Sleeper 104

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

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HOTEL REVIEWS

Aman 046 New York

Joali Being 054 Maldives

Villa Igiea 063 Palermo

The Twenty Two 070 London

Palazzo Rainis 077 Novigrad

The Nici 083 Bournemouth Rosewood 088 Vienna

The Ned NoMad 095 New York

Union Øye 099 Norway

Knightsbridge Pavilion Penthouse, The Berkeley 104 London

Silky Oaks 107 Queensland Hotel Amano 113 Covent Garden 054

© Robert Rieger

FEATURES

Meeting...Experimental Group 034

From cocktail bars to standalone restaurants to luxury hotels, the founders of Paris-born hospitality brand Experimental Group discuss their journey of discovery and where is next on the list.

Meeting...Wyndham 040

As Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its global footprint, EMEA President Dimitris Manikis talks inspirational goals, hospitality’s labour shortage and Project Echo.

Reinventing Cretan Hospitality 122

Following in their father’s footsteps, Agapi and Costantza Sbokou – the siblings behind Phāea Resorts – are on a mission to craft meaningful travel experiences rich in Greek heritage.

The Hotel That Changed Hotels 131

More than a decade after making its debut in Amsterdam, CitizenM continues to push the boundaries of hospitality, evolving to offer guests more for less.

Spotlight...DUX 168

Almost a century after its inception, Swedish bedmaker DUX continues to deliver comfort, performance and longevity through a marriage of craftmanship and innovation.

ILBAGNOALESSI

design Stefano Giovannoni - washbasins

VISUAL STAGED BY SNØHETTA ARCHITECTS

Six Senses

56 new green colours in red, yellow, blue, grey and more

Our new, colourful Eco collections are our most sustainable carpet collections to date

At Ege Carpets, we see sustainability as a fully circular process that covers sourcing of raw materials, product design, production, company responsibility and recycling and take-back. We’ve been working intensely with sustainability since 1996 and circularity is built into both our minds and our carpets. The new Eco collections offer 56 new green colours that have been constantly recirculated during the production process, ensuring that over 80% of the colour dye is reused again and again. These carpets stand as a physical proof of our approach to circularity and prove that textile flooring doesn’t have to be green to be green.

Studio Jean Philippe Nuel.

WELCOME

And The Winners Are…

Anyone who has entered AHEAD since its relaunch and global expansion in 2017 will know just how tough it is to win one of the highly coveted accolades. The number of entries runs into the hundreds, the judging process is rigorous, and above all, the standard is incredibly high.

Submissions come in from all corners of the planet, from island nations to major metropolises, dusty plains to the depths of the rainforest. First-time hoteliers go up against the world’s largest operators, and emerging talent face off with well-established design studios. But so long as there’s a strong design concept, originality and authenticity, and a healthy dose of the all-important experiential, it’s a level playing field. The competition has always been fierce, and this year looks set to be as tough as ever.

There’s been a rise in entries across all four AHEAD regions – perhaps owing to the surge in new openings at the end of pandemic-induced lockdowns – with trends emerging as a result of evolving lifestyles or a shift in market conditions. In Asia, the F&B categories attracted the greatest number of entries, continuing an operator-driven push for standout dining and imbibing experiences. The majority of projects shortlisted are in key locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, and carry distinct design schemes developed to compete in crowded city centre markets.

AHEAD Americas meanwhile has a wide geographic spread of entries, spanning from Toronto in the north to São Paulo in the south. With the United States being one of the most active hotel development markets in the world, New York and Los Angeles are always well-represented in the scheme, however this year’s shortlist – featuring projects in San Diego, Phoenix and Boston – shows an increasing number of groups planting flags in secondary and tertiary cities. And Mexico is having a moment in the spotlight too with no less than six

hotels making the shortlist, most designed by native firms and demonstrating a desire to honour Mexican craftsmanship.

In the Middle East & Africa, there’s an increase in the number of projects entered in the Newbuild category thanks to the completion of several shiny new skyscrapers across the UAE. Conversely in Europe, where limited land is available for new construction, not to mention the rapidly escalating costs, it’s the Conversion and Renovation & Restoration categories that have seen a boost; conversions owing to the adaptive reuse of spaces left vacant from the pandemic, and renovations the result of the opportunistic refurbs during the crisis.

With the finalists for all four regional schemes now decided, fate is in the hands of the judges, who over the coming weeks will meet as a panel to deliberate. Proceedings take place behind closed doors, but I can tell you that each and every project is discussed in depth. The judges are active in the hospitality design community and know exactly what makes a hotel stand out. Complimentary and critical in equal measure, they spend hours sifting through photography, design briefs and floorplans. It’s a lengthy process, but also inspiring to see the rich variety of hospitality experience and design coming to the fore. To beat the competition isn’t easy, so when we say it’s not the winning but the taking part that counts, we really mean it.

If you would like to be the first to know who is crowned the winners, you can follow us on social media, sign up to our newsletter, or better still, attend the awards ceremonies in person. We hope to see you there.

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

ON THE COVER Joali Being, Maldives © Courtesy of Gürok Group

GUEST BOOK

046 Jean Michel-Gathy

“Aman’s DNA is the concept of exclusivity and simplicity, expressed with quality materials rather than unnecessary layers of adornment,” explains JeanMichel Gathy, who was entrusted to design the group’s first urban resort in the US. Fusing the calming Zen ethos of the brand with the energy of Manhattan’s bustling Midtown, Gathy has created an east-meets-west, resort-meets-urban design dichotomy that weaves Asian handicrafts with the cultural influences of New York.

063 Olga Polizzi

As Director of Design at Rocco Forte, Olga Polizzi takes great pride in creating authentic hotels that capture the spirit of their locale. At Villa Igiea – a new addition to the group’s Italian portfolio – she worked with Paolo Moschino Ltd to uncover the original charm of an Art Nouveau palazzo. Respectful of the history and character of the building, the team peeled back the layers to restore heritage details, and enhanced interiors with locally crafted elements that pay homage to the Sicilian setting.

083 Nicolas Roach

Having built a portfolio of 15 properties across the south of England with Harbour Hotels, hospitality veteran Nicolas Roach has launched a new brand –Nici Hotels – with a flagship in Bournemouth. Giving a fresh identity to the former Savoy Hotel on the town’s West Cliff, Roach and his in-house design team have transformed the Victorian-esque landmark into a coastal retreat that is suited to the local environment yet draws from a global design palette, channelling the tropical verve of Miami.

054 Seyhan Özdemir Sarper

“All structural elements are designed to achieve a sense of lightness, with linear and flowing architecture hovering lightly in place, at once a part of the natural environment yet also simultaneously floating above it,” says Seyhan Özdemir Sarper, co-founder of Istanbul-based studio Autoban, on the design inspiration for Joali Being. Marking Gürok Group’s second Maldivian resort, the property embraces the concept of weightlessness at every turn, creating an effortless rhythm that runs through the narrative.

© Sitki Kosemen

FRONT DESK

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor

Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor

Ben Thomas b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large

Guy Dittrich

ADVERTISING

Business Development

Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development

Charlotte Gowing c.gowing@mondiale.co.uk

DESIGN

Design Manager

David Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Production

Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

EVENTS & MARKETING

Commercial Lead Kirsty Studholme k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Event Manager

Vicky Cruse v.cruse@mondiale.co.uk

Content & Research

Olivia Mavers o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

Data & Marketing

Lauren Blain l.blain@mondiale.co.uk

Subscriptions enquiry@sleeper.media

FINANCE

Finance Director

Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Group Financial Controller

Sarah Healey s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

CORPORATE

Chairman Damian Walsh

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CHECK-IN

Fresh from completing her debut hotel project, interior designer Natalia Miyar journeys to the Amalfi Coast for a food-focused fantasy break at a classic Italian villa. Natalia Miyar

Where are you?

In Italy, on the Amalfi Coast. I’m endlessly inspired by this region’s landscape – the contrast between the rugged shoreline and clear blue water gets me every time.

How did you get there?

Forget aeroplanes, I got here by Orient Express. What I love about train travel is how connected I feel to nature, watching the topography change while moving through the countryside. The hotel is only accessible by boat, so for the final leg of the journey I board a Riva yacht to sail across the crystalline Mediterranean waters.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

I’m not a big fan of the traditional check-in process; I prefer feeling like I’ve been invited into someone’s home, so there is no formal desk but rather a beautiful sofa, where I am served a cocktail whilst planning activities for the week.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

I don’t need a concierge because every member of staff has an impeccable yet discreet level of service; they are magicians who can secure a hard-to-get restaurant reservation or track down the coat I inadvertently left on the train.

Who are you sharing your room with?

My boyfriend and my dog, Oscar. There is something infinitely more welcoming about a hotel that allows a well-behaved dog. Oscar has his own bed and treats waiting in the room.

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

A personalised Olivia von Halle pyjama set, vintage Champagne and a book on the location.

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

The hotel occupies a perfectly-proportioned, classic Italian villa built in the 19 th century. My room is spacious without being cavernous, and is perfectly lit through a combination of thoughtful lighting and candles. The bed takes centre stage and is topped with pure cotton percale and four types of pillow – this is an indulgent getaway after all. There’s a private balcony overlooking the iridescent waters, where we sip cocktails and contemplate the night’s adventures. My Negroni has been made by the hotel’s expert bartender, who each day wheels a cocktail trolley laden with exquisite libations to our door. I sip it while listening to a specially curated playlist. My luggage has already been unpacked and my dress is pressed, so I have nothing to worry about other than what to order for dinner.

Who designed it?

The hotel has been sensitively updated by architect Morris Lapidus with the whimsical touch of American actress Elsie de Wolfe, who later turned her hand to designing interiors.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

The restaurant is understated yet chic and inviting; the chairs are comfortable and the table is dressed with crisp linen, candles and pretty plates that have been handpainted locally.

Who are you dining with this evening?

Whilst I am fascinated by meeting new people, tonight I want nothing more than to be with my boyfriend and close friends so I can relax, laugh and enjoy great conversation.

Who’s manning the stoves?

Italian chef Massimo Botturà is cooking the simple dishes of his childhood.

And what’s on the menu?

We’re in Italy so it’s all about the freshest fish and perfect pasta; oysters, spaghetti with bottarga, grilled branzino with lemon and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, delicately fried courgette flowers... I could go on! Each course is paired with a different local wine before ending with a delicious dessert wine and a rich tiramisu. I’m a foodie, so this dinner is a muchanticipated highlight.

Early morning alarm call or late check-out?

Late check-out, every time.

Full English, continental or something different?

Good coffee and plenty of it. I’m saving my appetite for when Massimo serves lunch.

Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

No – I’m switching off completely.

DRAWING BOARD

International architecture practice 10 Design has revealed plans for Sun Group’s Hon Thom Island, an integrated resort and residential destination on Bai Trao Beach in Phu Quoc.

Occupying 20 hectares of premium waterfront, the development unfolds along the Vietnam coast through various components, ranging from a resort tower, clifftop villas and townhouses to beach clubs, bars and restaurants.

Led by Design Partners José Cláudio Silva and Peter Barrett, 10 Design’s concept for the central tower evokes a pair of billowing sails, with a double-skin glass façade shaped to mimic movement. Guestrooms are positioned in the curvature of the sails to maximise the panorama, while public spaces such as a viewing deck and gardens occupy the lower-level podium.

Beyond the resort tower, luxury villas line the beachfront and residential townhouses are set within a European-style village featuring public squares and parkland. A public promenade winds around the coastline to connect the facilities, leading to Fisherman’s Wharf, which has been reimagined as an extension of the rocky coast, with stone and glass volumes seemingly rising from the sea.

Completing the masterplan, Hon Thom Island will enhance its connectivity to the wider archipelago through private marinas, a public jetty and helipad, in addition to a cable car connecting the island to Phu Quoc.

Hon Thom Island

PHU QUOC

Anantara Manucabo Bahia Resort

BRAZIL

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Operator: Minor International Architecture and Interior Design: Sidney Quintela Architecture + Urban Planning Landscaping: Alex Hanazaki www.anantara.com

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will make its South America debut in 2025, with a sustainably designed resort in Brazil. Located in Baixio on the northern coastline of Bahia, the 116-key property will occupy a 500,000m2 site close to one of the largest protected sandbank reserves in the country.

The resort’s architecture and interior design is being led by Sidney Quintela Architecture + Urban Planning, while exterior spaces are by Alex Hanazaki, considered one of the most creative landscape designers in Brazil.

Set amongst the native plantlife, facilities will include a signature Anantara Spa and two outdoor swimming pools, one with a multi-level waterfall feature, as well as three restaurants and a beach club. What’s unique however, is the structures that house them. “The inspiration for the architectural concept came from the dialogue between the Exoticism present in Thai architecture and the uniqueness of primitive Brazilian architecture, seen in preexisting indigenous villages in the region,” Sidney Quintela tells Sleeper. “As such, we are

using an organic parametric structure crafted from bamboo – referencing Thailand – creating more sinuous and feminine shapes that pay homage to Brazilian heritage.”

The positioning of the structures on site –across multiple levels to maximise views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mamucabo River – is largely determined by the natural terrain, ensuring an environment-first approach. Through the entire masterplan, close attention is also being paid to sustainability and local culture, with the design team utilising certified materials, exploiting natural ventilation and lighting to ensure low energy consumption, and keeping water usage and waste levels to a minimum.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, Anantara’s parent company, comments: “We are excited to announce the development of this future Anantara in Brazil, which will represent the brand’s debut on the South American continent. It is a part of the world we have been keen to expand Anantara’s footprint into and this exciting project represents the perfect opportunity.”

© TRIPPER

Souki Lodges & Spa - Occitanie, France

Surry Hills Collection Hotel

SYDNEY

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: Toga Group

Operator: TFE Hotels

Architecture and Interior Design: SJB www.tfehotels.com

Australia-based Toga Far East Hotels has announced it will open Sydney’s first Collection branded property in Surry Hills in 2024.

Envisioned by Adam Haddow, Director of architecture and interior practice SJB, the Surry Hills Collection Hotel will unite a series of existing buildings including the former Bank of NSW on Cleveland Street. Along with 102 suites – some with private lift access and skyline-facing terraces – the hotel will feature a rooftop infinity pool with its own bar and dining terrace, as well as a luxury day spa and highend gym. A destination restaurant, known as The Cloister, rounds out the guest experience.

“Adam and his team have combined the colour of Australia’s natural landscapes with luxurious materials to provide guests with the ultimate hotel sanctuary above the cosmopolitan streets of Surry Hills and Redfern,” explains Toga Group’s Managing Director, Allan Vidor. “Materials draw from nature with figured green

marble, soft grey terrazzo, brick detailing and softly muted timbers.”

In addition to the hotel, the 1.2-hectare mixed-use development will incorporate a curated precinct comprising 122 residential apartments, 12,000m2 of retail and commercial space, co-working venues, contemporary event spaces and a new public park. Fink Group, owner and operators of some of Sydney’s leading restaurants have already signed up, with more operators to follow.

“Our mission is simple - to deliver the best urban resort hotel experience in Sydney,” reveals Vidor. “From large gestures to the finest details, our guests will enjoy intuitive service, room design and meaningful experiences – all set within a sophisticated precinct.”

The Surry Hills project will be the fifth to open under the Collection by TFE Hotels banner, following in the footsteps of Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel and New Zealand’s Hotel Britomart.

Fairmont

TOKYO

Bar Studio has been appointed to design Fairmont Tokyo, the luxury brand’s first property in Japan, slated to open in 2025.

Offering views across Tokyo Bay and the iconic Rainbow Bridge, the hotel will occupy the upper floors of Shibaura Project’s South Tower, forming part of a mixed-use development that spans the waterfront.

In developing its vision, Bar Studio set out to create a destination for both visiting guests and locals, taking inspiration from the thrill and adventure of travel, with subtle references to exceptional journeys that hark back to Fairmont’s origins. This concept will be translated across the interiors, from the arrival lobby and flagship restaurants to the 219 guestrooms and suites. Further facilities also under Bar Studio’s remit include a spa, fitness centre and swimming pool as well as meetings facilities and a rooftop wedding chapel.

The overarching design will take cues from

the location’s meeting of natural and urban environments, fostering a connection to the bay with its outlying islands and Tokyo’s dynamic cultural scene. “By bringing art, craft and provenance to the fore, we aim to curate a mosaic of locally-inspired guest experiences,” explains Lucas Chirnside, Project Design Director at Bar Studio, adding that carefully selected art pieces will evoke the hotel’s connection to the contemporary art scene.

“We are excited to welcome Fairmont Tokyo into our portfolio of grand hotels, providing a stunning backdrop where glamour meets culture, and where guests and locals will come together to make memories,” comments Garth Simmons, CEO for Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea. “Like all Fairmont properties around the world, the hotel is set to become the epicenter of Tokyo’s social scene and will bring a new level of personalised service and thoughtful luxury to the city.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

The emotion of light .

Emonika

SLOVENIA

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: OTP Bank

Principal Architect: Elia IC Architecture: Mixity Studio www.emonika.si

Mixity Studio London has revealed its design scheme for Emonika, a 175,000m2 mixed-use urban generation development in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slated for completion in 2025, the €500 million project will comprise a hotel, apartments, shopping centre and offices, located alongside a remodelled transport interchange occupied by the city’s central train station.

Anchored by a 100m tower featuring an illuminated lantern at its pinnacle, Emonika will transform the skyline and create a new destination to the north of Ljubljana’s historic pedestrian quarter. The crowning glory of the development is a 207-key urban resort that will include a 170m retail and entertainment podium, elevated 20m above street level and topped by a 2,000m2 roof garden.

The hotel itself will comprise 153 guestrooms, including 15 suites with private outdoor terraces and 54 serviced apartments for extended-stay. The restaurants, shopping, entertainment and

health facilities will be situated below within a 21st century galleria, while offices are to be spread across the site. Rounding out the scheme is Ljubljana’s largest ballroom, with natural light and access to the roof gardens, bringing a new dimension to inner city hospitality for functions and conferencing.

On the sustainability front, the project is the first of its kind in the city to be rated Excellent by BREEAM. The certification demonstrates its green and environmental credentials, which include social and economic performance.

Sándor Csányi, Chairman and CEO of OTP Group, comments: “Our goal and focus is to significantly enrich the wellbeing of the people who live, work, shop and relax in Emonika whilst ensuring the development is environmentally responsible and sustainable.”

Emonika is owned and managed by Mendota Invest, which is a 100% subsidiary of OTP Real Estate Investment fund, owned by OTP Bank.

Angels Landing

Handel Architects has released design details for Angels Landing, a two-tower project that upon completion will become the third tallest building in Los Angeles. Rising 88 and 42 floors respectively, the structures will house two hotels, 432 residential units, retail shops and restaurants, while the site’s multi-level plaza is to bring green space to the heart of the city.

On an urban scale, the project strives to connect various neighbourhoods that converge at its location, including the Financial District, Historic Core, Cultural District and Civic Center. Using the buildings’ architecture and landscaping, the design encourages the fluid movement of people through the site.

“The design approach was based on several key factors,” say Handel Architects. “These included the re-interpretation of the arrival plaza at Pershing Square Metro Station, the enhancement of the journey aboard the Angels Flight funicular, and the creation of a livelier

pedestrian experience to and from California Plaza and its adjacent office buildings.”

Consequently, the podium comprises a series of cantilevered floors and terraced levels that gradually reach upwards to California Plaza, while the floorplate configurations vary and undulate along the plaza to generate venues geared towards circulation and gathering.

Rising above the podium, the two towers are designed to act as a gateway to the site. The lower of the pair is situated along 4th Street and set back from the corner of Hill Street, while the taller building is located on the east side closer to the street edge. “The juxtaposition of the two provides visual distinction from the surrounding context,” the studio explains, adding that a dialogue is also present between the structures thanks to a horizontal banding that turns vertical on the upper floors, where protruding vertical fins appear as layered screens in front of a horizontal substructure.

Meeting… Experimental Group

From cocktail bars to standalone restaurants to luxury hotels, the founders of Paris-born hospitality brand Experimental Group discuss their journey of discovery and where is next on the list.

The restaurant of Hôtel des Grands Boulevards is a cosy oasis of calm at the heart of a historic building completed just before the French Revolution. Set well back from a busy Parisian street, light floods the glasscovered courtyard, bringing life to a veritable jungle of plants. The open kitchen reveals an apprentice chef trimming a huge pile of green asparagus for the evening’s dinner.

High above and wrapping around this scene is the roof terrace bar. And bars have always been important to the operators of the hotel, Experimental Group, which began in 2007 with the opening of Experimental Cocktail Club in Le Marais area of the French capital. Pierre-Charles Cros – one of the four partners of the group – sits opposite, sipping a morning coffee whilst we finish breakfast. We meet to discuss the latest chapter in this remarkable story of hospitality from the heart. Cros exudes the bonhomie and joie de vivre of someone who loves entertaining. Along with two childhood friends of a similar disposition, they would organise parties and one of their first ventures saw them make a profit from a New Year’s Eve event. Some time down the line, this grew to become Experimental Cocktail Club, and now Experimental Group.

The initial threesome of Cros, Olivier Bon and Romée de Goriainoff all ended up at university in Montreal studying management, fashion and finance respectively. Finding time to make the journey south, they became increasingly enamoured with the New York bar scene. When they finally met again in Paris and saw around them a rather dull cocktail offering, they took the chance to reinvent things. And so came the Experimental Cocktail Club in Le Marais.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Portrait Photography: Addie Chinn

© Patrick Locqueneux

© Patrick Locqueneux

More Parisian cocktail bars followed and in 2010, joined by a fourth partner, Xavier Padovani, they opened in London’s Chinatown. The discreet entrance on Gerrard Street leads upstairs to a suitably moody space with interior details that talk of the speakeasy. But it was the cocktails that were the focus. “We quickly realised that in London, people love – really love – to drink,” laughs Cros. This meant putting drinks out as fast as possible, and so with a true start-up mentality they developed cocktails that could be knocked out quickly.

The four partners are all multi-taskers. A deliberate decision that means each of them has a good overview of the whole picture, and the ability to deal with a variety of tasks helps tremendously when covering different territories. Nevertheless, there is some degree of specialisation between the quartet, with Cros and De Goriainoff having a finance focus whilst Bon and Padovani look after marketing. Bon also has an eye on interiors, Padovani on spirits, and De Goriainoff on wine and coffee.

Whilst the driver had always been cocktails, standalone restaurants soon followed. And then came hotels, which were seen as the pinnacle. With everything under one roof, the rewards are higher, notes De Goriainoff. “We probably have 50% revenue from F&B and 50% from hotels,” he explains. “Hotels are more profitable than F&B. A higher margin on the rooms, lower margin on food and somewhere in-between on drinks. So all in all, a good blend.”

The group’s first property, Grand Pigalle Hôtel in Paris opened in 2015. An ability to read neighbourhoods with an up-and-coming status has served them in good stead. And it was a dream start. An underloved building with great bones brought back to its former

beauty. “Extremely Parisian,” enthuses Cros of this corner structure with iron balustrades and original mouldings. He extols the virtues of its size, “not too big, not too small”. And the crowd liked it, with many of the hospitality codes developed there still present today.

The Grand Pigalle Hôtel, like the majority of the group’s properties, features interiors crafted by the hand of Dorothée Meilichzon. Hers is a style of bold colours, patterns and shapes, applied with a subdued modernity that still allows the character of the existing building, its history and neighbourhood to shine. See terracotta, brass accents, highlights of petrol blue and upcycled furniture amongst modern pieces. A lightness of touch that is feminine but not unassuming. Cros likens her approach to the knitting of various elements together to create a harmonious whole.

“We have a fantastic relationship and we are very lucky because she is so talented,” he explains, emphasising how the strong relationship allows for more open dialogue. Cros also points out that Meilizchon’s other clients and experience bring new inspiration to each project. Asked for her view, Meilizchon responds: “Experimental Group and myself are long-time friends, we have travelled a lot together, share the same vision on hospitality and admire the same hotels. We have many common values yet want to evolve and push the boundaries.”

Though Meilichzon is the main design collaborator, she brought in Cristina Celestino to help at Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice. Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi meanwhile was tasked with Experimental Châlet Verbier, introducing a fresh take on the wood and stone staples of Alpine interiors to deliver something

more minimalist Mid-Century with gentle curves, brass lamps and contrasting colours –white and dark blue bathrooms, for instance.

The choice of name for the business, experimental, is fitting. For theirs is a very hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves, we-canlearn-it approach. Moreover, it describes the sense of curiosity and discovery that every journey should have. A journey that sees me tracking down Cros in Florence; he was in Biarritz the day before. Is he looking for a property? “It’s a holiday,” he replies but quickly adds that there are always places to investigate. Being in Florence is typical of the group’s successful road of discovery, led largely by instinct and partly by following its crowd. The approach has seen further ventures in New York, London, Ibiza and Menorca. The Experimental Beach on the southern shore of Ibiza, across the salt flats of Las Salinas, came about when the partners noted a lack of real cocktail bars on the erstwhile party island. So they opened one on the beach, decorating it with a marooned boat and fairy lights. A simply beautiful venue that hosted a dinner as part of Sleepover 2019, one of Sleeper Media’s intimate networking events.

From its genesis as a cocktail bar, the business has organically grown to become a fully-fledged hospitality group. And this success has recently allowed the company to raise significant capital to fund its further expansion. By late 2021, the partners announced the generation of some €350 million from private real estate funds, managed by one of the world’s largest investors, Canadian-based Brookfield. The investment will allow Experimental to buy hotels outright, becoming both owner and operator. Brookfield holds a majority stake in the new real estate business and a minority stake in the operations.

