Warm Welcome Magazine - August Issue

August Issue Lost Property to open its doors in historical City of London

Sustainable design and product innovation in the spotlight at Independent Hotel Show’s 10th edition

Andrew Cook appointed general manager of The Lakes By Yoo

Pages 4-5

Pages 12-13

Pages 40-41

warmwelcomemagazine.com

Contents 4

Hotels

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Uniforms and Workwear

20

Contract Beds and Bedding

26

Editors Choice

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Contract Flooring and surfaces

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Travel

To feature in an upcoming issue or to discuss advertising opportunities please contact a member of the Warm Welcome team; Publication Manager Dean Little - 01227 314 324 dean@warmwelcomemagazine.com Sales & Marketing Manager Michael Amor - 01227 314 324 michael@warmwelcomemagazine.com Editorial Assistant Carol Jean - 01227 314 324 carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com

Lost Property to open its doors in historical City of London Having opened in July the capital’s newest hotel offers stylish bedrooms, atmospheric dining and bar at ‘Found’, premium coffee house ‘Tattle’ and a celebration of the City of London’s rich history Lost Property opened it’s doors on the 19th July 2022 - developed by London based property developers, Dominvs Group, its opening marks the latest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton’s growing hotel portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels.

Location Situated in the City of London – Roman London’s original site and one of the capital’s oldest historical districts – Lost Property is within walking distance of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and just 100 metres from St Paul’s Cathedral. The area continues to be a hive of activity, with eateries, bars, members clubs and cafes cropping up in an area that is now a melange of old and new. The City of London is the perfect place from which to explore the capital, with Central London, Shoreditch

and South Bank just around the corner and the riverbank within walking distance.

innovative design, echoing the shapes and architectural forms found in St Paul’s Cathedral and the neighbouring streets.

Design Located in an area steeped in history and heritage, this interior design partnership between Ica and Rani Ahluwalia, founder and creative director of Key interior and Designs, captures the vibrancy of the local area; where modernity meets legacy and the curious come to play. In this stunning grade II listed building, guests can choose between 145 uniquely designed rooms and suites across six categories and six floors: Guest rooms, Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, St Paul’s Junior Suites and Family Rooms, of which several have prime views of the cathedral. The bright and light bedrooms are sleek and modern with marble bathrooms and an industrial touch – a nod to the hotel’s urban surroundings.

Bespoke red and blue colour schemes were carefully selected to reflect the city’s heritage, and eye-catching colour-pops and patterns contrast with clean lines and timeless neutral walls. The interiors celebrate the intricacies of lost craftsmanship and

The bespoke and colourful artwork displayed throughout the hotel is eccentric and eclectic - a contemporary reflection of London’s rich history. Walking through the hotel is comparable to getting lost in an artistic maze with history-rich panels, whimsical animals as well as bowler hats symbolising lost property left in the city.

The hotel lobby will instil curiosity upon arrival with its Murano glass pendants, colourful rugs, and panelling designed by Artistic Licence.

Food & Beverage The sense of mystery that is embedded in Lost Property’s DNA, runs right through to the hotel’s atmospheric ground-floor bar and restaurant, Found, which offers a classic food and drinks menu with a nostalgic twist. The bespoke bar is eight metres long and crafted out of bright blue resin, with stunning Murano glass pendants creating mood lighting and a cosy feel. The centrepiece of this social space is an ornate chandelier, crafted from Murano glass and made of individual figurines of extinct birds forming the shape of a hovering eagle. The extinct birds represent a lost natural treasure, immortalised in this quirky hotel, and echoed in the bespoke wallpaper specially designed for Lost Property by Timorous Beasties.

Cocktails are colourful and theatrical, with each carefully crafted drink telling a forgotten story. Guests can expect a range of starters including Foreman’s oak smoked salmon with crème fraiche, Chicken liver parfait with toasted warm brioche and Tiger prawn cocktail. For mains, foodies will delight in hearty classics such as Duck breast with braised lentils, Guineafowl with a fricassee of wild mushroom and garden peas and Filet of sea bream with clam and saffron chowder. A sweet tooth’s dream, desserts include Strawberry Eton Mess, Poached pears and Sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream – a true celebration of old recipes and traditional cookery. The intimate setting and colourful menu will ensure Found becomes the eating and drinking hotspot in the City of London this year.

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Hotels

As well as a bar and restaurant, Lost Property also boasts a premium coffee house, Tattle, where people can congregate to gossip and catch up – a true social hub of the hotel. With a separate street entrance for commuters and locals as well as resident guests, Tattle offers healthy breakfasts, light lunches and snacks, all made with locally sourced, organic produce and all available to eat in or take away. Guests will taste fresh salads, flavoursome soups, sandwiches, and snacks, as well as artisanal coffee from Monmouth. The combination of earthy deep greens and tactile timber finishes, and the backdrop decorated with teacups with hand-painted ‘lost’ quotes, offer a relaxed bistro-style space with an ‘al fresco’ feel, a go-to spot to catch up with friends.

Nader Neishabouri, Hotel Manager of Lost Property London, said: “We are looking forward to opening Lost Property this spring and celebrating the team’s passion for exceptional food, drink and service.

Lost Property will capture the imagination of our guests and the hotel’s location in the heart of historical London, will ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable stay that is full of surprises!”

Rani Ahluwalia, Design Director of Dominvs Group and Founder of Key Interior and Designs said: “Lost Property, St Paul’s will be the 7th Curio by Hilton in London and exemplifies Dominvs Group’s creative vision of unique, lifestyle hotel experiences through carefully curated, one-off design elements and service. Lost Property will serve as a unique addition to the Square Mile and offer guests an inspired, eclectic collection of artwork infusing London’s colourful past whilst preserving and enhancing the Culture Mile’s extraordinary history.”

With curiosities around every corner, Lost Property is a new opening that will make a splash on the London hotel scene this year, allowing discerning travellers the chance to explore a unique and culturally-rich part of London, and the lost the chance to be found.

Nightly room rates start from £170, or Hilton Honors members can redeem Points using the Points Explorer tool.

Hotels

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LEVEN Manchester - Now Open Manchester’s hottest new hotel, LEVEN Manchester is now open, on the corner of Chorlton Street and Canal Street in the city’s vibrant Village neighbourhood.

Housed in a landmark early 20th century warehouse, LEVEN Manchester is a hotel designed to be enjoyed on a guest’s own terms.

The LEVEN brand is a joint venture between Manchester-born entrepreneurs, brothers Joshua and Ben Senior, and industry innovators Wellbrook Hospitality. The Manchester site is the first in a series of LEVEN hotels. The LEVEN lifestyle will include co- working, co-living and retail with a range of merchandise commissioned for the Manchester opening.

The property’s red brick walls and Crittall windows hold a rich history dating back to Manchester’s industrial past, including former uses first as a cotton warehouse, and more recently a brewery and comedy club.

Following an extensive interior and exterior reimagining, the 33,000 sq ft property is now open as a design-led, 42-key hotel.

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LEVEN: Design Notes The original two storey high loading dock of the former warehouse is now the impressive main hotel entrance. The design and construction team has worked with the original Victorian fabric of the building; exposed brick, vaulted ceilings and cast iron columns; and used modern materials and lighting to throw the retained industrial finishes into relief.

The lobby features a brass-topped bar with emerald green scalloped tiles, blackened steel ceiling-height units and statement lighting for a dramatic entrance. There’s plenty of space to hang out on comfy sofas in green velvet, and soft leather armchairs.

