection of games including chocolate Jenga

everyday choices, including the chocolate we

further encouraged guests to connect.

consume, can impact others.

© Andres & Joyce de Lange

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