MKV Design reflects bathing heritage in creation of Matild Palace spa

HUNGARY: The culmination of a five-year project to convert a neglected UNESCO World Heritage Site into one of Europe’s grandest hotels, Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel has opened in Budapest. The transformation, which was led by Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design in collaboration with local architects Péter Cajka and Puhl Antal, includes the reconfiguration of 111 guest rooms and 19 suites as well as the creation of a boutique spa and wellness space.

Continuing the city’s ancient reputation for thermal bathing, the 250sqm Swan Spa is named after the birds that inhabit the nearby River Danube and the interior walls have been created to resemble their white plumes, with their dance depicted in an ornate metalwork screen. Among the wellness facilities on offer are a hammam entirely clad in white marble, a sauna and a salt and steam room along with separate lounges for men and women. The ethereal design of an additional relaxation room carries hints of traditional bathhouses or a deep-water pool that again recalls the image of swans.

The spa’s robes and slippers have been supplied by Frette and two treatment rooms decorated in a palette of white with blue niches provide luxurious experiences for couples and individuals using ESPA products. Other suppliers include furnishings by GUBI and tapware by Dornbracht.

“Located in the basement of the building, the spa is inevitably a subterranean experience,” says Maria Vafiadis. “But it begins in the light, in an all-white marble reception, before visitors retreat into blue and deep petrol blue spaces as if descending into the healing waters of the river. Throughout, lighting is key and is subtly integrated to wash upwards over the walls, enhancing the sense of serenity.” SPA INSIDER

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/budlcmatild-palace-a-luxury-collection-hotelbudapest

Wellness space: 250sqm Designer: MKV Design Treatment rooms: Two Treatment partners: ESPA Spa suppliers: Frette, Dornbracht, GUBI