A walkway connects the lobby with a dayto-night lounge, perfect for work and play.

A large canteen-style wooden table takes centre stage, geared towards co-working and socialising, and a corner sofa in turmeric velvet makes the ideal people-watching perch, sitting under original artworks by artist Lillie Bernie.

Hotels

LEVEN Manchester’s 42 keys comprise four thoughtfully-designed accommodation types: “Life Size” (standard bedroom), “Living Space” (one bedroom suite), “Living Large” (one bedroom duplex Penthouse suite), and “Living The Dream” (two bedroom duplex Penthouse suite).

Every room and suite is unique, taking the historic roots and industrial bones of the building and merging it with sleek interior touches. All have oak parquet or timber floors, bespoke furniture, 100% natural mattresses by Naturalmat and Grown Alchemist bathroom amenities. Some feature high ceilings, exposed brickwork, and stand-alone bathtubs; others have full kitchens, designed like a wet bar with every appliance needed to cook up a storm (or for a private chef to do the culinary honours) housed behind slick cabinetry.

LEVEN: To Eat & Drink Flat white with oat milk? Check. Negroni and a toastie? Check. The Lobby and Lounge at LEVEN Manchester has whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy it. With a home from

home vibe, it’s just the place for guests and locals to hang out with friends, or meet new ones - as well as find a quiet spot to work or get into a good book.

Serving pastries and snacks from local suppliers, and LEVEN own-blend coffee in collaboration with Origin, the Lobby and Lounge also serves up house-made cocktails - all the classics, plus fresh new recipes and alcohol-free options. In the future, a series of local guest DJs will turn up the heat on the decks come evening. Guests can enjoy a bespoke in-room food and beverage service and complimentary house-made breakfast smoothies. Dining options include getting the best of Manchester restaurants delivered to your room or suite; fridge-fills stocked with treats and snacks prior to arrival; and private chefs bookable on request.

Phase two of LEVEN Manchester’s launch later this year will see a 1,700sq ft subterranean cocktail bar with 6.5m high ceilings, and a stunning 4,000 sq ft restaurant space open on the ground and basement levels.

LEVEN: To Stay Thoughtful touches help guests staying at LEVEN feel instantly at home. Free early check-in and late checkout makes travel easier. Rooms feature complimentary limited edition LEVEN socks to keep guest cozy in the rooms, or take home. Free fast wifi throughout makes life easy, and some rooms feature city or canal views.

LEVEN: The Neighbourhood Centrally located at 40 Chorlton Street, alongside vibrant Canal Street, and a five minute walk from Piccadilly Station, LEVEN Manchester is perfectly placed to experience everything this dynamic, flourishing neighbourhood has to offer. With its heady mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, independent stores, alfresco drinking and dining and a thriving LGBTQ+ community, the Village celebrates diversity and community spirit. The rest of Manchester is on the doorstep, waiting to be explored.

Nightly rates at LEVEN Manchester start from £89 in a “Life Size” room, and from £299 in a “Living The Dream” two-bedroom duplex Penthouse suite. www.liveleven.com www.well-brook.com

Hotels

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Hilton Nottingham announces completion of £6.5 Million Investment Hilton Nottingham is placing the finishing touches on a £6.5 million hotel transformation project, which includes the redesign and comprehensive refurbishment of 176 guest rooms, including bathrooms, corridors, noise insulation, installation of air-conditioning throughout and reviewed layouts in the bedrooms. This compliments the lobby which was completed during the pandemic.

Sue Cave, general manager, Hilton Nottingham, said, “We are thrilled to present this stunning and modernised hotel to our guests. I feel honoured to have been a part of this amazing renovation project and thank all our local residents, team, and customers for their patience throughout. It has certainly been worth the wait and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience this brand new offering and continuing to deliver our signature, first class hospitality at Hilton Nottingham” During the renovation process, the team at Hilton Nottingham have enjoyed finding out more about the history of the hotel with the help of local historian, Janine Tanner. Hilton Nottingham was originally built on the site next to the old Nottingham Victoria

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Station which opened in 1900. Once the railway station was nearing completion, a meeting was held in July 1899 between the Nottingham Joint Station Committee and Sir John Blundell Maple Bart MP in which an agreement was signed for the Maple company to build a hotel attached to the as-yet unnamed station. The hotel opened in 1903, three years after the Victoria Station was completed, and as the station now had an official name, naturally the hotel would follow suit, and proudly bore the name ‘Victoria Station Hotel’. Sometime during the latter part of the Victoria Station’s life (after 1950) the word ‘station’ was dropped from the hotel’s name, and it became the ‘Victoria Hotel’.

After the station had been demolished in 1967, the Victoria Hotel opened a railwaythemed pub in the basement, called the ‘Whistle Stop’. Seating in the Platform Bar was made up of an array of luggage trollies and milk churns, and the room was adorned with railway posters. There was also the Waiting Room Bar and buffet, and the Carriage Bar. In honour of the site’s rich history, Hilton Nottingham has embraced this theme throughout the hotel, featuring bespoke

Hotels

Nottingham City artwork throughout the newly renovated guest rooms.

Hilton Nottingham is located in the heart of the city, next to the Victoria Centre. The hotel is in a family- friendly location with many attractions within walking distance, including Theatre Royal, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Castle, Old Market Square, and Motorpoint Arena. Wollaton Hall is a 15-minute drive away, and the hotel is just 40 minutes from Sherwood Forest.

Hilton Nottingham provides a complement of services and brand amenities, including 176 refurbished guest rooms, indoor pool, gym and sauna, seven flexible meeting & events rooms for up to 200 guests, Bric Bar & Kitchen with outdoor terrace, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all public areas and in bedrooms for Hilton Honors members.

Hilton Nottingham is located at Milton Street, Nottingham, NG1 3PZ, United Kingdom. For reservations, visit Hilton Nottingham at www.nottingham.hilton.com or call +44 (0)115 934 9700.

For more information on Hilton Nottingham visit www.nottingham.hilton.com

Hotels

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TODD Architects wins approval for hotel-led refurbishment of Grade II* Central Methodist Hall in Birmingham TODD Architects has won planning permission to refurbish and redevelop Birmingham’s Grade II* Listed Central Methodist Hall into a destination hospitality and leisure scheme with up to 150 new hotel rooms and eight new bars and restaurants at ground and basement levels. Birmingham City Council planning officers said the plans, drawn up on behalf of Press Up Hospitality Group and sister company Oakmount, would retain the “distinctiveness” of the building and improve its appearance.

Originally built in 1904, the Central Methodist Hall became the legendary Que Club in 1989, attracting major artists such as David Bowie, Daft Punk and Blur. Despite becoming an important part of Birmingham’s musical and cultural scene, the club went out of use in 2017 and the building declined onto Heritage England’s At Risk Register.

TODD Architects’ hotel-led proposal sensitively extends and adapts this

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much-loved landmark, preserving many of its original features whilst once again allowing it to take its place at the heart of Birmingham’s cultural landscape. Fundamental to the plans will be the refurbishment of the Central Hall into a luscious 1500-seat event space, with the pulpit area redefined as a stage for visiting acts. In addition, a traditional members’ club cocktail lounge, two expansive external terraces and a flagship rooftop restaurant with panoramic views across the city are proposed.