Grand Pigalle Hôtel in Paris (top) and Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice (bottom) feature interiors by Dorothee Meilichzon, whose bold colours, patterns and shapes are applied with a subdued modernity

The funds are already in motion with the initial expansion focused on Europe – a playground the partners know and feel is still ripe with opportunity. Cowley Manor, a luxury rural hotel set in the bucolic surroundings of the Cotswolds to the west of London, was acquired in May 2022. Marking the group’s first UK venture outside of the capital, the hotel will continue to trade with a phased refurbishment to introduce a further four room types. In Biarritz, the coastal town in southwest France, two neighbouring properties have also been acquired; the 72-room, Belle Époque-style Hôtel Régina & Spa and adjacent Hôtel Le Garage, a 27-key boutique hotel. “We have been looking to open in the area for years and are excited to give them a new lease of life,” says Bon. In Ibiza, the grand Montesol Experimental will join the group’s Sabbaba Montesol restaurant. All are currently trading and will be rebranded as Experimental in spring 2023.

Queried whether such expansion risks spreading resources, including creative design, Cros quickly counters with reference to three successful openings in new locations in 2018 and 2019 – Menorca Experimental with 43 guestrooms, nine private villas

and a spa; Experimental Châlet in Verbier and Il Palazzo Experimental in the Dorsoduro quarter of Venice. And there is more to come. The Roadhouse, a former latenight music venue in London’s buzzing Covent Garden – just a stone’s throw from the group’s Henrietta Hotel – has been acquired and is set to re-open as Stereo in late 2022. Finally comes Experimental Châlet St Moritz expected to launch in winter 2023.

The raising of funds during the pandemic shows firstly the belief of the founders in the bounce back of the hotel market, and secondly their understanding of the timing to capture the upside of the recovery. Cros refers to continuing the approach of both surprising guests with new escapades and new locations whilst also being the reassuring provider of Experimental’s renowned experience. Before he leaves Hôtel des Grands Boulevards and our breakfast meeting, Cros takes a moment to discuss with his team the rearrangement and clipping of the plants he has noticed encroaching the banquette we are sitting on. With his feet very much on the ground and an eye for every detail, he personifies the energy and attitude of Experimental Group.

Experimental Group’s successful road of discovery has led to ventures in New York, London, Ibiza and Menorca (below) Karel Balas

Dimitris Manikis was appointed President and Managing Director for EMEA in April 2018. He is responsible for the development of all Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ brands in the EMEA region as well as maximising the performance of all new and existing franchise and managed hotels. He focuses on driving the strategic objectives of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts including quality and technology solutions, new business and loyalty, as well as sales and marketing.

Recent Openings: Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town, Poland; Tryp by Wyndham Corfu Dassia, Greece; Wyndham Garden Lara, Turkey

Upcoming Openings: Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach (Q4 2022); Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Lahore Cooper Road, Pakistan (2023); Ramada by Wyndham Rawalpindi Bahria Springs North, Pakistan (2025)

Meeting… Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

As Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its global footprint, Sleeper speaks to EMEA President Dimitris Manikis during IHIF to discuss inspirational goals, hospitality’s labour shortage and Project Echo.

Words: Eleanor Howard

What are Wyndham’s targets for the year ahead? We don’t set targets, we set goals because goals do two things: one, they inspire teams and give them something to fight for, and two, they show our local owners, franchisees and business partners that we’re committed. Our aim for EMEA is to be among the leading hotel brands in the countries that we operate; to do our duty of care to our owners and support them in their business; to spread the wings of Wyndham in destinations that we believe people deserve to be explorers; and most importantly, give meaning and purpose to our team members.

In terms of new development, which markets are you focusing on?

Our growth is often driven by our owners –those who have the initial vision. It’s an ongoing quest. Where do we go next with which product? Who is going to drive that development? Who will design it? That’s how we came to open an amazing property in Alexandroupolis, Greece, for example; we had a visionary owner who opened a Ramada there and it’s now one of the most popular hotels in our network. I often say, follow the planes; wherever there are new flight routes, there are new destinations. Budget airlines are constantly opening up places we’ve never heard of – that’s where the next generation of travellers will go, and we need to be there.

As a group, are you more interested in newbuilds or renovations?

I think we will find newbuilds harder to come by over the next 18 months as building a hotel has become 30-40% more expensive. The challenges in construction and cost of raw materials will lead developers to think twice, so there might be a slowdown in newbuilds. Converting an existing building isn’t always easy, but it’s often cheaper, so we expect to see more conversions over the next few years.

Are there specific brands that you’re focusing on growing in EMEA?

That’s like asking which of your children do you love the most! We don’t have a preference, whether it’s a Tryp or a Trademark. Our decision in terms of the brand and the destination are driven by our owners. It’s important to note that 50% of our portfolio in EMEA are Ramadas. Why? Because it’s a brand that people know and trust and one that adapts to fit so many different parameters. The brackets that we used to put consumers in just don’t exist anymore. The same guy who can fly private or business class this week with Lufthansa, can go to Montpellier next week with EasyJet. And this aligns with our strategy because it’s not the brand that determines the growth, it’s the destination, the owner and the consumer.

PROFILE

Dimitris Manikis President EMEA Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Tell us more about Wyndham’s new economy extended-stay brand?

We believe that extended-stay is a trend that is here to stay. Unofficially called Project Echo, it’s a US-based, newbuild-only brand. We’ve already signed a number of agreements for properties to be developed in the next 18 to 24 months. It’s a very simple criteria – 120+ rooms, newbuild, economy, extended-stay. We’re focusing on Middle America and city peripheries because that’s the backbone of the US economy and where people want to travel; we brought together a group of experts and who have worked on extended-stay in the United States for many years. We put them in a room and said, show us what the ideal extended-stay economy looks like. We are also bringing the concept to Europe very soon. The only difference is that we will amend certain elements of the design to fit the European mentality. These hotels will have basic facilities to address both the labour shortage and what the customer is looking for; they don’t want a fancy spa or bar, they can get that elsewhere. They’re looking for a good quality property with the basic facilities.

As a major operator, how can you address the hospitality staffing crisis?

As an industry, we need to re-evaluate the human component of hospitality and adapt to the realities that we didn’t have three years ago. It’s not just about raising wages, staff are asking what else we are going to do for them? We need to create a purpose – we need to talk about meaningful things like food waste, sustainability, learning and development. Approximately 50%

of graduates from the world’s leading hotel schools don’t stay in hospitality because the industry is not attractive anymore. So how do we fix that? At Wyndham, we focus on learning and development, training courses that will help our staff advance their careers.

What are Wyndham’s key learnings from the past 12 months?

We became closer during the lockdown, although we were apart. We developed a lot of opportunities to Work from Wyndham. We realised that contactless and technology is an enabler but cannot replace the human element of hospitality. The other learnings were on a corporate level.

We have a model that is very resilient and we managed to navigate the storm. That’s why we not only survived but we survived together with our business partners. The fourth and most important is the fact that we recalibrated to be more agile, to be more responsive to change. Forget about five-year business plans. No-one knows what is going to happen tomorrow. You can have the best values, the best mission, the best whatever, but it’s the people that carry and communicate it. Over the last two years, we saw some amazing people leading from the front. As an industry and as Wyndham, we need to make sure that these people become the next generation of hospitality leaders.

“As an industry, we need to re-evaluate the human component of hospitality and adapt to realities we didn’t have three years ago.”

Dropping In THE LOBBY

With the global population on the rise and climate change having visible effects on the planet, there is a growing need for accommodation that is quick to distribute, easy to install and leaves little trace on the environment. Enter DropPod, a prefabricated unit designed by Bali-based Inspiral Architects, which can be placed in a variety of settings as either a standalone entity or extension to an existing hotel.

Taking just two weeks to build, the 20m2 pods are made up of an outer shell that can be modified to meet project needs, with cladding options ranging from wood shingle and bamboo to earth and volcanic render. Artwork can also be added for a unique façade. Inside, the units are divided into a bedroom, en suite bathroom and kitchen-diner, with sliding aluminium

doors leading out onto a veranda from which to take in views of the surroundings.

The pods are highly durable and able to withstand extreme weather conditions, while their elevated position – 1.2m above the ground – eliminates the risk of flooding. The phased construction begins with a base frame, which is stabilised via a series of small footings that have minimal impact on the land. The exterior is then built in sections, before floor-to-ceiling windows and interior surfaces are added, with high-quality natural finishes taking centre stage. Solar panels, energysaving lighting and green technologies are all incorporated, so once the pod is installed, operators can simply plug-in to the site’s power supply and wait for guests to drop by.

Work Wherever

Urban hotels have long been popular with remote workers, who can simply set-up and plug-in while making use of the coffee and cocktail facilities that every good lobby provides. The impact of the pandemic has only served to accelerate this trend, and an increasing number of workers are now mixing business with pleasure wherever they travel. With this in mind, US-based startup Remo has developed a modular office unit that can be installed anywhere on the grounds of a hotel, even a resort.

“I’ve spent long stretches of the pandemic in hotels and realised true productivity manifests when functionality, inspiration and an active lifestyle mix,” explains Yaroslav Prygara, cofounder and CEO of Remo. “I couldn’t find rooms, cafés or hotel lobbies that served my needs. That’s when the Remo workspace idea started to take shape. Think of it as a high-functioning CEO cabin with stellar views integrated into your favourite hotel.”

Made from energy-efficient materials with floor-to-ceiling windows, each unit is divided into a focused work space and a collaboration area. The 40m2 model, large enough for up to four workers, is kitted out with personal desks and ergonomic ReGeneration chairs by Knoll, as well as a wall-mounted widescreen Samsung TV and an HD camera for video conferences and presentations. Alternatively, the 15m2 single occupancy offices are designed for those seeking privacy, with additional amenities including an Allermuir lounge chair, side table, ottoman and multi-shelf bookcase. Both versions come with WiFi and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

With a flagship location at Sensira Resort & Spa in Cancun – where a number of units have been installed on the fourth-floor terrace – and plans on the horizon for additional locations in Texas and California, nomadic professionals can take their work on the road safe in the knowledge that Remo will cater to their every need.

Rest and Recreation

“The term ‘villeggiatura’ is an intrinsic Italian concept, referring to a prolonged stay in a single place, whether at a seaside resort, country villa or snowy mountain retreat. A stay whose sole purpose is rest and recreation,” writes journalist, lecturer and curator Cesare Cunaccia in Belmond’s new publication.

Entitled ‘Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation’ the book is a written tribute to this way of life, which also sits at the heart of the Belmond experience.

Published by Assouline, the 280page hardback “captures the essence of la dolce vita”, showcasing landmark hotels in Belmond’s Italian portfolio as well as must-see destinations. From the romantic landscapes of Tuscany and Taormina to the dramatic coastlines of Portofino and Ravello, and the cultural legacies of Venice and Florence, the coffee table book – featuring 200 colourful illustrations – encourages readers to explore their relationship with nature and connect deeply with the spirit of the place.

“To truly experience Italy, you must vacation like an Italian,” explains Cunaccia. “Embrace villeggiatura with Belmond, disconnecting from time and reconnecting to the landscape, the beauty, the way of life. And as you savour the escape, you’ll find yourself living la dolce vita.”

Showrooms London Paris Culemborg Los Angeles

Le musée d’Arte

Aman NEW YORK

For Aman’s first urban resort in the US, Jean-Michel Gathy brings the Zen ethos of the brand to the bustling streets of Manhattan.

Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Robert Rieger

When the Heckscher Building was completed in 1921, it was New York’s tallest skyscraper and one of the most expensive spots for retail and office space. The property went on to house the first iteration of the Museum of Modern Art, the New York headquarters of Dior, and garnered more than its fair share of controversy when it was owned by infamous Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Today, now known as the Crown Building, it houses New York’s latest Asian hotel import, featuring 83 suites, 22 luxury residences and an impressive 2,300m2 spa spread across three levels.

Given the prestige of the site and profile of the brand – arriving ahead of a slew of other Asiaborn luxury brands set to open in the metropolis – Aman knew it had to make an impression, and so turned to long-time collaborator JeanMichel Gathy of Denniston. For the design, Gathy employed two diametrically opposed concepts: the calm, Zen ethos of Aman and the infectious energy of New York’s bustling

Midtown, creating combinations of the two on a space-by-space basis. “Aman’s DNA is the concept of exclusivity and simplicity, expressed with quality materials rather than unnecessary layers of adornment,” Gathy explains. “Then, in reference to New York, the sense of place comes from the spirit and energy of the city.”

Upon entry off bustling 57th Street, guests are whisked to a place of tranquillity befitting the brand’s moniker – Aman is Sanskrit for peace. Bathed in decadently dark hues of locally sourced Belgian blue marble and dark timber, the lobby immediately envelops visitors in a quiet, understated luxury. The monochromatic tranquillity is interrupted only for a brief moment by a striking deep orange piece of sculpted canvas hewn of recycled cardboard by masterful Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora. Under foot and overhead, a basketweave pattern recalls the foundation of Southeast Asian handicrafts and serves as a subtle nod to the interwoven cultural influences that make New York one of the most diverse cities in the world.

The interwoven motif also acts as a symbolic introduction to the hotel’s east-meets-west, resort-meets-urban design dichotomy that plays out across the property.

Up on the 14th floor sits the lobby lounge and its wraparound Garden Terrace. “There is certainly the Aman aesthetic here, but with added energy as this is where we believe New Yorkers will meet and socialise. It’s lively –a space for interaction rather than subdued emptiness,” says Gathy of the double-height venue, anchored by a colourful, dynamic sculpture by Peter Gentenaar that seems to deftly float in mid-air. Outside, an all-weather space complete with a retractable glass roof – itself a marvel considering the building’s historic façade – is partly enclosed in a delicate double-skinned privacy trellis that allows guests to see out yet prevents onlookers from peering in. An expansive reflection pool and ‘floating’ firepit holds court while turning up the Aman dial on the overall design equation.

There’s pockets of intimacy in the light-filled

Spanning three levels, the 2,300m2 spa features a 20m swimming pool surrounded by firepits and daybeds, while two Spa Houses offer an all-encompassing wellness journey

Arva restaurant too, with greenery and vertical screens separating the banquettes. Yet the Italian eatery still meets Gathy’s desire for conviviality thanks to a central open kitchen providing the action. The F&B offer also comprises a jazz bar and fine-dining restaurant, where diners are greeted by dramatic cubes of chiselled rock before being seated at a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for an omakase-style experience.

A cornerstone to every Aman resort – urban or otherwise – is the spa, and here it spans three decadent levels. Of particular note is the 20m swimming pool, quite a feat to accomplish in a nearly 100-year-old building. “The look and feel of the pool is more Asian, simply because anyone could have designed a 1930s Art Decoinspired pool with green marble walls and a Deco pattern on the floor but that’s too obvious,” Gathy affirms. “So we decided to give it more of the Aman DNA to make it a New York first.”

Another New York first is the two Spa Houses, which feature treatments rooms, generous balconies complete with deep plunge pools and either a Moroccan hammam or Latvian Banya. It is on the guestroom floors that Gathy met his greatest design challenge. “The fact that this

Contemporary

was an office building created some problems!” he exclaims. “In the original structure, floorplate efficiency was key and windows weren’t so important – this isn’t the case with a luxury hotel.” He continues: “The most challenging constraint was the fenestration; how do we arrange suites around so few windows?”

The resulting 83 suites are well-planned and generous, the smallest being around 70m2. Each features a working fireplace – another New York first – as well as custom millwork created by Balinese artisans and a bespoke mural inspired by Japanese master Hasegawa Tōhaku’s iconic Pine Trees painting.

Organic materials are a key feature throughout with oak, walnut and aromatic cinnamon woods bringing a natural feel that isn’t so easy to achieve in an urban context. Taking inspiration from the seamless indoor/outdoor architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia, Gathy has also created the impression of flow between spaces in the suites, where lightweight, pivoting louvre doors can be angled or moved aside to

contain or open-up areas as desired. And in corner suites, spacious living rooms enjoy frontage over Fifth Avenue and 57th Street and custom-curated libraries featuring books from New York-based publisher Phaidon.

What truly sets Aman New York apart is its attention to showcasing time-honoured Asian arts and traditions, bringing the best of the brand’s birthplace to the city. The spa, for instance, works with local monks to curate journeys towards peace, while unique pieces were commissioned by Aman’s resident Balinese artisan Ratina Moegiono, who has been with the group since 1996. Even the Ikebana floristry was crafted by a close relative of Aman Tokyo’s florist, who happens to live in New York.

As Aman continues its bullish expansion across the US – properties in Miami and Beverly Hills are coming soon – and beyond, it’s heartening to know that attention to detail, a true sense of place, and an authenticity to its Asian heritage still stand strong as the brand’s design pillars.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Developer: Oko Group

Operator: Aman

Architecture and Interior Design: Denniston www.aman.com

Joali Being

MALDIVES

Whether floating or soaring, flowing or cosseting, the design energy of Gürok Group’s second Maldivian resort embodies a wellbeing concept that celebrates weightlessness.

Words: Neena Dhillon • Photography: Courtesy of Gürok Group

Iprefer a life physically and mentally free of weight,” says Turkish hospitality luminary Esin Güral Argat, whose first project in the Maldives launched her Joali brand in 2018. The Vice President of multi-sector conglomerate Gürok Group is deeply serious about her own wellbeing, finding time to pursue a healthy lifestyle despite the pressures of running a successful business. This passion for wellness has been poured into every corner, curve and soaring structure of Joali Being, the sister property to Joali Maldives. Also located in the Raa Atoll, Argat’s new venture can be found on the secluded island of Bodufushi, home to indigenous flora and fauna and a natureimmersive wellbeing experience.

“For the transformative spaces of Joali Being, we blended modern technology and traditional wisdom, looking for distinctive ways to deliver unparalleled possibilities for reflection and healing – from sound treatments and hydrotherapy to herbology and culinary arts,” she continues. “This is why we have built the

resort using biophilic design principles that harmoniously integrate our architecture and design into nature and, in so doing, enhance the flow of energy.”

Wellbeing here goes beyond the barefoot relaxation offered by other luxury hotels in the Maldives, with the resort’s diversity of wellness modalities, facilities and experts raising the bar in this island-nation. At the core of the approach is the idea of weightlessness, a concept heralded by the sinuously undulating Gate of Zero welcome jetty, which has been conceived by artist Seçkin Pirim. Inspired by the skirts of the Sufi whirling dervishes, the gate invites guests to leave their egos, excesses and baggage at the door – and move from a state of being to becoming.

Weightlessness is a concept that design studio Autoban has run with too. “All structural elements are designed to achieve a sense of lightness, with linear and flowing architecture hovering lightly in place, at once a part of the natural environment yet also simultaneously

Across the resort, soaring ceilings, organic forms and voluminous spaces combine with an unapologetically feminine colour palette of teal, dove grey and blush

floating above it,” reveals co-founder Seyhan Özdemir Sarper. In practice, this means soaring ceiling heights, organic forms – there’s not a sharp angle in sight –and voluminous spaces, all of which combine to allow for grand expressions of the science-driven, biophilic design theme.

“Across all areas we used form, pattern and texture to mimic configurations of nature, along with sumptuous surfaces and delicate touches to evoke the spirit of the island,” Sarper explains. “As part of our layered approach, we also emphasised detail and materiality to create multi-sensory interactions, enhancing the bond between guest and nature.”

Guest villas intricately convey these interconnecting concepts, with the expansive abodes featuring sculptural and tactile room dividers that can be played with to open up or enclose spaces. Barriers to the outdoor world are also absent, the indoors spilling out to a large deck complete with private pool and suspended chair swing. “Our intention was to create a rich sensory experience, summoning both the feeling of an absence of gravity and one of being embraced by nature,” says Sarper. “Roof canopies, surfaces and

garden walls feel almost sculptural, folding as lightly as paper, angling softly to envelop the spaces.” In the unapologetically feminine colour palette, blush pink juxtaposes with teal, dove grey, ivory and gold, the alluring hues complemented by driftwood furniture and figures of animal species that either swim or fly. Sybaritic bathrooms feature mosaics that depict the hypnotic traces of waves in sand, while canopied beds inject romance to the private retreats.

Dining spaces across the resort are open-plan and interactive, with Flow comprising three signature kitchens that serve their own distinctive and healthy fare. The restaurant is housed under a dramatic and undulating roof that mirrors the movement of the ocean, with other inspiration drawn from beach textures, including driftwood, coral, shell and fishing nets. Layered outdoor seating areas, replete with lustrous marble stairs, provide a panoramic view of the clear blue waters beyond. By the pool, Mojo bar offers equally appealing vistas. As part of the dining offer here, a specialist tea atelier is characterised by a mosaic-paved counter in a swirl of sea blues, complemented by bark-enclosed columns and topped

with round basket pendants suspended from another soaring ceiling.

While all ceilings send the eyes swivelling upwards, it is perhaps the entrance of Areka Spa in which the height and form of the structure truly awes. Sarper describes the approach: “We wanted to usher guests into a soothing lair-like space, a departure point for the journey towards transformation. The surfaces here are rhythmic and organically textured with handcrafted finishes, mimicking the natural rock grooves carved by centuries of waves.”

Curves are replicated throughout the spa, with different sculptural expressions found in the Hydrotherapy Hall – which includes a dreamy Watsu pool awash in mosaics and twinkling stars – the marble hammam and the glowing salt-inhalation room. The subtle yet repetitive use of naturally occurring forms is a thread that weaves its way across the island’s ethereal buildings, with the hexagon an exemplar, according to Sarper. “Omnipresent in nature, the hexagon is often thought to evoke a

sacred geometry, signifying balance, harmony, spirituality and even eternity.”

The wellness facilities are extensive – there are 39 treatment rooms alone, dotted across the island – with the external landscape forming part of the journey, from the trails carved into the lush flora to the Discovery Sound Path, an outdoor area in which guests can play with instruments that sound out healing harmonics. The design team worked hard to preserve the natural flora of the island, plotting the resort around the existing environment. It is in the conservation of the forest, the nods to indooroutdoor living and the choice of materials, including cane and coir, that Maldivian culture is quietly referenced.

There is an effortless rhythm to the design narrative that embraces the concept of weightlessness at every turn. If design can tap into a particular energy, to eliminate negative vibrations – all the while finding a harmonious existence alongside nature – then Joali Being is the place where this has been achieved.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Operator: Gürok Group

Architecture: Autoban, Atölye4n

Interior Design: Autoban www.joali.com

Ona Collection

Simple as Nature

Inspired by the Mediterranean, the warm spirit of Ona makes your guests feel at home. Discover Ona: a timeless, versatile and sustainable bathroom collection. roca.com/ona

THE PERFECT LIGHTING COMPANION

A light to grab and go, the portable Mayfair Mini is powered by a rechargeable battery and can be moved exactly where needed -indoors or out- via its slender yet sturdy stem. Diego

Villa Igiea PALERMO

Rocco Forte Hotels expands its Sicilian portfolio, peeling back the layers of a historic palazzo to uncover its true spirit.

Words: Catherine Martin

Photography: © Janos Grapow

Since Rocco Forte Hotels was founded in 1996, the family-run group has built a portfolio of individual properties across Europe, often restoring historic buildings in need of some TLC and injecting its own style of classic hospitality.

At the helm, CEO Sir Rocco Forte and Design Director Olga Polizzi take inspiration from their father, the late Charles Forte, and together have a vision to create authentic hotels that capture the spirit of their locale. It has never been the ambition to be the largest or leadingedge, but with the next generation of Fortes – Sir Rocco’s three children – the group has evolved, expanding through Charles’ role as Development Manager, adding new dining experiences courtesy of Lydia as Group Director of Food & Beverage, and enhancing the spa offer as per Irene as Wellness Director.

Over the past 25 years, growth has been gradual, with each potential venture carefully considered. In 2018, Rocco Forte announced significant expansion plans in Italy and

subsequently opened Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia. The latest to make its debut on Italian soil is Villa Igiea, a restored Art Nouveau palazzo on Sicily’s north coast. Having long wanted a presence in Palermo, Rocco Forte Hotels acquired the property through auction, the idea being that guests could spend a few days exploring the sights of the city before taking a vintage train – the newly announced Sicilian Railway Experience – to Verdura Resort, the group’s property on the south of the island, for some relaxation. The two are markedly different: Verdura, a sprawling golf resort with 203 guestrooms and a collection of contemporary new villas; Villa Igiea, a Grade I-listed landmark dating back to the late 1800s. Originally built as a private palazzo, the property was acquired by the Florio family in 1899 and transformed into one of the most luxurious hotels in Sicily, attracting dignitaries and aristocracy who were able to sail in and moor at the private harbour.

The hotel has remained a firm favourite

Soaring ceilings, hessian wallcoverings and canopied beds bring a sense of grandeur to the guestrooms, while locally crafted elements pay homage to the villa’s setting

Polizzi’s aim was to uncover that original charm and, given that the property was formerly known as Grand Hotel, inject some glamour, restoring its status as a destination for special occasions. Much like the rest of the Rocco Forte portfolio, she also wanted to be authentic, incorporating local influences to retain a sense of place. “We always approach new projects in the same way at Rocco Forte, looking first at the building and location,” Polizzi explains. “We want people to wake up and know they’re in Palermo, so the design has to be in keeping with the surroundings.”

And so she enlisted Paolo Moschino Ltd (previously known as Nicholas Haslam), a design studio with product development capabilities founded by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen. “It’s always difficult choosing a designer for our hotels, it’s a big risk if you get it wrong,” Polizzi continues. “I’ve known Paolo for years – I often buy furniture and lighting for myself from the store – and I’ve always liked his style, it’s rather romantic, and Villa Igiea is a romantic place.”

With experience primarily in the residential sector, Villa Igiea marks Paolo Moschino’s first major hospitality project, so close collaboration with Polizzi ensured that all the necessary requirements for smooth operation of a hotel were considered. From a design perspective, there was a collective responsibility to the building and a shared understanding of what needed to be done. “We didn’t want to overdo it,” says Polizzi. “Although some spaces have changed enormously, it was about restoration rather than doing something dramatic, particularly on the ground floor. A lot of work has been done, but gently.”

And so, gently does it was the approach for Moschino and Vergeylen, who describe Villa Igiea as their dream project, having fallen for its charm some years earlier while staying to celebrate a family birthday. “It was falling to pieces but there was so much history,” Vergeylen recalls. “We had a

huge affinity for the building and thought, imagine if we could work on a hotel like this and bring back its beauty.”