Seamus Lennon, Principal, TOD D Architects, comments: “We are thrilled to see our hotel-led proposals for the refurbishment of Birmingham Central Methodist Hall granted approval a mere six months on from our client having completed on the building. The Central Methodist Hall offers the opportunity to mix the height of Victorian grandeur with a fresh and contemporary take on the modern hospitality offer. Whilst it remains necessary to extend the building vertically

Hotels

to ensure the project is commercially viable, Birmingham City Council planners recognised our proposals will ensure this is done sensitively and allow the full restoration of the Central Hall space to be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The proposed three-storey rooftop extension will be set back from the parapet and terraced backwards as the volume rises.

A single-storey extension to the south will also be set back from the parapet and above this rests a new restaurant with a pitched roof matching the form of the original. The new elements make explicit reference to the qualities of the original building, whilst also utilising modern methods of construction and material technologies.

The scheme on Corporation Street will be operated by Press Up Hospitality Group under ‘The Dean’ brand. The Dean is a boutique, design-led hotel with locations in Dublin, Cork and Galway. This will be the first Dean location outside of Ireland.

Hotels

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Sustainable design and product innovation in the spotlight at Independent Hotel Show’s 10th edition The Independent Hotel Show is set to return to Olympia London on 4-5 October for two days of networking, discussion and product discovery for the UK’s luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector.

Launched in 2012, the Independent Hotel Show is this year celebrating ten years at the heart of the independent hotelier community.

Long-time event ambassador Peter Hancock recalls of the first edition: “I remember being shocked to meet people I knew around every corner. The show has just got better and better, especially in terms of the quality of speakers on the business stages and the overall attendance.

Crucially, the show has remained exclusively aimed at independent minded hoteliers.”

This year’s edition of the show will see a jampacked programme of content on the Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo, and the Hotel Vision stage, in partnership with HotelPartner, covering a wide range of topics tailored to the independent hotel sector.

From making ESG profitable for hotel businesses, what it takes to achieve industry accolades and top tech insights for hoteliers to major challenges such as staffing and issues in the food & drink supply chain.

Peter Banks, MD at Rudding Park, comments: “We have already used two of the suppliers we met at last year’s show and one of these will have a significant and long-lasting impact on our business. The membership debate that we attended has significantly instructed our thinking for our next development at Rudding.

Instruction, Innovation and Networking. I urge you to attend.”

In addition to unmissable networking and chances to meet with peers in areas like the Social Business Space, the Independent Hotel Show gives guests the opportunity to meet with over 200 carefully curated suppliers, from luxury furniture and lighting brands like Eichholtz, to emerging high-end F&B brands like Heads + Tails Signature Drinks, to the latest hospitality tech to drive profits and streamline hospitality businesses.

Plus, new for this year’s event are innovative feature areas such as a glimpse into the hotel room of the future with design studio Cocoon & Bauer, incorporating themes such as sustainability, biophilic design and design catering for neurodiversity. Meanwhile at the Business Solutions Bar, in partnership with HOSPA & HMA, guests will be able to 12

consult with a range of independent industry experts to received personalised advice and guidance for their unique business challenges.

To learn more, and to register for your complimentary trade pass, head to www.indepedenthotelshow.co.uk.

The business event for luxury and boutique hotels.

DO BUSINESS With 200+ innovative hotel suppliers

EXPLORE The Concept Lab

LEARN At 25+ talks and workshops

CONNECT IN The Social Business Space

OFFICIAL INSURANCE PARTNER

Find out more and register at independenthotelshow.co.uk

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Contract furniture business owner named one of Britain’s brightest young talents The owner of one of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of contract standard furniture has been named as one of Britain’s brightest young female business leaders.

Rachel Conroy, 35, CEO of Gatesheadbased HLF, which supplies holiday parks, hotels, student groups, build to rent, serviced apartments and retirement villages, has been included in the UK’s leading and most influential business magazine Management Today’s list of ‘35 Women Under 35’ 2022.

This features new female role models and spotlights young businesswomen who have achieved extraordinary things in a short period of time. It celebrates Britain’s next generation of women leading businesses during a time of change and tough social and economic challenges.

The HLF Group has seen a strong performance since opening for business in 2018, achieving strong organic growth on the back of £2m sales this year. Now, Rachel and her management team are targeting

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£3m in revenues in the next 12 months as she looks to extend services to customers in the UK both within the leisure industry and beyond.

Investment in a 7,500 sq. ft. head office and design centre on Whiteley Road in Blaydon has accommodated ambitious plans, helping HLF to develop its presence in the social housing and build-to-rent markets in the next 12 months.

After realising that working as a solicitor was not sustainable with a young family, Rachel Conroy decided to launch The HLF Group while on maternity leave. She said: “I’m so pleased for everyone at HLF to feature in the list – it’s testament also to their hard work and effort.

“In just over four years, we have grown the business to become the market leader. In a short period of time, we have won contracts with some of the biggest holiday operators in Britain, including Park Dean Resorts, Hoseasons and Sykes. We are now seeing huge advances into other sectors particularly co-living and build-to-rent.

“We are making the investments as our customers look to change furniture more often while requiring better quality products at trade prices. Particularly in the holiday sector, they expect the accommodation they pay to stay in to be aesthetically pleasing and the owners need hardwearing furniture at a very competitive price.”

The 35 Women Under 35 2022 list also spotlights Rachel Conroy’s plans to future proof the business and evolve her leadership.

The company is opening a new warehouse later this year, shifting its current logistics operations from Washington to a site in Blaydon, where it will be closer to the office and design centre. The move will help to support growth, enabling more stock to be held on site and boosting distribution to customers. It has also added new ranges of UK made products into their brochures which can be accessed via their website.

The full report is available at: www.managementtoday.co.uk/meetfuture-business/article/1790780

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BEDS

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Mattison Contract Beds - UK manufacturer of mattresses, divans, headboards and sofa beds for the hospitality market – knows a thing or two about making hotel beds and provides the right products at excellent value. Since 1862, the company has been producing beds and this extensive experience is woven into their products.

Beds are a cornerstone of the hospitality market and one of the key factors upon which hoteliers are judged by their discerning clientele. Naturally, choosing the right manufacturer and partner is a priority for hotels – from the products available to the services offered. With Mattison Contract Beds, hoteliers will find themselves able to rest as well as their guests!

For starters, all products are fully compliant to Crib 5 Fire Retardancy standards for use in a hotel and contract environment – with all hotel-range mattresses treated with anti-bed bug treatment; and to provide hoteliers with

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From shallow to deep divans, ottoman bases, a boutique-style “floating” divan base, to a suitcase storage divan, there are a whole cornucopia of alternatives available.

You’re sure to find a style to fit your needs or provide discreet storage solutions. Do you want to brand or add your own touch? The staff at Mattison Contract Beds can utilise the client’s own material, no issue. With a variety of foot options available or the ability to customise with your own, it doesn’t end there.

If you need flexibility in room arrangement and occupancy rate maximisation? All product lines provide Velcro- and Zip-and-Link options – and combine this with their installation service for a complete turn-key solution.

It’s crucial to remember that Mattison Contract Beds has held ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 approval for more than ten years, especially in light of how prominent

Contract Beds and Bedding

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sustainability has become in recent years.

“Mattison Contract Beds have actively taken steps to ensure that our consequences are mitigated, either entirely or in part, whenever we can,” adds Stephen Eccles, Managing Director of Mattison Contract Beds. “This is a continuous process that is invested in and developed upon so that we can continue to get better.”

This starts with the raw materials used to make beds and mattresses; the company has a system in place for conducting due diligence and only works with suppliers who engage in responsible sourcing, adhere to UKTR, and are also FSC/PEFC recognised. However, it doesn’t finish there (the traditional “end” was a landfill site). Mattison Contract Beds provides an end-of-life disposal service.

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VitrA Celebrates 30 Years in the UK International bathroom brand VitrA is celebrating 30 years of supplying bathrooms in the UK. The British bathroom world was very different 30 years ago when Levent Giray and his team brought VitrA to the UK. VitrA was one of the first European manufacturers to break into the market - which was dominated by British names - thanks to its quality manufacturing, strength in domestic market leadership and innovative production capabilities.

Appearances at shows such as ISH and Interbuild, showing innovative, quality products, won VitrA support early on among independent retailers. Ranges like VitrA’s Riva, Pluto, and Berwick are still remembered by retailers who built their business on these and other ranges.

When VitrA entered the UK market in the early 1990s, the company already had 30 years of experience in ceramic manufacturing, ten years of experience in brassware manufacturing, and an enviable portfolio of products.

VitrA has played a key role in pivotal bathroom design developments, including wall-hung pans, which the brand has manufactured since the late 1980s. VitrA was also one of the first to introduce an affordable, good-looking shower toilet option into the UK market. Not only is the popular V-Care shower toilet priced incredibly competitively, but it’s also virtually indistinguishable from a regular wall-hung toilet.

From the start, VitrA showed commitment to acting as a British manufacturer instead of an importer. While VitrA brought new design styles into the UK, products were always produced according to UK plumbing systems. VitrA also designed products explicitly suited to the British market, such as the Chelsea and Chartwell ranges. The company was also one of the first non-British manufacturers to become a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, reflecting its sense of duty to the UK industry.

VitrA has always had a strong focus on innovation. In the early days, the brand pioneered advanced manufacturing technology, including the integration of CAD software. In 2011, VitrA opened the Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art research and development centre produces and trials new products and technologies for international markets, specifically for the UK market, considering the UK demands for plumbing, water variations and space requirements. Several unique solutions,

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Editors Choice

such as VitrA Rim-ex rimless technology and VitrA Hygiene ceramic glaze, have originated from the Innovation Centre.

Continuous investment over the thirty years allowed VitrA to lead manufacturing processes and remain hugely flexible in logistics and supply. In the UK, this was enhanced by building relationships with the strongest British distributors – early on with Scorpion and later Barwick and Davroc.

Over the years, VitrA has worked hard to build retailer relationships and introduce the brand to the British public. VitrA started the Showrooms of Excellence programme in the late 1990s, which continues today as an integral part of the sales strategy. These longstanding and effective partnerships form a network of retail experts that keep VitrA close to the marketplace.

Building on the success of the retail market, VitrA started to supply to the commercial market over 20 years ago. Within the first five years, the company won the contract for the new Heathrow T5 terminal and created the K basins specifically for this project. VitrA has also nurtured relationships within the hospitality sector, including IHG & Hilton, leveraging the company’s global presence.

VitrA has also built longstanding relationships with architects, developers and housebuilders in the residential contracts market. In the early 2000s, VitrA started working with Urban Splash on projects including Moho, designed by shedkm, and Chips, designed by Will Alsop. Recent residential projects for VitrA include The Cocoa Works apartments by Latimer and the Phoenix apartments by Capital and Centric.

VitrA has developed a reputation for outstanding design. In the early 2000s, VitrA launched a collaboration with Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove.

The range, called ‘Istanbul’, was and still is unlike anything else on the market. For the UK, this was the start of a long history of designer collaborations, culminating in the launch of Liquid with British designer Tom Dixon last year.

Today, VitrA operates over 2,000 sqm of warehouse space in Oxfordshire and has a team of 50 people. The company continues to grow from strength to strength, addressing the industry’s new challenges and changes in buyer behaviour.

Last year VitrA opened a showroom in London for architects, designers, and specifiers, marking a new milestone in the company’s journey. VitrA London is not only a space to showcase products, but also to engage with the community through events, workshops, and installations.

Levent Giray, retiring Managing Director (end of July 2022), says, “It is fair to say we have come a long way in three decades. Brands pre-eminent when we arrived have largely disappeared.

Internet sales and the IoT are pervasive, with companies interacting directly with consumers in ways unimaginable back then. The future is exciting. Leaving VitrA after 30 years is bittersweet, but in the skilful hands of Steve Breen and the team, I know that VitrA will continue to build on its reputation for good design, high-quality products and top customer service.”

Managing Director Steve Breen says, “I’m delighted to be leading VitrA through this next chapter. VitrA is in fantastic shape with a great team of staff and management. The foundations built over 30 years mean we are well placed for the next 30.” www.vitra.co.uk

Editors Choice

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Causing a stir at industry conferences The events marking the future of hospitality tech travellers has bounced back stronger than pre-pandemic, business traveller numbers are only now beginning to return - albeit chaotic and reduced.

Despite teething problems in travel, there is plenty of positive buzz at industry events. Attendee numbers may be reduced - nearly 30% down on 2019 - but people are returning with enthusiasm and focused agendas. Q2 was a busy time for the industry as event organisers committed to their dates and hosted a myriad of shows.

By Ryan Haynes, Director, Haynes MarComs - travel and hospitality marketing - technology expert Pent up demand is providing a riddle in travel, with airlines struggling to man flights, airports scrambling with luggage, and hotels balancing high occupancy rates with staff shortages. While demand from consumer

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Over the past few months, there has been a lot of activity and investment as people seek to (re)build their network, source the right partners, and identify the solutions to reboot business.

The adoption of mobile digital technologies during the pandemic has bolstered

understanding and necessity. A priority theme across most events has been how hospitality and travel can deliver digital experiences and hybrid services that are accessible to guests and staff.

Let’s look at the events that have taken place and what we learnt: International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF): the 121 hosted buyer event returned for the first time since 2019.

Senior hotel leaders and the hospitality technology industry connected to discuss the latest challenges and innovation of technological advancement in the hospitality sector.

The event brought together hoteliers, management companies, OTAs, and solution providers to discuss the learnings and challenges of 2020-21, and how technology is transforming the

industry with a particular focus on guest experience and operational efficiency.

alongside technology and digital executives working in hotels.

The big message from hotel groups was the need for deeper integration and connectivity within the hotel tech stack, with SIHOT and Worldline speaking of the importance of integrated frictionless omnichannel payment solutions.

Its packed and dynamic programme delivered insight and education from top hospitality technology experts with a focus on hotel tech stacks and revenue drivers. This year, HITEC returned with a vengeance, with more first-time exhibitors than ever before focusing on ancillary products, payments and human resources.

Arabian Travel Market was one of the first international travel events to take place post-pandemic without social distancing requirements. This made it one of the liveliest editions ever and as a result elevated its position among influential trade events.

PhocusWright Europe explored innovative technology solutions in the market and those that are making a real impact across the industry. With an audience of senior travel industry professionals, the programme was a mix of networking, roundtables, and interactive breakouts.

While Arabian Travel Market was largely designed to facilitate commerce for inbound and outbound tourism professionals, it was the perfect excuse for global service providers and technologies to meet customers and partners. As a result, numerous innovative travel technology providers gave food for thought, including Arvoia challenging the status quo of hotelretail to make a convincing case for AI.