When Polizzi called to gauge their interest in the project, the duo jumped at the chance. Work began by reducing the key count to create larger, more comfortable guestrooms, as well as peeling back the layers to uncover “the true spirit of the hotel”. One area that remained largely untouched however was the Sala Basile, named after Ernesto Basile, the palazzo’s original architect. Protected by the authorities, the historic hall is decorated with Art Nouveau-style frescoes by Italian painter Ettore de Maria Bergler. It is these scenes – depicting the Sicilian way of life – that have informed the colour palette for the renovation. “Everything we did was inspired by that room,” notes Moschino, referencing the fresh shades of green and yellow seen in the suites and public spaces and the 19th century furniture – some original, some re-makes – that serve as a connection to the past. Then there’s the trompe-de-l’oeil treillage in the lobby, a new addition painted with Mediterranean plant motifs in the same style as the historic frescoes.

To the right of the lobby, a library and reading room stocked with books on Villa Igiea’s history is decorated in grey and crisp white tones, and to the left, a stroll through the corridors reveals more original details, such as sumptuous leather-clad doors and the hotel’s old safe, a curious piece comprising rows of individual storage boxes that once kept all manner of treasures under lock and key.

The F&B venues are to the rear of the property, where the grander, ocean-facing façade – originally the front of the hotel – presides over tiered gardens that cascade down towards the water. The main restaurant, named Florio after the former owner, is a journey back in time to the height of La Belle Époque era. Bathed in natural light, the dining hall displays a fresh palette of greens and florals against all-white wall panelling and grand antique mirrors – quite the transformation from what went before, according to Vergeylen. Mediterranean palms sprouting from giant urns are a welcome addition, helping to foster a connection with the gardens and creating an indoor-outdoor feel. Al fresco dining has been incredibly popular at the hotel, so the spacious terrace is often packed out through the summer,

Bathed in natural light, Florio displays a fresh palette of greens and florals against all-white wall panelling and grand antique mirrors

with guests indulging on fresh Sicilian pasta and oven-baked fish.

The bar is also proving to be a favourite – amongst locals and for Polizzi – with the designer commending Moschino and Vergeylen for their treatment of the formerly gloomy space. Beneath sandstone vaults, charming frescoes painted in the 1950s accompany Rosso San Marco marble and wrought iron chandeliers.

The original bar counter however was deemed too small, and though new interventions were limited owing to the protected status of the building, the team came up with a solution that was in keeping with heritage regulations and appropriate for the scale of the space. “We wanted to preserve the look and feel of the bar front so we duplicated it,” explains Vergeylen.

“There are now two identical counters joined by a contemporary bronze block, creating a bar that is proportionate to the length of room. It is typical of our approach in taking something original and looking to the surrounding palette to enhance it.”

Perhaps the greatest undertaking for the design team was the guestrooms. “We approached the project as we would a private home so there are no two rooms alike,” explains Moschino.

“Every single room has a different shape, size or ceiling height so required different treatment.”

Indeed, all 72 guestrooms and 28 suites are unique. Some feature hues of sage green, others are in amber or varying shades of blue. In deluxe

rooms, there’s a shapely banquette to lounge on, while the entry-level classic rooms have a cosy armchair by the window. “There were formulas but we had to factor in flexibility and adaptations, the execution was different for every space,” adds Vergeylen. “It was difficult in terms of workload, but it does add character.”

Soaring ceilings, hessian wallcoverings and canopied beds bring a sense of grandeur, while locally crafted elements pay homage to the villa’s setting. Feature wallpaper has been created by residents of Italy’s San Patrignano Community for example, where a design lab teaches artisan crafts to aid rehabilitation. And in the en suite bathrooms, vibrant Majolica tiles decorated by hand according to Sicilian tradition line the floor. Furniture and lighting is a mix of old and new; 19th century pieces – such as the two console tables and hanging mirror in the George V signature suite – were sourced from an auction house in Palermo, while newer additions are from The Paolo Moschino Collection, designed and produced exclusively

for the studio. The sculptural Fontana Console Table makes a statement in the suites, as does a fibreglass uplighter in the form of an oyster shell. Other pieces, such as the Coco Magnolia Pendant made up of delicate hand-cut petals, is from Palecek, another brand that falls under the Paolo Moschino Ltd banner.

This combination of old and new successfully ushers the hotel into the 21st century while being careful not to alienate lifelong visitors. “We didn’t want people to walk in and feel like it was a completely different place,” says Moschino. “We were very respectful of the history, the character and the whole atmosphere.”

To renovate a property yet somehow make it look and feel as if it has always been this way is no mean feat and an achievement of which the entire design team are particularly proud.

“We felt a real responsibility to maintain the spirit of the hotel, so it still very much feels like Villa Igiea,” concludes Vergeylen. “It’s like a sleeping beauty that has been brought back to life.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: CDP

Operator: Rocco Forte Hotels

Architecture: Studio Monaco

Interior Design: Paolo Moschino Ltd, Olga Polizzi www.roccofortehotels.com

Welcome Change

Ica spaces

Image

The Twenty Two

LONDON

For her debut hotel project, architect and designer Natalia Miyar brings 18th century French grandeur to a Mayfair mansion.

If there’s one thing Mayfair isn’t short of, it’s private members’ clubs. But that hasn’t deterred hospitality entrepreneur and technology investor Navid Mirtorabi – with backing from landlords the Reuben Brothers – to convert an Edwardian manor house on Grosvenor Square into The Twenty Two, a combination of all-day public restaurant, 31-key hotel and private members’ club.

“We want to redefine the traditional Mayfair hotel and club by bringing a new community to this iconic part of the city,” explains Mirtorabi. “To create a space where people can come together and feel welcome, regardless of where they come from, what their profession is and what they choose to wear. London is a melting pot of creative people from all cultural backgrounds and we want to celebrate that.”

Billed as a members’ club for the creative and the curious, The Twenty Two is many miles removed from the stuffy salons of St James’s or the elderly gentlemens’ establishments on Pall Mall. Nor is it a modern-day boîte in the mould of say Annabel’s or Tramp.

On arrival, it’s a subtle scent of frankincense – not stale cigar smoke or overpowering perfume – that wafts through the lobby. Service is professional, warm and relaxed – “fivestar without the white gloves” as Managing Director Darius Namdar – formerly of Chiltern Firehouse and a Corbin & King alumni – puts it. The look too is markedly different from the traditional members’ club, courtesy of Neoclassical French interiors by architect and designer Natalia Miyar.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of The Twenty Two

Working closely with Mirtorabi, Miyar has infused the interiors with an elegant collection of embroidered silks, richly textured fabrics and bespoke wallpapers, inspired in part by Napoleon’s early-19th century residence, Château de Malmaison.

Napolean also provided the source of inspiration for the Vault Bar, where the design is reminiscent of a military-style wedge tent. Set partially below ground, the room channels a sense of intimacy that is enhanced by the acoustics of its pitched ceiling, while seating, walls and a ceiling in the same striped fabric are complemented by brass campaign-style lanterns and tables with a honed Nero Marquina Marble top and a black metal base.

Elsewhere, the Living Room features fanciful turtle lighting by French sculptor Marie Christophe, which adds a poetic note with a hint of bohemia, as well as handpainted wallcoverings by decorative arts specialist Fromental, whose creations are framed by a border within 19th century panels.

This is Miyar’s first hotel project, and she has brought a residential sensibility to her interpretation of its handsomely volumed architecture. Spacious suites have their doubleheight ceilings enhanced even further with the judicious use of mirrors. Towering windows overlooking the neighbouring park are draped in opulent velvet curtains. And four-poster beds sit alongside vintage, flea-market finds and risqué artworks.

“The best designer-client relationships are the ones where you understand each other and, from a stylistic point of view, finish each other’s sentences,” says Miyar of her collaboration with Mirtorabi – with whom she had previously worked on private residential projects. “Navid knew what he wanted from the outset – the hotel, the food, the staff, the interiors. Everything bears his fingerprint.”

Miyar continues: “He felt that Mayfair was lacking a lifestyle hotel – it has wonderful hotels and institutions that we all know and love, but not a true lifestyle hotel. So, the design

Drawing on exotic landscapes, The Heritage Suite features custom Mughal-inspired wallpaper by Iksell, together with rich fabrics from Jiun Ho and Pierre Frey

brief was for 18th century French-style interiors but interpreted in a way that was playful, contemporary and accessible.”

The Twenty Two’s ethos is summed up as ‘come as you are’ – a reference to its lack of a dress code. And although ostensibly democratic in its door policy, there has been a particular effort to attract a more youthful, creative crowd – one that hasn’t really had a Mayfair address to call home up until now. “Our vision is to instil a more playful side to the district,” says Namdar. “We want everyone who passes through The Twenty Two to experience exceptional service, be greeted with a smile and, most importantly, feel welcome and accepted, whilst enjoying the best hospitality London has to offer.”

Namdar goes on to explain that while from the outside the building takes on a classic look with its 18th century Portland stone architecture, on the inside there is a youthful feel that celebrates individuality and has become a draw for those who might otherwise have felt alienated in the neighbourhood. “People want

to visit somewhere they can be expressive, dress how they want and be sure that they’re going to meet like-minded people,” he insists. “And, of course, have a good time.”

Though the ground floor lounge and club space downstairs – which features its own outdoor terrace – are limited to members and hotel guests, the all-day restaurant is open to the public. Food and drink across the property focuses on high-quality seasonal produce from local suppliers, with Executive Chef Alan Christie and his team placing the emphasis on clean, flavoursome and simple dishes that fuse Mediterranean and British fare.

The Twenty Two is just one of a new wave of members’ clubs to have hit London in the wake of the pandemic. All-female AllBright, The Conduit in Covent Garden and Ennismorebacked Maison Estelle – to name but three – are each offering their own individual take on the concept; a more accessible form of exclusivity where octogenarians of the old school tie network need not apply.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Navid Mirtorabi, Reuben Brothers

Operator: The Twenty Two Architecture and Interior Design: Natalia Miyar www.the22.london

CONSIDERED DESIGN

Dapple Collection

Palazzo Rainis

NOVIGRAD

Atellior looks to the past to reimagine a statuesque villa on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula.

Words: Catherine Martin

Photography: © Adam Lynk (unless otherwise stated)

Bordering the Adriatic Sea at something of an unofficial crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, the Istrian peninsula has a storied past, spending time under Venetian, Austrian and Hungarian rule before joining the newly independent Croatia in 1992. And while the region still bears the scars of its troubles, one of the more endearing remnants of the changing rulership is the rich variety of architectural influences, which sees Roman amphitheatres sit alongside orderly rows of Neo-Renaissance columns, and rounded Byzantine arches in harmony with Viennese motifs. Through the centuries, everything from churches and town halls to private residences and stately villas have been designed with characteristics from each style, and in recent years, as Croatia’s tourism industry picked up pace, many of these properties have been converted to hotel-use.

Often occupying prime waterfront sites, it’s the villas in particular that make for charming boutique hotels, as is the case with Palazzo Rainis, a 16-key property overlooking the

marina in the town of Novigrad. Constructed in the 1900s for eminent pharmacist Giovanni Rainis, the original plan was to convert the existing building to a small guesthouse, and so Atellior – the London- and Zagreb-based design studio – was tasked with developing an interior scheme. However not all went to plan. “We were appointed by the owner to create a concept that was in keeping with the heritage and style of the villa,” explains Ante Marić, Managing Director at Atellior. “But when the project started on site, they found that the structure was in such bad condition that refurbishment wasn’t possible, so a replica was built.”

It may be a newbuild, but the architecture does little to give the game away. Exactly like the original, the replica has the same geometric form and features identical detailing, such as ring arch windows and horizontal mouldings across the façade. Even the materials used are the same as the original.

The reconstruction however meant that Atellior had to rework their existing scheme,

amending spaces to the layout of the new building and taking extra care to imbue a rich sense of history. Then part-way through the project, the decision came to expand, and so two annexes were added to increase the key count from six to 16. “As the project developed, we became more involved in the architecture of the new buildings,” notes Marić, adding that although the structures are modern in character, they stand in harmony with the adjacent villa.

“We took elements of the original villa and reinterpreted them for the annexes, so there’s a relationship between the two,” he confirms. Architecturally, this translates to the same horizontal lines, and repetition of the villa’s metal railings, which in the newbuild portion are reinvented as decorative screens that greenery will come to climb around as it grows. “This idea carries through to the interiors too,” Marić continues. “We didn’t want the design to be identical to the main villa, it had to be appropriate for the architecture.”

What they do have in common is the quality

of materials and finishes. Stone, marble and brass complement solid timber headboards and oak parquet flooring, while deep-seated sofas are upholstered in a tactile linen-look fabric. Rooms in the main villa – the majority of which are suites with sea views from a private balcony – come with period features too, such as decorative mouldings, classically-inspired light fittings and handsome gilt mirrors. The overall ambience is one of elegance, and despite the villa being a newbuild, there’s a sense of history that comes courtesy of the finishing touches. In dressing the spaces, Atellior delved into the archives, opting for accessories that are in keeping with the narrative. “The inspiration for the interiors is based on the fact that the original owner of the villa was a pharmacist, so we stayed within that palette,” explains Marić. “The ceramic urns seen in the suites and public spaces were a common sight in the old pharmacies here, and we incorporated botanical elements through the artwork to represent the medicinal herbs that were used.”

In guestrooms and suites, stone, marble and brass complement solid timber headboards and oak parquet flooring

© Robert Pichler

The colour palette also takes its cues from the apothecary, with varying shades of green colour-matched from vintage medicine bottles. A rich emerald finds its way into the guestrooms via sumptuous velvet armchairs, while in the restaurant and bar – aptly named Chemistry and Potions respectively – tables are topped with majestic Verde Alpi marble. Walls are also painted in deep green hues, making a bold statement against the black-and-white checkerboard flooring.

The F&B offer, initially planned as a breakfast-only service, evolved as the project progressed, with the owner recognising that the product was strong enough to carry an à la carte restaurant. And so, Chef Patron Tom Gretić and Executive Chef Miro Marić came on board, devising a menu that makes use of local ingredients to create tasty and artistic dishes that pair with Istrian wines. Throughout the day and early evening, the restaurant spills out onto the terrace, where the villa’s finely manicured gardens and the marina beyond provide a serene

spot to while away an afternoon. Back inside, a fireplace beneath a marble mantelpiece lends a homely feel – this would, after all, have been the living room of the former resident – and paintings from the current owner’s private collection hang on the walls.

Rounding out the offer is the wellness facilities, comprising an outdoor swimming pool, gym and The Laboratory Spa. Kitted out with a Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi and relaxation area, the spa is rich in materiality with marble, stone and wood in dark tones making up the palette. The ever-present ceramic urns also make an appearance and, together with the finishes that carry through from the guestrooms and public areas, showcase Atellior’s ability to subtly weave a design narrative through every space. In working on the project, the firm has tapped into its vast experience in both hospitality and residential projects, so that from a guest perspective, the experience is more like staying at a private villa than a hotel, which was exactly the aim.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Vision Company

Developer: Adriatic Holidays

Architecture and Interior Design: Atellior Main Contractor: Pollo www.palazzorainis.com

The Nici

BOURNEMOUTH

Nicolas Roach’s new hotel brand touches down on the south coast of England, bringing a burst of tropical verve to a seaside town.

Marrying a clifftop location with sea views, and a stone’s throw from one of Britain’s prettiest beaches, the setting doesn’t get much better than that of the former Savoy Hotel in Bournemouth’s West Cliff. The hotel itself – no relation of the London grand dame – had, in recent years, become a functional place to holiday rather than an aesthetically pleasing one, with late 1990s-style corporate interiors, PVC leather-effect fabrics and loud heavily-patterned carpets.

Come summer 2022 it’s a different story, with the Victorian-esque landmark – actually built during the late Edwardian period in 1912 – reopening with a fresh identity. The Nici, as the property is now known, sports a new look as alluring as its coastal scenery, thanks to a £25 million refurbishment spearheaded by hospitality veteran Nicolas Roach, founder of Nicolas James Group.

Roach, the brains behind Harbour Hotels, hopes that the luxe brand’s debut property will “provide Bournemouth with the destination

hotel it deserves, transforming the town’s accommodation landscape and celebrating its award-winning coastline”.

The hotel’s grand exterior has been smartened up with Little Greene’s Shirting, a heritage white shade that is in keeping with the design period, and carries through to some of the walls inside offering a clean backdrop on which colourful fabrics, furnishings and artwork have been layered.

Rather than opting for a familiar British seaside design narrative, Anthony Rudolph, Creative Director of in-house design team Nicolas James Interiors, wanted to create an aesthetic suited to the local environment, yet draws from a global design palette.

“The way the sun shimmers on the ocean here, and with the lofty eucalyptus trees in the property’s grounds, it feels reminiscent of Miami,” he explains. “We looked to capture that eternal spirit and evoke a sense of overseas holiday escapism as soon as guests step through the door.”

Words: Ianthe Butt

Photography: Courtesy of Nicolas James Group

A melting pot of Miami style, the hotel is characterised by its bold interiors ranging from botanical wallcoverings to soaring palm tree sculptures

On arrival, visitors are greeted by a wall of jute bags embellished with holiday-mode slogans –‘soleil’ in sunshine yellow, ‘wish you were here’ in marshmallow tones – that are available to borrow for beach jaunts and double as a rotating art piece. What follows is a melting pot of Miami-style design; a floral-filled reception is dominated by ‘Myami’ – a vast Jaime Adrover artwork that combines pages from old pin up books with gold leaf and acrylic paint – and flanked by tall Eichholtz palm tree sculptures. “The reception is the most photographed part of the hotel,” says Rudolph. “It’s slightly cheeky but in a tasteful way.”

This playfulness is evident in the boardroom too, where mango wood surfboards decorate the walls, creating a clever visual pun and a chic space suitable for business meetings and celebratory brunches.

Decor in all-day restaurant South Beach –where Canadian chef Keelan Currie’s menu takes cues from Miami, Italy and Asia as well as British seaside classics – is similarly irreverent.

Here, walls are covered in multi-tonal white, botanical-patterned Arte wallcoverings, while custom-made banquettes backed with Christian Lacroix emerald-and-white striped fabric sit beneath Heathfield lunar pendants, which hang from the ceiling like glowing pearls. Tigers and flamingos frolic in candy-coloured Paul Fuentes prints, oversized pots are filled with verdant foliage, and alabaster gauzy curtains sway in the breeze when the doors to the terrace are open.

The light and airy restaurant, which was extended during the revamp, features two dining areas bookending a central lounge, partitioned by bespoke open-sided bookshelves housing double-sided fireplaces and coffee table books. A foosball table and nostalgic pinball machine further underline it as a family-friendly kickback spot.

Rudolph strives to “create spaces where people make memories” and this is reflected in bold design moments, from a travertine-topped bar fronted with orange ceramic tiles produced in Turkey, to a lounge with a vintage Murano

glass chandelier, alongside hat moulds and suitcases from Bonhams auction house.

Elsewhere, corridors with swirling oceaninspired carpets, ice-lolly prints and Art Deco lettering lead to 73 high-ceilinged guestrooms. Each has a white palette injected with va-vavoom in Mid-Century Modern style furniture, including cream boucle Cooper chairs from Eichholtz, and tangerine and bottle green accents. Samsung 4K Frame TVs masquerade as paintings, while Troo cocktails and helpyourself decanters of rum, propped on goldenframed cocktail trolleys by Perch & Parrow, crank the party feel up a notch.

In bathrooms, blue and white tiling –nodding to Miami’s historic community pools – is complemented by glinting MPRO brushed brass taps and rainfall showers from Crosswater, refillable Malin & Goetz toiletries, and basins and toilets from British brand Lusso Stone. Additionally, Deluxe and Sea View accommodations have in-room bathtubs, while lower ground floor rooms are dog-friendly with

al fresco hot tubs. Outside, manicured grounds with a kidney-shaped pool – surrounded by white cabanas – lead to a path that zigzags down to West Cliff’s golden sands.

While cool decor and a glorious beach are undoubtedly a draw, the aim with The Nici is “to introduce a new energy to the UK’s hotel scene, with an international resort-style stay like no other” according to Managing Director Eldon James. Positioning itself as a destination in its own right, the site offers kayaks, paddleboards and bikes to borrow, a 13-seat cinema, playroom, and jam-packed events roster including a book club, outdoor cinema screenings and yoga sessions on the lawn. Even those checking in for a week will be hard-pressed to run out of entertainment. And there’s more to come. Eleven holiday cottages will arrive this autumn, followed by – subject to approval – 30 more rooms, a beach club, spa, gym, rooftop bar-restaurant, and a 30m pinkand-white tiled infinity pool, adding a final Miami splash to the Stateside-inspired design.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: Nicolas James Group

Operator: Nici Hotels

Architecture and Interior Design: Nicolas James Interiors www.thenici.com

Rosewood

VIENNA

Heritage meets contemporary in the Austrian capital, where a new hotel captures the essence of the city.

Like so many hotels that step into the bones of a heritage building, the vision for Rosewood Vienna began with the architecture. Taking over a collection of 19th century buildings – formerly serving as the headquarters for Erste Group Bank – the hotel’s location on Petersplatz in the Austrian capital’s Old Town sees it flanked by landmarks such as the green-domed St Peter’s Church and gothic spires of St Stephen’s Cathedral. “Following our Sense of Place philosophy, we started by taking the heritage of the building as the leading inspiration, before looking at Vienna and Austria from a design perspective,” confirms Trish Luyckx, Group Vice President of Design & Project Services at Rosewood Hotel Group. “We researched the country’s design traditions and handicrafts and then paired that heritage with the Rosewood philosophy and style.”

The revival of the building – originally constructed in 1838 under the watchful eye of Austrian architect Alois Pichl – was brought to fruition by native practices A2K and BEHF Architects, along with London-based interior designer Alexander Waterworth and Conrad Kroencke of Austrian studio Kroanland – the latter envisioning the F&B areas.

The design quartet also worked alongside Parisian consultant Atelier 27 to curate the contemporary artwork collection that dresses the residential-style guestrooms and public areas. Botanical murals by Marie Hartig – handpainted over 40 days – hang in all-day lounge Salon Aurelie, and part

Words: Lauren Jade Hill

Photography: Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

Designed to evoke the atmosphere of a Viennese coffee house, Salon Aurelie features botanical murals by Austrian artist Marie Hartig that were handpainted over 40 days

of the structure’s façade features a colourful mural depicting modern Viennese life by Austrian graffiti artist Knarf. Other artworks see the reinterpretation of vintage Viennese postcards and the representation of legendary composer Mozart – not just for his status as an Austrian icon, but also owing to him having once lived in an apartment on this very site.

Upholstery and drapery come from Austrian textile manufacturer Backhausen and lighting is by Kalmar – who supplied various pieces to the public areas, including its Hase BL and Dornstab floor lamps – while shelves are dressed with books that offer insight into Vienna’s cultural heritage as well as the work of artists such as Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, both of whom left their mark on the city. “Everything has a link to either the building, Vienna or Austria,” Luyckx explains, adding that the concept wasn’t only about looking back. “The intent was that, while we have an incredibly historic property, we also wanted incorporate contemporary aspects that capture Viennese life today.”

Such was the case for Waterworth, who instilled a somewhat residential feel in the hotel’s 71 guestrooms and 28 suites, along with crafting warm and inviting public areas like the Asaya Spa and palatial Pavilion events space.

“My approach was to create a homefrom-home experience that showcases an interpretation of Viennese culture and history through a more contemporary, timeless lens,” says Waterworth of his first scheme in the city.

“The overall vision was to design a space that embraced a sense of belonging.”

Throughout the hotel’s interiors, tall windows and soaring relief-decorated ceilings are set against a neutral palette enhanced with touches of warm orange, yellow and soft blue. The material palette sees parquet flooring and swathes of marble paired with sumptuous fabrics, patterned rugs and elegant accessories.

The Presidential Suite, known here as Hoffman House, spans 1,916ft2 and comprises a master bedroom, living room, entertainment area, dining room and kitchen. Named after

Josef Hoffmann – the Austrian architect and founder of the Vienna Secession movement – the suite impresses with its J.L. Lobmeyr chandelier, Backhausen fabrics and eccentric bathroom accessories based on the designs of Hoffmann’s avant-garde arts and crafts enterprise, Wiener Werkstätte. “Authenticity is an essential part of integrating a design within its sense of place,” notes Waterworth. “Optimising local manufacturers and brands not only brings regional recognition, but also an innate connection.”

Continuing the theme, the Asaya Spa extends over the fifth and sixth floors with four treatment rooms, a social suite, relaxation area with city views, sauna, steam room and experience shower. Here, a palette of light blue, grey, ecru and greige adds warmth, while a turquoise ceiling with contemporary gold light fittings mimics the turquoise-green, goldtopped copper roofs of Vienna’s landmarks.

The city’s culinary roots meanwhile are honoured across a variety of dining venues

designed by Kroanland. On the sixth floor are panoramic brasserie Neue Hoheit and private dining space the Garden Room, which leads to the outdoor Secret Garden set among the rooftops and overlooking an inner atrium.

The light-filled brasserie features a show kitchen, wine gallery, bar and terrace, and speaks to the wider theme with its floor-toceiling windows, black-and-white floor tiles and glass sphere lighting by Bakalowits. A level above, Neue Hoheit is a speakeasy-style rooftop bar that echoes Vienna’s Art Nouveau style.

Completing the F&B line-up, Salon Aurelie evokes the atmosphere of a traditional Viennese coffee house, taking cues from the capital’s Palmenhaus restaurant. According to the operator, the venue is already a popular spot for city-dwellers intrigued by the renovation. “The building has so much history that locals are keen to see what has been done inside,” Luyckx concludes. “We want the hotel to become a point of reference in Vienna. Not just for overnight guests, but also for the community.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Erste Group Bank

Operator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

Architecture: A2K, BEHF Architects

Interior Design: Alexander Waterworth

Interiors, Kroenland (F&B)

Art Consultant: Atelier 27

Main Contractor: Ay-Ka Bau www.rosewoodhotels.com

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It could be your mood board, your scenery, your work of art or your scribble on a napkin. Our design team is very skilled in translating a piece of inspiration into a rug design. Our years of experience with different materials and techniques is one of our tools to create the best possible results.