The team at PhocusWright pulled together a diverse programme that covered a large cross-section of the industry, with specific focus on digitalisation, technology investment, and addressing the challenges the industry is facing. Yet it was a travel company, It’s July, that connects families on their travels to win Phocuswright Europe’s Innovation Launch Award.

HITEC is the largest and oldest hospitality technology conference, attracting the attention of the biggest technology companies, innovations and start-ups

TravelTech Show (formerly known as Travel Technology Europe) brought together global decision-making technology buyers to help them find new innovative technology

solutions for their travel business. This event was held in partnership with Business Travel Show and The Meetings Show and proved particularly beneficial to resort, corporate and conference hotels as a place to meet partners and discover the innovations across the sectors.

Upcoming Events for 2022 With so many events still to happen in 2022, it’s important to consider what your plans and strategic aims are, and prioritise those for attendance.

Some of the upcoming European based trade shows and industry events on our radar include: - The Annual Hotel Conference, 3 - 4 October: ideal for investors and senior leaders of brands - Independent Hotel Show, 4 - 5 October: specifically for independent and smaller brands - WTM, 7 - 9 November: global travel exhibition for inbound and outbound market - HOSPACE: 17 November, senior hotel executives and technology experts Why not connect with me on LinkedIN and let me know what events you are attending.

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Here comes the sun...

Top tips to make the most out of your outdoor space this summer...

Nothing says summer quite like a pub beer garden – and with around 27,000 across the UK*, and their very own ‘Best Pub Garden’ award at the Great British Pub Awards, it’s fair to say the popularity of outdoor spaces remains as widespread as ever.

Finalist in the 2022 awards, George Greenaway from the Tamworth Tap, a micro-brewery, taproom and off-licence – alongside PPL PRS, the organisation responsible for issuing TheMusicLicence for businesses who use music - share their thoughts on the best ways to enhance the atmosphere and make the most out of outdoor spaces in the coming months ahead.

Pay attention to detail The details of an outdoor space can be just as important as indoors, if not more – which is why it is important to get them right and create a space that suits both your brand and surroundings.

This could be anything from floral displays and hanging baskets, to a fairy-lit alley and candles on each of the tables, which help to create the perfect atmosphere and add the finishing touch that customers are looking for.

Keep your customers entertained Events can be one of the best ways to bring people into the town and are a great way to attract customers, old and new. Popular ideas include ale and cider festivals, live music events and Belgian beer tasting, all of which can give people a reason to go out, and may be why they choose your business over others.

Know your audience Less is always more, which means that when thinking about your outdoor space, it is important to have a theme and ensure to make the decor and surroundings relevant to the local area. This way you avoid alienating any potential demographic and can ensure you create an atmosphere that is welcoming and appealing to both your customers and your staff.

Remember to consider the atmosphere As with any space, the ambience is key, which means, paying particular attention to music genre and lighting is critical. Ambient lighting can help to enhance certain areas of a garden, while playing music, particularly a style that reflects a brand can help to enhance the experience and create a space people enjoy. As George explains, “we have so many comments on how customers have enjoyed the playlists, even asking where they can buy the CD. I’m certain we keep customers a little longer as they can’t leave because of the music. It’s unique to our venue and evokes positive reactions from tourists and locals alike.”

For more information about how to enhance the atmosphere and create the perfect outdoor space visit pplprs.co.uk/success-stories/thetamworth-tap/

Scan me for more hints and tips

0800 001 4544

pplprs.co.uk/getyourlicence *https://www.beerguild.co.uk/news/uks-27000-pubs-with-beergardens-should-be-amongst-the-first-to-re-open-says-bbpa/

Zonal appoints new managing director at high level software and launches HLS Marketplace

The appointment comes at an exciting time for Zonal’s hotel division and Stewart will be helping drive the business forward and ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of hospitality technology.

Stuart McLean, CEO of Zonal, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stewart to the Zonal family.

With his strong background in the hotel sector, he has a deep understanding of the challenges operators face and a wealth of experience in boosting revenues and identifying potential new income streams. His vast insight and expertise will be an asset in helping our hotel partners grow, as well as nurturing and developing our own position in the hotel sector. He is the perfect person to lead HLS and take us to the next level.”

He joins from Cedar Court Hotels Yorkshire, where he was Group Director of Sales and Marketing and has previously held management roles at IHG Hotels and Resorts and Accor. His vast managerial expertise will be at the forefront of HLS, to help the business grow in the hotel market.

Stewart Moss added, “I’ve admired Zonal for some time, and Stuart and the team have done an outstanding job creating a brand that really stands out in the hotel technology sector. I am thrilled to be joining a company that is outperforming the market, growing its estate, and delivering outstanding service,

Leading hospitality technology company Zonal, has announced Stewart Moss as the new Managing Director of its hotel tech arm, High Level Software (HLS).

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and I can’t wait to get stuck into this exciting new role. I am ready to invest my experience into High Level Software and I hope we can grow to be a thriving technology face in the hotel market. ” Excitingly, Stewart’s appointment comes at the same time as the company unveils its new HLS Marketplace solution. The new product is a collection of hospitality apps and integrations forming a central software solution to help hotel operators find a smarter way to work. The solution is designed to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences and generate more revenue.

To find out more visit HLS Marketplace: www.high-level-software.com/marketplace

Havwoods Opens Its Guildford Showroom In the centre of Surrey, the new highlyanticipated Havwoods Guildford showroom opened on Thursday 14th July, joining the brand’s already impressive and growing portfolio in the UK. With locations in Clerkenwell, Chelsea, Carnforth and Knutsford, this is the fifth opening for Havwoods and their first location in a home county, enabling the team to meet and interact with new and loyal customers, both residential and commercial.

The new showroom will showcase the latest wood flooring and cladding designs, providing visitors with expert innovation and inspiration to take away with them when selecting flooring, as well as Havwoods’ renowned consultation service. Designed to operate on a drop-in basis, the knowledgeable Wood Experts are on hand five days a week to answer and support any request, suited to any project size or scheme.

During the opening day, the guests were greeted with glasses of fizz and nibbles, with experts on hand to offer advice throughout the day. Following a successful appearance at Clerkenwell Design Week, the iconic Havwoods Routemaster bus made a grand return with delicious cake and coffee onboard.

Offering an immersive Havwoods experience, the bus portrays a classic London bus on the outside, whilst internally, it is designed in the brand’s new and premium materials.

Designed in an interactive layout of panels and samples, including the famous Havwoods Storywall, the Guildford showroom is a pleasurable experience to explore, encapsulating the essence of what the brand is known for: beautiful wood flooring for any interior. www.havwoods.com/uk info@havwoods.com +44(0)1524 737000

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Aylott + Van Tromp draw inspiration from the 20s and 30s for a dramatic refresh of the Samuel Ryder Hotel in St. Albans.

International design studio Aylott + Van Tromp have reimagined the interior and created a full branding refresh of the historic Samuel Ryder Hotel in St. Albans, as it changes hands to become part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton the brand’s first hotel in the UK.

donor of golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup, to house the business of his successful seed company. To this day it retains many original features, including leaded light room screens, sweeping staircase and a magnificent mahogany and stained glass dome.

Located in the former home of golf legend Samuel Ryder, the hotel is steeped in local heritage. For Aylott + Van Tromp, it was important to create a new era for the hotel that fostered a deep connection with the brand for its ideal, its character and its story. “From our initial research we discovered there was a pentup demand for a characterful, and individually styled hotel in St Albans,” says co-founder Nathan Aylott. “We felt that the building had so much to give, but its former incarnation just wasn’t living up to its full potential. The narrative was already there, we simply had to create the platform from which to tell the story.”