Let’s get in touch and discuss your project. www.rugs.nl | info@rugs.nl

Area rug | inspired by a watercolour painting

Credits | Cala di Volpe Hotel | Design agency Moinard Bétaille | photographer Jacques Pépion

The Ned NoMad

Managing the reimagination of the former NoMad hotel, a reference point in the New York hospitality scene for over a decade, is no mean feat. Not to mention one concluded with poise and within a tight timescale, only possible through the close cooperation of Stonehill Taylor and the inhouse team at Soho House Design.

Located in the Madison Square Park area, The Ned NoMad occupies a sweet spot between Midtown and the Downtown enclaves of Soho, Nolita, Tribeca, the Village and the Financial District, with its position on Broadway affording views of the Empire State Building to the north and the iconic park a block south. The NoMad neighbourhood is still pockmarked with perfume and jewellery wholesalers, though the plethora of luxury hotels speak of a different future.

Joining Ace Hotel, The New York Edition and The Ritz-Carlton, the newcomer is the sequel to The Ned in London, which opened in 2017 as a private members’ club in a collaboration between founder and CEO of Soho House, Nick

Jones, and Soho House investor and Chairman, Ron Burkle. The London property is managed by Soho House and part of the Membership Collective Group – a global platform of physical and digital spaces – and was intended to be a standalone concept, but its fruitful reception saw a change in strategy.

“Following the success of The Ned in London, I always had it in my mind to open a New York outpost,” explains Burkle, founder of The Yucaipa Companies, which owns The Ned NoMad. “With the pandemic enforced closure of the NoMad hotel, I decided this was the moment to rebrand, remodel and upgrade the property.”

The remodelling includes the addition of Ned’s Club, comprising a variety of venues only accessible to members. Behind heavy velvet drapes at the lift lobby, credentials are checked for access to the Club Room, an atrium space with a performance area and fireplace snug that features a historic marble hearth imported from France. The Library, The Dining Room and the mezzanine of cosy bar Little Ned are

Taking cues from The Ned London, new members’-only spaces like The Dining Room and Little Ned strike a balance between vintage and modern

all members only too, as is the upper floor of Ned’s Club and a rooftop bar and terrace. Overlooked by the Empire State Building, the latter offers its own views of the Manhattan skyscape, plus a grand cupola on the corner for private dinners. Hotel guests are granted access to the ground floor of Little Ned and can relax in The Magic Room during the day, while both can enjoy Cecconi’s restaurant, the first of this Soho House staple in Manhattan.

Like its sister hotel across the Atlantic, The Ned NoMad is the conversion of a historic structure – in this case the Johnston Building, named after original owner Caroline H. Johnston. The property was completed in 1903 for office and retail usage in a Beaux-Arts style, drawing on the principles of French Neoclassicism whilst incorporating state-ofthe-art construction techniques of the time using iron and glass. In a nod to its heritage, the building – with a distinct limestone façade – now adorns the room key cards.

The revamping of the public spaces has been completed in less than 12 months with a view to catching the postpandemic upswing in business. In selecting collaborators, Soho House Design knew exactly where to turn. “Stonehill Taylor worked on the original NoMad so they knew the building intimately and it felt like a great fit,” explains Marcus Barwell, Managing Director of Soho House Design. And with the studio’s offices just a few blocks away from the property, on-site decisions were made all the easier.

“Soho House Design entrusted us with this project in part because of our firm’s history with the design of the former hotel,” says Sara Duffy, Principal at Stonehill Taylor. “Not only were we familiar with the site, but Soho House recognised our design capabilities. We could make this project distinctive, layered and well-considered while operating within a tight timeframe.”

The scope of work for Stonehill Taylor included public areas on the first two floors and the rooftop bar. A real mix of architectural and interiors elements. Guestrooms may have been excluded – barring a lick of paint, new bathroom

fittings from Waterworks and the replacement of lampshades and bed throws – but there was still plenty to be done.

On the architectural side, bold space planning decisions included the addition of a new wall between The Dining Room and Cecconi’s, decorated with a high-level grid of coloured glass panes that match the windows of the existing street façade. Thankfully, Stonehill Taylor still had the glass samples from its work 12 years prior, meaning that sourcing was no issue.

Returning guests will recognise many elements, particularly The Library, which is largely unchanged barring a move to make the space less like a library. “We looked towards a general reduction in the all-books look here, adding lamps and artworks – framed pictures in front of newly painted shelving – to break up the sense of monotony,” explains Katherine Levinton, Interior Designer at Stonehill Taylor.

They should also notice a brighter lobby following the uncovering of the street window to give the reception “space to breathe” according to Levinton. New here are replastered walls covering the former faux marble finish, as well as dark mahogany burl for the curved wood panelling. All millwork has been supplied by Cider Press Woodworks, which also provided the reception desk with an Art Deco-inspired front, crafted from curved horizontal layers of padded leather embossed with a New York street grid pattern. The traditional key wall behind is a fresh addition too.

For the interiors, Stonehill Taylor’s role included sourcing custom and vintage lighting, antique furniture, loose and fitted items along with fabric and wallpaper. These choices capture several aspects of The Ned London, as Harriet Liley, Lead Designer at Soho House Design’s New York studio, confirms: “We were inspired by many of The Ned London’s styles and wanted to use these as inspiration for some special pieces throughout The Ned NoMad.” Such pieces include a ruched fabric border detail from Cecconi’s London for the fireplace snug banquette, starburst oak burl veneer touches found in Little Ned, and upholstered seating designs that

honour The Ned London’s wrought iron roof details. “The sense of trust allowed us to make swift and decisive design choices to fill the space with a spirit of gracious hospitality,” explains Duffy.

A sense of graciousness that saw the design teams happily deal with the difficult dichotomy of new and vintage. It is tricky to identify what is original to the NoMad; what is antique but new to The Ned NoMad; and what is customised to look vintage. Leather club chairs are all shiny dark leather and brass studs but are they new or refurbished? The mosaic and terrazzo flooring, stunning in both Cecconi’s diagonals and the Club Room’s weave, could easily have been there forever and just beautifully restored. Both are in fact brand-new. As Levinton notes, “the wider concept comes alive through the details”.

Another singular element of the hotel is an all-new art collection with over 300 pieces curated by Kate Bryan, Global Art Director for The Ned and Soho House. The collection, titled A Different Century, asks what the cultural

landscape might have looked like had minorities not been so under-represented. It also follows the women-led focus of The Ned London, with site-specific commissions like B.Chehayeb’s mural in the fireplace snug.

And what of the development of The Ned brand? Next up will be The Ned Doha, a newbuild expected to open in late 2022. In 2024, The Ned Exchange will take over the former American Stock Exchange Building in Downtown Manhattan. Spread over three floors will be a pool, gym, wellness facilities, a performance space and F&B venues. With no guestrooms at The Ned Exchange, bringing the former NoMad into the Ned family makes even more sense.

The mutual desire of Stonehill Taylor and Soho House Design to see a job well done results in a well-honed series of spaces that delight members. “This was our first project together and on the back of this collaboration we have already lined up future developments to work on,” reveals Barwell. Perhaps these might include the next Ned properties?

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: The Yucaipa Companies

Operator: Membership Collective Group, Sydell Group

Architecture and Interior Design: Stonehill Taylor, Soho House Design

Lighting Design: One Lux

Main Contractor: Elysium Construction www.thened.com

A heritage of design.

For an early preview: duxiana.co.uk/hospitality

Jetson Chair

This iconic easy chair, designed by Bruno Mathsson, reflects Swedish modern design and Mathsson’s obsession with comfort, with its bowl-shaped seat and ergonomically designed high back.

A heritage of world-class furniture design.

In every one of our decades of furniture making, through four generations, we have always aspired to create not just the world’s most beautiful, iconic furniture but also the most comfortable. Our mission of continuous improvement is relentless.

Our Swedish roots have defined our aesthetic of clean, modern lines, an almost effortless feel to the perfect ergonomics. Working alongside the likes of Bruno Mathsson, we were pioneers of the style that later came to be known as Swedish Modern.

We have a proud history of working with the world’s best designers. The aforementioned Bruno Mathsson, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Norm Architects, and more.

In every one of our future years we will continue the traditions of great design and comfort across everything we create.

For an early preview: duxiana.co.uk/hospitality

The new DUX® hospitality range has been over 90 years in the making.

DUX is more than just a bed. It’s a vehicle for wellbeing. The DUX Bed is about deep sleep to allow your body to repair, rebuild and restore itself.

HF3 is the ultimate frameless mattress with customisable comfort zones.

HF1 is the perfect introduction to the DUX standard of comfort.

H6 is the ultimate realisation of our innovations and decades of commitment to the pursuit of a good night’s sleep.

H3 features our interconnected springs coupled with Pascal interchangeable spring cassettes, bringing a superior level of comfort leading to deeper and longer sleep.

H1 is made from natural, durable materials, a component-based bed designed for years of use.

The best guest experiences start with the best furniture.

Superspider

A classic easy chair designed by the DUX Design Team, ideal for relaxing in or for watching movies all evening long. Superspider was launched in 1987 and two years later the easy chair won an award for superior design at the furniture fair in Cologne.

For an early preview: duxiana.co.uk/hospitality

Gliding across Hjørundfjorden’s glassy waters is a surreal experience that elicits an immediate sense of calm. The Sunnmøre region on the northwest coast of Norway is vast, but its population is sparse so if you’re not a local, there’s only one reason to visit: Union Øye.

The charismatic painted timber property is steeped in heritage. It first opened its doors in 1891 and quickly became the destination of choice for some of Europe’s most prestigious personalities, including the country’s own King Olav V and English mountaineer William Cecil Slingsby. Today, rooms and suites are named after the writers, artists, adventurers and royalty that occupied them in years gone by.

Historical relevance remains central to Union Øye’s appeal and when Line and Knut Flakk of travel company 62°Nord acquired the property and started planning its expansion in 2009, respecting the original aesthetic was vital.

Now, after two years of building work, it boasts three new suites, five communal areas,

a barn and a cluster of standalone farmhouses that pay homage to the past.

“We worked with Oslo-based architectural firm Enerhaugen Arkitektkontor to renovate and extend the original building, and with local architect Knut Brekke to perfect the style of the smaller houses,” says Line Flakk.

The 7m addition to the side of the building is almost unnoticeable from the outside. Linear red borders frame creamy timber panelling to mimic traditional Nordic architecture, while the existing picket fence has been extended to surround its edges. Inside, rooms complement their established counterparts.

Each suite features a rich colour palette embellished with tactile furnishings and a heavy use of patterned wallpaper – a sure sign of wealth in the early 19th century. Retreating behind one of the heavy wooden doors, it’s easy to get lost in the romanticism of Norway’s history, but new, carefully executed details like waterfall showers and underfloor heating add a subtle element of modern-day comfort.

Union Øye Norway’s natural beauty at a heritage property in the country’s Sunnmøre region.

Words:

“Originally, the rooms had shared bathrooms,” Flakk reveals. “With a project like this there are always going to be things that need changing to meet today’s hospitality standards and expectations.”

Flakk also worked closely with Corniche Interior Design to facilitate a feeling of homeliness. “I met Susanna Nystuen and Ellen Hodt eight years ago when we restored Union Øye’s sister property, Storfjord Hotel,” she explains. “I designed the rooms in the main house myself but making every space different is a big job, so I knew I needed help. It takes time and care – we can spend hours choosing the right shade of paint.” When it came to Union Øye, there was no question who to collaborate with. “I knew Corniche would be right for this project,” Flakk continues. “We share the same vision and taste.”

New social spaces include the library, a wine cellar and a games room, where an elegant grand piano takes centre stage. This part of the renovation feels like a home, albeit an opulent one. It’s a treasure trove of quirks, such as heirlooms like the property’s original guest book, and each night, guests gather here to listen to the story behind Union Øye as told by one of the team kitted out in traditional Norwegian dress.

At the back of the building lies the dining room with its sage green structural beams and dusky interior palette. A glass roof and floor-to-ceiling windows spotlight the landscape and maximise the impact of Norway’s 24-hour summer light. “We wanted to bring the outside in,” says Flakk. Objective achieved. The space feels lighter and more modern than the

Channelling the romanticism of Norway’s past, interiors feature a rich colour palette embellished with tactile furnishings and patterned wallpaper

© Rune Solevaag

main building, but the constant reminder of its idyllic location brings guests right back to the Sunnmøre region’s timeless allure.

The Palm Room runs adjacent to the conservatory and boasts a playful, kitsch aesthetic. Its combination of gilded accents, fringed lampshades and plush velvet chairs taps into the senses in a wholly different way. Here’s where the fun happens and it’s the right spot for the cocktail bar, which boasts a fresh menu peppered with ingredients grown in the on-site herb garden.

The structure of the neighbouring farmhouses, it turns out, weren’t part of the original scheme. “We applied for planning permission to create an L-shaped corner building,” explains Flakk. “It was denied and despite being later approved, we’d decided on a collection of smaller buildings instead. The purpose of the expansion was to enhance the existing charm of the place and what we have now felt more fitting.”

This is where Knut Brekke came in. Based in the neighbouring valley of Ørsta, he brought

locality and insider knowledge to the fore, envisioning 13 rooms across five individual buildings that are designed to blend in with their scenic setting and complement the original property’s heritage connotations.

Inside, the vibe is closer to 21 st century Scandinavian hygge. Soft, neutral tones and natural materials form a backdrop for the swathe of texture and personal touches that individualise each house. Subdued lighting establishes the mood while stoves and freestanding fireplaces continue an established 62°Nord theme. “This is a feature we believe can really transform a space,” Flakk affirms. “It means a lot to us.”

So, what’s next for Union Øye? Flakk’s ambitions include adding a small spa as well as facilities for the staff. The pond, which was introduced to the courtyard this summer, has the potential to become an ice rink in winter. Elsewhere, 62°Nord is looking to expand its portfolio. Next stop: Oslo, where plans are underway for its first capital city outpost.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Line and Knut Flakk

Operator: 62°Nord

Architecture: Enerhaugen Arkitektkontor, Knut Brekke

Interior Design: Corniche Interior Design

Lighting Design: Lyskonsept

Landscaping: Grindaker

Main Contractor: HS Bygg www.unionoye.no

© Rune Solevaag Rune Solevaag

The Berkeley Knightsbridge Pavilion Penthouse

LONDON

Almost a decade after he first made a mark on The Berkeley, André Fu returns to bring a fresh perspective with his fourth ‘super-suite’.

Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: © Ray Main

It’s a little known fact that The Berkeley has played a significant role in André Fu’s career as a hotel designer. Back in 2013, after creating interiors for the likes of The Upper House and Fullerton Bay, the Hong Kong-based designer teamed up with the luxury London establishment to design the 2,600ft2 Opus Suite, marking his first foray into Europe as well as the start of a longstanding relationship with the property and the wider Maybourne Hotel Group.

Having recently completed The Maybourne Riviera, Fu has now unveiled his fourth ‘super-suite’ at The Berkeley.

Located along the corridor from the Pavilion Suites on the fifth floor, the Knightsbridge Pavilion Penthouse is a twobedroom oasis with an open-plan living and dining area, as well as two luxurious bathrooms and walk-in closets.

Designed as a glass box with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows opening out to a private terrace, the suite is bathed in natural light and features an interior scheme that draws from the surroundings. A palette of solid oak and pistachio green conjures the trees of Hyde Park opposite, while organic forms as evidenced by the pebble-shaped coffee tables and softly-curving sofas celebrate nature. “I wanted to position the Knightsbridge suite slightly differently from its predecessors,” explains Fu, reflecting on how his latest work compares to the other suites he has designed at The Berkeley. “Here, it’s about freshness, marking the start of a new era. The choice of materials has evolved and the silhouettes are softer with more organic shapes inspired by the nearby intertwining foliage and shadows cast by leaves.”

Fu’s bucolic vision for the urban retreat was brought to life through a collection of bespoke furniture and decorative lighting from his own lifestyle range, André Fu Living. A key piece is the ivory travertine dining table, which takes on an almost sculptural quality, complemented by lanterns hanging from a crafted timber frame. The green onyx bar also makes a statement, its hues in harmony with the parkland outside, while shades of ivory, off-white and mineral grey bring an air of tranquilility.

The serene atmosphere flows through to the master bedroom, where full-height oak panelling wraps around the space, encasing the closet, framing the windows, and gently curving to cocoon the bed. Fu’s relaxed luxury aesthetic is completed with hand-tufted carpets and cast bronze bedside wall lamps, the latter inspired by an orchid in another reference to the natural world.

The main attraction however is the master bathroom, where views of Hyde Park can be enjoyed from the comfort of the freestanding bathtub. The panorama is framed by a pair of timber screens handcarved to mimic intertwining trees, which Fu describes as “Modernist in spirit”. Their placement allows for an element of privacy, yet maximises the reach of the sunlight within, resuming focus on the outdoors and maintaining an airy aesthetic.

And the designer isn’t done leaving his mark on the capital just yet; later this year, The Berkeley’s sister hotel Claridge’s will unveil its new spa, where Fu will introduce his signature touch of modern luxury to the wellness facilities.

Silky Oaks Lodge

QUEENSLAND

Ancient trees, tendrilous rivers and the dazzle of passing butterflies inspire the design of a newly overhauled Queensland icon.

Words: Lizzie Pook

Photography: © George Apostolidis

In the fecund tangles of the Daintree Rainforest tower trees that have been standing for thousands of years. Ferns here grow to the size of elephant ears. The insects look like props from a 1980s sci-fi movie. Jewelcoloured lorikeets settle on the branches of twisted strangler figs and the eerie scrabble of the Jurassic-looking cassowary bird claws its way along the leafy forest floor. This is a rich, diverse, ancient landscape, one that must be carefully preserved and respected – something that eco-luxe pioneers Baillie Lodges have achieved with grace in their AUS$20 million overhaul of the iconic Silky Oaks Lodge.

The lodge originally opened in 1985, but after becoming a little worn around the edges, it was recently snapped up by James and Hayley Baillie, who already hold an impressive portfolio of high-end escapes including Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Longitude 131° in the outback at Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada’s rugged Vancouver Island.

The team, alongside Port Douglas-based

architect Gary Hunt and interior designers Pike Withers, made some significant architectural changes from the get-go. A vast central space was constructed, framed by a soaring skillion roof that reaches all the way up to the treetops and a Jungle Perch area cantilevered into the forest canopy. They also added the impressive 320m 2 two-bedroom Daintree Pavillion, an idyllic hideaway surrounded from every angle by unspoiled rainforest, with its own tiered infinity pool and dramatic ceilings held aloft by glass walls.

Though the lodge represents a more refined approach to design, the team were eager not to over-manicure. “We wanted the rainforest and the river to take centre stage,” says Hayley Baillie. “We used the footprint of the existing main lodge and suites and pared back the interiors, making the most of clean lines with contemporary finishings. Darker details allow the lush green of the rainforest and the occasional blue of a passing Ulysses butterfly to pop.”

The result is a lodge that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings; a contemporary space entangled in leaves, with floor-to-ceiling glass, angled rooflines and digital landscape paintings by Australian artist Catherine Nelson dotted throughout. Vines drip languorously down onto the cabin roofs and balconies are often speckled with friendly geckos, a sign that here, the outside is welcomed in.

Each of the 40 rooms, spread across six categories, is muted and understatedly chic. Shiplap exteriors have been painted midnight black, while interiors are bright and airy with neutral ceramics, milky marble, Bemboka alpaca throws and handblown glass lampshades. Polished timber floors, New Guinea Rosewood joinery and sleek, Australianmade Brodware fittings lend the interiors an unfussy yet upmarket vibe, but loveliest of all is the freestanding natural stone bathtub out on the balcony, the perfect spot for evenings spent wallowing in steam to the orchestral trill of cicadas all around.

While the end result is spectacular, this was not an easy refurb. Progress on the renovation was hampered, first by the pandemic, then by an unusually timed green season, which meant the team had to battle unexpectedly wet conditions. That’s not to mention the floods, the need to cart materials through dense rainforest and along narrow, muddy pathways, or the maintenance of many old trees on the verge of collapse. The hard graft paid off though, and Silky Oaks is a resplendently tranquil place to be.

Guests can spend their time kayaking, swimming or even snorkelling in the Mossman River, keeping their eyes peeled for the resident platypus in the main billabong, or the family of echidna that bumble about on the rocky island of Melaleuca. And a network of walking trails takes hikers into the very landscape that inspired the lodge. “We aimed to both reflect and blend with the natural environment,” Baillie explains. “So, our interior finishes at Silky were designed to mirror the deep verdant hues of the rainforest and the pure waters of the Mossman River.”

Visitors can find these elegant nods in the form of side plates the colour of rainforest lichen at the jewel-in-the-crown Treehouse restaurant, and in emerald marble tables struck through with veins like swirling river currents. In a further connection to the locale, Baillie Lodges worked with local First Nations Kuku Yalanji artists to create over 40 ceramic tiles that line the walls of the lobby. Each one represents the flora and fauna of the Daintree –from ghost bats to wallabies – and aligns with the name of a suite at Silky Oaks.

In 2021, the Daintree was handed back to its traditional Indigenous custodians, and exploring the surrounding area with them –spearfishing in the shallows at Coogee Beach or taking guided Dreamtime Walks at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre – is the most gratifying way to explore this unique place. And what better way to end a day’s adventures than swaying idly in a big-enough-for-two hammock and letting the world’s oldest living rainforest hum its bewitching, beautiful tune.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: KSL Capital Partners

Operator: Baillie Lodges

Architecture: Gary Hunt Architects

Interior Design: James Baillie, Hayley Baillie, Pike Withers www.silkyoakslodge.com.au

We are proud to have played our part in many conversion and restoration projects for some of London’s most significant hospitality projects, including Rosewood London, Kimpton Fitzroy, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, The Ned and NoMad London.

We are excited to be continuing this work with the reimagining of The OWO / Raffles London.

Clockwise from top:

The OWO Raffles London, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, NoMad London, Fitzroy and The Ned. www.epr.co.uk

Hotel Amano

COVENT GARDEN

Amano Group makes its London debut, reinventing a former office building with signature gold accents and a glamorous rooftop bar.

Words: Matt Turner

Photography: © John Athimaritis

Berlin-based Amano Group has opened its first hotel outside Germany with the launch of Hotel Amano Covent Garden, converted from a 1980s office building formerly known as Drury House. Designed by Woods Bagot, the hotel features 141 guestrooms, two bars – one on its rooftop, the other on its lower ground floor – with a signature restaurant due to be added later this year in the form of Penelope’s, opening at the corner of Russell Street and Crown Court with a fusion of Israeli and Spanish cuisine from Culinary Director Ronen Dovrat Bloch.

In transforming the mansard, façade and windows of the structure, Woods Bagot looked to introduce greater cohesion with the neighbouring buildings while ensuring a contemporary look, taking into account how the new hotel would interact with its surroundings to both protect and enhance the locale. To strike the balance, the original brick and stone exterior was embellished with metal windows and Juliet balconies, and the main entrance was

repositioned further along Russell Street. In all, the new look aligns with Amano’s ethos ‘to provide guests with beautifully designed spaces in the best city-centre locations at a fair price’.

Certainly, its London debut has an enviable location in the heart of the capital’s theatreland, just a few steps from the plethora of shops and restaurants in Covent Garden. Its design is understated but modern, with signature gold accents to everything from bathtubs to the elevator doors: “We wanted to create an urban and atmospheric lifestyle hotel, which we accomplished by balancing darker tones with natural light and modern details,” say Woods Bagot. “We used solutions focused on practicality, comfort and design. All furniture is bespoke and exclusively designed for the property.” Such pieces have been created by Parla, who worked closely with the London studio to select fabrics and introduce natural elements such as aged bronze, polished brass and marble to craft furniture that saves space without compromising on comfort.

In the compact lobby area for instance, curvaceous furnishings and plants are set against a backdrop of books on David Bowie and the Bauhaus movement, which provide a subtle nod to the group’s Berlin origins. A Perspex lighting installation, its effect multiplied by a series of mirrors, stretches across the reception desk, down the neighbouring staircase and into the open ceiling void, connecting the ground floor to the basement bar below.

Within the space, a fireplace with a starburst wall installation and gold pendant lamps hanging above is surrounded by sofas and lounge chairs. It’s a flexible venue with moveable seating, open-plan areas for larger groups and more intimate nooks that can be separated by curtains to create privacy.

The rooftop bar meanwhile is all about the spectacular views over the London skyline. Arriving via gold-doored lifts, guests walk out onto a landing draped with metallic curtains and softened by eye-catching plant arrangements. The space has been designed to maximise the

sights of the surroundings, with a long bar counter, open back-bar display and extensive outdoor terrace. The original Amano hotel in Berlin was very much a product of its bar culture, and as expected for the London flag, there is an extensive, well-curated cocktail menu. At weekends, live DJs take the energy levels up a notch.

“As a Berlin-based company, opening our first international property in London was always a natural step for us,” says Ariel Schiff, co-founder of Amano Group. “Like Berlin, London is a dynamic city known for its thriving nightlife and multicultural community. We felt the spirit of the brand would blend in well here, bringing with it a taste of our hometown.”

While the group currently has ten hotels in Germany – eight in Berlin, one in Düsseldorf and one in Munich, with new openings slated for Leipzig, Munich and Hamburg – rumour has it that its Covent Garden hotel may just be the first of several new openings planned for London too.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Operator: Amano Group

Developer: Excellion Capital Architecture and Interior Design: Woods Bagot

Lighting Design: Nulty

Art Consultant: Access Art

Procurement: Parla

Project Manager: Tower Eight Main Contractor: HG Constructions www.amanogroup.de

DESIGN

DETAILS

RESORT

Lanserhof Sylt

At medical health resort Lanserhof Sylt in Germany, flowing, corner-less architecture by Christophe Ingenhoven seeks to provide a health-promoting effect on body, mind and soul, just like the traditional naturopathy and cutting-edge medicine offered at the property. Drawing inspiration from the locale and the construction of Frisian houses – which are typically low-rise with glass, timber and thatch – the resort features curved shapes that mirror the island’s rolling sand dunes, as well as a pared-back aesthetic and earthy tones that allow the setting to take centre stage. At the heart of its main building, a five-storey spiral staircase epitomises the concept with its sinuous shape, muted palette and low-level strip lighting that keeps guests’ natural bio-rhythm in check. “Our aim was to avoid any negative impact on the protected landscape and wildlife, creating a sustainable wellness complex where residents can recuperate and re-energise while being at one with nature,” say Ingenhoven Architects. “Organic materials without synthetic finishes and clean, minimal interiors are the building blocks of health-promoting architecture that focuses on the holistic recovery of residents.”

GUESTROOMS Cambridge Beaches

Channelling a sense of place is high on the list of any hotel project, especially one with a storied past like Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda. Originally opened in 1923, the property has undergone a complete renovation under the guidance of Phil Hospod from Dovetail + Co, who worked with interior designer Kellyann Hee – formerly of Soho House Design – to create an authentic scheme that speaks to the heritage of the island. Working with existing architectural details dating back to the 17th century, Hee has restyled 86 standalone cottages with a tropical aesthetic, combining floral prints and vibrant paint tones with bespoke furniture and contemporary art by Bermudian creatives. Much of the inspiration came from chic homes on Atlantic and Caribbean islands, which feature what Hee describes

as “perfectly imperfect” combinations of colour –think blues, teals, mints and corals alongside pops of yellow and orange – fused with patterns and shapes that are in harmony with their natural environments.

“Always playful, never too serious; that was the vibe we were after,” Hee explains, adding that the lively palette reflects the colour found everywhere on the island, from the costumes worn by traditional Gombey dancers to the lush flora that inspired the writings of Anglo-American novelist Frances Hodgson Burnett, who resided at a bungalow in Bermuda every winter.

“I’m obsessed with Burnett’s iconic children’s story, The Secret Garden,” says Hee. “The design narrative at Cambridge Beaches is not so different from the book – one that facilitates delight, discovery, contemplation and joy.”

The Factory Collection | Ramón Esteve

SPA & WELLNESS

PGA National Resort

Drawing inspiration from Palm Beach Gardens during the 1960s, South Florida design group V Starr – founded by American tennis ace Venus Williams – has brought clean lines, sleek materials and repeated forms to the newly refurbished spa at PGA National Resort. “With all our projects, it is important for us to understand the history of the building and its locality to determine how we can weave that into the design,” says Principal Sonya Haffey. “Here, the classic design period of Minimalist Modernism became the driver for the shapes in the spa.”

As such, the 40,000ft2 spa wellness space – billed by the firm as a “resort

within a resort” – combines arched openings and mirrors with a soft palette of silky whites and washed timber that pay homage to nearby beaches. Polished marble flooring creates a grand entrance in the lobby, from which sand-like porcelain flows through to a series of venues accented by champagne gold metal details and millwork. Subtle textures have also been added in the form of wallcoverings and sheer drapery –with touches of coral and palm prints referencing the quintessential Palm Beach aesthetic – while pink marble sourced from Turkey adorns a select few walls, becoming a statement piece with its unusual colour.

Reinventing Cretan Hospitality

Following in their father’s footsteps, the co-founders of Phāea Resorts have embarked on a journey to craft meaningful travel experiences rich in Greek heritage.

After a whistle-stop tour through the lush, landscaped grounds of Cretan Malia Park, Agapi Sbokou, co-CEO of Phāea Resorts, sits down for an enthralling chat in the traditional kafenio just beyond its gates.

For arriving guests, the coffee shop is the first sign that this is a property that delivers an authentic Cretan experience. Yes, as one might expect, there is a tennis court and a teenage games room to one side of the entrance, but tucked away on the other side is this tiny café, whose white-washed walls, blue wooden chairs and olivedappled courtyard could place it in the heart of any Greek village, rather than a luxury family resort. And what could be more authentic than Greek coffee – strong, black and sweet – poured from a traditional briki pot and served with a bougatsa pastry.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given her nationality, Sbokou has a natural gift for storytelling, explaining the Ottoman origins of the custard-soaked filo delight that is bougatsa, as well as the Greek tradition of predicting one’s future from coffee grinds left in the cup, much as tea leaves are read by fairground fortune tellers in the UK.

Words: Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of Phāea Resorts

Collaborating with Greek architect Vana Pernari, the Sbokou sisters have designed Cretan Malia Park with an aesthetic that reflects the colours and textures of the island

It may well have been written in the runes for Sbokou and her sister Costantza to one day end up running a hotel company. The story of Phāea Resorts has its origins in 1976, when their father Yiannis Sbokos – an engineer and pioneer of the Cretan hotel industry – founded his eponymous business. Sbokos Hotel Group grew over the following years to become a popular chain of six properties across Crete, including the site that has now been converted to Cretan Malia Park.

“My father built this property in the late 1980s,” explains Sbokou. “We opened here for the first time in 1988, but before that it already existed as a campsite. I began working in our hotels at the age of 12. Then I went off to study law and business and worked in various places, from legal offices to banking, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to end up in hospitality.”

It was when her father came to her with news that he had acquired a site on the Elounda coast – overlooking Spinalonga, the former leper colony made famous in Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island – that she decided to pursue a career in the family business. In parallel, her sister Costantza was studying and practising architecture in the US, yet ended up on a similarly inevitable path back to her homeland. Both sisters returned to Crete to help their father with the development of what would later become Blue Palace, part of Marriott’s The Luxury Collection: “The opportunity to be part of something from the ground up, and see the process that went into creating it, won us over.”

Now, the pair are ensconced as co-CEOs and owners of Phāea Resorts, the new name unveiled in 2019 to consolidate the group’s strategic positioning and vision for the future. The siblings have clearly defined yet complementary skill sets: “Costantza oversees finance and development, from renovations through to new projects, while I handle operations, sales, marketing and brand,” confirms Sbokou.

For Cretan Malia Park, a member of Design Hotels, the duo worked hand-in-hand to create a new flagship that will steer the future identity for what is now a four-strong group of hotels under the Phāea umbrella: “We decided to mould this into the first example of our vision, showing people how resorts can be transformed,” Sbokou explains. “To be the guardian of this project was both an honour and a challenge, as we both grew up in Crete so wanted to highlight what we love about the island, sharing it with our own friends while making it part of the guest experience.”

The renovation – for which they enlisted Greek architect Vana Pernari to collaborate on the architecture and interior design – has resulted in a unique aesthetic inspired by the colours and textures of the locale. The resort’s striking Modernist structures were originally conceived in the late 1980s by Antonis Stylianides – an alumni of German Bauhaus legend Walter Gropius. Today, the exteriors have been stripped back to a simple canvas that both references the island’s architectural heritage and allows verdant gardens to take centre stage. “It’s very fertile soil here,” explains Sbokou. “The gardens have always been a big part of this property. Over the last few years, we took away all the plants that were not indigenous to Crete. Some required too much irrigation but also many of them just didn’t feel like they belonged here.”

The resort’s rough-hewn walls are framed by local swaying palms, banana trees and Indian figs. Interiors are defined by natural materials such as walnut, chestnut and bamboo. The stylistic legacy of Crete, both past and present, is also explored through a blend of modern art, family heirlooms and custom pieces crafted by local artisans. Flora-inspired works by Greek artists Thanasis and Dimitris Kretsis adorn the guestrooms, while the lobby is home to a painting by Philippos Theodorides, a unique

Reywal lighting installation by Joy Stathopoulou and a rug originally designed by the Sbokou sisters’ grandmother. Handmade herringbone cement tiles and locally sourced ceramic pots sit alongside furnishings from premium Scandinavian design brands including Gubi, Fredericia and 101 Copenhagen to create a look that combines Mid-Century Modern with laidback boho luxury.

Scattered across a series of low-rise structures, the hotel’s rooms and suites are all located on the ground or first floor. Double rooms are characterised by geometrically styled jade-hued wall tiles, while light and airy bungalows are punctuated with shots of blue or terracotta, applied by way of graphic wall tiling and textiles. In the suites, sideboards, wardrobes and folding doors accented with rattan screens introduce a rustic fringe to otherwise contemporary spaces. The bathrooms see spherical black and white pendant lighting interweaved with grey terrazzo, local white marble and minimal black fixtures in suites, and beige stone in rooms and bungalows.

A wide range of restaurants served by the hotel’s organic kitchen garden are also inspired by Crete, in particular its rich culinary heritage. Situated on the ground floor of the main building and extending out onto a terrace under the shade of a white wooden pergola, Mediterraneo is an airy all-day restaurant focused on regional specialties, while Mouries offers traditional Greek gastronomy with a spotlight on locally caught seafood, freshly pressed olive oil and foraged wild herbs, and Almyra provides an Italian menu centred around a traditional wood-fire oven. A beach shack, juice bar, pool bar and lobby bar round out the F&B venues.

On our tour of the property, Sbokou highights more of the facilities on offer – a yoga pavilion and spa set amid cacti and banana trees, a performance area, kitchen and garden. Even

At Blue Palace Elounda, warm terracotta structures give way to light and airy interiors that make use of natural stone and wood

cats are catered for with a Cat Café offering sanctuary for the island’s feline population.

The guiding principle of the resort’s design and operation is sustainability – a commitment that has been woven into the group’s DNA since the beginning: “My father began addressing issues such as energy use and waste in the early 1990s, when nobody else – at least here in Crete – was even looking at them,” says Sbokou. “Then when my sister and I took over, this became a central pillar of our strategic repositioning. We’re trying to instil in our team that everyone, regardless of their level, must make small decisions every day. And those decisions should all be made through the lens of sustainability.”

Ranging from energy-saving technologies to community driven projects, Phāea Resorts has been working on a comprehensive programme that takes this commitment to an even greater level, to the extent that both properties are now run on almost entirely renewable energy. Investments have included openloop water structures, solar panels, and solar control double-glazing in 90% of the doors and windows. Living roofs are planted with water-saving endemic

plants to provide insulation and encourage biodiversity. And the Phāea Farmers programme trains locals to grow produce in a way that replenishes the land: “In low season, staff who also have small holdings work with agronomists specialising in sustainable organic farming methods to learn how to grow in a way that replenishes the environment rather than ravaging it further, before selling their produce to us for a fair price,” Sbokou explains.

Environmental impact was also a consideration in the development of Blue Palace Elounda, which offers a very different experience to Cretan Malia Park, but one where sustainability and authenticity are given equal credence. Architects 3SK were responsible for the original development in 2003, since which the project has evolved with a new wing and collection of villas completed by MKV Design in 2009. A more recent addition is the Isola Beach Club bar by K-Studio. Carved into a hillside between the fishing village of Plaka, the chic resort mostly comprises a patchwork of low-rise, pink-hued stone and earthy structures that flow into the landscape. Stone excavated from the site itself was widely used in its construction,

with exteriors rendered using a traditional kourassani plaster technique dating back to Roman times, giving warm terracotta colours that improve with age. The main lobby building provides a dramatic sense of arrival, built around an 11m-high vaulted hall designed as a faithful reproduction of the Venetian shipyard at Heraklion. Public areas are arranged in an amphitheatre-like array at the top of the site, with guestrooms cascading down towards the beach. A cable car allows easy access to the spa, multiple restaurants and beach club that sit downhill. The Blue Door Taverna at the water’s edge used to be a fisherman’s shelter, which now has been faithfully restored – its blue doors a Greek tradition to bring good luck so seamen can safely return home back to their loved ones.

Many of the suites and bungalows feature private verandas, gardens and pools overlooking Spinalonga and the Aegean waters, with native species of olive trees and palm trees, alongside bougainvilleas, jasmine and levanter planted around the site. Interiors meanwhile are

inspired by Crete’s past and the influence of invaders – including the Arabs, the Ottomans and the Venetians – with rugs, divans, tiles and antiques offset by natural stone and timber.

“Our strategy is to offer a luxury product with a strong sense of place,” says Sbokou. “So, it was important to find an affiliation that allowed us to operate the property ourselves and have our own name. The affiliation with Luxury Collection has helped us in terms of standards, service and opening up our own people – who might not have travelled extensively – to the kind of properties we want them exposed to.”

She concludes: “People are travelling all this way to Crete and want to experience something they cannot find anywhere else. Luxury is being redefined and guests want to return home feeling reformed. We continually improvise and improve every year so that our hotels don’t feel staged. That requires a lot of energy and effort to make it feel seamless, and finding the balance is a great challenge, but it’s also the thing that keeps us going.”

“Our strategy is to offer a luxury product with a strong sense of place. Finding the balance is a great challenge, but it’s also the thing that keeps us going.”” SBOKOU

The Hotel That Changed Hotels

More than a decade after making its debut in Amsterdam, CitizenM continues to push the boundaries of hospitality, evolving to offer guests more for less.

Words: Ben Thomas

ROBIN CHADHA

When Sleeper reported on the firstever CitizenM hotel in 2008, it was described as a revolutionary concept that represents a step towards a new generation of hospitality. Disrupting the industry norm with an offering geared towards what it called the ‘mobile citizen’, the brand was a precursor to today’s plethora of lifestyle hotels, boasting multifunctional public spaces, cleverly designed accommodations and savvy technology, both back- and front-of-house.

Four years in the making, the Schiphol Airport debut – which took home multiple accolades at the European Hotel Design Awards – was the brainchild of Rattan Chadha, whose lightbulb moment stemmed from a dilemma he faced at his fashion business, Mexx. With a roster of jet-setting designers on his books but only a limited travel budget, Chadha recognised the need for a trendy urban hotel at an affordable price point, and so joined forces with fellow Dutchman Michael Levie to create a model that could offer just that.

“When my father and Michael first looked at entering the hospitality market, they quickly realised that if they wanted to create a brand that was consistent, they needed to own their properties,” says Chadha’s son Robin, Chief Marketing Officer at the group, as we chat in the lobby of the brand-new CitizenM London Victoria. “That’s why they decided to be owner and operator from the start, so they could control the entire journey.”

CitizenM’s strive for consistency led to the selection of several key partners, with architecture and design studio Concrete Amsterdam, creative agency KesselsKramer and furniture manufacturer Vitra brought on board from the get-go and involved in every project since. Working with Concrete to develop a hotel concept that was radically different while commercially viable and operationally efficient, the group tapped into other sectors for inspiration, studying the check-in technology of the airline industry as well as the construction methods of the automobile business. The latter led CitizenM to adopt a modular approach,

which involved crafting container-sized rooms at its own factory just outside of Rotterdam. As well as speeding up the build process, reducing its carbon footprint and cutting costs, the prefabrication technique bred a consistency not only in architectural aesthetic – the modules are stacked on top of one another to form identifiably square units – but also quality, with rooms arriving on site completely furnished, even down to bed linens and towels.

“Our intention was to disrupt, and part of that was having one room type, not 15,” Chadha explains, adding that accommodations were purposely designed on the smaller side – 14m2 to be precise – to provide just enough space to sleep and shower while encouraging guests to explore the city. “Each room was identical in scale, so it made sense to construct them at a production facility and then ship to site once we obtained planning permission.”

In similarly subversive fashion, the brand’s interior design strategy looked to do away with convention and focus on solving travel frustrations, from long queues at reception to overly complicated in-room controls. As such, many aspects of the experience are automated, including self-service kiosks where guests can check-in in under 60 seconds, while guestrooms are kitted out with conveniently-placed power sockets and intuitive lighting control.

Public areas too were designed to break the mould, divided into zones for eating, meeting and relaxing. The idea of turning under-utilised lobby space into a revenue generator with retail and F&B facilities was unheard of at the time.

“During our holiday trips and work-related stays, we realised that the hotel industry hadn’t changed in decades, despite the evolving tastes and habits of the global traveller,” says Rob Wagemans, founder of Concrete and Creative Director at CitizenM. “Conceptually, we therefore tried to remove the traditional setup of a reception, lobby, restaurant and bar, introducing hybrid, transitional living rooms where everything could happen at any moment of the day.”

Chadha elaborates, noting that the living

“We decided to be owner and operator from the start, so that we could control the entire journey.”

ROB WAGEMANS

room concept mirrors that of a residential environment, ebbing and flowing to cater for a variety of scenarios. “In our lounges, people can have a small meeting, sit down for a bite to eat, or have a drink at the bar. We like to keep it flexible.”

25 properties later, following launches across Europe and the US in key cities like London, Paris and New York, the group’s core principles remain, yet its design language has evolved. In 2016 for instance, Chadha told Sleeper that CitizenM had “upped the game” with its Tower of London property, which marked a turning point for the brand thanks to the introduction of grab-and-go CoffeeM and creative meeting spaces known as SocietyM.

The guestrooms have evolved too. Individual cubicles housing showers and WCs have been replaced with a combined unit that frees space for an in-room desk. More custom furniture pieces and local touches have been incorporated to create a sense of place. And bespoke art is

now commissioned for rooms, having previously only embellished façades and public spaces. In fact, artist collaborations are now fundamental to the design in every property. At CitizenM Paris Champs-Élysées, its fourth hotel in the French capital, a bevy of works – including Andy Warhol’s Flowers print – enliven a 1970s building between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde.

Although consistency is key to the group, Wagemans highlights how a collection of local artwork, books and souvenirs – displayed on towering bookcases that have become something of a signature – has allowed each new site to achieve its own values, convey a certain philosophy and stir up ideas. “By adjusting to the neighbourhood and evolving fashions, our hotels have remained unique and fitting to their surroundings,” he explains. “Whether it’s our façades, living rooms or lifts, we like to be recognisable but also mix things up. That’s our DNA.”

Another evolving strand of its DNA is technology, which has progressed with the times and continues to define the guest journey, hand-in-hand with a human touch. MoodPad room controls build on the personal Radio Frequency Identification Data cards first introduced at its Schiphol Airport hotel, while the CitizenM app goes one further, enabling guests to check-in, open doors, control rooms and manage bookings. At the group’s new hotels, the app also offers city guidestyle suggestions from Culture Scouts – or natives, who provide insider knowledge of a destination’s art, culture and F&B scene. And as the metaverse becomes a reality, CitizenM was one of the first to enter the virtual realm with plans to build a hotel in gaming world The Sandbox. Billed as a destination for avatars to work, sleep and play, the property will see the brand collaborate with digital artists to create and sell NFTs that can be purchased in the computer-generated space. Eventually, it hopes to use these profits, as well as the incorporation of a decentralised autonomous organisation, to fully finance a real-life development whose

“We are in constant evolution. Our goal is to improve and try new things, without losing focus to create more for less.”

MEINDERT JAN TJOENG

Improving with every new project requires a forensic examination into the macro data and dynamics of a city – from whether it is business or leisure driven to how many airports and company headquarters it has – as well as identifying which construction method fits best; today, around half of CitizenM’s portfolio is assembled using its modular approach, while the other 50% are traditional build or conversions.

According to Meindert Jan Tjoeng, Managing Director of Development & Investment for Europe and Asia, the group regularly reassesses its longlist – based on an extensive analysis of more than 6,500 data points from target markets – to establish a focus for the coming 12-18 months, before ranking the top 15 cities based on real estate opportunities. “Since we are an owner, developer and operator all in one, we must closely monitor the real estate markets to see where it makes most sense to focus our resources,” he explains, with Chadha noting that city centre developments can be complex, especially in Europe, where the historic constraints are far greater than that those in the US. “For every 100 proposals, we take one,” he confirms. “Sometimes a project is too complicated, or the location isn’t quite right. It’s a challenge and can slow down our expansion, but we’re not in a hurry. We want a presence in the right places.”

Despite the obstacles, CitizenM isn’t stopping anytime soon, with ambitions for 40 hotels (equating to 8,545 rooms) by 2023 and plenty more to follow, having raised US$1 billion in new capital from its existing investors. The main focus remains on the US and Europe, where the company is looking to balance its portfolio by expanding further in existing markets – such as San Francisco, Miami and Paris – as well as taking up unique opportunities

like a hotel on the Facebook campus in Menlo Park, California, slated for 2024. “We still have a whole world to grow into, so must focus on the cities where we matter most to our guests and stakeholders,” Jan Tjoeng confirms. That’s not to say that the development team is not exploring opportunities in new destinations, with Barcelona, Denver, Hamburg, Milan, San Diego and Nashville all earmarked as potential candidates over the coming years. And then there is Asia Pacific, where the brand hopes to increase its efforts after launching sites in Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.

“Our growth strategy is all about timing,” says Chadha. “During the pandemic we made sure that projects under construction did not grind to a halt, and actually opened six hotels – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Zurich, Geneva and Paris – which is the most we’ve done in one year. We now have 15 more in development, so the growth never stops.”

Given CitizenM’s knack for staying ahead of the curve in a crowded market, it comes as no surprise that its loyal following are happy to pay a little more – rates reach £300 per night at some properties – simply to be part of its community. And while Chadha is tight-lipped on financials, the bustle of the living room during our meet-up is a clear indicator of the brand’s bounce back from a slew of lockdowns. And new initiatives such as its subscription model, which offers work-sleep-meet-entertain packages for corporates and digital nomads, will surely set the group up for further success.

With more than a decade of growth under its belt, what motivates CitizenM to keep pushing the boundaries of hospitality? For Wagemans, the stimulus comes from a constant strive for character with consistency, which he describes as a challenge that keeps the DNA of the brand alive and kicking. “We’ve always worked towards the idea that CitizenM is not just a hotel. This gives us the freedom to reconsider every element of what a hotel should be and how to develop it over time. There are no problems, only solutions. As long we think like this, then the future of the company looks bright.”

“We still have a whole world to grow into, so must focus on the cities where we matter most to our guests and stakeholders.”

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Fuelling the Future

As Radical Innovation prepares to announce its 2022 winners, the annual design competition looks back at the travel and hospitality concepts introduced through its platform.

Over the past 15 years, Radical Innovation has seen a variety of inventive concepts, from personal drone vehicles to hotels in space. At times, some may have seemed wildly futuristic or entirely inconceivable, but as technology advances and the pace of change accelerates, working prototypes are proof that the future is closer than we think.

Launched in 2009 by The Hardy Group, Radical Innovation was established as a global platform for change, challenging creative thinkers to envisage the future of travel and hospitality. With a focus on elevating the guest experience, the annual competition calls for professionals and students to submit their concepts to a jury of experts, who review entries based on originality and feasibility. Select finalists are then invited to present their concepts in front of industry leaders and investors during a live event in New York, with the eventual winner decided by vote.

The scheme has brought several fresh ideas to the fore, some are pre-cursors to current trends, others have developed into fully operational models. In 2009 for example, Pixel Hotel caught the eye of the jury for its home-rental scheme, which saw existing real estate leased to travellers. This was presented six years before Airbnb hit the

mainstream. And take Zoku, the home-office hybrid hotel that took the grand prize in 2015; the venture now has properties in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Vienna, and a forthcoming opening in Paris.

“Radical Innovation has been discovering and spotlighting visionaries,” explains John Hardy, founder of Radical Innovation and Chairman and founder of The Hardy Group. “Many of the entries that we review represent major industry trends way ahead of their time, and years before they are introduced to the marketplace, some before they even seem feasible.”

The competition also serves to connect design visionaries to industry decision-makers, uniting creative thinking and business acumen with the aim of advancing travel and hospitality. Industry leaders nurture, make introductions, award cash prizes and connect students to scholarship opportunities – the ultimate goal being to bring the concepts to fruition.

In all, Radical Innovation has received submissions from more than 55 countries, from firms such as HOK, Arno Matis Architecture, Indidesign, Cooper Carry, Populous and more. Winners of the 2022 scheme will be announced in October, but in the meantime, The Hardy Group take a look back at just a few of its entries and their impact.

Float With Us by Ocean Builders took home the grand prize in the 2021 competition

1. AUTONOMOUS TRAVEL SUITE

Submitted in 2018 by Steve Lee of Aprilli Design Studio

Imagine being able to work, watch TV or sleep while on the road? This is exactly what the Autonomous Travel Suite proposed in 2018, a submission that has prompted new concepts from a number of automobile manufacturers. Integrating hospitality and transportation through a driverless unit, the mobile suite accommodates up to five people and is equipped with a sleeping area, bathroom facilities and a lounge for working or entertaining. Scheduled online via an app, the vehicle offers door-to-door travel and can be docked at parent facility where it extends into a larger suite.

2. POSEIDON UNDERSEA RESORT

Submitted in 2007 by Jean-Claude Carmer

Poseidon Undersea Resort was presented to Radical Innovation in 2007 as the world’s first underwater hotel. Located 40ft below the surface in a lagoon in Fiji, the acrylic glass structure housed 51 suites as well as restaurants, bar, a fitness centre and spa. “15 years ago, Poseidon was a great example of eco-tourism, social responsibility and ESG long before it became an important business initiative,” says Hardy. “Guests would experience a beautiful natural environment and contribute financially through their hotel fees to replenish the ocean reefs that are suffering as a result of climate change and ocean pollution.”

3. THE WIND TOWER

Submitted in 2008 by John Naranjo of MRA Design in partnership with Richard Moreta

Designed to be more energy-efficient than a conventional hotel building, The Wind Tower is an architectural habitation where people exist in harmony with the natural environment. Featuring a photovoltaic exterior and making use of biofuel, recycled water and wind energy, the concept offers a blueprint for sustainable architecture. “This submission came to Radical years ahead of its time,” comments Hardy. “The Wind Tower is the first example, we are aware of, in which the sustainability components of the structure are integral to the basic design concept rather than add-on features. If this could be accomplished, it would open an entirely new world of opportunities to expand design and sustainability.”