“We wanted our design to reflect the golden era of the original building,” says fellow cofounder James Van Tromp, “weaving subtle nods to the past with styling that is modern, creative and characterful, designed to bring joy to all that stay here. In its heyday, Ryders’ Seeds supplied millions of seeds across the British Empire, creating vegetables and blooms from St Albans to Sydney. These beautiful botanics are the driver for our scheme, as they literally blossomed from a simple beginning into something amazing just like this hotel!”

The grade II listed landmark building was originally built in 1911 by Samuel Ryder,

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Taking inspiration from the plants that blossomed from Ryder’s seeds, the hotel colour scheme features an abundance of

green tones, accentuated by bright pops of colour. “Each area of the hotel takes on its.” own flavour, so to speak,” says Aylott, “which we felt helped build up the emotive side of design Verdant and lush, the material palette harks back to the joyous era of the twenties and thirties, when Ryder’s seed business was at its peak. In each area, a corresponding flora or botanical scent is used to reflect the tones of the room, tying the building even more tightly back to its original roots.

“The present building lent itself well to a deep and enticing scheme,” says Van Tromp. “With a high ceiling and large windows, we felt we could afford to be brave and characterful.

We wanted the styling to be modern and vivacious - yet accessible to both younger and older demographics - honouring the past in ways that doesn’t feel staid and stuffy, but instead celebrates the building’s botanical past without being a slavish recreation of what has gone before.”

Contract Flooring and surfaces

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Heritage venue installs latest gigabit technology and air filtration system Glaziers Hall, the heritage livery building adjacent to London bridge dating back to 1808, has invested approximately £20k to ensure the venue continues to meet with the needs of customers and is compliant with pre-pandemic requirements.

Installing a 1 gigabit fibre-optic internet link, along with 4G backup and WIFI mesh network to WIFI 6 standards, the venue can now provide connectivity for increasingly complex events that require online and in person attendance with access for more than 500 people at any given time.

Furthermore, it has fitted air filtration systems to ensure that fresh air is circulated around the building, providing reassurance to hosts and delegates that the space is compliant, fit for purpose and safe post-pandemic.

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Head of Sales and Account Management, Gary Hills, comments: “There is no doubting that Glaziers Hall is one of the most iconic heritage buildings in London. It has breathtaking architecture, which provides a complete contrast to the backdrop of the more modern venues that feature alongside the Thames.

“We want to ensure that our guests have everything they need when they hire Glaziers Hall, not just an incredible space but the latest technology and air filtration systems too. We appreciate that connectivity is paramount, particularly when events remain a hybrid of online and in person.

“What’s more, we absolutely understand the need for reassurance when it comes to postpandemic safety. The air filtration system is an additional measure that we have taken

to reiterate to our customers that we will do whatever it takes to deliver the very best experience we can for them.”

Clients are already making best use of the upgraded technology with PwC recently hosting an event that required 300MB internet and WIFI. This supported more than 200 attendees, allowing them to connect simultaneously to the system to vote using a smartphone app during a conference.

Showcasing seven individual spaces for hire at the venue, Glaziers Hall is a unique building which brings together a fusion of beautifully crafted architecture, complemented by a modern décor.

For more information, please visit: www.glaziershall.co.uk, and for regular updates please follow Glaziers Hall on LinkedIn.

Seaham Hall launches world-first hotel reservation platform to revolutionise each guest’s booking journey Five-star boutique hotel, Seaham Hall has launched the pioneering, experience-first software platform, OneJourney with the aim of increasing direct revenue and maximising transaction value for hotels.

The luxury hideaway, which is situated on Durham’s heritage coast and just scooped Small Hotel of the Year in the 2022 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, attracts guests from all over the country to enjoy its 23 suites (including two new Bungalow Suites with hot tubs, which enjoy direct sea views), its much-lauded dining options and its award-winning spa facilities.

The brand-new eCommerce platform has been designed to sell everything online, aggregating all the hotel’s products and services into a live inventory for sale. Guests at Seaham Hall can now enjoy a unified booking process where overnight stays, spa therapies and

dining reservations can be booked in one seamless online journey.

Ross Grieve, Seaham Hall’s Managing Director, says: “At Seaham Hall we strive to provide our guests with the best possible experience, every step of their journey with us. The hotel industry generally doesn’t provide a great user experience for customers booking online - but now, with OneJourney, we can offer a tailor-made booking process for each guest, allowing them to build their own bespoke packages in one seamless transaction.

“From the hotel’s perspective, it has given us the opportunity to up-sell, encouraging greater spend from guests at the outset, whether that is adding on spa treatments and dining reservations, or retail options such as the purchase of spa products or champagne for their room.”

Describing itself as ‘the only true eCommerce platform for hotels’, OneJourney’s first-of-its-kind tech integrates with, and wraps around, the hotel’s existing booking engines and software systems, without impacting on existing operations.

Following its installation at Seaham Hall, significant commercial and operational returns were identified for the hotel, with a 63% increase in average booking value achieved and a 26% reduction in inbound call volumes.

Simon Bullingham, OneJourney’s CEO, says: “We’re thrilled to partner with Seaham Hall and to bring its five-star experience to life online with our ecommerce platform, OneJourney. It’s great to see the platform speedily making a real difference to the business, and driving profitability.” www.seaham-hall.co.uk.

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Andrew Cook appointed general manager of The Lakes By Yoo Lechlade, UK (12th July, 2022) — Luxury rural estate, The Lakes by YOO, has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of a new General Manager, Andrew Cook. Cook steps into the newly created role ahead of the launch of a new collection of waterside cabins and apartments.

The Lakes by YOO welcomes Cook from his most recent position as General Manager at Chewton Glen in Hampshire, where he had been the hotel’s General Manager for the last four years. Cook’s extensive hospitality experience has included over 15 years in managerial roles at Belmond, formerly Orient-Express, at The Westcliff Hotel and The Mount Nelson Hotel in South Africa alongside British Pullman - Venice Simplon Orient-Express. This wealth of international experience is in addition to positions with Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Resort, Manama; Turnberry Hotel and Golf Resort in Scotland as well as the then Royal Abjar Hotel, in Dubai. Cook brings a strong commercial

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mindset and thrives on taking properties to new levels of excellence and success.

Commenting on his appointment, Cook said “I am delighted to join The Lakes by YOO at an exciting time as we further develop the estate and launch a new collection of cabins and apartments, offering a new level of sustainable luxury. We have a pipeline of exciting projects planned over the coming years and I look forward to welcoming guests and working with the incredible team that we have on-site”.

Cook’s appointment comes at the pivotal point following the debut of a collection of new waterside cabins and apartments surrounding Marley Lake amongst lakes, meadows and woodlands. The first of their kind on the 850-acre estate, the new luxury cabins and apartments have been thoughtfully designed by YOO Studio, founded by international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and the world’s most celebrated designer Philippe Starck.

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Available for shorter bookings, guests can opt for three-night stays, making it an ideal luxury weekend break from London. With sustainable touches throughout, including the use of natural and local materials, such as Cotswold stone and locally woven willow, the aesthetic of these new spaces blends seamlessly with their rural surroundings.

Since 1999, YOO has worked with the world’s most visionary developers to create and design residential, hotel, commercial and mixed-use projects in over 36 countries throughout the UK, Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Middle East. Cofounded by John Hitchcox and celebrated designer Philippe Starck, YOO is about creating a lifestyle through amazing spaces, where people come together and create communities; spaces developed to inspire the feeling that anything is possible.