4. GAME HOTEL

Submitted in 2021 by Adelina Abdullina of Kazan State University of Architecture & Engineering, Russia

Game Hotel, Radical Innovation’s 2021 winner in the student category, was the precursor to the recent spate of hotels in the metaverse, according to The Hardy Group. Through virtual and augmented reality, the concept transports guests to a digital universe, where they can interact and play games with other visitors. “Last year when Adelina submitted her futuristic hotel to Radical Innovation, the concept was unheard of,” notes Hardy. “Today, well known hospitality brands such as CitizenM and M Social are building pixel hotels for avatars to visit in the metaverse.”

5. SPACE VIEW INN

Submitted in 2016 by Juan Orduz of University of Nevada, Las Vegas

With existing space vehicles compact in size and equipped only with the essentials, Space View Inn proposes using an expanded truss system to support and add boundaries to a main spherical volume, allowing guests to experience incredible views as well as microgravity. Since this Radical Innovation submission, a number of other concepts have been announced, some expected to launch as early as 2025. “We learned a valuable lesson with this submission,” explains Hardy. “Just because a concept does not yet exist and seems very far off, we should keep an open mind. This is a great example of believing in the future.”

6. MORPHOTEL

Submitted in 2012 by student Gianluca Santosuosso, now with Uoou Studio

A floating resort designed for exploring unchartered ocean territories, Morphotel is based around a vertebral spine, approximately 1km in length, that can adapt its shape and form according to the weather conditions and surroundings. The ecosystem, comprising interconnected capsules for accommodation and recreational facilities, move together at a pace slower than the average velocity of a boat, floating with the ocean currents. “Over the past few years, floating hotels have been introduced in various worldly locations,” says Hardy. “The functioning hotels began small in size, and we are confident that this is the start of a much larger chain, such as the Morphotel.” 6.

AHEAD, the awards for hospitality experience and design, has revealed this year’s finalists for MEA and Europe, demonstrating the wide variety of experiences on offer today, as well as the quality and originality of architecture and interior design concepts across both regions.

From a 3D-printed resort in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert to a converted prison in Berlin’s Charlottenburg district and a fun-filled boutique that overlooks Dubai’s Museum of the Future, both shortlists span the expansive range of scales, styles and sensibilities that have seen their respective markets evolve and flourish.

“Drawn from a substantial number of entries, this year’s MEA and Europe shortlists feature a broad scope of properties that showcase the very best of hospitality across the two regions,” comments Guy

Dittrich, Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large and longstanding judge. “With some new faces on the panels and a real depth to the quality and variety of hotels under discussion, the judging panels will have their work cut out to determine the winners.”

Projects will be assessed by an independent panel of industry experts – chaired in MEA by Isabel Pintado of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and in Europe by Christopher Webb of Hilton Worldwide –who will take into account both creative excellence and commercial viability, with more than 16 prizes up for grabs in each region including the coveted Hotel of The Year. The winners will then be announced during live ceremonies in Dubai and London, with owners, operators, architects and interior designers all in attendance. To secure your spot, tickets are available via the Sleeper Media store.

Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Madrid, Spain Belagua Fernando Valero Lorenzo Castillo Algarve – Albufeira, Portugal Nozul Algarve Marriott International / AB Concept/

25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino Florence, Italy Art-Invest Real Estate 25hours Hotel Company Genius Loci Architecture Studio Makia Otto Studio

Kálesma Mykonos Greece Sunset K-Studio Studio Bonarchi Rosewood Villa Magna Madrid, Spain Properties Arvo Arquitectura De Juan Gregorio Marañón Medina / Ramón de Arana / Bar Studio

Runo Hotel Porvoo Finland Capital Group Runo Hospitality / Arkkitehdit Sarapää / Studio Joanna Laajisto Madrid Edition Spain KKH Archer Marriott International Edition Hotels Design Studio Francois Champsaur John Pawson

Abeille Maison Glamping Resort Zlatni Rat – Bol, Croatia Zlatko Pankov Abeille Maison AMK Paneks

Aurora Lodge Norway Aurora Snorre Stinessen Architecture Granada, DistrictHive LDA Moho Arquitectos Novono Interior Architecture House at

Jeronimo at The Madrid Edition – Spain / Archer / Marriott International / Edition Hotels / ISC Design Studio / Francois Champsaur &

Daze | Vigil Neural Morpheus | Lucid Awake Trance Somnia Designed by Nina Magon

Along with new spaces, exhibitors, installations and social sessions, HIX 2022 has expanded its conference programme to give visitors an inside look at the big ideas driving a new generation of hotels. Under the guiding mantra of ‘Great Things Will Grow’, the two-day conference will see design industry experts and thought leaders share practical and actionable advice to take into new projects. Exploring the movements with the power to redefine the hotel as a medium and market, topics ranging from members’ clubs to the metaverse, city hotels to remote resorts, and imaginary design visions to the tangible resonance of spatial experience, will all take centre stage to celebrate an industry in the midst of a revolution. Here is a taste of what to expect with some words of wisdom from confirmed HIX speakers.

ABSOLUTE ZERO

As the zero-waste movement enters the mainstream, the hospitality industry is turning

to circular concepts and zero-waste pledges in a bid to create more sustainable and ethical supply chains. But what’s next in the push for absolute zero? Can design give back more than it takes? And what will this mean for the guest experience? Brendan Mullard, co-founder and Director of sustainable hospitality design specialists Object Space Place, says: “We now see this as an essential thread in every single project. Our restorative design framework means that from the first site visit we are asking what existing elements we can retain, and how we can reduce the impact of anything new.”

MEMBERS ONLY

Organic guest communities that extend beyond a hotel’s four walls are a necessity in today’s hospitality market. This panel will take a look behind the curtain, exploring how three hotel members’ clubs leverage a subscription model to drive loyalty and engagement. “Members’ clubs create a sense of community that guests can readily engage with; seeking new and varied

Talkin’ bout a Revolution

HIX announces its talks programme for 2022, with speakers set to explore the big ideas in hospitality, from members’ clubs to the metaverse.

Words: Kristofer Thomas

© Nicholas Worley Ben Carpenter Jack Hardy Edmund Dabney

© Andrei Botnari

© Amit Geron

INTO THE METAVERSE

With designers and operators diving into the metaverse, the hotel experience finds itself at the forefront of emergent digital environments and facilitating new social experiences. But beyond the buzzwords, what does it mean for the guest? Emma Chiu, Global Director at Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, notes: “Metaverse destinations will not be a digital twin of existing cities, instead they will consist of newly created places; designers will be able to explore the expansiveness of creativity in the virtual world and visitors will be able to have out-of-this-world experiences.”

SENS-FICTION

Why should today’s designers care about imaginary visions, futuristic tales and the power of fiction? This is the question at the heart of Sens-Fiction, an immersive exhibition curated by Paris-based RF Studio and Bureau des Usages, which looks to visions of human imagination across literature, film and advertising to discern the future of design and the potential of its usage. Exploring how guests of the future will inhabit space via this fiction-based, future-gazing platform, this session will see architect, designer and Sens-Fiction’s curator Ramy Fischler share some of the exhibition’s highlights and look at how fiction can work to the service of brands, operators and designers alike. “Being aware of the sometimes invisible connections that unite, in a common trajectory,

imaginary visions, industries, economies, uses and sciences, sharpens our critical eye and helps us as designers rise to the challenges of our time,” the curators explain.

INNER-CITY PRESSURE

Whilst most major cities have resumed regular programming following the pandemic’s disruption, a cursory look behind the concrete and glass façade reveals that the purpose, composition and core values of the modern metropolis have all changed. The impact may not be as visible as the emptied streets and shuttered shops that characterised the height of lockdowns, but transformative stressors with the scale of Covid rarely deal in immediacies alone. Indeed, nearly three years on, the lingering effects of remote working, dwindling commutes, forced closures and shifts in social preference are continuing to drive change in the global urban fabric. “Turbulent times like these do more to reshape human behaviour than anything else, especially in cities,” says Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer of Edyn, who will speak on the panel. “Increased importance is being placed on the social and environmental agenda, and we see this playing one of the more critical roles in hospitality going forward. Consumers will come to demand more from their hotel stays, and we see hospitality becoming increasingly tribal, with each experience targeting a tribe instead of function incorporating the elements of F&B, wellness, members and co-working that resonate most.”

THE ULTIMATE RESORT

Tasked by Accor to research and design a masterplan for the ultimate resort, Conran +

Partners present a new resort typology and redefine the phrase all-inclusive for the next generation of guests. Federico Toresi, Global Vice President Design for Luxury & Premium Brands at Accor, and Tina Norden, Partner at Conran + Partners, will discuss what the future holds for resort hospitality and the social, commercial and aesthetic factors set to change the experience.

THE STORIES WE TELL

Experience alone is not enough; the best hotels tell a story through a combination of service and tangible space, and the closer this connection the more vivid, intriguing and resonant the results will be. Having designed acclaimed hospitality projects for major brands and independent boutique labels alike, Tel Aviv-based studio Baranowitz + Kronenberg know this better than most and will share the fundamentals of their narrative-driven, people-centred approach to kick off HIX 2022’s forward-thinking conference programme. “A narrative-driven design is key for developing a holistic experience where the sum is greater than its parts,” say founders Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg. “Like any good book, each of its paragraphs build up and season the plot with layers of context and subtext, which can leave us anywhere along the scale of bewitched, bothered and bewildered. So, as much as the plot thickens and the spaces develop and morph, there is always the narrative to watch over us and make sure that the result is holistic, coherent and inspiring.”

HIX will take place at London’s Business Design Centre from 17-18 November. Find the full programme and register for free at www.hixevent.com

New openings including (clockwise from top left) Sir Victor in Barcelona, WunderLocke in Munich, Apricity in Mayfair, The Other House in South Kensington, Buckle Street Studios in Aldgate, and Room2 in Chiswick have informed the talks programme at HIX

In a year so focused on ‘rising’, The AHC will explore the rising opportunities and innovation being demonstrated by the hospitality industry.

Helping the industry navigate the choppy waters caused by inflation, supply chain issues and staffing, this year’s Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) will delve into the opportunities presented by the current market, with speakers from Hilton Worldwide, IHG and Marriott International among those delivering keynotes, panel discussions and one-to-one conversations. Joe Stather, new Market Lead for Questex’s Operational Real Estate portfolio, shares his views on what attendees can expect from the programme:

INNOVATION: INVESTMENT & INTENTION

The industry is having to continually re-evaluate, adapt and innovate to succeed in rapidly shifting

FUTURE: RESPONSIBLE & PROFITABLE

Another core focus for investors, hoteliers and partners is responsible business and consumption. In Questex’s recent Q2 report, the application of ESG as part of an asset management strategy is high on the agenda for most investors. A clear majority of the panel (71%) stated that the appetite to implement this strategy has, quite rightly, increased. Responsible business of course becomes even more compelling if it’s profitable, and as the ESG return on investment becomes increasingly clear, The AHC will continue to spotlight ESG throughout the event. With rising costs undermining hard-earned revenue growth, there will also be several sessions that scrutinise whether buying responsibly has to cost more.

Charting the Course

market conditions. While operators are grappling with cost pressures and staffing issues, top line revenues suggest that the hotel sector is capitalising on buoyant overnight demand. Therefore, investing in both a sustainable yet adaptable offering for guest experiences will require brave innovation and foresight. Despite the challenge of costs, Questex’s Q2 Investor Intentions Index shows that leading real estate investors recognised the short-term profitability challenges yet still had strong appetite and an increased amount of capital to deploy in the hotel sector, relative to the previous quarter. Investors intend to execute asset management strategies with a focus on rebranding or repositioning assets, or invest in emerging hospitality subsectors. The AHC programme will see real estate specialists and hotel operators give their advice on how to quantify the return on investment as well as looking into future performance, booking trends, a forensic review of the P&L and how it’s all impacting investment decisions.

Operators will explore how to manage energy consumption effectively to simultaneously reduce costs and carbon footprint, as well as highlighting the best KPIs, benchmarks, reporting and certification schemes to align with.

PEOPLE: YOUR PEOPLE & YOUR GUESTS

Staffing shortages remain one of the greatest challenges for the industry too, so the conference will focus on how to maintain a high service level with limited employees and how to empower personnel to do more with less. Many hoteliers and investors are also looking for advances that will improve experiences for both their employees and guests, and several tech trends have been touted as the next big thing, though they haven’t shifted anything fundamentally in the hotel business. So, what can owners and operators do to capitalise on them and propel the industry forward? What is a fad? And what will give hoteliers a competitive edge to help move beyond the turbulence and into a brighter future.

Hotel Construction Pipeline Middle East & Africa

Having topped the charts for over a decade, the UAE has now been overtaken by Saudi Arabia as the most active hotel development market in the Middle East & Africa according to Tophotelprojects, with the database featuring details of 163 projects in the nation’s pipeline.

Despite the change in country rankings, Dubai remains the most active city in the region – and globally too – when listed by number of projects, with a total of 84 hotels in development. By room count however, the holy city of Makkah takes the top spot, where hotels are significantly larger than average to accommodate the annual influx of religious tourists. Much of Saudi Arabia’s pipeline though is focused on Riyadh (9,028 rooms) and Jeddah (7,148 rooms), as well as the giga-projects that form part of the Vision 2030 development plan.

Elsewhere in the Middle East & Africa, Doha (38 projects) remains in the top ten ahead of Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup, while Tel Aviv (25 projects) in Israel continues to add to its inventory.

The region as a whole has a total of 782 projects in the pipeline listed in the Tophotelprojects database, accounting for 197,441 rooms; the vast majority of these are in the Middle East and North Africa, with Addis Ababa (13 projects) being the only city in Sub-Saharan Africa to emerge as a development hotspot.

DUBAI Projects 84 Rooms 23,809

RIYADH Projects 44 Rooms 9,028

DOHA Projects 38 Rooms 9,645

JEDDAH Projects 33 Rooms 7,148

TEL AVIV Projects 25 Rooms 4,608

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

Projects Rooms Projects

MAKKAH Projects 24 Rooms 28,926

MUSCAT Projects 16 Rooms 3,819

CAIRO Projects 15 Rooms 3,949

MOROCCO 31 TURKEY 30 5,255 GEORGIA 3,971 COUNTRIES CITIES

SHARJAH Projects 15 Rooms 2,059

ADDIS ABABA Projects 13 Rooms 2,658

SAUDI ARABIA 163 60,486 UAE 133 35,038 56 15,364 53 9,622 43 12,096

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Of the 197,441 rooms in the pipeline, 57% (113,040 rooms) are under construction and a further 22% (42,627 rooms) are in planning. It is within these phases that interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs are being planned and implemented.

PRE-PLANNING

GROUPS AND BRANDS

Accor has the largest pipeline in the Middle East & Africa, having committed to expanding its presence through multiple new signings. What’s notable in this region is the number of projects from luxury brands, with Kempinski, Fairmont and Four Seasons collectively set to add over 8,000 rooms.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Novotel

Radisson Blu

Hilton Garden Inn

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

Doubletree by Hilton

Kempinski

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

YEAR OF OPENING

The new normal

The big beasts of lodging, Marriott and Hilton, dusted off familiar songbooks, as their second quarter results reflected a new normal that looks increasingly similar to the old, pre-pandemic normal. For both, the lead recovery market of the US is now delivering a performance ahead of that experienced in pre-pandemic 2019. Other regions are posting a similar recovery graph, albeit behind by several months. Profits are back once more, and talk has returned of share buybacks and increasing dividends.

“It’s a compelling and exciting story about the resilience of travel and the resilience of Marriott’s business model,” said Marriott CEO Tony Capuano. “By the last month of the quarter, RevPAR in all regions outside of AsiaPacific had more than fully recovered to prepandemic levels, leading to June global RevPAR 1% above 2019.”

Worldwide occupancy for June rose to 71%, five points below pre-pandemic levels, with global ADR 8% above the same month in 2019.

Hilton reported Q2 systemwide RevPAR at 98% of 2019 levels, with the average dragged down by a weaker Asia Pacific region. EBITDA was 10% higher, while margins were also better than three years prior.

The return of business in Europe has been the big surprise. “Europe has experienced the swiftest RevPAR recovery of all of our regions this year,” up 57% from January to June, said Marriott CFO Leeny Oberg. “I would say Europe was the big surprise for me,” echoed Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta. “Europe is on fire - the big cities are raging this summer, and they are raging in Q3, and Europe is now trending above 2019. I think Europe will be ahead for the full year in terms of RevPAR.”

Both reported the return at scale of corporate business. “We see continued strength in leisure, we expect to see that continue into the fall and

higher rates than you would have typically seen pre-Covid,” said Nassetta. “Business transient continues to recover, led by recovery in the big corporates, which are back to 80% of where they were. And the SME side of the business has been quite robust.

“Based on the trends we have been seeing, our expectation is transient business is going to be on a revenue basis equal to 2019 levels. On the group side, while we don’t think we will get all the way back to where we were in 2019, we are going to get close.”

At Marriott, Capuano added: “SMEs represent about 60-65% of our business transient demand, which is a bit higher than what we experienced pre-pandemic. The bigger corporate clients continue to steadily improve. And over time, we expect to get maybe not all the way back, but closer to where we were, in terms of the mix of SMEs versus large corporate clients.”

Hilton grew loyalty membership 17% in the quarter, to 139 million, and members now account for 62% of occupancy, a percentage on a par with 2019. Marriott now counts 169 million Bonvoy members, with distribution returning to previous norms. “We have seen steady reduction in the percentage of total room nights that came out of the OTAs,” said Capuano. “During the first two years of the pandemic, as you might expect, we saw OTA volume rise, but direct bookings rose more rapidly. And I think it’s reasonable to expect in the coming quarters that we would start to get back to the trend line we saw pre-pandemic of the total volume of OTA contribution moderating.”

And quizzed on Airbnb, Nassetta insisted he sees “zero discernible impact”, adding: “I think what they do is they serve a certain customer need and we serve another customer need. I have said it for a long time, there is plenty of room for us to co-exist given what we are delivering is very different. And it’s generally for different types of stay occasions.”

Financially, it really feels like business as usual, said Oberg. “Our capital allocation strategy remains the same. We will make investments that enhance our growth and increase shareholder value, while returning any excess capital to shareholders through a combination of a modest cash dividend and share repurchases.

“It really is back to where we were in terms of the way the model fundamentally works. We are at the low-end of the 3x to 3.5x adjusted debt to EBITDAR at the end of Q2 and we have given a model that keeps us squarely and comfortably in that range. And we obviously want to keep our flexibility both in terms of investment opportunities as well as taking advantage of excess available cash. So, you will continue to see us move forward with the exact same approach that we have taken for some time.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Bown: Aaand relax - nothing to see here, life’s returning to normal, as far as the big group CEOs can see. By early next year, the return of more international travel volume, the hoped-for reopening of China, and the full return of corporate travel and events should offset any local weakness from economic hiccups, putting these big beasts firmly back on track.

Slimmed down after the pandemic, Marriott’s Oberg revealed that its US hotels are delivering a 3% higher profit margin already, compared with 2019, as stronger rates are more than offsetting labour and other inflationary costs.

And so to where next, for growth. Both companies talked excitedly about conversions, which generally rise in number after an economic upheaval, and expect 25-30% of new signings to come via that route. Net growth figures this year will also be muddied by losses due to withdrawing from Russia. And growth in China, the pre-pandemic hot topic, is currently being left where it is, until the country’s authorities get past their Covid-19 policies.

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: We have been saying for more than a year that this will be a rate-led recovery. At Marriott, global ADR was 8% higher in June 2022 compared to June 2019. Occupancy, however, was five percentage points lower. Optimists will point to the five percentage points of recovery still to come, anticipating further bumper quarters. Pessimists will point to the deteriorating economic outlook and expect the lagging indicators of the hotel RevPAR numbers to reflect this economic reality eventually.

The results from both Marriott and Hilton were impressive, with perhaps the only slight negative being the moderated net unit growth targets. Marriott shaved a little off its numbers to leave guidance at between 3% and 3.5% NUG, down from 3.5% to 4%. Taking out 6,500 rooms in Russia represented a hit of almost 0.5%.

Hilton, on the other hand, continues its rapid growth performance and is on track to deliver 5% NUG. It has not, however, fully quit Russia and this too will eventually weigh on its NUG when it gets round to doing the right thing.

Although Hyatt has latterly been winning the NUG crown, Hilton has been the long-term fastest growing, claiming 118% system growth since 2007, ahead of Marriott’s 87%, Hyatt’s 85%, Accor’s 60%, IHG’s 57% and Wyndham’s 50%. Choice is the laggard of the big Western players, achieving 30% growth since 2007 on Hilton’s numbers (in a presentation given this May).

But back to the issue of what’s ahead. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta summed it up with the unintentionally arresting comment that “there’s certainly a lot of uncertainty in the world”. More insightfully, Nassetta later on the conference call pointed to the vast infrastructure spending (about USD1 trillion) committed to in the US as a harbinger of good things to come. Hotel demand is strongly correlated to nonresidential fixed investment, he said.

While the return of international travel will help Hilton, Nassetta said he does “not expect it to move the needle”. More important is the ongoing strength in leisure and group; while coming back strongly, the latter will still not have fully recovered to 2019 levels by the end of this year. Nassetta added that flight disruptions had a limited impact; although fly-to

business was usually 60%, it was two-thirds driveto in the second quarter. How many people have swapped planes for cars or decided not to travel due to the restricted air capacity is not clear. But it would be surprising if there was no performance uplift as air capacity regains full strength.

Hilton and Marriott are the two bulls in accommodation. As we reported, the OTAs have seen growth decelerating in July (although they expect it to pick up later in Q3). The big worry is the economic outlook. Although Nassetta points out that there are other, better indicators of future demand, the economy still matters.

And this brings us to the ongoing cost-of-living debate. The first thing to say is that the data is far from pointing to the future disaster that some sections of the media would have you believe. Let’s discuss UK numbers, as these are closest to hand for me and much of Hotel Analyst’s readership. The most recent earnings report from the Office for National Statistics showed that total pay went negative for the first time in more than a year for the three months March to May. It was down 0.9%. A decline in total pay is a bad thing but remember; this is inflation adjusted – it allows for the impact of surging energy and food prices. Nominal total pay was up 6.2%. And within the last year (April to June 2021), total real pay (inflation adjusted) was up 7.1%.

We do have a cost of living decline, but on average most people have a decent cushion. And yes, this cushion will be needed over the next six to nine months, as things will get worse before they get better. As Jim Callaghan, the Labour Prime Minister in 1979, did not say: “Crisis? What crisis?” The data so far is not gloomy. If we look at the two-year period January 2020 to January 2022, it is clear that wages have been going up faster than prices.

ONS figures show total pay in January 2020 averaging, on a weekly basis, GBP545. By January 2022 this had increased to GBP600, a rise of 10.1%. CPIH, consumer price inflation including housing costs, the usually preferred measure, indexed at 100 for January 2015, shows 108.3 in January 2020, rising to 114.6 by January 2022, a rise of 5.8%.

So, for the two-year period, wages have gone up almost twice as much as inflation. The recent surge in inflation alters things dramatically, however.

Comparing January 2020 with May 2022, shows CPIH up 10.5% but wage growth was 10.3%.

Wages are now, in real terms, going backwards, but hardly by as dramatic amount as is being claimed. The hyperbolic headlines reflect short-term shifts, not the longer-term two steps forward and one step back reality.

The question is where we go from now, and nobody has a perfect crystal ball. Current assumptions about a cost-of-living crisis do not factor in whether workers can push up their pay; or whether energy prices collapse rather than continue to balloon.

Double-digit pay rises will undoubtedly ease the problem, and people may, on average, be better off in a year. A super tight labour market increases the odds for this outcome, although it remains an outlier.

Another outlier is the forecasts by the Bank of England. The BoE thinks things will be bleak and has revised its projections much more negatively. Its August Monetary Policy Report expects inflation to hit just over 13% in Q4 “and to remain at very elevated levels throughout much of 2023, before falling to the 2% target two years ahead”.

The UK is forecast to enter recession from Q4, “and real household post-tax income is projected to fall sharply in 2022 and 2023, while consumption growth turns negative”. UK households will, by the autumn, have energy bills that are three times higher than they were in the autumn of 2021.

The MPC’s outlook paints a more pessimistic view than even the gloomiest external forecaster: growth is worse, unemployment higher and inflation higher. Last month, the respected EY ITEM Club, which has an econometric model based on the same one used by the UK Treasury, forecasted that the UK should narrowly avoid a recession.

Given the MPC’s lamentable track record in forecasting, it is tempting to dismiss the current outlook. Markets largely seemed to do so (or they had already factored in something like it anyway). And there is plenty of evidence for continued optimism.

Barclaycard, which represents about half of all UK consumer spending on debit and credit cards, saw a 7.7% hike in spending in July compared to July 2021 and 1.6% up on the month before. These are hardly signals of recession.

And even if there is a recession, analysts at

BCA Research point out that this will force central banks to stop tightening. They believe the BoE is exceptionally constrained and will be among the first to halt its tightening. A stop to interest rate rises will be welcome news for real estate investors. The doomsters often ignore rebalancing factors like this.

It is certainly an uncertain outlook, to paraphrase Hilton’s Nassetta. But for the hotel sector, I am still struggling to see it being as bad as seems the growing consensus.

But we do have a sharp slowdown in dealmaking in the near term. Many investors are waiting until autumn to see whether to proceed.

A key challenge is the cost of debt. Although the actual increases are modest in nominal terms, relatively, they are huge and represent a step change from the dozen years of ultra-loose monetary policy.

In real terms, thanks to soaring inflation, rates are still negative but if inflation comes back to target, by 2024 we will have positive real interest rates. This forces a major rethink on deal structures. It is no wonder that dealmakers are taking a pause.

But they will not be able to prevaricate for long. The benefit of a return to positive interest rates is the likely undoing of the zombie companies and a consequent rise in stock availability. These flawed capital structures had been propped up by cheap debt, and lenders will now be forced to take action.

As well as debt proving a known unknown, asset prices are also a source of uncertainty. Ultra-loose monetary policy has created an asset price bubble that may still pop as quantitative easing is unwound.

Property investments built around income as well as capital value on exit look a sounder bet than a pure capital value play. The symbiotic relationship between opco and propco looks even more crucial. This reality will stimulate interest in hospitality and the broader operational real estate market.

Accor launches fresh restructure

Hotel group Accor has announced a restructuring around two business divisions, aiming to simplify its structure and demonstrate its attractiveness to business partners.

The regrouping will see the brands and

properties split under either the economy, midscale and premium division, or as luxury and lifestyle. It will be carried out by Chairman and CEO Sebastien Bazin and the current executive team, under a renewed board mandate.

“Changing our organisational structure is a natural step in the transformation initiated several years ago, which turned Accor into an asset-light group that is more agile and efficient, with a global profile and which has become a key player in luxury and lifestyle,” said Bazin.

“By evolving from a generalist to a multispecialist model, our aim is to further improve Accor’s appeal in the eyes of talents, owners, partners and investors. We capitalise on our leadership positions to accelerate our development, better focus talents and expertise, and improve our performance.”

The economy, midscale and premium division will operate out of four regional offices in Paris, São Paulo, Singapore and Shanghai. The idea is that this division focuses on efficient processes, being lean and market driven.

Luxury and lifestyle, meanwhile, will be further divided under four brand lines: Raffles and Orient Express, Fairmont, Sofitel and MGallery, and Ennismore. In contrast, this division will be brand-driven, aiming to be agile and delivering a more tailored offering. It will operate out of brand offices in the US, Paris, London and Dubai.

Announcement of the restructure, which goes live in October, came just ahead of the group’s second quarter results, in which Accor revealed its RevPAR is already ahead of 2019 levels. Revenues were up to EUR1,725m, with a positive EUR205m EBITDA. “This marked rebound was in all regions and for all of our brands,” according to Bazin. “The summer will confirm these trends and the fall promises to be strong with the recovery of major seminars and conventions.” He has pencilled in an expectation of full year EBITDA beating EUR550m.

In common with other reporting hotel groups, stronger room rates have offset lower average occupancy than in 2019. The best performing

region, southern Europe, saw average 59.4% occupancy in the first half, 8.8% lower than 2019, while across the whole portfolio occupancy averaged 54.6%, 12.8% below 2019.

Bazin said Accor’s transformation to asset light is 93% complete, with some Australian assets still to be disposed of. “That is behind us - well executed, and well timed.” Out of 5,300 hotels globally, Accor now owns just 114. He painted the new initiative as a fourth step in the transformation. First came “get light, get broad, get fit” and now “get focused” - calling on the team to focus, simplify and expand.

The group opened 85 hotels in the first half of the year, and expects full year system growth for 2022 of 3.5%. Bazin noted that the first quarter had been frustrating with few deals signed, but progress is accelerating the pace of signings.

The quarter also saw Accor announce the disposal of a 10.8% stake in its Ennismore division to a Qatari consortium for EUR185m. The transaction will leave Accor as majority 62.2% stakeholder. Bazin said Accor had spent recent years fully acquiring brands in lifestyle, which it had previously taken a minority stake in: “We wanted to consolidate what is a very interesting segment, and probably the fastest growing segment in the industry.”

Quizzed as to why they would then sell a stake in Ennismore, Bazin explained that it was an opportunity too good to turn down. “We were called by Middle Eastern investors who not only see the growth, but see also the interest for their countries to diversify into that segment. People knocked on the door, we decided to engage with them precisely because they wanted to participate in a more active manner, with further resources notably.

“By doing it, you kill two birds with one stone. You prove a very high valuation, probably far larger than the investor community was looking at… and also it’s time for Accor to prove to the world that what we’ve been conducting is of great value. And two, it’s because of them investing, and proving the value, then we have access to outside capital to faster and further grow Ennismore.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Bown: Accor never disappoints in doing things differently from everyone else. Most other hotel groups did their slimming down and restructuring during the pandemic, and are now counting the benefits of those actions as business bounces back. Accor, meanwhile, is still shaking things up and reinventing itself again. Time will tell whether this adds another level of profitability on top - or simply muddies the operational waters, and confuses potential partners.

As ever with Accor, there are plenty of moving parts, with Bazin covering off investment in hotel distribution technology companies and dark kitchens in his extensive remarks as he answered analyst questions. But the most promising opportunity looks to be the Ennismore brand grouping. If Middle Eastern investors and Chinese development partners can really get behind this exciting portfolio of lifestyle brands, then Accor could suddenly look a lot more interesting.

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: Accor has tried harder than any other global major hotel company to transform itself. At times, it has seemed like the class nerd that has tried everything groovy to be good at, from sport to music, but keeps failing to win friends. She is brilliant at maths but doesn’t want to accept it as she wants to play with the cool kids.

At Accor, its brilliance is its power brands, notably Ibis and Novotel. They might be uncool but they have the capacity to dominate Europe. And as any school kid finds out on entering the job market, maths will usually make you much more money than music or sport. And so Accor once again spins the reorganisation wheel, this time calling it Turbo, with full details revealed in October. Will this time be different to the myriad other efforts at change?

In my view, it seems the most credible shift yet but it is also most likely the last chance Chairman and CEO Sebastien Bazin will get.

The two divisions are not simply a separation between select-service and full-service / luxury. In with Ibis and Novotel comes the upscale (or premium, as Accor dubs it) brands of Pullman, Swissotel and Movenpick.

Similarly, it is hard to argue that the likes of The Hoxton and Jo&Joe, which are in the luxury and lifestyle division, are full-service. Where the distinction comes is most notably in the preference for management or franchise, with management the preference for luxury and lifestyle, and franchise for economy, midscale and premium.

There is also a differentiation being made in approach: L&L is all about brand identity, attracting talent and experiences; E,M&P is about “accelerated development” and “the industrialisation of our operating model”.

Bazin made a good pitch at the half-year results presentation, claiming that Turbo is the culmination of a transformation journey. The switch to asset light was dubbed Get Light; followed by Get Broad, the acquisition of FRHI, Movenpick, SBE and so on; a reset has subsequently been underway, apparently, dubbed Get Fit; and now it is time for Get Focused, or Turbo, which will bring upskilling, simplification and faster expansion.

Quite where certain forays, notably in digital when Bazin dressed up like Steve Jobs, including black polo neck and bare feet, now fit into this transformation journey is not clear. Perhaps it was part of the upskilling. Accor currently lists 54 brands on its website, some of which were part of the digital and related pushes (remember augmented hospitality?). These brands include the likes of D-Edge, John Paul and Onefinestay.

Many analysts are already baking in a future split, with the “processed” hospitality of E,M&P separating from the “tailored” hospitality of L&L. I’m not so sure this is so clear cut that Ibis does not need to be agile and brand driven and only be lean and market driven. The main issue, I would argue, is that L&L (and all the other digital stuff that was to be stuffed into the SPAC) has been too much of a distraction for management.

Perhaps evidence for that came in the financials for the first half. Despite record revenues, profit disappointed. Accor has a reputation for being one of the toughest managers on costs and it needs to double down on living up to this.

My bet is that the pressure to separate will be too much, with Bazin retiring as the group CEO when the deal is announced in a year or two. Current deputy

CEO (and CFO) Jean-Jacques Morin will step up as CEO of E,M&P with Guarav Bhushan the obvious pick to take the reins at L&L.

During the conference call, Bazin emphasised how the two divisions would operate autonomously with only a sliver of overhead. This makes it all too easy to separate them.

City analysts were underwhelmed by Accor’s numbers. Morgan Stanley lowered its price target when the analysts had been expecting to raise them. Bernstein, a long-time bull of Accor, acknowledged the numbers were a setback but the analysts retained an outperform with expectations that 2023 will finally see better news. Accor’s share price was down almost double digits on publication of the results.

Next year ought to be a much better year for Accor. It now looks to have the right tools and the right approach. The class nerd may finally find her calling. But if it disappoints again, more radical corporate action will be likely.

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

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry

1. New York City

June 2022 saw the US hotel industry report its highest monthly room rates on record, reaching USD155.04, a 15.3% increase on June 2019. Of the top 25 markets, New York City experienced the highest occupancy at 83.7%, which is 13.6 percentage points above the national average. As both a business and leisure destination, the city outperformed on ADR and RevPAR metrics too.

Occupancy 83.7%

ADR USD298.88

RevPAR USD250.05

2. London

After a slower recovery than regional UK – due in part to a heavy reliance on business travel – London’s hotel market is finally making a comeback. According to preliminary data from STR, the city’s hotels reported their highest monthly room rates on record in June, with ADR and RevPAR both showing significant improvement from the previous high in April.

Occupancy 83.1%

ADR GBP209.00

RevPAR GBP173.60

3. Riyadh

While RevPAR recovery in the Middle East was higher than any other global region at year-end 2021, there remains variation between markets. For June 2022, Riyadh reported month-over-month RevPAR declines, though at SAR328.17, this is higher than the pre-pandemic comparable. In fact, the Saudi Arabian capital performed better across all three metrics in comparison to June 2019.

Occupancy 56.5%

ADR SAR580.61

RevPAR SAR328.17

4. Melbourne

Melbourne’s hotel industry is also back on the recovery track according to preliminary June data, with stronger performance than the previous month. Hotels in the coastal city saw 29 days of occupancy above 50%, averaging at 61.1%. While demand continues to strengthen each month, occupancy growth has been somewhat muted due to increased supply.

Occupancy 61.1%

ADR AUD210.54

RevPAR AUD128.72

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

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

© Erik Lefvander

Innovating Comfort Since 1926

Almost a century after its inception, Swedish bedmaker DUX continues to deliver comfort through a marriage of craftsmanship and innovation.

Words: Ben Thomas

When Swedish chocolatier Efraim Ljung travelled to Chicago for a business trip in 1924, little did he know that after returning to Malmö, his focus would soon shift from confectionery to a bedmaking business, now run by his four great-grandchildren.

As the story goes, Ljung – who suffered from rheumatism and often had problems sleeping – woke up feeling invigorated after a tranquil night’s rest at his Chicago hotel, and overcome by curiosity, used a penknife to cut open the mattress and see what was inside. The answer was a network of flexible steel springs, and while Ljung carefully sewed the fabric back together, the memory stuck vividly in his mind.

From that moment on, his attention shifted from chocolate to mattresses, and he began experimenting with steel springs of varying strengths and elasticity. Two years later came the first-ever DUX bed, with an innovative spring system that reacted to pressure and weight through thousands of interlocking coils. The same comfort-driven approach was later applied to furniture, with Ljung’s son Erik bringing the designs of fellow Swede Bruno Mathsson to life during the 1960s and 70s. Amongst the pieces produced, the Jetson and Pernilla 69 remain in the collection today, channelling a distinctly Scandinavian style.

Since then, the family has continued Efraim’s philosophy, building on his ideas to develop products that deliver comfort, performance and longevity. “The core vision has always

been to produce the very best in comfort and craftsmanship,” says fourth generation CEO Henrik Ljung on a tour of the brand’s factory in Sösdala, where a small team of artisans are busy handcrafting chairs and tables for hospitality and retail clients worldwide. “We are proud of our age-old methods,” Ljung continues. “However, this does not mean that we are disregarding new technologies, far from it.” Technology plays a greater role in Porto, where DUX has been manufacturing beds and upholstery for over 30 years, using CAD software and CNC cutting machines as well as snipping large amounts of fabric by hand. This combination of heritage and innovation has led to the launch of industry-firsts like a replaceable top pad and the Pascal system, comprising interchangeable spring cassettes that enable a bed’s firmness to be adjusted as required. Named after French mathematician and scientist Blaise Pascal, the patented system sees springs arranged to suit the body’s three comfort zones – shoulders, hips and legs – with each customisable using a soft, medium, firm or extra-firm cassette. For hotels, this not only means beds can be tailored to individual guests, but also prolongs their life should the springs become worn or start to sag, with only part of the system replaced rather than the entire mattress. “We have evolved our offer to meet changing customer needs,” Ljung explains. “Today, we are focusing more on sustainability and protecting the environment.”

The component-based nature of DUX products, together with the materials used to craft them, feeds into this notion of preserving the planet through the creation of a product that stands the test of time. The bed bases, for instance, are constructed with timber harvested from northern Sweden, where bitter cold winters produce a slow growth, hardwearing pine, while Swedish steel, hevea latex and high thread-count cotton is used for the continuouscoil, filling and upholstery of its mattresses.

Such credentials, in addition to the level of comfort and personalisation offered across the DUX range – from the low-profile DUX 1001 to the luxurious DUX Xclusive with its additional lumbar support adjustment – has seen the company work on prestigious hotel projects including Burj Al Arab in Dubai and Grand Hôtel Stockholm, as well as boutique properties like The Audo in Copenhagen and Pater Noster in its native Sweden, where guests can drift off under the stars in a bespoke outdoor bed.

“The hotel sector is extremely important to us and we’re proud of our collaborations,” says Head of Next Gen Kevin Slade, who reveals that 14 years ago, the group even opened its own hotel in Malmö to gain a better understanding of what it means to be an operator. Today, The DUXIANA acts as an incubator for ideas, honouring the past while teasing products of the future, some of which will be unveiled in issue 106. Stay tuned. www.duxiana.com

From luxuriously long showers to taps absentmindedly left running, the bathroom has often been regarded as the most wasteful part of a hotel, particularly in terms of water usage. With a hotel’s sustainability credentials becoming increasingly important to discerning guests when booking trips, designers are constantly on the lookout for products that satisfy environmental demands without compromising style.

Japanese bathroom brand Toto is tackling the issue head on by creating automatic taps with self-powered microsensors to activate water flow, as well as new Eco Cap technology that adds air to the water stream to reduce consumption whilst maintaining pressure. On a similar mission, ceramic manufacturer Duravit offers High Efficiency Toilets that use 1.28 gallons or fewer per flush. Alternatively, Laufen’s Save! Urine Separation Toilet takes a step towards sustainable wastewater management by preserving the nutrients in urine, reusing them in agriculture, and at the same time protecting the environment from harmful substances.

But stopping guests from using excessive amounts of water won’t stop global warming. Instead, manufacturers are beginning to embark on greener approaches to business, examining the impact of their operations on the environment, from carbon emissions to waste materials.

Together with Veolia Water Technologies, Roca Group has established two new production processes – one for vitreous china and another for faucets – to reduce water stress in the areas where it operates and preserve the resource by optimising its circular use. The water efficiency plan will be piloted at two factories in Morocco and Turkey as part of

a global plan to audit the integrated water cycle throughout its manufacturing facilities.

Meanwhile, other brands are taking their sustainability goals company-wide. For example, Hansgrohe’s German sites are now climate-neutral in terms of direct emissions and energy consumption, with a view to achieve climate neutrality across all international sites by the end of the year. The operation will be no easy feat, as Head of Innovation & Sustainability Steffen Erath explains: “This process is costly and requires a lot of effort, but compensating for climate damage would probably cost us more.”

One way in which recycling can be mutually beneficial to both companies and the environment is to repurpose waste materials, as kitchen and bathroom brand Kohler has demonstrated with its WasteLab programme. Developed with the planet in mind, the scheme turns landfill-bound materials left over from the manufacturing process into functional products. From 2019 through 2021, sales of WasteLab tiles have diverted more than 54,000 pounds of waste from landfills, exemplifying the group’s commitment to achieving net-zero waste to landfill by 2035.

Ultimately, the key to sustainability within product manufacturing is transparency, something that sanitary brand Grohe is looking to improve across its portfolio. In order to provide customers with comparable data on the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle, the company will release Environmental Production Declarations for more than 600 products – including hand showers, flush plates and basins – by the end of October. A move that could be a catalyst for industry-wide change.

1. Geberit Hotel Guest Experience Report

Bathroom designer and manufacturer Geberit has launched its 2022 Hotel Guest Experience Report in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading architects and design pioneers. The publication explores the challenges and opportunities facing hotels today and covers an array of topics from design and technology to comfort and wellness. Sophie Weston, Channel Marketing Manager, comments: “We are delighted to have teamed up with some of the industry’s leading names to share the issues and market trends that will help shape the hospitality world across 2022 and beyond. We hope that this insight will drive new and rewarding customer experiences for hoteliers.”

www.geberit.co.uk/guestreport

2.Crown International Styx, Aveto, Isere

Styx, Aveto and Isere are the new, deep black accessory collections by OS&E company Crown International, which combines craftsmanship with the latest technology. Comprising toilet-roll holders, soap baskets and towel bars amongst other amenities, the fixtures can add intrigue to a design scheme by bringing a pop of glamour and warmth without distracting from the overall design. Whether a bathroom has a more contemporary feel or leans towards a traditional aesthetic, black fittings can be used as a centrepiece or a complementary addition, giving designers the opportunity to create spaces that blend drama and luxury.

www.crowninternational.com

3. Acquabella Miowa

Spanish bathroom manufacturer Acquabella’s new Miowa bathroom worktop series made its debut at Salone del Mobile in June. Featuring a practical integrated tower rail, the countertop is made from Acquabella’s unique soft-totouch, anti-bacterial Dolotek surface. Formed from a resin and dolomite stone, the result is a pure white, material that is UV resistant, easy to clean, and resistant to thermal shock. The clean lines of the Moiwa countertop – available in different sizes: 810, 910, 1010 and 1210mm –establishes an ambiance that transmits tranquillity and hygiene in the bathroom, while the reflective qualities of its white finish brings extra light to vanity areas.

www.acquabella.com

4. CDUK PaperStone

CDUK has launched PaperStone, a sustainable material manufactured using FSC-certified recycled paper and natural petroleum-free phenolic resin with organic pigments. The surface features a unique, textured effect that creates a natural warmth and can be specified in a range of earthy hues and tones; selected colours are crafted from 100% FSC recycled paper and cardboard. PaperStone is hardwearing, and can handle temperatures up to 180° without showing any superficial changes, while it is also impact-, water- and stain-resistant – all properties ideal for a range of applications, including washrooms that require rigorous cleaning.

www.cdukltd.co.uk

RAK-METAMORFOSI

Introducing RAK-Metamorfosi, a brand new vibrant collection inspired by colours and shapes found in nature. Available in large-format brushed resin porcelain slabs to create striking wall decorations in 9 colours and 11 decors.

Sebastian Herkner Duravit

Following the launch of his Zencha range for Duravit, designer Sebastian Herkner discusses the Japanese rituals, materials and craftsmanship that inspired the bathroom collection.

Attention to detail and the desire to imbue products with additional value are key facets of your work. How did you apply this approach to the development of Zencha?

The Zencha series once again highlights our understanding of authentic materials and the desire to evoke emotions. Inspired by the traditional Japanese tea ceremony along with inner reflection and slowing things down, the low-key design – available in three colour worlds – focuses on details such as a delicate, curved washbasin edge. This was inspired in turn by delicate teacups that nestle in the hand. For us, it was important to engender an ambience in the bathroom where we can recharge our batteries in the morning and enjoy some me-time in the evening.

What impact do authentic materials have on Zencha?

For me, it’s crucial to use authentic materials like wood, ceramic, and glass. With this design we also introduced a textured glass that plays with light, shade and reflections. In my mind, this authenticity created a sense of harmony that runs throughout the collection. Everyone can interpret Zencha for themselves. As the designer I provide the stage, but the user chooses how to dance on it.

How did the design process of the new collection progress?

We started discussions with Duravit three years ago and very quickly agreed on the story we wanted to tell. Working closely with the Hornberg plant for ceramics and Schenkenzell for furniture, we developed the entire collection comprising washbasins, bathtubs, mirrors and furniture. This was the first time we had developed a bathroom ceramic series and relied to a large extent on the vast knowledge, willingness and openness of the employees. It was important for us to project the delicate elegance of the gentle, outwardly curving washbasin edge onto the furniture. The gentle frames of the storage furniture are once again testament to Duravit’s technical excellence.

How important is it for designers to make use of the freedom given to them by manufacturers?

As a designer, it’s a privilege for a company to give you the freedom and trust to develop a new vision and language for them. Zencha is my interpretation of Duravit and shows how I want a bathroom to be. However, ultimately such a development involves cooperation from both sides.

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The cleans a gentle, warm pure freshness. At the turn of a button. intuitively. power supply.

Looks good – and it’s easy to use, too: You can easily regulate the temperature and amount of water using the regulators on the side.

1. Gessi Origini

Gessi has launched Origini, a collection comprising five triads of colours, materials and finishes, each inspired by a different character and personality. The range offers the inspiration and freedom to create the most intimate wellness space according to the personality of the user. For romantics, Warm is a monochrome triad with a warm dominant, made up of super-matte powder, warm bronze and dark bronze finishes. It is conceived for those who regenerate by creating a private space in a bathroom, possibly with a bathtub, where visual contrasts are lowered to enhance tactile and olfactory perceptions. The Neutral triad, comprising a mix of matte greige clay, brushed finox, brushed nickel and polished nickel finishes, is conceived for city dwellers and those who never stop. Defined by glossy ochre, matte black and satin brass – ideal for an energising shower – Accent follows a graphic pattern that allows the space to be subdivided by strongly characterising the different elements. Designed with traditionalists in mind meanwhile, Materic combines terracotta, shiny dark metal and brushed copper to define a multi-material ambience and complement wood, ceramics and resin. Finally, Nature is a chromatic portrait reflective of those who draw energy from nature, featuring black brushed metal, chrome and matte Agave green.

www.gessi.com

2. HIMACS

Bathroom Inspiration

Dutch designer and founder of Not Only White, Marike Andeweg, has long been considered one of the leading trendsetters for bathroom concepts that meet the demands of emotion and function in equal measure. Andeweg has also been a longstanding collaborator of HIMACS, using the properties of the Solid Surface material to design basins and bathroom accessories for her brand. HIMACS and Marike Andeweg have combined their expertise once again to create the new Bathroom Inspiration brochure, a useful guide – based around four key trends – on how to choose designer styles and inspirations for a bathroom using HIMACS products. Blurring Borders recognises that the bathroom is taking over roles that were traditionally assigned to living rooms and bedrooms. As such, it is now a sanctuary that requires forms and materials to provide homeliness without compromising its original function. Barefoot Luxury is an ode to slow living, alluding to a less-is-more approach by focusing on the quality of materials and surfaces. And Japandi is a fusion of Zen style and Scandinavian design, recognising that calm and focus are becoming increasingly important in a fast-paced world full of distractions. Finally, Emotional Shades is a celebration of light, acknowleding that an emotional world can be achieved within a bathroom with expert advice from a designer.

www.himacs.eu

CEREMONY OF ZEN

A homage to mindfulness: a balanced bathroom design blends with high quality material combinations.

Design by Sebastian Herkner

1. Vola RS11

In response to the global pandemic and a focus on hygeine, Vola has launched the RS11 as part of a new series of dispensers designed to make sanitation as inviting as possible. The RS11 dispenser is available in three configurations – freestanding, wall-mounted and table-mounted – to suit any environment. Comprising a wellproportioned one-litre capacity cylinder, the device is adaptable for dispensing hand sanitiser gel, foam and soap, as well as being easy to clean and refill. The extruded aluminium cylinder, available in black or white, is also resistant to fingerprints. Each option is available in the full range of 27 Vola colours and is powered by rechargeable batteries. www.vola.com

2. Axor Conscious Showers

Combining a generous shower head with a powerful water spray, Axor’s Conscious Showers ensure that water is used sparingly without compromising the showering experience. Envisioned by Phoenix Design Studio, the range includes the rectangular Overhead Shower 245/185 and two round design variants, the Overhead Shower 220 and the Overhead Shower 245. In the EcoSmart+ variant, the Axor Conscious Shower reduces the flow rate to less than six litres per minute, though this has no impact on the user. The minimalist design of the showers also means they can suit a wide range of different styles and can be combined with other Axor collections.

www.axor-design.com

3. TF Design Edge

The modern, minimalist simplicity of the Edge Bath collection by TF Design is now available in a neutral matte colourway that can be paired with a variety of décors, complementing the warmth of natural light timber as well as stone floors and sandy beach vibes. Handmade using a resin material, the wider Edge Bath range comprises tableware, serving pieces, barware, decorative accessories and furniture – all of which feature clean lines and sleek finishes that create a modern solution for bathroom, poolside, desktop and outdoor use. TF Design products can be found at luxury hotels, restaurants, private jets and yachts, in addition to residential projects. www.tf.design

4. RAK Ceramics Metamorfosi

Creating a virtually seamless, durable mural, Metamorfosi from sanitaryware brand RAK Ceramics is a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eyecatching impression on any bathroom. The large-format surface is available in two sizes - 120x260cm and 120x120cm – and draws inspiration from the colours and shapes found in nature, responding to a demand for biophilic interiors with a highly durable and splash-resistant solution. The series comes in several design options – nine colours and 11 decors to be exact – which are then transferred onto large-format brushed resin porcelain stoneware slabs to create striking wall decorations. www.rakceramics.com

LET’S FOCUS ON THE “WE” IN WELLBEING.

From the start of planning all the way to the finishing touches, we’re your partner of choice when it comes to bringing health-promoting sauna and spa solutions to life. Whatever your wishes are and whatever the spa trend is, together we can make it happen. After all, one thing is for sure: guests will be looking for a healthy lifestyle, more than ever before. And where better to find it than in the unique spa experience you offer?