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Radisson RED opens new sustainable design hotel in Oslo Set in one of Northern Europe’s leading, sustainability-focused locations, Radisson RED Oslo Økern has opened its doors. The music, art, design, and fashion inspired hotel, features a unique rooftop experience complete with a bar, outdoor terrace, and impressive city views.

Situated in the buzzing, new sustainable community of Økern Portal and only 15 minutes from Oslo Central Station, Radisson RED Oslo Økern is part of a large sustainability-focused business area, which includes Northern Europe’s biggest rooftop garden where herbs and vegetables are grown and used by the hotel and wider area’s restaurants. The hotel has been certified with an Excellent rating from BREEAM, one of the world’s leading science-based systems to determine the sustainability of buildings. It considers a building’s low impact design and carbon emissions, adaption to climate change, and ecological value and biodiversity protection.

The hotel has an A class energy rating, meaning its energy level will not exceed 140 Kwh/sqm, and it uses rainfall catchers to water its rooftop garden. Additionally, the Økern Portal community has its own energy wells that produce 90% of the heating for the entire development.

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The hotel includes 204 guest rooms with artistic details showcasing a playful twist on the conventional through its design concept. The eye-catching entrances of Radisson RED properties contain huge sculptures that relate to the location. At Radisson RED Oslo Økern, this sculpture takes the form of a tiger, recognizing the city’s nickname “Tigerstaden”, or “Tiger City”, believed to be coined by Norwegian poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, who used a tiger to represent Oslo in his poetry*. The statue can be found on the rooftop terrace and outside the main entrance.

On the hotel’s 12th floor, guests are treated to a stunning panoramic view of Oslo from the hotel’s restaurant, RED Rooftop bar, and outdoor terrace. At the end of the day, guests can enjoy a well-earned drink and a delicious bite to eat on the terrace and enjoy sounds from a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.

The hotel offers 13 meeting rooms, with the largest room able to accommodate 120 guests, including the perfect breakout space to inspire and spark creativity for meeting delegates.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior Vice President, Northern & Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group says: “This is the

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perfect location for our second Radisson RED property in Norway, following the opening of Radisson RED Oslo Airport earlier this year.

Radisson RED’s creative approach works in harmony with Økern Portal’s green spaces and sustainable initiatives, and offers the best city views from its rooftop bar and outdoor terrace.”

Jørgen Holte, General Manager of Radisson RED Oslo Økern comments: “I am proud to open this exciting new hotel concept in Oslo. We know sustainability is a key focus for travellers today and we are always looking to develop innovative hotel experiences.

Radisson RED Oslo Økern combines sustainability initiatives, Radisson Hotel Group’s Yes I Can! Service, and Radisson RED’s playful twist on the conventional, which we are sure guests will enjoy.”

With the health and safety of guests and team members as its top priority, Radisson RED Oslo Økern is implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program.

The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli resort unveils new exquisite experiences amidst as it reopened on the 16th July!

The finest address in the Maldives welcomes back guests with exciting property changes and packages

putting a special emphasis on fresh, unique concepts in the health & wellness, lifestyle, food & beverage and sustainability spaces.”

The award-winning five-star property, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces the unveiling of new, exquisite experiences as it resumed operations on July 16, following a brief 45-day closure for a property rejuvenation. The highly anticipated reopening of the Vommuli Island resort welcomes guests back to Maldives’ finest address where the highest standard of luxury hospitality and unforgettable moments await.

Following the property enhancements, guests can expect an elevated and impeccable private island stay that is emblematic of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli. For added allure, extensions for ALBA beach and all beach villas have been completed. Furthermore, a reef breaker has been installed in the lagoon, creating calmer waters for guests staying in overwater villas, recreational water activities, and to aid in reef rejuvenation, among other purposes.

With the goal of refining the guest experience, accommodations underwent an attractive refreshment with an installation of new wood, roofs, decks and paint finishes. The appealing property changes were conceived to match and enhance the unparalleled excellence of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli’s signature services, world-class amenities and superior program offerings. “We are thrilled to welcome our valued guests back to paradise as we introduce new and opulent innovations to Vommuli Island,” said Vincent Pauchon, General Manager at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “We have taken this time to thoughtfully reconceive our programming

In addition to the resort’s property updates, the world-renowned Iridium Spa, has introduced an

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Ayurveda Monsoon Stay package targeting those seeking extravagant wellness offerings complete with opulent, top-of-the-line treatments during the monsoon season, when the benefits of Ayurveda are greater than ever. Debuting in August 3rd, the 7-day and 14-day packages include a variety of innovative services for the body and mind under the guidance of Ayurvedic Physician and Spa Manager, Dr. Sudhi Suresh. The package also includes an expansive array of activities and treatments using herbal

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plants from the Ayurveda garden that will take guests on a transformative journey.

Also included in the package are individual wellness consultations, daily group yoga, aqua aerobics, TRX, Tabata, beach boot camp classes and Ayurvedic sessions such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara and Choornaswedana.

Lastly, enlightening wellness workshops, and an indulgent, anti-ageing caviar facial are featured in the Ayurveda Monsoon Stay package.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli will launch an exclusive Art Retreat. Hosted by Denise Schmitz, founder of We Love Art, the 3-day immersion begins with a welcome orientation and drink followed by sunset cocktails and dinner at Orientale. In addition to intimate painting sessions with Denise, the itinerary includes an array of thoughtful activities, such as sunrise and anti-gravity yoga, relaxing treatments at Iridium Spa, decadent dining, and unforgettable activities including a Turtle Quest and champagne sabering.

Cocktail connoisseurs and travelers alike are sure to appreciate the uniquely distinctive, new Bar Program, set to unveil in August.

Featuring a captivating “Violet Hour”

ritual and New York-inspired cocktails, the new program pays homage to the legacy and glamor of the original House of Astor. This extraordinary celebration of the art of drinking features a selection of 40 cocktail recipes inspired by five New York neighborhoods, merging the stylish charm of Manhattan with local infusions to create exquisite original creations.

In addition to this enchanting delight, the five-star property is further enriching its impressive culinary concepts with the introduction of a new restaurant concept, T-Pan. The artistic touch of presentations, exquisite ingredients, and the apogee of the art of simplicity are imbued in the gracious art of T-Pan. Located in a serene garden at the ledge of the white sand beach with breathtaking views of the Azure Indian Ocean, epicureans will relish in the wabi sabi Japanese Zen’s Celestial philosophy of appreciating beauty of imperfection, revered subtle nuanced and transience of all elements and journey of discovering the senses. Slated for its grand opening in November, T-Pan will offer Omakase menus with flavors of the finest ingredients from the Maldives and around the globe. Guests can enjoy exquisite Japanese whiskies and the finest collections of gins, beers, and specially curated tasting flights, meticulously directed by the chief mixologist. Teas from Boutique Japanese tea houses and bespoke Sakes from the world-famous Sake house Dassai are also must-have indulgences to be enjoyed above the rest.

The destination’s idyllic, natural environment is elevated by the finest expression of luxury that promises nonpareil relaxation and extraordinary moments. Set on more than 22-acres, the resort’s 77 transcendent villas scattered through the island each offer a plunge pool and private entrance for an unparalleled degree of seclusion and privacy. The premium two- and threebedroom villas – including the famed John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the Maldives – are perfectly poised for families and groups looking for a destination retreat to escape to.