Be inspired, discover your spa vision of the future at www.klafs.com

Courtesy of Faena Hotel, Miami Beach. Photographer Nik Koenig, USA

KOKON Corporate Campus, Liechtenstein

Chalet Anna Maria, Photographer Alex Kaiser, Austria

1. Roca

Ona

Inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, Ona offers a wide range of timeless designs with soft shapes and geometric lines. Developed by the Roca Design Centre team in collaboration with Noa Design Studio and Benedito Design, the bathroom collection comprises basins and furniture, brassware, baths, accessories, WCs and bidets. Ona brassware is available in Classic Chrome, Titanium Black and Rose Gold in Everlux, Roca’s PVD solution completed in-house within its brassware factories. Everlux provides a resistant finish that is ideal for hospitality, while for larger projects, a number of custom finishes are also a possibility using the same technology.

www.roca.com

2. Roman Brushed Brass and Nickel

Roman has launched two new finishes – brushed brass and brushed nickel – for its Select Wetroom Panel range, joining the existing chrome and matte black; the latter is sandblasted to give a consistent and smooth lustre. The appeal and elegance of the brushed brass remain timeless, with brushed nickel fixtures becoming increasingly popular amongst architects and designers in luxury bathroom design. Made in the UK, Roman’s Wetroom Panel options can be fitted to its low-level shower trays or straight to floor to create a true wetroom. All size options are available in 8mm and 10mm glass, with three sizes of flipper panel and one fixed version on offer. www.roman-showers.com

3. Kohler Occasion

Inspired by the high fashion and effortless glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Kohler’s Occasion faucet collection is characterised by chamfered edges and the subtle flare of its base. A fine balance between facets, angles and edges further invites an interplay of light that draws the eye, while transitional design elements allow the faucets to blend seamlessly into a variety of bathroom aesthetics –traditional or contemporary. The cohesive style of the collection meanwhile marries the pieces across the sink, showering and bathing areas. Available globally, the Occasion range comprises a variety of lavatory faucets, together with bathing, showering and accessories. www.kohlercompany.com

4. SV Casa Argo

Developed by accessories designer and stylist Susanna Valerio, SV Casa has supplied guestroom, bathroom, F&B and spa accessories to over 320 of the world’s iconic hotels. The Argo collection is a timeless and elegant bathroom set made from solid bronze with signature grooves. The pieces are heavy and rich of character, as every piece is handcast by the group’s master artisans. SV Casa also provides complete customisation and bespoke collection designs at no extra cost, understanding that every project is different. To craft its creations, the manufacturer works with a variety of materials including stone, shell, lacquer, polyresin, wood, metal, glass and wood. www.svinternationaldesign.com

1. Kaldewei Nueva

Designed by Werner Aisslinger, the Nueva washbasin captivates with its clear, elementary form. The concise offset in the contour of the new design gives the bowl a calm precision that predestines it to become the classic of tomorrow. The unique bowl design is accentuated by its interplay with the traditional cubic characteristics of room architecture.

Made from sustainable steel enamel and designed to meet high demands, the Nueva washbasin is suitable for luxury hotel bathrooms and wellness areas, as seen in The Hotel Seegarten in Sundern, Germany – the first hotel in the world to install Nueva washbowls within 49 of its guest bathrooms.

www.kaldewei.com

2. Waterworks Sport Black - Rally Series

Waterworks has expanded its Bond fittings collection with three new additions – four coloured enamel options in Sienna, Aegean, Adriatic and Highlands; the tactile Rally series in Sport Black; and a straight lever handle. In a nod to the car rallies that define European motorsports, Waterworks’ new Sport Black finish has a smooth velvety touch.

It is created by applying matte black paint, uniform in its opacity, to solid brass elements and meticulously spraying on a durable and transparent sealant – free of dangerous VOCs – for a rich matte effect.

True to its automotive inspiration, Sport Black is exclusively paired with a chrome metal finish.

www.waterworks.com

3. Thomas Crapper Tiles

Thomas Crapper has developed a selection of new tiles that add to its wide-ranging bathroom portfolio. Available in four colours – Rasa Grey, Callinus Green, Onyx Black and Albus White – the classical field tiles measure 100mm x 200mm and are typically laid in a standardised brick formation. The company also manufactures a branded field tile featuring the classic logo. New additions are available in all colours with the option of real platinum or gold detailing. Manufactured in the UK, the tiles have a traditional translucent effect created by using an intermittent glazing process. The range also includes colour coordinated dados and skirtings.

www.thomas-crapper.com

4. Laufen Ilbagnoalessi

Laufen has revealed the evolution of Ilbagnoalessi, designed by Stefano Giovannoni. The Swiss bathroom specialist has updated its longstanding collection, lightnening its forms thanks to the use of Saphirkeramik, whilst introducing furnishings and a new bathtub. An important new feature involves three variations of finish and colour for all the ceramic pieces, including the toilet and bidet. The matte finish – available in white, black and coffee – gives the product a more contemporary image. In Ilbagnoalessi, the holistic idea of the bathroom is realised with complementary furniture, accessories and bathtub.

www.laufen.com

1. Tece Six Senses Ibiza

Tece has supplied modern sanitary products to Six Senses Ibiza. With their linear design, the TECEdrainline shower channels blend almost seamlessly into the shower area and ensure reliable and safe drainage. The channel body is manufactured using stainless steel and can be cleaned of hair and dirt by simply wiping it off. With the WCs, the tried-and-tested TECEprofil toilet modules ensure smooth operation and meet the highest demands in terms of comfort and technology. The cistern filling noise is particularly quiet too, while the Tece universal cistern achieves top marks in the ecological ranking, supporting the hotel’s sustainability concept.

www.tece.de

2. Sanipex Group Alpine

Alpine by Bagnodesign meets the growing desire for personalisation within interiors; comprising multiple freestanding, wall-mounted and countertop styles and slab finishes, the range can be configured in numerous ways to create a distinctive look that works across any aesthetic. Every piece is made to order by skilled in-house artisans, who ensure the unique characteristics of each slab are highlighted within the shortest possible timeframe. Made from high-quality materials, Alpine has a superior product lifespan and offers maximum durability, making it an optimal solution for hightraffic commercial and domestic spaces.

www.sanipexgroup.com

3. Ideal Standard Linda-X

With geometrically-inspired design at its forefront, Linda-X celebrates Ideal Standard’s iconic design heritage while also incorporating contemporary influences and technology. The end result is a reimagining of the Linda collection, created in 1977 by Achille Castiglioni. This new iteration, designed by Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A), takes inspiration from the original piece and forms part of the luxury Atelier Collections. Comprising a range of basins and an elegant, freestanding bathtub, the range stands out for its super-light design, with fine, curved lines, conceived to have a delicate yet dramatic impact thanks to the brand’s unique Diamatec technology.

www.idealstandard.com

4. Room360° by FOH Austin

Specified by prestigious hotels, spas and design firms worldwide, Room360° by FOH is a leading provider of luxury accessories for the bathroom space. Designed and manufacturered inhouse, the company’s Austin collection is characterised by hand-stitched, distressed faux leather with an easy yet tailored edge that is reflective of today’s trend-forward bath and guestroom design concepts. The brand’s wider portfolio includes a variety of sustainable product collections such as Bali, Bangkok, Fiji, Root, Tribeca, Asheville and Hamilton – all of which can be mixed-and-matched to allow give designers creative freedom whilst maximising on budget.

www.roomthreesixty.com

2.

1. Devon & Devon

Secret Gardens

Secret Gardens is the result of a collaboration between Devon & Devon and Marcel Wanders Studio, bringing together nature and imagination, the familiar and unexpected, to create an entirely new equilibrium. Envisioned using a holistic and poetic creative approach, each element is dressed in a seamlessly flowing design and, when placed together, produce immersive settings that draw people’s attention. The range comprises four graphic patterns – Blossom, Zen, Garden of Dreams and Urban – which are available across wallpapers, small and large ceramic slabs, a vanity table, three mirrors and a series of ceramic accessories. Gabriel Chiave, Creative Director at Marcel Wanders Studio, comments: “Devon & Devon share some of the same characteristics and DNA points as our studio, which is to celebrate certain iconic pieces from the past and bring them into the contemporary world of design.” www.devon-devon.com

2. Waterbury Custom Mirrors

Established in 1935, Waterbury has a long history of producing high-performance bathroom accessories for the hotel and contract market. The family-run business recently launched a brand-new range of custom mirrors, with a focus very much on creating the right solution for each individual project. The Birmingham-based supplier offers a selection of base products that can then be adapted to suit individual requirements, with customisable features such as a built-in magnifier or bluetooth speakers. The team is available to help guide customers through the options available, arrange visual 3D presentations, provide samples and then see the order right through to delivery on site. Waterbury will be demonstrating some of its samples at hospitality trade shows later this year, including HIX at London’s Business Design Centre in November and Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe at ExCeL London in December. www.waterbury.co.uk

3. Zucchetti Isy22

Zucchetti presents Isy22, a new collection of taps designed by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, which celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Isy range with a new system and contemporary finishes. Having grown in size and character, Isy22 is a versatile water control system comprising four product families: the single-lever mixer, the progressive mixer and the classic two-handle version with levers or with knobs. A vibrant Mediterranean blue enhances the single-lever mixer and the two-handle series with levers, while the progressive mixer features a few bold two-tone designs in playful, bright colours. In the two-handle version with circular knobs, resplendent marble in various shades was chosen as the primary material, diversifying a product aimed at a more sophisticated world. Completing the range is the no-touch electronic tap, which meets the needs of contemporary lifestyles. www.zucchettikos.it

BRING PERSONALITY AND HARMONY INTO THE BATHROOM

Unidrain Reframe Collection is a series of bathroom accessories grounded in Scandinavian design and quality – which paired with the award-winning HighLine Colour floor drains gives you the opportunity to match all metal details. This is your opportunity of reframing the bathroom experience.

Shower enclosure with Matt Black hardware, integrated solid surface panel and vanity unit. With a Matt White anti-slip shower tray, Onyx Dust vanity top and Chicago Concrete drawer unit has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 37 years, and is home to the UK’s largest manufacturing plant. All are and created in Britain, offering the ultimate in quality, precision and craftsmanship.

SPECIFIER

Stellar Works Pagoda

Inspired by the simplicity of café chairs from mid-19th century Vienna as well as the café culture of 1920s Shanghai, the Pagoda range by Stellar Works is a modern take on a classic, marrying efficiency and comfort. The compact structure of the chair is made up of six components – a curved seat, rounded back and four legs – that can be finished in multiple materials, from aluminium and gold to cane and timber. While the circular seat takes cues from the Way of Nature, or the concept of oneness in Chinese culture, the cantilevered arms curve up slightly to create an enveloping shape, and the backrest subtly references pagoda gates through its bowed silhouette.

www.stellarworks.com

COLLABORATION

OnceMore PM & Vänner

Circular textile recycling system OnceMore has announced its expansion into the hospitality industry through a partnership with PM & Vänner – a sustainability-driven hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant in Småland, Sweden. Providing a blueprint for the sector’s textile wastage problem, the collaboration will involve the creation of a revived material from existing fabrics, with hopes that it will drive the sector towards greater circularity and the avoidance of unnecessary waste. In producing the textile, fibres used by the hospitality operator will be broken down and combined with renewable wood cellulose from responsibly run forests in Sweden, resulting in a material that can be used to create products that are either recyclable or biodegradable. “The hotel sector produces a vast amount of textile waste every year and whilst most companies aim to recycle, the majority ends up in landfill due to the mixed composition of the materials,” says Lotta Lyra, President and CEO of forest industry group Södra. “OnceMore offers a solution to this with pioneering technology that separates the different fibres, combining them with wood from our members’ responsibly managed forests to create a high-quality textile pulp. Our partnership with PM & Vänner to further enhance its sustainability policy is an example of what can be achieved and sets the benchmark for other hospitality venues going forward.” Having already exceeded its previous target of 20% recycled content, OnceMore is now aiming to create a pulp with 50% by 2025. www.oncemore.se

COLLABORATION

Ege Carpets Margrethe Odgaard

Ege Carpets has collaborated with Danish textile designer and colour alchemist Margrethe Odgaard to develop a new 56-tone palette of floor surface shades. Exploring the interaction between colour, material, light and space, the collection comprises a preponderance of social hues that complement and lift each other, as well as individual diva colours that stand out clearly and add vibrant dynamics to interior settings. A variety of mineral-inspired tones make it possible to create several combinations in which the colours relate and react differently to one another – on the floor and in relation to other materials used in modern architecture. With the ambition of creating poetry in the floorscape, Margrethe Odgaard hopes to communicate positive emotions that while not necessarily identifiable, exist and nourish users nevertheless.

“Colours for the floor must offer a degree of stability because it’s where we set our feet,” she explains. “You have to trust them and feel secure when you enter a room.” The 56 colours are offered in the Compact, Pro, Rustic – including Rustic carpet tiles – and Structure wall-to-wall collections that form part of Ege Carpets’ Eco concept. Durable and luxurious yet understated in look and feel, the brand’s Eco style combines craftsmanship with a flat-woven design in which the yarn, structure and colour choice determine the visual expression. The carpets comprise a 100% regenerated and regenerable yarn that is made using nylon waste such as discarded fishing nets, industrial residues and second-hand carpets.

www.egecarpets.com

KALDEWEI SUPERPLAN ZERO SHOWER FLOOR

Visit KALDEWEI.COM

The steel enamel SUPERPLAN ZERO shower floor combines the strength of steel with the exquisite beauty of glass. Its refined and graceful lines fit perfectly with the overall look of the room.

PHOTOGRAPHER Br yan Adams Choreographed precision and elegance

DANCER TATIANA MARTINEZ

Nanimarquina Re-Rug

Nanimarquina has launched Re-Rug, a collection of rugs made from leftover wool accumulated by its suppliers. Each Re-Rug uses 1kg/ m2 of reprocessed wool, thereby helping to reduce unmanaged waste, as well as cutting carbon emissions. Crafted using a handloomed dhurrie technique, the rugs – available in two colourways – feature a flat structure formed from the cross between the weft and warp, the latter of which is made from New Zealand virgin wool dyed black and white, yellow or blue, green or tile to obtain greater strength and quality. “The hallmark of this collection is the intention to preserve the irregularity and tonal richness of the wool leftovers,” says Nani Marquina, founder of her eponymous brand. www.nanimarquina.com

Lemi Group Amalfi

Italian wellness equipment manufacturer Lemi Group has developed Amalfi, a 360o multi-functional spa bed catering for all treatments, from face and body massage to manicures and pedicures. Designed with versatility in mind, the piece consists of a traditional massage bed equipped with a built-in pedicure station, while the mattress features a removable section for quick and practical access to a pedicure tub with a pipeless hydromassage system. Ideal for small spas thanks to its compact, flexible nature, the bed comprises a bi-material base with both a central wooden finish – which can be customised in a variety of colours – as well as an outer metal base that can be finished in gold or rose gold. www.lemispa.com

Formitura Marshmellow

Two years ago, Esti Barnes, the founder and Creative Head of luxury rug company Topfloor by Esti, set out to create Formitura – a new brand offering furniture in contemporary shapes with clean lines and dreamy colours, each piece being practical and built to last. The collection comprises four multi-purpose designs, available in 10 versatile colours. The Sugarplum seat, for instance, contains a removal storage bin, or when flipped over, serves as a casual seat or mini table. Made in Italy, each piece is crafted using polyurethane foam and polyethylene, making them comfortable, soft, lightweight and easy to clean, as well as recyclable. www.formitura.com

WATERBURY LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF MIRRORS

For many decades now Waterbury Bathroom Accessories has been the ‘go to’ supplier for wall mounted bathroom accessories. This is backed up by a long list of leading Hotel Groups that have Waterbury as an approved or preffered supplier, an even longer list of Interior Designers that specify Waterbury time after time and a longer list still of Hotels and Commercial projects around the globe that are fitted with Waterbury products.

The expertise, experience and customer satisfaction that has helped to build the Waterbury brand with accessories is now being applied to an exciting range of Vanity Mirrors and Cosmetic Mirrors (both wall mounted and free standing). With a focus on ‘built for purpose’, there is huge opportunity to tailor the new range to exactly your own requirements. You can choose features, finish, size and style.

Please call the Waterbury Sales Team on 0121 333 6062 or 07881 361056 or sales@waterbury.co.uk and one of the team will be happy to help you with a solution for your project.

Web: www.waterbury.co.uk | Email: sales@waterbury.co.uk | Phone: 0121 333 6062

CASE STUDY

Klafs

6717 Nature Hôtel & Spa Le Clos des Délices

As part of a recent expansion, 6717 Nature Hôtel & Spa Le Clos des Délices in France received two saunas from Klafs. Working with Henry-Soredi, Sales Partner for the German manufacturer, Hotel Director Désiré Schaetzel was able to develop ideas – many of which he had collected from his own travels – and implement them using the expertise of Klafs. The result is a 7m circular space divided into two sections: a Sanarium and a sauna. The Sanarium not only enables various forms of bathing, which are not as hot, but also the relative humidity, which is significantly higher in the soft steam bath than the classic Finnish sauna. The benches are also ergonomic for maximum comfort, while both sides of the sauna ceiling is equipped with an Euklid light and hemlock wood, both of which are reliable for sauna environments.

www.klafs.de

Manutti Sunrise

Designed by American furniture designer Matthew Townsend, Sunrise is a complete range of both lounge and dining furniture including an armchair, two sofas, four sun loungers, two benches, two dining tables and two coffee tables. Available in warm brushed teak and bold teak scuro, the collection is characterised by clean lines and strong curves, whilst the warmth of its materials and openness of its frame form an irresistible invitation for endless moments of outdoor enjoyment. Dark teak details and a backrest upholstered in fabric or batyline complete the design of the robust yet elegant teak range. From countryside residence to avant-garde hotel or even a futuristic yacht, Sunrise’s versatility makes it a captivating addition to any environment. For almost two decades, Manutti has focused on the design and creation of luxury outdoor furniture. All of the company’s tables, chairs, foot rests, loungers and sofas incorporate the colours of the natural world, encouraging people to gather in luxury at any time of the day.

www.manutti.com

CASE STUDY

Farmboy Hilton Québec

Vancouver-based art consultancy Farmboy has worked on the US$70 million renovation of Hilton Québec, connecting past with present through an art collection inspired by the city’s distinct Francophone culture and community. A grand commissioned piece by a local Québecois artist Josiane Lanthier greets guests upon arrival, while a custom-developed wall sculpture behind the reception desk depicts a bird’s eye view of the St. Lawrence River. In the guestrooms, the building’s triangular structure became the foundational aspect for the storytelling, tying the vantage points of the St. Lawrence River, the Quebec Citadel, the Old Port and downtown to the artwork selected for each room’s wallcoverings. www.farmboyfinearts.com

Warwick Contract Collections

Launching this November at HIX, the new contract division from Gloucester-based brand Warwick provides a range of fully stocked furnishing fabrics for commercial spaces, creating an off-theshelf solution for interior designers. From Ultra II, Lustre and Calf to Marlborough, Chesterfield and Silkor, the company produces collections that suit a variety of interiors and project briefs, with heavy-duty Crib 5 upholstery weights – including velvet, faux leather and easy-clean options – and inherently FR curtaining fabrics – offered in wide widths, block-outs and dim-outs –ensuring they stand the test of time in high-traffic environments. www.warwick.co.uk

Jung LS 990

In addition to the 63 original colours in its Les Couleurs Le Corbusier series, the classic LS 990 by Jung also comes in highquality metal designs, including a lacquered aluminium as pictured here on the company’s KNX F50 push-button sensor. Furthermore, matte surfaces in graphite black and snow white can make the frames and covers appear both sleek and warm, while the addition of symbols, text, logos or motifs add an individual character. Jung offers innovative solutions for the design of electrical equipment within hotels. The group’s intelligent networking of devices, sensors and controls allows operators to use resources in a targeted manner, increasing efficiency and room comfort. www.jung-group.com

Chelsom 75th Anniversary

As Chelsom celebrates a milestone year, Managing Director Will Chelsom shares why standing still in design is never an option.

How would you describe Chelsom’s approach to design?

The fundamental difference with our approach is that we always begin by asking where the product is to be located. Designing a product for most interiors means creating something that could end up in almost any room, in any kind of property, and any style of surroundings. Given our primary focus on hospitality, we begin with a guestroom or a public area; a bedside or a desk; a headboard or a wall; modern or traditional; five-star or three-star; a hotel or a cruise ship. Whereas having those defined locations might in some way limit the design boundaries, they do actually enable a real design focus.

How do you balance aesthetics with technology?

That’s a very fine balance indeed. For many years, the focus was only on aesthetics as the light source was a simple 60W bulb and and technology didn’t extend much further than that. Today however, we work with interior designers and lighting designers look to achieve the intended design aesthetic whilst also incorporating the latest technology – whether that be the light source itself, energy saving qualities or a room control system.

What role does lighting play in the guest experience?

I would argue that it is possibly the most important contribution to the guest experience within hotels, because whether a reception, bar, restaurant or guestroom feels welcoming or not most often depends on the quality and level of lighting incorporated. It must therefore play a major role in creating comfort and ambiance.

Tell us about some of your most recent hospitality projects…

We’re lucky enough to be involved with luxury hotels around the world, from Four Seasons Mumbai to Pan Pacific and The Peninsula in London. Another exciting project of late was Virgin Edinburgh, where we worked with Ica to deliver a blend of standard and custom products for the hotel’s guestrooms and public spaces.

What’s next for Chelsom?

I can safely say that we are not a company that stands still. We are constantly looking at all aspects of our operation to ensure that we improve, including the reduction of our carbon footprint as our journey towards net zero edges closer. Next up is the Edition 28 collection, set to be launched in May 2023 with 300 different products. So, it is all systems go and there is much change ahead!

Parla Hug Sofa

Designed by Betul Inci, Head of Design at Parla, the Hug Sofa is set to become a centrepiece in many public spaces. The two- to threeseat piece comprises a frame made from plywood and solid beech, alongside an oak base, all of which is softened with upholstery using boucle fabric. Accompanied by earth-toned stains on its oak base, the Hug Sofa is characterised by organic soflty-rounded edges to create the impression of a cocoon or warm embrace. With showrooms in New York, London, Istanbul and Dubai, the designer and manufacturer combines traditional craftsmanship with hightech Italian machinery. Its 15,000m2 factory in Turkey is a hive of activity, producing over 30 containers of furniture a month. www.parladesign.com

Wood Couture Global Sustainable Development Goals

Responsible manufacturing is at the core of Wood Couture DNA, a journey started by participating in the United Nations Global Compact, with full compliance of the global goals for sustainabile development. As a global organisation, every process is certified and measured by competent institutions from quality to environmental management and occupational health. The company’s commitment to client, employees and community is visible and documented in its Strategy book. All stakeholders are made aware of their duties and compliance to the company by nurturing a safe and inclusive space for all community members, leaving a positive impact on the environmental externalities. www.woodcouture.com

Aliseo The Londoner

The Londoner is a distinctive collection of hand-crafted faux leather tea service items, functional accoutrements and desktop accessories, designed to bring a classic tradition to the guestroom. Sandwich fabrication sees PV faux leather layered over a smooth carton-like material and sturdy MDF fibreboard, while a waterresistant surface is fixed via an odourless Green strength non-toxic adherent. Available in a distinctive black or neutral taupe finish with ribbed stitching, the collection’s rich appearance is enhanced by its streamlined forms, smooth texture and intricately finished seams, ensuring years of long-lasting service. ww.aliseo.de

ADVERTISING INDEX

Acquabella 185

AD Associates 076

Albrecht Jung 039

Aliseo 010-011

Arte 045

Astro 002

BD Barcelona 082

Beck 157 Chelsom 027

Cosentino 152

Creative Matters 106

Crown International 211 Curtis 143

Decorex 205

Dernier & Hamlyn 137

Duravit 177

Dux 098

EE Smith 199

Ege 012-013

EPR 112

Farmboy 073

Formitura 101

Room 360 by FOH 170

Gommaire 101

Gresham 053

Hector Finch 042

HICAP 208

HIX 203

Hypnos 165 I.C.E 094

Ica 069

Il Fanale 029

J.T. Kalmar 087

JC Hospitality 160

Kaldewei 191

Klafs 179

Kohler 031

Laufen 005

Lemi 130

Light 22 207

Ligne Roset 014 LSA 075

Luteca 051

Mandarin Stone 138

MODIO 127

Nanimarquina 141 Palecek 167 Paolo Moschino 067

Parla 019

Phloc 129

Poltrona Frau 212 Preciosa 033

Radical Innovation 201 Rak 173

RH Contract 006-007 Roca 061 Roman 188 Sanipex Group 181 SDS 206 Sleepeezee 157 SNS 081

Stellar Works 008-009 Stonecircle 121

SV Casa 093

Table Place Chairs 197 Tece 175

The AHC 204

Top Hotel Projects 202 Tribu 025 Tuuci 144 Unidrain 187 Vibia 062 Vincent Sheppard 016

Vola 183 Vondom 119 Warwick Fabrics 135 Waterbury 193

Wood Couture 195

Spirit in the Sky

As one of Le Corbusier’s Five Points of Modern Architecture, the roof garden is considered a fundamental element of 20th century design. The concept is thought to date back to 1882, when composer Rudolph Aronson set out to bring Europe’s urban gardens to the streets of Manhattan; but with space at a premium, he had little choice but to venture up to the summit of his newly-built Casino Theatre on Broadway. Now, 140 years on, the rooftop is more popular than ever, particularly in the hospitality sector. Some developments incorporate a planted roof as a way of introducing more green space to crowded cities, while others favour F&B experiences, with restaurants and bars that offer unrivalled views of the surroundings. For Anouska Hempel, who has designed homes, hotels and gardens throughout her career, the rooftop will play a

central role in her latest project – a redesign of The Bellevue Philadelphia. The city landmark is currently undergoing renovation, with new spaces expected to include residences, retail and dining, crowned by an elegant roof garden. An initial artist’s impression depicts a haven of botanical beauty reminiscent of luxury hotels from the 1920s and 30s – think New York’s Waldorf Astoria and the former Hotel Astor – with fountains, vine-covered pergolas, topiaries and wisteria groves. Hempel’s vision centres around a whimsical cupola constructed from interwoven branches, with a dense willow canopy for shade and side openings to allow a gentle breeze to pass through. Dubbed Spirit in the Sky, the nest-like structure presides over a tranquil water feature with space to relax around the perimeter, giving guests the perfect spot to escape to.

Anouska Hempel envisions a whimsical rooftop garden reminiscent of luxury hotels gone by.

© Courtesy of Anouska Hempel Design