For more information and reservations, please contact us at reservations.vommuli@stregis.com.

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Indulge in a Gourmet Getaway this Summer at Hilton Lake Como New Street food Pop Up, Executive Chef, Restaurant and Cocktail Menus Join the Foodie Line Up this Summer Hilton Lake Como is delighted to announce a series of tempting additions to its culinary lineup this summer. From a new Executive Chef and street food pop-up featuring the world’s best artisanal pizza to an earththemed cocktail list and an updated menu at signature restaurant Terrazza 241, the lakeside paradise is the ultimate choice for a gourmet getaway this summer.

Commenting on his appointment and the new summer offering, he said: “I am thrilled to be a part of the exceptional team here at Hilton Lake Como. Our little slice of paradise on Lake Como is fast becoming the go-to gourmet destination for foodie travellers in the region and our latest launches are the so-called ‘proof in the pudding!’. Yes, I am passionate about Italian food but I also like to mix it up with South American and Asian influences to bring an element of the unexpected and to surprise and delight our guests, while always using the freshest local produce.”

New Executive Chef Stefano Ghielmetti Street Food for the Entire Family Overseeing the entire culinary experience at Hilton Lake Como is newly-appointed Executive Chef Stefano Ghielmetti. Born and raised in Como, he has lived and worked in Dubai and Toronto and trained at Michelinstarred establishments such as Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London. Ghielmetti cites this experience as a constant source of inspiration, bringing an international edge to his cooking.

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Available from July to October 2022, Hilton Lake Como will be offering a new popup street food bar concept that has been created within the terraces of the ground floor and will provide an alternative dining option to Terrazza 241 for both hotel guests and locals. Characterised by an informal atmosphere, the new street food bar is an

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ideal destination for families, friends and couples alike.

A quirky red-coloured portable pizza oven especially created on an Ape Piaggio (similar to a Vespa) will be positioned at the entrance of the hotel thanks to the collaboration with L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the renowned and historic Neapolitan pizzeria that proudly uses traditional and natural ingredients.

Nominated in the Michelin and Espresso Guides, it has recently been awarded as the best artisanal pizza chain in the world.

The classic round pizza, tasty and inviting, which satisfies both the eye and the palate, will be offered in different regional variations in the name of simplicity and genuine taste: a real culinary journey through the Bel Paese. A selection of gourmet burgers and trendy poke bowls will also be on offer to those who love a tasty but light cuisine. There’s now truly something for every palette at Hilton Lake Como!.

Earth-Inspired ‘Habitat’ Cocktail Menu Hilton Lake Como is taking its world-class drinks list to a new level with the launch of a new earth-inspired cocktail menu. The Habitat menu is inspired by far-away lands from Japan to Peru and features a range of tempting tipples to delight every palette.

Traditionalists will adore the Smoked Negroni, which is served in a bell jar filled with the grounding scent of smoked thyme, while the adventurous will revel in the Rajasthan-tea infused rum, banana and lemongrass Oasis, which comes complete with coconut foam. The star of the show is Hanami, which is inspired by the Japanese custom of watching the cherry blossoms in full bloom and is a refreshing blend of Etsu gin, cardamom, ginger, lime and red fruit tea.

New Food Menu at Terrazza 241 This summer, Executive Chef Stefano Ghielmetti and his talented brigade will serve up a taste of the dolce vita with a brand-new menu for the hotel’s signature restaurant, Terrazza 241. With a sprawling rooftop terrace offering the best view of the lake in Como, Terrazza 241 is the perfect spot for guests to dine al fresco as they watch the world float by.

The new dishes are a celebration of Italian produce, with fresh seafood, the highest quality vegetables and indulgent pasta dishes all on offer. Signature dishes include smoked ravioli with basil, aubergine and burrata cream, chimichurri octopus with summer potato salad, and egg and squid ink pasta with scallops. With an array of delicious desserts including classic tiramisu and Sicilian cannoli, there is plenty to delight those with a sweet tooth.

Formerly a silk factory, Hilton Lake Como is now a new generation hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. There are 170 spacious rooms and suites to choose from, including Family Deluxe King Rooms, which sleep up to 4 and perfectly cater to family travellers alongside new interconnecting rooms, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant.

Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at 180 Euro per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

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Celebrate the wild spirit of Puglia with the ‘Embrace the Wilderness Nature Package’ at five-star Palazzo Ducale Venturi, Italy Renowned for its outstanding wild and natural beauty, Puglia provides the perfect destination for those seeking a serene sanctuary amidst the verdant hills of Italy. To celebrate this spectacular landscape, five-star hotel Palazzo Ducale Venturi is offering guests an immersive experience with their new ‘Embrace The Wilderness Nature Package’ to bring peace and calm to both mind and body.

Mixing the elements of wellness, exploring Pugliese nature at its best, plus delicious gourmet food, this new set of experiences allows guests to rest and replenish. The new ‘Soul of the Trees’ full body treatment, focusing on natural tree products is the ultimate way to relax and unwind, whilst a trip to the nearby Vallonea Oak, one of the oldest trees in Italy, provides the perfect way to connect with nature. Great gastronomy lies at the heart of Palazzo Ducale Venturi, and during their stay guests can experience locally foraged ingredients and homegrown vegetables and fruits for an authentic farm to fork experience.

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Soul of The Trees Massage The Soul of the Trees full body massage takes inspiration from Oak, Beech, Juniper, Apple and Linden trees to create a 60-minute treatment designed to achieve total physical and mental wellbeing. Special wraps and poultices created using roots, bark and leaves from the trees bring together their earthly qualities in a treatment that incorporates gentle massage with the movement and calming properties of the trees that inspire the treatment.

The Vallonea Oak After a relaxing treatment, guests can explore the main gardens and citrus grove to the salt-water swimming pool before visiting the 900-year-old Vallonea Oak which stands at 20 metres tall and is known as ‘The Oak of the Hundred Knight’, as legend has it that Fredrick II and his one hundred knights found shelter beneath the tree during a storm whilst in battle. Guests can further explore the rich history of Puglia with one of the many guided tours available at Palazzo Ducale Venturi, including a visit to the historic town of Matera ‘the town of stone’

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which lies on the steep slopes of the Matera ravine where guests will find Rupestrian churches and fascinating cave complexes.

Having worked up an appetite exploring Puglia, the immersion in nature continues back at the hotel where dishes are created using the finest locally sourced ingredients, fresh produce and foraged herbs. Palazzo Ducale Venturi’s Chef Antonio Russo will guide guests on a gastronomic journey through the different ingredients, from harvest through to the serving of delicious dishes amidst the heady scent of lemons in the citrus grove.

With 20 newly refurbished rooms and suites, Palazzo Ducale Venturi and the new Embrace The Wilderness Nature Package provides the perfect destination for making the most of the outstanding natural beauty of Puglia, its rich history and abundant wild and local grown ingredients.

Nightly rates at Palazzo Ducale Venturi start from €200 based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis. www.palazzoducaleventuri.com

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Coming up next month in our September Issue, features on: Beer, Wine and Spirits • Commercial Catering Equipment Commercial Cleaning & Hygiene • Interior Design and Decor

As per usual we will be running our monthly editorial features on hotel openings, industry news, advice articles and travel locations.

If you would like to send us editorial content to be considered for submission then please send information to carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com.

The closing deadline for the September issue is 17th August.

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